Homework

So, Tom has completed his first half-term at school and it has gone pretty well.  No tears, no refusals to go etc.  We have very little idea of what goes on at school as he seems to forget everything he has done as soon as he leaves the classroom!

He does, however, get lots of homework:

+ Sound book: a flip book with all the letters of the alphabet and some words they appear in to practise sounds.

Tom's homework!

+ Reading book with no words - Tom has to narrate his way through this book describing what he sees in the pictures

+ Reading book with simple keywords such as 'a' and 'the' etc

+ Keywords keyring - 50 or so simple words on a keyring that he needs to learn off by heart

+ KIRFs book - with maths targets to Tom to hit.  (Luckily his target this half-term is to count to 20 and recognise the numerals 1-10.  He's been able to do that for over a year so I have just ignored this one).

+ New on Friday - 'Wow Wednesdays' a book which we have to fill each week with something new he has done at home in the previous week, to be illustrated with drawings / photos etc.  

+ Library book

Although this is his homework, it is of course MY homework.  I have comment books to fill in for his reading and maths and of course I now have to write about something 'wow' each week.  Does a 4 year old really need to have this much homework?  It makes me wonder exactly how much teaching is taking place at school.  I have a feeling teachers are spending so much time on paperwork to prove this, that and the other for Ofstead, that they don't actually have time to sit down with the kids in their class to teach them / find out how they are doing and expect the parents to do this instead.

Anyhow, Tom seems to be taking it in his stride and is beginning to recognise some words.  His maths is much better, today he was playing a maths game on the ipad and learnt how to count in 2's to 20.  We were really impressed with him as he picked it up really quickly.  (I am now making a mental note of everything he does to save up for his Wow Wednesday book - first entry will be the 7 mile bike ride, second entry will be counting to 20 in 2's - I'm hoping there will be more I can use and store up from this half term).

Oh hum, I guess it will only get worse...

Oh and he came home with a certificate last week - for 100% attendance.  Fine, but why did they give it to him a week before the end of half term?  

Family bike ride

Although Tom is tired and got a cold, he doesn't let it get him down (although he does get naughty and bolshy when he is tired which can be annoying).  This morning he requested that he went on a bike ride : "all of us on a bike".  Expecting lots of rain, we got up and set to putting the bike rack on the car - a nasty job which involves lots of grunting and swearing.  It didn't take as long as usual to get it on and the bikes on it.  Luckily we can still get Tom's bike in the car - that will change when he grows into his next one.

On the bridge at Crook O' Lune

We all had a good breakfast and then headed out.  Initially we were going to hit the prom at Morecambe, but we were worried about the weather - supposed to get windy and rainy today and there is no shelter in Morecambe, so we decided to ride along an old railway track: Bull Beck to Crook O' Lune.  We have done this before when Tom was on his orange bike, it took quite a while and Matt and I were wobbling quite a bit as we were having to cycle so slowly.  This time it was quite different.  Matt and I had to cycle properly to keep up with Tom and we got to Crook O' Lune in about 15 minutes - last time it was more like an hour!  We were very surprised and decided to carry on which we did.  We got all the way to the M6 road bridge, past Halton which is a decent distance.  We wondered if we should continue on into Lancaster but Tom requested we headed home, and as he isn't 100% we figured he knew best.

Resting at Crook O' Lune

We stopped off at Crook O' Lune on the way back for tea and a bun and then returned to the car.  In all we cycled just under 6 3/4 miles in 1hr 10mins (Matt of course has a gadget that measures all this!).  Very impressive for a tired, cold ridden 4 year old, we were very impressed with him (I was impressed with me too!)  It was very enjoyable and we found some free car parks on the route nearer to Lancaster, so we made a note to return to these and see if we can cycle into Lancaster next time where they have cycle paths alongside the canal which are supposed to be nice)

We headed to a new farm shop / cafe in Ireby just along from Ingleton.  We were surprised to come across a huge wooden building with loads of seating.  We had a lovely lunch (a little pricey but it was very good quality so can't really complain) and then headed back home.

In the afternoon we did a quick walk around the village, (old Neptis is being done up to become a new cafe....) visited the butchers to buy 2 massive rump steaks for dinner (so big that we ate one between the 3 of us and froze the other - very nice it was too), and headed down to the park for a play.  All was going well until I sat on a wall.  I didn't notice the wasp already sat on the wall - he wasn't happy with me and stung me in anger.  I was angry too - and sore!

I hobbled home, then we had a lazy afternoon before dinner and a very early bath time for a very tired, very grumpy and quite naughty boy.

Tom had a good sleep last night and woke up much happier.  The weather today was forecasted to be atrocious so we decided to have an easy day.  We headed out to Colne via the Forest of Bowland (not sure why it is called 'Forest' as we saw very few trees.  It was a lovely drive through upland moorlands - we didn't see another car for the whole journey.  Very sparsely populated, but very beautiful landscape.  It wasn't a fast route by any means, but very interesting.  We arrived in Colne to visit Boundary Mills - a huge outlet store - which serves free coffee and croissants on a Sunday morning (half of Lancashire was there).  We did a bit of Christmas shopping, I got some cake things and then we headed to Asda for some more shopping and lunch.

We then headed home via the fast, boring route.  Tom fell asleep which was the whole purpose of the trip - he was in dire need of an afternoon nap.  We then had a useful afternoon - cleaning, tidying, sorting etc (always needed in our house!)

Nice weekend and Tom's first disco

We had a nice stay at home weekend last weekend.  Unfortunately, we didn't take any photos so I'll have to describe it.  Sorry folks!

Saturday Matt and Tom went out in the morning to get their hair cut (both came back with the same hair do) and do some shopping whilst I finished off a birthday cake (for Sam next door - Monsters Inc theme) and made a roast with all the trimmings for Kathy and Paul who eventually came to visit us.

We had a lovely afternoon with Kathy and Paul - they are good company, Tom was on good form - both entertainment wise and good eating wise - he ate a full plate of food.  Time whizzed by - before we knew it it was 5pm - they made their excuses and we gave Tom his dinner before bed.

Babyccino

Sunday we headed into Kendal first thing as Tom grew out of his school shoes last week.  He complained his feet were hurting and on inspection I found the beginnings of blisters - oops.  So he wore is 'out of school' boots for the rest of the week.  The selection process was quite easy - I lined up the available styles he tried them on - if he couldn't get them on by himself they were rejected.  We then looked at the tread and kept the ones with good tread, then he got to choose.  He is now an 11f which I believe is quite big.

We had a quick coffee and a bun after shopping.  The only cafe at the outlet centre is Costa - not a place we would normally go to (prefer to support local businesses).  They do a babyccino - a mini hot chocolate for children which Tom enjoyed.

We then headed back home as we had a date in a pub with one of Tom's friends - Fred and his family.  The pub was walkable so we went on foot, managing to dodge the rain.  We had a proper dinner each and then headed to their yard for a play on bikes and scooters (their yard has a good long slope on it, making it perfect for play)  We also got to have a look around the vehicles they currently have (they are the family with the big gun on the A65 - and deal in heavy vehicles)

We got home just in time for a skype with Grannie and Grandpa and then Tom had tea and went to bed.  A good weekend.

Tom had a very busy week this week:

Rubbish bag wizard Tom

Monday - swimming after school
Tuesday - tea with Finn (another classmate)
Wednesday - home after school
Thursday - Halloween disco in the evening.  I as usual was rubbish with the fancy dress thing - I have always hated fancy dress and try to ignore it if at all possible.  Living where we do, I can't just nip out for something.  After Tom decided he wanted to go to the disco I visited Co-op and managed to find a wizard's hat and orange glow in the dark wand.  I then cut up a black sack for a cloak. He was the only one in a homemade costume at the disco, but he didn't mind at all.  The disco was ridiculously loud: full of kids who just seemed to want to scream!  There was very little music, and even less dancing. Surprisingly it didn't seem to worry Tom, he didn't wander far from us, but he was happy doing his own thing.  He even got two big hugs and kisses from two girls in his class when he left - the little charmer.
Friday - curry in Settle.

He has come down with a cold and is very tired, so it is just as well it is now half-term.  Lots of sleep and snoozy mornings to be had - yippee!

Better Week

This weekend we split up.  I had a 40th birthday to go to down in Warminster and Matt had his friends Michael and Sarah coming up to keep him and Tom company.  So I disappeared off at 9.30 on my 6.5hr odyssey on 4 trains down to Warminster.  I had been slightly dreading this as I have found it hard to sit down with this arm of mine.  However, it was still getting better and I was able to do lots of exercises on the train on the way down.  It was lovely actually to sit back, have responsibility for no-one and nothing and just be me.  I put on my headphones and listened to my music whilst watching the countryside speed past.  It was blissful, except for the niggling pain in my neck.

Believe it or not, all the trains were on time, and I was met by the whole Milburn family.  We slid into our usual banter almost straight away (Lou is one of those friends who I don't see very often, but when I do, it is as if it was only a day or so ago we last met).   I even found myself rolling my 'r's, although that was more to give them a laugh than natural.

Lou and Laura

Anyhow, I spent a pleasant hour catching up with them all.  Laura and Jacob of course have grown quite a bit since I last saw them.  They really are very nice children.  Laura had changed the most - she has really grown in confidence and was very lovely - showed me to my room, and happily spoke to me about anything and everything.

We had a quick shower and then put on our party wear (dress for Lou, jeans for me!) and headed down to the local cricket club to decorate it before everyone arrived.  I was slightly dreading the party as I didn't know anyone (Debbie didn't want to drive down on her own and wasn't willing to go by train!).  However, it was fine.  I, of course knew Lou's rather large family and Tim's immediate family - both of whom came straight over for a chat.  Then others on hearing who I was chatted away to me.  In fact Lou was introducing me as the guest of honour:  "This is my friend Nik, I went to college with her and she's come all the way from the Lake District!"  I didn't put her right - it was a good ice breaker.  Bless her - I think she was pleased I had made the effort.

I got straight onto the cider - hoping it would work as an anaesthetic for my arm.  Not so, so I decided to go easy on the drinking to get a good night's sleep.  I did, however, do some dancing which I think helped loosen the arm even further.   We didn't get back to Lou's until after 1am (wow!).  We wound down a bit and then headed to bed.  I got into bed and then noticed a text from Matt - Tom was awake and crying for me!  Oh dear - I sent through some suggestions on what to do via text and then tried to get to sleep.  It didn't go well - so much for a night off!

Had a lovely lie-in / chat with Lou, then breakfast, made a packed lunch and headed to Warminster Station for the trip home.  Once again all trains were on time, I had some lovely me time and I arrived in Lancaster to a very warm welcome from both boys.  Tom was very excited - he had bought me some presents - I was instructed to close my eyes and put my hands out.  Last time I did that I ended up engaged!!!!  A packet of Herdy gingerbread biscuits was thrust into my hands.  How lovely.  It was gorgeous to see Tom so excited to see me.

We headed back to Ingleton, had dinner at The Masons Arms / Old Brewery Inn and got home around 8pm.  Tom went straight to bed.  We weren't too far behind him.

Bad Week

I didn't post anything last week - mainly because nothing of note happened.  We didn't really have a happy weekend.  I was tired and grumpy because my neck, shoulder and arm were hurting.  Tom was grumpy because he was tired from school and Matt was grumpy because he was tired.  We went for a walk on Saturday, but it ended in an argument after the pub we were going to have lunch in was closed for a refurbishment. We made up but the atmosphere of the day was ruined.

Sunday we went swimming - me in the hope that being in water would help my arm - it didn't!  We then went into Lancaster for lunch at a lovely pub by the canal.  That's it.  As you see nothing of note.

On Monday I went to see the Dr about my pain (I was almost crying on Saturday the pain was so bad).  He told me to take paracetamol and ibuprofen and sent me for an x-ray.  He referred me for physio, but said it would take over a month for the appointment to come through.  On speaking to some mums at school I was recommended a private physio in Bentham.  I called her and got an appointment on Thursday.  She was lovely and spent more than the hour I booked with her helping me out.  She found the source of the pain and spent quite a while trying to ease it for me.

Today I feel much better.  I'm still in pain, but it isn't half as bad as it was, meaning I can concentrate on other things.  Phew. I have another appointment with her on Tuesday which I am already looking forward to - if she can work her magic again that that will be great.  Basically it was a combination of one night's bad sleep (too much wine = bad sleeping position) general bad posture (she mentioned that I am having to carry a lot out front which doesn't help (they've always been the bain of my life!), getting old, starting at the gym and using muscles that aren't used to exercise, too many pillows in bed etc etc etc.  Anyway, the pain is now manageable so that's good.  Just as well I didn't have too many cakes to do these last two weeks.

I'm off to Warminster tomorrow for Lou's 40th, Matt and Tom are staying here and entertaining Michael and his girlfriend Sarah.

Weekend away

Broad Marston Manor - not bad hey?!

This weekend was our annual Shell weekend away.  This year it was in the little village of Broad Marston on the edge of the Cotswolds in an old Manor House - all very lovely.

We picked Tom up from school with the intention of driving straight away, but after his 'incident' we had to bring him home to sort him out and then set off.  Nevermind - I felt quite sorry for him as he was so glum.  We headed off expecting to hit traffic at the M62, M54 and M5 junctions.  Not so we sailed through all of them, but got stuck in traffic between Stoke and Stafford.  It took 4 hours to get there in the end which is what we thought, but we weren't the last and made good time considering most of the others came from the Chester area.

Tom, Maggie and Jenny

We were in a very lovely manor house - timber frame, big fire places, creaking, uneven floors etc etc.  We had a big double bed and Tom a z bed in the same room.  Tom was a star.  Believe it or not he didn't sleep on the way down (I can't quite believe it either).  He had a play with the other children, some curry for dinner and then happily went to bed - it was after 8pm after all.  The other kids didn't go to bed until much much later (smug Mummy time!!!).

Juggling fish

We sat down for our usual excellent homemade curries around 9pm.  After promising ourselves we wouldn't over eat or drink too much, we both over ate and drank too much so we didn't have a very good night's sleep.  However, it was very good food and the drink just slipped down too easily.

A good attempt at tennis

In the morning we split into 2 groups - Matt went with the 'adults' for a 9 mile walk, whilst I stayed with the Mums and children and headed to Hidcote Manor (National Trust property) for a look round.  Hidcote Manor is basically a load of gardens, lovely gardens with lots of interesting sculptures (ie not too arty so even I liked them) scattered around them.  It would have been lovely to wander around at a slow pace to take it all in, but it wasn't to be (it never is with children).  We still had a lovely time, the kids ran and ran and ran, the older ones were climbing trees etc, it was a proper outdoor day.  There was even a tennis court where anyone could play tennis - Tom gave it a good go and was hitting the odd ball by the end.

Apple from the orchard

We found an orchard and as we were given the National Trust book of '50 things to do before you are 11 3/4' which included eating an apple straight off a tree, that's what the children did.  It is a good year for fruit this year and they were lovely and sweet.

It looked like we it was about to rain, so we decided to return to our Manor House for cake (this weekend is very much about cake and puddings - I took my banoffee pie this year).

Once Jessica (who is only 2) had had a sleep we then headed out to a very good local playground for another run around.  Tom was on good form this weekend.  He is the only boy in the group (the next 'boy' to him is 13 year old Daniel - who to be fair to him is very good with him playing football etc).  Being the only boy doesn't faze him, he just gets on with it.  I hardly saw him all weekend - he was quite happy playing with anyone who would play with him.  He didn't really need us at all!

Stella, Tom and Sam

We had a BBQ for dinner on Saturday night - once again it was really good food.   I did well by not drinking much and as a result we slept better.  Sunday morning the group went off to Chipping Camden to do a treasure hunt, but we already had plans as Sam and Kamila from Telford now live in Bidford On Avon - just next door to Broad Marston, we couldn't not go and say hello.  So off we went.  We haven't seen them for a while (they moved about a year before us).  Stella is now 4 and very grown up and speaking English with an English accent - which is strange because neither of her parents do.  You would think the English accent would come with school, mind you she does go to nursery.  Apparently she is completely English: her favourite food is Sausage and mash and fish & chips, on holiday she was proudly telling everyone she is English.  I think it has taken her parents by surprise.

We had a quick lunch at a pub 'The Frog' on the river and then had to say a quick goodbye as we had a long journey ahead of us and we needed to pop in to Ikea to buy some shelving for the garage.  The roads were nice and empty (apart from a jam just before we left the motorway for Ikea - a truck carrying a caravan had burnt out).  We got our bits and then carried on home.  We got home at 6pm and went straight to a pub for dinner.  We thought we would try the Masons Arms in Ingleton which has recently been taken over and refurbished.  We were very pleasantly surprised.  The decor was lovely, the service very friendly and the food very good in quality and value.  This is now definitely our pub of choice - lets hope it does well and brings the others up to par as well.

Anyway, we had a good weekend and went to bed pretty tired.

Tom's first joke

Tom came out with his first joke on Friday:

Tom: "How do you start a pig race?"

Matt: "I don't know, how do you start a pig race?"

Tom: "Ready, steady, OINK!"

This he got from his friend Finn.  Thanks Finn.

Tom's first full-time week at school

Usual after school activity

So Tom completed his first week of school.  It went well - he came out bouncing and very happy Monday to Thursday.  Once home, he was ravenous so the snacks came out.  Then he demanded a session of cycling on the car park before getting ravenous and tired again.

As a result the routine has changed, we have had to bring dinner time forward to 5.00 and then bath and bedtime forward to 6.00 as he has got so tired.  

He already has reading books (with no words, he just has to turn the pictures into a story) and a sound book which we have to practise (not easy - Tom hasn't worked out the link between sounds and words yet so it can be frustrating). 

Friday didn't go quite as well, unfortunately he did a poo in his pants towards the end of the day (first time in over a year!).  Luckily the staff sorted him out, but he came out quite sad and sorry for himself.  I hope it was just one little accident resulting from the stress of all his new experiences this week.  Fingers crossed...

Blackberries galore

After our walk last weekend, we were itching to get out again to collect all those lovely blackberries.  We were somewhat thwarted by the weather as it rained every morning - very frustrating.  However, on Friday it dawned bleak but not raining so we donned our wellies and headed back out to Austwick.  We are glad we did as managed to harvest 6lbs of fruit in under an hour!

Notes for future blackberrying:
1) Wear wellies
2) Take secateurs
3) Take hardy gloves

There were many berries we couldn't get too because of thorns and nettles!

Bagpuss

Tom did a very good job, wasn't that bothered by the thorns or the nettles and was quite diligent.

We got back home and Tom got changed and went to school for the afternoon.

Saturday wasn't a very nice day (again).  The boys went into Settle in the morning taking a lot of rubbish to the tip (we have finally taken delivery of a new bed - our one has been broken since Telford), and to give me time to finish off a cake - this one in the shape of Bagpuss.  I got quite attached to him - even though he took an age to finish.

Scruffy pirate

In the afternoon we headed off to Eli and Adam's for Adam's 4th birthday party.  We dressed Tom up in his pirate attire - his ragged T-shirt is now really small - so I cut the collar and put it on him.  You could see his belly button - but I think he looks more like an authentic pirate than the shop bought costumes.

Luckily Finn (one of Tom's classmates) was at the party too - Kate and Eli are friends.  This made a huge difference to Tom as he didn't know anyone else there (made a difference to us too!). The two of them played really nicely together and Matt got a chance to question Kate to death about motorbikes and the TT.  We had a good time:  a treasure hunt, pass the parcel and a fantastic slide with a tent on top which all the kids loved.  We had such a good time we actually stayed longer than the official party time - sorry Eli.  Thankfully for the first day in ages it didn't rain - hurray.  Especially as Eli's garden is such a fab garden for little ones.

Sunday finally dawned nice, so we took Bagpuss to Seasons for them to pass on and then headed back to Austwick to do another new walk, this time via Feizor where I had been told there was a lovely cafe.  

Carefully crossing the cattlegrid

Me and Tom

We headed off and enjoyed another wonderful walk around some low dales.  Once again the walk was along old cart tracks which I find quite lovely.  It wasn't too strenuous and we found the cafe without any trouble and it was as lovely as we had been told.  The owner took time out to make sure we were being well looked after and the food was good - it just had a general good atmostphere.  Feizor is at the end of a dead end, so you won't find the cafe by accident, you have to know it is there to go there.  As a result it was full of walkers and cyclists, oh and some horses brought their riders here as well parked up next to the cafe and they ALL tucked into bacon sandwiches and chips (and I thought horses were vegetarian?!)

Lovely scenery

Whilst we were sat outside we were treated to farmer cabaret.  A very angry farmer was shouting manically at his sheepdog who was obviously not doing as he was told as he drove some sheep through his garden and then up past the cafe.  His language was, shall we say, flowery.  Luckily Tom didn't hear / take it in.  Was quite funny though.

We carried on around the walk, taking in the view.  We finally came out on 'blackberry alley' as we now call it and managed to pick another 1lb of fruit (the ones we missed on Friday).  Then back home for a roast dinner and a blackberry and apple crumble (well we had to after all this picking!)

Keeping a school boy employed

Last week Tom saw a window cleaner in the village.  He obviously liked the idea as when we returned home he requested a bowl of water, a sponge and a rag.  He then set to cleaning the kitchen door.  Fantastic.  He washed them about 5 times in a week.  Just need to get him more practised in polishing out the streaks and he will have another 'job' to do in the house!

Walking the Dales

Playing on the bridge

I haven't blogged for a while, mainly because nothing of note has been happening recently.  Last weekend Matt had 2 cricket matches on 2 days meaning we didn't really get up to much.  Then last week was spent mainly hanging around.  Tom was at school in the afternoon - 1.15 to 3.30 so we had nice lazy mornings, then I spent my 2 hours doing cakey things including icing an 18 x 18 inch square cake for Seasons bakery for Save the Children - which is the largest cake I have ever iced and a complete nightmare.

Pretty place

Saturday morning Matt was in York at a translators do, it was a glorious day so Tom and I did some gardening (weeding for me, digging landrover into mud for Tom) waiting for Matt to return.  Once he did we went into the village for lunch (we tried Ingleborough Sport this time - still not as good as Neptis).  We then decided to go for a walk, we bought a new short walk book recently based on the 3 peak area.  There were a few based on Austwick so we decided to do one there and time it so we finished in time for dinner at the very good pub there.  Our friends Racheal, Graham and Isabella live there, so we told them and they were up for dinner too.

We did the walk, we thought it would be a nice short walk looping the village, but it turned out to be a really beautiful walk, along old cart tracks into Crummockdale (great Northern name).  Before we knew it we were out of civilisation and enjoying classic dales views.  The walk was pretty easy as well, hardly any elevation, no fields or farm life to contend with.  The lanes were full of blackberries and as usual we didn't have any vessels to put them in - poo!  Such as shame as there were soooo many and they all looked good and juicy.  We ate some on the way, but I think if we have time next week Tom and I will return to pick them - I have an urge to make some blackberry jam/jelly.

Paparazzi

The walk took us to a bridge across Austwick Beck - where they used to dip sheep.  It was a very lovely location, very pretty bridge, bench to sit down and take it all in.  Tom did really really well, once again, no complaints, talked all the way.  We have given him my old camera which he takes out with us (when he remembers) his photos vary as you would expect from out of focus, heads chopped off etc to some ok ones.  In fact when I next find it, I'll download the pics and put his good and funny ones on here for you to see.

Anyway, we finished off the walk, had a little play in the playground (another really good one) and then met with R, G & I at The Game Cock for a really good and fun dinner.  We didn't get home until about 8pm (not a school night so it is allowed!)

School Boy

School Boy

We have a school boy!

Finally on Friday afternoon he started school.  He was only there for 2hrs 15mins - shorter than a pre-school day.

He was excited to go, he said earlier in the day that he thought that school was going to be good and fun.  It's comforting to know he obviously has a positive attitude to it all.

We both took him to his new classroom, where he was warmly welcomed by Mrs Pickard and Mrs Tennant and some of the other mums who know him (including Sally who works at Smile and has a little girl - Caitlyn starting.  Tom and Caitlyn have never met as they went to Ingleton Pre-school and Smile on different days).

I think Tom was a little overwhelmed by it all - it has been 10 weeks after all since he was last there.  He was beginning to get clingy when he spotted Freya.  He went over to her and she gave him a huge hug.  He immediately relaxed and went off with her to play in the water.  We took our queue and left.  (Phew - thank you Freya!)

Got home to find that someone had posted me a card. It was from Matt.  A lovely card telling me what a good job I have done bringing up Tom.  I immediately burst into tears (so much for keeping it together at school!)  My reaction almost got to Matt as well - although he did look pleased with himself for bringing me to tears.  Anyway it was a lovely surprise and wonderful sentiment, very nice to be appreciated.

Once I had pulled myself together, I got out Ben's cake (next door neighbour who is football mad and just turned 7).  I decided to make life difficult for myself and make an actual football for him - I discovered it isn't easy!  I managed to get it done just within the 2 hours and then we headed out in torrential rain and wind to collect him.  Tom came happily out and was full of smiles.  He didn't seem to notice the very very bad weather and chatted all the way home.  We then sat down together to read his book (all about heavy vehicles).

To finish off the day we headed into Settle for a curry.  Tom almost fell asleep on the way there (2 hours at school can tire out a boy you know!)

Anyway a successful first day.   I sincerely hope he has a good time at school and takes away only good memories.

School Visit

So Tom, Matt and I had our 30 minute visit to school this afternoon.  He ran all the way there, so I guess he likes it there. We met with his teacher (Mrs Pickard) and Teaching Assistant (Mrs Tennant), they showed us around the room, pointing out the different areas and Tom got to choose his peg and welly cubby hole (no-one told me he needed wellies and his need replacing as they are too small for him - arggghhhh!)

Tom then did a drawing with Mrs Tennant whilst we spoke to Mrs Pickard.  She asked us lots of questions about Tom - what he likes doing, academic ability, any concerns etc.  It was good to have some initial quality time with his teacher and be able to spend some time explaining him to her before she teaches him, hopefully it will mean that she will be able to initially play to his strengths.  We will see - she does have 19 other children to teach after all...

9 Years!

We didn't do much this weekend.  Tom was tired from the week's excitement and Matt was playing cricket on both days.  We have made up for it since.

Climbing Wall

 Monday we met up with Eli and Adam (friends from Enjoy-a-Ball) at the Lakeland Maize Maze. e had a really good time.  She also invited her friends Kate and Finn.  Finn is in Tom's class at school but I haven't really met him and have only said 'hello' at the school gates to Kate.  Kate was really lovely, very easy to talk to.  Turns out that she used to race, yes RACE, at the TT.  RESPECT.  I texted Matt who got very excited about it all - he can't wait to meet her.  He looked her up on Google and she is very well respected in the race community and did really well at a time when there were very few ladies racing.  Needless to say we were talking 19 to a dozen and time flew.

Rope swing

Kate and Finn had to leave early (school shoe shopping) but Eli and I stayed until 4.  The boys were having such a good time: there was an indoor soft play area, a fabulous climbing wall, go-karts, bouncy castle, trampolines, pedal tractors, out door play area and the maize maze, oh and proper tractor rides.  They didn't stop the whole time they were there.  They even ate their lunch whilst riding tractors!  I really like Eli - she seems to have a similar outlook on life and child raising - shame he is a school year below Tom and going to a different school.  I will try to keep in touch with them.  Needless to say Tom fell asleep on the way home.


Tuesday was our 9th Wedding Anniversary.  Matt took the day off, it wasn't raining so we decided to go to Bolton Abbey for the day.  Matt reckoned that it had been 20 years since he was last there and I had never been.  I didn't really know what to expect apart from some ruins, and was very pleasantly surprised.  First of all the village in which Bolton Abbey was in was lovely, bright flowers everywhere.  The grounds of the Abbey were gorgeous with the river Wharfe running past.

Down the tunnel

By The Strid

We had a look around the ruins, Matt walked across the stepping stones: I didn't think that was any sort of a challenge until I did them myself and discovered that the steps are farther apart than they look and the river quite deep meaning it was quite frightening - well I found it quite frightening anyway.  We sat down on the banks of the river for our picnic lunch, we were joined by lots and lots of ducks who seemed to be very tame and not take a shoo away as even a slightest hint to leave us.  To my amazement Tom didn't seem too fussed by them.  After lunch we had a good stone throwing session.  Tom then announced that he wanted to do the stepping stones.  No way was I doing them with him, but Matt was game, so I took hold of all the bags and they did the stepping stones, and they did them really really well.  I filmed it so once Matt's done his magic with it I'll put it up here.

Throwing stones

We then continued on to the Welly Walk which was really good, lots of obstacles along a path in the wood: slides, tunnels, rope swings, mazes, scramble net etc etc.  It was fantastically well done and kept all of our interest.  Tom did his usual thing of going shy and loosing interest when someone else was on a piece of apparatus but apart from that he did really well and enjoyed himself.  We had a quick stop for ice cream and then continued up the path to The Strid - a turbulent part of the Wharfe.  It was a nice walk and Tom did ok.  We stopped at The Strid for a while and then returned back and managed to get to the tea rooms just before they closed for a very welcome tea and a bun.  We then headed back home and stopped at the Craven Arms for dinner (in Giggleswick).  We hit upon another goodie.  Really good service and very very good food.  We all ate up well, so well in fact we had to order pudding.  Was a really good end to a lovely day.

At the end of the Stone Jetty

Wednesday Tom and I headed out to Morecambe for the day.  We had decided to go for a ride together.  This of course meant that I had to get my bike ready.  This is the part I hate.  First of all, I had to pump the tyres which deflated rather than pumped up - we don't have a normal pump - Matt had to show me how to use it!  Then I had to heave them into the car, then I couldn't find the car keys, all the usual stuff with loading up bikes that puts me in a bad mood.  Anyhow, we got there in the end, I drove to Morecambe and we parked up on the prom.  We then rode down to the stone jetty.  Wow!  Tom really is fast on his new bike, it was a proper ride and when he was going fast I had to work to keep up.  We might be getting into the realms where Tom's fitness is going to hurt me!  (In fact as I am writing this I am stiffening up!)  We rode happily to the Stone Jetty, had lunch and then continued down to the end of the prom before turning round and riding back.  Tom didn't seem to tire and was happy racing me.  He got quite a few comments from the oldies walking up and down the prom.

Eating a well deserved egg sandwich on the jetty

We then went to Happy Mount Park to the splash park.  I thought that as he had had such a good time in his swimming lessons he would be more confident, but no I was wrong.  I did manage to get him into a fountain (by getting myself soaked) but then he cried because water went up his nose.  Basically there was no way I was going to get him to enjoy himself or relax so we gave up.  I need to get him there with a friend, then I think it will be a whole different story.  We then had a play in the park.  Tom then requested a visit to Hest Bank, so we ended up there for a drink and sit watching the trains.

When we headed back home Tom fell asleep.  He was in the front with me so he must have been tired.

Tom on a Jet Ski

Jet Ski

Today was Tom's last swimming lesson at Ingleton Pool.  They have been really good fun.  Can't remember if I have chatted about them before, but the first one didn't go too well, he clung to the railings, then clung to the teacher and then clung to some other children.  The teacher suggested that maybe we should put him in the baby class.  I asked her to give me one week to sort him out.  I managed to borrow the life jacket they use in the lessons and then took him swimming twice to get him sorted.

Having fun

He was a changed boy in the next lesson, the teacher was impressed and he was allowed to stay in his class.  Phew!  I then took him swimming in the pool once or twice a week to make sure he was comfortable in the water.  The pool was really busy each time we went but that didn't seem to phase him at all.  Pretty much each time we went Sam and Ben from next door were there.  They are completely fearless in the pool - bombing all over

the place.  I tried to explain to Tom that he could have loads of fun jumping in and splashing around too, but he didn't trust me.

Anyhow, we had fun at the lessons, we met more mums, had picnics in the park afterwards and had generally good Friday mornings.  In his last lesson the teacher made some jet skis out of some woggles and the children had an extended play session with them.  Here's Tom having fun with his.

Leia comes to stay

Rosa and Tom

We have been very busy this week.  No sooner had our Japanese guests gone, we were welcoming Leia, Rosa and Karen.  (Always the way, nothing happens for ages and then it all happens at once).

Anyway, Tom went to nursery on Tuesday morning whilst I sorted the house out and did some cake preparations for the week (just one cake this week - mind you it is one that has been a pain as it is one for Seasons and they have been pretty rubbish with their communication about it - oh hum!).

Feeding the Ducks

The Komorovskis arrived after I collected Tom, they had lunch and then after a play we went out for a walk to the park.  The sun actually came out for a little while and Tom and Leia played really nicely with each other (very little interaction required from me).  Rosa is now 15 months old, so into everything -

you can't take your eyes off her for a minute as she has the death wish that all toddlers have - wanting to jump off walls etc.

Our 2p in the money tree

We walked home and had dinner, then bath and bed for the kids.  Tom and Leia slept really well together which is a miracle considering Rosa was very unhappy to be in bed and showed her anger by throwing up!  It went everywhere - the cot, the guest room carpet, the landing carpet, the bathroom, all over Karen's nightclothes.  Everywhere, although she managed to remain completely clean.  Typical!  Oh well, just as well we have a vax, so we managed to get it all up.  It certainly took us back to what it is like having a baby in the house.  Anyway after all the excitement Rosa went to sleep and we didn't hear any more from her.

Tom and Leia - just hanging

Wednesday I was hoping for a day on the beach / Happy Mount Park with everyone, but it dawned grey and cool.  It wasn't a day for the beach and certainly not one for the splash park.  We changed our plans and went instead to Clapham.  We did the nature trail up to the Ingleborough Cave entrance and back again and then went for a picnic and play in the very good park.

Flowers in their hair

Our time in the park turned out to be quite interesting.  A lady turned up with her children and got chatting to me and Karen.  She knew me!  It took me quite a few subtle questions to work out who she was.  Obviously there has been quite a bit of village chatter about me as she knew about my cake business, knew Tom was about to start school, knew that I go to Fiona's craft nights etc.  All this without me having met her since we moved to the village.  I managed in the end to remember one meeting with her once last year at the playgroup that I used to take Tom too.  Anyway she was lovely and chatty (obviously) - I managed to get some village gossip from her, so came away quite knowledgeable about what is going on in Ingleton.  She also informed us that we had just watched a pop star mow the lawn of the park.  She is Chair of the committee that runs the park in Clapham (as usual round here it is the community that sorts out the parks, not the council).  The person we watched mow the grass as we ate our picnic was the lead singer from EMF (Your Unbelievable).  This place is full of celebs - Alan Bennett lives here as well.

Having fun in the basket

Anyway, the kids had a good time.  Egged on by Leia, Tom seems to suddenly have a liking for playing in the baskets in playgrounds (he has always been too frightened before).  They spent ages in it and went pretty high.  He told Karen "sometimes I'm brave, sometimes I'm not"  That's certainly true, peer pressure can be a great thing.

Somehow it got to be 4.30 so we called it a day and came home.  After dinner, bath etc all children went to bed happily.  Not a sound was heard from any of them.  Well done Rosa, Leia and Tom.  

Thursday the Komorovskis went home early (Rosa was in need of a long daytime sleep and needed it in the car - she refused to sleep in the buggy for a long time yesterday and only managed an hour in the end which wasn't long enough).  It was a horrible day here, so Tom and I ran some errands and after lunch Tom went for a rest.  (He didn't go to bed until 8pm the last two nights).  He slept for 2 hours so obviously needed it.  That meant I could do some cake work which was very fortunate.

Japan Visits

Hiromi on our walk around Ingleton

So this weekend we were very excited because Hiromi, Sachiko and John came to visit.  We have been trying to tempt Hiromi to visit for a number of years (she comes to the UK quite regularly to visit Sachiko) but this was the first time.  We were very honoured, the house got quite a good clean and tidy up (very rare for us so it must mean something!)

Resting after a race at Malham Cove

They drove up from Bath on Saturday morning - it took them 6 hours (ouch, it only took us 5 hours to get to the otherside of Devon when we went down to visit Mum and Dad)  Oh well, we had lunch ready and waiting for them so they tucked in.

We were going to do the little circular walk around Ribblehead on Saturday afternoon - but it was too late by the time people were ready, so we stayed in Ingleton and did the little route around the
common instead.  This was fine, they enjoyed themselves (despite the rain) and they got to see a little of the Dales scenery - including some sheep.  We then went for tea in the 'other' tearoom before heading back home.

Hiromi, Sachiko and John

We had an adapted Beef in Beer for dinner and to my suprise and delight seconds and thirds were eaten, in fact it nearly all went (apart from the rice - I overdid that).  I always stress a little when we have Japanese people to stay as generally you never get a bad meal in Japan whilst of course it is easy to get a bad meal here.  I adapted the beef in beer with some soy sauce, sugar and tomatoes and think I got it just about right for Japanese taste - phew.  They also tucked into some homemade Bara Brith and fruit for pudding which was good.

Tom on a bridge

Enjoying a rest after a good walk

Sunday we gave them a full tour of the Dales (well as full as we could manage).  Matt went on his motorbike and I was chauffeur for the day (to give John and Sachiko a rest from yesterday).  First stop was Malham.  There was a lot of 'Sa-goi!' going on in the back as Hiromi got her first proper view of the Dales.  This landscape is certainly quite different to anything you see in Japan.  We parked for free (just outside of the National Park Centre) and then walked to Malham Cove.

It's a lovely and easy walk - except the very last bit which involves clambering over rocks to get to the cove itself.  Hiromi was up for it and clambered with everyone else - respect!  We sat there for a while watching climbers on the cove, and playing in the river (ie throwing stones for Tom).  I was wearing sandals so did some paddling - the water was FREEZING!.  By now the clouds had cleared and it was absolutely gorgeous - blue sky and hot.






Just the weather we ordered - how lucky were we?

In the river

We walked back towards the village, stopping for tea and a bun at a tea room on the way (very mediocre - mass produced scones - how disappointing)  Poor Tom on needing a wee, did one in the bushes, fell over and put his hand out to save himself by grabbing onto some nettles.  Ouch.  Luckily I had a rag in my bag, soaked it in the river and wrapped it round his arm which stopped the tears.  After about 30 minutes the stings had all but disappeared - takes much longer for me - I guess his immune system must be very efficient.

The gang

We walked back through the village, got the car and carried on our journey to Ribblehead.  All 3 passengers fell asleep as I weaved through the country lanes.

Tom stayed awake talking absolute nonsense.  He announced that he is going to run a pub:

+ It will serve beer, wine and whisky
+ It will serve food: lamb henry, curry, salmon and sukiyaki
+ It will also sell cars: Mitsubishi Lancers and Subarus
+ It is on August Street which is on the left
+ Toilets are on the right
+ Its name is 'Tom Young Pub'

I'm looking forward to it opening.

Splashing in puddles

Anyway back to the day.  We arrived at Ribblehead and found a good parking space (very lucky).  My three passengers woke up so we walked to the bridge and back for a good look.

Walking in the Dales

We then got back in the car and drove to Dent.  Dentdale is quite different to the other dales - very green, lots of trees and very very narrow roads including one bridge which is only just bigger than our car.

Although I think people did want to stay awake, before too long I had 3 nodding heads in the back again!  We found another good (free) parking space and headed into the village for a little look - Dent is pretty much unspoiled and therefore picturesque.  Some of its roads are still cobbled.  We stopped for tea and a bun again in another tea room (well tea and a bun for us, chips for Sachiko, John and Hiromi - all this sleeping is hungry work!)

Eating dinner outside!

We then headed back home via Barbondale but once again tiredness overtook the three sleepyheads in the back!

Not to worry, we had a good day and the weather was fantastic.  They certainly saw the place at its best.  We got home to the smell of roast chicken - good news dinner was cooking (we put the oven on timer).  An hour or so later we were sitting outside - yes OUTSIDE (it was that warm) eating roast chicken dinner.  Once again our guests tucked in.  I was amazed, all the vegetables went - just some chicken left over.  I couldn't believe it - seconds and thirds were consumed.  I was very chuffed.

Drinking and driving

Monday we had an easy morning and then took everyone to Country Harvest as Sachiko wanted to buy some local produce to take home.  We then said our goodbyes and they headed home (another 6 hour trip for them unfortunately).

We decided to head into the Lake District to go to The Miller Beck Light Railway - which is a privately run garden railway near Newby Bridge that I had heard about - it only opens to the public 8 weekends a year - this was one of them.  Once again we had a glorious day - bright blue sky and hot sunshine.  We turned up at Miller Beck just as it opened.  It was fantastic, I lost count of the number of engines they had: maybe about 6 steam engines  and 2 diesels and they were running constant rides.  £2.50 each for adults and £1.50 for children so very affordable.  We had one ride all together, then Matt and Tom had a ride and Tom and I had a ride.  The track was laid imaginatively, with lots of circuits, a bit through a 'forest' bridges over the beck etc meaning that a ride lasted about 15 minutes - much more than we were expecting.  Lots of families were there with picnics etc.  Next time we will do the same.

Oh - here's a video we took: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oPnqbckdXA

Two boys on a train

We had to drag ourselves away in the end but it was such a lovely day we wanted to do as much as possible outside.  We decided to head up to Tarn Hows again.  So we headed up the road, stopping off at Esthwaite Water for lunch at a cafe there (over priced but nice enough - teach us not to pack a picnic!).  We got to Tarn Hows around 1.30 and found a parking space which was lucky.  We did a quick circuit of the tarn - and it was much quicker than we expected - Tom was wearing his new walking boots - they are very speedy as we did the Tarn in about an hour - it has taken us 2-3 hours with him in the past!  It was as beautiful as ever - we really are lucky to live somewhere so close to such great scenery.

Beautiful Tarn Hows

Tom now wanted a bike ride (note to selves: next time we go to Tarn Hows we should let him take his bike as it will be good practise for him and it is safe).  So we decided to head to Grange.  We told him to have a sleep beforehand so he nodded off and we parked up at Lakeside to watch the boats whilst he snored away.  We then headed to Grange.  Tom woke up just as we arrived - he was raring to go.  We headed to the prom, then Tom rode and Matt ran whilst I walked with all the bags - I HATE running.

Tarn Hows

When we got back we were starving so we hunted for a pub.  We ended up at the Commodore Inn right next to the railway.  It doesn't have much kerb appeal, but we could sit outside so we were happy and to be fair the food was good.  Scampi and chips for the boys and a good ploughmans for me.




We then headed home, exhausted but happy.  It had been another glorious day.  We were all in bed before 10!

Resting after a good bike ride