VARIETY was the watch word last week here at Number Ten.

On Monday we went shopping. Yes, it may not sound like a treat to you but it’s been sometime since I got into Kendal.

First stop M&S for the little necessities that this shop is famous for and then on to Homebase for some wallpaper. A while back, when my husband Keith was at work, I papered the large wall in the kitchen in bright designer wallpaper turning it into what is termed on DIY shows as a ‘Statement Wall.’ Well, it was a statement too far for Keith and so we agreed to get something we both liked.

Monday finished with an impromptu party. We had planned to go for a curry but the restaurant was shut. So my magnificent husband threw together a masterpiece which we enjoyed with B&B guests and friends and the evening ended with songs around the harmonium.

Tuesday the wallpaper was stripped off and replaced, followed by a quiet evening. Wednesday my daughter Joanne and her boys Oliver and Louie arrived for a few days. And Thursday we all walked to Farfield Mill. Yes, that was the day it rained buckets and the wind was blowing a gale. In the evening it was the town band’s Armistice Day concert (Keith plays cornet in the band).

Meanwhile, Friday I was baking all day, a cake for my son-in-law’s birthday and one for our good friend Claire who was celebrating her birthday with a fancy dress party that evening. Fancy dress poses no problem for members of my family. Joanne, Keith and I went as the Three Degrees, my son-in-law as Lawrence of East Anglia, Oliver was the Milky Bar Kid, and little Louie in his own words: “a really scary skeleton.”

Saturday concluded with a family meal at the Curry House. While on Sunday we attended the local Remembrance Day Service. Keith played the Last Post and Reveille, which is always very moving and so as the week ended we took time to remember all those who gave their tomorrow for our today.