Got to get back to normal, had a lovely holiday but 6 weeks time I'll be in China so need to knuckle down!!

But will have to just remind myself what a wonderful time I had so I'll share it with you.

After an exhausting weekend in Yorkshire Dales, Monday morning off to Cornwall, had a nice leisurely drive down with a stop for lunch and catching up with all the news with my dear friend and former neighbour. A few days in Penzance with our other former neighbours and then over to the Isles of Scilly. Weather not brilliant as the wind was very cold and it can change by the hour over there but once the wind had drop a bit and the rain had blown through it was lovely (not very warm) and we had some lovely trips out including some boat trips.

Of course one trip would have to be to the famous Abbey Gardens on the island of Tresco. With a very mild climate and frost and snow almost unheard of the flora and fauna is amazing so I was in my element. I was last here forty years ago and although some of the plants and trees were larger or different, the atmosphere and fascination for me was just as before. Forty years ago I hadn't even got into Floristry but was interested in gardening even then and was enthralled by all the exotic looking plants the like of which I had never seen before.

The last time I was on the Isles of Scilly I caught the bug for rowing after having a go in a Gig Boat that sparked my love of rowing a couple of years later. The boat trips around the Island were a favourite pass time too and this time we had a treat and were taken around St Mary's in the Life Boat out on a practise run, all dressed up ready to go to dinner at Star Castle we must have looked a bit odd with Life Jackets on!!! I'll let you judge for yourself!!

I had every intention of going for a swim in the sea every day but the wind was so bitter I think I would have caught double pneumonia so had to make do with walking but nothing as challenging as Yorkshire as any hills on the Islands are mere mole hills in comparison to Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-Y- Ghent!

 I couldn't go to the Islands and not go out on the Sea Safari all around the remote uninhabited islands we saw lots of sea birds an at least one puffin which must have a late brood as most have left the islands after the breeding season. It's too early for baby seals but we saw some of last years young as well as lots of pregnant females. It's amazing how well they blend in with the granite rocks but once you got focused there were so many.

The one on the right was sleeping in the sunshine and as we rounded the corner he woke up with such a start and had this lovely surprised expression. All in all it was a wonderful holiday but all aver far too quickly. Must knuckle down now to some really serious training for the next 6 weeks and step up the fund raising!!

Don't forget you can donate via the Just Giving link to the right hand side of this page.

Pub games night Friday 21st August get your teams together and register as soon as possible.

Charity Auction Thursday 10th September at Bath Function Rooms. I will be adding more 'Lots' later in the week. Anyone wanting to donate 'Lots' please leave a message below.