Posts

Toby's A levels

BlogDays with the Children

Hooray!! Toby got his A level results last Thursday. He got an A for Geography, B for Biology and B...

Life at the moment

BlogGeneral

Sorry about the rubbish title, couldn't think of anything more inspiring as just posting about general life at the moment!...

Cindy's Gravestone

BlogCindy Days with the Children

Well at last, Cindy's gravestone has been put up in the cemetery. We all went this afternoon after Meeting, had...

Past Week

BlogDays with the Children

I've had a great week this week. The weather still hasn't been very good, but not too bad. Spent a...

Great Yarmouth!

BlogDays with the Children

Got back from Yarmouth last night after an exhausting journey, but having had a great time. The first train journey...

Past couple of days

BlogDays with the Children

Had a good couple of days recently, although the weather hasn't been very good. Spent Friday in town with friends...

Dad's birthday

BlogEdward

Dad's birthday yesterday. Got a nice selection of presents. A hand made pillow cover from Rose (made by Rose), a...

Dad turns 39!!!

BlogDays with the Children

Believe it or not dad is now 39 which considering I'm 16 still makes him pretty young, but still he's...

Finished GCSEs!

BlogDays with the Children

Just finished taking my GCSEs so I'm on holiday for the next three months. Very happy! Got to wait till...

Race for Life

BlogDays with the Children

Rose is doing the Race for Life in aid of [Cancer Research UK][1]. It's a 5km run around the Knavesmire...

Rose's Website

BlogDays with the Children

Rose has got a website [here][1]. [1]: https://rose.aldreth.com...

John and Toby Have a Day Off

BlogDays with the Children

Millthorpe have got a training day today, so John and Toby are at home.  John and I are going together...

Badminton with Simon

BlogDays with the Children

I won. Hooray. Very close though.  It's always great having a really good run around and getting disgustingly hot and...

Millthorpe Open Evening

BlogDays with the Children

On Monday evening Rose and I went up to Millthorpe for their open evening. It's very odd to think that...

I'm a Member

BlogEdward

Richard Ogden popped in on his way home from Monthly Meeting to say that I've been accepted as a member...

Cindy's Birthday

BlogCindy Days with the Children

It would have been Cindy's birthday tomorrow so we went out for a meal with Lance and Mary to celebrate....

All Busy - except Toby!

BlogDays with the Children Edward

Toby had his first weekend lie in for ages as the paper shop has now shut, so he's unemployed.  He's...

Squash not Badminton - John to YTT

BlogDays with the Children Edward

Yesterday I taught Luigi and Clara - for the first time this week as they've been in Italy. I had...

Coffee with Andrea and Rose's Yoga

BlogDays with the Children Edward

I had coffee with Andrea this morning - two hours putting the world to rights. Rose went for her third...

Well - long time no post

BlogDays with the Children Edward

I've really got out of the habit of writing here - partly because it felt as though I was trying...

Memories of Cindy

BlogCindy

Cathy Holman and Chris Hughes wrote this wonderful piece about Cindy for the Meeting Book of Memories. Cindy Tarrant {:...

Emma

BlogDays with the Children Extended Family

We stopped off at Katharine and Simon's on our way home from Holland to see Emma. She was born on...

Half Term in Holland

BlogDays with the Children Extended Family

Over half term we went to one of the Center Parcs in Holland. We drove via the Eurotunnel, then stopped...

John and Boodle

BlogDays with the Children

... came for supper. Very nice evening. We watched quite a lot of the [Eurovision Song Contest][1], which was won...

Phoenix Dance

BlogDays with the Children

John and I went to see [Stories in Red][1] the current Phoenix Dance production at the WYP last night. John...

Toby's New Job

BlogDays with the Children

Well that didn't take long!! It isn't really a new job, because it'll still be at the newsagent's. Two hours...

Paper Round

BlogDays with the Children

Toby is feeling rather agrieved this morning, as the papershop where he has diligently and very reliably done a paper...

Like Two Old Crocks

BlogEdward

Played badminton with Simon at lunch time today. He'd cycled into a lamppost and had a very sore and stiff...

Lal & Pauline's Second Anniversary

BlogDays with the Children

We went over to Lal and Pauline's today. Last year they had fantastic weather, but unfortunately it was grey and...

Visiting Will

BlogEdward

Will is off work at the moment because of an operation to his knee. He damaged it playing football -...

What a Glorious Day

BlogEdward

I'm sure it's mainly the weather, but I've had a lovely day today. It was really warm and sunny and...

Work, Play, Food

BlogDays with the Children Edward

I think I've picked up some work this morning. Someone that Simon knows wants to withdraw her children from Tregelles...

Lunch Out

BlogEdward

More washing!! Another three loads washed, sorted and away today. Just about back to normal after Turkey and the Lake...

Blast from the Past

BlogEdward

I bought a pair of Doctor Marten's shoes (not boots) today. They are black with yellow stitching around the sole....

Home and Doctor Who

BlogDays with the Children

It was raining this morning, after lovely weather for the rest of the weekend, so we left by about 9:30...

Meeting and a Play

BlogDays with the Children

We went over to Swarthmore for Meeting this morning. The village Meeting House had had a fire, so Meeting was...

Go Ape, Mountain Biking and a Bonfire

BlogDays with the Children

Rookhow is only 3 miles down the road from the Grizedale Forest Visitors centre, so there were lots of activities...

Exercise and the Lake District

BlogDays with the Children

I had a busy day today. I spent the morning sorting out packing for the Meeting trip to the Lake...

Lunch with Kath

BlogDays with the Children Edward

I had a lovely lunch today with Kath. The last of the Ikea gravadlax, salad and a glass of wine....

Washing, Badminton and Bookgroup

BlogDays with the Children

A general sorting out day today. Several loads of washing dried and sorted. Supermarket not visited, must do it tomorrow!...

Morrissey

BlogEdward

I just watched 4 music presents... Morrissey from earlier in the month. He's aged really well and the new songs...

Turkey Holiday

BlogDays with the Children

We've just got back from a lovely holiday in Patara, Turkey. The hotel was pretty luxurious, and was run by...

Photos added

BlogDays with the Children

I've put some more photos on the website. There are some of John and Rose ready for World Book Day,...

Just the Two of Us

BlogEntertainment News

On Thursday night Just the two of us started, on BBC 1. I thought it was okay, but the celebrities...

A Film from Cindy's Camera

BlogDays with the Children

I finished the film that was in Cindy's camera this weekend in Manchester. It had some photos from the summer...

Old Photos

BlogDays with the Children

We were looking through lots of old photos last night, and Rose wanted a copy of the some of her...

Kodo Drummers

BlogDays with the Children

On Sunday we went over to Manchester to see the [Kodo Drummers][1], for John's Christmas present. We went on the...

Weekend in London

BlogDays with the Children

We went to London this weekend, primarily for Eleanor Garner's christening - of which more later. John, Rose & I...

Easter Holiday

BlogDays with the Children

Great excitement, as I've booked us a holiday in Turkey over Easter. We're going to stay in a [hotel][1] that...

Booklists

BlogDays with the Children

The Guardian published [top 10 book lists][1] that three authors think children should have read by the time they leave...

Coffee, Cinema & Parents' Evening

BlogEdward

I had coffee this morning with Mark and Michelle - nice to see them at the same time! After lunch...

Sunday

BlogDays with the Children

I went to Meeting this morning with Rose, while John had a leisurely morning. Lily came home with us to...

Tiger in the Well

BlogDays with the Children

I read the penultimate chapter of this fantastic book to Rose last night. Sally managed to escape from the cellar...

Skiing

BlogDays with the Children

I've dropped Toby off this morning at the [Sheffield Ski Village][1] where he's going to take part in a learn...

Tea at Saffron and Jenny's

BlogDays with the Children

We've been out for tea tonight at Saffron, Jenny and Nok's - except for Toby, who cooked for himself. In...

Oven Fixed

BlogEdward

Fixed - well it wasn't actually broken! As I suspected, a button had got pressed. If you hold down one...

John on the Radio

BlogDays with the Children

The BBC rang up on Friday asking if John would do a report for [Big Toe][1]. They had our phone...

Lovely Oven Broken

BlogDays with the Children

I used our super new oven to grill sausages on Saturday, then when I came to use it to make...

Party Party Party

BlogDays with the Children

Yesterday (Sunday) was the day of the Meeting Mid-Winter Party and then in the late afternoon and evening we had...

Football, Town and Sketching

BlogDays with the Children

Rose went to her dancing at Southlands this morning - the normal tap, ballet, disco and drama she's been doing...

Out of the Habit

BlogDays with the Children

I've really got out of the habit of posting here, so I'm going to try and get going again. I...

Happy Christmas

BlogEdward

I'm afraid I'm not going to get around to posting christmas cards this year, so here's wishing you a Merry...

Technology Projects

BlogDays with the Children

Toby and John have both brought home technology projects this week. Toby's was a DVD display stand that he made...

Badminton

BlogEdward

I carry on trying to play badminton regularly. I've had to miss a few games over the last month or...

What Will Survive of Us is Love

BlogCindy

Philip Larkin - An Arundel Tomb > Side by side, their faces blurred, > The earl and countess lie...

Scarcroft Christmas Play and Choir Concert

BlogDays with the Children

This afternoon I went to Scarcroft to watch their Christmas play. It was mostly acted by year 6 children, with...

Bright & Cold

BlogEdward

I went for a run today along the river. It was a really crisp, bright day. Two minutes after leaving...

Day of Treats

BlogEdward

On Friday, I had an excellent day. It started off with Rose going to school, definitely a good start, making...

Eleven Not Ten

BlogDays with the Children

Of course, I can't count. Yesterday's [post][1] looked back ten years to the night before John was born. Of course...

Birthday Tea

BlogDays with the Children

We had a chinese takeaway this evening, by special request. Katharine was here, and so were Lance and Mary. Delicious...

JCB Song

BlogDays with the Children

I heard the [JCB song][1] on the radio for the first time today. John and Rose have been watching its...

Icing Bag Nozzles

BlogCindy Days with the Children

I've been making meringues for John's birthday this evening. Cindy always used the icing bag to squirt them out quickly,...

School for Scandal

BlogDays with the Children

I've just got all the children into bed after coming back from seeing [The School for Scandal][1] at York Theatre...

John's Birthday Treat

BlogDays with the Children

It's John's birthday next Thursday, and he decided to have his birthday treat before his birthday. So last night he...

Wednesday Night - Trinny & Susannah

BlogDays with the Children

We seem to have got into a routine of all watching What Not to Wear every Wednesday evening, even though...

Rose and John's Instruments Arrived

BlogDays with the Children

I picked up Rose's flute and John's saxophone on Tuesday and today is the day of their lessons. Rose had...

Rose Back to School

BlogDays with the Children

After Thursday, Friday, Monday and Tuesday morning off school, Rose went back on Tuesday morning, and had a good time....

Theatre, Theatre, Gym, Dance, Cinema

BlogDays with the Children

On Friday evening I went to see Jerusalem at the WYP with Lance, while Mary looked after the children (babysat...

Thursday Already

BlogDays with the Children

- where does the week go? The problem with writing several days at a time, is that I can't quite...

Brimham Rocks

BlogDays with the Children

We went to [Brimham Rocks][1] today with Kath and Louis. It was a fantastic day, really bright and warm (in...

Training Day

BlogDays with the Children

John and Rose were off school yesterday, as it was a teacher training day. Rose's friend Anna had organised a...

Steptoe & Son

BlogDays with the Children

I've just got the children into bed after going out this evening to see [Steptoe & Son][1] at York Theatre...

Toby Still Home

BlogDays with the Children

Toby slept from 7:30 yesterday evening till 8:30 this morning - I had to phone the paper shop to say...

Theatre Trip & Toby Home

BlogDays with the Children

Toby's been off school today - dreadful cold, headache and runny nose. He slept for over three hours in the...

Home & Shakespeare

BlogDays with the Children

Rose has been at home today. Worn out and miserable this morning. We went to the supermarket together - as...

Bonfire Weekend

BlogDays with the Children

We went to two lovely bonfire parties this weekend. On Friday we went to John and Katie's. They had a...

Toby's Piano Lessons

BlogDays with the Children

Toby decided after the summer holiday that he wanted to have piano lessons again. He tinkled quite a lot over...

Donations to Oxfam

BlogCindy

When I was at Meeting yesterday I picked up a letter that was waiting for me in the pigeon holes....

Half Term

BlogDays with the Children Edward

We've had a busy week, which is one reason I haven't written about it, and the other is that we...

Sarah to Hospital

BlogExtended Family

I went over to Will and Sarah's today to take Sarah to hospital. She's got a bad case of conjunctivitis...

Coffee and Harvest

BlogDays with the Children Edward

I had coffee with Michelle this morning at the Blakehead Bookshop and Café - oh yeah and a huge plate...

Theatre Tickets

BlogEdward & Cindy Friends

Cindy & I had organised this term's worth of big deal tickets. I decided that I didn't want to go...

Rose's Photos

BlogDays with the Children

Just had a film from Rose's camera developed. It starts with photos of last year's Christmas tree, so it's been...

School Cycle Ride, Cinema, Toby Home

BlogDays with the Children

John, Rose and I cycled this morning along the cycle track to Naburn on the [Scarcroft HSP][1] cycle ride. Nice...

Rose's Dance Show

BlogDays with the Children

Rose's dance show has been taking up a lot of time the last few weekends and I finally got to...

Toby to London

BlogDays with the Children

Rose and I went to the station to wave off Toby. He is spending this weekend in London with Jane...

Walk in the Wolds

BlogDays with the Children Edward

I went for a [walk][1] in the Yorkshire Wolds today with David Campbell. We left after dropping children at schools...

New Look

BlogEdward

I've spent some time over the last couple of months setting up a "new look" for the website. And here...

Cindy's Grave

BlogCindy

I went to the cemetery yesterday and took some photos of where Cindy's ashes are buried. cindygrave Cindy's ashes are...

Poem from the Holmans

BlogCindy

This poem is one that the Holmans chose to read at Cindy's funeral, but didn't find a space to. >...

Cindy's Birthday

BlogCindy Days with the Children

Today would have been Cindy's 44<sup>th</sup> birthday. To celebrate we are going out this evening to La Piazza for a...

President John

BlogDays with the Children Edward

John was elected onto the school council a couple of weeks ago - a boy and each girl get chosen...

Millthorpe Visit

BlogDays with the Children

John has been off school today with tummy bug, but he was well enough to go round [Millthorpe School][1] in...

Very Busy

BlogDays with the Children Edward

It seems strange writing here now, which is one reason why I haven't posted for a week or so. But...

Service for the Burial of Ashes of Cindy Tarrant

BlogCindy

Held at York Cemetery on Tuesday 27th September 2005 A Intro :- We are met as a family to say...

Announcements in Papers

BlogCindy

Today's Guardian has an announcement of Cindy's death and funeral...

Photos of Mandy's Birthday

BlogDays with the Children Edward & Cindy Extended Family

I've put up some photos from Mandy's birthday weekend here in York. There are several of Cindy. <!-- [![Mandy &...

One Week On

BlogDays with the Children Edward

It has been a week since Cindy was last in the house. It seems so recent, but things are so...

New Photos of Cindy

BlogCindy

Here's the first photo of Cindy that anyone has sent - from [Simon Palmour.][1] <wpg2>cindyphotos</wpg2> More please, if you have...

Friday to Friday

BlogCindy

Written on Saturday 10th. On Friday we had planned to go to the hospital for Cindy to have a chest...

Cindy Tarrant. 9th October 1961 - 11 September 2005

BlogCindy

We are very sorry to have to tell you of the death of Cindy Tarrant. <wpg2>wales2005/DSCF1258.jpg</wpg2> Cindy died calmly and...

12 September

Diary

To Whitby with Mandy + David. Pat, Maurice, Jayne to Minster & town. Amazingly warm day - hottest we've ever...

11 September

Diary

Say goodbye to James. Toby to Luke's, John + Rose to Meeting and then to Oscar & Lil's. Phone Kate,...

10 September

Diary

Jean to sit with Cindy AM - Cindy's request. Rose dance, Toby paper round + squash. J + I tidy...

9 September

Diary

Cindy feels pill lodged in throat. V bad breathing episode. 999, hospital. Heart traces, oxygen, physio... To MAU ward 1ish,...

Practical Day

BlogDays with the Children Edward & Cindy

Kate Hodge our MacMillan nurse came round today, to chat about practical things. She's sorted out some extra painkillers for...

8 September

Diary

Kate Hodge in morning. Discussed practicalities. More Handling Sin. Put off Alison F. C too tired. C long chat with...

Edward Goes Swimming

BlogEdward

After years of looking enviously at people who can swim front crawl efficiently and smoothly, I've decided to learn myself....

7 September

Diary

John + Rose to school. AM read some Handling Sin. PM Ruth Cory rubbed Cindy's feet, so C downstairs up...

All Back to School

BlogCindy Days with the Children

Toby started year 10 yesterday - looking very smart in his blue T-shirt (lower school wear white - he's really...

6 September

Diary

The previous entry was the last Cindy wrote in her diary. A while after Cindy died I made very brief...

5 September

Diary

Woke quite late this morning - didn't even hear Toby go out. Thought I'd taken the morning slowly, but had...

Cindy Downstairs

BlogCindy

Late in the afternoon, Cindy came downstairs. I pushed her in the wheelchair along the landing to the stairs and...

4 September

Diary

E went off to Meeting with John and Rose. Toby put his car back together. Dressed and sat in my...

Saturday

BlogDays with the Children

Boring title I know - never mind. In the morning: Toby went off to play squash for the first time...

3 September

Diary

Woke about 5:30 still feeling the same - so disappointing. E helps me wash and I get dressed to sit...

2 September

Diary

Had hoped for a return to the improvement I felt on Wed this morning, but it was not to be....

1 September

Diary

With O2 walked to + from the loo around 6am. Felt I'd turned a corner. Then smack back. Had to...

Dane's Dyke

BlogDays with the Children

I went off today with the children to [Dane's Dyke][1] to look for fossils. It's supposed to be good for...

Much Better Day

BlogCindy

After a really bad couple of days, today was much better. Cindy managed to get up after lunch, then I...

31 August

Diary

Despite spending all day in bed I slept solidly. Woke up and felt very spaced out and strange. Couldn't get...

Mick and Susheila

BlogCindy

Mick, Cindy's colleague from Abbey Grange came round to see Cindy this afternoon, with his wife Susheila. Cindy was still...

30 August

Diary

Needed the bathroom really early. Huge effort. Breathing starting to hurt now. Got E to push me back from the...

29 August

Diary

All go into town to walk around the walls. T goes to Tom's some time during the morning. E phones...

Cindy Gets a Haircut

BlogCindy

Just taken Cindy up to Brian's for a haircut. Her hair has gradually grown, till now it looked a bit...

Just Like the Old Days?

BlogFriends

Phil and Marcia are visiting (with Claudia and Lucas) and we've just finished playing cards - just like when they...

28 August

Diary

Phil, E, R + Claudia set off to do the breadcrumb trail and J, Lucas and Marcia to the Railway...

27 August

Diary

Ask T to take me out to the Gallery. He pushes me along the river. E, J + R go...

Quietish Day

BlogDays with the Children

Nothing particular during the day - a bit of tidying up, putting away the washing... Toby went off to Monk's...

26 August

Diary

Writing retrospectively and cannot think beyond a late morning again... Chris Hughes came about 11am and I managed to get...

25 August

Diary

Slow + slouchy day for E + the children after so much business. J + R watch Harry Potter -...

How is Cindy?

BlogCindy

Good question, but the answer isn't so good. She's gradually getting more exhausted and finding walking around more and more...

24 August

Diary

All went to the Castle Museum this morning. Lots of heavy rain. E + R came back early as R...

23 August

Diary

All have gone to Hunmanby today. It is the first outing I've not made. Feel like I've been in bed...

Computer Out of Action!

BlogDays with the Children Edward & Cindy

No entries recently as the computer hasn't been working properly. To catch up: <wpg2>wales2005</wpg2> Wales - rock climbing;excellent walk just...

22 August

Diary

It is very difficult to get up. Any effort now seems enormous. James, Emma and crew arrive around lunchtime. Manage...

21 August

Diary

David and Edward take all to the park and Mandy + I sit in the yard. It is a glorious...

20 August

Diary

Quite a difficult morning getting up, I think because of the having to get up and be down for breakfast....

19 August

Diary

Mandy's 40 birthday today - send her a text. She is coming later and I'm really hoping I'll be able...

18 August

Diary

Awake with a pulled muscle in my left side that hurts when I cough. So, move around gingerly all morning....

17 August

Diary

Compared to yesterday felt much better. Managed to shower + be up for Gordon's visit at 10:30. He brought me...

16 August

Diary

Appointment with Dr B this morning. L collected J to take him to his scuba diving + R dropped off...

15 August

Diary

Managed to get up at a reasonable time and have done a few bits + pieces around the house. Remain...

14 August

Diary

Spent very late last night helping T with the finishing touches to his packing. E has driven him along with...

13 August

Diary

Very heavy rain for our departure. Me very breathless today. See a doctor in the afternoon to check for infection...

12 August

Diary

E + W off to Nantlle Ridge this morning. Cool and heavy dew outside unless has rained. K + S...

11 August

Diary

Bit overcast today. E disappointed not to be walking with Will as planned. Go in staggered fashion to the Centre...

10 August

Diary

More swimming in the stream for the children today - Katharine + Jane also. Rock climbing with Will in the...

9 August

Diary

The children, E and others made for the stream this morning. Beautifully hot and sunny. I found a sun spot...

Beach Again

BlogExtended Family

Some people went off to Portmerion, but Mary and all 5 of us went off to Harlech Beach again. Not...

Walks and Trains

BlogExtended Family

Will, Toby, John, Rose and I set off on the Snowdon Horseshoe; Jane, Andy and Mary went on the PYG...

8 August

Diary

Had to swap seats with Jack on the drive to the Snowdon railway because of car sickness - he was...

Sunday - Beach

BlogExtended Family

Went to Harlech beach - about a 20 minute drive. It's a lovely flat sandy beach, with views of Harlech...

Pool in Stream

BlogExtended Family

We walked down to the stream in the grounds and found a waterfall with a fantastic pool at the bottom...

7 August

Diary

Felt better today, if rather weak. Found the beach at Harlech. Great expanse of golden sand bordering a beautiful blue...

Journey to Wales

BlogExtended Family

Saturday - time to go to Wales. Cindy woke up not feeling very well, but we loaded the car up...

6 August

Diary

Awoke feeling sick + was so before getting out of bed - just fluid. I think I must have been...

Maurice at Thruxton

BlogExtended Family

Maurice used his birthday present today - a driving experience at [Thruxton][1]. He went round first in a Mazda RX8,...

Jayne's Birthday

BlogExtended Family

We all (Jayne, Steve, Christopher, Pat, Maurice, Mandy, David, Amy, Tom, Cindy, Me, Toby, John and Rose - Matthew AWOL)...

5 August

Diary

Dad's Thruxton visit today. Lots of hanging around for J + R but the weather was kind. All had turned...

Weekend at Home

BlogDays with the Children Edward & Cindy

We got back to York in time for lunch, unpacked and started on the mammoth washing pile! We ran out...

Spy Game

BlogDays with the Children

We went to the York Castle Museum to try out their August activity. Followed a booklet around, looking for clues...

4 August

Diary

Mandy took us to Explosion a surprisingly interesting museum about guns and fire power at the old gunpowder factory on...

Badminton

BlogDays with the Children

I played badminton against Simon on Tuesday and John and Toby had a game. They played together really well and...

Lake District

BlogDays with the Children Edward & Cindy

We had a fantastic week in the Lake District, staying in Keswick. Some of the highlights included: Scrambling up a...

3 August

Diary

Drove to M + D, lunching on the way. Beautiful day and rather a shame to spend it in the...

2 August

Diary

Finally got around to making a dressing gown for Laura doll with rose. Rose did most of the machining. She...

1 August

Diary

Toby shopped with me at Sainsbury. Don't know how I would have managed without him - £150 worth! And he...

31 July

Diary

I had a very slow Sunday morning, despite thinking I might have gone to Meeting. More washing! Went to Chrissie...

30 July

Diary

Cinema didn't happen. Played some cards with R. E and the boys watched a TV movie. Managed to get up...

29 July

Diary

Although overcast it is not raining and the little rainfall we have is while we're in the car driving to...

28 July

Diary

Woke to steady rainfall this morning. J keen to see cars for the stars so sets off with E +...

27 July

Diary

T not up for a scramble this morning, he's feeling a bit sore and stiff. E takes J + R...

26 July

Diary

E + the boys leave at 7:30 for their date with Go Ape. R + I follow a couple of...

25 July

Diary

Very late morning. Finally manage to get out and walked along the lake where the wheelchair could be pushed. Quite...

24 July

Diary

Start the day with a lovely boat trip around Derwentwater. Sun's out and the view of the surrounding hills is...

23 July

Diary

L + M came for breakfast. L very stressed and didn't stay long. Has lots of work to do before...

22 July

Diary

Pop down to the allotment first thing. T is helping M move some manure. I manage to pull a few...

21 July

Diary

Today I went to Whitby with Sam. A lovely breezy day. Arrived ready for our first snack at the Shepherds...

20 July

Diary

T receives an award for academic achievement this afternoon. Also for punctuality and attendance. Very, very happy for him. He's...

19 July

Diary

School concert at Scarcroft this evening. E takes me up the back stairs to avoid the crowds as I need...

18 July

Diary

Feeling so much better this morning - woke with some energy which makes me realise that I have actually been...

17 July

Diary

Stunningly hot day. Me a very slow morning, but with mention of the seaside managed to get myself up. It...

16 July

Diary

Dance as per usual and then R invited to Freddie's to play. E + J off to the Palmours for...

A Child of Our Time - Proms

BlogEdward & Cindy

Last night the first [Prom][1] of the year was Michael Tippett's A Child of Our Time. It's a piece I...

15 July

Diary

Saw Dr S this morning to discuss the nature of my demise - so this was a jolly little meeting....

Toby's New Site

BlogDays with the Children

Toby's got a new [site][1] on MSN Spaces. Let's see how long this one lasts! [1]: https://spaces.msn.com/members/TobyAndrews/...

Fantastic Trip to London

BlogEdward & Cindy

We've just got back from a two night trip to London - more scorching hot weather! We went down by...

14 July

Diary

Decided against the V+A and arranged to meet Jane + Andy for lunch. London Bridge was teeming and we arrived...

13 July

Diary

Woke feeling very breathy and with a pain in my chest. I was extremely slow. Nice breakfast in the garden...

12 July

Diary

The ticket collector didn't even look at the tickets - relaxed into the journey. David met us at Kings X....

11 July

Diary

Enjoyed a very nice Reiki - Robert has expanded more in minerals - gave me a couple of stones. Retrieved...

10 July

Diary

Had a devastating beetroot + celery juice this morning - had the effect of a mega scouring pad. E consequently...

9 July

Diary

Very hot again. J + R enjoy Bill + Jo's new paddling pool for a couple of hours after dance....

To Uranus and Back!

BlogDays with the Children

John, Rose and I have just cycled along the [planet cycle path][1] to Uranus. It took about an hour and...

Houses of Parliament Cleaners

BlogEdward

I've just written to our MP about an [article][1] in today's Guardian, about how most cleaners in the Houses of...

8 July

Diary

Very hot today. E play badminton. Pop into town in the morning and deliver Mimi's trousers. Browse in a few...

7 July

Diary

Visit Jules + Marcus and lovely new baby Freddie. Perfect little boy with golden hair. Jules looking as lovely as...

All Family OK

BlogExtended Family

Jane and Katharine and partners/child are all ok, following the bomb in London [today][1]. Been exchanging phone calls and texts...

The Tasting Room

BlogEdward & Cindy

Lunch today at The Tasting Room York. Here is Edward and my restaurant review. Tucked away in the 'Latin Quater'...

6 July

Diary

With great difficulty, tidy J's room in readiness for Swea. E + I decide to do some culture vulturing @...

Farndale

BlogEdward Friends

Ted and I went for a walk in [Farndale][1], in the North York Moors, today. We drove up there through...

5 July

Diary

Met up with Alison Forrester for coffee at the Blakeshead. Sat in the garden until a huge downpour chased us...

4 July

Diary

T poorly this morning - didn't even do his paper round. Generally very exhausted from all his activities over the...

3 July

Diary

Decided to stay home + cook Sunday lunch. Such an effort on the breathing front and pain in my chest....

2 July

Diary

Feeling not very good this morning. Contemplate getting T to take R to dance, but manage to get myself out....

1 July

Diary

E + I take off first thing and have coffee at the Art Gallery - E does a quick reccy...

30 June

Diary

Not very energetic today. Very difficult to get up and very breathy. One of those days where I'd have difficulty...

29 June

Diary

Credit Union lunch got off to a slow start, but by the finish had actually been very successful - met...

28 June

Diary

Seemed to spend all day baking quiche for tomorrow's lunch. Spent a fair bit of inbetween time sitting in the...

Lovely Day Out

BlogEdward & Cindy

Today we drove to the [Yorkshire Sculpture Park][1], which is near Wakefield. It was a glorious day - hot and...

27 June

Diary

Yorkshire Sculpture Park in bright sun and clear sky is lovely. Have never been here - it was lovely particularly...

26 June

Diary

Everybody slept late this morning - especially Toby. He then spent most of the day on his Geography homework, it...

25 June

Diary

Relaxing breakfast of croissant and coffee before collecting R for dance festival in town. R + I speed along the...

The 39 Steps

BlogEdward & Cindy

We've just got home from the last of our "Big Deal" tickets at the WYP. It was an adaptation of...

Kitchen Finished

BlogKitchen

Dave has been here since Monday, working away with me in the kitchen. Floor's down, hob installed, skirting board and...

24 June

Diary

Saw the funniest play this evening '39 Steps' the last of our Big Night Out from L + M. Have...

23 June

Diary

Enjoy coffee + croissant at the Blakehead with Michelle. Impossible to get in the kitchen for breakfast because Colin Bell...

22 June

Diary

Enjoy nice run into the market and buy fish and samphire for tea. Bump into Michelle and Roberta - have...

21 June

Diary

E + David get started on the final run on the kitchen. The floor, although difficult, goes down surprisingly quickly...

20 June

Diary

E's birthday and all sit on the bed for modest pressie opening. Such a busy weekend and father's day yesterday...

19 June

Diary

All to Meeting this morning and Rose is invited to the beach with Mimi. Very hat and humid. J, E...

18 June

Diary

Lance birthday today. Celebrate with breakfast at theirs. Then off to dance classes. Straight to Will + Sarah's to celebrate...

Toby Away

BlogDays with the Children

Toby is away this weekend with school for his second Duke of Edinburgh "expedition" - more like a week of...

17 June

Diary

Bit of a shop + sort day. Feeling quite breathy still, sort out T's DofE bits and pressies for Fathers...

16 June

Diary

Go into York to look for pressie inspiration + buy pedal for my bike - pretty much run out of...

15 June

Diary

Manage slightly early rise this morning. (Cat loves new cat bed.) Tidy round in time for Swea + do some...

14 June

Diary

Rose very anxious this morning. Decides she want me to go. Outcome - success. R manages examination + x ray....

13 June

Diary

Wet and very cold - E puts the heating back on. A particularly good Reiki with lots of focus on...

12 June

Diary

Very quiet in the house with just John. Start to make picnic + then cycle to Meeting with John. Doing...

11 June

Diary

Quite an effort getting up this morning - no T to buy us bacon! Dropped Rose at dance and headed...

10 June

Diary

Carol + Claire came this morning for coffee bringing a large piece of fern from their garden. This will shield...

9 June

Diary

Lovely summer day. Mary drove me to Vertigrow and I spent yet more money on the garden. Fantastic trees for...

8 June

Diary

Sorted out pack up for T and tea in readiness for Dave. Bobbed into town & bout T a german...

7 June

Diary

Cycle into town to shop after breakfast and return home in time for lunch - smoked salmon and avocado rolls...

6 June

Diary

E busy DIYing in the kitchen ready for Dave. Did very large supermarket shop - felt quite exhausted, spending £130+...

5 June

Diary

Feeling extremely grim on getting up. All seems too much of an effort so retire to bed and E takes...

4 June

Journal

Toby - so excited today because your new phone has arrived. Very sophisticated and very expensive. Lots of hard work...

4 June

Diary

Baking for Ruth + David's bonfire in the afternoon. A really lovely party chatted with Chris + Ted, met up...

3 June

Diary

Hunmanby Gap with M. Met Will + Sarah + the children there. All skim boards + body boards well used....

2 June

Diary

T off for a sleepover @ Josh Cole, drop off his stuff for him. Has to pack his alarm clock...

1 June

Diary

Late morning + Hope comes for a sleepover. Girls stay up very late chatting....

31 May

Diary

E to Dr for 9:25. Cook us all a nice breakfast + then make for scan results... so miserable go...

30 May

Diary

BEACH! Get ourselves together after breakfast + Mandy makes a picnic. Stokes Bay is sunny, windy and pretty empty. Set...

29 May

Diary

A slow morning and then over to Mum + Dad's via the back route - very pretty countryside. Children enjoyed...

28 May

Diary

Bit of an effort getting up today, but need to get going to Mandy's. Had a good b/fast before the...

27 May

Diary

Horror - a snail or slug has eaten one of my hollyhock leaves - I'm setting up a barricade of...

26 May

Diary

Lovely warm morning cycling along the river. River watch for a while from the City Screen balcony. Excellent view here...

25 May

Diary

Picked up my 'Potato Eaters' - like it very much - E still doesn't like it. Good last Italian lesson...

24 May

Diary

Sea and I drove over to Castle Howard to shop for plants. Bit of a roan storm when we first...

23 May

Diary

John Rack came @ 11am for coffee. Has had a serious throat infection that saw him in hospital for 5...

Cindy Not Ill - What a Relief

BlogCindy

I was a bit worried about Cindy last night as she went to bed very early with a temperature. She...

Seaside Again

BlogDays with the Children

We've been to Hunmanby Gap again today. Some skimming, some body boarding. John jumped off a submerged rock into, over,...

Saturday

BlogDays with the Children Edward & Cindy

John went to dance this morning, Rose was picked up from her sleepover at 11:30 - absolutely exhausted, very little...

22 May

Diary

Set off for Hunmanby after breakfast - boot stuffed with body board and skim boards. Tide coming in, bright sun...

21 May

Diary

Bob into town while E takes J off to dance. Bump into Richard Ogden deliberating over asparagus + have a...

Non Contact Time

BlogEdward & Cindy

We went to the West Yorkshire Playhouse to see the third of the plays that we're seeing on the big...

20 May

Diary

Met up with Chrissy for lunch @ No 8 - good old chin wag so much so left myself short...

19 May

Diary

Anna is in hospital with pneumonia. Buy various fripperies for her. Jo is constantly at her bedside + sleeping on...

Scarcroft Arts Evening

BlogDays with the Children

[Scarcroft][1] - John and Rose's school ran an arts evening for parents and children that we've just got home from....

18 May

Diary

Finished M's cake and did some Italian and trouser mending in the morning. E DIY in the kitchen. Italian very...

Turkish Baths

BlogEdward

I went with Ted today over to Harrogate to go to the Turkish Baths (info [here][1] and [here][2]). As usual,...

17 May

Diary

No girls for sewing - tired + ill. No Tom - he's grounded. John jumping around as usual - he...

16 May

Diary

Rose not well with a temperature and has stayed at home mooching in pyjamas. Cut out mock trousers for Eleanor...

Pauline and Lal's Anniversary

BlogFriends

It was Lal and Pauline's first anniversary, so they had a party to celebrate. They've also done a lot to...

15 May

Diary

Having a very lazy day. E took the children to Meeting and after listening to a gripping radio play -...

Sleepovers

BlogDays with the Children

John had Tom round for a sleepover, Rose went to Nok's. I don't think either pair got a great deal...

14 May

Diary

Rose walked to dance on her own. Anna very poorly with persistent cough/cold. Applied liberal layer of choc icing to...

13 May

Diary

Rosie cried off - she wants to spend time with Judith before she goes off on holiday. Went into town...

12 May

Diary

Hoping to go to Anita's with Rosie Waring to look at hat production but poor girl could not make it...

11 May

Diary

T off for his first babysitting job tonight for Alison. Arrived @ yoga to find Suzi not there - very...

10 May

Diary

Enjoyed early morning cycle along the river with E to meet Ted in the Gallery coffee shop - for the...

9 May

Diary

Pick M up at 10 and enjoy drive to Castle Howard. E + I finally decide on a lovely back...

8 May

Diary

Did coffee @ Meeting. Everybody else stayed at home. E was going to take J+R on school bike ride, but...

Nitin Sawhney

BlogEdward & Cindy

Yesterday evening, Cindy and I went to Gateshead to see [Nitin Sawhney][1] play at the [Sage][2]. It's a fantastic building...

7 May

Diary

Sletp through time we should have had b/fast @ Mary's. J+R up to listen to dawn chorus with M @...

Kitchen Photos

BlogKitchen

I've finally put up some pictures of the kitchen as it currently is. Do you like the "hob"? <!-- [...

Jane and Andy's Wedding

BlogExtended Family

Jane and Andy got married in York Registry Office, followed by a party at Lance and Mary's on April 23<sup>rd</sup>....

6 May

Diary

E has booked tickets for Nitin Sawhney @ Gateshead. Set off early to look around the Sage and the Gallery....

5 May

Diary

Set off on electric bike at about 8am!! No caretaker because it is polling day!! argh!! Borrow a mobile +...

4 May

Diary

Leave my bag @ Italian!! Mary drives me back over, but all is locked. Suddenly remember late evening that tomorrow...

3 May

Diary

Hard week ahead for T with DAT tests plus others - he works hard every night + still manages to...

Two Fantastic Days at the Seaside

BlogDays with the Children

Bank Holiday Weekend - go to the seaside! So we did. All the children now have wetsuits, so they can...

2 May

Diary

Set off for Hunmanby about 11 and although traffic a little heavier than yesterday we had pretty much a clear...

Catch Up Time

BlogCindy Days with the Children Edward Kitchen

I haven't posted for a while so here's what's been going on. Cindy - has had her tenth chemo treatment...

1 May

Diary

Sodens round for breakfast after the 8am birdwalk in the park. All came back boasting new knowledge of bird calls....

30 April

Diary

Coffee with Jean after dropping Rose off for dance. Then drive Toby to Keith's and have a quick cup of...

29 April

Diary

Rose good work assembly. She did not look - and indeed was not - as though she was enjoying it....

28 April

Diary

Very slow day at home. Back ache and feeling very very fatigued. Know it won't last. Watched John gym himself...

27 April

Diary

Managed Italian and from then onf felt extremely tired. Went to bed early and slept soundly....

26 April

Diary

Treatment this morning - last one. Scan in 6 weeks and then we'll see. It's not over yet, a few...

25 April

Diary

Judy came for coffee bringing shoots of parsley + rocket that she has grown from seed. Met up with Ruth...

24 April

Diary

Official unveiling of the children's wall hanging at Meeting this morning. Brenda has made a great job of it. Left...

23 April

Diary

Dropped Rose at dance then rushed off to shop before dashing to M+L to paint gold on J+A's cake. T+I...

22 April

Diary

Harrogate with Jane + Katharine for a sauna. Can't sit in the heat for as long as I used to...

21 April

Diary

A sewing day finishing off Rose's outfit - I really didn't want to be doing it last minute. Very pleased...

20 April

Diary

Shopped in the morning for a black shrug + bits & pieces. Came home for coffee. Swea came and I...

19 April

Diary

Bobbed into Sam;s for coffee & chat this morning - always nice to spend time with Sam. Rose off sick...

18 April

Diary

E to the doctor today. Writing retrospectively + can't think what else we all did. The days really can just...

17 April

Diary

Decide on Humanby Gap this afternoon. The Campbells decide to go too and puc up Luke Holman on the way....

16 April

Diary

Toby, Tom, Josh + E off to go-carting birthday treat. Have a great time. Toby wants to go again....

15 April

Diary

Play a few games of 'Happy Families' with J+R after tea. Such a relief to see E enjoying relaxing with...

14 April

Diary

Have a surge in tidying up the house after the kitchen aftermath. E touches up paint in the kitchen. Boxes...

13 April

Diary

E comes home from school mid-morning. Really can't take any more. I am relieved that the something I have been...

12 April

Diary

E awful day - observed by somebody from county. Has been given choices. Writing this 2 weeks late and can...

11 April

Diary

So lovely to have the house moving back to normality. No building work and no more cramped back room. Slowly...

10 April

Diary

H+D to Mass, J+R+T and me to Meeting. E doing some work. Toby got his bike sorted out by Josh...

9 April

Diary

J decides to give dance a miss and comes into town with me after dropping Rose at dance. We buy...

8 April

Diary

Feeling very nauseous today + so so tired. Manage to go to the dump with Dave + do domesticy bits...

7 April

Diary

Dentist with Toby first thing, then lots of bits + pieces shopping for Dave and for Toby's birthday. Fatigue setting...

6 April

Diary

IKEA first thing to return stuff + pick up final bits for David. Just make it back in time for...

5 April

Diary

Treatment - Mandy comes + I fall asleep mid infusion - how sociable! We have a nice soup at Spurriergate....

4 April

Diary

Children home for training day. Mandy working with Dave in kitchen. They can't make up their minds what to do...

3 April

Diary

Rose in a 7am to open pressies. All on the bed including the cat. All to Meeting - kicked off...

2 April

Diary

Il Giornale is too difficult for me! Lovely morning. J + R + I do a round tour of Bishy...

What a Day

BlogKitchen

Absolutely knackered. Dave and I have been flat out all day - only just finished and it's 8:20. But it...

1 April

Diary

Took Toby off to help buy tiles + shopping. J+R stayed at home John in his pyjamas until 11 I...

31 March

Diary

Embroidery part II. Rose to Nok's + then John too and they all went to the cinema. Katharine came for...

30 March

Diary

Embroider this morning. Working on Binka. Rose making a book mark. John went to the allotment with Mary. Nok came...

Kitchen Progress

BlogKitchen

Yesterday I tidied up the kitchen, rubbed down bits of woodwork, cleared up plaster and so on. Today, I have...

29 March

Diary

Very busy morning shopping. Shoes for Toby, trainers for Rose. Failed attempt to buy sweatshirt for John. Dave arrived in...

Chemo Nine

BlogCindy

Cindy was due to have another session of chemo this week, but as she's still recovering from a cold, and...

28 March

Diary

Brimham Rocks gave us all a much needed 'run' around in the fresh air. Everybody had a good climb, although...

Easter Sunday

BlogExtended Family

We've had a lovely lunch today with Lance and Mary. Roast Lamb - we haven't had anything roasted for a...

27 March

Diary

Left Toby, Lal + Pauline getting up slowly and cycled off to meeting. A very quiet Meeting. Philip Rack's piece...

26 March

Diary

E off to buy paint with John and Rose + I set off to take things to Age Concern +...

25 March

Diary

Went to St Clement's children’s activity morning with Mary. A good range of activities including juggling, computer, origami + Mary's...

24 March

Diary

Felt a home based day would be good as we'd all been out the last two days. Blitzed Rose's room...

Back Home

BlogKitchen

We've been back at home since Friday evening, as my parents were having other guests (David and Rachel - Sarah's...

23 March

Diary

Whitby today with mary leaving E to work. Lovely day. Packed up wheelchair as still not walking very far. Whitby...

22 March

Diary

Was going to go to Whitby, but very dam + cold and still not feeling very good. Moochy day. All...

21 March

Diary

Terrible night on the breathing front. I have a cold and 'woke' labouring to breathe. Oxygen mask a must. Felt...

20 March

Diary

Sore throat + felling very coldy. Managed the Fox group. Couldn't believe I'd left my book at home with the...

19 March

Diary

Spent the afternoon at L+M with Will, Sarah, the children and Sarah's brother + his wife. E off with boys...

18 March

Diary

Met up with Alison F for lunch at Melton's Too - had a very nice French Onion soup. Alison is...

17 March

Diary

John had a boa constrictor around his neck today; it stretch up and 'licked' his face. John thought it was...

16 March

Diary

Super Italian meal for Action Aid laid on by Luisa. And we did manage an Italian class afterwards. Toby to...

15 March

Diary

Returned from drop off + felt v. sick. Cleared our room for Tony + then was very sick. Back to...

14 March

Diary

Mary + I to IKEA. Forgot essentials like handles to return + fridge dimensions. Bought sink + various bits of...

13 March

Diary

All to church. Me cooking very large shoulder of lamb + then off to Wiggington for Toby's football. J+R+I to...

12 March

Diary

Very stay at home day. L+M not at all well with v. bad cold + jet lag....

11 March

Diary

L+M back. Tried + out of sorts. John back to school....

10 March

Diary

Today John is ill with sickness and diarrhoea had to leave him alone for a couple of hours to sort...

9 March

Diary

Busy morning meeting floor people, sorting out cat + doing Italian h/w. Good lesson of Italian, missed call to say...

Chemo 8

BlogCindy Kitchen

Another chemo session on Tuesday (yesterday). Cindy has been very busy today, including going to her Italian class, but has...

8 March

Diary

Very busy doing finishing touches of tidying to house ready for onslaught tomorrow. Say Dr B before chemo 8. Discussed...

Supper at Mark and Michelle's

BlogEdward & Cindy

On Saturday evening we went to Michelle and Mark's for a fantastic meal, with Jo and Bill. After a week...

Kitchen Ready for Next Stage

BlogKitchen

Dave went home on Saturday after lunch. He left a kitchen with a new plasterboard ceiling, total rewiring and all...

7 March

Diary

Massive sorting out at house to get ready for damp-proof on Wed. Ele + Mimi here for hand embroidery, Tom...

6 March

Diary

Still felt intoxicated in Meeting! Moved into the Mount and celebrated with roast dinner. Great to have some veggies. Nice...

5 March

Diary

Out to supper at Mark + Michelle's with Jo + Bill. Very nice vegetarian menu and lots of wine including...

Kitchen Starts!

BlogKitchen

Dave came up on Sunday evening and by Monday evening we had no units in the kitchen - and no...

4 March

Diary

More shopping for Dave first thing. Then into town to buy pressie for Amy. Went for a fairy, came back...

3 March

Diary

Lots of driving around today to shop for Dave. Then lots in the evening for gym club and feeding the...

John - Silent - Surely Not!

BlogDays with the Children

For [Red Nose Day][1] next Friday, John has decided to do a whole day's sponsored silence. Everyone who know's him...

2 March

Diary

Definitely need Toby to help me with my Italian - I think it could be really helpful if he did...

1 March

Diary

D doing lots of wiring. E shovelling ceiling rubbish + driving to the tip most of the day. Me -...

28 February

Diary

It's very bad! Ceiling's down, gas cooker gone... everything gone in fact so no meal here tonight or for quite...

Maurice's Surprise 70th Birthday Party

BlogExtended Family

Cindy's dad, Maurice, was 70 on Friday and we all met up for a surprise meal. He knew he was...

27 February

Diary

Bfast with Mandy and Amy and then left about 10. Stopped for a coffee + then arrived back about 3pm....

A Doll's House

BlogEdward & Cindy

Very good. Felt long and lots of talking, but the main actor - Tanya Moodie - who was on stage...

26 February

Diary

Departed pretty much as planned and good journey to M+D. Met up with Jayne + Steve, christopher + Matthew -...

25 February

Diary

Cooked solidly all day for the freezer. Toby back to bed + slept till lunch. E still not well +...

Tobias' Visit

BlogDays with the Children

Toby's German exchange - Tobi - went home on Wednesday. I think that he had a good time. He didn't...

The Play What I Wrote

BlogCindy

Cindy went to see [The Play What I Wrote][1] with Judy Emerick and came home saying it was absolutely hilarious....

School

BlogEdward

A lot to catch up as I haven't posted for a week. My first week back at school was fine...

Kitchen

BlogEdward & Cindy

The kitchen ripping out is really getting close now. We've got the new units in Lance and Mary's cellar, the...

24 February

Diary

E home today. Car to Clive to finish off tyre repair. Had nice pizza lunch with L+M and admired their...

23 February

Diary

Dentist - Rose upset because she's to be seen by a specialist. Her bottom tooth is twisted. Nice supper with...

22 February

Diary

Farewell to Tobi - it seems to have gone very quickly. It has been very nice having him to stay....

21 February

Diary

Rose at home with a temperature. Spent the morning making Jane + Andy's ringbox. Nice to just have some time...

20 February

Diary

Called off a trip to Whitby - Tobi didn't want to go to the beach. They went off at 10am...

19 February

Diary

Managing to get through fatigue + aches + pains quite well. E took T+T to the football with Keith this...

18 February

Diary

Took T+T to see 'Million Dollar Baby' with Clint Eastwood. Deep + with a mercy killing at the end. Boys...

17 February

Diary

Greeted Tobi - seems very nice. Nice pottery gift from Germany + chocs for R+J. Coffee with E + then...

Waiting for Tobias

BlogDays with the Children

John and Rose have gone to bed. Cindy is having a nap because she's exhausted. Toby is on a coach...

16 February

Diary

E at work this morning. Very busy morning shopping readiness for Tbi's arrival. Leave it for E to unpack as...

15 February

Diary

Chemo 7 - bit of a disappointing scan; described as 'stable', but sounded 'worse' to me. However, do feel better...

14 February

Diary

Nipped into hospital for blood test & then to Bishy Road for eye test - surprisingly no significant change, even...

Mandy and Tom Here

BlogExtended Family

Mandy and Tom have come to visit for a few days. Tom's half term has just started - unlike ours,...

13 February

Diary

E to meeting with John. Rose wanted to mooch at home. Toby + Tom on the computer. I got up...

Back to School

BlogEdward

I'm back to school tomorrow. I'm in for two and a half days this week, and am helping out and...

Vikings vs Saxons

BlogDays with the Children

We went down to the Eye of York this afternoon to watch a battle between the Vikings and the Saxons....

12 February

Diary

John read his Big Toe radio report - very exciting. Dance for Rose. E did shopping & Jean came round...

11 February

Diary

E to optician this morning. Writing this retrospectively + can't think what we did - crafty bits and park, I...

Needlework, Truck Driving, Seaside and Chinese

BlogDays with the Children

Wednesday of half-term holiday - Cindy and Rose went to the City of York Embroiderer's Guild children's session with Nok....

10 February

Diary

Second morning of textiles. Rose completed background stitching and stitching on the sheep - looks good. Drive to Bridlington with...

9 February

Diary

Rose + I to textiles with Nok. Working on the theme of sheep. Rose chose a winter landscape - the...

Wedding List

BlogEdward

In a very sad, geeky way, I'm very proud of a new website I've set up for my sister Jane's...

8 February

Diary

Swimming with Edward for the children. J+R helped out with window cleaning. Toby seeing his mates. Last week at home...

7 February

Diary

Start of the 1/2 term. Lovely to have the children home. A few things planned, but by and large hoping...

6 February

Diary

Lots of ministry in Meeting. Josh Parker - very full of despair - very sad. E took John to the...

5 February

Diary

Returned to Guildhall this afternoon with J+R. T off to f/ball with Keith. J+I painted a section of the 'BIG...

Half Term

BlogDays with the Children

School has finished for a week. We've no major plans - seaside probably, some making no doubt. John is out...

4 February

Diary

Finished off J's coat - looked good. Made him a hat - no wonder people buy these things. Took ages,...

Truck moved

BlogGeneral

Just to let you know that all updates about my truck have been moved, to a new website that I...

Surprise for Cindy

BlogEdward & Cindy

As it is getting close to time for me to go back to school, I thought that Cindy and I...

3 February

Diary

E in school this morning. John has diarrhoea and looks grim. Toby too and looked even worse, still did his...

2 February

Diary

No rush this morning. Enjoyed tea in bed and a lovely bath. Fantastic waking-up in this lovely room, forgot where...

1 February

Diary

Scan this morning. Then a bit of retail therapy. Home for lunch then off for our big treat. Fabulous room...

Taiz&eacute; Service

BlogDays with the Children

On Sunday evening there was a Taizé service in the Minster for the Week of Christian Unity, or something, and...

John's Slideshow

BlogDays with the Children

John has made a sideshow as well - [here][1]. Some of the writing is hard to read - when it's...

31 January

Diary

Designer Outlet this morning - bought a nice skirt + some nuts! Home for lunch and then lazy afternoon knitting....

30 January

Diary

J+R very tired - wonder why! J off to gym for 10am. R slumps on sofa and doesnt want to...

Truck-part 4

BlogGeneral

Hey everybody my truck is now back to its normal self again, after a few bumpy weeks she is in...

29 January

Diary

Took Rose to dance and managed a bit of Bishy Rd. shopping. Still feeling the chemo, so back to bed...

28 January

Diary

Lovely morning at Carol's in a repeat of her knitting bee, but fewer of us - Fran, Vivienne (the felter)...

27 January

Diary

Late morning - J+R in for a nice cuddle & Toby sprawled in for a quick lounge, don't remember any...

26 January

Diary

Italian revision + a bit of tidying before Swea came, then off to look at Snowhome sale. Saw nothing we...

25 January

Diary

Off for a dentis appointment first thing with aching tooth - came away with stron flouride toothpaste. E to shcool...

Chemo Six

BlogCindy

Cindy went in today for her sixth chemo in this round. She is fine this evening, but will no doubt...

Back to School ...Soon

BlogEdward

I went into school this morning to talk about starting back after the half term holiday. They've arranged a "phased...

24 January

Diary

Zipped along for a bloodtest after dropping John + Rose off. Sleety + very cold - even Toby was wearing...

23 January

Diary

Toby didn't want to ice biscuits with me at Meeting - no Luke or Jordan, so he went home. Ran...

22 January

Diary

John enjoyed Nathan's b/day celebration of pizza + games @ Nathan's followed by Superbowl - he scored a strike. Toby...

Craft & Engineering Afternoon

BlogDays with the Children

John has gone off to a birthday party - pizza and then ten pin bowling. We're having mussels for tea,...

Rose's Slideshow

BlogDays with the Children

Rose has made a powerpoint slide show story - [have a look at it][1]. [1]: https://www.tarrant.org.uk/The Place.htm...

21 January

Diary

Nok for a sleepover - pancakes and Cludo to while the evening away. Toby did second stint at the youth...

20 January

Diary

Clear up for Swea + then off to look @ cookers - all look the same really. Taught myself to...

19 January

Diary

Fun Italian - haven't learnt my animals! Very tired and not sure about yoga. It was an energising session +...

Mum and Dad for the weekend

BlogExtended Family

Started our weekend over a cup of tea and cream doughnuts and danish pastries. Caught up on family news while...

Don Giovanni

BlogEdward & Cindy

We went to the opera last night with Keith and Judy. Before it started, we went for a meal at...

18 January

Diary

Saw 'Big Waves' - or something like that - at the City Screen this afternoon. Cycled through a blizzard on...

Knitting Bee

BlogFriends

Enjoyed a lovely day at Carol Gilham's knitting bee held to celebrate her birthday. Arrived in good time to enjoy...

17 January

Diary

Bought new light shades for the hall + a light for the kitchen - all really nice. 'Don Giovani' in...

16 January

Diary

Castle museum with Mum + Dad. See blog....

Toby's Car

BlogDays with the Children

Toby and I went out today to the Knavesmire to drive his new car which was finally in good working...

15 January

Diary

Railway museum with M+D see blog. E broke Toby's car!...

14 January

Diary

Knitting Bee @ Carol Gilham's. Great day chatting, knitting, eating & drinking - see blog. Toby 1st eve @ youth...

Kitchen Started

BlogEdward & Cindy

Cindy & I went to Ikea today, and spent a load of money on kitchen units. So things are finally...

13 January

Diary

Bought a kitchen in IKEA - at last we think it's going to happen. V nice lunch of Garvadlax +...

11 January

Diary

Thought I was better, but felt very unwell after moving around a bit. Cancelled lunch with Ruth + spent rest...

10 January

Diary

E. to occupational health this morning so I took the children to school. Firt time in ages. Good start to...

9 January

Diary

E took all to Meeting and I had a very slow morning feeling tired and with back ache - no...

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

BlogDays with the Children

Last night we went to see [The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe][1] at the West Yorkshire Playhouse with Lance...

Knitting

BlogCindy

Reading this [article][1] in today's Guardian, has prompted me to add something about Cindy's knitting. It's something she's picked up...

8 January

Diary

Very windy morning, felt quite worried about Toby out on his paper-round this morning. Managed to walk Rose to dance,...

7 January

Diary

Had a hearing testing today - all ok barring a slight niggle that they will keep an 'eye' (ear!) on....

6 January

Diary

E & I enjoyed a morning in town doing a spot of shopping and then went and had lunch together....

Last Day of the Holiday

BlogDays with the Children

We decided to have a proper day out today, before school starts tomorrow. We all went over to [Eureka][1] in...

5 January

Diary

Dentist at 9am - my teeth are aching, so feeling anxious about Simon prodding around. Off to Euraka with Jo...

4 January

Diary

Me having chemo. Took all am because of bank holiday backlog. E + children to Knavsmire to run his car....

3 January

Diary

All to cinema to see 'Unfortunate Events - Lemony Snickett.' General mooch. Went to Japanese shop + bought a nice...

Wheelchair Joke

BlogCindy

We went to Bridlington today with Mary. I enjoyed getting out in the fresh air, it wasn't quite as cold...

New Year's Eve

BlogDays with the Children Friends

We had Jane & Andy and Steve & Sam with Tom and Josh round on New Year's Eve. Cindy and...

Monster Truck Update!

BlogDays with the Children

Hey Toby here. Been fidilling with car over the last week or so and today it got its first sort...

2 January

Diary

Went to Bridlington with Mary. Lovely bright day. Sat in wheelchair for part of it. Had a laugh with Toby,...

1 January

Diary

John has a tummy bug, so a bit of a mooch day. I slept late + E did curry washing-up....

31 December

Diary

Fun dinner party of curries with Sam + Steve, Josh + Tom, Steve + Andy. Played perudo + drank beers,...

Best Present?

BlogEdward & Cindy

Mary and Lance gave us Big Deal tickets for the [West Yorkshire Playhouse][1] as a Christmas Present. This gives you...

30 December

Diary

Met up with Anne + Peter at Mary's for coffee after supper....

Christmas Round Up

BlogDays with the Children

A lovely Christmas. Children all pleased with their presents, at one point on Christmas morning our front room was ankle...

28 December

Diary

Very nice relaxing morning @ Living Well sitting in jacuzzi and steam room on Judy's guest pass Met up with...

27 December

Diary

E walking with Toby + John, Will + Jack & Mary. Very cold returned looking exhausted and boys wet -...

Christmas Eve

BlogDays with the Children

Last few preparations - present wrapping, turkey delivery (thanks Mark - who got up at four and got ours as...

Toby's Monster Truck

BlogDays with the Children

I've just got back from driving over to Immingham, the port on the other side of the Humber from Hull,...

Grown Up Evening

BlogEdward & Cindy

Last night we had Jo & Bill and Michelle & Mark round for a meal. We had a fantastic time....

Craft Day

BlogDays with the Children

Cindy is currently coping with 6 children all trying to sew at once. She must be mad - particularly after...

Incredibles

BlogDays with the Children

We went to see [The Incredibles][1] last night, or more like yesterday afternoon. It was really good. The animation is...

York Waits

BlogDays with the Children

After saying bye to James and Emma (we left them at ours to have some tea, bathe children and go...

James and Emma

BlogDays with the Children

James and Emma came all the way up from their home near Bristol to visit us - for the day!...

Last Week of Term

BlogDays with the Children

It's Friday afternoon, and the children have come home for the start of two and a half weeks of Christmas...

Very Busy Weekend

BlogDays with the Children

Friday: At school, John and Rose went off to the station (with the rest of the school) to wave flags...

One Touch of Venus

BlogEdward & Cindy

Cindy and I went to see this [musical][1] at The Grand, Leeds. It's by Kurt Weill with lyrics by Ogden...

Off to the Doctors

BlogEdward

I went to the doctor again today, and he signed me off for another 8 weeks. This will take me...

Good Food

BlogExtended Family

Cindy & I went out with Jane and Andy for a lovely meal on Saturday. We went to Meltons, the...

Badminton

BlogEdward

I played Simon again at badminton yesterday, and for the second time in recent weeks, beat him. For his peace...

John's Birthday

BlogDays with the Children

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Training Day

BlogDays with the Children

All the children had a day off school yesterday, so after a lateish morning (for me and Cindy, anyway) we...

York Christmas Lights Turned On

BlogDays with the Children

I got back from town with the children just a couple of hours ago. We'd been into town to watch...

Day Out with Ted

BlogEdward

I had a great day today. Immediately after dropping the children at school, I went to the station, met Ted...

Chemo Number 3

BlogCindy

Cindy went over to the Cancer Care Centre for a 9:45 appointment this morning for her third round of chemo...

Lunch with Kath

BlogFriends

Cindy and I had lunch with Kath Pringle today. We've seen very little of her since she, Marcus and Louis...

Dance Festival

BlogDays with the Children

John's Saturday morning dance group were part of the city's Dance Performance yesterday afternoon. His group had prepared a dance...

Badminton

BlogEdward

Normal service has been resumed. That is, Simon slaughtered me, again, as usual. I didn't even win the third game...

Week and a Half after Chemo

BlogCindy

Cindy is doing fine, but is absolutely exhausted. Today, all she has managed to do is pop out in the...

Reiki

BlogEdward

So (see comment [here][1]), what was reiki like? Well... while trying to remain scientific and sceptical - I certainly enjoyed...

Badminton

BlogEdward

I said the reiki made me feel more energetic - here's proof (perhaps). I beat Simon at badminton (notice Simon...

Late Night

BlogExtended Family

After a busy day and evening yesterday, I managed to go to bed fairly early, but just as I was...

Day Out to Harrogate

BlogCindy

After I'd dropped the children at school, Cindy and I went over to Harrogate to the [Turkish Baths][1] (recently renovated)....

Bonfire Weekend

BlogDays with the Children Friends

We've had a great weekend - two bonfire parties and visitors to stay. On Friday evening we went to John...

4 November

Journal

Have thought a lot about whether or not to write you all a letter each for when you are older....

Off Work

BlogEdward

I've been signed off sick for eight weeks by my doctor - stress. It takes me from half term to...

Mandy & David Visit

BlogExtended Family

We've had Mandy, David, Amy and Tom to visit for the last few days. They came up on Thursday and...

Back on Treatment

BlogCindy

After a few weeks of gradually getting more wheezy, Cindy has had results of a scan that show she needs...

5 October

Journal

So busy enjoying life have had no inclination to write anything here. Keep say to E that I haven't written...

Summer Holidays

BlogDays with the Children Edward & Cindy

It's been ages since we added anything, so here's a general round up of events of the last month or...

In the Lake District

BlogEdward

Well - I needn't have dreaded it! The coach journey over to the Lake District was fine, even quite pleasant,...

Edward Gets a Job!!

BlogEdward

After what feels like an age of apply for jobs and not getting anywhere, I've got a job for next...

Final Treatment

BlogCindy

The last treatment in this round of chemo has gone well, with Cindy out of hospital after only one night,...

Nice Photo

BlogCindy

Taken before Helen Andrews' wedding. <wpg2>CindyMay04</wpg2>...

Scan Result

BlogCindy

Cindy and I went to the hospital to get the results of a recent CT scan, and they were very...

Pauline & Lal's Wedding

BlogDays with the Children

<wpg2>PaulineLalWed</wpg2>...

Edward

BlogExtended Family

Edward is deep in SAT's land this week with light relief provided by a very nice art project creating a...

40th Wedding Anniversary

BlogExtended Family

Sunday 9th May and Lance and Mary's 40th Wedding Anniversary. Sorted out several weeks ago what everybody would like to...

Home Again

BlogCindy

Cindy's back home again, all having gone well with her fifth treatment. She got home at about 11:30, Lance giving...

Day out at the 'Earth Centre'

BlogDays with the Children

Biked to the railway station this morning to catch the train to Connisborough just one stop down the line from...

Feeling Better

BlogCindy

Cindy's been off chemo since Wednesday, and is now feeling much healthier. She has spent most of the afternoon in...

Treatment Postponed

BlogCindy

Cindy's fifth session of treatment in this round of chemo, which was due tomorrow, has been postponed, probably for a...

Back to School

BlogCindy Days with the Children Edward

Well it's Thursday and we've all been back at school since Monday. The children seem to have all settled back...

Cindy's Morning Tablets

BlogCindy

I thought it would be amusing to show a picture of all the tablets that Cindy takes each morning! <wpg2>tablets</wpg2>...

Rose & Toby's Birthdays

BlogDays with the Children

Just a few photos of Toby and Rose's Birthdays. <wpg2>trbday2004</wpg2>...

From Palm

BlogGeneral

Cindy can create entries on her palm....

Photo Gallery

BlogDays with the Children

I've just uploaded the first lot of photos to the photo gallery section of this site. They're of the Forbidden...

More Photos

BlogExtended Family

To celebrate the birth of Thomas Austin Bowers on 10 April 2004, here are some old photos of Katharine and...

John BackFlips

BlogDays with the Children

Look at John doing backflips! <wpg2>backflips</wpg2>...

Cat in the Hat

BlogDays with the Children

Today I took John and Rose to see the 'Cat In The Hat' very medicore and given only 5 out...

Arkengarthdale at Easter

BlogDays with the Children

We've just been to Arkengarthdale (in Swaledale - Yorkshire Dales) with David and Anita, friends from Meeting, and their two...

Fourth Treatment

BlogCindy

As scheduled and amazingly easy again!...

Third Treatment

BlogCindy

Cindy started her third session as scheduled, in spite of still being tired from the previous one. This time round...

Funny Doctor

BlogCindy

While Cindy was in hospital for her second lot of treatment, there was an amusing incident with a young doctor....

Second Session - Oh no this is awful!

BlogCindy

So during the last week in February Cindy went into York District for her second session of chemo. We were...

A New Round of Chemo

BlogCindy

Early this year Cindy had a routine scan to see how she was doing. Unfortunately it showed that the tumours...

4 February

Journal

Have been having such a good time that I have not written anything here. Edward and I had a wonderful...

26 September

Journal

(I think the date's right) Have dinner with old friends; Jane Moll + Jean Grant Take Toby to the theatre...

15 September

Journal

Take time out with Jane + Mary - Steam Said farewell to Dr Finan. She has seen the arrival of...

10 September

Journal

Sit in nice gardens The Alhambra garden was still looking good and the waterfalls delightful. John + Rose thoroughly enjoyed...