My friends in the south

You know you are staying somewhere of class when there is a giant jug and bowl in the bathroom.

We started the day in pastoral bliss on the edge of the lake district, enjoying my uncle-in-law's trusted hospitality. The fact that he was away from home this weekend didn't even stop him welcoming us in with coffee mugs set and the breakfast grapefruit cut ready.

We had a wander, spent time browsing the lovely Low Sizergh Barn farm shop (a novel experience for me, I usually dash through it herding two boys) and took time for coffee before setting off on the journey down the M6.

Watching red kites soar over the motorway was one of the highlights of the incredibly easy route down to our friends near Guildford.

Another wonderful welcome awaited, this time with lamb casserole and poached apricots and a catch up some kind and special friends whom I've not seem for years.

To bed now, in a gorgeous bedroom with its almost palatial en suite and a tea tray set for the morning. What a blissful holiday weekend so far.