Deer Shed Festival

The way to travel

So we were irresponsible parents on Friday and took Tom out for the last day of term!  He had already got his attendance report, and anyway, he wouldn't have been able to join in any of the games - he would have more fun with us.  The teachers were actually in agreement with us.

We packed up the car - wow you need a lot of equipment for even the most basic camping weekend (we didn't take any cooking gear as we knew there was plenty of great festival food waiting for us)  It only just fits in and that's with one child in the car, don't know how people do it with two children!  We got to the festival about an hour after it had opened and as a result got parked right next to the camping grounds and we had the pick of where to pitch the tent - such a difference to last year where we struggled to find a space big enough for our tent!

Sleepy boy

It took 2 journeys with a trolley to get all our gear to the field and a whole lot of sweat - oh yes it was hot hot hot - guess what there aren't any showers - so we were hot, sweaty and smelly before it even started.  We got the tent up without too much trouble, Tom normally helps but with his broken arm, it was too difficult for him.  We forgot our mallet so were glad that it had rained recently and the ground was soft - although my hand was hurting for the rest of the day!

Sam Sam Bubbleman

On the big wheel

The festival arena opened at 1pm, we dashed in to get our first meal of the festival - Tom had a children's hot dog, Matt a hot dog with everything and I had a very tasty chilli.  We were all happy and looking forward to trying out some more.

We went for a look around the activity tents - Tom made a cardboard camera, in a tent that was roasting roasting hot and then an octopus / squid type creature with a milk bottle and ribbons.  We then returned to the tent for a nap as we were all getting a little tired.  We collapsed on our beds and I think I even managed to catch some cat naps.  It was pretty hot in the tent though!  Late afternoon we returned to the festival, Matt started on the beer, whilst Tom and I had an ice-cream each.  The fact Tom wanted an ice-cream is proof enough that it was hot as he will only entertain the thought of one when he is very very hot.  He chose a strawberry sorbet - and it was delicious - much better than anything you get on the high street.

Cameraman Tom

We sheltered from the sun inside a teepee for a while before heading back to camp again to get ourselves ready for the evening - we got our chairs and headed for the mound to enjoy the music and food.  Matt had mango and chicken korma, Tom a fish finger sandwich and I opted for a veggie indian curry - we were all very happy with our choices - especially Tom when he was allowed to get some churros and chocolate sauce for pudding.  We stayed until about 10pm and then went back to the tent for bed.

Saturday the campsite as a whole woke up at 6am - we managed to lie in for a while, but think we gave up around 8am and joined the long queue for the toilets.  I got Matt a coffee to help kick start him (we didn't have a very good night's sleep - there was a very loud snorer very close to us) he then had an eggy bread bacon sandwich to put him on.  We found ourselves playing Ludo in the activities area which went on and on - so much so we had to leave it without finishing it as Sam Sam Bubble Man was on in the big top.  We saw him last year and it was one not to miss.  It was good we went early as it was standing room only for a good 15 minutes before it started.  Unfortunately the show wasn't quite as slick as last year as the bubbles weren't playing in the hot and humid atmosphere.  He had real trouble getting his tricks to work, but it didn't matter, his enthusiasm was catching and Tom enjoyed himself, so much so he spent the last of his pocket money on a special device that makes small bubbles in big bubbles.

Home from home

After the show, Tom and I had a ride on the big wheel.  We then headed to the activities area for lunch.  Macaroni Cheese for the boys and moules marinere for me - they were huge, big juicy modules too - very very yummy.  One of the activities was friendship bracelets - we decided to make one, so Tom could give it to Emma (she had bought Tom some lego as a get well better soon gift after he broke his arm).  He wasn't the most dedicated worker - but we got there in the end.  We were all wilting by this time, so decided to head back to the tent and go for a nap.  It was hot, hot, hot again, but it was good to rest.

Mad festival selfie faces!

We headed back to the festival late afternoon in search for an ice-cream for Tom again - he was so hot he said only an ice-cream would help.  There was a long queue, but we persevered and he got his strawberry sorbet again.  We spent the evening on the mound again.  Dinner was Jambalaya for Matt, Cumberland Sausage hot dog for Tom and veggie green Thai curry for me - all very tasty again.  This year they had comedians on including Tom Wrigglesworth and Mark Watson who we both like.  Matt went to see Tom and I went to see Mark.  It was standing room only, but worth while - a good giggle. The music on Saturday night was good too and Tom was in good spirits so we stayed up till 11pm until it was too cold to stay still any longer.

Sunday the campsite woke up at 7am - a whole hour later than yesterday morning.  We still didn't sleep that well and the snorer still snored - in fact his snores entered my dreams!  We headed to the festival for breakfast - bacon sarnie for Matt, smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel for Tom and avocado and scrambled egg tacos for me - all very lovely.  We went back to the tent and packed it all up and took it back to the car, so much easier when your car is near the entrance!  We headed back to the festival to do some activities, Tom painted a stone and made a super hero mask.  We then did some window shopping - Matt discovered that a stall holder he bought a shirt from on Friday was from High Bentham!  A lost child found me - so I had to sort him out, and we ended up adopting a child (5 year old Anna) whilst playing snakes and ladders.  It was a nice chilled out Sunday.  We had lunch: roast chicken and chips - 1 portion between the 3 of us as we were still full from breakfast and then decided to head home as the forecast was rain and we were tired.  We timed it perfectly, it started to rain just as we headed out of the car park.

The site from above

It was a good weekend, however, we thought we were going to be there with friends to meet up with in the evenings to enjoy the music, beer and company together - their little girl and Tom are good friends and it is a delight to watch them play together.  They had been telling us that they didn't think they would make it due to family sickness - which we completely understood.  But then we bumped into them and they didn't look happy to see us!  Obviously they didn't want to spend time with us (they were with other friends) so we didn't force it and spent the festival by ourselves.  Not a problem as we enjoy each others company, but it put a damper on the whole weekend and of course we kept seeing them and Tom kept asking when he would be able to play with his friend!  Not great and I think a friendship which we thought was strong has been severed!  We've been wracking our brains as to why this has happened and can't work it out, obviously something subtle that we don't understand.  I felt like it was typical childish bullying behaviour - something I thought I had left behind in the playground many years ago.  It is very sad - only last week they had been expressing sympathy re Tom's broken arm!  I hate that - double standards: either be a friend or don't be a friend - don't pretend!  I personally think life is too short and precious for this sort of behaviour and seeing what I've been through this year (and they helped and supported us through it!?) it just makes me very very sad and very bewildered, what happened to the festival spirit of everyone loving everyone?  Rant over!

Southport

Not an everyday sight outside our house!

Minion Tom!

We had a nice busy weekend this weekend.  Saturday Matt headed off to Malham for a translators walk, whilst Tom and I stayed in Ingleton as it was the Ingleton Gala which is always worth hanging around for.  Tom had the opportunity to be on the Craven Wanderers float but with his broken arm and the number of children due to be on the float, it wasn't going to work.  He didn't complain and helped me guard the car park during the procession instead.  When the Craven Wanderers float came past, he was spotted and lots of sweets got sent his way (It was the Craven Wanderers coach's son's jaw that broke Tom's arm - so there was guilt involved, even though it was a freak accident!)

We watched the parade and then followed them into the field.  We then hung around for a good hour or two, watching the entertainment, eating lunch and playing games.  Tom won some Minion glasses which he was overjoyed with.

Lancashire Hot Pots in Full Flow

We then came home and got ourselves ready to head to Southport where we were meeting up with Debbie, Adam and Luke ready to watch the Lancashire Hot Pots.  We had a ball.  It was fab to see Adam again (we had seen Debbie and Luke recently but not Adam).  We checked into The Bold Hotel which was a recently renovated Art Deco building and very very cool.  It had the tallest bed we have ever seen and a spa bath - happy days.  We got changed and then met up with Debbie, Adam and Luke - we all got on immediately.  We headed down for tea at the local Wetherspoons which was ok for Wetherspoons, although I made a huge mistake in buying 2 different half pints of cider as they were having a cider festival - they were both revolting!  I should know better, if you are in a Wetherspoons, expect Wetherspoons quality!  We only just made the theatre in time to see the entrance of the Hot Pots.  They were all dressed up in 80s garb as their latest album is 'Nowt like the 80s'.

Getting his cast signed

The show was brilliant as always, if they weren't musicians they would be stand up comedians as their rapport with the audience is fantastic - lots of jokes, lots of banter and therefore lots of giggles for us.  They managed to keep the show 'clean' with there being children in the audience, but there was plenty of innuendo to keep us all happy and to embarrass the kids when they are old enough to understand.  We were able to drink in the theatre, and the bottled cider, although Welsh, was ok, so I got stuck in and really enjoyed myself.  There was dancing in the aisles, a conga around the seats, Adam was their 'John' for the evening - calling out and joining in with the banter.  Everyone tried to point me out as the token 'southerner' in the audience, but luckily they weren't looking our way when trying to find someone.  Poor Tom was desperately tired, but managed to keep going and enjoy himself.

Thumbs up

After the show, as is traditional, the band came to the bar for a chat with their fans.  Tom was desperate to get his cast signed by them, and they were all very happy to do so.  Billy the bass guitarist even gave him his plectrum which Tom was overjoyed about.  Tom was completely made up.  Debbie and Adam had a good chat with the band too and we took loads of photos.  It really was a fantastic night, we didn't get to bed until about midnight!

A row of friends

 Can't say we had the best night's sleep - but that was all of our own making.  I could still feel the cider in my system for most of the morning.  We got up, had another bath and then met up with the others and headed to Wetherspoons again for breakfast - which was ok.  We then went to catch some pokemon with the new Pokemon Go game - Luke is a gaming nerd, and this is the new 'thing' in the gaming world.  Tom was happy to tag along so we did so too.

We then said our goodbyes and headed over to the pub where we were going to meet up with Bob.  We were half an hour early so decided to walk to the end of the jetty and back. They no longer have the electric tram on it (it was too heavy for the structure) but have a 'petit train' instead which was enough to keep Tom's interest.  It was pretty windy which was actually just what we needed to blow the cobwebs out and generate an appetite ready for lunch at 12.

We bumped into Bob just outside the pub and found ourselves a table.  The food isn't of the best quality here, I went for the carvery and was pleasantly surprised - think Matt was a little jealous - as his was nondescript!

Bob was in good humour as always.  He was a little thinner, a little gruffer and a little deafer, but other than that was great, we had plenty to talk about.  After lunch he took us for a walk around the lake and gardens.

Great Great Uncle Bob

I started off walking slowly, but he keep overtaking me.  He might be skinny and old, but he is a fast walker - he impressed us both.  He thought the idea of me running was hilarious and tried to get me to show him how I was doing, but not a chance!  He also commissioned a tea cosy from me - hum what should I make him - I'm thinking something beachy...

Anyway a good day was had by all, but we were all shattered!  We headed home and managed to find a way back which didn't take us through Preston (we ended up going through Preston on the way over - the place gives me the heebie jeebies and also it takes FOR EVER to get through!)  Tom slept pretty much the whole way home.

A good weekend.

Broken arm!

On Wednesday afternoon I took a call from Ms Middleton, she said that Tom had been involved in an accident at playtime and he wouldn't stop crying - he had been play fighting with some of the boys from the class below (a bit more boisterous than the boys in his class) and another boy had ran straight into them, sending them flying.  Tom's arm landed on another boy's jaw.  Although they are used to his crying a lot for minor injuries, she thought something really was up this time.  Matt went up to see him (he always cries more for me than him).  He came home a sorry sight, he was still crying and saying his arm hurt a lot and to be fair it was swollen.  We asked him if he wanted to see a Dr and he said yes.  I called the surgery and they said to take him straight to A&E in Lancaster so off we went.

They were advertising a 2 hour wait, not great, but do-able.  Tom was able to ask all questions asked of him by the receptionist and soon we were seen by a triage children's nurse who asked more questions, filled out a card and then sent us back to the waiting room.  The waiting room seemed to be full of school boys with various injuries - including one who had been hit in the head with a golf ball!  Someone asked us if we were from Ingleton - she knew us, we had no idea who she was?!  

Getting plastered!

We got seen by a lovely Romanian Dr who asked Tom lots of questions and prodded and poked him - he thought it was broken and sent us to x-ray.  Bad news, his humerus was broken, and he thought that he might be admitted as it was in an awkward place - oh joy, not the news we wanted to hear - I really didn't want to spend another night in hospital!  We then had to wait, wait, wait for an orthopaedic Dr to come to see him.  They never turned up!  A nurse did see us to the plaster room and started setting Tom's arm.  He was still in a lot of pain, and refused to have his arm manipulated into a right angle, so between some gas and air and a children's nurse distracting him with lots of questions, we got there.  He was put in a temporary cast - half bandage and half cast (to give room for swelling).  Then it was put in a triangular bandage.  The nurse then gave us an appointment to return tomorrow to see the Dr and get a new, lighter cast put on.  We finally left the hospital over four hours after arriving (humph - not quite the 2 hours they were advertising!)  We missed school open day today too - which was a shame.

On Thursday afternoon we got Tom out of school early to get him to hospital for in time for his 3.30 appointment - not sure why we bothered, as they were running very very late, so we had to wait, wait, wait, wait to see the Dr.  When we finally got to see him, we were less than impressed!  I think he stayed in the room less than 2 minutes.  He was very gruff and disappeared before we could ask him any questions.  He said that A&E shouldn't have told us he would be put in a new cast as the cast is the least important thing, it is the position that is important.  He then got rid of the triangular bandage and put him in a pink sling and then disappeared.  The nurse told us that he had to sleep in the sling and then we were sent on our way after making an appointment to see the Dr again in 3 weeks time in Kendal.  

Sling 2

Much better!

When we got home, we discovered that we couldn't get the sling off over his head, which meant we couldn't get his top off.  I could cut it off, but it was 3 weeks before we were to see the Dr again, we couldn't cut a shirt a day!  We finally forced the sling off, but it took both me and Matt to do it and caused Tom a lot of pain, surely that couldn't be right?!  We both were depressed by it all.  If we needed to move his arm so he was in pain twice a day to dress him, his bone wasn't going to mend was it?  I spoke to two nurses I know - they gave various bits of advice, one who used to be an A&E nurse was shocked that he was still in the temporary cast and that the sling was so badly put on.  

Friday morning, we had to dress him in an oversized T-shirt, with his arm inside as there was no way we could get a T-shirt on him properly, even with cutting the sleeve!  We got on the phone to our local surgery asap and got a 11.15 appointment to see the nurse.  Matt took him, the nurse said that the care we received yesterday was unacceptable and that we should phone the department and demand they sort it out.  In the meantime she got us a prescription for a better sling to put him in.  We called the hospital, but no-one answered, so we went out for lunch to try to cheer ourselves up.  Once back, Matt tried again, got through first time and spoke to a helpful Sister Monica who told us to come back, she had a better sling that would suit him better.  We picked Tom up from school again (poor thing had only been back an hour!) and took him in.  We got seen to 5 mins after arriving and got given a much better sling.  I had taken a school shirt with me with a cut sleeve to see if we could get it on - we could, it is a 3 person job, but we managed it fine.  We were all relieved.  He still has to sleep with it on, but it is way more comfortable for him, and it means he can wear clothes on his top half.  Such a shame we didn't see Sister Monica yesterday!  Anyway, we drove home a happy family. Tom was in high spirits, he attacked his dinner with gusto, using chopsticks to pick up the hard things.  He went to bed a happy boy.  

It's going to be hard avoiding sports for the summer holidays, he had football camp for the first week, swimming lessons and membership for the outdoor pool, but all of that is out now.  Oh hum, maybe we will finally get some weight put on him over the summer as he won't be active.  At least he broke his left arm - could have been worse!

School Report

Tom got his school report today.  He has done well - not 100% sure of his SATS results as it isn't made clear - but he certainly passed them and exceeded in Maths.  His effort in literacy has got better as has his behaviour.  We are very proud of him.  Some favourite lines from it: 'he plays fair and is a friend to many'  and 'he oozes positivity'.  Can't ask for better than that.

Sleepover

Caitlin, Tom and a mammoth

This weekend was quite busy.

Friday night I went out for a drink and dinner with Sal, Jo and Liz from school.  I hadn't been out with them before so was slightly nervous, but wow, did we have a good time.  Alcohol flowed, conversation didn't dry up at all.  We had a quick appetiser at The Old Post Office, then tea at La Cascada and then back to The Old Post Office until closing time.  I then got physically dragged to The Bottom Club where some young lads bought us some drinks as it was past 11pm.  I got given a pint of cider and black!  I haven't drunk that since I was 20 something.  In fact we all got given 'student' drinks - and spent the rest of the night laughing about things we did as students / 20 somethings whilst the young lads looked on at us (we - well I was a good 20 years older than them!)

Yawning lion

Considering the amount I drank I think I did very well on Saturday!  Tom and I got the bus to Settle to do some birthday shopping for Matt.  I was still very much over the limit so not willing to drive anywhere!  Matt's cricket was rained off, so he drove to Settle to catch up with us - we then went to Feizor for lunch - sausage and egg butty for me to try to soak up the excess alcohol.  Somehow we left with another Highland Cow?!  Percy is now making himself at home in the kitchen.

Snotty orang utan

At 5pm, we had a visitor - Caitlin.  She was coming over for a sleep over in return for the one Tom had with her during half term.  Now, I am not a natural when it comes to having friends round for a play - mainly because other children have different boundaries to those we have set with Tom, which means that they are hard to control!  We've had horrendous eaters round, children that are happy to destroy our property, that don't stop when asked to etc etc.  Don't get me wrong, most of the children are delightful, but they get really giddy when visiting other people's houses so lots of bad behaviour comes out.  Caitlin is the exception to the rule though.  She didn't get giddy, ate up her (pre-ordered) lasagna very well and then she and Tom spread out on a sofa watching Jungle Book - we didn't have to intervene at all - in fact it was relaxing having her around.  They went to bed very nicely (and once Tom stopped talking they went to sleep).  They stayed in their room in the morning until 8.30 and then were well behaved even though they were both tired (they didn't go to sleep until 10pm). 

Silverback gorilla

We went to Blackpool Zoo for the day as we had vouchers for it.  It was a lot bigger than we expected and had pretty much every animal going including an elephant.  Both children were well behaved, but very different.  Tom wanted to look and watch the animals, whilst Caitlin was more interested in ticking off what she had seen on a list.  Anyway, the time went extremely quickly whilst we saw giraffes, tigers, lions, oragutans, gorillas, deer, zebras, kangaroos, wallabies etc etc - so much so that we had to scoot round the last bit in an attempt to get back home at a reasonable time - it was a school night after all.  We had a bit of a eventful trip back as Caitlin got travel sick - but she was so calm about it and once out she was fine.  We dropped her off at Grandma Jan's where we had a chat before returning home ourselves, as we had a grumpy boy on our hands.  A quick tea of smoked salmon and cheese and biscuits and Tom went to bed telling us how awake he was - he was asleep within minutes.

Giant anteater

So, a success, it was nice to spend the day with a girlie.  

Back to the 40s

Commando Tom

 On Friday I finished work early and headed to Lancaster to pick up Vera from the train station (she made the right train - hurray) and drove back in time to pick up Tom from school.  Vera was coming up as it was 1940s weekend - when the whole village goes back in time and is patrolled by men and women in 1940s military uniform and tanks drive through the village, a spitfire appears in the car park etc etc.  I thought Vera would enjoy it.

We started the weekend off by having platters in The Old Post Office.  They had a special French platter this week - including a piping hot bowl of tartiflette - very very naughty but deliciously gorgeous.  Both Matt and Vera ordered it and I dipped in - yumsk!  Matt (the owner of The Old Post Office) was dressed up as Rene from Allo Allo and there was a Bren gun on the bar and a German helmet.  Of course!  Anyway it was a good atmosphere and the food as always was great.

Private Vera

Saturday Matt was playing cricket, so Tom, Vera and I headed into the village.  We wandered around the stalls, had lunch at Inglesport and then went to the church to watch Dad's Army - the film.  It was disappointing - some of the characters had different traits to the sitcom - for example we met Elizabeth who had a talking part, and there were lots of love interests etc.  Not enough 'stupid boy' or 'they don't like it up them' if you ask me.  By the time it was over, it had begun to rain so we headed home and spent a while sorting out how to put Tom's new goal up (Vera's present for him - very popular - so much so that I have been forced to play football with him pretty much every evening since).    We had our usual mushroom pasta that we have to have every time Matt is playing football whilst watching Dad's Army the sitcom.  We all agreed the sitcom was much better.

Aslan the Leonberger

Sunday is the main day of the 1940s weekend, we got to the village in time to see the parades, Winston Churchill inspecting the troops with a fantastic Sargent Major, a George Formby impersonator who was really good, the Ovaltinies (pupils from school) etc etc.  There was a lovely atmosphere in the village and plenty of people turned out which was great.  The finale came at 2pm when some parachutists flew down to the community field - I've never seen the field so busy, we bumped into loads of people we knew whilst we sat and ate our cricket club burgers.

Parachutist landing

As the weather had cheered up we decided to take Vera for a ride through the Dales.  She had only come for the weekend, I was hoping to spend a couple of days with her showing her some more lovely parts of the Dales & Lakes, but it wasn't to be.  Anyway, I think she enjoyed the ride.

The Sergeant Major

We got home to a roast dinner which we all enjoyed.

Monday, by the time we had delivered Tom to school, it was time to pack up the car and take Vera back to Lancaster.  It was a shame (she had only come up for 2 days because she didn't want to over stay her welcome - but she did the opposite - didn't stay long enough!).  Anyway, thanks for coming we all enjoyed having you.

400m

Ace swimmer

At swimming this week, it was badges week - it only happens once a year.

Tom had a choice of either 400m or 800m.  After he had done 42 lengths of the pool (400m) he decided he had enough in him to do 800m.  Unfortunately though soon after he got kicked in the head a number of times whilst doing back stroke, and he began to cry!

Jill pulled him out of the pool and that was that - fair enough, you need to either weather the bumps or get out!  He actually did 550m, but he got his 400m badge.

A big enough achievement, we were all happy.

Football Fun Day

Today, after school, Tom took part in a football fun day at Settle College.  Six intrepid pupils from Tom's class took part: Tom, Finn, Lucas, Matthew, Lexi and Leah for 4 five-a-side matches.  Now we know they have improved a lot over the last year and that they all play football together at lunchtime at school, but we didn't know just how good they would be.

Now this being a fun day, scores weren't officially noted, but believe me, the parents were making mental notes (how can a football match be non competitive???!!!!)  So, here are the results:

Ingleton 4-0 Horton
Ingleton 2-0 Giggleswick
Ingleton 3-1 Hellifield
Ingleton 3-1 Settle

Winners
(even if officially there weren't any scores!)

Yes, they won every single match, not by fluke, but by playing as a team.  They all played so well, staying in formation, passing to each other, having team chats, some amazing skills came out and we even saw Tom do a sliding tackle!  Put it this way - they were better than England last night - they would have given Iceland a good run for their money!  Talk about great team spirit, the celebrations after the goals were brill too with all the team involved.  Sort of felt sorry for Matthew the goalie and Leah the defender as they didn't get much of a look in.  Tom played mid-field and managed a goal in the Horton game.

Everyone was very proud of them, not least their teacher Ms Middleton who I don't think could believe her eyes.  She put the pressure on them for Settle as they HAD to beat them and they did so convincingly.

Anyway considering it was a damp, cold, rainy afternoon, it was a brilliant trip out, we all came away with huge smiles, well done Ingleton Year 2s, shame the Craven Wanderers coaches didn't see it!

Boys' Day Out

I'm in the newspaper!

This week, Matt was looking at back copies of the Craven Herald for some train vouchers when he exclaimed that I was in the paper!  I went over to look and found a piece about Lily Pad Bakery reopening after recovery from an operation. Matt was very perplexed as he thought someone had submitted it on my behalf.  Not true.  When I was recovering and bored, I went on the Craven Herald website to find out how to submit a story and found that you just write it in a contact form and submit it.  This I did but really didn't expect it to make the paper as it was blatant business marketing.  I did look through the papers when they came to see if I had made it but as I didn't hold out any hope, I missed it.  Anyway, now I know the local paper must be desperate for stories - so I might submit some more if I can think of a 'hook'.

This is a naked cake

Thursday I had my bone scan at the hospital.  I was the first patient of the day (8.40 am) so was straight in.  I got the usual - oh you are very young for this sort of scan etc etc - I guess I am now classified as an 'old woman' when it comes to medical stuff!  For once I got good news and left the hospital with a smile on my face.  My spine is pretty much where it should be for a female my age and my hips are better than they should be. The nurse told me to carry on doing what I am doing and I should be fine.  Obviously because I have no hormones and won't be having HRT I will go into a downwards slope with my bone density, but it should be a significant number of years before anything might happen and hopefully it shouldn't happen at all if I carry on as I am with weight bearing activity.

Friday I did my first naked wedding cake, and my first delivery to Hipping Hall - a very posh venue close to Ingleton, so I had to make sure it looked good.  Wondering what a naked wedding cake is - one without any icing - here's a pic of the finished cake set up at the venue.  Took me an hour to finish it off there, I had to do it in full view of all the wedding guests and staff as it was set up in the reception area, but I managed to not get too nervous and it behaved itself - phew.  Have already got a lovely email from the bride to say she loved it, so that's good.  This could be my next story: 'Lily Pad Bakery delighted to announce supply of new trendy Naked Wedding Cakes'...

Saturday
Yes, Saturday was one of our occasional boys’ days out on trains. One of the locomotives on Tom's model railway is a Class 37, which are still being used for passenger trains on the Cumbrian Coast Line, and he fancied having a ride on the real thing.

The original plan was to get Northern Rail rover tickets and head all the way up from Barrow to Carlisle, and then visit one of our favourite eateries, but I managed to lose the newspaper tokens at some point, so the day had to be changed.

Small boy, big engine

So, Nik dropped us off at Carnforth, where we got one of the usual dull diesel trains over to Barrow, although the ride along the edge of Morecambe Bay is very pretty in places. Barrow, however, isn't. In fact, that can be few towns in Britain that look so deprived and poverty-stricken. Two steps out of the station building told me that. We had a quick mid-morning tea and a bun, before heading over to get our "proper" train up to St. Bees. For the most part, it's a very pleasant journey, with the Irish Sea on one side and the Lake District mountains on the other. The only blot on the landscape is the enormous reprocessing plant at Sellafield, but even that is beautiful in a strangely industrial way. We spent our 20 minutes at St. Bees station eating our picnics, before getting another Class 37 back down the coast to Ravenglass, where we were planning to take a miniature steam train up the valley into Eskdale. Unfortunately, we missed it by seconds, meaning that we had an hour to kill before the next one, which we spent drinking tea, eating cake and playing in a little playground.

As time was tight, we only had enough time to go half way up the Eskdale Railway, and we nearly didn't make it back, as the return train was almost completely full. We then had a look round a little museum that tells the history of little railway, before we got our final Class 37 back to Barrow.

Eskdale resident

The driver took a bit of a shine to Tom, and let him sit on the driver’s seat in the cab, which was very kind of him. He then decided he would show off a bit, and absolutely raised the roof with engine noise as he took his train back towards Carlisle. It was pretty deafening, but it seems that he may have overdone it, as I read that it broke down two stops up the line from Barrow, stranding all the passengers for over 2 hours. He may be more circumspect in future.

Here's a video of one of the other Class 37s making a similar din at Ravenglass: https://youtu.be/ZIoq_Isf6io
We had about 40 minutes before our train back to Carnforth, which we had to spend listening to raucous seagulls and watching a couple of local residents who were paralytically drunk on the platform. One of them actually fell over unconscious, and required the help of paramedics, who didn't look the least bit surprised by what was happening. I must say, I'm in no hurry to get back to Barrow. Strange place.

Driver Tom

We then got a boring Northern train back around Morecambe Bay, where Mummy met us and took us for a rare (for us) Chinese in Bolton-le-Sands. The food and service were good, but something disagreed with me in a big way (I think I know what), and I spent most of the following day in bed unable to keep any food inside me.

Still, it didn't spoil our day out, and Tom was excellent company. I wonder where we'll go for our next train day.





Sunday

Nice hills, bad clouds!

Matt wasn't feeling well today - the Chinese from yesterday didn't agree with him, although it did agree with Tom and me - we were fine.  Don't think Matt even managed to get out of his pyjamas today - so it must have been bad!

Rose Hips?

Tom went for his usual cricket practise this morning - there were only 3 of them: Tom, Harry and Freya.  Tom and Harry were in high spirits and not listening to Mac - oh joy.  I didn't feel like I could leave Mac to it with them like it, so stayed for the whole session.  Tom and I then went to Inglesport for lunch whilst Matt tried to eat soup at home.

Daisy

I asked Tom what he wanted to do in the afternoon and he said he wanted to go for a walk around Oxenber Woods, so we went to Austwick and did so.  There were lots of nice flowers out on the walk - although no bluebells: there was absolutely no sign whatsoever of any of the 1,000s of bluebells which were out only 4 weeks ago.  We finished off, got back to the car and then the rain came down, so we timed it perfectly.  We got back in time to see the end of a football match which was good.  Tom and I then had salmon for tea whilst Matt had a bath.  Then another football match and bed for Tom.  Not the most exciting of days, but good enough.

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.