Escape from the Pampered Chef

We went to the Lakes today to visit Julie and Stewart who live in a fantastic farmhouse set in gorgeous countryside in the Lake District. Wendy, a long-standing friend of Julie from their university days was visiting with her family and had arranged a 'Pampered Chef' party, which involved demonstrating a variety of useful cooking gadgets and then eating the results (washed down with plenty of wine it seemed).

With lots of people descending on the house for this cooking fest, the fathers amongst us disappeared with the kids to an activity centre in Kendal, leaving the three non-dads to find a different escape route: taking the dogs for a walk instead. Although the weather was decidedly iffy, the rain held off and we had a very enjoyable walk, ending rather predictably in the local pub, the Masons Arms.

Carole had been surprisingly restrained and didn't even spend enough to qualify for a free gift, which is perhaps as well as there isn't any room in our kitchen for more equipment.

It was great to see everyone again and to catch up with people we don't see as often as we ought to - all in all a great day.