Holmes Chapel

We dropped the kids off at Holmes Chapel railway station so they could get the train to Manchester Airport - on their journey to Dublin. They will be back for New Year which will be nice. We popped in to the nearby charity shop on the way home. A kind man lent me his reading glasses as I had stupidly left mine at home. I looked at the CD's and found a couple I lliked the look of. A Nina Simone and Blind Boys Of Alabama. Hazel got a couple of wooly jumpers. Then a quick walk round the Shakeley Mere. Lots of sausage dogs - they seem very poplular at the moment depiste their short legs! I hid behind some trees - part of a Fluxus performance for our friend Allen in the USA.

Archie and Meriel Visit

I'm sure I put these photos on yesterday but they seem to have vanished? Anyway - here they are again with some that Meriel Clarke took. Lovely to have both Meriel and Archie Leigh-Jones at home for a couple of days. Went for a walk down to the community orchard and the fishy ponds yesterday. A bit muddy and no swans and few ducks - they must have flown off for the festive season! I made a lasagne last night and then we watched Muppets Christmas Carol - one of Michael Caine's best performances.

Oh yes, showed Archie and Meriel the willow horse thats taking shape down by the Community Orchard. Took a few photos and Meriel took some too. It wasa bit nippy out so glad to get back in the warm.

Manchester

A nice day in Manchester despite the crowds and noise etc. Had a lovely lunch at Bundabust with Tone and Pene. They went off to look round the Chinese Quarter but we went to look at boots and records in the other parts of town - marvelling at the old buildings that haven't been bulldozed. Popped into FOPP which was disappointing. Quite expensive vinyl and DVD's. Then onto the Portico Library and nice exhibition of books and prints etc. by Stephen Emerson. Then a sit down in the Manchester Art Gallery which has some comfy sofas and videos to watch. Exhibitions rather dull sadly and not changed since last year! Later off to the print show at MMU where Hazel collected her box of prints she participated in.

Nantwich

Nice wander around Nantwich this morning despite the drizzle. Thankfully it stopped after 30 mins. or so. Got a few stocking fillers in the charity shops and market. Nver seen so many elves and santas around the place! A lovely festive vibe going on ith a brass band playing in the market. Lots of flags , bunting a fairy lights brightened the whole town up. Popped into the charity warehouse on the way home. Hazel found a jar for her candles that used to contain Uncle Joe's Mint Balls. Also more Xmas lights.