Ah yes! The weather . . . .

It doesn't matter if you talk about it or not, and most folk do, but the weather dominates.
Possibly because it can change every five minutes or so. Especially here in the Dales, when you can look out three or four miles across a valley, and see sunshine there while it's raining on you.

Still, damp or not, friends to meet, and catch up to be enjoyed. Tilly from Derby met up with us for a day out, lunch and postcard writing . . .

Up dales . . .

. . or down . . .

the countryside constantly surprises and delights. . . whether it's bluebell woods . . .

or Daisy and the gang waiting for us back at the farm!

no whinging now!

Still, no use moaning about the weather, nowt you can do about it. So the morning was ideal for some indoor activity, and Caudwell Mill in Rowsley provided a great opportunity to learn all about the art of flour milling. Four floors of a fully operational 19th Century flour mill, all powered by water fed off the River Derwent. Brilliant!

"There's an old mill by the stream, Nelly Dean . . . "

Then it was off to Wirksworth, visiting cousin Alison and Clare for lunch, and with the weather turning into a bright, warm afternoon, a stroll around their neighbourhood.

But first, a ride on the trains at the bottom of their garden!

Always helpful to have informative signage at the station!

Then to the Parish Church, an elegant structure incorporating many centuries of additions to the building, including Anglo-Saxon reliefs from the original church in the 1st. Century . . .

In the churchyard, a magnificent copper birch tree, and almost hidden behind, nestled between Georgian houses, a gem of Tudor vintage!

. . . and at the rear of the Tudor house, an exposed wall revealing an even older structure on which the Tudor house was built.

Fond farewells, and back to the farm, and an evening walk . . .

Say goodnight Daisy !

Springtime in England . . .

Well, we always say we don't come to England for the weather - and indeed, it hasn't let us down.
Our week in the Peak District, Derbyshire, and the wet has descended.

Good accommodation, our very own self-catering cottage on Bellcross Farm, high on the moors, on the Chatsworth Estate, home of the Duke and Dutchess of Devonshire. But, more of that later.

The Farm -

The view from our front door -

and one of the many pheasant neighbours, lurking just outside the door!

But no use sulking about the weather . . .off to explore our local surroundings, with a lunch break at the Barrel Inn, high on the moors, warm and snug inside.

"Oh, to be in England,
now that Spring is here . . ."

Acclimatizing . . .

Well, Elcow Cay now a warm and pleasant memory.
A last view of the lighthouse . . .

. . . a last soak of the Bahamian sun . . .

. . farewell to the harbour and fish under the ferry dock . . .

. . . don 't really, honestly want to go. But a ferry ride, and flight awaits, and it's off to Orlando, collect the car, and plunge back into the everyday world of noise and traffic.

Still, there are oasis if you want to take the time to seek them out. The quiet pleasures of Sanibel Island and the wildlife refuge tucked away in the mangroves.

A paradise for birder and non-birder alike.
Spoonbills, pelicans, osprey, herons, and great sunsets.

And what visit to Florida would be be complete without a trip to the outlet mall, and a feast of rock crabs!

Winding down . . . .

Two weeks goes so quickly. All a matter of perspective I guess.
Not difficult to forget all responsibilities and settle into a laid back lifestyle, where the biggest concern if 'what's for dinner' - shared preparation and cooking - and what the weather might be like tomorrow.

Sights and sounds to remember . . .

New things learned . . .

and good memories to take home!