Catching up

 It's been a couple weeks since I mentioned that I was going on a stitching day and a trip the day after,  I always plan on posting and then I keep putting it off.  Anyway, I originally missed getting my name down for this recent stitching day, It's a popular venue hosted by two lovely ladies at a hotel about 20 minutes drive from home.  The places fill up fast so you have to be pretty quick once they start taking names but, I was lucky this time as they had switched rooms and had a few more places available. 

  I had a lovely day stitching, chatting and eating yummy food, I forgot to take any photos though, I was too busy stitching.  I took Mary Margaret with me to work on, still a fair bit to go on this one but every stitch takes me closer to a finish, right?

The following day was my day trip - I've never visited Bakewell so when I saw a coach trip advertised I booked myself on it.  We had a bonus stop in Matlock Bath en route, only for 45 minutes but it was enough to stretch our legs and get a cuppa, (or in my case an ice cream).  Matlock Bath is very pretty and I imagine there are some nice walks so perhaps somewhere to re-visit another time.  One thing I did find very strange, In that small stretch of shops there were no fewer than 7 fish & Chip shops!

We couldn't have chosen a better day weather wise for a day out and although I didn't find anything on the market in Bakewell to tempt me, (well except for a couple of books, I can always find a book or two to bring home), It was a really lovely day.  I found a lovely wool shop, and yes I did make a purchase, I sat with a coffee and read my book and I had a walk around the beautiful town. It was perfect.

The centre piece of Bakewell are the Bath Gardens, a very nice place to sit a while and take a break from the shops.

The Old Original Bakewell Pudding shop building with it's interesting window dates bake to the 17th centaury.  A Mrs Wilson lived there and she became aware of a new pudding that had been created by accident by the cook at a local inn, the pudding, although not what was requested was a hit and Mrs Wilson saw a potential business opportunity for making and selling the pudding and 'acquired' the recipe.  

The Bakewell Puddings are still made by hand to that original recipe today.  They are very different to a bakewell tart, which has icing and a cherry on the top.  

I took one home with me to try and although it was ok I think I much prefer the bakewell tart.

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 And speaking of puddings, have you heard of the Book & Pudding club? 

  They were a new one on me, a friend mentioned at the stitching day that she goes to one, although that particular one is full I found another local to me held at the cafe in the park.  As the weather was beautiful that night the meeting was held outside this time, there were a fair few there and the previous books discussion was lively, Sarah, the host, had prepared some great questions to put forward.  There was also a raffle with three book prizes were up for grabs, (sadly my number wasn't called) and a free book table.  

The next months book is chosen by a vote, three books are put forward, a leaflet with a photo of the books and a synopsis is handed out and you simply vote for the book you would like to read and discuss next time.  You do have to source you own copy of the book for these clubs and there is a monthly fee for attending but I thought I would see how it goes.   Unfortunately, (for me), the book that received the most votes is one that I have already read, In Memoriam by Alice Winn.  I don't mind too much, I really loved the book and it will be interesting to hear everyone's thoughts on it next time.

  And last by not least, I finished a pair of shorty socks using left over yarn.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend, I have yet another stitching retreat day to go to on Sunday, so I'm sure I'll have a good one😁 

-X-