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. 

Saltburn and the Mandalorian

 Saltburn-on-Sea is somewhere I've heard good things about for years, but never quite managed to get to. Located further North, past Whitby and over the Moors, it's just one of those places we've often said we'd go to and then didn't get there. 

Given the nice weather at the end of my week of adventure, we thought we'd make the visit. It was a pleasant drive, scenic over the top of the Moors but once we got there parking was a nightmare. Eventually, we managed to get parked up near the town, and were excited to ride the funicular railway down to the seafront. 

Alas, it was out of service, so we took the steps instead. The seafront was pleasant with a Victorian pier that we took a lovely walk out to the middle of the sea on. It was windy, but gave a nice vantage point, and so many of our British piers have vanished into the ocean it's nice just to find one. 

Whilst there were plenty of chippy's we could have grabbed lunch from, we opted for a posh seafront restaurant, The Seaview. With a large balcony overlooking the sea, it was a prime position albeit you definitely paid a premium for the setting. 

We were on the dog friendly terrace and enjoyed our Coley and potatoes, which I totally forgot to photograph. On that note, most of the photographs from today's blog post have actually been taken by Little Miss. She's really getting a passion for photography, I might have to start charging up her own camera more often so mine doesn't keep getting nabbed. 

To be honest, the rest of Saltburn-on-Sea wasn’t exactly what I’d hoped for. There were the usual ice cream shops, chippies and beach huts. There was a traditional pub, and an interesting derelict Mortuary at the base of the hill, but not really much else. 

We headed back to the car. Even though it wasn't what we expected, I always think it's good to explore new places. You don't know if you don't go. On the way home, we stopped off at one of my favourite places, Saltmoore. It's the spa that me and the chap spent a relaxing break at back in December. It was wonderful to see it in the nice weather and we just spent a lot of time on the terrace enjoying the beautiful gardens and peaceful surroundings. Mum decided that she loves it too, it's hard not to. 

Sunday, I went down to York and after a cuppa and an iced bun at the chap's house, while getting bounced all over by beautiful Bruno, we set off to the shops to pick up a few craft supplies (we don't have HobbyCraft in Scarborough), and then had some lunch at pizza hut. Then it was time to head off to the cinema to see the Mandalorian and Grogu. 

It's a Star Wars spin off, so something we were both keen to see. It was very different to Star Wars, but still in keeping and was a lovely way to end what had been an extremely busy and fun filled week of adventure. 

By the time Monday rolled around and it was time to go back to work I was glad to be back to routine, until the next adventure at least. 

On Saturdays we Steampunk

 Last Thursday, the weather finally started to buck up. This made me happy since it was an office day. As a Costa regular, I had a free coffee to cash in, so I decided to treat myself to one of their new Vanilla cherry iced whipped lattes. I'm obsessed at the moment, and was devastated the other day when my local Costa had run out of the cherry syrup. I digress.  

After work, I met the chap and we went for dinner. He'd asked me where I fancied eating, and for some reason, around midday I got a real craving for Spaghetti Bolognaise, and I desperately didn't want to go to one of the many chain restaurants that are all over York. In the end we plumped for a local restaurant just over one of York's bridges that we'd never tried before, Enoteca. 

It was perfect, exactly what I'd had in mind and it wasn't long before it started to fill up with locals also in search of a some good midweek Italian food. I got my bolognaise, and some wine too. We'll definitely be making a return visit.  

When the chap walked me back to the train station, I totally bullied him into trying one of those vanilla cherry iced whipped lattes, and despite him really not wanting to admit I was right, he enjoyed it! 

Friday evening, I took Mum and Little Miss out to a local pub for dinner. Me and little Miss tried to teach grandma how to play Crazy 8s while we waited for dinner, which for me was a delicious vegetarian Thai Green curry. Tell me you love food without telling me you love food! 

The previous week I'd seen an ad for a Steampunk weekend at nearby Filey. We'd once stumbled upon this before, but decided this time we'd go intentionally. I didn't need to buy anything special for the occasion since my wardrobe could be classed as eccentric at the best of times. I opted for a black Victorian style skirt that the chap bought me in Whitby a couple of years ago, a black top with a Joules tweed waistcoat that I've been wearing for at least the past 10 years. A beautiful velvet jacket from Monsoon, also a gift from the chap a couple of years back. My Ralph Lauren boots, Irregular Choice cat handbag which was a gift from my Mum a good few birthday's back and I topped it off with my Christies red bowler hat which I've also had for years. 

I had hoped to pick up some steampunk goggles to add to my hat, at the market, but alas there were none. There was, however, an abundance of people in various types of Steampunk attire. Little Miss took charge of taking the photographs and confidently asked the people who's outfits she liked if she could take their photos. 

She did a great job, and everyone was so very friendly towards her, and in general. We finished up our day with fish and chips and set off for home as the sun began to set on the days activities. 

By Sunday I was looking forward to a peaceful and restorative day. The chap came across. My gym (that I rarely visit) has a pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. He bought a pass in to join me, and we spent a couple of hours swimming, relaxing in the sauna and just generally having a chilled and laid back day. 

Afterwards we went down to the sunny and bustling sea front to get some dinner. Then we did some of the touristy things. Played in the arcades, enjoyed a big cherry flavoured ice cream and finished off listening to some fab live acoustic music in a seafront pub. All in all it was a perfect end to a lovely weekend. 

Mumlife

If you live in the UK, then this weekend (Sunday) was Mother’s Day. I started my Saturday morning with a long overdue return to the gym, before the pleasant weather enticed us into an afternoon on the seafront. 

We started off with lunch at the Cats Pyjamas, before thing the Victorian tram down to the beach. We walked Thelma along, enjoying the heat (yes heat) of the sunshine. It was busy as so many people had obviously took advantage of a glimpse of fair weather to have a day by the seaside. 

Whilst we didn’t do all the tourist in our own town things, we did go for ice cream, and have a beer in a seafront pub while enjoying some live music. All in all a good afternoon!

Then I got home to find a parcel waiting for me! My new Fairfax and Favor boots! I’ve wanted these since 2020 when I first bought a Fairfax and Favor bag with the money I saved from one month of commuting, during lockdown. The boots are as gorgeous as I hoped, although I need to wear them every day to break the tough suede in.

 

Sunday was Mother’s Day. I generally count my blessings most days, but I do recognise at this time of year how truly blessed I am to be able to celebrate Mother’s Day with my own Mum, and my wonderful daughter! 

We had a lazy start, and I was over the moon to get cards, biscuits and flowers. 

I had a table booked at the Grand Villa Heights for our meal. It used to be the Raven Hall hotel, and whilst lovely it was fairly tired. The new owners have made it into a wedding venue and rather beautiful hotel and restaurant.

The Grounds at Grand Villa Heights

I’ve always loved the view from here, out to Robin Hood’s Bay, but they’ve really made the most of it with massive full height windows. It’s just stunning.

We were seated next to a bright sunny window in the restaurant, and mum and I given glasses of Prosecco. Whilst we were there, the restaurant started to fill up with people. Not just Mother’s Day celebrants, but hotel guests and people just out for an afternoon wander too.

The restaurant before it got busy

Me and Mum both had roast dinners, which were absolutely delicious. Generous portions too. Little miss had a cheese burger and fries, and was very happy. 

We followed up with sticky toffee pudding before retiring to one of the lounge areas overlooking the cliffs for coffee.

The sun setting as we left

 

It was a beautiful experience and we will definitely be returning to Grand Villa Heights at some future point. By the time we rolled out, full of food and good feeling, the weather was turning cold and blustery. It was time to head home for a relaxing evening of crochet and films. All in all it had been a wonderful weekend.