Grandson S had asked for ‘a day out with Grandad’ as a treat, and June 17th (2017) was a really fine day, so we piled furniture and a picnic into Franky and set off for Derbyshire – the Peak District boundary is only just up the hill from Meltham. Down through Glossop and over the Snake Pass brought us alongside the Derwent and Ladybower reservoirs, which gave opportunity to give a little history lesson about the Dambusters, which was topical. There was a picnic site shown on the map – and signed – near the reservoir, but we couldn’t find it, so we drove on through Castleton and picnicked under Mam Tor:

 

Grandson decided he wanted to see the Blue John mine and caves; I had suggested one of the caves and was thinking of Treak Cliff, but really I had forgotten what was involved. See the steps? About 220 of them! Although I did keep up with the party, using the handrail and my stick, this was not a good idea! The unrepaired hip has been extra troublesome ever since. I have an appointment to see the ‘Hippy Man’ in September.

 

Father’s day, June 18th. Weather still fine and sunny, so the lunch at Oakleigh Close was a barbecue:

Later in the afternoon, there was fun (for some) in the paddling pool. (I have doubts about this picture – it shows a bit too much of the side effects of hormone treatment!):

Sitting like that wasn’t comfortable for long, so an alternative was found:

Throwing water in Gaia’s (Grandad’s) face was great fun – retaliation wasn’t received with equal merriment!

Saturday July 15th: Shannon is four years old! Our first job – mine and Franky’s –

I were wondering when I was getten a word, like. It were me as took you and that lad over tut Peak District, tha knows. 

Of course we know – I said so in the first paragraph, and you’re in the photo of the picnic spot. It was a great drive – don’t get huffy. Tell us about Shannon’s birthday.

Aye, well, fust up, we had to go into Wakefield to pick up a friend –

Vik.

– and her little lass –

Rosie.

Shurrup!

Just ‘splaining.

– off the train from down south –

London.

But tha kept goin round in circles and nearly made us late.

No, I didn’t – just needed to do a bit of birthday related shopping, but getting back to the station – we were there in good time at first – was a bit tricky with the traffic lights and the one-way system. Anyway, this picture is of Rosie and Shannon the next day:

Aye, well, once we’d packed them in, alongside all your clutter –

What? I’d taken most of it out!

Hmmm …

That’s my line.

Once all in, we went up to that house where Big Harry is and you all disappeared round t’ back.

Where the garden was set out in full party mode:

In fact, it was full of children and parents – mostly mums – as well. The slide was the special parental present two years ago; this year’s was the trampoline in the background. There was a lot of feeding going on, as well as playing – then it was time for CAKE!:

Or several cakes, really, but only one big chocolatey one in the shape of a 4, with CANDLES on ….

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU …..”