Bouncing Bombs etc.

Is quite early in morning, 7.49 to be precise, as indicated by Flamingo Pink Desk Top! Have just realised that Two, (who is snoring peacefully in bed), has turned off chimes on clock. This definite act of rebellion. Will Have Words when he surfaces.

Need to tell more about visit of son and daughter-in-law from near Geneva. I must say that their two dogs were extremely well behaved. No trouble at all, and this is very small cottage. One of them is quite old now, and spends a lot of time asleep, (bless), while the other, who resembles large black teddy bear, has boundless energy. We made another expedition, this time to the Ladybower Reservoir (of Dambusters fame), which isn't too far away. Took black teddy-bear, and left older doggie peacefully asleep in bedroom. It was a tad chilly, but the scenery around the reservoir very beautiful. Wandered around until eventually found footpath to see famous dam, which is actually on the Derwent Reservoir. Gazed in some awe at edifice, and tried to imagine enormous Lancaster bombers flying over it. Was used in Dambusters film as well as for practice runs for the actual raid back in 1942. Very impressive. Back home we elected to watch the film, (I'm a sucker for collecting war films), and sat misty eyed as Richard Todd as Guy Gibson, led the squadron into action. Were very impressed when shots of dam came up on screen, as Had Actually Been There earlier.

Have discovered to chagrin, that I have been extolling beauties of huge oak tree opposite cottage, only to be informed by son it is in fact a Sycamore. Son was bemused that I had got it so wrong. Was on point of obtaining name plate 'Oak Tree Cottage', which would have been a major faux pas. Cannot believe have failed to identify tree. I blame previous owner, who had net curtains decorated with oak leaves and acorns. Perhaps she too was Unable To Identify Trees. Thought I knew leaves of oak. Am mortified. Will buy book on trees and bone up on subject. In fact, son announced he hadn't seen a single oak tree since arriving in Derbyshire. Not one.

We paid visit to supermarket so they could stock up on Yorkshire Tea-Bags, Shampoo, and various items unobtainable (or wildly expensive) in France.

Daughter-in-law has set up my lap-top for me, (obviously, as am using it), and I am very impressed with speed at which it operates. Am on-line in wink of eye!

More later from Mrs New Dell in the Dales, Sycamore Cottage, Derbyshire.