Feel like a grown up

I'm a married teacher on the cusp of turning 40, GO and I are begining the adoption process imminently, but nothing makes me feel more like a grown up than we make big scary purchases. 

Today we bought a sofa, a brand spanking new, fresh from the work shop sofa.  We will be paying it off in instalments for a couple of years, just like the phone and the car. 

We hadn't planned it, we went to ikea for some frames for my birthday present.  It turns out the artist knew that it is tricky to find frames to match his prints, so can charge and arm and a leg on his website for them.  Once we left ikea nit quite empty handed we decided to check out the nearby shopping precinct. It was awesome and had everything you could want all in one place.

First stop was a furniture shop, it was having a sale, we wandered around not really looking, definitely just browsing. We split up and checked out the sofas we liked.  We have such different tastes, I look for style that is cost and classic.  GO wanted  a sofa that had room for us both to stretch out on.  We both saw a sofa in the corner and headed towards it.  It looked good, felt comfy and was half price.  Bargain.

We didn't need a sofa, we'd had ours for six years, there was nothing wrong with it.  It's a bit creaky and squishy.  The cushions have flopped a bit and it has an odour, but it is still fine.

We went to the other shops, people  into the holiday shop, I wanted a ski brochure.  We bought mum her birthday present, a perpetual calendar in the shape of a dackel.  We walked  back to the car.  "We could just find out, how much it is.."  GO, doesn't like to make quick  decisions, he took six years to propose to me after all.

An hour later, we have ordered a three seater corner sofa in Taupe. It has stain protection and could be in situ in a week.  It is lovely and it really was a bargain.  For five pound  extra we have been put into a charity raffle and could win the sofa for free, we won't hold our breaths. 

Bronte Falls - Fat Girl Walking

I'd heard about it in the staffroom, I'd seen it on Instagram, I'd driven past it on my way home from work nearly everyday.  Today I decided to go an visit the Bronte Waterfalls.  GO and I hopped in the car, we didn't really take anything with, on a normal walk we'd be laden down with backpacks, wet water gear, and other such supplies.  This was only a quick walk, it was just off the main road.....

"I intended to have written a line yesterday, but just as I was sitting down for that purpose, Arthur called to me to take a walk. We set off, not intending to go far; but though wild and cloudy it was fine in the morning; when we got about half-a-mile on the moors, Arthur suggested the idea of the waterfall; after the melted snow, he said it would be fine. I had often wished to see it in its winter power, so we walked on. It was fine indeed; a perfect torrent racing over the rocks, white and beautiful!"

Charlotte Bronte, November 29th 1854

Well it seems, dear reader (I'm getting a bit carried away with the Bronteness of it all), I am the Arthur of this family.  I knew there was a waterfall, what I didn't know was just how far away it was.  2 miles, that isn't far.  It isn't far at all, but over hill and dale it can get a bit tiring.

I'll walk where my own nature would be leading: It vexes me to choose another guide. Emily Bronte

We walked past meadows and over the tops in the most glorious sunshine, there was the ever present cloud looming and multiplying over head, a constant reminder that I had dared to hang out my washing on a Sunday, but it was an idyllic day.  We/I wasn't really sure where we were going, as is the norm, I had googled a bit, but I was basically following two hiker shaped objects in front of us.    I wouldn't acknowledge GO's concerns that they had packs and supplies and we had a camera and my handbag.

We made it and it was, while glorious might be too grand a word, lovely.  I have read on the website (that I discovered on our return) that he best time to visit falls is just after rainfall, as they look spectacular.  When we arrived the area was full of hikers and families enjoying the sunshine and tucking in to their very British picnics.  As we didn't even have a bottle of water (I know, I know), our feelings of annoyance may have in actual fact been feelings of jealousy.

We made our way back, planning to one day return and to attempt the Top Within' trail, we seem to always decided to try another trail on the way home from a trail we are on.  Promising ourselves that the next hike we try would be well provisioned.  There is nothing like a cup of coffee and a biscuit that you have lugged all the way from home in a stainless steel cylinder.  We enjoyed the walk back to the car, we didn't have the feeling of anticipation that you have when you head out somewhere new, but we had the joy of knowing that this glorious, wonderful countryside and all of the epic scenery around us, was only ten minutes from our front door.

Facebook profile - of course

I found a spot to chill

It's a shame, but he didn't fall in, I didn't even try

Plans for the future

Posers

Biggest sky I have seen in a while.

I will tell you the tale of this sheep and her lamb, one day.

More info about Haworth, The Bronte's and just a brainy quote or two;

http://www.haworth-village.org.uk/brontes/places/bronte_falls.asp

Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/emilybront385392.html

Beautiful Vista

I am trying to be more mindful these days and as part of my in the present thinking, I line to drive home "the pretty way".  If I am particularly taken by a view I have decided to stop and photograph it. 

Here is driving home photo 1