Half Term

As we had been on holiday Friday to Friday, we had the weekend to catch up. Poor Barbara set to and did the laundry. She had a Jumble Sale on Saturday so I did a bit of ironing and then went up and helped put the room straight. I had taken her up with a view to help setting the room up but it had been done!
On the Monday of half term, we went to PARKS for a couple of days. We arrived before lunch on the Monday so had the afternoon to go for a stroll. We just went round to Temple Newsam which is only a few minutes away. I have been to Temple Newsam many times but we all went on walks that we have never been before.
On Tuesday, we went to Blackpool. The intention was to go to Blackpool Zoo and then see the Illuminations. It all worked out very well indeed. The weather was glorious. A big blue sky just like Norfolk. The zoo was packed and Rowan was a bit disappointed with the tiger which was fast asleep in the sun. Still we saw the elephant show and the sea lion show and got round the whole zoo no problem. The only disappointment was that they had closed the Amazonia display when we got there.
We drove down and parked behind the railway station. The parking is superb in Blackpool. Where else can you get 4 hours for £1.50 and a full week for £10. We walked down to front and went on the North Pier. It was excellent. The kids enjoyed being able to look through the wood at the sand and sea! We had a ride on the carousel.
Next was tea. Fish and chips was the food of choice. Harry Ramsdens was mobbed so we went looking elsewhere. We finally settled on one and even got to sit down. By the time we'd been served and eaten, it was full dark so we went for a walk on the front. Any idea of driving along the front was soon quashed when we saw the traffic. So we made our way back to the car and went home. We followed PARK in their car as he'd taken a chip to his windscreen on the way so we made sure they were okay.
Wednesday was spent around Woodlesford and we came home that evening. We did make a call to see Rowan at rugby practice. He seems to be enjoying it.
The rest of the week was spent as usual with shopping and stuff on Thursday and Braves Guild on Friday. On Thursday evening, we went to Victoria Square to see off the Hull Freedom Trail Trailblazers. They were setting off to catch the ferry across to Rotterdam on the first leg of their journey to Freetown in Sierra Leone. The plan, in brief, is to take five 4WD vehicles there and leave them with a charity that is seeking to reunite families that have been split up during the Civil War. Jonny Freedom, whose idea it is, goes to our Church as do a couple of the Trailblazers. We have been hearing about the trip for quite some time and went to make sure they went! We are also praying for the trip and for various people on the trip. Barbara and I have been partnered with a star, Claudio von Planta. He is the cameraman filming the trip. Unfortunately, we never got to speak to him (he was filming!). I'd emailed him earlier and he responded so he knows what we are doing. Things seem to be going well so far.
On Saturday, we went up Clough Road to The Range and Dunelm. Just before we went away, a hole appeared in the bedsheet just where my feet are. Must be the fault of my hard skin! I pointed out it could have worn out where she sits and reads if the sheet was on the other way. Anyhow, we had to get another one. In the end, we went a bit over the top and got duvet covers and throw for when we decorate the bedroom. Must be made of money!