The Inbetween bits

Little miss has been back at school over a week now, and the rhythm of Autumn, the return to routine, cooler evenings and rain showers (who would ever think we'd be glad to see the return of the rain?) are well and truly setting in. The last blog post brought us up to around mid-August though, and there were still a few weeks between then and now to fill with adventures. Let me give you a whistlestop tour. 

I'd booked train tickets to Leeds waaaaay back in June, adamant that if I didn't book them then we wouldn't get there. Typically, I'd managed to book the only day of the summer holidays where it rained pretty much continuously. All wasn't lost, we didn't make it to the Cathedral as we'd originally planned, but we were able to stay mostly dry in the large shopping centres. 

I didn't get to see that much if I'm honest, Leeds is quite big and once you get into a shop it seems to steal all of your time. I did manage to pick up the chap's present for his forthcoming birthday in his favourite place, the Lego shop, though. We perused a few shops and then had pizza in Cafe Concerto before heading for the train home. 

Keeping with the theme of trains, a few days later we took a trip from Pickering to Whitby on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. We have been on it before, once many years ago just between Whitby and Grosmont and then a couple of years back on the Santa Express. This time though we decided to do the full journey and it really is amazing. 

The Moors is such a stunning and wild landscape and the train goes through parts that seem untouched by human hands. Some of the stations had signs up to beware the Adders (the UK's only native venomous snake) if you were leaving the station since the uncharacteristic heat meant there'd been a boom in the Adder population. 

It was relaxing, and harked back to a time of steam trains when a journey was a joyful experience. We had a few hours to spend in Whitby. I had thought the weather was going to be cooler, and was thrilled to take my new All About Audrey green velvet dress out for a trip, unfortunately I misjudged the weather and was boiling in my skin soon after we got off the train. 

Nonetheless, we enjoyed a wander around a very bustling Whitby, and bought fish and chips from the Magpie to eat near the harbour. We didn't have too long there though before it was time for our slow journey back through the moors. That didn't matter too much. We spend a lot of time in Whitby in this day was more about the journey than the destination. 

Next up on the adventure list was date night with the chap. We'd spotted that one of the Indian restaurants in York had won an award in the national curry awards, and thought it well worth a try. Well, the Bombay spice was delicious, I'm pleased to report. 

It was also bustling, so I can understand why it has won awards, but honestly the food was delectable. I can't remember what I had, but I do remember thoroughly enjoying it. Needless to say, as always, we overindulged. We're both very foody people in case you haven't noticed. 

Afterwards we walked across town to the Dubliner, which was also bustling. There was live music, and we had an absolute blast of a time. It was one of those nights that was so good that we barely took any photographs. I always feel regretful when I don't take enough photos, but it is also a sign of an excellent night out, so what can you do other than to vow to take more photos next time.

Sunset from Lendal bridge

Of course, we ended the summer holidays in our traditional way with a day on the seafront. In the arcades, at the fair, eating ice cream and burgers and being tourists in our own town. After all of that excitement, it's little wonder that I was tired by the end of it all. 

Ministry of Sound Classical at Castle Howard

 

A couple of weeks after we were back from Northumberland, the chap and I were off to a one day dance festival at Castle Howard. This is something we like to try to do each year, the difference this year was we had also booked a pitch at the Castle Howard camp site, a couple of miles country walk away from the event. 

We arrived mid-afternoon, I poured the rum and colas and left the chap to pitching the tent. It's only a small one so it didn't take long. We were surrounded by envy inducing campervans, and just as I was about to depart for the toilet block to get ready we heard a holler from one of them. It was someone who the chap knows (this happens a lot when we're out and about), so I left him with them while I went off to get ready. He was still there when I got back, so we stayed and had another rum and cola before setting off for the gig. 

It wasn't too long a walk, and before long we were in the packed out venue. We decided to make food our first stop, before the queues for it got too big. That was a good shout since, later on, we queued for about 45 minutes for a coffee! Such is the caffeine dependency. 

There were stalls selling event appropriate things, I got a glitter bomb on my face and the chap bought himself a faux fur bucket hat. We danced around to Ellie Sax, and Judge Jools and screamed loudly when some iconic tune that I'd danced to in nightclubs in the early 2000s came on. 

My legs aren’t really that white!

Around 8pm, the dj's all left the stage and an orchestra came on. They were tremendous doing absolutely breathtaking versions of tunes like Insomnia (Faithless), and Cafe Del Mar. As night fell, a laser light show joined the performance and, honestly, it was stunning! 

At the end we joined a convoy of drunk people walking back to the campsite along the dark country roads. Everyone was in good spirits as we all lit the way with torches and mobile phones, warning those behind us of steps or trip hazards. The highlight of course being two drunk women falling into the swamp at the side of the road. Thankfully the drought weather meant that the swamp was dry so no one was hurt, and everyone was in good humor. 

That night, the weather broke. As we lay in our tent the rain pelted our tent and the temperature even dropped a little. I was glad of that. The next morning, we packed away our pitch in between rain showers, and drove back to Castle Howard to enjoy a delicious breakfast in their courtyard cafe. It was the perfect end to an amazing weekend. 

Be my Valentine

Last week was largely a monotonous routine of trudging through grey rain and fog to get anything done. I’ve personally found it quite depressing, son Tuesday evening I thought to settle into a nice bath and read my kindle. The bath was just perfect but alas, the kindle had other ideas. It chose that moment to die. In itself that’s not so bad, it was cheap second hand, and old, but I was a third of the way through ‘The Secret History’ so, I’m waiting for a paperback replacement to arrive that I ordered from Vinted. I’m not sure whether I’ll bother to replace my e-reader or not, books are so cheap to get. 

Wednesday lunchtime I went to get my nails done. Ordinarily I know exactly what I want, but the grey weather had me in a funk! My lovely nail tech suggested some Valentine nails, and I’m so glad she did because they are so pretty. I love them. 

Friday evening me, little Miss and grandma decided to celebrate the weekend and end of school term by going out to nearby Wilson’s for dinner. It seems to be our regular haunt.

Inside Wilsons

It was a bit disappointing that there was no music on this time, but a nice glass of beer to wash down a hearty lamb stew made up for it and, well, Wilson’s always has a nice vibe to it anyway. 

By the time we were leaving it was snowing, and I was pretty sure the weekend would follow suit. Saturday surprised us all though with blue skies and moderate temperatures. It was soul lifting just to know Spring is on the way! 

Saturday evening the chap and I were heading out on our Valentines date. I’d booked a table at a local restaurant called Haus of S&M. I’d never been before, I’m not even sure how it got on my radar, but I’m glad it did. 

After a quick drink at Craft bar, we wandered to Haus for our 8pm table, where we were greeted by two fabulous drag queen concierges. I forgot to take a photo of them, but they were great, and set the tone for what we were about to walk through the curtain into. 

Valentines date outfit - boots - Monsoon, Coat - River Island, skirt and red top - next - velvet jacket - Monsoon, Bag - Irregular Choice

It’s a delightfully kitsch space, Tretchikoff prints, Chinese happy cats, a disco ball and a random mannequin are just some of the wild and wonderful things you’ll see in there. 70s funk soul plays in the background, the lighting is low and honestly, I was in my happy place. 

They serve an Asian fusion menu. We enjoyed cocktails and I had a rather delicious Chicken Makhani while the chap devoured a loaded (and it was loaded) Naan. 

It was a great place to spend our Valentines date, and I for one definitely want a return visit! It’s a vibe. 

We ended our evening with a few drinks around town having had the best time. 

C’mon baby light my fire(pit)

 I actually quite like this time of year. I like the quick succession of festive days that make it not seem quite so dark and dreary. Last week of course, it was bonfire night. Poor Thelma had been beside herself for a couple of weeks with all of the fireworks going off, so I definitely don’t add to that anxiety by setting fireworks off too, but I did set up a cosy little fire in my fire pit, and me and little miss toasted marshmallows and lit some sparklers.

It was unseasonably warm, and it was really nice just to sit out there and enjoy the fire and the fireworks that were being set off around the area. 

Little miss loved it, especially toasting the marshmallows.

I was more excited about my Swedish torch than is normal

Thursday I was off to York. I stopped off en route to the office to say hello to my friend S, and lots of people were in the office from London so there was a nice buzz. After work, I met the chap and he treated me to fajitas at Las Iguanas.

Then we walked up to the train station and waited what seemed like an age for my delayed train. It was a long day and I didn’t get home until late. 

York at dusk

Too dark for these photos to work

With Halloween and Bonfire night behind us, it was time to change out of my Pumpkin bag. I opted for my lovely Michael Kors tote bag this time around. It’s not been out of the wardrobe for a while, such is the case when you’re a handbag fanatic. 

I think it’s only a matter of time before little miss starts skimming off my collection anyway so I best get using my good ones! Saturday afternoon we took a trip down to the chap’s house to see Bruno and introduce him to Thelma.

He’s so adorable, I’m not sure Thelma quite knew what to make of him. After a peruse around town, it was time to head home. Another late one indeed.

Sunday was more relaxing. A lazy morning and some grocery shopping, catching up on laundry and general pottering. Then, in the blink of an eye, another week has passed. Where does it go?