In too Deep?

Phew, we have been so busy lately, trip to Hull, visitor from NZ, Rugby World Cup to watch (from behind the sofa), and the day jobs of course.

Hull has what is considered an excellent aquarium, as we have a budding Marine Biologist in the family, it seemed an appropriate place to visit. We arrive on the Friday evening, Leanne having scored a cheap hotel with some deal. The thing is with these deals, you never know what sort of accommodation you are getting. This particular hotel looked...a bit nondescript, there was no sign above the door, plenty of parking and a hair salon next door, it actually looked like the busiest hair salon in the Northeast. 

We enter - dog in tow, and check in. Friendly staff at least, the hotel however was verging on faded charm. The back of the hotel looked much more inviting, with nice gardens and outdoor seating.

Collapse in the room, and work out how to put the telly on. After a quick dash to Marks and Spencer's to get essential supplies, mainly chocolate and fizzy pop, we are ready for our evening meal. As we have the dog, and we had been asked not to leave the dog in the room unattended, we ask at reception to be seated in the special dog area. This turned out to be on the ‘heated’ patio. We were invited to leave out of the front door, circumnavigate the hotel and present ourselves on the patio, where we were assured the heaters would be turned on. After assessing the route, and the weather forecast, it appeared without GPS and walking boots, it would be easier to leave the dog in the car. We seat ourselves at a pleasant looking table close at hand and indoors. At our table, we are invited to choose off the menu, and write our own orders out! Weird. At least we weren't given year old fashion magazines and asked to pick out the style we wanted, I’m not sure they could have come up with anything other than a mullet.

The next day, it’s off to the aquarium. This proved to be excellent. Very well thought out, with lots of educational stuff for the young and old. After educating ourselves with the ways of sea creatures, we were in need of sustenance. Bob Carver’s fish and chips had been recommended. Off we set, thanks to google maps, we located said chippy without problem. The problem was however, understanding the woman behind the counter. We were only an hour an a half up the country, but her accent was completely indecipherable! Some how we bought our lunch with a combination of pointing and mime, and enjoyed it in Hull town center on a bench - we know how to live the high life.

Soon after our return to the comfort of our own home and the ability to understand the locals our friend Angus arrived. We did the customary trip to Chatsworth, encouraged him to buy a flat cap, and made him eat yorkshire puddings at the local pub. We tried to teach him the words to 'On Ilkley Moor bah't hat' without success. 

Phew, what a scorcher!

Maisie on Yorkie

Yayoi Kusama 'Flowers That Bloom Tomorrow'

28 degrees in October? England through to the next round in the Rugby World Cup at the top of their table? A decent reception on the telly? (We have gone digital.) All very weird.

I feel for the squirrels, in the park next to work, eating my lunch (I was - not the squirrels). The poor squirrels were running around as if to say “Well...do we collect nuts, don't we collect nuts? I’ve found a nut, do I need it just now, no I don't think I do, oh wait, when have there been nuts that aren't needed? I know, I’ll just run around looking cute, if a little confused.” 

It was even sunny on Saturday. That never happens - even in the middle of summer. Unfortunately, we had to take delivery of my father’s household contents and attempt to pack them into our already groaning garage. Lugging boxes around on the hottest day of the year - not my idea of fun!

All under control

As a reward for myself, I decided not to touch even one box, or attempt any DIY on Sunday. I spent a very pleasant time watching Maisie’s riding lesson. They have a new teacher who likes to say "just ride around anywhere for the first 10 minutes at whatever speed you like." This is an attempt to let them feel in control of the ponies. As a result, half the class get stuck in a corner on ponies reluctant to move and the other half are running round as if being chased by a bee. Relieved to see Maisie had a nice controlled trot, going round the edge of the arena avoiding others in a very sensible fashion.

Nadim Karam 'Desert Sand'

Next on the agenda was a trip to Chatsworth to see ‘Beyond Limits’. A selling exhibition of sculpture put on by Sotheby’s, hosted by Chatters. Leanne has a cold, which she seems to have passed onto Maisie, so the only willing victim for being dragged around was my niece Alex. Not so sunny, but still 23 degrees, a lovely afternoon for looking at art. Chatsworth was incredibly busy, but we managed to find a boss car park. Headed into the gardens with Chess. He was inspired to create a sculpture all of his own in the prime picnic area where all the kids run around. Lovely. After clearing all that up, time for some serious art viewing.

Ji Yong-Ho 'Lion 2'

Zadok Ben-David 'Simple Lines'

Alex and a Damien Hirst

I really liked the work of Nadim Karam, wouldn’t mind owning one, but I’d need to either get another promotion, or have a modest win on the lottery. There was also a lion made out of used tyres. I’m not usually drawn to such imagery, but the technique and materials used made the piece quite compelling. Better than the Hirst pieces anyway. All of them were reassuringly better than the dog's contribution to the landscape.