Manchester - Ai Wei Wei Show

Fabulous Ai Wei Wei show at the Factory International in Manchester this morning. A bit pricey but worth it. Massive thought provoking sculptures and ceramics etc. Soundtrack was an audio piece with names of Chinese children being read out - all 5,000 were killed in an earthquake. It made Hazel cry. Then to the nearby park for alfresco lunch we bought with us. On the way back to the station we popped into the Spanish library to see small exhibition of posters by Joan Brossa. Started off quite cool but soon went very warm and muggy. Crawled back to station and got the 2 o'clock train. Phew!

Hazel's Birdbaths!

Celebrating Hazel's birthday with a walk round the local park and visit to the Co-op. We were going to Chester but it looked like rain. Turned out fine so we could have gone. Now planning a visit to the AiWei Wei show in Manchester. Hazel's in the garden now planting out some shrubs she got the other day. It was her sisters birthday yesterday so a joint pub lunch over in Marbury and then a wander round the garden centre.

Nantwich Again!

Pleasant wander around Nantwich this morning now it's a bit cooler. Big Pride thing going on with crafty stalls and clog dancers etc. Lots of flags and rainbows everywhere. Got a few bargains in the charity shops - Chas 'n' Dave CD boxed set with "rarities" disc I'd not seen before, CD of one of my all time faves - Fairport Convention "Leige and Leaf" that I used to have on vinyl . I may even have the CD somewhere but for quid I just had to have it! Also DVD "Dee Blue Sea" Terence Davies. Hazel bought herself a toy for her birthday I have to wrap up. Also a pair of chef's trousers. On way home we dropped in on the hospice warehouse to have a mooch round. Bumped into old train gang member Geoff ? George? for a quick chat - he works there every other Saturday. Now he's retired - busier than ever - brass band meetings, guitar lessons, walking the dog, gym lessons, charity work etc. Made me feel very lazy! Bought a nice old French school book to cut up for collages. Hazel bought a stack of old dolls house wallpaper, brick paper, tile paper etc. Also a novelty birthday cake carousel that plays "Happy Birthday" as it revolves. And she told me off for thinking of buying some old photos "as we have enough!" Blimey!

Walk Around The Park And Co-op

This mornings walk whilst it's relatively cool to the local park and the Co-op to get a few bits. Nice cool breeze. Lots of those little brown butterflies around. Sat on our favourite bench. Very quiet. I think people are having a nice lie-in after the England v Norway match last night. We foolishly stayed up to watch it and chewed our knuckles for the last 20 minutes! Some salad stuff and drinks from the Co-op.

Blakemere Woods

This mornings walk around Blakemere Woods. Nice and cool under the shady trees. A few dog walkers seen through the foliage. Took a few photos behind trees for Allen Bukoff. Afterwards we looked round the antique emporiums but found no bargains. All a bit pricey now sadly. We have enough junk anyway!

Walk To The Park Via The Canal

This mornings walk down the road to the by-pass and then down the canal path to the Broken Cross pub. A poorly pigeon. Saw some ducks (one baby) and some coots (one baby) and some Grebes ( 2 babies?) all diving under water so hard to snap! On to the park for sit down on a bench and watch the clouds roll by. Then to the Co-op for some mushrooms.

Wedding In Ireland -Archie and Meriel

Delighted to see Archie and Meriel married after 12 years together. Lovely few days in Dun Laoghaire near Dublin with 110 of the Irish side and just 3 of us! We took a few friends over to make up the numbers but only seven so a bit out numbered! Anyway, everybody was very lovely and kind and welcoming. We couldn't wish for a more beautiful daughter-in-law. We did cry a few tears in the church ( now a Maritime Museum) and seeing the big ex-lighthouse light revolve at the end of the ceremony was extra special and one we shall always remember. The weather was lovely too. Not as hot as the UK with sunshine and sea breezes. Copious food and drink. What fun time! Just a few random snaps of the last few days.