Quiet Weekends

 We've had two quiet weekends recently.

We started last weekend early on Friday.  We had to put the car in for repairs in Carnforth, I had a cake to deliver on the way in Hornby and Matt had a light work day so we thought we would get hold of a courtesy car and then head to Warton Crag, but we had thick fog and couldn't see a thing.  Instead we tried out the new cafe at Booths in Carnforth (free coffee for card holders so Matt was happy) and then got the train into Lancaster.  We knew we wouldn't be able to fill a day in Lancaster looking round the shops so we went to the Tourist Information Office and took advice.  We decided on the Maritime Museum.  First we tried out a new pub - Merchants 1688 - yet another good eatery.  After a false start with Lancaster, we are finding lots of fab places to eat.  We then walked down to the river and the museum.  It was quite small, but it was a pleasant experience.  Just to be the two of us, to be able to read everything and anything and go at our pace was lovely.  We learnt a bit about the area and chilled out.  Kate had offered to pick Tom up from school, meaning we didn't have to stress about getting back on time, which was lovely.

Bittern at Ribblehead

On the Saturday Charlotte came round to cut the boys' hair, we then nipped out for a greasy spoon at Inglesport.  The boys went to Settle Primary School where there was a small model railway show whilst I stayed at home and did some cleaning - very rock and roll!  The boys then headed out to Ribblehead to see Bittern going across the Ribblehead Viaduct and saw her in all her glory.  They came home very happy.

Sunday was a horrible grey and rainy day.  We had Matthew's 5th birthday to go to.  Once again it made me realise what good money Paul was as once again it was chaotic - mainly this time because there were few parents around.  We then popped into Seasons to get a bite to eat and headed home.  We decided to watch a film in the afternoon - Tom decided on Ice Age 2.  We almost got to the end before he started crying (all due to separation of the main characters).  Took quite a while for him to calm down - he really doesn't like emotional upset!

Tom + Pendolino

On Friday evening we met up with Rachael, Graham and Isabella for tea (I'm trying to change my diction) at The Game Cock.  It just happened that one of Tom's classmates, Lauren, was also there (celebrating her Dad's birthday) so we ended up all having a lovely time.  In fact Lauren made herself very much at home between Tom and Isabella colouring in and Lauren's Dad was embarrassed by a group rendition of Happy Birthday.  It was a lovely evening, but then it always is when we meet up.

Calzone and a pint for the boy

On Saturday I had a wedding cake to deliver at a really awkward time - 11.30 on Saturday morning. It was the last day for cheap tickets on the Settle-Carlisle line.  Because I was needed in Austwick at 11.30, the boys went on their own.  I dropped off my wedding cake (always a nervous experience) and then returned home not really knowing what to do with myself.  I treated myself to a long hot bath listening to my music which was absolute bliss and then spent the rest of the day doing some sorting out.  I attacked the airing cupboard which had 'stuff' chucked in it the day we moved in and as a result was in a huge mess.  It took me over 2 hours to sort it all out - but we now have order which is good (I'm becoming quite a housewife aren't I?)

Walking near Leck Beck

Sunday morning we headed down to the Scout Hut as there was a toy train fair being held.  It was a very small affair, no layouts, just a couple of stalls selling bits and pieces.  Believe it or not I was the only person to buy something.  I found a little wagon from Chipping Sodbury - I couldn't resist!  Once back home we headed out to Cowan Bridge, had an early lunch at the very lovely tea rooms there and then headed out for a walk along Leck Beck.  This was from a new book we bought recently.  We weren't sure what to expect but it was a really lovely walk.  We started off alongside the river, under a viaduct, through the tiny village of Leck, into a Gruffalo forest and into the Dales.  Then up along a small ridge and back.  A tidy 5 miles, which we all enjoyed.  Made even nicer because the sun came out and stayed out for the whole day.  A really lovely day.