Back for more.....

So to continue....

We of course ended up a the village pub on our first night back and, to the hilarity of everyone, I got ID'd.... turns out I am 3 years older than the barman!! We went back after a few beers and enjoyed a delicious Chinese takeaway - how English! I was up early to give Dad a lift to his speed awareness class (naughty-naughty) and we ended up in Salisbury for a nice pub lunch and a wander around, with a little shopping thrown in too. After which we headed out of town to pick up Jamie with Mum. She was a little groggy after a nap and a bit of a handful, but it was great to see her school. We headed back home where we again enjoyed a few drinks at the pub and then a FABULOUS Thai meal that Dad cooked. It was delicious. After this, and a few more drinks we went off to bed as we were off to see Gran & Grampa in the morning.

We were off early for our 4 hr trip as planned and when we arrived in Duffield, as decided, Jen and I were left to see Keddleston Hall, a Manor house now owned in part by the National Trust. It is a classic example of such a house, with sprawling grounds, it's own church and large rooms throughout. Jen was very excited when we walked through the door and we realised that this played a big part in the filming of "The Duchess" and they had a special collection of costumes from the making of the movie.

After a wander around the house and ground we took the short drive to my Grandparents, which I hadn't been to in close to 8 years! It was great to see the house that I had done so much growing up in and wonderful to see them both again and show Jen around. After a nice bite to eat, cup of tea and conversation we left with the family for the hotel we were staying at nearby, where we were having dinner at later that evening.

The hotel was lovely, the room that Jen and I got was huge, with a giant bed and great bathroom.... such a change from our usual accommodation! We got ready for dinner and went down to the bar to join the family - 4 generations of Buchanans! We had a wonderful time with Gran & Grampa and after a lovely meal we retired for the night.

Thursdays agenda entailed us going back round to the Grandparents for light lunch and then back on the road for the journey, taking the long way home, through Gloucester, where I was born, so Jen could see my first house etc etc. We arrived back down south in time for us to meet Nick at a pub close by him, where we were to spend the night before heading to London in the morning.

It was nice to see Nick and Luce's house now that they had lived in it and we had a great night hanging out before they had to work in the morning and we headed to London in the early evening to go to Tom & Cat's and meet up with Ryan (from L.A.) too.

Again, it's time to leave, so we will regale you with more re-caps of the last few weeks soon, pictures to be included.

Bye!!