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.

Arriving home, look after Ellie and toes

So nice after collecting luggage to walk through and see Mum, Dad and Nanna waiting for me wasn't expecting to see but nice surprise. Nanna seemed abit teary to see me and even said 'was like when I left' so was obviously happy to see me. Thought we might hit traffic on way home because of time but luckily wasn't that bad but have still got silly roadworks on M62. When dropped Nanna off even had Uncle Charles come out to see me which is very unusual, must like me.. Once home unpacked and decide what presents to give Ellie now and the rest for Christmas so she is all sorted for Christmas. Thought best have shower after travelling for so many hours then go to Sharon's for tea and Ellie so big now. Had cottage pie for tea homemade by mum very nice staying at Sharon's tonight as looking after Ellie tomorrow by 9pm was so tired so went to bed.

Didn't sleep well woke up 3am, then 5.30 and couldn't get back to sleep til 6 and then eventually got up just after 7. Sharon left about 7.30 and trust Ellie to cry when she left but settled fine then Ben left 8ish and she did the same things obviously just wanted them to feel guilty about leaving her. It was then time for Ellie to have breakfast her usual porridge wasn't bothered about it at first but ended up eating all but took 30minutes. We then played a little with toys and then time for her sleep whilst she was sleeping watched morning TV but confused me at first as said 8.30 but was watching on ITV +1 so was really 9.30. I also had chance to have a cup of tea and a French fancy a small sponge cake with buttercream covered in fondant icing very nice.. Ellie was only asleep about an hour once awake decided to have a walk into Knaresborough first stop Tesco to get some fruit, sushi and Pom-Bears. Then had a little look in boots UK's most popular chemist as not been in for so long and so much better than Australian ones. Was going to walk back via the river but looked might it start raining so decided against and just did a circle instead but didn't rain. On way back me and Ellie shared the Pom-Bears which is a teddy bear shaped potato snack which she seemed to enjoy and liked was giggling alot. Also seemed to bump into a few people whilst on my walk a few from hospital think some thought Ellie was mine. When back have our lunch we both had cheese and toast with our fruit which she liked seemed to eat most of it. We then had a play in her ball pool and her fisher price animals was showing how kangaroo hops and telling will see one in 3 months. Mum and Sue both arrived at 3.45 as Sue coming to shellac our toe nails mum went first had a few new colours. I decided to have a turquoise colour to match the same colour as my tattoo looked nice, Ben came hone and we went just missed Sharon. When back we all had jacket potato's for tea then mum and dad went to bowls I stayed in and watched film on TV got back 9ish drink wine then bed 10.30pm.