Leaving Welwyn on Sunday (11th) we travelled north via M1 / M6, en route for Stockport. THEY’d found a small caravan park in Poynton, and the way to it took us past Jodrell Bank which THEY’d never seen close up. 

We uncoupled the vehicles at Poynton, then, once parked up and hooked up (electrics) –

Me, I took them to find Daniel at the hospital where he works. –

Oh, you’re joining in – that’s nice!

Huh – now who’s being ‘sarcy’? And then we went first one way, then the other to find a restaurant where THEY could have dinner. Apparently, there would have been a half hour wait at the first one. So THEY ended up at the same Chinese place THEY went to last time.

And it was very good – again.

We dropped Daniel back at the hospital and went back to Harry on the caravan park, where THEY had quite a quiet night.

On our arrival at Golcar next day (Monday) S & N were eager to help uncouple the vehicles, park Harry round the back of the Manse, and hook up the electrics. Then they had a play in Harry, apparently driving to France and back between them. There followed a session of rough and tumble which involved Grandad trying to tie the children in knots. This ended with S taking a flying dive onto the sofa and delivering Grandad a head butt to the cheekbone! They both like taking pictures and are actually quite good at it, once we persuade them to keep their fingers off and away from the lens. This may be one of N’s:

Tuesday (Carol’s Birthday): Three travelled in Harry, and three in the family’s Honda for a picnic at Shebden Park – a nice spot but the facilities need upgrading! We took Harry as there was a hint of drizzle so we had everything we needed without sheltering under trees and wearing waterproofs for picnicking! But the drizzle held off and after lunch we had a ride on the little train: 

Then Daddy rowed us round the lake a couple of times. (It’s a pity I can’t pair this pic with one of him learning to row at Matlock Bath, aged about eight, but that was in pre-digital days and it isn’t to hand to scan in.)

We left the family after that to go to Wakefield to visit Rachel with Shannon, while Vik and Scout were there. The ‘parcel’ got passed accordingly; from Grandad:

To Carol:

to Scout:

(Unfortunately, the photo I took of MOTHER and Baby is out of focus – there’ll be better ones next week.)

Back at Golcar, after supper, and children’s bedtime, we had the first rubber of bridge, which was easily won by the home side.

Wednesday: Chris & Michelle had to go to an appointment early in the morning, and took the brave step of leaving S & N with Grandad & Carol. We finished breakfast, but hadn’t done much else before C & M were back. Then there was more play in and around Harry:

and in the afternoon we took S & N to the park – well, Carol did –

M’sieur cheated and drove up while M’dame walked up with the little ones. We met them at the park.

I didn’t cheat! It’s severely uphill and I’m now under specific Doctor’s orders not to do strenuous walking. Severely uphill, of course would have meant a severe downhill return. Anyway, Grandad was useful in the park as a spinner and swing pusher:

We are both a bit useful, then!

Back at base, after supper and bedtime, we succeeded in reversing the bridge result and levelling the score. Just a pity we didn’t call the little slam with which we won the second game.

Thursday 15th: another outing with the little ones, on the same pattern – Carol walking, SKT driving to meet them at the destination, this time the garden centre. Arriving first, I was able to give Sally a wash at the garage next door –

Merci. I needed that.

At the garden centre, there was a playground, some hens and pigs and goats, and a sandpit:

Later on, the bridge was decided. A rash ‘double’ by SKT gave the home side the chance to redouble and win 3NT redoubled, vulnerable. Oops! A loss by 1,750 points. Ah well, there’s always next time!  Will that be in Sonnac?