The Coming of Spring and The Going of The Work Men

The days are getting longer and are slowly warming up, with just the odd frosty morning to remind us that winter is not quite over yet. The birds are singing and the daffodils are poised ready for their welcoming splash of colour. The hares are running in the field and Ellie still thinks she can catch them. She forgets she is only a little dog.

The farmhouse is nearly ready. The decorator has finished and the carpets are laid. The scaffolding has all gone to reveal a very different looking house. We have been busy wi

th cleaning, cleaning and more cleaning as well as buying new light fittings, cushions etc. It seems never ending and I must admit panic did set in a little bit this last week, but it has all being worthwhile as we see it coming together. Amazing really what a couple of months work can achieve. It was the 5th of January when we started emptying the house ready for work to start and our first customers arrive on Friday the 11th of March.

The 'Visit Britain' assessor/inspector called to check that standards were still up to 4 star levels. Of course she was pleased to see all the on-going improvements we have made since she was here a year ago and gladly gave us our 4 stars.

Once a month I meet up with some local ladies called the Burneston Belles or ‘Ladies that Lunch’ if you like. We visit local eateries and February was the turn of the Fox and Hounds in Carthorpe. Actually we were there December and January as it is not far to travel if the weather turns nasty. It is a family run pub with friendly staff where nothing is too much trouble. The food is always excellent with a set menu served Mon to Thur 2 courses for £14.95 or 3 courses £16.95 including evenings. Al-a-carte is also available with an extensive specials board using seasonal local produce. An enjoyable couple of hours was spent catching up with the girls and Coffee was served with freshly made shortbread and truffles. A score of 10 out of 10 was given. I might drop a hint to the boys for a Mother’s Day treat.

We visited our son and girlfriend as they settled in their new house in Newcastle. It took just under an hour passing the Angel of the North on the way, which never ceases to amaze us. Last year we actually parked up and walked around it. Definitely a worthwhile stop.

Well I think Ian will be cutting the grass before too long, as the gardens beckon to be tidied and brought back to life after the harsh winter weather. Looking forward to visiting Constable Burton Hall to see the daffodil displays from the 12th of March.

Never know we might even get away for a few days.

Caroline