Addition to the family home

This weekend, early Sunday morning, 6.39 to be precise, my husband sent a text informing me of his imminent arrival at 9am, to take us on a magical mystery tour!

Now, I'm never one to turn down a 'Richard road-trip' which generally consists of driving in the Derbyshire dales, mooching in musty antique shops and dining on full English breakfast, in one of many of our favourite cafés.

Yesterday was no exception, except we did set foot in unchartered territory to begin; an Emporium in southernmost Chesterfield. Although we bought nothing (Richard twitched over a xylophone) we found some chalk paint for the mahogany wash-stand which we're planning to do a shabby-chic number on.

From there the tour bus took us to Bakewell, where we found a dresser for the kitchen and after some negotiation managed to secure a June pick-up with a £100 deposit!

Matlock followed, and lunch at the Boathouse; a bag of sweets in Wirksworth, a cup of tea in a lay-by somewhere near Via Gelia, then more tea and chocolate biscuits at Raggy's to finish!

So, half a stone heavier and £119 lighter, we have a home for cutlery and crockery in the kitchen of number 2!