Chatsworth flowers

Although it was windy we walked around the garden at Chatsworth, I was particularly smitten with the cold frames - Dave less so as I thought they were just what we needed here at Hill Farm and he feared another project coming on!

Chatsworth

There is a fascinating exhibition on at Chatsworth (until October) called 'Chatsworth Renewed' which documents their massive £32 million restoration project, told in the words of those who worked on it. There were also lots of lambs including this pair who decided to stop the traffic by having a feed from mum in the middle of the road!

Parish Breakfast

A cool and cloudy day but my utility room looks like spring as I arrange flowers for our parish breakfast this morning. There will be sausages, bacon and eggs if you are near enough to join us!

Planting beans

We've finally managed to plant some broad beans, at this rate I'll be looking for autumnal recipes rather than summer ones ... the soil has just been so wet and cold this year.

Britain's Finest

I am delighted that we are featured on the Luxury Bed and Breakfasts for this month at the Britian's Finest website. It makes our hard work worth it!

Vintage tablecloth

Ironing this vintage tablecloth today (which I think dates from the 1950's) I'm struck again by how pretty it is with its design of fruits and nuts on such a lovely Hill Farm Blue background. I wish I knew more about it.

Tea time

Today we have guests here celebrating their wedding anniversary - starting with afternoon tea and by special request Bakewell Tart. Other members of their family are joining them and it's a great excuse to get out my special china.

No view

Today it was a case of 'someone has stolen our view'! Thick mist which has stayed until late morning, but the air is very still and seems to magnify the birdsong.

Onions and potatoes

We (and this is the royal 'we') have finally got round to planting the potatoes and onions (I did pass them to Dave though!) Looking back at my old diaries I see that we undertook the same job on almost the same date in 2015 so things aren't as late this year as I'd imagined.

Lavender

A couple of weeks ago I received an email advertising 72 plug plants of lavender at an incredibly cheap price, supposed to be shipped at the end of April they arrived today! Now carefully planted out I just have to keep them alive until the Somersal Herbert fete at the end of July!

Clear blue sky

Today I woke to a totally clear blue sky with frost shining like jewels on the grass. Cold but completely still, the air loud with birdsong. Off to prepare our guests' breakfast now!

Sewing hearts

Today at our monthly Gathering Threads meeting the theme was 'hearts' and I decided I wanted to create something colourful, a really fun way to spend my morning.

Easter brights

On a cold, snowy, wet and grey Bank Holiday Monday I was glad I'd bought this amazing felt basket - although I'd originally planned to fill it with eggs it looks amazing with flowers instead.

Rainbow

It's been a day of heavy rain but suddenly the sun came out and gave us a rainbow (but sadly not the pot of gold, just wet feet from running out to grab the photo in unsuitable footwear!)

Staying inside

We woke to snow this morning but constant, steady rain has washed it away. My plan is to stay indoors for the rest of Easter Monday unlike the Burton Albion football fans who live here!

Happy Easter

Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter from Hill Farm, hopefully eventually the weather will realise that this is supposed to be spring!