Mediterranean Garden on the doorstep

I've lived in Cheshire for quite a few years, but made a new discovery last week...amazing how so often the best bits can be right under your nose but remain undiscovered.
There are lots of lovely country pubs in the area, and more often than not a weekend involves a trip out to one of them, especially when the sun shines. With the sun shining on friday we decided to forgo the car and venture out on bikes.
Now I have to admit to buying a bike some 5 years ago - and using it just 3 times, and that was to cycle a few hundred yards accompanying a young, very wobbly, son on his own much smaller version. Its over twenty years since I pedalled any further, so I needed some incentive and I do like having some purpose to whatever I do - even a bike ride!
So after some deliberation (and the use of google maps to check distances!) we plotted our route and duly ended up at The Roebuck in Mobberley. We have popped in before and sat inside the pub for a drink, but we noticed (via street view) that there was a beer garden - British weather being what it is we hadn't had the chance to sit in it before.
With the sun shining we wheeled the bikes into what initially appears to be a fairly standard, if nicely presented, beer garden. Then noticed that steps led up to a second raised section, further steps lead higher again.
This beer garden is amazing, a little oasis in the heart of Cheshire. Beautifully landscaped, with cafe style tables and chairs on decked areas we could have easily been in France, Spain, or even further afield. Yes, admittedly the weather made the difference, but this is definitely one place we will be returning to when the sun shines. The only problem now is that it might be very difficult to find justification for cycling further afield!

Launched!

Hi everyone! I have just launched my new business, and new website - the first steps in what I hope will be a fun and satisfying venture.
I have had over 20 years of running round in high pressure jobs (which I have enjoyed), but have always hated the fact that I haven't really had the time to do all lifes other little jobs properly! (I do like things done properly!!).
I love cooking and entertaining, but the hardest bit is finding the time to plan the menu, tidy the house and buy the food. I also love my garden, and am one of the first to rush out and buy bedding plants in the spring - but so many times I have run out of time at the weekend to plant them out, so they have had to sit for days in their trays.
I am also a big animal lover and have had dogs, cats, horses, goldfish, hamster, guinea pigs - you name it! - but there have been days when the dog just hasn't had enough walks or I have been ringing round desperately to find someone to check on the horse...and it isn't always easy to find someone!
So that is why I have launched Favourite Girl Friday (check out the website at www.favourite-girl-friday.co.uk).
Recently I was lucky enough to work from home for a while, which gave me the flexibility to wait in for parcels, make appointments, water the garden and cook....it was great! I was so much more relaxed, and could enjoy my free time....so I thought if I could run all the little errands for other busy people, and do all the chores they haven't really got time for, then they could lead a much less hectic life and have some time to really relax.
I also really loved my work in the IT industry, and love the administration side. When I was running my own small business I found the day-to-day admin could be a headache, but I didn't want to employ full time help...which is why Favourite Girl Friday is offering IT and admin support to businesses as well. Then if they just need something important proof-reading, or need new procedures documenting, or the filing cabinet sorting.... I can do it for them on an hourly paid basis.

So that's why I'm here blogging right now! The website is up and running, and I'm busy planning my advertising and PR. I am really looking forward to the challenge, I love being busy, like lots of things on the go, love meeting new people and really get pleasure from a job well done so it should be fun.
I think my project management experience, the work I have done in IT (including training), the experience of running my Dog Grooming business (TidyCoats) and years of looking after home and family have given me the skills and flexibility I will need!
I will let you know what happens next!