Another visit to Gooderstone.

A cooler but bright and sunny day which we enjoyed with an early, light lunch at the Gooderstone Water Gardens' café and a gentle stroll in the pretty gardens there afterwards.

Red leaves and glossy berries.

In the centre the round house is of interest...

...it is of wooden construction on which a variety of gourds grow.

Interior from the open doorway.

The floor is made from round-cut smooth logs...

...and the ceiling a spider's web pattern.

One of those days that links the end of summer and the beginning of autumn,  Now we have a season ticket this will not be our last visit to this lovely spot throughout the seasons.

First and last

A glorious day - warm sunshine from a clear, blue-blue sky which showed up the first berries and the last roses in the front garden…

A heavy crop of crab apples...we think...

Rose hips.

Autumn colour.

I hope this is the herald to a golden October.

Contrasts!

On Friday, the village hall was turned into the Brisley Cinema and we joined the 30+ people who attended the afternoon showing of The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society which was released in April this year.  An intriguing title and an interesting film which we enjoyed.

We didn’t attend the American-themed evening showing of Top Gun but admire the organisers for their initiative in running monthly film shows which raise funds for the running of the village hall.



On Saturday, we went to Cromer and attended the matinee performance of The Famous Cromer Pier Show, of particular interest as an old friend was in the cast. The show was entertaining and Harvey James (his stage name but to us he will always be our friend, Ade whom we have known since his early teens) stood out from a talented cast.

An appreciative crowd - the auditorium appeared to be almost full. The only thing free here was a souvenir programme as it was the last day of the season!

The last time we had seen him was 12 years ago at the same venue and we planned a quick coffee between performances but it was an even quicker meet than anyone wanted as he had woken that morning feeling very poorly, possibly with a bout of gastric flu and after a quick hug, when he hoped he hadn’t passed on his bug, he went off to lie down in his dressing room.  He said he had been through the whole season without any health problems until this the final day!  Watching him on stage one wouldn’t have known - a true pro!! The good news was that he will be back at the Pavilion Theatre on the Pier to perform in the Christmas Show and we hope to catch up at that time.

As we walked back along the pier, the waves thundered onto the shore and sent up spray between the boarded walk but at least it wasn’t raining as the forecast had predicted.

The little restaurant at the entrance to the pier was full but they also did take away fish and chips and close by, in a sheltered spot, chairs and one battered table served well for us.  The meal was cooked to order and was delicious.

It has been a week of contrasts from the Norfolk Broads, a jazz supper, a film and a variety show - and all very enjoyable!

Ivan's 50th

Great evening spent at a Jazz Supper at Arbuckle's, Downham Market celebrating Ivan Garford's surprise 50th birthday party.

Ivan was the other half of our duo "Blues in the Night" quite a few years ago now and we haven't seen one another since before we went to live in France.  Happy memories.

Many happy returns, Ivan! Sorry you had to work on your birthday - but we enjoyed it! xx

Norfolk Broads

Yesterday the sun shone from a clear sky - ideal weather for visiting our friends, Clay and Clare at Horning where they - and their dog, Tilly, welcomed us.  After coffee and a catch-up we went to The Ferry Inn for a nice Sunday lunch and afterwards a lovely boat ride visiting some of the Broads.

The captain...

...and co-pilot.

The thatch looks good - and the houses are pretty too!

A bit breezy at times!...

...so I kept my headscarf handy!

And Tilly came too!

A lighthouse on the Broads?  Maybe a converted windmill?

Unusual- looking buildings as well as houses on the banks.

Smiles and waves exchanged.

A few of the local residents.

The first few splashes of Autumn colour.

Life's taken at a leisurely pace.

Three hours later, back in Horning...

...and its landmark windmill.

An uplifting day to start a week of treats and very much appreciated.