Lake District

I've had a great few days. Last Friday I went to a health spa with 4 friends for the day and the following day, with four other friends I went to the Lake District for a climb. We set off at 5.45am and arrived at Glenriddin at 10.30am. We started the climb/walk up Helvellyn which is the third highest peak in the Lakes at 10.45am and arrived at the summit at 3pm after an arduous walk. The weather was brilliant and the views absolutely stunning. The climb over the top of Striding Edge was exhilarating. At the bottom we drove to Cockermouth, about forty minutes away where my friend's parents have a cottage. We all showered and then walked to the town centre to a pub for a lovely meal. We walked back and were all tucked up in bed by 11pm! We were shattered. The next day some of us struggled to walk, but nevertheless we were up at 8am and after breakfast we drove to Buttermere and walked around the lake. After the walk we had lunch and set off home. Graham and the children were pleased to see me.

Charlie has now officially left the senior school and is on exam leave. It seems very strange, but he is busy working and really wants to do well. Harry and Rosie are looking forward to half-term which is only the week after next. I can't believe how fast time goes. The weather has really picked up and it is lovely and hot. The birds are singing and all the trees and shrubs are in flower. I so love this time of year. The horse chestnut trees on Manton Lane are resplendent with their white 'candlesticks'.

Supervision tomorrow where we'll discuss the 8,000 word draft methodology chapter. Thankfully it is my first draft. I have been extremely busy with my work and have managed to recruit five participants for the study. So I am trying to focus myself so I can transcribe interviews, which is really dull.

Looking forward to growth group and church this week. I so missed Sunday.