2nd to last day

Sunday 30th June 2nd to last day before I fly home and off shopping with Sharon and Clare to Harrogate. So went o Sharon's at 11.45 and then off to Clare's obvisiously I drove, also first time seen Clare's place was nice next to valley gardens so not far to walk to town. Then time to go do shopping and aim was to get Sharon a nice dress for when she comes to Australia and goes to the Opera House. She wasn't really sure if she wanted to buy one yet but we managed to find her a lovely one at White Company but wasn't sure on colour was grey/blue would of preferred black. But we managed to persuade her to buy it, then she found another one at Crew Clothing a flowery one and a scarf. We then went to Whistles who appeared to have a better sale than last week and the dresses I liked which were full price were now in sale. I then had to decide which I preferred as liked both but went for the daisy textured lace dress in navy with neon trim which thought would be good for New Yeas Eve. It was then time for some food went to Mama Doreen's where their make love yummy cupcakes, which are just any old cupcakes. The scrumptious Yorkshire cupcakes are made using the freshest ingredients and had the lemon one very yummy. Then time to say bye to Clare and not sure when I will next see her as not sure when next coming to England. It was then home at 4.30 mum and dad had been in attic today and got mine and Sharon's old pushchair down, Ellie loved pushing it round and obvisiously tried to sit in it. We then had my final meal with the family roast beef all the trimming then Bakewell tart with custard which was lovely. After relaxed was time to say bye to Sharon, Nanna and Ben and was ok as know seeing Sharon & Ben in 10weeks time and Ellie staying tonight.

                                         

Chester & BBQ dinner

Whilst driving to Chester trust it to start raining as soon as I got on the M62 so didn't really enjoy my drive over there. Got to Hayley's about 4.30 and usually plan to go to David lloyds so kids could go to kids club and us have a coffee in the lounge. But was change plan just decided to stay at hers and both Samuel and William were hpy to see me and appeared to like their presents t-shirt, Scooby doo book and haviananas. I had got them different styles of haviananas but both ith transformers and trust William to prefer Samuels but made him feel better when said will get them eventually when too small for Samuel. We had a little play and when came to bedtime had to read their Scooby doo books I read to wiilliam then will read to Samuel next night. Once boys in bed me and Hayley had tea pasta with prawns and asparagus with wine, Jamie got home later watched TV for abit then bed midnight. Sleeping on sofa bed in lounge and boys came down early in morning and Samuel put film on at 6ish then Hayley and Jamie got up 7am. I took the boys to school to Hayley and were very excitable and trust it to be raining. Then me and Hayley went to Cheshire oaks a Designer Outlet with a great range of designer brands, offering up to 60% off designer clothing and products. Was a few shops which weren't there before like Barbour, joules, Kipling and a few more was a few nice jackets at Barbour but don't need another one. I also tried on a few dresses as want one for New Year but was nothing which I thought I had to have. Was some asics tiger trainers in black which fancied for work but tried on but still not 100%, but had to tell when got a skirt on. Whilst shopping was dry and then trust when we were just leaving for it to start raining which is typical when got to pick boys up. But first phone David Lloyd gym up to see if can use free pass from voucher cloud tomorrow and can do. Then to pick boys up and had to take umbrellas for them and were abit silly at first but soon settled. We then went out in my mini to McDonalds as Hayley wants mini and to see if car seats fit in which did and boys enjoyed. When back boys play for abit and I had my first packet of quavers a cheese flavour potato snack very nice and then bed for boys and I read to Samuel tonight. Had Chinese tonight which Jamie got on way home and was very good especially the prawn crackers and bed 11pm. 

William came down in morning unsure what time but just wanted a cuddle and then we both went back to sleep, Samuel then came down early to watch TV. It was then to David Lloyd and boys wanted to go in my car but said no as I was going straight home after been to David Lloyd. So boys went to kids club first and whilst there were they me and Hayley went to gym only went on cross trainer for 10 minutes then ran on treadmill for 3.15 miles. Then time for the boys swimming lesson but had time to play in pool first was cold outside but at least pool heated. Whilst boys were having swim lesson gave me chance to have a swim, watched boys swim from jacuzzi then go in sauna and steam room very relaxing. Finished about 12ish and then trust William to want to have shower with me which was fine as liked using my toiletries. We then went to cafe to get something but nothing really fancied so just had parsnip crisps and a latte and to have pictures with the boys. I left just after 1.30 and Samuel was very sweet said was nice seeing me and my dress was pretty, I also enjoyed seeing them. Lucky when I left the sun was shining which was nice alot better weather for driving in not like when I drive here. Once hone cup of tea then take sone clothes to loved shop in boroughbridge who sell them for you, let's hope sell. I then helped mum put Ellie's old babywalker on gumtree as mum unsure how to do and don't need anymore. It was then to Linda and Stuart's about 7ish for BBQ dinner and we arrived just before Sarah and Jamie. Had lots of nibbles first breadsticks and dips very nice and also had Pimms for us to drink felt like a proper British summer. But wasn't really sure if wanted to sit outside as was still abit chill but was actually not to bad once out. It was then time for the BBQ and certainly plarnty of food sausages, kebabs, spare ribs, chicken wings, burger and steak burger and was all very good. Mum had made pudding lemon mousse which very refreshing and white chocolate cheesecake which was good but couldn't eat too much and Linda had done fruits sticks. After pudding was time to go inside the girls in the garden room and the boys in the lounge watching football. Was a nice night just a shame didn't really have chance to have a proper catch up with Sarah and left midnight. Once home watched the end of Glastonbury live on TV first time Rolling Stones their were very entertaining fell asleep on sofa and bed 3.

Spa morning

Woke up during in night and eventually got up at 7.30 had breakfast then off to Aldwark manor at 9.30 for our spa morning, as only 5 minutes down the road. As unfortunately we didn't have enough time to do a full spa day as probably would of preferred Rockcliffe hall or Seaham hall but aldwark more convenient. Aldwark manor is a fantastic old manor house set in lovely grounds, the spa and health club is very quiet with a pool, steam/sauna room and gym. Me and mum visited aldwark manor reflections spa as a treat to ourselves and its always nice to have some pampering now and again. Our 1st appointment was 10 am and unfortunately there couldn't fit in 2x60 minute treatment so I let mum have the 60 minute treatment and I got 2x 20 minute ones. Got to wear my new swimsuit which I got from Seafolly in Australia and was nice to wander around in robe. My first treatment I decided to have was head, shoulder, neck and back massage as my shoulders were tense and felt it helped. Was taken to thevrelaxation room but decided woukd prefer to use facilities so went in the steam room. It was then time for my next treatment this time decided to have a facial as is recommend every few months and not had one for ages. I then went to meet mum in the spa first was into the jacuzzi, steam room and then for a little which was nice and cool then to sauna, steam room and pool. My favourite was definitely the steam room and i usually prefer the sauna as like it hot, unfortunately didn't have time to use gym. We left the spa facilities at 12.15 to go changed for our light lunch where we got 2 courses and we prefer had the same. First was pancetta and onion tart then salmon seemed small but was very filling with new potatoes but mum not keen on new potatoes so got chips aswell. It was a great place to be pampered for half day by attentive staff in the Spa and enjoy fine dining in the restaurant, but not sure if coud do full day here. After was straight to boroughbridge to put Rachel's cheque for NYE cruise in bank and to fill car up for my journey later on. It was then home time for cup of tea and then time to head to Chester left just after 2ish and was fine when left.

Catch up and cinema

Slept slightly better last only actually woke up once at 6am and then got up at 8.30. Had breakfast then thought best go for a run to test out my new trainers only did 2.01miles but stopped after 1 mile. Then back shower and drive to hornbeam train station to catch train to Leeds and just missed train as was just pulling away as I got into car park. Drove round a few times but couldn't find a space was hoping to park in college car park but is now permit holders. It took me so long to get parked but eventually got parked up the road but still missed the 2nd one but made the 3rd one. So by the time I got to Leeds was 12.30 and 1st stop was Trinity shopping centre a new shopping centre which only opened march 2013. Trinity Leeds shopping centre has the best high street shoos and restaurants with its own impressive artworks and a glass roof. It also has a few new shops in Leeds which won't their before like 'Hollister' but was nothing what I wanted and met Kate there. By this point I was quite hungry so we went to M&S cafe and I just had pasta and sushi then time to look round shops. As Kate looking for graduation outfit but never found anything, I tried on nice dress by Ted Baker at house of fraser but wasn't sure on the zip. So I ended up buying nothing and was nice to catch up with Kate who doesn't appear to miss Sydney and was surprised am not bored with it yet. Got train back at 3.59 and was worried might be clamped after speaking with mum but luckily wasn't. Then driving out saw sign which said 'if not authorised clamp £50 to remove' so was very lucky but parked opposite side of road to sign. When home had tea with dad fishacakes from M&S and strawberries for dessert very nice. Then Lisa came at 7 as off to cinema tonight but first to Tesco to get a few sweets wasn't sure what to see ended up seeing 'World War Z'. The story revolves around United Nations employee Gerry Lane (Pitt), who traverses the world in a race against time to stop a pandemic that is toppling armies and governments and threatening to decimate humanity itself. Was a well-crafted, action-packed, and most impressively, not overly gory horror thrill ride as am not that keen on zombie movie but was better than expected. Was also good to catch up with Lisa and find out what she been up now has her own cat and dog now. Once got in was still wide awake so finished watching the end of 'Ghost' and then go to bed 11pm.

Photo shoot

Tuesday 25th June and didn't sleep too well heard Ellie at 2ish but she went back to sleep then woke up 6ish and got up at 8. It was then to Ripon to sort out my Leeds building society just signed ISA up for another year and Dad eventually found some new trainers which I found for him. Home chill for abit then Sharon arrive 12.30ish and then go to York for our family photo shoot, Ellie eventually fell asleep in car as not slept all day. We ended up parking near the post office and parking was expensive was £12 but gave us parking til 8am tomorrow morning. Then to portfolio studios on micklegate for our photo shoot, Portfolio studio boasts the areas largest mult-set photography studio and a wide range of profesional photography packages. As soon as we arrived was offered a drink and obvisiously we all decided on the sparkling wine. Then time to have our make up done decided to go natural but couldn't believe how long my eyelashes were and decided to have hair curly for a change, happy with finished result. When we are finished and looking superb and glamorous, we were escorted to the studio to meet our photographer. This is where we got to discuss which backgrounds and sets we like from over a dozen different options for our exciting photo-shoot. By this time Ellie just waking up and first was to have our professional pictures done and Ellie wasn't really that bothered by it but liked the student who kept her distracted. The professional one was more focused on the three of us and us as individuals also Ellie wouldn't smile for camera think had 3 outfits. Following this we were escorted to the super saver infinity studio for contemporary, creative and energetic shots. This is were we met 'Maddie' who was taking our family shots and tried to make it more fun for Ellie. We then got chance to take a break of an hour so had a quick dash into town as Shaton wanted some MAC make-up and mum collect something from M&S. It was then back to studio to view our images which are retouched to the highest standard and we got see a presentation of them. Was so many good ones was hard to decide which ones we definitely wanted eventually got it down to 16 pictures on CD with a framed pictures for £100 each. Then home and can't believe where the time had gone as was nearly 7pm so decided we would go out for food just the 3 of us. Originally first thought was to go to Sweet Basil a Chinese/Thai restaurant but Dad not really that keen on Chinese. So ended up going to the Ship Inn at Aldborough a warm country pub which offers British food and we all had Gammon, egg and pineapple was good. It was then home drink wine and watch TV and trust me to fall asleep on sofa and eventually got to bed at 12.

Shopping and meet old work mates

Woke up in night just for a change then also 6 and 8am which is when I eventually got up. Our originally plan was to go to Ripon this morning with Nanna to change her bank account from 2 to 1 but she managed to do over phone. So instead decided to go to York designer outlet as the tunic's I got Sharon she decided wasn't really, so had to go back. First to pick up Nanna as thought best invite her since we were originally doing so etching with her even though designer not really her thing. Then trust Ellie to fall asleep just when we were arriving at designer so wasn't in the best humour when walking round. Found a nice star jumper at M&S but unfortunately not my size and my aim to find Sarah's birthday present which I got. Then Ellie just go to sleep when we were planning to leave so went for food I had bagel with salmon and avocado with Harrogate spring water. When Ellie woke up she enjoyed drinking from the straw and then it was too Tesco to get a few things. Once home the aim was to go for a run but it never happened got distracted with other things and had to get ready to go out. As meeting girls from old work today for a catch and trust the traffic to be bad even though left in plenty of time but was probably bad due to spillage on M1. Also once got to Harrogate couldn't get parked so ended up parking at Debenhams car park as got fed up driving round. Eating at Deano's graze and grill which focuses on hearty, rustic dishes with influences from around the world yet all locally sourced. It was nice was 7 of us including me and was a good night was nice to catch up with everyone and find out what everyone been up too and sounds like hospital still the same. To eat I decided to have the grazing plate where get 3 dishes for £15 which is like Spanish but without being typical Spanish. I had Thai fish cakes, shellfish risotto and meatballs with gnocchi all was very good and was nice to try abit of everything. Was a good night we all appeared to have a lot of fun catching up and everything told me not to rush to come back. When I got home was wide awake so didn't go to bed til 11ish.

My birthday weekend

Saturday 22nd June and my birthday didn't have the best sleep woke up 3,5,7 and then eventually got  up at 8am. As soon as I got up I opened my presents from Rachel as mum and dad still in bed and she got me Roxy spotty bag, roxy stripey bikini and ted baker toiletries. Then once mum and dad up open rest of present who got mt Thomas sabo bracelet with star charm, acqua de gio perfume, digital luggage scales and razors. I also had other presents Sarah got me some clairns skincareand inga my friend from uni got me some lancome perfume, so very lucky. Only had light breakfast as mum doing bacon sandwiches later so just coconut yoghurt my favourite yoghurt at the moment. So after Ellie's swimming lesson arrive just after 10ish mum did bacon sandwiches for everyone was worth the wait, nice to have proper bacon. Also Sharon bought my birthday present a north face waterproof jacket jade which will keep me nice and dry once in Sydney. When Sharon arrived the post lady was just delivering and was parcel for me my present from Nat a cup and travel hair care very good timing that arrive on my birthday. It was then time to go shopping so left about 11.30 and went to York designer outlet a Shopping Centre which has a great range of designer labels at discount prices, reduced by up to 60%. Was so much choice I ended up buying ted baker dress only £20 a bargain, joules dress, Ellie gap star playsuit, I also got Sharon some tunics from joules and Rachel got some bargains. We didn't actually end up leaving the outlet til 4.15 and hadn't eaten so hungry, so called at Skip bridge to get crumpets and wine. Once home Ellie allowed there as Mum and Dad looking after her tonight so me and aravhel can stay at Sharon's. It was then time to get ready to go out wearing my M&S dress and didn't leave ours til 6.40pm get to Sharon's finish wine then go pick Lou up, Ben driving us. We met at Caffe Marconi a new Italian cafe/restaurant and Clare already sat waiting for us just then Sue and Julie arrived. Had garlic bread to share then I had cannelloni and lemon tart with pot of Nutella all was very nice would definitely recommend. After food we went for a few drinks to Pitcher & Piano then to a Banyan was a nice night unfortunately didn't take many pictures only one of me and Julie. Was an early night as Ben picked us up at 11 and once home straight to bed was hoping for good night sleep didn't happen woke up 3,6 and got up 8. Had crossiants and latte for breakfast very nice even though up early didn't actually get moving til 11.30. Sharon ended up sorting out Whatsapp for Rachel's iPhone as she wasn't sure how to do and will be cheaper for in the long run. We then went shopping to Harrogate tried on a few dresses but wasn't 100% so all I ended up buying was a jumper from TKMaxx and sleepsuit for Ellie from Cath KidstonHad lunch at M&S bought sandwiches and crisps from the shop downstairs then ate them in restaurant but did buy coffees, so did deserve to sit in their. Drop Rachel off at train station not sure if have to get ticket but said not then waited with Rachel til train at 4.53 and luckily no ticket. On way home have to pick Nanna up and trust her not to be at hone was at Josies house for the open gardens. Once home tea nearly ready having roast lamb with all the trimmings but mum made wrong pudding so will make Bakewell tart for next Sunday. Nanna also got Ellie a new toy a singing lion which Ellie seemed to like was constantly giggling when it sung but everyone else not bothered with it. Ellie staying tonight aswell since mum looks after her on Monday so me and Sharon gave her bath then put her new slepsuit on, very cute.

Shopping, baby gym and look after Ellie

Still not sleeping the best woke up 5ish then got up just after 7 which was good as had to drop Mum off at work at 8am. After dropping mum off was straight to Sharon's and Ellie was just finishing her breakfast then to Harrogate. First stop Up and Running which is a shop which has anextensive range of specialist running clothes, trainers & shoes. Up and Running had one simple formula to provide the best personal care to runners so Ellie got to watch me on treadmill then bought my new saucony trainers and got free socks. It was then to 'Blacks' an outdoor clothing store for Sharon to get my birthday present got me a north face lightweight waterproof jacket in jade. We then had a quick look round some of the shops as Sharon wanted a new top for tomorrow tonight but unfortunately couldn't find one. It was then to Little Gym to watch Ellie do her gymnastics which she seemed to enjoy and was straight to get the musical istruments. The Little Gym is an experiential learning and physical development center offering children's physical activities including parent/child classes and many more. I stayed on the outside of glass Ellie's friend Lucas was flirting with me through the glass kept coming to see me and another boy in glass before kept bringing me things. Straight I dentist after for Sharon not me but first stop havenhands for sausage rolls and flapjack, I stayed in car as Ellie asleep. Get back to Sharon's house and Katie's sister stood outside waiting for Sharon to go to the Take That concert in Manchester. Ellie wasn't that happy but probably as just woken up, was hungry and Sharon was leaving straight so just left with me. Was fine after she had eaten had a little play then we went for walk into town to get Ellie's passport form and paper for Dad. Was gone for about an hour on our walk then when back play in ball pool but not that interested much preferred the animals. Rachel arriving today but since looking after Ellie had organised for Dad to collect her straight after work and then dropped her off at Sharon's. By the time Rachel and Dad arrived Ben already there but had cup of tea then we went back to mum and dads. Mum cooking tea steak pie one of Rachels favourite dishes and coffee cake which was very good. Afterwards Mum and Dad went to pub as new ownership so wanted to see what it was like, which their said was busy. It also gave Me and Rachel chance to catch up as been over a year since we last saw each other then bed 11pm and slept on air bed.

James Martin restaurant 'Talbot at Malton'

Woke up 5ish but then eventually got up at 7 on Thursday and then go to Boroughbridge with Mum and Dad as Dad at Dr's early and look round shops. Home then get ready to go out as me and Sharon taking Mum and Dad to Talbot hotel at Malton 'James Martin restaurant' for belated Mother's Day present for mum. As Mum is a big fan of James Martin we thought it would be a nice treat to go and as soon as we arrived it looked very grand. We were not disappointed, from the moment we arrived we felt welcome, comfortable and relaxed. The menu provided very good choice Me and Mum shared starter crab risotto and asparagus with poached egg, we both preferred the crab risotto. Followed by the pan fried salmon with clams which not sure had before but were good think will have again. Me and Mum then shared the white chocolate and Whisky crossiant butter pudding, which am glad we had. We all enjoyed even though Dad was abit unsure at first but the food did not disappoint and think we would definitely go again. Then to Clifton Moor after as thought best get an air bed for when Rachel here since not sleeeping the best and couldn't find old one. Once home me and Mum went to see Nanna as been phoning and not answering, realised she had turned the volume down on phone. I then dropped Mum off at bowls, I came home chilled and tried to transfer money to Sharon but somehow locked account so had to go through security checks. Linda and Stuart came round after bowls and seem to be getting excited about Australia decided where want to sit for Ashes and bed midnight.

Hesketh farm

Wednesday 19th June and still didn't have the best night woke up at 6 and then eventually got up at 9am. Dad off work today so doing something with Sharon and Ellie but first go to Knaresborough to try to sort out my ISA. But whilst driving into Knaresborough my traffic lights were on green when a learner car just pulled out straight in front of me luckily I had reflexes. Knaresborough busy but it was market day so couldn't get parked had to park in car park and walk but wasn't far. First stop Santander to enquire about getting a ISA with them but unfortunately can't get one as don't have account with them, so best stay with Leeds building society. Then to have a look round the market as Sharon said to get food so we got proper Cornish pastries for later. Once at Sharon's was a nice day so decided to all go to Hesketh farm park is set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales just 1 mile from the picturesque village of Bolton Abbey. Hesketh farm is a working farm with over 1000 livestock including cattal, sheep and pigs, along with some you won't expect in a farm in North of England. The farm offers a wide range of activities first was Ellie to they guinea pig holding/petting area and didn't seem that interested, think Sharon enjoyed more. Then to look at the pigs were you can actually brush the pigs which dad did and the pigs weren't bothered at all just laid there. Next some cows and was one called 'Ellie' and a tortoise, then to go outside to see what else we could find. First was to have our lunch and sat on the picnic bench and the Cornish pastry was very good but Ellie not bothered about her pizza bagel. So we then had a walk round outside to look at the goats, sheep and donkeys but unfortunately donkeys at otherside of field. Was pigs in one field but couldn't see where hiding from us but got to see two giant tortoises 'Samson and Delia' who were very cute just riaming the outside area. Time to then go on the ride-on tractors which it took Sharon 3 attempts to find one to go on and think Ellie enjoyed. Then time for drink and Ellie just wanted to play with the bottles but couldn't really use the straw, then tried her in sandpit didn't like. I then went to show Ellie the two donkeys 'Mary and Jack' but she wasn't really interested so went on the tractor and she enjoyed turning the steering wheel. It was then to play in the playground Ellie liked the slide and quad-bike but didn't really seem that bothered with swing. The tractor ride look like fun but declined going as thought Ellie might be abit young but was a good day out, would definitely go again. A trip then to Billy-bob's ice-cream parlour just up the hill from Bolton Abbey, which is an old fashioned american diner. Yorkshire dales ice-cream  is made here at this farm and there is lots off flavours to choose from and I had the strawberry cheesecake which was good and dad preferred mine. Add in some rather unique play equipment the large wood forts, tractors and trains was great fun for all even for me. Home to Sharon's where play outside some more and I took Ellie for a ride on her birthday trike which she enjoyed. Mum then came to pick dad up and Clare came round to catch up as first time see her since back had cup of tea then go home. Once home thought I best go for my run even though couldn't be bothered only did 2.14 miles but had to stop after 1 mikes as felt unwell but luckiky only coughed up saliva. Rest of night didn't really do that much but went to bed at midnight.

Scarborough

So today doing something as family apart from dad who's working, Sharon and Eliie arrived just before 9 am. Luckily it was nice day so decided to go to Scarborough our British seaside and whenever I think of British seaside Scarborough is the one that offers me the most memories. Scarborough is a town on the North Sea coast of North Yorkshire, England, within the borough of the same name. The most striking feature of the town's geography is a high rocky promontory pointing eastward into the north sea. Normally in car journeys Ellie's falls asleep for some reason wasn't that bothered going to sleep must off been that interested in aunty Jo so trust her to fall asleep 10 minutes before got there. As soon as got there we went for walk along the east pier where got a good view off the beachfront with lots of boats. British seaside is slightly different to Australian beach as when I think of British seaside I always imagine Ice creams, saucy postcards, fish 'n' chips, rock, donkey rides and deckchairs. Whilst Australia has some of the best beaches with huge coastlines and Bondi is known for lifesavers, surfers and sun worshippers. But one thing that both Scarborough and Sydney have in common is that their both have a Luna park. Scarborough's luna park is a mini theme park with Ferris Wheel, rides and Dodgems situated on Scarborough Harbour beside the East (outer) Pier. It was then to go on the beach and it was the first time Ellie been on a beach which she seemed to like and at least didn't try to eat the sand. Me and Sharon took her for a walk into the sea which was cold but didn't seem to bother Ellie as she sat in it. It was then time for fish 'n' chips and went to 'Winking Willy's' which is supposedly known for good fish and chips. But Sharon was abit disappointed as chips pale and skin on the fish but still tasted good and Ellie definitely liked the chips and supposedly first time had. Then had a wander into town where there isn't many shops but still managed to lose Sharon and Eliie but soon found her and got work a present some rock. We then went for our lemon top ice-cream which is like lemon sorbet on top of whippy ice-cream very nice and Ellie not bothered about it. Had another wander down the harbour shops and Ellie had time to practice her walking and liked the arcades and went in the moving boat. Didn't end up getting home til 6.30 and was supposed to go for a run but it never happened instead I ended up falling asleep with cat and got to bed at 1.

Shopping and meet uni girls

Monday 17th June woke up 3 and 6 then couldn't get back to sleep so play games, text Debbie and update blog then eventually got up 8.30. Didn't get moving til 10ish eventhough Sharon got week off work to spend me was busy today catching up with her baby friends. Went to Knaresborough with Mum to print some pictures off and go to Yorkshire building society to sort out my ISA. But couldn't actually do anything with assumed matured April but doesn't actually mature til 1st September so couldn't do anything with it. Next to Harrogate to go do some shopping disappointed with TKMaxx couldn't find anything I wanted, which is not like me. I felt like a big kid again as so many shops to go to and a few new ones since I was last home like Whistles where nice dress but not 100% sure. Called into Leeds building society as ISA matured to sign up again but a few options so will discuss with Dad first before signing up. Went to Debenhams and had Clairns set on offer so bought the facial cleansing set which was cleanser, toner and gentle refiner with a beauty case. It was then for afternoon tea which appears to be a English affair that alot of us enjoy to indulge in. So off to Marks and Spencer's we went for afternoon tea for two which is served to your table on a three tier stand. Which included scone, clotted cream and jam, your choice of pack of sandwiches, strawberry tart with tea or coffee, was very nice presented well. It was then to look round the shop and bought a gorgeous dress which as soon as I tried on the assistant said it was lovely. I bought this dress during the 20% off promo and the fit was very flattering which looked far more expensive than it is and bought Ellie a sea-print playsuit for her Australia holiday. Then to go to boroughbridge and whilst driving their a light came on in car, not sure what is so phoned dad. Who recommended going to see Andrew at garage since driving to Sheffield later and luckily can fit us in later. Call at Morrison's for petrol then Dr's to get more cream for my hands, then too see Andrew and trust light to off gone by then but still looked at car and nothing to be concerned about. Which is good so still ok to drive to Sheffield to meet uni friends but home first for cup of tea so not going to hit traffic if left now so ended up leaving just before 6pm. Meet Inga at Debenhams in Meadowhall have a quick look round shops but didn't buy anything and unfortunately Inga couldn't stay for meal. Then off to meet Jo and Crystal at food court decided to go to 'Rice' a new asian place since I was last here. It was not that busy only one other person there, the food was nice but trust us to pick the only place which shut at 8.30. But we still had lots to catch up on so went to Starbucks to chat some more since been nearly a year since last saw each other was good then left 10ish. On way home thought would have the music loud to keep me going and when home mum awake think waited up to make sure got home alright, nice to know worries. So had cup of tea before bed and hoping would sleep through tonight but unfortunately it didn't happen woke up 3,6 and got up 7.

Shopping and staveley stampede 10km

Saturday 15th June didn't sleep the best after going to bed 9ish woke up 4 couldn't get back to sleep but eventually did and woke up 7. Then what to do today and eventually got moving about 10ish and decided me and mum would go shopping to Monks Cross shopping. Also my first time to drive my mini again and felt so good to drive again and especially a manual car was just like old times. First stop was TK Maxx which offers famous brands and labels with up to 60% less than recommended retail prices. I normally find things in at TK Maxx but was abit disappointed couldn't find anything to buy was some jeans I liked but unfortunately was not my size. It was then time for lunch just went to sainsbury's supermarket and just had soup it was then nice to look round proper supermarket got my Rachel's coconut yoghurt. Then to go look round the rest of the shops was Debenhams, Next, Marks and Spencer's and Monsoon but was nothing that took my fancy. Boots had an offer on Clairns which  was quite tempted to buy but will have a look rou d see what other offers on. I was expecting to eat out tonight but found out not eating only going for drinks so got some food from marks and Spencer's. So for my first shopping trip since been back was abit off a disappointment didn't buy anything mum was the only one who got some perfume. I dropped mum off at work and then when home went for a run to test out trainers but was too big luckily was another pair so best of 3. It was then time for tea had my marks and Spencer's quiche and salad was good then pudding kit kat peanut chunky my favourite chocolate bar at the moment. Then off to meet Nat who I used to work with at Kestrel for catch up and go through Australia stuff as she is hoping to come next year. So I went through everything which I had do e in a logical order and didn't realise I had done so much to come to Australia but obvisiously worth it. I told her if hoping to come February next year should apply now as is a long process took me a year from when I applied online. Got home 9.30pm and stayed up for abit but then thought best have an early night since my 10km  race tomorrow so bed 10ish.

Sunday didn't sleep well woke up 3.30 back to sleep fine, 6ish and couldn't get to sleep think awake about an hour then eventually got up 8. It was Fathers Day so got dad to open his present and card and he liked especially the card as had done it on Moonpig so had pictures of us on and Australia T-shirt. Then time to go do the Staveley Stampede 10km run which starts and finishes at the Staveley village hall and dad coming to cheer me on. Was quite nervous about doing the run probably as not done a race for a while and ridnt really have the right trainers but nice to see Julie, Sue and Steve. luckily it was quite flat we made our way through the nature reserve and the lovely Yorkshire Countryside at one point I wondered where I was as went past Roecliffe Business Centre. But after 3 miles my feet were starting to ache was such I would have blisters tomorrow had to stop to drink my water. I must of stopped a few time and one person even gave me jelly beans to keep me going which helped a little. It was was so nice when come out at Copgrove as is a nice downhill finish over the last mile from Copgrove to Staveley. I managed to do it in 1hr 3mins so not too bad but would of preferred if it had been under an hour. There was 138 runners and luckily the rain stayed away and I think dad thought I must of got lost as I was 126 runner back but was a lot from running teams. Once home shower and dad go pick mum up from work and do food shopping. Sharon came round 2.30ish to give dad his Father's Day presents, Ellie asleep at first so Ben sat in car with her for abit and it took abit for her to come round and their left 5ish. Then for Indian at Zolsha which is a sleek and sophisticated dining experience located in the centre of Knaresborough’s ancient market town.Whilst the food at the restaurant is outstandingly consistent, it is designed with a contemporary and welcoming aura right at its heart. We decided to have the buffet and you certainly got plenty was about 3 different curries plus onion bhaja's and chicken wings. Since it was Dads day it was his choice to go to Indian and think we all enjoyed and he wore his new top that I bought him. Home and fell asleep on sofa with blarney the cat laid on top of me so eventually got into bed at midnight.

York races

Friday 14th June woke up during in night but went back to sleep til 7.30 and when woke up could hear the sheep in the field so made me feel at home as don't hear them in Sydney. I then thought best get up had breakfast and got to have some coconut yoghurt with cereal and haven't had coconut yoghurt for ages. It was then time to go for a run as need to go to try out trainers since didn't fetch mine and doing 10km run on Sunday only did 2.2 miles and didn't like trainers so will have to go tomorrow. Home and get. Ready to go to York races but what to wear decided on white dress with black belt, but belt too big so mum had to make another hole in it. Sharon arrived late as usual but she did fetch food with her pastry's which were good but wasn't a proper Cornish pastry. Mum wearing a fascinator so thought I would wear a hat even though we left later than we wanted we still got their in plenty of time. As soon as we arrived first stop was drink and went to top which gave you a nice few off the races and gave us chance to eye up the carvery. Then it was to decide who to bet on was 7 races in total, me and Sharon decided to bet together and we kept thinking of betting on ones then changing at last minute. Then obvisiously the ones we thought of at first either got placed or won typical as in 4th race was 'Yorkshire Relish' which were tempted then changed and won. But I suppose it is always luck of the draw but mum and dad were having slightly more luck than us. We decided to have afternoon tea instead of the carvery and was very nice but think I preferred the savoury to the sweet options. As had duck spring rolls, samosa's, sausage rolls which were all very nice and some of the sweet were abit of a late down apart from the scone with jam and cream. So since we were having afternoon tea we missed the 6th race but me and Sharon actually won in the last race we bet on 'Singzak' it didnt win it only come 2nd. But at least it was our first win of the day and 'Looks like Rain' won and after won it chucked it down so we got a little wet getting our winnings good job I had my hat on. The last race finished at 5.15pm but gave it half an hour til we left to avoid traffic which wasn't too bad. Once home we didn't need food as still full from our afternoon tea so just stayed in with mum and dad had sparkling wine but at about9ish falling asleep on sofa so went to bed.