July Antics

 On a lovely July day a group of friends and I  took a leisurely train ride up to visit the city of York

view down the River Ouse

The weather was just right, nice and sunny, but not too hot.  We had no particular plan, just to meander around the streets and enjoy the sights. One of our group despite her advancing years had never been to the city before. 

We hadn't ventured too far before we felt the need for refreshments so a detour into Kennedy's ( one of my favourite haunts) for a bite of lunch

 Which went down very well

 Then off we went again. 

We did walk the prettiest section of the city walls which takes you around the back of the Minster

Then a visit to the Minster itself.

I love this building

 York Minster has the largest collection of pre Reformation stained glass, some of which date back to the 12 century! 

One of my favourite parts is the Chapter House - a circular room within the Minster where the day to day business of the Minster was run. It has this fantastic tiled floor

and an incredible vaulted ceiling

 My photo of the whole space was... rubbish,  so I have borrowed this

from Flickr

We wandered quietly ( which is good, because I had an awful case of laryngitis and could make no sound) for several hours. A wonderful place of peace and reflection.

No visit to York would be complete without a visit to Betty's Tearoom  in St Katherine's Place , where afternoon tea was served just as it should be.

Two lovely Chinese ladies sat at the table next to us and much fun was had demonstrating how to use a tea strainer and the correct way to load the scone with jam and cream. Their English was very good and we chatted about the Chinese perception of English people (how wrong that is!) and where they were from in China. Luckily I happened to glance at my watch and realised we only just had time to get to the station for our return journey home. 

A great day out that I am sure will be repeated.

I have not got much sewing dome this month, but the renovations have now been done
 (1st phase 😳 )and DD and SIL have now settled in.


I did make this little caddy  at our group

 But I failed miserably at the July New York Beauty Mini Mania Challenge. August's Challenge has been set ( Seaside)  and I have started that in earnest and hope to get back to the NYB too this month

 There is much excitement close to where I live as the long awaited Rushden Lakes development has now opened. 

 Everyone knows that I am not a shopper, but the Lakes has a lovely open feel to it and I can think of many worse places to spend an afternoon.

there is a Boardwalk area overlooking the lake, and you can hire a pedalo, kayak or canoe if you want to venture out on the water.

 The development is a step away from a large area of lakes and walks that are a designated area of Special Scientific Interest.

This was the view that we had (minus the vehicles!) at our wedding reception  37 years ago, when the Skew Bridge Ski Club was using the site.

 A few purchases may have been made. Well, it would be rude not to 😜

 Mr T has been busy in the garden building a bin store for the ugly wheelie bins that our council uses.

Plants have been purchased

 et voilà our Bin Store with a Green Roof

 As I said, not much sewing but three knitting finishes ready for the arrival of Grandchild number 3

which will be Darling Daughter's first so there is much excitement and preparation but hopefully he/she will not make an appearance before Sunday as I am doing my annual stint at the
Festival of Quilts working on the

Kids Quilts stand with my friends from New Zealand.

I feel a purchase may be imminent😳

We shall see what new treats they have to show us.