An English summer

Hello! Remember me? I'm the person who used to blog once a week, sometimes more, about life at Nelson House. Well I did until August hit that is. August should be quiet workwise for both of us, so we had planned lots of visitors and a list of things to progress the house but work didn't slacken off and I certainly wasn't going to cancel guests - we love our visitors! So progress on the house came to a shuddering halt and we just kept partying and are now officially exhausted. Rather than long prose, here is our August in photographs.

There was a lot of canine activity, particularly as several guests brought their dogs (much to Mortimer's delight) and there is a new guide dog trainee in the village - Hoby Hoy (H.H. for short),

Mortimer & Dexter - not sure Mr M is really trying!

Dexter & H.H wouldn't stop playing

Which did put Mortimer's nose out of joint somewhat

But he is adorable

And now he's grown a bit Mortimer is happy

Hunstanton is a firm favourite with guests and several trips were made. When the sun is shining what better place than a traditional seaside town?

Old Hunstanton beach

Andrew and the dogs enjoyed paddling

Dexter just loves to dig!

There were beach huts

and bowls

and music from the bandstand

and errant dogs.

As well as a dog who ate too much ice cream...

Are we nearly home yet?

Another favourite destination this summer was Ely which has a good mix of historical buildings, good independent shops and some lovely walks (and restaurants) by the river. We enjoyed the food and gift fair in the grounds of Ely Cathedral.

Ely summer food and gift fair

Several lunches by the river

The Great Ouse

and of course the cathedral

Andrew in admiration

I have got a post planned for Ely Cathedral later on - hopefully soon if September can calm down. Just a little. Please.

Summer visitors

We were lucky this summer to have lots of friends and family to stay, some of whom we hadn't seen for a couple of years. It's nice for us as it gives us a break from working on the house and we get to go exploring. These photgraphs give a flavour of summer 2013.

Lots of these were prepared.

Preparation

Which resulted in quite a lot of these.

So you weren't hungry then?

We spent time on the beach at Old Hunstanton, which Mortimer and friend Ben thoroughly enjoyed. You've no idea how tired they were that evening!

Old Hunstanton beach

We did the tour at Elgoods Brewery and gardens and managed not to get stuck in the maze. Their logo is taken from the family crest which includes a black dog holding a key. Is it me or does it really look like a big bone?

Elgoods Brewery, Wisbech

Which did inspire us to take a couple of trips to the Beers of Europe warehouse. This is a fabulous place which not only sells beers, ciders & perrys from the U.K, Europe and all over the world but also has a huge range of spirits.

Beers of Europe warehouse

On one of the few overcast days that we had we visited Ely, spending a very long time in an antiques centre.

Ely

And Andrew mastered the art of making the perfect mojito.

What's the use of a herb garden if you don't use the herbs?

So with summer nearly spent we're welcoming the first of our autumn guests in a couple of weeks. Now where shall we go?