Hospital Hearing Visit

Tom had his last check up at hospital for his ears on Thursday.  He saw the consultant who told us that one grommet had fallen out (we knew that as we found it) and the second is on its way out.  Tom did his hearing test.  It wasn't as good as when he had grommets, but much better than before so he was happy and won't need to see him again.

We celebrated by having tea out in a pub on the way home.

Ryu and Ryoki

The lads

On Thursday we had a treat - Wendy, Ryu and Ryoki from Yokohama came over to watch the Fellsman cross the Ribblehead Viaduct and then came over to us for tea.  They are here as Wendy is from Skipton and it is the big Japanese to English translators' conference this weekend - taking place in York.  This is the third time Tom, Ryu and Ryoki have met up and this time it was like they were old friends.  They came back to our place and played really nicely with the wooden train set.  A common language as usual not needed when it comes to play (although Ryoki's English is getting better and better and Ryu does understand everything if not say anything).

Anyway we had a lovely evening, don't think Tom got to bed until almost 9pm - and on a school day too!

Hayfever!

Tom got sent home on Monday afternoon - full of hayfever and feeling very miserable for himself.  We got straight on the phone the the GP and managed to get a prescription faxed to the pharmacy here and picked up some antihistamine and eye drops.  Very much not what I wanted to pass on to him poor chap!

Back to Northumberland

It's not a Rubbish Train!

Today was a boy's day out on the train. Every so often, Northern Rail to special offers on rover tickets, so Tom and I got one each and headed north. Nik dropped us off at Ribblehead to get the train to Carlisle, which eventually turned up 35 minutes late (signal failure at Hellifield). Not ideal given the less than plentiful range of activities at Ribblehead.

Fortunately, we got a set of 4 seats and a table to ourselves, so we set about doing Tom's homework, which he did very well. To be fair to the driver, the train fairly rattled along all the way to Carlisle, where we met my translator friend Kim and her two sons (aged 6 and 8). They hadn't been to any of our favourite eateries, so the five of us toddled along the road to Hell Below and Co., where we went upstairs and had lunch in the cinema style seats (the boys’ choice), which made conversation between Kim and myself quite difficult as we had three bobbing chattering heads between us. The food and service were as excellent as always, and Tom and I over-ordered, as I'd forgotten how generous the portions are. I'd assumed Tom would get two mini sausage rolls, but they were huge, so he needed help. The things I do for my son...

Lobster car - not impressed apparently

After lunch, Kim took her boys shopping for shoes, and Tom and I decided to continue our rail odyssey as far as Hexham, along the Hadrian's wall line. The scenery on the way was really very beautiful, up there with the Settle-Carlisle line, but for some unknown reason, Northern Rail had decided to use a "Rubbish Train" (an ancient Pacer) for one of their express services, meaning that we basically spent 40 minutes riding a kangaroo. Unbelievably bouncy and noisy. The windows are also so high that Tom can't see out unless he kneels or stands on the seats. The sooner they get rid of them the better.

Tea and a bun

We had about an hour to kill in Hexham, so we went to the nearest supermarket (Waitrose no less) to buy our tea for the journey home. This didn't take long, so we had a quick tea and a bun (as we do) in a nearby café and then wandered back to the station. The return train to Carlisle arrived bang on time, which was fortunate given how short our connection was, but we still had time to see a couple of Pendolinos and Voyagers before we set off South. Tom did the rest of his homework before wolfing down his prawn sandwiches and fruit, and Mummy was there waiting at Ribblehead when we arrived.
All in all, a nice day out, but next time Northern Rail do a similar offer, I think we need to take advantage on a Saturday, not a Sunday, as we'd be able to go much further.

Quiet Weekend

Tom was looking very worn out this week - the hayfever has taken its toll, and as he's run down, he's managed to get a cold too.  So there is snot everywhere, and his eyes show us how tired and run down he is.

The task for Saturday was to get him to have a nap to try to give him some relief from his symptons.  The morning was spent in Sedburgh.  I had a birthday cake to deliver to a girl at the school from her Mum in Russia - my second international order!  All was going well until we got to the town and for life or money could not find the house she was in.  I think we found every other house, but not hers.  Matt ended up calling the headmaster and we left it in his office.  I got a big thank you from her mum later that day, so I guess she got it.  Schools give me the heebie jeebies as it is, a posh boarding school completely intimidates and stresses me out.  I was glad to get rid of it!

We then returned to Ingleton and dropped off Matt (he was playing cricket).  Tom and I then headed to Barton Grange Garden Centre near Preston - a huge place, famous for its urinals (in the shape of flowers - Tom was very pleased because on tip toes he was able to use them this time).  We just needed a cane to prop up our rose bush, but it was far enough away that Tom fell asleep and got a good 40 minutes snoring in before waking up all disorientated.  Job done.

Big cake!

We looked around the various parts of the centre, and then had tea and a bun.  Tom chose the biggest cupcake he could find with a huge amount of white frosting on it (yuck - what on earth do they make that with), he assured me that he would eat it.  He took one bite, told me how delicious it was, took another bite and said that actually he wouldn't finish it!  I took the icing off it and he ate the cake underneath - a case of mother knows best I think! I, on the other hand had a lovely coconut slice.

We then bought the canes we came from and headed into the farm shop to buy food for tea - mushrooms featured of course.  We then headed home, watched Matt play cricket for a couple of overs and then went home and had tea.  Early to bed for Mr Tom today!

Sunday the boys had a day out on the trains, so I will hand over to Matt...

Useful Saturday & Washdubs

Pub buddies

Friday was another night at The Game Cock with the Shults clan.  Another fab night full of good food and conversation, watching Isabella and Tom play together.  Always a good night.

Saturday wasn't the nicest day, Matt was playing cricket the other side of Kendal, so we headed over to Staveley for lunch at Wilf's Cafe.  We then said goodbye to Matt and headed over to Morecambe where I did a huge ribbon shop for my cakes and braved the shopping centre there to find some cheap sandals for Tom.  We then headed over to Hest Bank so Tom could play on the beach and watch trains.  However, it was raining, and the tide was right up, so we stayed in the car and played guess what the next train is game.  We then headed back, had mushrooms for tea and early to bed.

Friendly troll

Sunday was a better day in that it was cloudy but not raining!  We decided to head over to Austwick to do the Washdubs walk, one of our favourites.  It takes you across field to a ford and river, with water fall and two stone bridges across it with plenty of opportunity for play.  It is a gorgeous place - you can't see any civilisation at all - it is really Dalesy.  The walk then continues along old cart tracks, by a campsite back to Austwick via another stream with bridge.  Perfect for small boys.

We got to Washdubs and were disappointed to find some other walkers and cyclists there.  Poo!  Then we got invaded by a walking club, so in the end there were about 50 people having their picnic there.  How rubbish.  However, we stayed put and eventually everyone left and we had the place to ourselves.

The boys

It wasn't particularly warm, but Tom wanted to play in the water so we encouraged him.  He was enjoying himself so much that eventually he was wearing just trunks!  The big toe went in, then his foot, then up to his ankles, then splashing around and finally he was in - sitting on his bum in the river.  Hats off to him - the water was cold, I wouldn't have done it!  He must have been playing there for a good 2 hours, before we decided to carry on with the walk.  We just happened to park our car outside The Game Cock, and as it was open we thought it rude not to partake in some refreshment, so we had a cheeky drink before heading home.  A lovely day of play.  We will be back...

Flying visit to London

On Saturday it was Vera's birthday party.  Luckily she had arranged it in Kew, just round the corner from Pat and Bob, so we were able to visit grand-parents as well as they put us up for the night (The last train home on Saturday was 4pm?!)  Thank you Pat and Bob.

The topper

As is usual at a weekend, they had messed around with the trains meaning we had to change at Preston.  I had made the journey down a little difficult for us as I had promised Vera a cake for her birthday.  I knew we wouldn't be able to take a 'proper' cake as they are so heavy and carrying it on numerous trains and the underground would be a nightmare, so instead I got Julie to make the cake and I made the topper.  It was very fragile of course.  On the train down we were sat opposite a very curious 2 year old, so I had to shield it from him.  Then when we got to Euston we found out that there was a big game on at Twickenham and the station was full of supporters trying to get underground tickets.  Tom and I had to squeeze through to get to the ticket barriers.  Tom ducked beneath people's legs and I squeezed through carrying the topper above my head!

The underground was pretty empty, but then of course the train to Mortlake was very busy.  We managed to get a seat each, but had to keep the cake away from hungry rugby fans and I had to use my best booming voice to get people to open the door when we got to Mortlake and let us off (once again with the cake topper above my head!)  We got to Pat and Bob's on time and with the topper intact - phew!

Topper on Julie's cake

It was then a quick turn around at their house to dump what we didn't need and and repack ready for the party.  Pat then drove us to the pub which really wasn't very far away at all.  I got there 10 minutes after it started and was pretty surprised to find Vera there, must be one of the first times she has turned up somewhere on time!  Mind you her brother and his family were about 2.5 hours late!  I had forgotten that of course I know most of Vera's family and quite a few of her friends, so there were plenty of people for me to talk to.  It had been a good 10 years since I had seen any of them so of course children were looking quite different, and people were looking a little older. I was hoping that Tom would play with Tal and Aaron (Jule's children) but it didn't happen - I guess they didn't need to make friends having all their family around them.  Tom was extremely good though and just got on with enjoying himself.

Vera with her topper

He amused himself whilst I attached my topper to Julie's cake and then I went round with him introducing him to various people who remembered me.  Once Vera's brother arrived, there were speeches which were good, then we were served food - all of Vera's favourites: salmon, chicken wings, sausages, potato salad etc etc.  We both ate big plates full as we were starving and then a magician arrived to entertain us.  He was amazing - he had the children hooked.  Tom very happily sat on someone's lap so he could get nearer, and to my surprise he hardly wriggled?!  He even got a chance to take part in a trick where red foam balls multiplied in his hand.

The cake came next and had the desired effect.  I had made a miniature Vera sat up in bed (she's always late remember!) hair all bedraggled, on the phone (Vera is always on the phone!), with her doggie and cat by her side, cards scattered all over the place (she plays bridge), a basket of veggies from her allotment, a song sheet from her Rock Choir and passport & ipad at the ready, oh and a laptop with a money graph showing a steep decline.  All in pink her favourite colour.  She was over the moon and it became quite the talking point.  Phew - my work was done.  Tell you what curly hair is really difficult to make!

Julie with Aaron and Tal

Before we knew it it was past 5pm and the pub were clearing up and resetting for another party in the evening so we said our goodbyes to the thinning crowd and called for our lift back to Pat and Bob's - thanks Pat.  About 5 minutes after arriving, Bob walked through the door - he had been to a lunch in Oxford.  We all watched the FA Cup and then Tom went to bed.  I don't think I was far behind.

Sunday was a pretty uneventful day - it wasn't a very nice day.  We hung around at Pat and Bob's for the morning - Tom taking great delight in abusing his grandfather all morning and then we headed to Euston for our train.  All went well, and it was much easier without a topper to transport.  Matt picked us up in Lancaster and we headed straight home.  Tom fell asleep on the way home so I guess we probably over did it this week - oops!  Back to school tomorrow!

Hadrian's Wall

Friday was going home day so we packed up, squeezed it all into the car and headed off.  As we are now National Trust members, we decided we would make the most of our membership and headed over to Hadrian's Wall for a clamber.

It was a nice ride through Northumberland to our first stop Housesteads Roman Fort where there was plenty of clambering available, a little museum, a video and an opportunity for Tom to dress up as a Roman Soldier which is always a bonus.  The weather wasn't great - there were threatening clouds everywhere, but we were lucky and managed to stay dry.

Men on podiums

Lots of very old wall

We had a good clamber and a game of hide and seek around the fort (Jude we need you to bring these places to life for us - I am clueless!)  and then headed up and over the hills following the wall, looking for good photo opportunities.  It was pretty windy and our tummies were beginning to rumble, so we decided to head off in search of food.  We chose our timing well as the heavens opened as we left.  It wasn't too long before we found a pub, much to our luck and surprise as it was pretty empty in that area, we hadn't seen anything else for miles.  The clue was very much in the name though, the village was called Once Brewed and the pub in it was called Twice Brewed.  We ran in and found plenty of space for us, so we made ourselves at home.  Chicken curry for me, sausage and mash for the big boy and scampi for the little boy.  We all finished up.

Tom

The boys

It had finished raining, so we decided to have one more ramble and headed to Steel Rigg a good view point for the wall.  We walked to the top of a hill, but saw a black cloud approaching so did a U-turn after taking a couple of pics and headed back to the car, we got there just in time.

We then headed back home, unpacked, then Tom and I repacked as we are off to London tomorrow.

Alnwick Gardens and Dunstanburgh Castle

Gentleman farmer

So, the weatherman said it would be an OK day – some sunshine with showers and wind.  We expected a grey day when we woke up, but know we had deep blue sky and sunshine.  Hurray.  As it was looking good, we thought we would have an outdoor day and go and visit Alnwick Gardens which were recommended to us by Evie’s mum at school.  We got there as they opened to find they were £12.95 for us to enter – wow, my old guide book said £4.  We did wonder for a moment whether it would be worth it, but as we didn’t have any other plan we decided to bite the bullet and pay up.  We are sooooooooo glad we did – they were amazing gardens and well worth the admission price.

Fountains

Dancing squirrels

As we walked in we were confronted by a huge cascade of water and fountains darting this way and that.  Amazing in their own right, but there were lots more gems to find.  First of all Tom had a play on some John Deere pedal tractors which were located below the cascades (he couldn’t believe his eyes and was very very happy!) We then walked to the top of the cascades, Tom thought about darting under some jets but thought better of it when I explained we didn’t have any replacement dry clothes for him.  We then found ourselves in the Serpent Garden which must have had the best part of 10 water sculptures: water running down, across, up, in funny shapes, you name it, there was a water sculpture to fit and it was fun for us as well as Tom to play with them and work out what they were doing.  

In the bamboo maze

Next was a bamboo labyrinth where Tom and I got parted from Matt and had to wait ages for him in the centre (he said he had been and gone and only came back because he wondered where we were – do we believe him?...)  This brought us out at the tearooms, well it would be rude to ignore them so we had elevenses with the customary 2 cakes between the 3 of us (going to miss this when we are back to the old routine), then Tom shot off to play on the tractors again – this time collecting water in his bucket, transporting it and dumping it on the ground, all the children were doing the same, it looked great fun.

Tom Hood

We then went on a fairytale adventure.  Tom had a quiz to fill out which started at one of the buildings.  There we met Sebastian Sap who asked Tom if he wanted to be a fairytale character, he did and ended up dressed as Robin Hood, complete with felt hat with a bright yellow feather in it.  We had to go round the gardens and find the answers to the questions, and were helped by many people dressed in costume who pointed us in the right direction (just as well as I didn’t get some of the references to some of the fairy tales.  It was very well done and the costumes were great – we even saw the wicked witch with her basked of red apples (we gave her a wide berth).  Tom wouldn’t let me kiss the frog prince though (not sure why?).  

Lovely meadow

The quiz took us around the edge of the gardens, all of which were very very beautiful.  I don’t think there was a leaf out of place even in the wild meadowy bit!  The quiz took us to a craft hut where Tom wanted to do the activity (really?)  The theme was Jack and the Beanstalk and the activity was to draw, cut out and decorate a castle, attach it to a stick and decorate a pot ready for planting a bean seed.  Very apt considering Tom brought home a bean plant from school last week: his homework was to look after it and write a diary of how it grows – we brought it with us in the car, but unfortunately, even though we looked after it as well as we could, putting it in the sun and watering it, it turned black and died!  Oops!  Maybe we should try again with this new pot and stick?

It's hard work playing so hard!

By now it was 1.30 and tummies were rumbling so we went back to the tearooms and got ourselves some lunch.  Once Tom had finished he was off …yep those John Deere tractors were luring him again.   Once he had had his fill, we queued up for a tour around the poison garden where we learnt lots of grizzly ways to die by sniffing, touching or eating various plants.

Tom then had another play on the tractors before we left.  On our way back to the car we went to check out the Tree House which we had been told was amazing -  it was amazing – reminded me a bit of Gaudi / Ghibli architecture.  There were no straight lines, and looked very very cool.  It houses a restaurant, maybe next time we are here we should try it.

Amazing Tree House

Castle Entrance

We had decided at this point to head to Dunstanburgh Castle, a ruined castle on the coast not far from Alnwick.  We got ourselves to Craster and then walked to the castle.  We didn’t realise how stiff a walk it would be: it was 5 miles there and back and the wind was blowing a gale.  Now a year ago, Tom wouldn’t have stayed the course with the wind, but he did really well today only complaining once – phew.  It was a big old castle, not much of it remains today, but the outer walls are still there and some of the entrance towers.  Enough to clamber about.  I didn't get to find out much about it apart from the fact it was built by the Earl of Lancaster and he didn’t get on with King.  It was in a stunning location, in the middle of no-where.  No buildings / farms even on the horizon, which is quite unusual for a castle I think.

We had a good old clamber and then walked back to Craster in the buffeting wind.  We got back to the village at 5 and hoped that there would be a pub or restaurant open and taking orders (having got caught out before).  The first place we tried didn’t open until 6.30 – arggggh.  Luckily there was a pub, The Jolly Seaman which was open and taking orders from 5.30 phew.  We made ourselves comfortable and ordered burgers (Matt and I) and cheesy pasta for Tom.  All was of high quality.  When the waitress asked if we wanted pudding Matt and I chorused ‘No’ just as Tom said ‘Yes!’.  Oh well, he had walked well and ate up quickly so we relented and ordered something called a Banoffee Pot – wow, it was evil but so so good (bottom layer of biscuit, then caramel, then bananas, then caramel moose sprinkled in chocolate) and anyway we deserved it after a very active day.

Castle ruins

We then headed home.  A great day, and although it was windy it wasn’t cold and we had sunshine for most of the day which was great.  Think we all got a bit wind burnt!

Heatherslaw Light Railway and Etal

Bunty

As we had an ‘adult’ day yesterday we thought we would ask Tom what he wanted to do today – guess what he said…’a train ride’ well who would have forecast that?  Luckily there is a little 15 inch gauge railway not far from us so we spent the day on that.  It is called the Heatherslaw Light Railway and was built in 1989 purely for leisure purposes to get the tourists to the area.  It works.  We parked up at Heatherslaw, had tea and a bun (border tart: a pastry tart with gooey currant bottom and a thick icing top – 1,000s of calories, but you have to try the local specalities don’t you?)

We got the 11am train to Etal.  The ride takes you along the river Till (one of the cleanest in the country and supports otters although we didn’t see any) to Etal which is 1.8 miles away.  The journey took 17 minutes going at a top speed of 9.2 miles an hour, but an average speed of 6!  It wasn’t built for speed, but it was very pleasant.

Castle

At Etal we went to look around the ruined castle – we are in borders territory here, and the castle has changed hands a number of times (Etal was the location of a bridge across the river).  There wasn’t a lot of castle left, but there was a good museum where Tom showed some interest – mainly in the weapons, but he learnt something of the local history (although to be honest my history of that period of time (1500s-1700s is pretty abysmal!).

Tom made some friends at the castle and they all went loopy running up and down,  playing hide and seek etc etc.  He certainly enjoyed himself and got a good deal of exercise into the bargain.

Do not lean out of the window

One he had tired a bit we walked into the village in search of lunch and found it in the tearooms there.  A very pleasant place.  Tom had the children’s menu: sandwich, crisps, drink etc, but instead of being served on a plate / in a box, it was served in a cardboard car.  Very inventive, in fact very Japanese!  We wondered back to the railway and got the train back to Heatherslaw.

Duddo Standing Stones

A very old stone

We then drove to Duddo where there was a stone circle.  We found it without too much trouble, walking through 3 fields to get to it.  We don’t know anything about it, but there were 5 stones which were shell shaped and had groves in them (almost like hands).  They were pretty big and quite interesting.  We spent a good half hour larking around them, but the wind and rain caught up with us so we made a hasty exit and walked back to the car before we got too wet.

It was cold!

We drove home, had some down time and then decided to go out for dinner.  We had heard that a nearby pub was good, looked it up on the internet when we were somewhere with wifi earlier – it said it was open all day.  We rocked up at 5.30 to find it didn’t open until 6pm so we headed into Alnwick and went to the first place we could find was open and serving.  We were really lucky and came across a very lovely bistro with lovely staff and atmosphere and lovely food.  There was no children’s menu so Tom ate some of ours (when I say some, I mean half – I ordered some tagliatelle which was very good, but he thought so too and plundered mine!)  We also had pudding, which was served with flavored sugar glass (never seen that before!) to help fill us up.

It has been a cold, overcast and then rainy day, we are hoping it is nicer tomorrow…

Cragside

Iron bridge

We woke up to  brilliant blue skies – a true summer’s day – hurray.  We decided to explore Cragside today – a huge National Trust Estate not far from here.  It is home to the first home powered by hydro-electricity and I’m sure would have been really interesting to learn about it all, if you didn’t have a 6 year old constantly tugging at you to move on.  Oh hum…  

Cragside House

The main reason we went was to do some walking as the estate is absolutely enormous and riddled with paths.  We decided to do a 3 mile walk which would take us to the top of the estate, round by a lake and to the adventure playground.  It sounded perfect for us.  First stop though was the rock garden and an iron bridge spanning, both of which were really handsome.  Then we headed off on the walk.  Tom was our pathfinder,  we were his troops.  Every time he spotted a red disc which waymarked our route, he would shout ‘attention’ and we would have to stand to attention and salute him.  Just as well we didn’t bump into anyone we knew!!!!!

Soldiers standing to 'ATTENTION'

The walk was very pleasant amongst Rhododendrons which were beginning to burst into colour.  There were very many large boulders from the crags, the sky was blue, the views very pleasant which made for a good  time.  The path seemed much much longer than the 3 miles it was advertised at (Matt’s app on his phone recorded it as just over 5 in the end?} it did take quite a while to get to the children’s play area – mind you with all the saluting, view spotting, tree climbing (Matt found a good one and went a fair way up) we weren’t exactly moving fast!  

Tree climber

We got to the adventure play area at noon, so Tom had a little play and then we picked up some sandwiches for lunch and went and had them down by the lake – a very lovely outlook.  We went down for a look afterwards and found lots of fat tadpoles (no frogs though – boo!).

Someone here is heavy!

We carried on round the trail and before too long found ourselves back at the house.  We decided to go for a tour round as it is newer than most National Trust properties and with the hydro-electric connection we thought it would be interesting (it used to have a hydro-electric powered elevator in it).  

Luminous leaves

However, it was stuffed full of people and Tom was in his usual  ‘lets do this as fast as possible mode’.  We did see some good bits though including a fantastic plunge pool (almost Japanese in style) and spa area.  There was the most enormous marble fire place on the second floor – bigger than anything I’ve ever seen before.  There were also quite a few Japanese exhibits (apparently the family had business connections over there).  The kitchen was enormous with one of the biggest and most handsome ranges I have ever seen – shame we visited today as tomorrow they are having a special baking day.  The rooms and architecture was pretty interesting – given a chance I would like to go again without the crowds.

3 men

Once done (Tom had a quiz to find lots of musical exhibits) we headed back to the car and then drove the Estate drive which takes you 6 miles around the grounds including right through the main house (very surprising!).  This was lovely , we parked up in a car park  for the Rhododendron labyrinth which we did.  Tom decided he was our guide, to be fair to him, he found the centre without too much bother, then Matt and I guided him back.

We finished the drive and then headed to Rothbury for a little look around.  A lovely market town with an amazing butcher’s.  We had to go in and buy some sausages as they had the best selection I have ever seen.  We got some smoked pork hot dogs and some Northumberland to cook at home.  Then after yet another play in the park for Tom we headed home. 

We had the sausages for tea – WOW!  The smoked sausages were about the best sausages I have ever had – we will be returning to that butcher’s on Friday on our way home to stock up.