Wish it was last Wednesday and I was on my way to Chester for a few days. We had such a lovely time I would really like to repeat the experience.
The hotel was lovely, food great and the staff were so nice. In fact it seemed as if everyone living in Chester and surrounding area went out of their way to be friendly towards everyone. So many people helped us in some small way and so many seemed to smile at you as they walked towards you. No, I did not have a silly hat on or a message on my forehead!
We went to the Cathedral (free admission) where we saw an exhibition of sculptures (called The Ark - which means 'vessel' - on until 15th October) including some by famous names eg Barbara Hepworth, Damien Hirst, David Bailey, Jon Buck. It was so huge (90 exhibits) we did it in two sessions. Can recommend the cafe there, impeccable service and delicious tray bakes - but they do do much more food.
Thought these two might interest those who like Steampunk and Ravens.
Then off to the Falconry at the Cathedral. Wow, what a show. Four different birds each display and a display at 11 am, 1.30 and 3.30 pm all for £4 admission. You can stay all day, can leave and go back on the one ticket. Lots of information and you get to hold the various birds during or after the display. Such a learning experience for the children (and me). Cannot praise enough.
Barn Owl (isn't it beautiful) and Chas with a Gyr Falcon after the display (I did hold the same bird but thought I would let Chas have the glory for once). We were introduced to Tinks, a vulture who was so funny and to Peanuts a tiny falcon who likes to land on people's heads plus another six birds - we watched two displays. You all know what a vulture looks like, black feathers and white legs - do you know why they have white legs? I do now.
But, before Julia has my guts for garters here is my desk. You didn't come here to listen to my trip to Chester but I just had to advertise (ahem) share Chester it was such a lovely short holiday.
This is my actual desk today. I had a little visitor yesterday which is why the journal to the right is here and open. She has a thirst for knowledge and asks so many question about everything - so I left her sat with my small journal. The lime green is a background page awaiting work on it for my 'Jeudi Journal' with Wendy and at the back you can see my Dyary which needs working on.
This is mainly my ribbon storage. I just fell in love with those boxes at Ikea and having bought one set had to go back for another. Underneath are some little plastic pots on a bar that I already had. These are handy for dropping bits and pieces in that I use quite regularly.
And finally my window wall storage. You can see all the little cubby holes that contain such things as "Happy Birthday, Thankyou" type stamps, most used ink pads, We Are Memory Keepers boards, glues, sticky labels and coloured A5 cardstock, etc.
Well, it is the 1st September on Friday and at the end of this month is the crop. Be sure to read all about it if you haven't already on Julia's blog. Hope to see lots of you there - accommodation booked months ago so all being well .......
Sorry for the long post Julia
