A Visit to Nottingham

On Wednesday we went over to Nottingham to visit our friends. We set out about 9.30a.m. and drove through Ashbourne to Belper and then towards Ilkeston. There were a couple of places on the way where we had to divert because of road closures so the journey took a little longer than expected. We stopped at the Bottle Kiln at West Hallam for a cup of coffee and a look around their art gallery and shop. We saw some beautiful things but I was very good and resisted the temptation to spend some money; the coffee was lovely and very welcome.

We arrived at our friends' house just before noon and had a good natter about various things before lunch was ready. Our friends are both excellent cooks and the food was very good. We had an onion quiche, with new potatoes in mayonnaise and a salad of dressed spinach leaves followed by a berry fruits trifle. Here is the first course waiting to be served -

After lunch we had a walk in the park near their home and then more chatter and laughter until it was time for us to say goodbye.



We were enjoying ourselves so much that we left it a bit late and set out for home at the same time as the rush hour so we were held up once or twice getting out of the city - especially on the Brian Clough Way; but we were home for 7 o'clock and our kind next door neighbour had been round to feed the cats and switch lights on so that it looked as if we were at home. It is such a blessing to have good friends.