Family get together

Last weekend we spent a relaxing time with family in the Peak District. As you can see by the photo the weather was unpredictable. However this didn't hinder the more hardy hill walkers of the group.

We stayed in the most beautiful Youth Hostel Hartington Hall. I would highly recommend it. The setting and the accommodation were beautiful.

The food was excellent. The children especially loved the breakfast ! The added touch of fresh wild flowers in handmade pottery made the experience delightful.
Most importantly the company of the wonderful Anamama and Gentlytiptoe was the highlight. We got to meet our new niece and spend time with each other. One branch of the family tree came all the way from Saudi to be with us.

The staff at Hartington were very pleasant and helpful even when we took over the foyer on the last night for a birthday party with impromptu entertainment. We had music, singing in Spanish, Welsh and English, juggling, game playing and reminiscing. We even had a few non family members join us !

Our last day was the icing on the cake with Morris Dancers in the village and a craft fair.

And of course the opportunity to Thrift. I found these old gypsy pegs and the tea and sugar tin.

I was sure that I had seen a tin like this before but wasn't sure where. When she saw it Mum said that my Grandpa had one exactly the same to bring his tea to work. I love these everyday items as it gives me a link to how life was before mass production and cellophane wrapping.

The pegs are so much nicer to hold and are stronger and prettier than the plastic pegs we have today. I enjoy imagining the person who made them and how they were sold and who used them before me. The tea tin is so practical and also pretty to look at. Much nicer than a sachet of instant coffee or a tea bag carried in a plastic lunch box don't you think ?