Daddy comes to visit.....

So, I disappeared from blogland for a couple of weeks, firstly due to pleasure, secondly due to work, which meant I didnt get the chance to update...
So going back, we had Fathers Day. For the first time ever, my Dad came up to us to visit for a couple of days. He does live right down at the bottom of the country, in Cornwall, so it is a long trip! As its such a distance it means we only get to see each other once a year, when we go down for our annual visit. So to have this extra time together, and for him to see the area we are living was so lovely.

They arrived on the Saturday evening and we met up after we finished work. We had chosen to go to Charlie Choys, a local restaurant, which is buffet style, so an opportunity to taste new flavours, and something for everyone to enjoy.

The food was amazing, and it was great to have a catch up.

The following day, they came to see where we live, and spent the first  half of the day having a relaxed natter, just stopping for breakfast and lunch. In the afternoon the weather brightened enough for us to venture out. We walked down the road, to our local park, which has a beautiful large lake. By the time we walked halfway round, the sun had made an appearance, and the ice-cream van turned up, it looked like it was all done to plan!

The sun shimmered on the water, the ducks were quacking, the swans were gliding across the water and the bees were buzzing around the flower heads.

It was lovely to get out in the fresh air, feel the warmth of the sun, get to relax and enjoy spending time with family.

The relaxation continued in the evening as we cooked a homemade vegetarian meal and watched television together.

The following day we overslept and so felt in a bit of a rush and a panic.

But we had chosen to go to Wisley, as it was close by and we all enjoy visiting gardens, plus it looked like the rain would hold off.

We strolled around the gardens, until we needed refreshments.

We stopped for lunch, which of course had to involve cake!!

We went into the Glasshouse, where there was the most amazing colourful display of Orchids.  I find these flowers fascinating with their different sculptural shapes.

Further round in the 'hothouse', were the collection of Cacti. Again, another love of mine, due to the textures and shapes.

After a quick pit-stop, we went round more areas of the garden, until it was closing time and we had to leave!!

We were exhausted by the end of the afternoon, but thoroughly enjoyed our day, and although the gardens are just down the road from us, it's so difficult to get there on public transport, so we appreciated the opportunity of being able to go.

After stopping off at home to freshen up we went out to a local restaurant, The Khyber Pass. We chose the set meal for 4, and this gave us a nice mix of 4 different curries for us to try out. As you can see, I got so into eating, I forgot to take a picture till after.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time together, and it's only a couple of weeks until we get to make our trip south. Hopefully now we will get to see each other twice a year in future.

I have managed a little bit of crafting, but I will leave that for next weeks post, as they are WIPs at the moment!

MOVIES
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

The story of Dr Alfred Jones, a fisheries scientist - for whom diary -notable events include the acquisition of a new electric toothbrush and getting his article on caddies fly larvae published in 'Trout and Salmon' - who finds himself reluctantly involved in a project to bring salmon fishing to the Highlands of the Yemen - a project that will change his life, and the course of British political history forever.

***1/2 much better than the title! 

Rise of the Guardians

DreamWorks computer-animated family adventure film based on the book series by William Joyce. When the nightmare king Pitch (voiced by Jude Law) launches his evil plan to engulf the whole world in darkness, the Guardians - Santa Claus (Alec Baldwin), the Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher), the Easter Bunny (Hugh Jackman) and the Sandman - enlist the help of a young and reluctant Jack Frost (Chris Pine) to stop Pitch in his tracks and protect children everywhere. But with the powers of the Guardians waning, will they be able to convince the world's children of their existence and overcome the power of Pitch?

****1/2 Fantastic, Magical