We spent a few blissful days in Pickering prior to Christmas not returning home until Christmas Eve which was very relaxing, although the run up to our departure was slightly stressful to say the least!
Presents were wrapped and delivered, the food shop done and dusted apart from the turkey but as there are a couple of butchers and farm shops nearby we were confident we could pick one up on our travels but for a while we did feel like we were playing turkey roulette! as it turned out there was no need to panic as the butcher had a couple left and agreed to save us one until Christmas eve.
Regular readers will know that Pickering has to be one of my favourite places and we head up there every Christmas staying at The White Swan, dogs are allowed so even Brucie gets in on the act.
First stop on Saturday morning was Reeds, my favourite shop in Pickering, it's the paper/gift shop and upstairs is the most wonderful little room full of gorgeousness, if you fancy taking a peek for yourself check out Annes blog where you will find a link to her lovely shop.
Although I have never been during the war weekend, I know it transforms into the most fabulous tea room (hopefully I will get to see it in 'real life' next year). I usually get my war weekend fix from Hen's blog.
The NYMR is always a hive of activity at this time of year as Father Christmas takes time out from his busy schedule to hop on the steam train to meet the Children. Little H used to love this (as did we) but sadly he feels he is a little too grown up to visit Father Christmas now he's twelve.
It didn't stop us taking a stroll down to the station before popping into the model railway shop across the road.
We tootled over the moors on Sunday to Whitby which I have to say was strangely quiet. I just managed to whip out my phone in time to take this.
It was somewhat surreal to say the least to see Father Christmas speeding through Whitby on his sleigh on which was probably the most quietest of days.
After a bracing walk on Sandsend beach we headed back into town to Humble pie for the most delicious pie and mash I have ever tasted and it's only a couple of doors away from Trudie's shop, Dotty about vintage so double the pleasure!
Before we knew it Christmas Eve came around and it was time to collect our turkey and fruit and veg and pack up and head for home... always a sad time as I never feel ready to leave but it was a great feeling knowing we could take our time as everything was organised at home....I had even set the table before we left.
We took a slight detour and drove through the Howardian Hills and past Castle Howard.
It was really lovely to spend quality time together for a few days on the run up to the big day without the frantic dashing around and also to take some time out from cooking. We watched some great T.V, Merlin and Mr. Stink being our favourites and played board games in the Bothy.
So the big day arrived and all I can say is I must have been a very good girl this year as Father Christmas left me some beautiful prezzies in my stocking...love you Mr. H ; )
X
You lucky lady!
ReplyDeleteI thought of you while I was there in all your vintage finery!
DeleteWow, looks like a great place to chill! Mr Stink was great, perfect Christmas viewing! :) x
ReplyDeleteI would love to go to Pickering, looks beautiful. Glad to hear you had a good one :) x
ReplyDelete