Sunday 23 February 2014

Oxford mini-break...

So last week I didn't get the chance to do my usual post. Why? Because I was having Christmas no II.
We had to cancel my Mums visit with everything that happened over the original season. It felt weird exchanging presents in February but lovely to spend time catching up together.


We decided last week, as we had a few days booked off work, that we would go away for a mini break. We both felt that the break away to somewhere new would be beneficial. 
We chose Oxford, as it was affordable and accessible by train and for once we chose to head north-bound.

We stayed in a lovely B+B, which was just out of town. It was just opposite the Thames, and if our trip had been booked the previous week, the road was completely flooded. Luckily for  us the weather stayed reasonably fine.

On arrival, we strolled around the high streets and shopping malls, and picked up plenty of  leaflets to plan places to go.


With our organising done over lunch, we walked the lanes and headed to the museums.


We chose the Natural History museum as our destination, and despite it being very busy due to it being half-term week, we enjoyed our afternoon pouring over the artefacts


bones, and animals


The following day, our first stopping point was the castle. This used to be a gaol and we had a fantastic guide (each guide dressed as a character from the castles history) we had a gypsy who had been a prisoner and had managed to escape twice. She was full of stories and had a great interaction with the group.




After a hot-chocolate break, we headed towards the Carfax tower, this gave us a view over Oxford. We were glutton for punishment, as we'd already walked up 100+ steps in the castle, and now we had another 100+ to tackle.



Then it was a trip up to the Alice shop before having a bite to eat.


As the sun gave a rare appearance we took a stroll to the poor over-flowing river


and around the college exteriors


We rounded up the day with a lovely meal and a colourful round of drinks...


We thoroughly enjoyed our little trip, although we felt quite exhausted from our long active days, but we would recommend anyone to drop into the city. 

So for last weeks mood square...


I chose Red = valentines, Blue = tiredness, and lilac for relaxed at home...

And this weeks mood square


Red = Christmas (and cherry sour shots ;-) ), Yellow = Adventure and exploring, Pink = Happy and together, and Lilac = relaxed

I've been forcing myself to continue with my mini squares cushion, but I was falling a bit out of love with it, as I was finding the joining/edging so tedious to do!, and was eager to start something new. I was happy to reach the completion of the front, but felt downcast that I had to start all over again with the back. But with the experience i'd gained from the first joins, I found my progress to be much quicker, so there may be light at the end of the tunnel yet!







11 comments:

  1. Good to hear you enjoyed your delayed Christmas. Your photos of Oxford are wonderful, lots of different views. I like how you had red and green shots, was that to celebrate your late xmas? The mood crochet blocks look very pretty. I like how they reflect your mood. Have a lovely week.
    Ali xx

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  2. It sounds like a great break, pleased the weather was kind to you::)

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  3. It's a lovely idea doing mood squares - I am sure it must be quite good for the soul! Your weekend away in Oxford sounds great, looks like there was a lot to see and do there. I haven't been for about 25 years so I liked seeing your pics x

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  4. What a fantastic view - worth all the steps I hope! x

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  5. I've never been to Oxford, it looks a brilliant place, I live not to far from Cambridge and love visiting the many museums, the natural history being one of my favourites, I must remember to take my camera next time :) I'm glad you had a wonderful mini break, it was well deserved :)

    Jan x

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  6. Great photos, looks like you had a great time x

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  7. Great photographs and the coloured drink looks very interesting. Hope you have a good week

    Jill, Christmas Pie Crafts

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  8. Sounds like you had a lovely 'late Christmas', i'm glad you finally got the chance to celebrate with your Mum :)

    Love the mood squares! Are you keeping a note of your inspiration for each one or will you just let the colours do the talking? Either way it will be such a fantastic creation when its finished :) x

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  9. I'm glad you had a nice break, I'm sure you both feel better just getting away from it all for a few days. I love your mood squares, you seem to find the most perfect colours to use.

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  10. You've definitely had a busy week. Looks like you had a really good trip to Oxford. I love the Alice In Wonderland shop & always visit it when I go to Oxford :)

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  11. What a lovely week-end you had, hope this one is good too, and Happy Christmas! Jo x

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