Going North of the Border

Yes, we're going to Scotland. 

I got an email yesterday from Shearings Coaches with their latest offers. We've had several holidays with them before and, although the hotel accomodation is quite basic, their late deals are really great value for money. Our last one was back in February 2013 when we had 4 nights half board in Scarborough, all travel to and from Dover included, plus 2 excurions, and all for £109 each.

We've prevaricated for ages about what to do for our 30th wedding anniversary at the end of July, and now I'm really pleased we didn't make plans earlier. Last night I booked us a 7 night break to Oban for just £438 for the both of us, saving over £600 on the original price. We're travelling up on our actual anniversary (26th) but, if we'd gone a week later, even with discount it would have cost over £900. Again its half board, all travel included, overnight stays on the way there and back in hotels in the north of England, and day trips to the isles of Mull, Iona and Seil and to the Trossocks National Park. I'd saved a tax refund DH got a while back so I paid the entire amount in cash and even got £17 cashback through Quidco. 

I'm really excited about it as I've never been to Scotland and nor has Dave even though his dad was Scottish. We don't travel much so although a trip to Scotland might not be much for some people it's a real event for us.

This is our hotel, taken from the Shearings website:-

And here are views of Oban:-

And the Trossocks:-

I can't wait for our holiday, but first this month is crazy with 4 birthdays, including mine on the 21st. The 15th is a triple event being DD1's 30th birthday, Father's Day and the Race for Life in Folkestone that I'm doing for the first time. DD1's coming over from Winchester for the day on the 14th and we're taking her out for a birthday lunch and then back here for cake. My youngest sister's birthday is on the 27th and DS1's is the 29th. So I have lots of cards to make and pressies to buy or make over the next couple of weeks. I have a Doctor Who cushion panel to make up for DS1 but I'm not sure what to get for DD1 yet.

The weather was good today after a horrible wet day yesterday. After I'd finished a good clean out of my kitchen cupboards I had a walk into town and wandered around the charity shops. I picked up a vintage knitting book for £1.50 but a lot of the tops I saw were more than I was prepared to pay. I'm still mostly making do with my old stuff, except for jeans and underwear. I always did wear loose fitting clothes, they're just a lot looser now I'm 5 sizes smaller. Talking of which, I had a 2lb loss this week, which took care of the weight I'd gained over the previous 2 weeks. So far this week has started well so I'm hoping for at least another 1lb off next week. I'm whittling away at it slowly and now have less than a stone to lose to get to my goal weight.

I think that's all for now. I've been trying to sew a phone case this afternoon but 2 attempts failed. I'll have another go tomorrow and post if it turns out okay.

Hope everyone is keeping well. Love, Helen x