Loitering in the Lake District

This is the last of the holiday photos - we had a night down in the Lake District with my sister and husband - the day we drove down was absolutely peachy weather but the next day driving back was wet and cloudy but it was all still so picturesque.

Weigh in this morning - and only a miserly 100g - I was quite disappointed but not really surprised as I'm a daily weigher and all week it's just been holding pretty steady - up and down by a couple of hundred grammes throughout the week. However - that's my first kilo down and I just need to hold the focus and resolve and just keep plugging away. I have tracked very precisely all week and been on or under points, had no alcohol and been pretty good with my water. Areas for improvement this week are to drink more water and get some exercise happening. I'm still struggling to find that extra energy to get me kick started although I know that if I get going I will feel so much better and discover energy I didnt know I had - the reality is that the problem is in my head but I'll get there soon.

Not much in the way of other news - back at work with a lot more enthusiasm this week and almost back into the groove. No plans for the weekend at this stage - think I might get my act together and build the DVDs of our holiday photos - I use a programme called Pro Show Gold and have all sorts of interesting transitions and effects as my photos cycle through and I set it all to music - sometimes choosing a song which has some connection with the place, other times just choosing what I like. The only definite one is Brown Girl in the Ring for the some of the Frankfurt photos as this was being played by a band in the square as we were having a few beers with an Irish guy and his German lady friend who we just happened to meet! I think in total we've got about 3,000 plus photos between us so will split them into one for each city.

That's it from me possums - hope you all have a good week and to those of us who are firmly back 'on the wagon' - make sure you stay there!!

Love Z xx

The view on the way into Keswick

Keswick

Keswick

Just a roadside view

Going into Grasmere

Windermere

Linda, Frank, Bloss and I having dinner in our hotel

One of the exhibits at the Beatrix Potter Museum

Bloss popping up between the squirrels

Peter Rabbit

Pre Dinner drinks in our hotel

Waiting to go into dinner - this was the residents lounge

Lake Windermere

Just one of the many views

And another

Our hotel from the main road

Our hotel Netherton Hall, Grange over Sands

The view from the hotel

Driving along

You see all these lovely sights

Bleak house?

It was raining but the veiws were awesome

Looking across a valley

We were quite high - above many of the clouds

Sojourn in Scotland

Just a another lot of photos for you to check out - this time Scotland.  There are a few family ones in here too since this was mostly what the visit to Scotland was all about.  It's still one of the most beautiful countries in the world but just such a shame it rains so much - but then you wouldn't have all those glorious greens in the landscape if it didn't.  There are quite a lot of pretty photos of this section of our trip so I've split them into two posts.  Hope you enjoy

Love Z xx

Helensburgh

River Clyde at Helensburgh

Mum and I

Views over the Clyde

A view near Drymen

A little tower near Buchanan Castle

Looking towards Loch Lomond on the Balmaha Road

Balmaha Bay

Passfoot Cottage - this used to be a tearoom and I worked there all during my high school and college years

Me looking out on Balmaha Bay

The Lady of the Lake on Loch Katrine

Further Sojourns in Scotland

Sailing on Loch Katrine - it was freezing!

The Trossachs

Bloss with a view towards Stirling

The lodge at Gartmore House

The Winnock, Drymen - the village where Mum and Linda liva

The Pottery, Drymen

While in Scotland I was able to have the pleasure of a Bloggers Meeting.  There were emails flying around between us all trying to work out where would be the best place for us to meet then Isabelle (In this Life) very kindly took charge and said we should all come to her home for tea.  So I followed her spot on directions and arrived at the planned time then we all (including Isabelle's Daughter No 1) went to pick up Shauna (Diet Girl) from the station.  We had a lovely evening together with a delicious meal and special mention should go to Mr Life who was such a charming host despite his home being invaded by a duo of strange women who talked non stop!  Thank you again Isabelle for such a great time.

The Bloggers Meeting - Isabelle, No 1 Daughter, me and Dietgirl and one of the famous catlets - unfortunately I can't remember which one!

Bloss and I outside my cousins house

Mum peeking out of my sister and husbands boat

Bloss having individual tuition on how to do a Highland Scottische - you may be sure that he didn't volunteer for this!

Linda, me and Mum

Linda and Frank and Bloss and I outside The Clachan, Drymen

Mum at a local garden centre on our way to lunch

View from the Crow Road - the peak in the distance is Ben Lomond

The garden at the Courtyard Cafe in Fintry

The village of Kippen

Me in my Uncle's garden -he's 87 and looks after himself and the garden as well as still gadding round the countryside with his female compantion

Uncle Hugh's house