WOYWW 175 & New Brighton

I've got to be good this week because on Saturday I will be meeting "the Boss", "the Queen of the Desks", our own dear lovely Julia... grovel, grovel.... I hope it's enough to get me in her good books before (Woo Hoo!!!) I see her in person at the WOYWW Crop.

Maybe I should have tidied up for some brownie points but I really haven't had time and I'm busy sorting out all I need to take with me to the crop......besides the kitchen sink and all.

It's worth calling in on Julia's blog Stamping Ground to discover all about the goings on at crafty desks around the World via.... 

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday

Here on my desk you'll spy the green remnants of Saturday's Victoria Workshop given by our club member Gill who always treats us to fab projects. I haven't yet finished my "Anything Goes" book but I love it and will get back to it as soon as I can. 
All those new stamp acquisitions need to be filed away. I was lucky that my friend (Thanks Helen!) kindly snapped them up for me at a bargain price at the QVC outlet shop.

On my other desk I am sorting out the bits and bobs I need to take to do the projects I intend working on at the crop with Cardarian. I can't wait to meet up with special old friends and meet up with WOYWW friends I have never before met in the flesh. I'm really excited wondering just who will be there and a huge thanks goes out to Morti who is kindly hosting Donna and me.

Here's a great find.....You may not have spotted these washi tapes which are a recent addition to the range of gift wrapping materials in IKEA... available in 4 colours they cost £5 for 4 reels.  

This week, recovering nicely from a cough and cold, I wanted to have a walk by the seaside for some fresh air so we crossed the River Mersey, through one of our two tunnels, to visit New Brighton. This is a seaside town which was once booming as a holiday resort, long before package holidays, in the days when the Queen was newly crowned. We would often go there as children, crossing the river by ferry, for a day out. It became so dilapidated until it was regenerated over the last few years and, whilst it is nothing like the traditional old time seaside place it used to be, once again it has developed into a pleasant place for a day out.

The seagulls faced the wind as our sunny day turned to rain....

but it had the reward of a double rainbow and the seaside breeze certainly blew away the cobwebs of being housebound for days.

We drove further along the coast of the Wirral Peninsular to Hoylake and visited Chantilly, right opposite the railway station, which had been recommended for lunch.

Wow! what a place to know about!!! It's bookmarked for a definite return as the food is superb! All local produce cooked on the premises by Les, the owner, who greeted every customer and gave us such a warm welcome which made our visit so special.

Daily, he makes these mouthwatering, wonderful, cakes and pastries. Just look at the height of the lemon meringue top left and the depth of the apple pie bottom right.!!! There's a blackcurrant topped Bakewell Tart bottom left and I intend to go back time after time just to sample all of them. The trouble is that  the delicious main course of Chicken & Ham Pie with salad only left barely enough room for us to share one piece of cake!