A rural Saturday

A busyish Saturday:
- We drove to Carlisle, picking up a parcel from the sorting office on the way to the building society for a mortgage review.  It's interesting to think we've been in our home for 10 years now.
- We had lunch in our favourite cafe in the Carlisle Market Hall.  We've been going there for years now and have got to know the owners a bit - it's great to have somewhere so welcoming and to be able to relax with friends.
- Next, up to Gretna for a quick trip to return some items to the outlet village.  We managed not to be tempted by all the bargains this time...
- Back down south again, with a quick stop in Cockermouth to book a haircut in a couple of weeks' time.  Another example where I love feeling part of a community - she knows who I am, what my name is and I enjoy having a chat during my appointment.
- On to Whitehaven to get the weekly shop

...and back home again by 5pm!  We must have covered about 100 miles just getting basic jobs done, but that's how it is in these rural parts ;-)