We made it mostly a day of household tasks, getting ready for tomorrow's departure and tonight's meal with the family.
For the first time in all the years I have been coming to Ripon, we were able to invite everyone to our place - you usually don't invite people over when you only have a hotel room, are staying at a B&B or at someone else's home. But this time, we had an entire house to ourselves!
We enjoyed the preparations nearly as much as the evening itself. My mother-in-law, sister-in-law and niece came; only my brother-in-law couldn't make it. He is a dairy farmer and works very long hours.
During the day, we connected shopping for the meal's ingredients with a last walk around Ripon. It was a sunny day, and we really did not want to think of it as our last day here. Had we had the possibility to stay on, we would have done so without hesitating!
The above picture is my last one of Ripon for this year. Next stop Sheffield!
I love Yorkshire. It has very special associations (plus John come from Leeds, which helps). I'm. Glad you had a good time.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Frances. We had a lovely week there, and I can't wait to go back next year.
Deletewhat a charming setting! I've often thought while reading novels set in Cornwall or Yorkshire that I would like to live in either place. If I had planned my retirement better, I would at least be living in an English-style cottage here in my town. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is most charming, Nonnie! As for planning one's reitrement - well, often people make all those plans and then something happens that overturns everything. I do have a vague idea of my own retirement but nothing tangible (besides, it's more than 20 years ahead) :-)
DeleteThere is definitely something very inviting about living in or near a town centre when one can do so in the charming setting of a cottage like that. It's so very tempting.
ReplyDeleteIt is, isn't it, Graham. If it was not for me having my job, my family, my friends and my flat here, I could definitely see myself living in Ripon.
DeleteI've only been to Ripon once but really liked it. I usually prefer a cottage to a b&b. Not only do you have independence but you don't have to suffer those "full English breakfasts" that always make me feel a bit strange, even if it is other people eating them and not me. Something about all that fried stuff so early in the morning... :)
ReplyDeleteNow that we've stayed at that lovely cottage, I can't see us going back to the B&B, either! We've always been happy with that, too, but you are right about the independence bit - and the fried stuff :-)
DeleteI think I really love this cottage that you showed us! What did you prepare for dinner? Do tell! I am sure it was wonderful!
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't anything special, just pasta and veg in the oven as the maincourse and a large bowl of mixed leafy salads and breadsticks for starters. The dessert was my niece's contribution; she had made delicious cupcakes.
DeleteThe cottage is lovely, and we do hope to rent it again next time we're in Ripon together.