Weekend in our new home

So we're starting to settle in, in our new home town and house. On Friday we picked Vera up at 4pm, but she was more disappointed than happy to see us. She wanted to go out in her wellies and play with all the other children. It's a good sign I guess!

At home I finished off a few conference calls (it's been busy, but good so far working from home) and then we headed across the road for a quick meal at the Beauchief Hotel  (which incidentally is pronounced "bee-cheef", beats me?!). All children under eight eat free, so Vera had sausage & mash with lots of peas followed by ice cream - Friday treat!

On Saturday morning we headed across the Peak District to IKEA in Manchester, we drove along the so-called Snake Pass, which is not one for winter!
http://www.drivingroads.co.uk/snake-pass-peak-district

We started off with an early lunch and then went to look at few bits and pieces. After about five minutes Vera got fed up sitting in the trolley and wanted to walk. It was ok for a little while, then all of a sudden she had completely disappeared! We started looking and after a few minutes I went and spoke to one member of the IKEA staff. They were so professional, took down her description and before long there were staff running towards us and then went looking for her in all directions. I had to stay put. It was absolutely horrible. During those fiive minutes, everything goes through your mind - she's been abducted, you name it... In the end, it was Mark who found her, she'd run back towards the entrance.

After a lot of hugs and kisses, Vera said "Vera's been silly", "Vera ran away", "Sorry mamma, sorry"

Things picked up later. On the way back we stopped in the very picturesque Castleton
http://www.castleton.co.uk/
http://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/Castleton-Castleton/details/?dms=13&venue=6060494

We had a walk around the pretty village, walked up to the caves and said hello to some sheep. Definately one to return to later for a proper walk. And very close to home!

 Vera and I in Castleton

 Vera in her new poang chair and hat

Castleton

Today, we've been for a walk to the park and played and practiced our balancing skills! I've also re-joined the gym and been for an induction, so that feels very good too. Apart from that, I've had a bit of a cooking frenzy, roast butternut squash soup, meatballs, mini quiches and finally a roast chicken for dinner. But that's my way of relaxing!