SPIDER MAN!

We were sitting watching teli when Robert came flying down the stairs." MOOM, thar's this HUGE spider in the bathroom , it's massiv! " Up we run, I poke my head around the bathroom door, Robert is cowering behind his door, I can't see it, pull back the door and there is a huntsman small by our standards.. Spider man to the rescue, he brings with him a glass and a piece of paper. with many years of experience his skillful hands slip the spider into the glass and WHOLLA! one poor little spider has been captured. As he shows Robert the spider safely enclosed , Robert takes a step back. Spider man takes his victim to the garden and releases him...............MY HERO!

Family visits

MONDAY.  
Another wet day, but we went and visited Keith, Karens father who is in an old Victorian Nursing home, lovely so was the staff. Wheeled Keith into Urmston and had the best Hot Chocolate we have had in England.  Then went on to see Emily and Ken. Emily has loaded me up with cottons and material, today it was wool. I have to crochet a hat for Scotland, although I did bring my RED FRENCH BERET!

SUNDAY 28 AUGUST. The Bolton Markets

We strolled through the markets after Church, were Bob sampled every stall . I couldn't resist the Jazz Band and the old fella that looked like Dad.  Just the sound of the clarinet was like the Pied Piper calling me.


Went to Deb,Gary & Courtneys Church.....lovely people, we even had a cake given to us for the sumptous meal that Debs cooked . One young chap spoke very well, they have a band and the /Church has an auditorium , like a theatre. A cafe out front with lots of table, chairs and lounge chairs [which we claimed] We got there early and were greeted by loads of friendly people. Their news comes up on a screen in the foyer [should save a bit of paper ] great idea!
After lunch the BLUES SISTERS got into gear again with Bobs family history. It was great to hear them throwing back and forth ideas. But Debs seems to have done quite a bit on bis Grandparents side.
Will post pictures later [ I need some help downloading ]

WET MANCHESTER CITY!

SATURDAY:  Bob & I decided to take the bus into the city. It was sunny when we left Urmston, catching the bus at the Trafford Centre, We sat right up front on the top level and had a panoramic view. Past the Manchester Football grounds, according to our jolly fellow passenger Des, you can take tours.
Arrived in the City to find that the rain had beaten us. Umbrella's up we started looking for the FREE bus, after walking past every type of character [ it was the day of the Gay parade ] and soaking wet,  3 free buses passing us , we decided to get back on the bus and head back home to the Trafford Centre. This place is a city in itself.  Midland gate would fit in about 12 times........HUGE . We walked back to Karens about 1klm away , arriving about 3pm. Bob sat and watched GEORGE & MILDRED.......he loves it!
In the evening Heather [ our learned friend ] came for dinner..........Karens feeding us really well, in fact too well, we were hoping to lose some weight.......haa, haa
We planned our trip to Scotland. Heather is going to do the driving. Booked our BnB in Glencoe and Edinburgh. ..........can't wait!!

Goodbye Wales!

As the sun sets we say a fond farewell to a wonderful day and beautful Wales!

CONWAY CASTLE, NORTH WALES

I see a Castle!
So Karen did a wizz around and came back so I could take a picture, we were on our way back home to Manchester. This was a really busy road, so I jumped out when the traffic eased. Oh what story can you tell me Castle?

LOOK WHO'S FAMOUS IN WALES!

Couldn't resist taking these pictures. Sorry Maizy they haven't caught up with you yet!

THE GREAT ORME RAILWAY

What a treat. Karen wanted us to go up on this railway , we just loved it. The scenery was fantastic
On the way up we ran over a sheep. The poor driver thought he had killed it, so did we....No lamb chops for tea, because he walked away on the other side of the train, blackened by his "sweep" under the carriage.

These photo's really dont do it any justice. It was beautiful. Little Church below with graveyard overlooking the sea.

On the way up passed ancient tin mines. Stepping off the train at the top of the mountain we observed hundreds of people, some playing mini golf while others went to the pub, which was bought by "Turpin" the boxer. My claim to fame is that I used to take his grandchildren and daughter in law to Church in Belmont in the old days....

As you can see by the photos it became dark and dreary, we caught the train down as the heavens opened , the train has no windows, the folk on the other side were soaked. By the time we hit the town again, the rain had dwindled to a trickle. Fish n chips for tea, then off back to Manchester. Home about an 1 hour later.

this one is for the Bishop!

What's a confederate flag doing in Wales?

The streets of Llandudno

Just a typical beach side town. Lots of fish n chip shops, Hundreds of hotels and B n Bs. School holidays so lots of folk walking and wishing they could dip themselves in the sea. But it's wet! Although we left sunny Manchester. Weather was like Melbourne, bit of everything.

Thursday 25th August...LLANDUDNO, NORTH WALES

Yeh! get your tongue around that one!
Thoughts of the Bastians as we strolled through this lovely town. Previous to our jaunt along the stony beach, Bob spotted a tiling shop and went in......they had lived in Perth. First Question to him was did he have a British passport, Second question.....did he want a job!!
I said yes.

Bob will be home for christmas!!!!!!!

Early morning walks

Bob couldn't resist talking to these men on a building site. Gave them FREE advice!!
This is the common that runs behind Karens estate. NO , he is just posing.

KAREN STEPS!

First day here I bounded up the steps thinking, this is going to be great exercise for me. Strengthen those calf and thigh muscles.
Second day.....walking up stairs
Third day......walking up stairs holding onto banner
Fourth day.....knees feeling the pinch!
Fifrth day.......ooww sore calf muscles, much slower
6th day.......now using steps as a ladder, hands first on steps, drag the rest behind me.
THINGS HAVE TO IMPROVE!

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM & CHILL FACTOR

Afternoon spent at the war museum researching, then onto the Chill Factor - an indoor ski slope. 

Faking it - as close as I could get to skiing down the slope!!

HEATHERCLIFFE HOTEL, FRODSHAM, CHESHIRE

Photos at last - beautiful place.

ALOT OF FAMILY HISTORY HERE

Dating back to the 1600s, a beautiful old church in Tarporley, Cheshire.

TARPORLEY, CHESHIRE

Flower baskets everywhere.  Cottages built in 1897 - there were 4 in total and all had their own names.  Cobbled lane with church in background.  Outside the fire station. 

One has to indulge in chocolates or the trip isn't worth it.

Bob trying to phone home!! 

Flowers everywhere.