We have just had the most wonderful weekend.
To start us off on Friday we had a family wedding, it was lovely that nearly all of my Dad's family could be together. My Dad was one of 9 and although I'm an only child I have many cousins who might not get together that often but when we do, it's like we're together all the time. There was a great deal of chatting, lots of laughing and by the end of the evening much dancing. My mum and dad (approaching 90 loved every minute of it!)
I think I can say for us all that we had a brilliant time.
I woke up on Saturday and remembered that 33 years ago to the day I woke up on a mattress on the floor! It was the day of my wedding and we had so many guests staying with us that mum thought it would be best if I moved out of my bedroom a day early and give someone MY bed!!!
She loves me really ( I think) and I suppose I didn't really mind, neither can I remember waking up with back pain. But, NO bed to sleep in meant NO room to get ready in. Thankfully, the landing was quite spacious, although I had to share it with my four bridesmaids!
It does remain a memory to treasure.
So back to the present and off we went to Dedham for a champagne afternoon tea at Maison Talbooth.
We spent a very relaxing time on the terrace and the afternoon tea hit the spot! It was all really nice and so peaceful. I can understand why Constable loved this area, it is so picturesque. Especially on a sunny day!!
From Dedham we drove up to Ipswich and had an evening walk around the dock.
The thames barges Hydrogen and Thistle were moored there, which was strange because we normally see them at home moored at the quay in Maldon.
We really like Ipswich Dock yet, we don't visit very often. Next time, we'll spend a little longer, perhaps have a meal and stay for the evening. We were too full to eat anything else on Saturday after our afternoon tea.
On Sunday Jessica had an early 3rd birthday treat, some presents, a birthday lunch and a Peppa Pig birthday cake, which I posted about on my blog earlier. That was all good fun and I was full up once more with sandwiches and cakes.
In the afternoon I took these photos of my sky scarf which is now at it's halfway stage. It is beginning to get quite heavy now, I dread to think if I'll ever be able to wear the finished article around my neck. I think I'd end up with a permanent stoop!
I do plan however to decorate the spare room with these colours in mind and have the scarf across the bottom of the bed.
Finally to finish off our long weekend, we were very lucky to be invited on a boat trip from Orford in Suffolk on The Lady Florence. Michael's brother was celebrating his 60th birthday yesterday so 6 of us in the late afternoon set off from the quay with a gale blowing and dark clouds looming overhead.
Along the river, passed Orford Ness we headed towards Aldeburgh. The boat can carry just 12 passengers.
From Aldeburgh the boat made it's return journey while we went inside to be served a delicious freshly prepared meal. I have to say we really enjoyed ourselves and as we passed our original starting place we took our coffee out on deck while the boat chugged past the RSPB Sanctuary at Havergate Island.
We then returned to Orford and as we stepped back on to the quay the rain finally came. I think we were so lucky we didn't get a shower or two while onboard.
I'd definitely recommend this trip!
