Blood, Fair & Steam

This Friday was Tom's last assembly.  This time they did one about Roald Dahl.  Tom played a 3 year old Roald who was more interested in sport than school.  It was very funny, they used facial expressions and repeating jokes all the way through to give us a laugh.  There was a song, which as usual Tom didn't know, but apart from that he did well - I always love a school assembly - they are like little nuggets of gold.

I had to leg it from school as I had an appointment to give blood.  I was very surprised to find out that I was ok to do so.  I think a 'Save a life, Give Blood' ad popped up on my Facebook feed, and I thought, hummmm, I wonder if I am eligible, so went on their website to find out.  I ended up filling out a contact form to find out, describing what I'ld been through and had been diagnosed with.  I then completely forgot about it until Tuesday when I got a letter from them saying they had been in contact with my Dr and they had decided I could now give blood.  I was surprised, but also know that they are desperate at the moment and are always looking for my blood group (very common in Black and Asian communities - who apparently are also less likely to donate).  On getting the letter I looked up to see when the next session was in Ingleton and found out it was Friday!  I phoned and booked myself in.  I, of course, had to go through interrogation with the nurse - the same nurse who refused to let me donate last time and really annoyed me.  This time, he was very attentive, I got a grilling, but because I had the letter from the blood service saying I was fit, he allowed me through.  I had my iron levels tested - they are fine (another sign I am recovered - the nurse was surprised even with the amount of time passed between op and donation) so I gave blood.  The nurse kept coming to see me to check I was ok and then sat down with me whilst I ate my biscuits.  He said he was surprised someone would give blood so soon after a major op, but very pleased too.  I felt absolutely fine, in fact more fine than I normally feel after giving blood.

Tom plus traction engine

We decided to go to The Old Post Office for a drink to mark the beginning of the weekend.  I didn't drink as I thought that might be one step too far directly after giving blood, so for the first time had soft drinks there.  We then decided to stop there for tea and had a platter each.  Very enjoyable as always.  Just as we were finishing up I got flashing lights before my eyes - oops, I was about to faint, so I rushed out, sat on the pavement and put my head between my legs.  Slowly the feeling cleared.  I guess I ate too soon after the donation.  I had a little lie down after getting home and then was fine again - I was very glad though that I hadn't had my usual gin and tonic!

Saturday was a busy day as it was the day of the School Fair.  We got to school at 10am ready to drag out all the tables and chairs and sort out the BBQ, as was the case last year, we only just got it all ready for opening at 12.  Now this year, the turn out was pretty poor, when we opened at 12, very few people arrived, but as the afternoon wore on, more and more people arrived.  We were all pretty gloomy about the outcome, but to our surprise we made almost £1,000 which was more than last year.  In fact my stall - the 'pluck a duck' stall took £63, it only took £35 last year!  So I guess the people that turned up were all prepared to spend good money which is good.  Need to do more next year to attract people though - maybe have entertainment of some sort which won't cost too much.  Tom entertained himself for the whole day, mainly playing football.  We didn't leave until 4pm, got home and collapsed, exhausted.  We went to see Matt play cricket for a while (except he was already out), then had tea and did not much for the rest of the day.

Lawnmower racing

Sunday was Father's Day, so Tom came into our bedroom bearing gifts, hugs and kisses for his lovely Daddy.  We then decided to head to Scorton Steam Fair for the day.  Matt hasn't been before, but for Tom and I it was our 3rd visit.  It's got everything for boys: trucks, army vehicles, traction engines, food, lawn mower racing (Matt's favourite), tractors, motorbikes, fair ground and a big arena for shows.  We all enjoyed ourselves, my favourite was the motorbike display team who were doing somersaults in the air etc with their bikes, in fact I thought their show was too short!  There were more places to eat than in the past - with pulled pork and other gourmet delights appearing along side the bacon butties etc.  Matt even found a chocolate rum truffle which reminded him of his Grandma and made him happy.  Cake stalls were selling cakes at ridiculously cheap prices, not sure how any of them made a profit, but we indulged and were happy.

Motocross display

We left at 2pm as the weather was looking decidedly dodgy.  We did well as about 5 minutes later the heavens opened and it rained for the rest of the day.  We got home (Tom fell asleep in the car - he is still full of hay fever) and had showers etc, put on our glad rags and headed to Settle where we met with Pat and Bob to have tea out at The Falcon.  This is a 'posh' hotel in Settle which we thought we would try out.  We were disappointed, the environment was very posh, the waiters dressed nicely, but the service very very very slow, the food only just ok and a bit over priced.  There are plenty of other good eateries in the town, so I don't think we will be returning in a hurry.

Millie

So Tom went back to school on Monday - boo hoo, we were having such a good time.  I got Lily Pad Bakery up and running again and had a cake this week, so worked on that.  I also had a 1:1 pilates session with a friend who is a teacher which I passed successfully - I am allowed to join classes.  She said I was a lot more mobile and flexible than she thought I would be and thought I was a pilates natural - wow!  Not often anyone has said I am good at anything athletic!  She has inspired me and I have downloaded a couch potato to 5km app on my phone to see if I can get myself running - wonders will never cease!  I also got to Settle this week to visit the craft shop to buy some wool.  I have finally got myself a knitting book for tea cosies.  I didn't understand a word of it, so took it to the shop and asked for help.  She deciphered it and I came away with 4 balls of wool and some needles, raring to go.  The lady said that knitting is like riding a bike - you don't forget how to do it - she was right, I got going very quickly, although had to do quite a bit of unpicking when I went wrong.  You Tube, I have found is a fantastic resource, so as soon as the book asks me to do something I don't know I type it in and find a video showing me how to do it.  I am now a pro when it comes to 'kfb' etc which was double dutch only a week ago!  I have made my first tea cosy and am working on my second already.  Just need to find some buttons to finish the first one off and I'll put a photo up.  Matt keeps saying that I've been replaced by an imposter - everyone knows I hate running and he was not aware I had ever knitted!  I guess I'm just trying new things...

The finish

Friday - we had some friends turn up: Michael, Sarah and 2.5 year old Millie from London (Michael is one of Matt's friends from Japan).  Michael was diagnosed with a rare Lymphoma a year or so ago, this is the first time since diagnosis he's been well enough to travel up.  Strange because we used to think how terrible it would be to be in his shoes.  Of course, now we know and even though I ended up with a benign condition, I can put myself in his shoes, and as a result we had some good frank conversations about our experiences - good therapy for both of us.

To date I hadn't met Millie, Matt had on a trip to London and was completely charmed by her.  He was right too, as she was utterly charming.  A bundle of curly ginger hair, chatting away, happily singing, playing, chatting, eating, chatting, more eating and then sleeping perfectly.  Who could ask more of a 2.5 year old?!  She was shy for about 30 seconds and then made herself firmly at home.  Tom came home from school with Matthew and she accepted them immediately - in fact she charmed herself into their affections very well, when Matthew left she was very sad.

Michael, Millie and Sarah

We had a fractured evening as Tom was taking place in a triathlon at 7pm.  So he and Millie had their tea early, Millie went to bed, whilst Tom went down to the swimming pool to get his instructions.  

He was in the 7-10 year old group (my he looked very small in his group - not sure a 7 year old competing with a 10 year old is exactly fair?!)  His swimming went a bit down hill - he had to do 100m which he can normally do easily, but because he was in a crowd I think he slowed down and got engulfed. His cycling was better - 1km, but his running was outstanding (400m), he was going so fast I thought he was going to fall over - he completely astounded me - not sure where he got his stamina or speed from?  Anyway he didn't come last in his group and considering he was the youngest, I think that was really good.  He was really hyped up afterwards, and wants to do another one soon.

We returned home and he had a second tea with the adults - he deserved it.

On the Waterfalls Trail

Saturday we did the waterfalls trail with our visitors.  This was a challenge Michael had set himself - he was determined to do the trail (he wouldn't have been able to do it last year).  Millie being only 2.5 wasn't completely up for it - but she was good and did walk quite a bit of it, although a lot of carrying went on.  The weather was supposed to be horrible - grey and wet, but we were lucky, the weather man had got it wrong, there was sunshine and it was warm.

3 amigos

Our progress wasn't exactly quick, as it was being dictated by a 2.5 year old, but that didn't matter, we enjoyed ourselves.  I think it took 4.5 hours to get round it (I normally take 1.5 hours).  By then it was raining, so we dived into the cafe for tea and a bun before heading home.  You would think that a 2.5 year old would want to nap after all that, but no Millie was not going to sleep at all and just kept going.  She and Tom had an early tea.  Millie went to bed and Tom watched some football before heading upstairs.

Sunday - Tom did his cricket practise, whilst the rest of us went to the park for a play.  Millie loves parks, this one was to her liking so she made herself at home immediately and played to her heart's content.  She is one happy, relaxed, outgoing child.  We then went for lunch at Inglesport.  Matt then took our visitors back to the train station whilst I tidied up.

It was a good weekend.

Nice end to the holidays

BMXer

Saturday
Matt had to work on Saturday so Tom and I took the opportunity to go to see Lynne and Matthew - they are always inviting us around and we are always saying no!  Tom and Matthew played well, so Lynne and I gossiped.  She's a good gossip and slightly nuts so always a good conversation!

We left around 1 and then went to Ireby for lunch - smoked salmon sandwich for Tom and goats' cheese tart for me - yumsk.  We then headed to Kirkby to do some shopping and then back home.  The afternoon was spent at the pump track, Tom going round and round and round.  He's got a lot better - stands up on the pedals now and can do the adult bit without any bother.  He's also beginning to clear some air under his front wheel when he goes around.

As we didn't go out for tea yesterday, we decided to do so today, so went to the Indian restaurant in the village.  A nice evening.  Then back home for bed.

Sunday

Tongue out for concentration

After a sunny outside breakfast, Tom went for his cricket practise in the morning, we then went to Inglesport for lunch.  Matt was playing cricket and I decided that as it was so nice we would go to the swimming pool in the afternoon (am fed up of the pump track).  I was hoping we would bump into people so I wouldn't have to get in the pool with Tom - not so much fun during the afternoon session as basically I just get splashed for the whole session.   We were in luck, Ruby Faraday was there, she's in the class below Tom and often can be found chasing him around the playground.  She was there with her older sister, but decided quite early on that it would be more fun to play with Tom - phew!  They played really nicely together, jumping in, going under water etc etc.  Then Evie turned up and joined in the fun and then Annabel Holman turned up.  Fantastic, I had mumsie chat on the terraces in the sun, tanning nicely whilst the children played.  How lovely, we stayed until we got asked to leave!  A very lovely way to spend the last afternoon of the holidays.

So, that was the end of the holidays - and what a fab week it was.  We did loads, had fun and had A LOT of sun.  I look like I've been to the med for a week - who'd have thought it of Yorkshire!

Naughty Night Away

Pendle Hill trig point

So Matt and I headed our way down to the very lovely village of Barley for our naughty night away.  It felt very strange but lovely to be doing it.  It helped that the hills were bathed in sunshine on our way over - the countryside around here is truly stunning.  We had booked ourselves into The Barley Mow pub which we came across last time we were here - very lovely it is too - one of a small chain that prides itself on service and quality.  The room was very pleasant, so we had a shower and went out for a walk to try to earn our dinner.  Barley is one of those unspoilt villages in the middle of nowhere.  Every house seems to be a barn conversion.  You feel like you are in an area of millionaires, but because it is in the middle of no-where the prices really are quite reasonable.  Anyway we walked alongside a stream for a while and then headed back to the other village pub for a cheeky drink before heading back to our pub, putting on our glad rags and having dinner.

This pub prides itself on its food and it didn't disappoint.  I had a Goan king prawn curry which was really really good - I ate it all up, so it must have been good.  Matt had pie and chips and was very happy with it - although most of his chips ended up being dipped in my curry sauce before being consumed.  Matt was on beer and I was on wine.

The Dales from Pendle Hill

It was a lovely evening, so nice to be just the two of us with no interruptions. We headed to bed quite early, but that was just fine.

An average house in Barley!

Friday morning dawned yet another sunny day.  We headed downstairs for breakfast (omelette for Matt and poached eggs for me) and then got ourselves ready for a walk up Pendle Hill.  This is a 4 mile circular walk which is very uphill.  With my lighter frame, it was certainly easier than last time I climbed up it, but I still sweat.  A lot.  Oh hum, the view from the top was just magnificent, we could see Ingleborough in the distance, and the valley holding Colne, Nelson, Burnley and Accrington.  It was just gorgeous and as we had headed up early, we didn't have to share the summit with too many people.  We carried on back down past lots of puffing people and had a drink outside in the cafe to recover.  We then drove home the scenic route via a garden centre to pick up a saucer for the Ikea plant we bought the other day.  Once again we were rewarded with wonderful views of the Dales and the Trough of Bowland.

We got back home about 1.30 - neither of us were hungry so we pottered around.  Tom is still out enjoying himself with the Ellershaws.  They have been to an ice-cream farm and are now geocaching around Williamson Park.  The house doesn't feel right without him - he should be here annoying me!

Here are a couple of pics of his day out:

In Williamson Park (they went geocaching)

At the ice cream farm (Tom decided to have coffee cake!)

100 Years

Lunch at Glasson Dock

On Thursday (yet another sunny day) we headed over to Glasson Dock as it was the 100th anniversary of the birth of Matt's Grandma (Pat's Mum).  Matt wanted to raise a glass to her as it was down to her really that we have ended up living here.  We drove down, parked in the town and then walked out to a cafe we know.  There wasn't a cloud in the sky, it really was just lovely.  We wondered if it was the same 100 years ago?

We got to the cafe and had lunch - a breakfast bun for Matt, beans on toast for me and the most expensive for you know who, he wanted a prawn sandwich.  We toasted Eda and thanked her for bringing us up North.

We then walked back to the car and headed back home via the Trough of Bowland.  We found a great playing place for a football kick around and a stream which was begging to be dammed.  Both were done, although I think we all need a lesson on how to dam a stream as although we worked hard, the water was still pouring through.  It was a glorious time, deep blue sky, sunshine & giggles.  What's not to like?

Playing in the Trough of Bowland

We got back around 3pm and then had to pack.  Tom is having his first sleep over with his girlfriend Caitlin, and Matt and I were taking the opportunity to have a night away too - and had booked ourselves into a rather nice looking pub in Barley, near Pendle Hill.  We dropped Tom off first - he was so excited I thought he would explode!  Sal is a Nursery Nurse and Rich is a teacher, so he's in very good and capable hands.  They have decided to have him for most of Friday as well so we can have a proper day out.  How lucky are we to have friends like this?  He settled in almost immediately, it was quite apparent we were surplus to requirements, so we left him to it.

Visit to Auntie Jude and Craig

Hiding hole

Not as good

On Tuesday we packed the car and headed over to North Wales on yet another lovely sunny day (we had breakfast outside).  First stop was Hawarden Estate Farm Shop (which we have visited before with the Watsons) for lunch.  We had a deli platter between the three of us outside in the sunshine which we couldn't finish and then headed over to Mold.

Beautiful in the sunshine

Jude and Craig were home (Craig works from home).  We admired their new kitchen and new garden (realised it had been over a year since we last visited) and then headed out to Holywell to Basingwerk Abbey for a walk.  It was a very pleasant walk amongst ruins of an industrial bygone age - there used to be mills and factories here, in dappled sunlight.  Our destination was a tea room with a big tea menu, however, when we got there, we discovered it was closed for the day.  Oh hum, we returned back and found another cafe which had comically bad service but surprisingly good cakes - except for Jude's scone which was like a house brick!  We then had a good game of hide and seek amongst the abbey ruins.  It was a lovely afternoon.

Big chef little chef

We return back to the house to find Craig having almost finished work, so beers were cracked open, crisps put in bowls, Beatles put on the stereo and we enjoyed the afternoon outside in the garden in the sunshine.  It was a lovely evening.  Craig was the chef for the evening (Toad in the Hole with real onion gravy, roast potatoes, buttered leeks and rainbow chard).  Tom was sous chef and got put to work.  It was a great atmosphere, everyone had fun and a magnificent dinner was made.  Tom ate a monster portion of food - 2.5 sausages, huge amounts of pudding, his own jug of onion gravy and plenty of leeks and chard, all finished off with chocolate cherry cake.  He really should have burst!  He went to bed without complaint and was in anaconda mode and sleeping like a baby almost immediately.  We spent the rest of the evening chatting and relaxing.

Flaked out

Wednesday, Craig had to go to the office, so we didn't see him to say goodbye and thank you (sorry!).  We got up slightly later, had breakfast and then went to Loggerheads for another walk - this time alongside a river to a gorge.  Someone had left a trail of pink glitter alongside the walk, which was fab - Tom was on spotting duties.  We went past some good looking caves which I really wanted to explore, but no, there were warning signs and I didn't have a hard hat or torch - next time maybe.  We did some balancing on logs, which I took too far and ended up falling on my bum - oops, but it's good to be able to be silly again.

A stick for throwing. Apparently.

We finished off at a tea room (of course), cakes and drinks all round and a kick around of football for the boys.  We then packed up the car and said our goodbyes to Jude and headed to Ikea in Warrington (of all places).  I've been wanting a craft light for ages to help me with my cakes as on gloomy days I can find it quite hard to see what I am doing.  This was a good opportunity and Matt's idea.  We got there just in time for lunch: meatballs and chips for the boys and salad for me and then found the lighting dept and the perfect lamp.  We then (of course) got a whole load more things including the compulsory tea lights.

Then, back home.  Tom slept pretty much the whole way home from Ikea.  He woke up bright and breezy and after a portion of chocolate cherry cake he requested a go on the pump track, so I took him down.  He did so much better today, he was standing on the pedals for most of the session and was beginning to clear air with his front wheel.  He is really getting into it and will, I think, be wanting to do jumps before too long.  He was the smallest on the track today and he really didn't care.  The older boys were all helping him - with advice and just checking he was OK.  One even helped fix a noise on his bike when I was clueless!  Matt came down to watch him and was impressed.  He hardly stopped the whole time we were down there.  So great to have it a 5 minute walk away.

A lap of the pump track

Bank Holiday Weekend

First ride on the pump track

So the new Ingleton pump track officially opened today.  There has been much excitement in the village about it.  It unofficially opened on Friday afternoon but we didn't have time to get down to it.  We thought if we went down in the morning today it would be less busy (assuming all the teenagers would still be in bed).  Oh no, it was rammed.  There were a good 30 /40 people on it - of all ages.  However, it was a great atmosphere, everyone helping and encouraging everyone else, the old ones looking after the young ones, so much so that Tom didn't have a problem at all getting stuck in.

Textbook cover drive

Now, I don't know much about pump tracks, technique etc but I soon picked it up by watching the good, fluid riders.  Basically you need to stand up on your pedals, pedal as little as possible and lean to get your way around the track.  We tried to explain this to Tom, but he refused to believe us - he was doing it all sat down on his saddle and was looking quite unstable and very novice doing it.  Oh hum, he fell off quite a few times because he wasn't getting enough speed because he was sat down, but he was straight back on the track again every time, so you have to give him his dues.  He wasn't intimidated by all the other guys on the track either which was ace as normally he is happy to stay at the back of a queue whenever there is a queue.  As one mum said, 'it is like a hamster wheel for children - they just go round and round and round!'

Pen-y-Ghent from Feizor

We were there for 2.5 hours, which was nothing compared to others (Fred his friend spent 10 hours at the track!).  We went to Inglesport for lunch and then Matt got ready for cricket.  Tom and I went over to the field to watch him, expecting a quick half hour, however, he was in the zone today.  He batted for 1.5 hours.  I had to leave Tom watching him whilst I went back to the house to get some suncream and sun hats as it was quite hot and both of us were turning red!  We stayed to watch the end of the innings and then headed home for tea.  We then went back over to watch Matt bowl.  He did well.  Today I actually enjoyed watching the cricket, if only every game could be like that.

Sunday, Tom had his usual cricket training in the morning, whilst I made a cake (for craft night tomorrow), first cake I have made since the beginning of March.  I had to go out and buy some eggs to be able to make it - I never am without eggs - you can see how out of practise I am!

Bluebells galore

In the afternoon we went to Feizor so I could show the boys the walk I did with the girls on Wednesday - it is a variation on a walk we know, the variation being that it includes taking in Elaine's Cafe which is always nice.  We did it back to front so did the short route to the cafe first, had lunch as we were all hungry and then on upwards into the bluebell woods.  Once again a nice walk - never get bored of it.

We then carried on to Settle to the tip, then Watershed Mill (I needed some shorts and don't have any that fit me at the moment) and then to Grannie and Grandpas for high tea.  High tea was lasagna and tea cakes, all very pleasant.  However, the big news was that Tom was staying for a sleep over so as soon as we finished tea he said in a loud voice: "BYE".  I think it was a hint!  We took it and headed home.  Unfortunately both of us were tired and weren't really up for a big night out together.  We did manage to head to The Old Post Office for a couple of drinks, but were home by 8.30 and in bed for 10pm (how rock and roll!)

Swinging at Flascoe Bridge

Monday, we had a useful morning doing various jobs and then headed to Austwick for the Cuckoo Fair and Street Market at 11 - to meet up with Tom and Grandpa.  We hadn't been before, but it was a typical Yorkshire village affair - brass band, W.I, hog roast, tombola, raffle, bouncy castle etc etc.  Lots of jolly people, including Rachael's mum who I bumped into - she was another one who had been 'praying' for me (guess it worked!), anyway had a lovely chat.  Rachael, Graham and Isabella had escaped to Arran for the weekend.  We had tea and W.I. cakes (lemon cake too dry, chocolate cake not chocolatey enough for me - oh I do like to criticise W.I. cakes!), Matt had a hog roast bun and then we headed back to Ingleton.  Matt was paying cricket again.  I gave Tom the choice of watching Matt or the Pump track - he decided on the pump track, so we headed back down there.  The Gowlands were there (Seth is in the class below Tom) so we settled in with them (including Nana) for the afternoon.  Think we were there for about 3 or 4 hours in the end.  Tom improved big time.  I wouldn't let him on the adult part of the track until he stood on his pedals for the whole of the junior bit.  It took him about 1.5 hours, but he got there in the end.  He has definitely improved, and once again there was a really good atmosphere down there, with everyone helping everyone.

We came home, I made some pasta which Tom demolished.  He then went on to eat 3 puddings as he was still hungry.  Matt came home as we were eating tea - turns out the visiting team forgot to turn up so they had a game amongst themselves.  Tom went straight to bed - he was shattered after the pump track.  Just as well as I had my craft night.  The girls came round for a natter, tea and cake and Matt went round to Stuarts for the same (but with beer and crisps!)  It was a nice, easy evening.

Oh and for the whole weekend the sun shone - yes that is a Bank Holiday Weekend in the north!  It was beautiful weather, we all got tanned.  Life's great up north you know!

Nice Week Off

So, this week has been a free bonus week.  If I had been working for an employer, this is when I would have gone back to work.  However, I work for me, and as it was the last week before half term, there was no point in starting up the business again.  Fantastic, I made sure I had lots planned to enjoy myself.

On Monday I headed into Skipton to go shopping with Anne.  Had a very lovely day in the sunshine. I discovered that I am now a size 12 in most shops much to my excitment (depending on the style of course as my big chest sometimes gets in the way).  Anne was very good, finding me styles to try on that I wouldn't normally go for and encouraging me all the way (I'm not the best shopper and will quickly get bored and give up if I am by myself).  Anne's way of shopping is to go to every shop and try everything on and then leave potential purchases behind the sales desk to pick up later.  She was very diligent.  In the end I bought 3 new dresses - a record for me (although I think 2 of them are going to go back for various reasons).  It is so nice to see a slim me in the mirror, clothes look so much better on a slim body.

Tuesday
I went to see Dr Morgan and then walked over to Cold Coates to see Ruth for the afternoon.  It was a quiet afternoon spent with Florence (off school ill) and Hugo.  Very pleasant though.

Victorian urchin

Wednesday I went to Feizor with the girls (Caroline, Kate, Lynne and Steph) to do a circular walk, taking in Elaine's and Oxenber Woods with all the bluebells out etc.  It was a lovely, lovely walk with good company.


Thursday I didn't have much planned, it was a cold and rainy day.  I headed to Kirkby Lonsdale in the car by myself in the morning to buy Janine a thank you gift (she's been an absolute diamond throughout my 'illness' and I wanted to say thank you properly to her).  In the afternoon I headed to Stacksteads for some swimming.  It felt a lot better this time.  I was able to swim for 30 mins without my scar hurting, so I guess some strength has come back to my tummy.

Tom had Victorian Day at school - Matt had got him a Dickensian costume so we dressed him up and sent him along with the other urchins for a day at school.  They all looked great.

Friday
I started Friday with a romp around the waterfalls trail.  I did it in 1hr 38mins which is back to the sort of times I was doing before the op, so I think we can say my walking fitness has returned to where it was, just my stomach fitness to work on now.  I am doing a royal iced cake for a friend who is a pilates teacher at the moment.  She is going to do a 1:1 session with me to isolate my tummy muscles and show me how to build them back up again - she said that she will even give me homework.  Can't wait - really want to get working on it.

Lottie, Evie, Tom, Isaac & Caitlin - a lovely bunch

Today I started to think about work, after a tidy up I sat down and wrote out loads of booking forms for cakes I've been taking on over the last couple of weeks.  I've also been royal icing a cake ready for the first week back after half term when it needs decorating and delivering.

We had decided to go to the new Mason's Arms for tea tonight.  It was going to be just the three of us, but then the Ellershaws asked if they could come by, and then the Cronshaws - so we ended up 11 in total.  The pub don't take reservations so we just turned up and to be fair the landlady was very accommodating and found us a big table.  We ordered and had all our meals within 30 mins.  The food was ok - nothing amazing, but good enough and as I said the food came out quickly and the service was good.  We will be back to try some of the other meals.  The kids all got on which meant it was a great night out.  However, more was to come as I had my birthday drinks with Janine in The Old Post Office this evening as well.  By the time we got home from The Masons Arms I had half an hour and was out again.  I didn't drink at the Masons Arms on purpose so I could drink at TOPO, we had a bottle of white wine and a couple of G&Ts each.  We were the last to leave and were quite tipsy when we left, it was a good night (even if I can't remember most of it!)