We had a supper on Sunday so we could invite some people who hadn’t seen Jean and Tegwyn, our Welsh visitors, for a while. We got a visit from our new minister Christopher. Sue was stewarding at Church and he came along so she invited him to our house. A very personable bloke and we all got a chance to chat to him. Jean and Tegwyn knew him from another circuit so didn’t feel left out.
Jean and Tegwyn packed up on Bank Holiday Monday morning and went home. We followed them on the M62 shortly afterwards. We were on our last official baby sitting service. First thing though, we went to see Transformers. What a belter of a film. Barbara stayed and looked after Kirsten and I went with PAR. We all thoroughly enjoyed it because it was good in so many ways.
On Tuesday, Barbara and I packed up and went up to Knaresborough. PARK had been there and recommended we went. We had a smashing day, throwing stones in the river, walking, Pooh sticking, playing football, rowing on the river, playing cricket, scootering, eating ice cream, picnicking etc. etc. The weather was okay, if a little cool but it meant we didn’t overheat.
Tuesday was my nephew Duncan’s birthday and we were invited to the celebratory meal in the evening. Once Amanda was home, we went round to Derek’s house and joined the throng who were going out. It was a mostly family do and Mum was there as was Paul, another nephew. There was Celia and Linda from Duncan's Mums side of the family with Linda’s boys. It was great to catch up. We went to the Lucky Dragon in Leeds. We went in convoy because we weren’t sure where the place was (Templar Lane LS2). As we were approaching, we passed a group of over 50 people, mostly Chinese. We joked that we hoped they weren’t going to the restaurant but they were! As far as we could gather, they had been on a trip to Blackpool and a meal at the Lucky Dragon was part of the deal! We needn’t have worried because, even though the place was packed, our table was there and the service was excellent as was the food. We left around 9.30, said our farewells outside and went directly back to PARKs house
On Wednesday, we took the kids to Roundhay Park. We really did Roundhay, going to places on our walk that none of us had been to before. It really is a lovely place. The only downside was that the Café on the lake that we have been to before had a fire last year so wasn’t open. We went instead to the one near Tropical World. After a sandwich, we made a lemur mask for Rowan and Kirsten at a stall set up there in aid of EAZA Madagascar. Made quite a good fist of them too. Cricket, scootering, playground, etc etc filled the rest of the day.
After dinner together, we bade our farewells and wiped away a tear. They are all coming to see us next week but it is the last official baby sitting service we will be doing.Today, I have been doing some banking for my Willersley job and had a room allocation meeting with Sue ready for the weekend away. It is Barbara’s coffee evening tonight so she has been preparing for that. In fact, the coffee evening has just started so I have come upstairs to type this on the laptop! There must be thirty conversations going at once!
Friday, 31 August 2007
Sunday, 26 August 2007
Upset tum
Not going very far this weekend. I am suffering from an upset tum. Regrettably, we have Jean and Tegwyn staying with us and Tegwyn has the same problem. They are over for the weekend so Jean could preach at our Church and also visit old friends and relations. This means Tegwyn is on ferrying service. At least I can stay close to the loo!
We did all go up to the service this morning. Strangely, the walk and the service were fine. It was a good service too. We all went out yesterday morning to the coffee morning at Willersley House. I felt I should show my face and Jean has an old friend who lives there. Thankfully, it was a very nice day. There was a three line whip from our friends, the Richardsons, who came to see Gran so there were plenty of folk to talk to as well as the residents.
Lisa and Alan came round in the afternoon. I'm afraid I wasn't the best company really. My tum was at it's worst so inactivity was the order of the afternoon. Pity really because, after all my moaning, it has turned out to be a lovely Bank Holiday weekend. Ah well!
Pre tum problem, we all went for a ride up to Hornsea. Jean is on the search for some Hornsea Pottery pieces and thought there might be some in a second hand shop up there. It was closed. Tegwyn and I had a walk along the front while Barbara and Jean looked. Very nice. Then we went to the Freeport but the Pottery has long gone from the site.
Finally, the Plumber's Mates managed to win the quiz again. We'll be getting a reputation. Mind you, it was nothing to be proud of with a total of 27 out of a possible 45!
We did all go up to the service this morning. Strangely, the walk and the service were fine. It was a good service too. We all went out yesterday morning to the coffee morning at Willersley House. I felt I should show my face and Jean has an old friend who lives there. Thankfully, it was a very nice day. There was a three line whip from our friends, the Richardsons, who came to see Gran so there were plenty of folk to talk to as well as the residents.
Lisa and Alan came round in the afternoon. I'm afraid I wasn't the best company really. My tum was at it's worst so inactivity was the order of the afternoon. Pity really because, after all my moaning, it has turned out to be a lovely Bank Holiday weekend. Ah well!
Pre tum problem, we all went for a ride up to Hornsea. Jean is on the search for some Hornsea Pottery pieces and thought there might be some in a second hand shop up there. It was closed. Tegwyn and I had a walk along the front while Barbara and Jean looked. Very nice. Then we went to the Freeport but the Pottery has long gone from the site.
Finally, the Plumber's Mates managed to win the quiz again. We'll be getting a reputation. Mind you, it was nothing to be proud of with a total of 27 out of a possible 45!
Thursday, 23 August 2007
Quasi Supernormal Incremental Precipitation Inducer?
I'm beginning to get depressed about the weather. It seems every time we decide to do something, we are dogged by bad weather. Obviously, it's not as bad as the weather that followed Rob McKenna the rain god in So Long and Thanks for all the Fish by Douglas Adams. But, for example, yesterday we went up to Scarborough to the Cricket Festival. Yorkshire are playing Warwickshire and we were full of hope as the forecast was fine but windy. The sun never got out and the temperature was freezing. The cricket was excellent for a Yorkshire follower as they got Warwickshire out for 129. However, when Vaughan and Gale were batting, it wasn't long before they were back in the pavilion due to bad light. If we had gone today, the weather is fine and Yorkshire have reached over 450!
After we had taken the children back home on Saturday, we came home and called in to see Lisa. Then we came and got ready to go to Pauline and Alan's for a barbecue. We had barely got sat down and got the first beer before it started raining. Still, the BBQ continued and we had a very good time. The cooking took place in the garage and the eating in the conservatory and dining room. It was nice to chat to Susan and Andrew and catch up with the other guests.
We came home fairly early because we were going down to the Birdfair at Rutland Water. We wanted to go see Vaughan Ashby of Birdfinders about a holiday and see what else was on offer. It rained all the way there but stopped as we were approaching Rutland. We had a good look round and saw Vaughan, picked up a few brochures for other places. We were having a cup of tea and deciding what to do next when the sky became darker and darker so we decided to call it a day. Just as well because as we got to the car, the rain started again and continued until we were nearly home.
Barbara began the task of cleaning up after the kids on Monday. I helped as and when. We keep talking about getting stuff sorted in the morning and then going out for a walk in the afternoon. It has never happened unless you count today when Barbara walked across the park with me to the hairdressers. She went and got a card for my very clever niece Danielle who got 3 A star, 5 A and 1 C GCSEs while I got cropped. We had to stop and get a drink as it was so warm! Ah well, maybe there will be an Indian summer.
After we had taken the children back home on Saturday, we came home and called in to see Lisa. Then we came and got ready to go to Pauline and Alan's for a barbecue. We had barely got sat down and got the first beer before it started raining. Still, the BBQ continued and we had a very good time. The cooking took place in the garage and the eating in the conservatory and dining room. It was nice to chat to Susan and Andrew and catch up with the other guests.
We came home fairly early because we were going down to the Birdfair at Rutland Water. We wanted to go see Vaughan Ashby of Birdfinders about a holiday and see what else was on offer. It rained all the way there but stopped as we were approaching Rutland. We had a good look round and saw Vaughan, picked up a few brochures for other places. We were having a cup of tea and deciding what to do next when the sky became darker and darker so we decided to call it a day. Just as well because as we got to the car, the rain started again and continued until we were nearly home.
Barbara began the task of cleaning up after the kids on Monday. I helped as and when. We keep talking about getting stuff sorted in the morning and then going out for a walk in the afternoon. It has never happened unless you count today when Barbara walked across the park with me to the hairdressers. She went and got a card for my very clever niece Danielle who got 3 A star, 5 A and 1 C GCSEs while I got cropped. We had to stop and get a drink as it was so warm! Ah well, maybe there will be an Indian summer.
Monday, 20 August 2007
Long time away
When I first started this, I had just retired and was used to writing every day to Barbara. I thought that this would be a piece of cake. Events have conspired against me. Let me catch up.
I wrote about leaving to go to the pub quiz at the end of my last post. There was a bit of drama there. One team who occasionally attend were spotted "phoning a friend" and, when they won, there were rumblings of discontent. I left pretty early so I don't know if anything was said but they didn't turn up last Thursday. Gave us a chance to win again. Still a low score but never mind eh?
PARK came across to bring the grandchildren. They stayed for the weekend and then went and brought Grandma Mags over so she could babysit on Monday afternoon. Phil and Amanda wanted to attend Harry's funeral. Phil picked Lisa up and took her and Barbara up to Church at 1130am to help with the catering party. I walked up with Phil and Amanda just before 1pm and went onto car park duty but I wasn't needed.
The funeral was different. There was a guard of honour awaiting the funeral cars and the coffin came in to a slow march followed in by 16 standard bearers from various ex servicemen associations. The minister was excellent even though he didn't know Harry. He was ably assisted by Clive who gave the eulogy, Sue who lead the prayers and myself who did the reading. One of Harry's colleagues finished the service with a quote from the "We will remember them" poem by Laurence Binyon (1869-1943) followed by the Last Post, two minutes silence and the Reveille. Very moving and Harry surely enjoyed it. Afterwards, there was a buffet in the Church Hall and a chance for Audrey and the girls to meet the guests.
Our lot went to the Sailmakers down on St Andrews for a meal. We took the grandchildren in our car which enabled Phil and Amanda to go home with Mags leaving us with the grandchildren for the week.
It was a miserable day on Tuesday so we went to see "Surf's Up" It kept the kids occupied but I noticed Barbara dozing! Rowan came home and went on the computer and looked for games. He soon finished the official give aways and went searching. I always fear the worse when he's been on but so far so good!
On Wednesday, we did the museum tour. We went to park'n'ride. A bargain as the kids were free. Our first visit was to Dinostar on Humber Street. It was okay although I fear that Kirsten is a bit young just yet. Still there were stamps to collect and various other bits and pieces to find. The information was all very interesting if a little old for our two. They particularly enjoyed revealing the "fossils" in the sand pit. We walked up and had a sandwich in the Trinity Tea Shoppe which was eaten all up. Then we went to the Museum Quarter and went into the Hull and East Riding Museum and the Streetlife Museum. Again, a little bit old but they enjoyed all the stuff especially the ride in the Mail coach in the Streetlife. Again I was asked about being a volunteer on the Arctic Corsair once I was recognised. I'll have to see how the next couple of months goes.
Thursday, the weather improved so we packed up and went to Wilsthorpe beach south of Bridlington. It wasn't very warm but it stayed fine and we were sheltered by the dunes as we were sat eating. The tide was out so the huge expanse of beach was ours as a playground. Rowan and I set about damming the little stream then knocking it down and building it again. I buried both the kids and Barbara built an excellent castle with Kirsten. We decided to have and ice cream and leave so packed the car then went for the ice cream. As we were walking back, it started spitting so we timed it right.
Friday was again poor so we walked up to Morrisons for some shopping in the morning. In the afternoon, we went down to the Humber foreshore and walked along and into the Country Park. In fact, we stayed longer than we'd planned as it was the best part of the day. And that was the weeks babysitting because we took them home on Saturday but that's for another session!
I wrote about leaving to go to the pub quiz at the end of my last post. There was a bit of drama there. One team who occasionally attend were spotted "phoning a friend" and, when they won, there were rumblings of discontent. I left pretty early so I don't know if anything was said but they didn't turn up last Thursday. Gave us a chance to win again. Still a low score but never mind eh?
PARK came across to bring the grandchildren. They stayed for the weekend and then went and brought Grandma Mags over so she could babysit on Monday afternoon. Phil and Amanda wanted to attend Harry's funeral. Phil picked Lisa up and took her and Barbara up to Church at 1130am to help with the catering party. I walked up with Phil and Amanda just before 1pm and went onto car park duty but I wasn't needed.
The funeral was different. There was a guard of honour awaiting the funeral cars and the coffin came in to a slow march followed in by 16 standard bearers from various ex servicemen associations. The minister was excellent even though he didn't know Harry. He was ably assisted by Clive who gave the eulogy, Sue who lead the prayers and myself who did the reading. One of Harry's colleagues finished the service with a quote from the "We will remember them" poem by Laurence Binyon (1869-1943) followed by the Last Post, two minutes silence and the Reveille. Very moving and Harry surely enjoyed it. Afterwards, there was a buffet in the Church Hall and a chance for Audrey and the girls to meet the guests.
Our lot went to the Sailmakers down on St Andrews for a meal. We took the grandchildren in our car which enabled Phil and Amanda to go home with Mags leaving us with the grandchildren for the week.
It was a miserable day on Tuesday so we went to see "Surf's Up" It kept the kids occupied but I noticed Barbara dozing! Rowan came home and went on the computer and looked for games. He soon finished the official give aways and went searching. I always fear the worse when he's been on but so far so good!
On Wednesday, we did the museum tour. We went to park'n'ride. A bargain as the kids were free. Our first visit was to Dinostar on Humber Street. It was okay although I fear that Kirsten is a bit young just yet. Still there were stamps to collect and various other bits and pieces to find. The information was all very interesting if a little old for our two. They particularly enjoyed revealing the "fossils" in the sand pit. We walked up and had a sandwich in the Trinity Tea Shoppe which was eaten all up. Then we went to the Museum Quarter and went into the Hull and East Riding Museum and the Streetlife Museum. Again, a little bit old but they enjoyed all the stuff especially the ride in the Mail coach in the Streetlife. Again I was asked about being a volunteer on the Arctic Corsair once I was recognised. I'll have to see how the next couple of months goes.
Thursday, the weather improved so we packed up and went to Wilsthorpe beach south of Bridlington. It wasn't very warm but it stayed fine and we were sheltered by the dunes as we were sat eating. The tide was out so the huge expanse of beach was ours as a playground. Rowan and I set about damming the little stream then knocking it down and building it again. I buried both the kids and Barbara built an excellent castle with Kirsten. We decided to have and ice cream and leave so packed the car then went for the ice cream. As we were walking back, it started spitting so we timed it right.
Friday was again poor so we walked up to Morrisons for some shopping in the morning. In the afternoon, we went down to the Humber foreshore and walked along and into the Country Park. In fact, we stayed longer than we'd planned as it was the best part of the day. And that was the weeks babysitting because we took them home on Saturday but that's for another session!
Thursday, 9 August 2007
Been 2 O2
Prince was everything that I'd hoped. He sang a lot of the stuff that I love including great versions of "Purple Rain" and "Cream". Some of the hits were reduced to a 30 second version with some terrific guitar riffs but as he said "Oh London, so many hits, so little time"
We got into London early and wouldn't have been able to get into the hotel so we got on the Tube and went as far as Bank. I reasoned there would be more places to eat around there than at Kings Cross. We found an excellent pub just downhill from the Monument station entrance opposite the Monument itself. We had a sandwich and a drink and it turned out to be more than a sandwich really. Absolutely no complaints. I can't remember the name of the place (it could be the Monument)but I know where it is and may pay another visit.
Once we'd eaten, we went and caught the Docklands Light Railway to Canning Town where the hotel, an Express by Holiday Inn, was. Again, an excellent choice. The room was basic but comfortable and clean and the shower was very good. It is just one stop away from North Greenwich, the stop for the O2. Definitely a consideration at 11pm!
The O2 is still in the process of being developed but it is very impressive and the Arena is a superb venue. Barbara and I got to the O2 at about 4pm and had a look at the Prince merchandise outlet. Ever the cheapskate, I decided not to bother. The souvenir brochure was £15 and the T shirts £35. As the tickets had only cost us £31.21 and we had pared down the travel and accommodation to the minimum, it would have really increased our budget.
We'd got there too early really. There were plenty of restaurants but we weren't too hungry really after the lunch sandwich. So we got a drink and sat and watched the promenaders. The Arena doors opened at 6pm and we finished off and strolled round to our entrance. Everything was very easy and there were lots of food outlets on each level. Again we walked and looked and in the end, just had a burger and a drink. I'd made quite a few mistakes really. For a start, I thought they wouldn't allow cameras in the place. Wrong. I didn't think they would allow the alcoholic drinks in the Arena. Wrong. I'll have to get out more. In fact, people were coming and going throughout the show with drinks and then, obviously, to get rid of the drinks!
Our seats were about 30/40 metres away from the stage but they weren't high enough really. Once everyone stood up as Prince came on, Barbara had a bit of a problem seeing. If we'd been higher up, she'd probably still have had a problem as there were two giants in front of us. I was able to get clear views but Barbara is about as tall as Prince himself and as he moved about his "symbol" shaped stage, she kept losing him.
He did a two hour set but kept disappearing for a few minutes while the NPG kept playing. So, when he finally finished, everyone hung about in case he came on again! There were plenty of exits and the queue for the tube kept moving fairly quickly so we got back to the hotel by 23.45.
We'd not planned to stay because of the luggage problem so, the next morning, we made our way back to Kings Cross and caught the train home. The journeys meant I was able to finish off Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows except for 8 pages. Once we got in the house, that was the first order of business! I like the way she has rounded everything off. Back to my more mundane reading matter again.
Today has been catching up with the chores day. I gave the fish a much needed clean, cut the grass, trimmed some bushes etc. Barbara has been cleaning and shifting. She has reorganised some drawers and cupboards in the kitchen. That will really confuse the younger members of our family when they come this weekend!
Tonight is Pub Quiz if I get there as I am at a meeting this evening. We are on a roll after two wins in a row. Can we make it three? I doubt it!
We got into London early and wouldn't have been able to get into the hotel so we got on the Tube and went as far as Bank. I reasoned there would be more places to eat around there than at Kings Cross. We found an excellent pub just downhill from the Monument station entrance opposite the Monument itself. We had a sandwich and a drink and it turned out to be more than a sandwich really. Absolutely no complaints. I can't remember the name of the place (it could be the Monument)but I know where it is and may pay another visit.
Once we'd eaten, we went and caught the Docklands Light Railway to Canning Town where the hotel, an Express by Holiday Inn, was. Again, an excellent choice. The room was basic but comfortable and clean and the shower was very good. It is just one stop away from North Greenwich, the stop for the O2. Definitely a consideration at 11pm!
The O2 is still in the process of being developed but it is very impressive and the Arena is a superb venue. Barbara and I got to the O2 at about 4pm and had a look at the Prince merchandise outlet. Ever the cheapskate, I decided not to bother. The souvenir brochure was £15 and the T shirts £35. As the tickets had only cost us £31.21 and we had pared down the travel and accommodation to the minimum, it would have really increased our budget.
We'd got there too early really. There were plenty of restaurants but we weren't too hungry really after the lunch sandwich. So we got a drink and sat and watched the promenaders. The Arena doors opened at 6pm and we finished off and strolled round to our entrance. Everything was very easy and there were lots of food outlets on each level. Again we walked and looked and in the end, just had a burger and a drink. I'd made quite a few mistakes really. For a start, I thought they wouldn't allow cameras in the place. Wrong. I didn't think they would allow the alcoholic drinks in the Arena. Wrong. I'll have to get out more. In fact, people were coming and going throughout the show with drinks and then, obviously, to get rid of the drinks!
Our seats were about 30/40 metres away from the stage but they weren't high enough really. Once everyone stood up as Prince came on, Barbara had a bit of a problem seeing. If we'd been higher up, she'd probably still have had a problem as there were two giants in front of us. I was able to get clear views but Barbara is about as tall as Prince himself and as he moved about his "symbol" shaped stage, she kept losing him.
He did a two hour set but kept disappearing for a few minutes while the NPG kept playing. So, when he finally finished, everyone hung about in case he came on again! There were plenty of exits and the queue for the tube kept moving fairly quickly so we got back to the hotel by 23.45.
We'd not planned to stay because of the luggage problem so, the next morning, we made our way back to Kings Cross and caught the train home. The journeys meant I was able to finish off Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows except for 8 pages. Once we got in the house, that was the first order of business! I like the way she has rounded everything off. Back to my more mundane reading matter again.
Today has been catching up with the chores day. I gave the fish a much needed clean, cut the grass, trimmed some bushes etc. Barbara has been cleaning and shifting. She has reorganised some drawers and cupboards in the kitchen. That will really confuse the younger members of our family when they come this weekend!
Tonight is Pub Quiz if I get there as I am at a meeting this evening. We are on a roll after two wins in a row. Can we make it three? I doubt it!
Monday, 6 August 2007
More sad news
Our dear friend and neighbour of the last 39 years died on Saturday. Someone had to say it on Sunday, "These things always come in threes" Not the sort of thing to help you sleep at night.
Harry has been a star ever since we moved in. When Phil started toddling, he shadowed Harry and spent quite a lot of time underneath Harry's car. Lisa is Harry's God-daughter. He has mown our lawns, ensured our bins were in and out and been a security guard. There is so much more. He will be sorely missed.
I followed Barbara next door following a call from Audrey. She had discovered him on the floor and needed help. We saw the situation and I rang the emergency services while Barbara got him comfortable. The paramedic arrived very quickly and the ambulance wasn't far behind. They took him to HRI and Barbara and Audrey followed. I got bulletins but I was waiting for the family to arrive home from holiday. We knew from Harry that they were on their way but didn't want to ring them as everybody else precious to Audrey was in the car. I had Audrey's phone and the family rang as they were passing Goole so I told them he was in HRI and very poorly and they went straight there. Regrettably they were too late. Barbara rang me 10 minutes after I'd spoken to them to say Harry had gone.
Things were complicated because it was the weekend. The paperwork was released today and arrangements can go ahead. Unfortunately, our minister David has finished here and is moving South this week. In fact, he took a wedding on Saturday and then left the reception to come and see Audrey. He called in to see us afterwards and we were able to thank him and Liz and wish them luck in their new posting. Yesterday, he took a Circuit service in the afternoon and then there was a farewell and presentation. The joint was packed on the hottest day of the year so far. It was a good service and the hymns were sung with real Methodist gusto!
Today has been a strange day. We haven't really wanted to do anything. Seems a bit irreverent somehow. We have done the routine sort of stuff, cleaning the car, tidying the garage, washing, ironing etc. Still, life goes on. After our friend Trevor died last month, I booked to see Prince at the O2. I'd been wavering but thought "What the hell" and went for it. We go down overnight tomorrow. I am really looking forward to it. Barbara isn't as much of a fan as I am and isn't as enthusiastic especially after the events of the weekend. I'm sure the sheer showmanship of Prince will cheer us both up!
Harry has been a star ever since we moved in. When Phil started toddling, he shadowed Harry and spent quite a lot of time underneath Harry's car. Lisa is Harry's God-daughter. He has mown our lawns, ensured our bins were in and out and been a security guard. There is so much more. He will be sorely missed.
I followed Barbara next door following a call from Audrey. She had discovered him on the floor and needed help. We saw the situation and I rang the emergency services while Barbara got him comfortable. The paramedic arrived very quickly and the ambulance wasn't far behind. They took him to HRI and Barbara and Audrey followed. I got bulletins but I was waiting for the family to arrive home from holiday. We knew from Harry that they were on their way but didn't want to ring them as everybody else precious to Audrey was in the car. I had Audrey's phone and the family rang as they were passing Goole so I told them he was in HRI and very poorly and they went straight there. Regrettably they were too late. Barbara rang me 10 minutes after I'd spoken to them to say Harry had gone.
Things were complicated because it was the weekend. The paperwork was released today and arrangements can go ahead. Unfortunately, our minister David has finished here and is moving South this week. In fact, he took a wedding on Saturday and then left the reception to come and see Audrey. He called in to see us afterwards and we were able to thank him and Liz and wish them luck in their new posting. Yesterday, he took a Circuit service in the afternoon and then there was a farewell and presentation. The joint was packed on the hottest day of the year so far. It was a good service and the hymns were sung with real Methodist gusto!
Today has been a strange day. We haven't really wanted to do anything. Seems a bit irreverent somehow. We have done the routine sort of stuff, cleaning the car, tidying the garage, washing, ironing etc. Still, life goes on. After our friend Trevor died last month, I booked to see Prince at the O2. I'd been wavering but thought "What the hell" and went for it. We go down overnight tomorrow. I am really looking forward to it. Barbara isn't as much of a fan as I am and isn't as enthusiastic especially after the events of the weekend. I'm sure the sheer showmanship of Prince will cheer us both up!
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