Aston Hall and Perry Barr

This morning checked my work email and saw that I've work lined up for me the week that I'm back!! And my team leader told me of my ward coverage and dates available for leave (cos I had mentioned in my email that I've about 7-8 days of last yr's leave to clear) and is really v fully booked. Then boss actually replied earlier saying to also check with her and my 2nd boss before I take leave cos they have plenty for me to do!! Gosh!!! So anyway was sharing with Cel on whatsapp and she reminded me like can encash a few days too if really can't take. So anyway KIV a few in Dec and on my dad's bday in Oct. See how when I get back!

Went out of the house early to submit my hard copies of dissertation. Phew! Such a relief to submit it finally. I was the first on the list! Typical SGrean hor? KS..hahaha! Also left a box of choc and a card on the admin's desk cos she'll only be back on Mon. After that took a bus to city and then changed bus to get to Aston Hall. Then the blur me ended up waiting outside the entrance cos it's only open from 12-4pm!!! Goon doo leh...I somemore went to the website sooo many times to check that they are open on a Thur..din register in my head that I was planning to reach there ard 11+am! Gosh..but anyway had a walk around the garden outside and then "hid" in the entrance area cos there's shelter..it was really windy and had passing shower too. Well, I think the Hall is really grand! But for admission fee of £3 for concession, it's not that worth to come a 2nd time. And it was quite funny..I noticed that the guides in the room don't bother to explain things to me whereas they will when the ang mohs enter the room. HAHA! But I also don't really care la..cos there're signs around with explanation. I helped an elderly couple switch off their flash in their digicam..cos the guide told them no flash photography allowed and they told him theirs can't be used then..then I offered to help figure out if they want...hah..I haven't heard of any digicam that cannot turn its flash off! Here are some photos! Full album link will be emailed out.

Aston Hall exterior

Ladybirds!! on bench

Not sure if they are mating or parent carrying baby

Main Hall

Bedroom...notice the tam pui!

Long gallery

Part of kitchen deco

Colourful garden benches

Anyway, spent about an hour there then headed to Perry Barr. But I realised I was going to the wrong place so got off and used Google Maps to find back the correct way...waited at the bus stop for about 25min for the bus that was late..and it was coldddd!!! The weather vv crazy cos just after I submitted the dissertation and waited for the bus into city and when I was in the city, I felt warm..wanted to take off my cardigan but didn't..then after that during the bus ride it became chilly. So finally got to Perry Barr. They were having some dinosaur display..only took a pic of one of them.

Aim today was to buy stuff for Ai cos I'll be staying at her place in Dublin. And ended up, I managed to get her a scarf and baby a jacket...and I got myself 2 pairs of shoes from Clarks!!!! Gosh!! Siao liao...I seriously have a weakness for shoes BUT they are comfy and have my size mah! My aunt sure calling me a catepillar when she reads this! Guess which 2 I ended up buying?

This is the design that PF bought in York!

Bought some fruit scones from ASDA as lunch/tea and they were really quite good though only 50p for 4! Maybe can buy home hor? Hahah! Anyway, I "chatted" with 2 men with hearing impairment and dumb at Clarks..cos the younger man was pointing to a shoe while the older man pointed to another and the young man gestured thumbs up to a trendy pair..then I was amused and nodded at them in agreement..then they kinda "asked" if I agreed the shoe was suitable for him, then I asked for who and the younger man pointed to himself then I pointed to the trendier design ones with thumbs up..then he pointed as if to say "see, I told u" to the older man..then the younger man pointed to the dress shoe and shook his head, seemingly to ask if it was not for him..and I also shook my head. It's all good fun! Hahaha..since they were friendly and amusing, I joined in too..it was also cos I was queuing up to pay anyway..hahaha!

Not sure if I should go to Sarehole Mill tomorrow - probably just the outside cos there's no milling on tomorrow so no point paying to go in. Maybe see how the weather is tomorrow too. Then probably bake in the afternoon...depends how things go. Dinner tonight is fish cooked by C..he was meant to cook it yday but didn't bother cos I offered them my baked rice...and he said he was too lazy to do so too.

Think I'll weigh my luggage this weekend just to check...but hopefully I can manage it alone cos usually someone needs to read the scale while I lift the luggage. C and L may be away from tmr till Sun...but even if they are in, doubt I'll ask them to help..haha!