Beautiful First Day

The world was too heavy!

Big hands

So we woke to a warm, slightly overcast day.  Matt's weather forecast said it would turn out sunny for most of the day so after a quick breakfast and a shift making a picnic, we packed the car and headed north to Knocken Crag which is basically the birthplace of Geology, where some geologists, Peach and Horne looked at the layers of rock at the site and worked out how old they were and therefore how they had been formed - thereby working out the details of continental drift etc.  Scotland didn't always exist at the top of England - it was attached to the USA and then somehow came apart and moved from the near the South Pole to where it is now, colliding into England somewhere along the route.  Anyway I found it interesting, and Scottish Natural Heritage had done a good job of the site - putting in lots of explanation boards, sculptures etc etc.

Nice quote 

Climbing boy

It also included a walk which took in the cliffs of the area so you could see the different layers of rocks in the geology - the top layer was 1000 million years old and then they got younger before getting older again.  There were quotes, sculptures as you went round to keep your interest - the walk was actually longer than we expected 1.6 miles - but it was worth it - we saw lots of great views including ones of Stac Pollaidh which we were planning to climb later (we were recommended this by a friend in Ingleton who knows the area well).  Must say the view of the mountain was a little scary - it seemed to just rise up vertically, but I was assured there was a proper path up it.

Atop Stac Pollaidh

So, we arrived at the car park at Stac Pollaidh (pronounced Stack Polly) - it was windy but a fine day.  Certainly warm - over 20 degrees, so no need for jumpers, coats etc etc.  We put our boots on and headed up.  This was a short walk, but quite steep.  The ascent to the top was under 1.5 miles, but it was uphill all the way - no level walking or downwards walking, just up, up, up.  The path was well marked, and mainly stone steps meaning it wasn't hard, it was just relentless up up up.

On the way down

It took us just over an hour, but we got to the top and were rewarded with amazing views of the mountains and lochs - it is certainly a big and empty country around here.  There were other walkers around - most of which were either Dutch or German.  We discovered this last time we were in Lewis and Harris - a lot of the visitors are from mainland Europe - more so than English or Scots.  Mainly Dutch and German, but also Italian, Spanish, French and Austrian - they must really love the place to get there, also a lot with motorhomes, there are lots of places you can park for free in Scotland (including Knockan Crag, where we were this morning - the car park was full of foreign motorhomes who had overnighted there - what a stunning view they had in the morning)

It was pretty windy at the top, but we stayed for over an hour, drinking in the view.  There was a great little promontory at the top you could walk out to and have a photo taken - made it look like you were stepping out on a precipice.  It was a little scary - I didn't look down.

Not a place to slip

As we were at the top, the clouds started to dissipate, and we were rewarded with the sun shining down on the lochs and mountains, making them look even more beautiful.  It was quite a grind to finally decide to head down and around the rest of the mountain, but we were rewarded with better and better views.  It was also getting hotter and hotter.  Think we recorded 24 degrees which is mega hot especially for this part of Scotland.

Oh and Tom is a complete mountain goat - he would have got to the top in half the time it took me if we had let him go ahead.  He trounced us heading down too!  Guess the 20 hours of football yesterday means his fitness is pretty good at the moment!

We got back to the car park, happy and tired.  Matt then remembered that the Stornoway ferry was due and there was a promontory not far from the house with a lighthouse from which we could watch it come in, so we headed over.  We walked down to the lighthouse and paddled in the very clear and refreshing sea - it felt just lovely on our hot feet.  Unfortunately the ferry didn't come, but it was worth it for the paddle and views.  (Turns out the ferry is an hour later on Sundays!).  Tom started in shorts and T-shirt and ended up in just knickers (we didn't have trunks with us).  Great that he is still happy to do that, and of course he had so much more fun that way!

Panorama on the way down

Playing in the sea (before he striped off to his knickers!)

We then headed back home, stopping at a campsite which was advertising ice-creams.  We gladly tucked into one each - it had been a hot and sweaty day.  We then returned home, had showers, made tea, played trivial pursuit (still no-one has won!) and slobbed out, recovering from a busy, active and hot day.

Scotland Bound

So Friday, we packed up the car and headed north to Scotland - we were heading to Ullapool for a week to celebrate Matt's 50th birthday.  We went through the area on the way back from Stornaway 3 years ago - it looks so picturesque, we promised ourselves we would return to have an explore.

Pig!

Friday was about getting to Livingstone and doing some shopping - yes, I know, a bit strange for us, but we visited 3 years ago and were surprised to find an outlet centre where we bought loads.  We did pretty much the same again this time - Matt came out with 3 pairs of trousers, I bought a jumper and Tom got some sandals. We then had tea at Tony Macaroni (forgetting how huge the portions were!) before a night in the Travelodge there.

Saturday morning it was raining, so we headed to Tony Macaroni's again for breakfast - Tom had the pancake stack with bananas and nutella - think there was a whole jar of nutella on it - it defeated him, but only just!

We then headed north.  It was raining, so not a great day, but we were travelling so it didn't really matter.  We got to our holiday house (about 8 miles out of Ullapool) about 5.30pm after a Tesco shop at Ullapool.  It is just fine, nice view of hills and very secluded - no traffic is going to wake us up here.  We made tea, and started a game of trivial pursuit (family edition - so questions for juniors - quite impressed by Tom's general knowledge) before heading to bed.

Vera's Visit

As I mentioned Vera came for a visit.  She came up this weekend as it was the village gala and she wanted to enjoy it - however, it was also the only day in two years when a train depot opens its doors and believe it or not, Tom thought it would be more fun to go to the train depot than go to the gala - so we were missing a boy for the day.  The gala is all about children - so in the end we didn't go - but we stayed for the parade.

Anyway, Vera arrived on Thursday, we had tea and then we walked over for All Stars cricket.   There she met Alice (an English teacher) and before I knew it the two were absorbed in book talk. For the whole session!  I left them to it.  All Stars was fun - but Tom had a paddy when he got caught out (the first time ever I've seen him get upset at being out - had to take him off the field and give him a talking too - hoping it was cause he was tired rather than because that's his natural reaction?!)

Friday - was a bit of a grey day.  Vera wanted to revisit Wensleydale Creamery so we took her up there, did a circuit of the tasting room, had a cheesy lunch and then went home the very very long way round so we could show her a bit more of the Dales.  We went up buttertubs, into Swaledale past Ravenseat, round to Pendragon Castle, then up and over to Dent Station and back home.  Although it was cloudy the Dales still did us proud and looked good and Vera was lamenting about how beautiful it all was which was good.  The evening was spent at the Bickerstaffs in honour of Janine's birthday - a good night, just that I am full of cold so not particularly sociable.

Gala Queen Caitlin

Saturday the boys headed off to the DRS open day at Carlisle with Rebecca and Katie.  Vera and I had a lovely lazy morning and then waited around for the gala parade to come pass.  It was raining, raining quite hard which was a huge shame as the committee work very very hard on the event.  This year the gala queen was Caitlin Ellershaw - in Tom's class.  The batala which headed the parade were drenched when they arrived at the house, but Caitlin's smile was radiant - no rain was going to dampen her parade!  Vera and I then had lunch and headed to White Scar Caves - at her request.  Haven't been to White Scar for quite a while and had forgotten the number of steps and amount of bending required.  Vera struggled a little bit - but she is a trooper and was determined to get it done and she did.  The boys arrived back at 5 - having had a great day.

Nice shawl

Lots of lovely greens on show

Sunday we took Vera to Ullswater for a ride on the boat there - a very picturesque trip.  It does take quite a while to get over to Glenridding and we only just made the boat.  It was another grey day but it was warm and there was no breeze on the boat at all on the journey to Pooley Bridge.  The scenery was stunning - a thousand shades of green furnishing the hills by the lake.  We had lunch outside - at the very lovely Grannie Dowbekins - much better food than the riverside pub - although pricy!  Vera and I then had an amble amongst the shops and craft fair whilst the boys went up a small hill.  We then got the ferry back and Matt drove us the long way home via more 'epic' as Tom would put it scenery.

Boy and flag on a boat

Monday, I drove Vera back to Oxenholme for her train home.  It was 11 mins late. Normal state of affairs?  Well yes, until it got cancelled at Lancaster.  She then had to get a taxi to Preston and then a train to Manchester to get a train back to London.  Took her the best part of 9 hours!  Poor lady.  Anyway it was fun to have her for the weekend, always good for a laugh.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Bowland Fells below us

Busy river due to night time mega thunderstorms 

So school holidays started properly.  Monday to Thursday we didn't do much, Tom was at football camp whilst we sorted the house - I had Matt's cake to make and all my cake stuff to sort and put to bed.  On Wednesday, Matt and I went for a walk.  We did the first half of the waterfalls walk and then turned left towards the Cheese Press stones up to the top of the hills, along the Turbury Road, down towards Thorton.  We then walked along West Lane - bit of a problem, there were bullocks in the fields here - meant we had to do two major detours as they weren't happy with us being in their territory.   Oh well, more steps.  We ended up at the Marton Arms for a late lunch.  Chips and a side salad for me (full of tomatoes - very disappointing) and posh fish finger sandwich for Matt.  I washed mine down with 2 pints of diet coke - wow it was hot and humid - it got up to 30 degrees here this week - very hot for here!  A good walk though - 7.5 miles and 20,000 steps.  Just what we needed to start off the holidays.  Now, if only we could both shake off our holiday colds, we will be ready to enjoy ourselves properly.

End of school

 Concentrating hard

Finished product

We had a manic last week of school: Mini Yorkshire show on Monday - Tom baked some biscuits after the branches left and during the final of the cricket world cup which was problematic as it was very exicitng and went down to the very last bowl of the tournament (England won - but by the skin of their teeth).  Anyway, his biscuits came second which was good (first time either of us has come placed in anything)  I did guide him - but verbally - it was all his own work.

Then it was open evening at school Monday evening - this is when you get to meet the new teacher for next year and visit the new classroom.  Doesn't really apply for us - Tom has Mrs Clements again next year and is moving with his teacher to the Year 6 classroom - meaning it isn't set up yet.  We had a look through his books and found one full of comments such as 'is this all you have done Tom?"  "where is the rest of your work Tom" etc etc.  Was the old non-concentrating Tom back?  His school report didn't mention anything like that?  We had a word with Mrs C - turns out he didn't get his work done because of guitar lessons - on realising he wasn't able to do much, she switched some tasks round and he is doing much better now.  We probably came across as really strict parents - but better we sort out anything now.  We then looked at the rest of his books and found some good work and comments - oops!

Reaction to England winning the world cup

Tuesday was a relatively normal day, then Wednesday we had the swimming gala in the morning - which took the whole morning, then dentist straight after school, followed by a cricket match in the evening!  Phew!  The swimming gala was an interesting affair - Tom's not a bad swimmer, but we are all in the dark as to how they chose who does what race.  Tom seemed to be in more non swimmers races than swimmers races - ie doing walking egg and spoon race.  From what we could work out the girls in his house decided what they wanted to do and talked him into doing what was left over - oh hum - he always wants to please bless him!

The cricket match was good and exciting - just like the World Cup and it all came down to the final ball - Ingleton lost by 1 run!!!!!  Not bad considering they are an underage team and were playing a fuller complement of 11 year olds.

Thursday was the last day of school and Vera arrived for the weekend.

Believe it or not, I managed to get 3 cakes done this week - I'm not exactly sure how - although it was stressful!

Active weekend with the Branches

Friday the Branches made their way 'up North' to spend the weekend with us - it's been a while since they've been up and we got a good weather weekend - yay!  They arrived in good time on Friday and after an hour or so of running around etc, they went to bed quite easily.

Cousins at the top

We gave them various ideas of what to do.  Clare wanted to climb a mountain and as it was a Saturday we would be doing it, we decided the best bet was Ingleboroguh from Ingleton - as it is off the 3 Peaks Path.  Saturday came, so we made up a picnic and headed out up to Ingleborough.  Tom wanted to lead our walk and went the wrong way out of the house?!!!!  Sometimes I do wander!!!!!  Now I have gone up Ingleborough many many times, but this time I found it quite hard.  It was hot but not burning hot, oh well, just as well we had children with us who kept stopping.  Amber (as predicted by her parents) wasn't really up for it and whinged from half way up.  It's not a case of her being unfit or short legs (we measured her and Tom and although Tom is a touch taller than Amber, Amber has longer legs than Tom!) and anyway, Tom walked up Ingleborough happily enough when he was 5!

Anyway we all made it and we got some decent views over the viaduct and of the Dales and Bowland - it was too hazy for the Lake District mountains unfortunately.  We had our picnic and then headed down - this time the children were quicker than the adults (going down kills your knees), in fact poor Clare did suffer quite a bit.

We got back, the adults had showers, and the kids had down time whilst we waited for 4.30 and pool opening time.  I know that Jake and Amber spend their lives in swimming pools - but this one is different - it's not one to 'swim' in - more to mess around in.  Amber couldn't wait to get in and then quickly got bored and wanted out!  In the end she and Clare came home, whilst the boys stayed in till the end.  We then had a BBQ AND we ate it outside.  A successful day

In Yordas Cave

Exploring behind the waterfall

Sunday we gave the Branches various options - as it was another lovely day - we thought to stay local.  First stop was Yordas Cave - this is a cave anyone can enter - not a show cave and not much in the way of stalactites or stalactites but plenty of exploration to do and a waterfall to find at the back.  The kids enjoyed it - so much so it was hard work getting them out again.  Clare didn't like it at all and didn't go in!

We then decided to sneak into the top of the waterfalls trail as we were on the right road and show them Thorton Force which is the biggest of the waterfalls on the route.

It hasn't rained for quite a while so it wasn't pounding as it can, meaning that you can explore behind it.  Jake, Amber and Tom went straight over to climb behind it - Simon was then despatched to keep an eye on them and Matt joined them whilst me and Clare watched.  Think they enjoyed it.

Cousins on a rock

They also went clambering on the big rock.  Oh the power of peer pressure: normally Tom 'can't' climb on it by himself and asks for help with whomever he is with - but as Jake and Amber did it by themselves with no help from anyone, he sort of had to do it by himself, and guess what - after a bit of huffing and puffing he managed it.  Always knew he could do it - but him being him, always will take help rather than do it for himself.  Well done Jake and Amber.

On the way back the kids found a tree swing to play on - we never knew that existed!

We then walked back to the cars before heading to Inglesport for lunch - Giant Yorkshire puddings for Simon and Jake - when in Yorkshire and all that.

They then headed off back to Buckinghamshire tired!

Swinging in the trees

Think we showed them a good time and the weather did us proud.  Have to say this time Jake was great - don't think he even acknowledged my existence until about 2 years ago and now he will happily chat with me as if he always has.  Amber was contrary again - 'no' is still her favourite word and she plays on being the youngest, but then you would wouldn't you?   There was a blow up between Simon and Jake but apart from that we had harmony (yes Simon and I got on fine) and the cousins were grand together.  Tom will happily hang out with either Jake or Amber - depending on who is nearest and wants to play.  It is as if they spend a lot of time together rather than a couple of days in a year.

Yorkshire Show, School Report and Play

Lincoln Longwool

Highland moo calf!

On Wednesday the boys (Tom and Matt) went to the Yorkshire Show.  The school got free tickets because their gardening club veggie box had reached the final of the schools competition (again - they always reach the finals)  I couldn't go because I had cakes to make (boo!).  By all accounts they had a great day - their veggie box didn't win the competition, but they got to stroke some highland coo calves - how cute.

Tom in charge of lights in the cupboard!

It was the KS2 production in the penultimate week of school.  The Year 6s all got good parts and all the Year 5s got a line or two each as well.  Tom volunteered not to be in it - he figured that if he wasn't in it this year, he would get a bigger part next year?!!!!!  Anyway as a result he was asked to do some stage management: first he did the audio - but the school computer couldn't cope with it - so Mr Prince bought in his own system which he wanted to handle himself.  He was then on digital scenery but ended up doing the lights.  Now this meant that Tom had to concentrate for the whole play and get the right lights on and off for the whole performance.  We were skeptical - but wow - he did it and was amazing.  I have never really noticed the lights before, but we were so aware of them - more so than the performance and the story happening around us.  Anyway, a big pat on the back - well done Tom.

Tom got his end of term school report on Friday.  It was glowing.  I guess we have to believe it as Mrs Clements isn't scared to say if something isn't right.  Anyway, here it is below - funny how cricket gets a big mention!

Quiet Weekend

French tart

Saturday: Matt went to play cricket in Ambleside, we went with him as far as Sizergh Barn, had lunch and then Matt went on to his match and Tom and I did the farm walk.  Mistake.  HUGE MISTAKE I had a big attack of hay fever and spent the rest of the day feeling rubbish.  I drove home and we had a quiet afternoon.

Obeying the Sergeant Major

Sunday:  it was 1940s weekend in Ingleton this weekend, so we spent the day in the village.  Tom did 2 parades with the cubs - the first one was a remembrance parade at 10am and the second the big parade with all the vintage cars etc.  Matt and I sort of dressed up - as much as we could anyway.  It worked as a 'French Tart' came up to him and told him what a lovely pert bum he has!

We had a lovely day - watched some dancing, sat in the square with a drink and just enjoyed being in the sunshine and a busy village.  Such a shame the village is normally quiet - it looks good with people in it.

Hayfever

I have written to our Drs about Tom's hay fever as it is causing him issues - which are only going to get worse as he gets older.  He is on drugs for it - but he still gets all the symptoms.  I've learnt now that if you want to get something done at the Drs - write to Dr Morgan and she sorts it.  I wrote to her and within a week I had received an appointment letter to see an Allergy Consultant.  We all went for the appointment - we saw a lovely Dr who took everything very seriously and had a lovely manner with us and with Tom.  Tom was able to explain himself quite well and I explained about my hay fever etc.  They took some bloods to work out what he is allergic to (couldn't do skin prick test as you need to be off anti-histamines for an extended period before being tested) apparently they just test for grass / tree these days, not specific like I had.  She's given Tom a new load of medicines to try out and will see him again next year and will keep seeing him until they can find a way of alleviating it for him.  Oh and they still do the desensitisation injections - but you have to have 4 over 4 weeks and we would have to travel to Manchester for them - so hoping we won't have to go down that route....

Baseball

So the last weekend in July took us to London to see the Boston Red Sox play the New York Yankees.  We got Tom from school and headed straight to Lancaster to park the car and head to Nami Sushi for tea.  We had conveyor belt sushi - not as much fun as it is in Japan because it is so expensive, but hey it was tasty.  Guess who had the most?

Unfortunately the trains were up the spout with the one which should have been before us being behind us - so we lost our train reservations.  At one stage it looked like 1 of us would have to stand the whole way - but we managed to get seats near each other at Preston.

Waiting for the game

The rest of the journey was uneventful.  We arrived to Ilford and were surprised at how cool it was - Lancaster was significantly warmer when we left.  We hadn't brought jumpers with us - so were a little concerned.

Max picked us up and we had a very pleasant evening drinking and chatting with Max and Helen who are great hosts.

We had a quiet morning before heading a park - wow it was hot today, and when I say hot, I mean super hot - it was going to be a sweaty day.  Helen and co took us down to Brick Lane where we had tickets to go to a brewery which had been taken over by the baseball people with lots of activities, food, drink etc etc.  We tucked into some wings (me) a dog (Tom) and pizza (Matt), had a drink and then took part in a batting activity.  Matt did ok as did Tom.  Actually Tom was the youngest to have a go by quite some way, so he won some match cards and got a pat on the head.  It was extremely hot - so much so that as soon as you finished a drink you needed another - they had free water stations to stop people from dehydrating!

A £13 beer!

We did some shopping (everything was mega expensive so we didn't buy much) and then headed back to Brick Lane where we had an ice cream from a rather lovely shop.  We wondered back to Liverpool Street and got the train to Stratford - we thought we would head to the Westfield shopping mall where we thought air conditioning might be able to cool us down.  Humm.... there were so many people in the mall that the air conditioning was having a hard time.  Oh hum, we stopped there for a 3 o'clock doughnut and another drink before heading to the Olympic Stadium for the big game.

They had gone to town on the stadium - everything was branded New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox or just USA.  All the food stalls were American (no fish and chips!), the beer was American (shame), the snacks American and the prices extra-ordinary.  Of course it was very very very hot, so the stalls were doing a roaring trade.  (Oh, observation from this trip to London, the city has gone pretty much cashless - came across many occasions where we couldn't use cash to buy things - this is not good for me as I run on cash, but I have never come across places that don't take cash before)

The biggest flags we've ever seen

We found our seats - right at the back of the stadium - so we got big drinks each time.  I drank 2 litres of pop whilst Matt drank 3 pints of lager - that was just to quench our thirst!  Had macaroni cheese for tea which was very good.

There was plenty of entertainment on the pitch - we saw everyone's backs as we were at the back of the pitch - so we saw the back of Tom Walker, the back of Meghan and Harry, the back of the US army as they brought on the massive flags and the back of the Kingdom Choir who sang the national anthems (the best rendition of God Save the Queen I have ever heard).

Then the match began.  This was an extraordinary match in that it was full of home runs - way way more than any - maybe because it was a smaller pitch than normal, or maybe because both teams were fired up.  The first innings took almost an hour - there are 9 innings to a game - it was going to be a long one.  It was a sell out - so 66,000 in attendance - you can imagine the heat!  It was fun to watch - although to be honest I prefer the chants, baton beating and balloon releases  of the Japanese matches.  There was plenty to keep us interested though.  In the end we had to leave before it would end as it had got very late and Max and Helen were staying up to drive us home.  The end result was: 17:13 to the Yankees.  We were supporting the Red Sox - but never mind.

We got back to Ilford, had a couple of drinks before going to bed.  Sunday we had another lazy morning.  Anna and Phil visited for a very lovely brunch that Max made: Huevos Ranchas. After brunch we left and made our way to Euston again to get the train home.

It was a very lovely weekend with lovely people - shame we weren't able to spend more time with Max, Helen, Izzy and Aster.  Aster starts school in September - how does that work?!  Izzy is off to America for a massive international Guide/Scout Camp in a couple of weeks - how cool is that?

June

5th June

Bowling...

trying hard

Tom had his first cricket match at Sedgwick.  Once again the Ingleton under 11s is made up of mainly younger children - we only have one person who is 11, one who is 12, Tom and Charlie who are 10 and then the rest are 8!  It is a handicap, but it doesn't bother the boys and they put up a good fight.  That was, until they came up against a Cumbria team member who was a fast bowler and didn't take any prisoners.  He got his eye in and got 4 wickets in 4 balls - the two facing him: Tom and Charlie - they didn't know what had hit them!  You don't get 'out' in Under 11's - you loose 5 runs (each team starts with 200 runs) and you stay in for 4 overs.   To be fair the boys didn't give up even though they knew they were beaten.

8th June

A small, intimate affair

giant alien thingy

Today we headed to Manchester for the night as we were going to see Muse at the Etihad Stadium.  Once again it was a cold and rainy day.  First stop though was the airport pub so Tom could do some plane spotting.  It wasn't as good as last time because the runway we were at was only for landing, not for taking off!  Oh hum, he still enjoyed it though and the food there is good.  We also checked out the Runway Visitors Centre where there is a good vantage point, a cafe, a shop and some displays.  Might come here next time.  We then headed to Karen's (Adam was away in Mexico).  We had time for a bit of a chit chat, before leaving Tom behind (dynamics between the girls have changed.  It used to be that Tom would play with Leia and the two would ignore Rosa.  But now Leia is at high school - she is way too mature for Tom, so he now plays with Rosa (7).  I wonder what will happen when Tom is at High School?!)

We headed on the tram to the Etihad Stadium and met up with Jo and Mark for a pint before finding our seats.  It was freezing - so cold that drinking a pint made us too cold to contemplate another - this is June!  Anyway it didn't rain and Muse put on a stinking show - Matt Bellamy didn't miss a note, the staging was fantastic and the set list amazing.  It went quickly and was a fab night out.

9th June
We rushed back on Sunday morning to Kirkby Lonsdale as our friends from Japan were over.  Not for a good reason - Wendy's Dad died in a tragic caving accident last weekend.  She posted on FB that her Dad had died in a cave at the same time as CRO posting that they had been involved in an attempted rescue in a cave that ended in a fatality.  We put two and two together and realised it was her Dad they were talking about.  Such a shame, we met him - infant he came to ours for tea last time Wendy came to visit.  He was a very pleasant chap.

Ryu, Ryoki and Tom

Anyway she is an only child, so came over to sort out the funeral, say her goodbyes etc.  She came with her two sons (one a bit older and one a bit younger than Tom) and husband.  Her Dad lived in Bradley (just the other side of Skipton) so we suggested that if she needed to get away from it all and the boys wanted a play to meet up.  Sunday was the only day she could do, so we got up early in Manchester and headed back to spend the afternoon with them.  We did a walk around Kirkby Lonsdale, visited the new very good ice cream parlour for massive ice creams and then headed up to Ribblehead for a walk to blow the cobwebs.  We had a really lovely time with them and Tom and the boys got on fine.  Wendy only speaks to her boys in English so they are more than able to understand everything, but they refuse to speak in English so reply in Japanese.  It didn't seem to bother Tom - he realised he could speak to them in English and they would understand and they more than likely spoke back to him in English when we weren't there to hear them!

16th June

Is this a red squirrel?

...or is this one?

Wanting to get out in this awful weather - we decided to pay a visit to our red squirrel friends in Snaizeholme.  It (of course) was raining, so we togged up in our waterproofs and headed over.  Initially it didn't look good - we couldn't find any and we were being eaten alive by midges so headed back to the car.  On the way we came across one red squirrel who was happy to play with us - he was good value too - spent a good 10 minutes scampering around, so we left happy.

18th June
Today was the North Craven Primary Schools Cross Country event.  Tom wanted to do it, so we took him along - to Settle again.  It was pretty scary as most of the runners in Year 5 and Year 6 were club runners - there were only 3 from Ingleton Year 5 (at this point most pupils have stopped volunteering for sporting events unless they really want to do it!).  I was worried Tom would be down the field as how is he expected to compete against those who do it week in week out in the fells, doing races most weekends?  Matt told me he would be fine.  I just hoped he wouldn't come last.  They started off and Tom was in the middle of the field as they went out of sight.  When they came back into sight, I couldn't believe it - Tom was in 9th place - he was easy to spot as Ingleton is the only school in red and Lucas and Finn the other 2 were in 2nd and 3rd - ahead of him.   He kept up his pace and finished in 9th - out of 35 - we were very proud and to be fair Finn and Lucas both went up to him to congratulate him.  I wonder how well he would do if he did do training?  Something to consider if he wants but it would mean he would have to give something else up.  Anyway Ingleton Year 5 boys came 4th - only needed one more point to come joint 3rd - not a bad show!

23rd June

Olden days on the railway

Sunday saw us having a day at the Hatherthwaite Railway.  We were going there because we had free tickets which we won in a raffle.  However, when we dug the tickets out - they were out of date!  Oh hum!!!  We had already arranged with Rebecca that we would have her for the day - so we went ahead anyway.  As usual we were attacked with an onslaught of train chat. For the whole day.  It didn't stop.  I don't think Tom or Rebecca took a breath!  We had a lovely lunch at the station - really good, interesting menu for a small attraction then took the train to Lakeside.  Hung around there for a while, had an ice cream and then headed back again.  All the while Tom and Rebecca were chatting train and having 'train wars' (Rebecca is a steam fan and Tom a diesel fan).  All good humoured and meant that Matt and I didn't have to entertain at all - in fact they entertained us!

Train nuts!

24th June
The Ingleton Under 11s had another cricket match at Netherfield.  They did much much better here.  No-one g

ot out which was a first.  They ended up loosing by 3 runs.  Once again they came up against a Cumbria player - this time a batsman who was last one in and smacked 4s and 6s from our bowlers.  Once again, not their fault - just a way superior player who we couldn't touch.  Only 3 runs, one of the Dad's couldn't look he was so nervous.  It was a good display and once again our team was much younger than theirs so they did really well.

27th June

Eye on the ball... 

...whomp!

Thursday saw us back in Settle for a school rounders tournament - it only made sense for Tom to be in the Year 5/6 team considering he plays with me at the lady's practise every Tuesday.  The Ingleton team had a good team spirit - but were a little lacking in skill.  Tom was trying too hard to slog the ball and missed it every time in the first game.  He made up for it with throwing and catching though and after a couple of games was happily hitting the ball too.  We didn't think Ingleton did that well but they ended up second so obviously didn't give them their dues!  Oh and during the match we met up with Bob and some old neighbours from Shrewsbury who were staying for the night.

Rain and Trains

Tom sorting the post...

Saturday - we had the Scout's jumble sale.  We made sure that we were seen to be at the jumble in the morning helping out.  Tom did some baking too. The afternoon was supposed to be cricket - but it got rained off.  In the meantime Lynne got in touch to see if Tom wanted to spend the afternoon with Matt.  He jumped at the chance, so he headed off and I finished off a cake and then did some housework - getting the ground floor into some sort of order.  Matt then arrived having spent the afternoon in the pub as his cricket match was cancelled.

We then had tea out at the tapas before heading to Lynne's to pick up Tom.  Think we were only there 1.5 hours which was pretty good going (always made to stay and drink when you go round Lynne's!)

Small engine

Sunday we once again didn't really know what to do with ourselves.  It was another grey and miserable day.  We ended up going to Preston - had lunch in the nice cafe I found when we dropped Anita off and then headed to the Ribble Steam Railway for a couple of jerky trips up and down a 3 mile bit of line around the docks of Preston (docks - who knew there were docks in Preston - I didn't!)

And that was the end of a very quiet half term!

Half Term

We had a quiet first weekend of the half term - Tom was sheltering from pollen for most of it.  As he is learning the James Bond theme on the guitar, we thought we would introduce him to the films.  We watched Goldfinger and Thunderball - he is hooked.  Not sure he understands them fully and we had forgotten just how sexist they are (had to explain that it is not normal behaviour to slap women on the bum etc) but on the whole they are good fun.  He loved the gadgets - especially the Aston Martin with the revolving number plates.  I'm with him - the Q Division bit is always the best.

Monday we had the pleasure of the company of the Ellershaws for a board game afternoon.  They wanted to learn Ticket to Ride and they had brought Pandemic for us to learn.  In between it all we had a bbq.  Anyway, it was a lovely atmosphere, the girls as always were very well behaved meaning it was a very pleasant day.

Tuesday we had a day with Charlie.  The boys in Tom's class seem to have split into groups now.  Finn, Lucas and Matthew are in one group, Harrison is sort of on his own - but is moving to Scotland during the summer and then there are Tom and Charlie.  They aren't natural buddies - but are happy to hang out with each other.  Because Alice and Pete work full time he goes to the childminder after school meaning he can't come round the house.  So, we booked in a day with him so Tom had some friend time during the holidays.  Alice also said it was ok for Charlie to go out around the village without me - so we planned a morning, where they could do what they wanted and an afternoon at the pool.  I gave them various times when they had to come back and check in with me (all of which they observed).  Charlie is obviously obsessed with sweets and spent all his pocket money at the sweet shop.  Tom didn't - he's not fussed at all by treats.

We had our usual sulking session after swimming.  Tom sometimes gets himself into a sulk and then can't get out of it.  I call it 'onlychilditis'.  Being an only child he doesn't have to negotiate, share or be at the bad end of a decision at home, meaning the only time he gets this is when he is with a friend.  Recently when we have been out with friends, he has got into a sulk at some point about something ridiculous.  Today when he got out of the pool I asked him to eat something as he was looking tired.  I had given Charlie some money to buy snacks, expecting him to do a Tom and buy something and bring me the change.  Oh no, Charlie was at the shop for ages - turns out he was working out the best way to spend all the money - ie get as many sweets as possible.  I said he would have to share them with Tom which he was happy to do.  Tom refused and I mean REFUSED to eat any of Charlie's sweets!  How many children do you know stubbornly refuse to eat sweets when they are offered - oh yes that will ONLY be Tom then.  I eventually managed to get him to eat 1 sweet!  So I told Charlie to take the rest to his brother when he got home.  Anyway, apart from that it was a good day and the children had some freedom which went well. Believe it or not once back from the pool they went over to the field for cricket - turns out that Charlie went to the newsagents again and bought more sweets!  Tom bought a chocolate bar for Matt and said it was a present for working so hard for the family - bless him!

Knaresborough Viaduct

Wednesday we were at a spare end.  Decided in the end to go to Clitheroe for the day - had a walk around the castle, lunch in a very old fashioned tea rooms (very good food though) and then headed back.  Tom went for the night at Pat and Bob's.  This was so Matt and I could do the 3 Peaks, but the weather forecast was awful so we decided against it and instead headed to Knaresborough for the night.  We walked around the town, had a beer or two and found ourselves in a restaurant where there was an early bird menu: 3 courses for £18.  Wow!  The food was good, and although the portions weren't ridiculous, once we stood up we were both in pain.  The pain stayed with us for the rest of the evening, so we went back to our room at the pub, lay on the bed and groaned!  Not the most romantic of nights away!

Collapsed bull

Thursday started grey and then turned wet.  Very wet.  We made the right decision not to do the 3 Peaks.  Instead we headed to Harrogate where we found a very interesting antiques shop - Matt bought a cricket bat (of course)  We then wondered around Harrogate but it was rainy, grey and the centre seemed to be full of the usual dull, boring shops.  We gave up and came home.

Friday, Karen and the girls were supposed to be coming to stay.  We went out first thing to do a food shop and then returned to do some cooking and baking.  They didn't come - Karen got a sickness bug that morning and was feeling dreadful.  It was a shame.  We carried on with the cooking - we had started so we finished.  We then spent the afternoon down at the pool with the Bickerstaffs.  We had another period of sulkiness (Seth told Tom he couldn't go on his inflatable, which lead to tears and then refusal to accept an apology and then sulks 'I want to go home now' ) but he got over it remarkably quickly and enjoyed the rest of his session in the pool.  It was full of kids from school, so really there was no reason to not enjoy!

Quiet weeks

Well we have had quite a lot of quiet days recently.  Tom's hay fever has 'got' him, as a result he has got a stinking cold, then Matt got a cold and with rubbish weather to boot, plus weekend conference and cricket fixtures for Matt, we haven't really done much recently!

We managed to get the car fixed - they had to replace all the front sensors on the car as they were all faulty, must have cost a bit - very glad it was still under warranty.

I have continued with rounders but not played any matches yet as every time we are scheduled it has either been raining or the other team haven't been able to get enough players together.  I'm getting better though - hitting it more consistently and further.  I have even learnt a new stroke (who knew there were stroke names for rounders?!)

We met up with Jude and Craig one Sunday for steak at Parbold and then went for a walk along a canal.  I have tried to keep my fitness going so I can redo the 3 peaks - but with cake orders it is hard fitting it in.

Eye on the ball...

Player of the tournament

Tom took part in a school's cricket tournament in Settle, the Ingleton team did really well, coming second.  There were some really good cricket players in Year 6 - such a shame they don't go to the cricket club in the village - they would make the matches way more competitive.  Oh hum, problem was that there were no parents watching their kids and us telling them when they picked them up how good they were just fell on deaf ears.  Anyway, they came second after loosing their last match by 3 runs which was a shame.  Tom got 'player of the tournament' award.  He had a chance to shine by showing his eagerness for the game which was picked up on.

Then it was half term.