Happy Christmas

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

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

Badminton

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

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

Scarcroft Christmas Play and Choir Concert

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

Bright & Cold

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

Day of Treats

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

Eleven Not Ten

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

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

JCB Song

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

Icing Bag Nozzles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday Already

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

Brimham Rocks

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

Training Day

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

Steptoe & Son

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

Toby Still Home

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

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

Home & Shakespeare

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

Bonfire Weekend

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

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

Donations to Oxfam

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

Half Term

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

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

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

Theatre Tickets

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

Rose's Photos

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

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

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

Toby to London

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

Walk in the Wolds

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

New Look

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

Cindy's Grave

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

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

Cindy's Birthday

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

President John

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

Millthorpe Visit

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

Very Busy

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

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

Announcements in Papers

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

Photos of Mandy's Birthday

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

One Week On

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

New Photos of Cindy

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

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

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

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

11 September

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

10 September

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

9 September

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

Practical Day

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

8 September

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

Edward Goes Swimming

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

7 September

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

All Back to School

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

6 September

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

5 September

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

Cindy Downstairs

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

4 September

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

Saturday

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

3 September

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

2 September

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

1 September

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

Dane's Dyke

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

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

31 August

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

Mick and Susheila

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

30 August

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

29 August

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

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?

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

28 August

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

27 August

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

Quietish Day

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

26 August

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

25 August

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

How is Cindy?

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

24 August

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

23 August

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!

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

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

21 August

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

20 August

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

19 August

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

18 August

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

17 August

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

16 August

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

15 August

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

14 August

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

13 August

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

12 August

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

11 August

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

10 August

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

9 August

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

Beach Again

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

Walks and Trains

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

8 August

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

Sunday - Beach

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

Pool in Stream

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

7 August

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

Journey to Wales

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

6 August

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

Maurice at Thruxton

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

Jayne's Birthday

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

5 August

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

Weekend at Home

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

Spy Game

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

4 August

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

Badminton

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

Lake District

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

3 August

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

2 August

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

1 August

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

31 July

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

30 July

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

29 July

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

28 July

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

27 July

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

26 July

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

25 July

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

24 July

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

23 July

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

22 July

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

21 July

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

20 July

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

19 July

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

18 July

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

17 July

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

16 July

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

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

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

Toby's New Site

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

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

14 July

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

13 July

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

12 July

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

11 July

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

10 July

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

9 July

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

To Uranus and Back!

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

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

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

7 July

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

All Family OK

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

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

6 July

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

Farndale

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

5 July

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

4 July

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

3 July

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

2 July

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

1 July

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

30 June

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

29 June

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

28 June

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

Lovely Day Out

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

27 June

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

26 June

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

25 June

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

The 39 Steps

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

Kitchen Finished

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

24 June

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

23 June

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

22 June

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

21 June

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

20 June

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

19 June

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

18 June

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

Toby Away

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

17 June

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

16 June

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

15 June

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

14 June

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

13 June

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

12 June

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

11 June

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

10 June

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

9 June

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

8 June

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

7 June

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

6 June

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

5 June

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

4 June

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

4 June

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

3 June

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

2 June

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

1 June

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

31 May

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

30 May

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

29 May

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

28 May

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

27 May

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

26 May

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

25 May

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

24 May

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

23 May

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

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

Seaside Again

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

Saturday

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

22 May

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

21 May

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

Non Contact Time

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

20 May

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

19 May

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

Scarcroft Arts Evening

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

18 May

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

Turkish Baths

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

17 May

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

16 May

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

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

15 May

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

Sleepovers

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

14 May

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

13 May

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

12 May

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

11 May

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

10 May

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

9 May

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

8 May

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

Nitin Sawhney

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

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

Kitchen Photos

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

Jane and Andy's Wedding

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

6 May

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

5 May

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

4 May

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

3 May

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

Two Fantastic Days at the Seaside

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

2 May

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

Catch Up Time

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

1 May

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

30 April

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

29 April

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

28 April

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

27 April

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

26 April

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

25 April

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

24 April

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

23 April

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

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

21 April

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

20 April

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

19 April

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

18 April

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

17 April

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

16 April

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

15 April

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

14 April

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

13 April

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

12 April

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

11 April

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

10 April

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

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

8 April

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

7 April

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

6 April

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

5 April

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

4 April

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

3 April

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

2 April

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

What a Day

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

1 April

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

31 March

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

30 March

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

Kitchen Progress

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

29 March

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

Chemo Nine

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

28 March

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

Easter Sunday

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

27 March

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

26 March

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

25 March

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

24 March

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

Back Home

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

23 March

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

22 March

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

21 March

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

20 March

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

19 March

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

18 March

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

17 March

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

16 March

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

15 March

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

14 March

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

13 March

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

12 March

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

11 March

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

10 March

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

9 March

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

Chemo 8

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

8 March

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

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

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

7 March

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

6 March

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

5 March

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

Kitchen Starts!

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

4 March

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

3 March

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

John - Silent - Surely Not!

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

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

1 March

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

28 February

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

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

27 February

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

A Doll's House

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

26 February

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

25 February

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

Tobias' Visit

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

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

School

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

Kitchen

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

24 February

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

23 February

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

22 February

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

21 February

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

20 February

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

19 February

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

18 February

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

17 February

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

Waiting for Tobias

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

16 February

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

15 February

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

14 February

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

Mandy and Tom Here

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

13 February

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

Back to School

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

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

12 February

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

11 February

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

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

10 February

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

9 February

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

Wedding List

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

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

7 February

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

6 February

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

5 February

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

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

4 February

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

Truck moved

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

Surprise for Cindy

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

3 February

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

2 February

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

1 February

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

Taiz&eacute; Service

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

John's Slideshow

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

31 January

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

30 January

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

Truck-part 4

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

29 January

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

28 January

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

27 January

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

26 January

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

25 January

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

Chemo Six

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

Back to School ...Soon

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

24 January

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

23 January

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

22 January

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

Craft & Engineering Afternoon

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

Rose's Slideshow

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

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

20 January

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

19 January

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

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

Don Giovanni

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

18 January

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

Knitting Bee

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

17 January

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

16 January

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

Toby's Car

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

15 January

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

14 January

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

Kitchen Started

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

13 January

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

11 January

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

10 January

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

9 January

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

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

Knitting

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

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

7 January

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

6 January

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

Last Day of the Holiday

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

5 January

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

4 January

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

3 January

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

Wheelchair Joke

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

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

Monster Truck Update!

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

2 January

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

1 January

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