Barrows and Bikes

I am slowly catching up on my May adventures. The bank holiday weekend, I headed up to Preston to see Katherine and family. In hind sight that was not the best weekend to travel as most of the trains were cancelled on the Sunday and it took me over 7 hrs to get home but it was a good weekend. On the Saturday, Katherine, Joseph and I headed to Scorton to see their Bikes and Barrows festivals (actually what is says on the tin). We got there for opening as we had to be back for 1.30pm. Turns out most things didn't open until later but we did wonder around and see the displays.

Spot the bike.

Panda-monia.  

The red barrows - our favourite

Guess the Queen song.

Hairy Bikers tribute.

After a wonder we found a play ground for Joseph (and therefore often us) to run around.

Giggles.

I gave Joseph the giggles trying to catch his feet on the swing and he got the hiccups. I tried to feel bad about his but he is so damn cute!

We stopped briefly at the birds but Joseph was more interested in the hill for some reason.

In the afternoon we meet up with Tricia (I haven't seen her in a few years) and then went for Joseph's swim class. He is so good.

BBC Good Food Festival

It seems to be the season for food festival. Kerry and Craig came down to London to come with me to the BBC Good Food Festival this year at Hampton Court. We decided against the VIP tickets this year as they were much more expensive. Thankfully the weather was ok so it didn't bother us.

Enjoying the music.

We got there early

This year they had a circus and some of the working horses they use for the carriage rides. We nearly witnessed a nasty accident as a small kid (about 3) wondered into the area and under the horse. Thankfully the horse trainer grabbed him back (while praying and swearing) before anything nasty happened.

There were plenty of stalls and I got some more Christmas presents but mostly we just ate. A lot. And had a few drinks. It was great.

Sausages!

Spit roast

Tea rooms.

Drinks - actually her first!

Clouds

We did have to duck inside once when the weather threatened and rained a little but the ticket included entry to the Palace so we had a wondered around.

On the Sunday, we went to see the greyhounds. Unfortunately the weather sucked and poured it down. The dogs were not keen on going for a walk in the wet any more than we were. Charlie in particular just stopped at one point refusing to go any further until we got a cuddle (and someone to keep the rain off him). But one of my favourite has just been reserved for her forever home which made me happy. Not sure what kerry and Craig thought about the grey hounds. I didn't take any photos due to the down pour. :(

I spent the rest of the long weekend just chilling out, ready for the next few chaotic weeks at work.

Great British Food Festival

Sunday, we got the bus to Chiswick House for the Great British Food Festival. The weather was not kind and rained to most of it but it was mainly just drizzle. And we are British so stuck it out. And after a glass of wine, it's easy to ignore.

Happy now.

Unfortunately until the early afternoon no one else thought the same and it was pretty empty. Though it did mean the food queues were short.

The band had a pretty small audience.

We wondered around a few times, got desert (they had GF crepes - amazing!), did some shopping, and enjoyed a really good G&T. 

We found somewhere to sit to finish our G&Ts and it turns out we had joined a cake competition and got to sample all the entries.  

The competition

Very happy about this.

We spent the evening in the usual way - watching films.
They left this morning :(
So I did some work this afternoon and then went for a run to cheer myself up. I love Bushy Park and there was some great wildlife out this afternoon.

Heron.

Baby deer.

Scarecrow Festival

This weekend I went up to Preston to spend the weekend with Katherine, Joseph and Phillip. The trip up was interesting. I managed to book a seat at a table. Opposed a very drunk couple who were very friendly but the lady was a little bit much. I managed to diffuse the angry fight over Brexit and Trump which she tried to instigate in the carriage (I agreed with the other sensible people but didn't fancy a fight) by talking about the weather. A lot. Trust me to end up near a trump lover. (On the way back I put my headphones in before I even got on the train to avoid this same thing.) 

I might be biased but my little Joseph is the cutest (along with my other niece and nephew of course). But he is an amazing little gentleman, so polite and sweet. On Saturday morning, even though I am certain he didn't remember me, he was so sweet and friendly and later in the weekend asked were Auntie Katie went when I went to the loo. Such a cutie. 

On Saturday Katherine, Joseph and I headed out to the first ever Garstang scarecrow festival. It was really cute with the whole town getting involved.

2 of my favourite people

The theme was films and children's TV. Some were obvious; some not so much.

Flower pot men and Weed

Aptly creepy Magic Roundabout  

Pirates of the Caribbean.

Sponge Bob

Postman Pat, sponsored by the post office.

Joseph introduced me to the new Postman Pat. I am disgusted. He is so stupid now and is the one who causes most of the issues. I swear he used to be smarter. Thankfully Fireman Sam is still smart and sensible, though someone who should have put Norman in Juvie by now!

Looking suspicious.

I have zero clue. Drunk Lady?

Wally was disappointingly easy to find.

Funny bones.

Minions.

There were some which stood out. The Little mermaid (who did look a little "Hello Sailor" granted) was made by the local florist and had a tail made of leaves. The Simpsons were also really good.

I also loved one of the Peter Rabbit scenes, mainly for the little disappearing bunny butts in the hedge.

But I think the best was made by the local primary school. They did "the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" with an amazing lion and a witch with hay dreadlocks. 

And special mention to the the Batman with the little crotchet robin on his shoulder.  

We left after lunch so did miss some, but a little boy needed a nap before his swimming lesson. Which was so cute!