A Belter of A Trip

Getting away from it all was my thing for the last two weeks as the studio technician and I went off to the Lakes on a beauty bound Birthday week, then a relaxing and then crazy second. The real envy factor was that as we were still in Spring, we mainly camped alone for the first part and then the sun came out too! The first stop Coniston, our Campervan had Lake side views on Coniston Hall site and one would find Monteee and me stretching our legs on this unforgettably gobsmacking view each morning before a spot of breakfast.

Monts having morning paddle

Weather wasn't fantastic on this part of the trip but this one eve at Skelwith Bridge was good enough for food and a fire. Every plate made with such finesse, such a careful balance of flavour and texture, so super to be able to have dinner like this.

My Birthday treat was to have lunch at the wonderful Midland Hotel in Morcambe. We came down from the Lakes and camped in Silverdale then went off for a tea party and to my surprise family had gathered. It was as close to perfect as you can imagine and with the sea views still as romantic as a fairy ring, with sophistication of rightness.

Looking at the original staircase

Tea and Birthday cake was up next but who would of known that we should of brought out the bunting as her royal highness herself put in an appearance. Below with the Queen! Oh and Auntie Pat!

DANGER! pre-diamond jubilee peaking!

Always finish a birthday with a fire. Below with Ruby-Doo and Nick.

I'm getting too many candles on my cake now as you can see below, better stop these birthdays right NOW!

We carried on down the country for the other part, called on a few family members and then surprised a few friends, by turning up at Simon W. Desmond's opening in East Sussex. Plenty of wine was drank to alleviate that drive and then a mad dash v. early morning to get one to ones opening at the Dean Clough for 12 noon. Gosh it was a hard slog (getting ones hat on in a camper) but Tad Dah! I made it.       

I really am spoilt, the girls from the mill turned up yesterday to carry this party on with tea and cream cakes in the garden.

Skin

Helen's show last night was a real treat, and in treat I mean that I felt like I walked into a grand world of Wonker, giant canvas with sweet like bulbous objects arranged in a way that appear to extrude in dense layers, and the feeling of Hammer Horror about the start, it was all a great hit with me!

Helen below with one of her works

Artist from the mill were out in force!

Oneself, Neeta and Kirsty with my fave from the show "Seethe"

Her work provides an experience, so what are you waiting for, go see the show!

The morning after the night before and we had lots to do before my pick up from Dean Clough, now there's no need for this Brother Roger even though I did put you through it, but hey, thanks for the help!

To View a few

Looking for a piece of art work to stand the test of time? Besides my own of course! My foolproof tip is to go to Doug Binder's show at the Hester Gallery, Leeds at once and pick up yourself a winner.

John B and I went to see Doug and had a strut around his refreshing show last night.

Although I will not tell you the piece I want as I plan to go back for it!



Tonight is Helen's night, the preview of her new work and solo show, not to be missed!

Nice to see Mr Simon last week as he called by before his drive back to Sussex for a spot of Tea and cake

Looking good Mr D....TEA Heeee