The Road Less Travelled

Ferry Meadows Country Park

Posted by phoenix on May 16th, 2012 No Comments

Holidays are made for taking it slow and chilling. It’s a time to indulge in our favourite hobbies or maybe learn a new skill. It’s a time for kicking back and reconnecting with family and friends and really enjoying ourselves. Holidays give us something to look forward and helps provide the incentive we need to get through the remaining 50 weeks. But there are times when we just can’t wait for those two weeks to roll around. We need to get away and relax NOW. But it’s not always that simple.

With the economy that way it is, even staycations can be as costly as going abroad. Even if you do find a good deal on late availability, it’s not easy to get time off work at the last moment. So what can you do? Consider this.

Lake in Ferry Meadows (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A scant three miles from the town centre of Peterborough, nestled within Nene Park, are 500 acres of verdant meadows, tranquil lakes and ponds that make up Ferry Meadows Country Park. With a wide variety of outdoor activities to choose from, Ferry Meadows is ideal for those looking for a break from the old routine that won’t break the bank.

Ferry Meadows is easily accessible by car, bus, train and boat. There is free 24-hour mooring available on Overton Lake.

Set among picturesque lakes and woods, you can indulge in such outdoor recreational activities as walking, cycling, horse riding and water sports, to name a few. You can take the kids to the playgrounds located around Ferry Meadows, ride with them on the miniature railway and share special moments while feeding the ducks or, perhaps, teaching them how to fish.

Not sure where to start? Stop by the Visitor Centre for more information on what to do and any special activities taking place on the day. While you’re there, browse through the games, toys, gifts and souvenirs that are available for purchase.

The Granary at Orton Waterville. The Granary i...

The Granary at Orton Waterville. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you start feeling peckish during the day, Ferry Meadows has two eateries, the Lakeside Cafe and the Green Cafe where you can partake of some refreshments and snacks. If you’ve worked up a hungry-man appetite however, stop by The Granary Beefeater Grill restaurant just outside the entrance to Ferry Meadows off Oundle Road for a hearty meal and drinks. With all that’s on offer at Ferry Meadows, you may want more than one day to enjoy it all. Why not make a weekend of it and book a room at the nearby Premier Inn or Holiday Inn. Alternatively, you can take advantage of thecaravan sites available at Ferry Meadows.

Two-week holidays are brilliant, no doubt about it. But if you don’t think you can hold out till then, why not give Ferry Meadows Country Park a try?

Tags: Ferry Meadows, Ferry Meadows Country Park, Nene Park, Peterborough, UK

Qualities of a Good House Sitter

Posted by phoenix on December 4th, 2011 Comments Off

In previous posts, we’ve covered what house sitting is and some of the benefits of becoming a housesitter. We’re now going to look at a some of the qualities that make for a good house sitter.

Responsible

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As a house sitter, the care of the garden, pets and any other jobs agreed upon by you and the homeowners during their absence will rest on your shoulders. The owners want someone who is capable of dealing with routine issues like a sink backing up, as well as major problems such as the heating system breaking down.

They also want someone who understands that their pets are members of the family. It’s not enough to feed and water them. You’ll need to exercise them and give them extra hugs and cuddles to help ease the stress of missing their family. If the pet becomes ill, it’s you who’ll need to take him to the veterinarian and provide any after care.

Very few homeowners are likely to just ‘leave you to it’. Review with the owners any contact details they provide to ensure they are accurate. Make sure you understand when the owners wish to be contacted. Some may want daily phone calls or emails; even if all you have to say is, ‘Everything’s fine. Enjoy yourselves’. Others may only wish to be contacted if there is a dire problem that desperately requires their attention.

Commitment

When you agree to house sit for someone, it is not unreasonable for the homeowners to expect you to see the job through. Their main reason for engaging a house sitter is because they want someone who will oversee the property and give their home the ‘lived in’ look that makes burglars give their house a miss. And they want that house sitter for the entire time they are away. If you’ve agreed to a six-month house sit, you shouldn’t bail out half-way through because you got a better offer elsewhere or you just don’t want to do it any more. This kind of cavalier attitude will seriously cut down on your chances of getting another assignment.

If you must leave the job due to circumstances beyond your control, you should make arrangements for someone else to takeover and let the homeowners know of the change. It really is the least you can do.

Respect

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Get this one quality right and the rest should fall into place. Respect isn’t just about saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. It’s about showing consideration for the homeowners and their property.

While their residence will be your new home for a bit, it doesn’t make it OK to redecorate it to your liking. The homeowners have every right to expect to find their home in the same or better condition as when they left it. Every stick of furniture and accessories are in its place for a reason so don’t move anything out of its place unless it’s really in your way. Make sure, however, you put everything back as it was before the owners’ return.

If the homeowners have chosen you and only you to house sit, don’t move your family, friends, pets and/or current lover in without their knowledge or consent. Not only is this an abuse of trust and highly unprofessional, it could be viewed as a breach of contract and you could be sued. As long as you treat the residence as you would want your own home to be treated, you shouldn’t have any problems.

If you feel you possess these basic qualities and would make a good house sitter, check out HouseCarers.com now to find out more.

Tags: becoming a house sitter, house sitter, house sitting, qualities of a good house sitter

Benefits of Becoming a House Sitter

Posted by phoenix on November 26th, 2011 Comments Off

Whether you go on holiday for two weeks a year or are a seasoned globetrotter, you know travel can be expensive. If I were to tell you there was a way to cut the cost of travel, I would probably get your full attention, wouldn’t I? OK, then listen up because there is a way: by becoming a house sitter. House sitting is an arrangement between a responsible adult, the house sitter, and the homeowners where the house sitter agrees to move into the residence during the owners’ absence.

Image via clipart.com

A major benefit of becoming a house sitter is the money you can save on accommodations. While it’s possible to save some money by staying in cheap hotels and hostels, as a house sitter you could save much more because you would be living rent free. All that would be asked of you in exchange is to look after the home. This may include, but may not be limited to, gardening, pet care, pool maintenance and any other jobs agreed by you and the homeowners. The only things you would be expected to pay for are your groceries and phone bill. If the assignment is long term, however, you may also be responsible for the utility bills as well. Despite that, though, it still works out cheaper than the daily cost of a room.

With the money you can save on accommodations, you could spoil yourself with a shopping spree or an extravagant night on the town. If you’re a forward planner, your savings could be put towards educational fees or a down payment on a house or flat. Or perhaps it could be the venture capital you need to start that business you’ve been dreaming of.

Staying in a hostel is not without its simple charms. It can provide ample opportunities for meeting new friends and sharing travel stories. But the opportunities for a hot shower and some privacy aren’t quite as plentiful. As a house sitter, you could stay in a comfortably furnished home with plenty of room to move around in. Imagine having a kitchen with all the mod cons as well a living room all to yourself. Not to mention reliable plumbing and a water heater that could guarantee you a hot shower or leisurely soak in the bathtub anytime you wanted. And let’s not forget the restful night’s sleep you could have because you wouldn’t have any noisy roommates keeping you up.

A sitting room in the United Kingdom. Original...

Image via Wikipedia

As you pack for your adventure, you probably don’t imagine homesickness being an issue. With all the beautiful sights and amazing people waiting to be experienced by you, when would you possibly have time to feel homesick? But it happens. It happens. You see, the thing that turns an amazing experience into a cherished memory is being able to share it with someone close to you. You may find yourself thinking, ‘I wish my Mom/Dad/brother/sister/best friend were here. He/she would have really liked this.’

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Fortunately, when you become a house sitter, the daily routine of looking after a home and possibly a pet or two, can help take the edge off that feeling of isolation. Also, being part of a community, even temporarily, can give you that longed-for sense of belonging. You’ll make some new friends, learn about another culture and possibly learn a new language. Many homes now have computers with webcams and Internet connection, so keeping in touch with family and friends can be as easy as hitting the on button.

If you’ve read this far, you may be seriously considering becoming a house sitter. Or, at the very least, you want to look into it further. If so, stop by HouseCarers.com. Here you can find out more about house sitting and if it’s right for you.

Image via housecarers.com

Tags: becoming a house sitter, house sitter, house sitting

Find Cheap Accommodations through House Sitting

Posted by phoenix on November 19th, 2011 Comments Off

Travel, like college, is one the best educational experiences around. But, like college, it can be expensive.

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The cost of accommodations can quickly diminish your cash reserves leaving you little to travel on.

Hostels are a cheap alternative but they can be noisy with people coming and going. Privacy is hard to come by as you share a room, kitchen and bathroom with others. If you prefer tranquillity and a place that’s yours alone, perhaps you should consider becoming a house sitter.

House sitting is an arrangement between homeowners and a responsible adult, i.e. the house sitter, whereby the house sitter moves into the homeowners’ residence and lives there during their absence. In return, the house sitter agrees to carry out pre-arranged chores and duties in relation to the maintenance of said abode. These jobs usually include, but are not limited to, gardening, pet care and providing the house with the ‘lived in’ appearance that deters burglars.

If you’re the kind of traveller who prefers to experience the country that lies beyond the tourist areas, house sitting can provide you with the opportunity to really learn about the culture by actually living it.

Image via clipart.com

You’ll shop and cook for yourself, giving you the chance to sample real local cuisine. You’ll meet and chat with neighbours who can fill you in on the important details of running a household like mail delivery and rubbish collection as well where you can get medical/dental services.

And of course there’s the friends you’ll make. And you will make friends as they will be just as interested in learning about your home as you are in learning about theirs. They can tell you about local customs so you can blend into the community. And they can also teach you commonly used phrases to help you communicate better. So you’ll also have the added bonus of learning a new language.

If this sounds like an interesting option for you, click here to visit housecarers.com. Here you’ll find more detailed information on house sitting and how you can register.

Tags: budget, cheap accommodations, house sitting

First Impressions of Yaxley, Peterborough, UK

Posted by phoenix on August 26th, 2009 Comments Off

: www.yaxleypc.org.uk

At age 28, I joined the military because I wanted to learn new skills, see the world, and experience new cultures. As soon as I was able, I volunteered for overseas duties. My first and only assignment was at RAF Alconbury, UK. I was very pleased because I had always wanted to visit England ever since I first heard an English accent. (Lesley Howard, The Scarlet Pimpernel. I was six.)

I arrived at Heathrow on July 25^th, 1989. When I stepped off the plane I felt as if I’d come home. Not quite a week after arriving at my base, I met my first real Brit. He was blond, cute as a button and his quiet, laid-back demeanor was a pleasant change from the brash and boorish New Yorkers I was accustomed too. I was instantly smitten and, long story short, we married nearly a year later.

As a married airman, I was entitled to base housing. My new husband, Awesome Dude, and I were given a list of housing choices and we chose Yaxley, Peterborough partly because we already had friends who lived there and partly because there was something about the x and the y in one name that I found appealing. We soon found ourselves settling into a lovely house in an area the local residents referred to as the ‘American estate’.

After Awesome Dude and I unpacked a few necessaries, we decided to take a stroll along Main Street and get acquainted with the village. Farmers’ fields ran along one side of the street, while houses complete with lovingly cultivated and colourful gardens bordered the other side. Many of the houses on Main Street had a sedate, settled quality that added character to the area. I later found out that this part of old Yaxley had actually been settled for at least 1,000 years.

I admired the self-sufficiency of the village. We walked past many shops and businesses that catered to life’s necessities. There was a bakery, a florist’s shop, a Mom ‘n’ Pop store that rented videos, a small café and a family-run butcher shop. I couldn’t remember the last time I had been inside a butcher’s shop. I must have been 10 or 11. There was also a hairdresser with a beauty therapist, (facials and manicures…yes!), dress shops, a bank, a post office, a doctor’s surgery, a dental surgery and an optician’s. There were also various takeaways, newsagents and a police and fire station. Nearly all these establishments were owned by the people who ran them. You could find just about anything you needed in the village and you pretty much went into Peterborough, the nearest city, if you wanted to shop till you dropped or for a night on the town.

But for me the best part was, and still is, the horses. I’ve been horse-mad since I could remember and to see people actually riding their own horses in the street was a delight for me. I know that to a lot of you this might not seem like a big deal but to someone who grew up in the ghettos and truly believed that places like this only existed in the movies, Yaxley was a revelation. There were worlds other than the one I had been born into and it was possible to attain them.

It’s been 20 years since Awesome Dude and I moved here. We have raised three really good, sensible kids in that time. We enjoy village life and the kids have made some good friends here. The people of Yaxley are friendly and we all have at least a nodding acquaintance with each other. I don’t worry too much about my children being out and about on their own or with friends. And as an added bonus for me, the place is steeped in history. It boggles the mind when I think of the events this land has witnessed in its 1000+ year. I knew Awesome Dude and I had made the right choice when we moved to Yaxley.

Tags: impressions, Peterborough, Yaxley

Spirited Away To Wales Again and Again

Posted by phoenix on August 17th, 2009 Comments Off

My flock and I have been on holiday in North Wales. We needed it too. It was a tough year this last one. Health problems, the death of a cherished family member, the death of the family pet, work issues and the recession make for a good recipe for anxiety and stress.

We returned reluctantly from Wales last Saturday. We put off the return trip home as long as we could. We stopped by a small cafe, lingered over coffees we didn’t really want and chatted about inconsequential things. Eventually, we made our way back home with me taking in every moment and every sight of the journey. I didn’t want to miss a thing. You see, I was making long-lasting memories.

I still haven’t completely returned from holiday. My body’s here and my mind checks in as and when needed, but my spirit? Well, she’s still in North Wales lazing on the warm sand and soaking up the sun. She’s still walking along the beach and splashing about in the surf like a Nereid, enjoying Nature at her most tranquil.

She marvels still at the beauty of Mount Snowdon on a clear day and relishes the quiet solitude of a walk in the woods. In the evenings, she dines on tasty and satisfying fare at local eateries and enjoys a drink and a laugh afterwards with the family. Am I envious? No, not really. My spirit is what allows me to get through the day to day routine we call life. While she remains in Wales going where her whims take her, I can relive holidays and special moments at will. The memories I created during our time in Wales are the key to unlocking those carefree, aimless days.

When faced with a day I’d rather not be having, I can stare out of my bedroom window, tap into memories and be spirited back to Wales (or wherever). I no longer see a backyard fence. I see a grassy sand dune and beyond that, a golden beach that seems to stretch into forever. The sound of traffic and lawnmowers is transformed into the sound of the surf rushing to the shore and my children cavorting in the sand.

While running errands, I’m no longer in Yaxley but in a quiet wood where all is still and peaceful and if you’re very fortunate, Nature may reward you with a glimpse of a shy, gentle deer, or present you with a perfect bloom.

Like anyone else, I have times when I wonder how I’ll manage another day. These are the times when I can call upon my spirit to take me away to a happier time. It’s during these sojourns that I find balance and stability again. And when I return to the real world, the problems don’t seem quite so insurmountable. But, I’ve learned over the years that fleeing reality is something that should be done as a little as possible. I’ve learned that if you take your memories out to often, the sensation of really being there gets that little bit fainter and the inner glow I feel gets that little bit dimmer. It’s best to keep these flights of fancy to a minimum.

I would encourage you to find your own spirit that you can call upon to spirit you away when the road gets a bit bumpy. Unless you have a really understanding, flexible boss or you’re fabulously wealthy, these memories will have to last you till your next holiday or special occasion. So choose your moments wisely.

North Wales Coast

Tags: holiday, memories, North Wales, spirit, Wales

Peterborough, UK-A Day To Ourselves

Posted by phoenix on July 23rd, 2009 Comments Off

Due to unforeseen circumstances, I suddenly had a free, unstructured Saturday. What to do, what to do? The day turned out to be a warm, sunny (it had been drizzly all week). My husband, Awesome Dude, had the day off work and the kids were off doing their own thing. It didn’t take much to convince the big guy to spend the day just strolling around Peterborough, a city about 10 minutes from Yaxley. Some people may turn their nose up at the thought of chillaxing in Peterborough. Some might consider it ‘rough’, but I prefer to think of it as ‘gritty and edgy’. Especially at around 1:00 in the morning when the nightclubs are in full swing.

Since it had been nearly an hour since my last caffeine fix and I was getting a little edgy, we stopped for a coffee at Starbucks. There was a time when I used to do my banking here years ago when it was a bank. Change is such a constant in our lives. Because the architecture is more elaborate than the more modern structures you’d normally find Starbucks in, I always thought it was a rather pretentious choice of venue for a coffee shop.

Starbuck's, Peterborough (Courtesy of Flickr.com)

Queensgate Shopping Centre, Peterborough (Courtesy of Flickr.com)

After a cuppa and a chat, we headed over to Queensgate Shopping Centre for a browse around. Although the recession is biting hard and some shops have closed, there’s still a great variety of stores to shop and/or browse through. The stalwarts like John Lewis, H & M and The Body Shop are holding their own and some shop got smart, moved out of their own shop and are now sharing space with BHS department store. Clever.

We decided to surprise our oldest daughter, Lil Diva, at work and treat her to lunch at Little Frankie’s. This is one of our favourite eateries in Peterborough. It’s tucked away on a small side street just as you leave Queensgate from a side exit. It’s a nice break from the crowds. As you can see from the photo, their burgers are pretty…ambitious.

Little Frankie's, Peterborough (Courtesy of Flickr.com)

You can also choose from a selection of pastas, salads, sandwiches, desserts and drinks. I personally recommend the milkshakes. Thick, creamy, icy-cold and totally sinful. (Look if you managed to polish off the main course, you might as well go for broke and have the shake too. You can always spend an extra hour in the gym during the week.)

After Lil Diva rushed back to work, Awesome Dude and I lingered for a bit wondering what to do with the rest of the afternoon. I suggested the Peterborough Museum as I had been always meaning to visit but just never got around to it. With nothing else to suggest, Awesome Dude agreed and we strolled over. Passing the old Woolworth store on the way, I still can’t believe Woolies is no more. It’s like part of my past had been wiped out.

Peterborough Museum didn’t start out as a museum. In fact, it was originally a private residence, then it became Peterborough’s first hospital and finally a museum in 1931. I like wandering around museums and learning about the people that lived before us. I could easily spend hours imagining what life must have felt like, what it was like dealing with day-to-day life under those circumstances and figuring out what motivated people to live the way they did. Unfortunately, Awesome Dude isn’t into anything that doesn’t involve spherical objects being flung about on a green playing field, so I couldn’t dawdle as much as I would have liked to. (Note to self: must return on my own with camera).

Peterborough Museum, Front Entrance

While perusing through the gift shop, I noticed that the Museum did guided walks around the city. They had all sorts of themed walks but the one that caught my interest was The Peterborough Ghost Walk. I am so there.

Tags: Little Frankies Peterborough, Peterborough, Peterborough Museum, Peterborough UK

A Walk at St. Peter’s Church, Yaxley

Posted by phoenix on July 12th, 2009 Comments Off

It’s funny how most inhabitants of any area, be it a large, cosmopolitan city or a small, rural community never seem to appreciate what’s under their very noses. I am guilty of that twice over. First, as a native New Yorker (never been to Statue of Liberty) and now again as a long-term resident of the United Kingdom (never seen Big Ben). I simply took it for granted that one day when I wasn’t so busy I would be able to go see and do the things I’d always wanted to do. I’ve finally realised that day was never going to happen on its own. I had to make it happen.

With three children to think of, it’s not easy to just jump on a plane, train or automobile on a whim. But that doesn’t mean I have to give up travel altogether. I just need to keep closer to home. Since the hub of any small community is its church, I decided to research it and see what I came up with. I googled St. Peter’s Church, Yaxley and came across a website with some really good photos of the church. I was intrigued with what I saw and grabbing my camera and daughter, Sleeper Girl, went to see the church with new eyes.

First mentioned in the Domesday book in 1086, St. Peter’s church has seen much history in its day. Musket shot marks on west wall of the church suggest a battle may have taken place on or near the church grounds. Some say these “offerings” were left by Oliver Cromwell’s troops after a visit around 1643.

Walking around the church grounds, I found myself admiring various styles of architecture used to build the church over the centuries. Up till now I thought gargoyles were only found at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. But upon closer inspection I could see small gargoyles at the four corners at the base of the spire and at the entrance of one of the lower extensions. Erosion isn’t as bad as you’d think considering they’ve withstood the elements and vandalism for centuries.

Many of the headstones in the cemetery are barely legible. Those that my daughter and I could read showed the short life spans that was the norm of a bygone era. A few had familiar-sounding family names and Sleeper Girl and I wondered if they still had descendants who lived in Yaxley. We wandered around the silent churchyard awhile longer. It was a hot, humid summer’s afternoon and you knew a summer storm was coming. The sky was becoming overcast and the church grounds became even more still and silent, if that was possible. Suddenly the church bell rang out causing me to utter a most irreverent explicative and attempt to leap into my daughter’s arms. Six o’clock already? Time to head home and get dinner on the table.

Tags: St. Peter's Church, Yaxley