I have no excuse except that life after lambing was just so very busy, as it always is, and I am still a slow blogger and typist. Also I am getting older so I fade after about 7pm and just don't feel like tackling more computer work then.
A cricket match at Buxworth as clouds threaten - we can see and hear the cricketers faintly from our front garden on a clear day.
This is a far view of Cracken Edge from Western Lane, Buxworth with our farm to the upper right of the picture and with the sunlight falling on our lower Hollinwood fields.
These are views across from Buxworth to the hills of the farm, which you can just see above the buildings in the foreground. Our house nestles in amongst the trees which is a perfect shelterd spot with a marvellous spring water supply which has never failed in living memory. There has been a settlement at Cote Bank since the iron age as they turned up arrow heads during the war when the spring field was ploughed for the first time.
Another view of the farm with our son's swimming pool roof looking very new to the right of the farmhouse and Old House.
The buttercups have been beautiful this year - a result of the rains we have "enjoyed' all too often! Chinley and Cracken Edge in the background.
I couldn't resist the light falling on Chinley Churn and Cracken Edge.
This is proof that, as Nic always tells the guests after a particularly rainy spell, the sky is always blue over Cote Bank!
And luckily on our safe hill any floods pass us by and just leave us with rainbows - these shots have Eccles Pike in the back ground. 
This is proof of what a hopeless blogger I am - there must be a way to turn this but I can't find it so you will just have to stand on your heads to appreciate the marvellous double rainbow and photography!
Our old friends the Hamsons and their 3 well behaved border collies came back for a second visit this year - the girls were waiting patiently to go home when this shot was taken but we hope to see them back next Easter with more winning rosettes to show us.
On a personal note our son has finally roofed his swimming pool with a lot of help from father, friends and neighbours at times of need.
He had to hire a larger digger to swing the roof beams into place which was a nail biting operation to watch, but he is incredibly skilled now and at last the footpath looks down on an improving patio site.
Converting the old milking barns and shippons into their house has been hugely costly as the new environmental requirements are strict but the finished result is a triumph and he and Karen have such flair that their home is beautiful. I can't wait to help when needed with the layout of their patio and garden - they provide the ideas and I tell them what will do well there.
Pentecost with the tongues of fire descending on the 12 apostles.
Harvest.
BaptismTo shower the sheep we have a contractor who comes with a portable shower unit - sorry no photos this year - the sheep go in 10 at a time and a revolving shower head drenches them from above while a similar one sprays them from below, they go into a second holding area on a slatted floor to drip a bit and are then released into the field.
All this is very noisy especially as they all smell the same for a while and the lambs have to rely on knowing the mother's bleat to team up again. The mothers are more interested in catching up on eating fresh grass to bother too much with their large lambs so only give occassional bleats
We were off to Atlanta USA on the 7th July to await the birth of our newest grandaughter so had to do them before we left. In fact there were so many last minute things to see to that we got on the plane and collapsed in relief.
We made it to Atlanta with 3 hours to spare and I was present at the birth of our second and very special grandaughter -Adison Rose Woodall. Her name was chosen by Adam to join his and Alison's names and Rose is for my Mother, whom Alison loved dearly and learned many skills from, and also for Adam's grandmother.
This little pink dress was worn by Alison over 30 years ago and has been recycled most successfully.
Grandmothers are biased but she is a very pretty baby and very good.
From the hectic farm and tourism life to the relaxation in our daughter and son-in-law's pool - what heaven, even though the summer temperatures and humidity have been hard to bear out of the pool.
We have enjoyed bonding again with little Nicolas who is a lively and lovely 18 months old now.
Every morning by 8am we walked to the local park a mile or so away with the step- grandchildren, Jaden and Kirsten, and Leo the dog, in an attempt to beat the heat and wear them all out a bit. Mostly we ended up wringing wet and exhausted while they were still full of life!
Little Kirsten just adores Adison and couldn't wait to hold her each day.
Alison with her 2 babies for those of our friends and visitors who remember her.
And after a visit to our favourite steakhouse The Longhorn it was back to the farm and life as we know it!I was very busy with B&B guests and this year we have made the momentous decision that I will officially retire in August after 20 years of looking after B&B guests and just concentrate on our 2 holiday cottages, our grandchildren, our Church activities and of course my garden!
