A great pottery experience

We had a short walk before going out and the cliffs just looked lovely.

The big day arrived for my birthday treat from the family, Tina and I were the only people so plenty of guidance and good demonstrations. Tina took the first picture of me with apron on and ready with my first lump of clay.

Louisa sat at a wheel between the two of us to demonstrate, we soon got the hang of it and started with cylinders and then different shapes.

We both made six pots in total, here are my first efforts.

We bought a sandwich and sat in Peasholm Park to eat them. Louisa supplied us with drinks but not lunch. The park was lovely as always, we did walk round the lake before going back for the afternoon session.

We made a bowl in the afternoon before decorating our pieces.

It was so enjoyable and amazingly my hands were okay, they have now gone numb while I am writing this! The fired pots will be ready by mid November, it will be great to see how they turn out.

This evening we went to see Debbie and family and had a very nice meal. We are now both quite tired after a good day.

If I could talk to the animals!

Woke up to a lovely morning so after breakfast we decided to walk along the promenade to the Sea Life Centre. We had to steer down the twisty path down the cliff first and then the first photo of the day. I would liked to had sit on the bench but my legs just weren’t having me get up there!

We stopped for a coffee soon after that, didn’t want to overdo the exercise! I was commenting that it was the best caramel latte I had ever had so Tima took a picture, as you do!

We set off again and I had to take a photo of the gorgeous Scarborough beach huts.

And a shot of the moody looking bay.

We decided to go into the Sea Life Centre and were pleased that we did. Only booked appointments but we were able to do that and go almost straight in, so it was much quieter than when I used to go when we lived nearby. Took load of photos so have had to be pretty selective. A couple Tina sent me, one of the penguin and another of a weird turtle type creature. Not too much explanation needed so here goes.

There is just one otter at the moment, Harris, but they had a lady in quarantine that will join him soon. He wasn’t out when we first looked and then he went to a door at the side, obviously heard the keeper coming. The lovely young man fed him from a bucket, and when it was all eaten the otter was checking out the bucket, it was a joy to watch.

We watched the common seals being fed. Difficult to get photos but we were entertained by a juvenile seagull. The keeper said she called him Stephen and he came every day and tried to get some fish, even managing time take it from a seal on occasions!

He had waited patiently until feeding time and then disappeared when they had been fed!

We went into the area where you could touch some sea creatures. We stroked anemones and a star fish and were shown the most amazing shark eggs. We asked questions which I think pleased the lovely young man in there. Then on with the tour.

Not a great picture through the glass, but we passed an otter viewing window and he was playing with a pebble, so cute.

We were fascinated by the leaf cutter ants.

After we left we had decided to catch the train back to near the park. Tina hadn’t been on the train before. Took a picture of the pirates gold while we were waiting!

We walked up to North Bay Cafe for lunch and then though were were too tired to walk through the glen, so we walked back into the town and to our accommodation. Just before we got there we saw this portable cherry picker, how fab is that?

We did go into town, in the car and had a wander round. Tina tried some coats on but didn’t find one she liked. We bought some nuts for the squirrels when we go to Peasholm Park and some duck food for when we go to the mere! I was flagging by then so we are home for the evening now. It has been a great and full day.

Hello Scarborough, let the fun begin

We didn’t go to the boot sale today, neither Darren or I had felt too bright yesterday and there had been a lot of rain, although it was bright but very windy this morning. I got packed, got dinner and remembered to feed the Christmas cakes. We packed up the car and I went with Tina to her first ever ‘animal blessing’ service. It was at Skipsea church. Just three dogs to be blessed and then two photographs of pets that couldn’t be there. The dog in the pictures is Betsy and she is adorable.

Then we were on our way to Scarborough for a few days break. Nice rainbow on the way.

The accommodation is cosy and and we can see the sea,

We went for a walk starting along the cliff top. The evening light was great on the castle.

We walked down onto North Marine Road and got a bit of shopping for breakfast, then to a fish and chip shop and got pattie and chips which we carried up to the cliff top. Slightly different light by then.

We have watched some tv and relaxed. Will be heading to bed before too long. We are enjoying our stay already!

Not too good today

I have had very disturbed nights this week and the legs have been painful, quite apart from the hands which certainly play their part. So, apart from shopping early on have had Pandora on my lap, probably hours in total.

She does start off on my lap! Back to the off colour week, I have been trying to manage without the prescribed tablets, have felt much better in myself, but will take them again as I don’t want to spoil our few days in Scarborough. The pills were for the hands and they don’t seem a lot different!

I had bought a Christmas cake kit to make for Lesley who wanted one without alcohol. When I told her she said she wouldn’t want a whole cake as she would just binge eat it! So made it this afternoon for Darren to enjoy while we are away.

Watching Strictly with the cat still glued to me!

Sea wall and garden wall

This morning Tina dropped me off at the florist on Cliff Road. I usually see Bel on a Friday morning but she rang to say she didn’t feel very well today. I asked the florist if she stocked or could get bun moss. She knew what I was talking about but said you had to buy it by the box and there wasn’t much demand for it. She said I should find someone with it on the roof as that is where it can be found. From there I walked up to the sea, it was a lovely morning but pretty chilly.

Out of sync again, Tina took a photo of me first thing with Pandora sprawled out on me for a change!

Time then to take the builders there drinks, Martin, the boss was with them today and happy to be in the photo.

The white gladiolus has survived the winds and looks stunning,

This afternoon I went round to help Carol and Sal again, took a couple more boxes and did some filling and touch up painting. Didn’t stop too long as my legs have been very painful today.

The workmen have finished the bottom wall so will concentrate on the larger area at the side next week.

Will have an early night tonight and hope I sleep better than I have the last three nights.