I didn't have far to go last night for my first adventure - just down the road to Southdea village Hall, where I was Guest Speaker at the Rural (the Scottish version of the WI). It is only a small group - and I used to be a member, so I wasn't too nervous!
they are looking at the Chairman, as she welcomes me
I knew they wouldn't be particularly interested in the technical ins and outs of quilting, so I just took along a big pile of quilts and wallhangings and blethered about them!
Then it was time for supper - never mind the savoury things, just feast your eyes on this gooey chocolate cake!
My last duty of the evening was to judge the two competitions. First, choosing my favourite three brooches from the lovely collection that the ladies had brought along
Then, judging the knitted squares
This morning, we set off for Newcastle for the second adventure. Now, you know we can't travel for more than five minutes without having to stop for a cuppa! So when we got ot Belsay, we stopped here
When Malcolm ordered our cuppa, he somehow managed to order a cherry scone for us to share as well
I was lovely and warm, sitting in front of the stove - but on closer inspection it turned out to be a gas one!
Then, it was on to the The Biscuit factory
We were there to have lunch with Rachel, and to give her her socks. While we waited for her to arrive, we had a look at the menu, and tried to ignore the special offer chocolate fondue!
When Rachel arrived, the socks were duly admired, then the food was ordered ........
a chicken pesto roll for Malcolm, broccoli and stilton soup for me
an egg mayo roll for Rachel
Having polished off that lot, we then went off to Rachel's house for pudding - a wonderful pear tart!
Then, the absolute highlight of both adventures ....... getting to meet the gorgeous Flossie
and the absolutely fabulous Tosca
There was one more delight to come - in return for my knitting skills, Rachel had used her baking skills to make these yummy treats for us
biscuits, two kinds of muffins - and the parcel at the front was unwrapped to reveal
the most wonderful rich, dark gingerbread
ps - don't worry, we won't be gorging ourselves, Rachel assured me that it can all be frozen!