Beamish

I love it here, I wish it was closer to us. Beamish is an open air museum. It is set out like different  areas, representing different time periods. The town is Edwardian, complete with sweet shop, bakery, bike shop, pub, dentist, haberdashery, grocers and lot of others. People are milling round dressed up and 100 year old trams, busses, bikes and cars are driving round. The place is amazing.
There is also a train station with a steam train. James loved standing on the bridge and catching the train smoke. I think he would have stayed there all day. His nose was black at the end of the day.
There was a few old fashioned rides to go on. Further round a WW2 farm, complete with land girls and animals. A pit village with a mine, school and houses. A hall and waggon way, which we didn't get round to seeing.
While we were there, there was a steam WW1 event. So a recruitment officer put kids through the paces.
We even had the sun shining.

Summer Holidays

Last week we went to Hartlepool for our Summer holiday. Except to was snowing and raining and gale force winds. Apart from that we had a fab time.
We stopped at Crimdon Dene ParkDean site, nice site, but the facilities were small for the amount of people. The kids loved the entertainers, dancing, games and amusements. James was allowed the freedom of going in the arcades on his own or with his friend with his own money (we are beginning to loosen the apron strings).

Cornwall. A grown ups holiday.

Last week, I was able to escape for a few days away to Cornwall with Mum, Katie and Rod. Despite feeling incredibly guilty at leaving the kids, we had a really good few days away. Bit of worrying start as my car was playing up so we had to have a swap about. Mum and I drove to Katie Wednesday evening to break up the journey. We arrived by Thursday afternoon and  headed straight to the Eden Project to make the most of their free returns ticket. After a wonder round we headed to find the pub we were stopping at. It was tucked away in a quiet village down some pretty hairy one track roads. The apartment was lovely.
Rod had pre-booked a meal at Rick Stein seafood restaurant. The meal was lovely, super expensive, but so nice. It was somewhere I would never have gone to and absolute extravagant treat. Mum and I shared a huge seafood platter with razor clams, oysters, mussels, a whole lobster and crab, scallops and all sorts of yummy seafood.
The next day we visited the Lost Gardens of Heligan. I enjoyed here more than The Eden Project. The vegetable gardens were stunning and the talk with the garden was really interesting. We also visited Mevagissey on a search for rock for the kids. We had a look at the sea and a trip to the pub. That evening we eat at the Kings Arms where we were staying. I enjoyed the pie and mash there as much as the Rick Stein meal, it was lush.
A lazy morning, the next morning followed by more Eden project and that evening a Beer festival. I stuck to cider, mango begining one of the nicest. As we couldn't get a taxi back to the pub we decided to brave the rain, dark and incredibly narrow road and walk back. We ventured of track down a brideway, squeching through mud, puddles and goodness knows what else. Thankfully, the landlady of the pub happened to drive past and offered us a lift.
Another lazy morning, mainly due hangovers, followed by packing up ready to go home. We had a bit of lunch at a pub near Bath and headed home. Had a really nice time.

Let the camping begin. Thank to Shpock

So the camping bug returns. John and I did it loads, but a few trips with a baby grumpy James out us off. Apart from in the garden or at other people houses.
However, I've been itching to get a tent and try and again.
This is what we have brought. Vango, Colorado 600. It is a monster. I managed to get it for £50 from Shpock seconded. We pick it up on Sunday, I'm hoping it is in good nick. So looking forward to our trip.

Catching up.

As always my blogging post are sporadic. This is a very brief catch up of our summer.

Great Yarmouth with Grandad.
In September we all had a weekend in Yarmonth with Grandad. We dug on the beach, went to Petits and dug there. Penny enjoyed the slides round, round, round she went, not even stopping to sit down she just walked off the end.

National Trust.
We have tried to go to Belton as often as possible to get our moneys worth from the National Trust card. Both children enjoy the play area, which is also big enough for us to use as well. Looking forward to the new one they are building for next year.

Days out.
We have been lucky enough to go to Norfolk show, Sandringham show, Heckington show and Spilsby. We have visited windmills, the beach, watermills, parks and castles.

A fab Summer, but feeling a little sad knowing that this time next year James will be at school and our random days out are going to be limited.

Naughty Lazy Blogger

I've been an appalling blogger recently, we have just been so busy. Lots of lovely days out, 2 fab holidays, my birthday and enjoying the glorious weather. Where to start to catch up. Hummmmm

Holiday number 1.
Me and the kids were invited to join dad in his caravan for a few days during half term. The other half was busy getting caught up with work so was able to come.
We headed to Cromer, which is a place and adore as we went there every holiday as a child.
The first was fantastic sunny day, so after setting up the caravan we headed to Cromer. James enjoyed digging in the stones (no sand there) he was very brave and dipped about half a toe jn the water. We were there a while until there was hardly any beach left. One of the things I've alway, always wanted to do was eat Cromer crab. It was delicious, defiantly going to eat it again.
The next day, unfortunately the heavens opened. Dad wanted to visit the new Davenport Magic place. This was a lot better than I expected. The show at the end was amazing and leaves you wondering how it was done. That evening we visted the circus. The kids loved it, James liked the man being fired out a cannon. Penny was completely mesmerised by the whole thing. Dad got them both light up sticks to play with.
The follow day it was still lousy weather so headed to Wroxham. After MacDonalds and a visit to the toy shop, where James got a combined and Penny got a musical mic, we have a trip on the broads. It was really nice and relaxing, we got the paddle steamer boat. James enjoyed going up top and pretending to drive. After that we had to make a trip to Joyland in Yarmouth, followed by a dig in the sand.
Had a brill time. Thanks Dad.

Holiday tomorrow.

So tomorrow we head off to hopefuuly sunny Cromer in Norfolk for a few days. This time it is just me and the kids and my Dad. We are squeezing into his caravan. Should be good, will also bring back a few memories as it was where we used to go every year as kids.

Clacton here we come.

Today I have booked our Summer holiday. We all are in need of a break and something to look forward to. Our choice this year is.....Clacton.
Not a part of the world we have been before so looking forward to exploring new exciting places. We are stopping at a Park Resort holiday camp. Many people would probably be cringing at the thought of these places, but we tend to use just them as a base and go out for the days. I do like the fact you can get food and there is some place for the kids to run off steam in the evenings.

Catalyst Science Museum

Recently we went to Chester for the weekend. On the way home we visited Catalyst Science Museum which is on the banks of the river Mersey.
It looked promising from the leaflet I picked up in Chester. It offered a 3d film experience, along with a range for activities ranging from making soap to bath bombs. Obviously, as it is January we were expecting limited activities. However, there was none on offer, nor was the 3d film on. Quite disappointing.

James, though, really enjoyed his day, there were loads of hands on buttons to press, lights to move round and computers to play with. He really enjoyed making a foam bridge which, with some trepidation, he was able to walk across.

I enjoyed the views across the Mersey from the observation floor.
Both John and I enjoyed the puzzle room, though it did feel a little like a school challange. I think we mainly liked it because we are highly competitive and were trying to beat each other.
I have to say I've been to much better Science Museums. Catalyst seems dated and we all left not actually learning anything new. Not I place I would visit again but on a cold and rainy Sunday with 2 small children it kept them entertained.

Christmas present in Chester

This weekend the family visited Chester. John treated me as a Christmas present. It is a place I have always wanted to go and I wasn't disappointed.

The Christmas lights and trees were still up, which made the streets look beautiful. Our hotel was opposite the Roman amphitheatre so we had a great view of it and the river from the window. James loved clambering about on the stones (takes after his Dad) and was fascinated by the thought of lions being there.

We all enjoyed the early morning walk along the river and crossing the suspension bridge. People had placed locks with their and their sweethearts names engraved on them on the bridge. Quite sweet really. The walk ended with a big fat fry up at the Cafe on the Wall.

The Rows (Tutor style shops which had two levels) were lovely. It was pleasent looking round the Rows, climbing the different levels, peering in shops that sold gorgeous things that I could never afford.

We also had time to visit Deva Roman Museum.  Deva was the Roman name for Chester. It was OK, I think it could have been better. James liked it, as there was a hands on area upstairs. I enjoyed looking at the different finds from archeological digs in the area. There was a part of a dig in the cellar, but you couldn't see much.

We also visited the cathedral.  I was impressed that there was no charge, but a donation, unlike many cathedrals we visit. There was a a display of beautifully lit Christmas trees around the quad. The cathedral was stunning inside. We were luck enough to visit while the choir was practising. I could have quite happily sat listening to them all day.

Chester also has the most complete city wall in the UK. We were constantly up and down on it, using it as a way to walk round the city. It was handy as when James was beginning to get fed up of walking he woukd quite happily walk on the wall.

I would love to go back again. Maybe without the children, not that they were a pain, on the contrary,  they were very well behaved, but it would be nice to go and have a romantic break there. To treat ourselves in the champagne and chocolate cafe and have a beautiful meal that didn't come with a colouring book. Maybe when they are older.

Catch up

When we have had a busy time.

Last week we went on holiday to Torquay. Had a lovely time but it rained most of the holiday, apart from the first day when we all headed for the beach and had a paddle and cream tea. Ros joined us for the first half of the week. While she was there we painted a pot, visited Torquay, Paignton. We also when Teignmonth and got a river ferry across to Seaton and found a secret tunnel to a cove.

John, James and I went on the South Devon Railway. James really enjoyed it and was always looking out of the window. We also saw otter and butterfly's. James thought the otters were bears. This is because the day before we visited Kent caverns and there was a model of a bear after that everything was bears. James wasn't keen on Kent caverns, he moaned all the way round. James loved the caravan. He had the double bed to himself, while John and I had the pull out bed. He was a bit of a party animal and stopped up till late. He loved the arcades and was desperate to go the them all the time. All holiday he said doddles. It took us to the last day to work out that it was the pirate sit on the ride machine. It played a pirate tune and it sounded like doddles. He also found he could sit in the cupboards and the fridge which he did all holiday.

x

Camping in Derbyshire

Last weekend John, James and I ventured out for the first time since James has been mobile. It was Johns birthday on Friday so after presents (framed photos) and posting parcels we set off for Taddington near Bakewell. The car was loaded to bursting point we took the cot mattress, pans, cooker, teddies, balloons everything we could think of. James was in a very precarious place in the car, every time he moved something fell on him. Luckily he slept most of the way there. We stopped off at Bakewell, which is a place I love. It is so quaint, with the river running through and the ducks. It is a shame that lots of other people love it too as it was really busy. We brought some sandwiches, found a bench (people kept walking past eyeing us up to see if we were moving) near the river. While we were there we visited The Old House Museum, it was OK. Full of displays things from the past.

The Campsite, Waterloo Hotel, was disappointing. The field was sloping and grass was long. Luckily we took James waterproof  and weelies as he would have been soaked in the mornings. The toilet block was poor as well, only 2 showers which also had the toilets in them and they were wet rooms, so the floor was always damp. James enjoyed digging in the mole hill and having a go on the trampoline. We cooked the first night, pasta and tomato sauce. James settle down in his pushchair about 9ish we then transferred him to the tent. John and I celebrated by drinks Stag whisky.

However, James didn't settle down around 4am, before it was even light he woke up, smiled at where he was and started pointing at things going 'dat dat' I'm pleased he didn't cry but four hours later he still wasn't asleep. I stayed awake with him til 6, then, because he was getting fed up being in the tent John got up and took him for 2 long walks, while I napped. I don't work well without sleep and was very grumpy in the morning. It was a very mist, damp morning. We deciced to head to Buxton for breakfast. As soon as we set off James fell asleep in the car, typical. We couldn't find anywhere is eat, so continued to Dovedale. Had a sandwich there and a coffee, felt much better after that. Dovedale was pretty. It brighten up about 11 so on went my shorts. John climbed Thorpe Cloud while James slept. He paddled the river and got wet as it gets quite deep in places. James had a paddle, at first he didn't like it. I think it was the stones under his feet. It was also very cold. He enjoyed throwing stones in the river making splashes. Later he had a paddle with his shoes on and got on much better, in fact he didn't want to get out.We had dinner in the pub instead. Then took James for a walk in his buggy hoping that he would fall asleep. Then we went back for a drink and a read. James slept much better and didn't wake til gone 6am.

On Sunday we went to Chatsworth farm park. There wasn't many animals there but there is a huge play area. Including 2 big sandpits which had water play trough in them. James got through 2 sets of clothes. He loved it. We really must take him to the beach more often. He also enjoyed the old tractor you could play on.

x

Weekend.

Have been away this weekend, leaving my family and swanning off to Manchester for the weekend. I had a really nice time. Went with Hol and met up with Shel and Marco. We went to the dogs on Saturday night, got a good deal by getting in free, pie, £2 bet and free drink with a metro ticket. I only won one race, but it meant I didn't loss to much money. I also found a lovely dress and petticoat. I have been after one for ages so was chuffed to bits to find one and it fitting. Now I need somewhere to wear it. x

London.

We have just been for a lovely weekend away in London. I was worried about taking James on the tube but we managed fine. Everyone was really friendly and loads of people offered to help us. We went to the science museam first, then walked for miles to harrods. Then wandered to the Eye and had a ride. By this time it was night, but we could still see all the landmarks lit up.
On Saturday we went to convent gardens, then walked round in circles for a while. Decided that I wanted to go to Tower hill and catch the dockland light railway to see how the Olympics building was getting on. Unfortunatly it was closed when we arrived. We did manage to see part of the Lord Majors parade. We stayed and watched the fireworks. James enjoyed them. A nice lady told me a had the cutest baby.
We got back about 11, shattered.
Yesterday we met Janet, Paul, Katies, Rod and Dad for Sunday dinner. It was nice to catch up. James was restless though. X

Shattered.

Right in a few minutes I'm off to bed. I thought I would write a post first. I'm finding it quite difficult to think of thing to write about. This tells me that I need to start doing more exciting stuff. Tonight for example I played scrabble with John and won. In fact he hasn't beat me yet. I also won at croquet as well.

I have booked a campsite for next weekend for Col, Peter and Vic. We are going to Yorkshire and heading down gaping gill cave system. Though I don't think I will be going as someone need to look after the babies. But I'm defiantly looking forward to getting away for a few days. It is going to cramped in our tent though. As it is a two man tent and there are three of us.

Will take lots of photos to put on here.

Night x

Back home.

Well we are back. Had a lovely holiday. First half of the holiday Dad and Alice was with us. We went to Cheddar Gorge and around the caves there. We also brought some lovely cider. The travel lodge we stopped in was super.

The cottage was near Bude it was lovely, clean, neat and white. It use to be a barn and has been converted. Had to get use the ducking under the doorways as they were a little low. For the first three days we woke up to misable foggy drizzle but by dinner time it have cleared up to sunshine, though it wasn't warm enought to take you coat off. We went to Goonhilly to the Science museam, it was a little disappointing and could have been a lot better. Later on we went to Lizard point, by this time the weather had improved and we spent time on the beach, me sat on a rock staring at the sea, John look in hole it the rock and Dad and Alice climbing over the place. We also went to Boscastle which was really pretty. We went for a walk along the coast, then to the witchcraft museam. 

Later on we went to Tintagel the place where king Arther was concenvied, not sure how they know that!!! Also spent a lot of time on the beach there, me sat on a rock watching the sea (I saw a seal) John, Alice and Dad looking in caves. There was one that went through the cliff and out the other side. John fell in and got wet. 

We spent a day at Meagissy (not sure how to spell it). A lovely harbour village. Then we stop at Pentoween sands I sat on a rock and watched the sea. John found holes and Dad and Alice climbed. 

Unfortunatly Dad and Alice left us and went home. Me and John continued the holiday. The weather also improved and at one stage I told me coat off.

We went to Newquey have a very pretty beach. We did loads of walking there as it is quite steep. John brought we the new James Bond book. I sat on the beach and watch the sea and surfers and read. John wondered about looking in rock pools. I wondered about with him. We just seem to spent that day wondering in lovely sunshire. I think it was the best day of the holiday because it was so relaxed. There is a weird house on an island there in  the middle of the beach. I also made a sand crab. 

We went to St Michaels mount which was nice. I like the boats trip over. The walk up to the top wasn't to bad. It looked as if I was abroad because it was a lovely sunny day and there were lots of palm trees and blue sea. 

We went to Bude and to a toy museam which was fab. It was for people my age and it have toy the I either had when I was little, or wanted or that my friends had. The tuffy road safety game, big yellow tea pot, He man, sweet shop, care bears, my little pony, get a long gang, and load of stuff that I had forgotten about. 

Then it was time ot come home. We stopped at Cheddar gorge again to restock on cider. 

Had a lovely time. 

x

Summer Over

All the kids have gone back too school (not my kids just in general. I don't have children). I'm unemployed waiting for the phone to ring asking for me to do supply. I feel I'm not needed, wanted. Though not tomorrow because I need to drive to Holly's and pick her as we are going to Bristol to see Roz for the weekend. I'm still watching too much crap TV. I have been baking lots to relive the boredom, today I made apple and Bramble pie and potato fritters.

Went to see an outdoor theatre performance of Sleeping beauty is was really good. 

Happy Easter.

Happy Easter.

Four days off and I've booked a holiday in Wales.
due to the fact I'm working now we are going posh in our holiday. No camping, no B&B (some of them freak me out and the last one we went to we have to run away from becauase it was just plain weird). We have rented a cottage for a week.
Hopefully going to walk up Snowdon again. I've done it before but John hasn't.
Sam X

Weekend away

Hi.

Have just got back from a weekend away. I have a really nice time. There were six of us altogether. Dad and Alice in the camper, Col and Peter in the VW and John and I in the tent.

We didn't go to Longleat as it was really to far to go just for the weekend. I'm pleased we didn't because it was hardly a relaxing weekend. We must have walked for miles.

We got there Friday night and more or less went straight to the pub and played card most of the evening. On Saturday we caught the park and ride into York and when to the Castle Museam then had a wander around the town. In the evening we have a meal. On the Sunday we went to the railway museam. I have to say that a lot of train in a big shed isn't really my idea of a good time but as it was fathers day we went. It was ok. The royal trains are quite interesting and I have to say I'm a bit a of a royalist. As I have Monday off everyone put me and John headed back home. Then on the Monday we went to Castle Howard. This was my choice I have been moaning about it for ages. At the moment they are filming a film version of Brideshead revisited so there were loads of props and camera crew about. I didn't see any one famous. Emma Thompson was there filming as was Micheal Gambon.

All in all a good weekend. Roll on the next time we all go away. The Isle of Wright was mentioned in passing.

Sam X

Catching up

Sorry it has been so long since I have written anything.
Have been really busy.
Trying to sort out a campsite to go to in Yorkshire. It needs to be near York and have a pub which does food. You wouldn't think it would be so difficult. Going away this weekend with Dad and Colleen. I wanted to go to Longleat but Dad doesn't think the camper van will make it that far. I'm in the tent.

Getting loads of work at the moment. People can't get enough of me. Schools want me all over the place. I have got another day in a local school until the end of term which is nice. Have use had to insure my car so I could do with the extra money.

Anyway better go
Sam x