Bloy travels 2018.....Yorkshire

We’re back in Yorkshire and ready to begin our summer travels.
Adrian and Kate, who continue to share their home with us, kindly drove us to Montreal airport to send us off on our 2018 adventures.....so with big hugs to them and Indy (the best dog in the world) we were off!
Two planes, a train ride and 16 hours later we were happy to see our Yorkshire family - Glyn & Marjie - and to be with them and their much-loved dog, Magnet (and cats Alfie & Ellie), for the next 5 weeks.
After a jet-lagged afternoon and an early dinner of fish & chips with mushy peas (what else would we have?), we happily went to bed to catch up on a few lost hours of sleep.
The next day as we began to get re-acquainted with our home town of Rotherham, the sun was shining and offered us a great opportunity to sit outside at a favourite café and enjoy a breakfast of toasted crumpets and coffee. This outside patio is a lovely spot that gives a great view of the Parish Church of All Saints, which has stood at the centre of town for over a thousand years. The current perpendicular structure of the church has been in place since the 15th century and is surrounded by landscaped lawns. Built in 1480 by Thomas Rotherham, and now a Grade 1 listed property, it has been included in the “best English parish church” list. With its twelve bells that can often be heard commemorating celebrations, it continues a centuries-long tradition of bell ringing.
With bunting decorating the adjacent streets, the area has a traditional feeling of summertime in England......but we didn’t linger too long - our main purpose being a visit to Trevor’s mum.....who at 104 continues to be our own National Treasure.
During our first week back in Yorkshire, we have continued our (almost) daily visits to spend time with this amazing lady, who is much loved - not only be her family, but by everyone in her residence.....her care-givers often commenting on her loving ways and impeccable manners.
We’ve also spent some time in the town of Rotherham - on one day enjoying a vintage car show + a couple of outdoor concerts and market stalls with vintage clothing......the pedestrian town square even had a handy (and popular) “gin-wagon” selling cocktails!
The surrounding countryside in this area is lovely, so we’ve walked a lot - taking advantage of the sunny and warm weather - although there’s been far more rainy and cooler days!
I spent one afternoon with my friend Anne and her delightful grandson Dylan who is 6. I first met Dylan 3 years ago and have enjoyed his company quite a few times over the last 3 summers - with thanks to Anne for sharing some of her “Nanna time.” Anne and I met 56 years ago, were school friends and shared our teenage years together. When I married she was my maid of honour, but after our move to Canada we gradually lost contact, reconnecting about 20 years ago to continue our friendship - hardly noticing a break in the conversation!
Later in the week we travelled to North Wales to visit our Canadian friends, Irene and Gary, who have lived in the village of Chirk for the last few years. Happily ensconced in a converted barn - named “The Coach House” - they’re situated right in the heart of this lovely village which is picture perfect - with independent local shops and restaurants which include a bakery, a green-grocer and a butcher.
At the bottom of their street is a canal - part of the scenic waterway of this area....and just around the corner is the imposing silhouette of Chirk Castle. Completed in 1310, the castle has over 700 years of history and is the last castle from this period still lived in today. It has award-winning gardens covering over 5 acres, with an additional 480 acres of estate parkland to be explored - complete with sheep and wild ponies.
On a previous visit, Irene and Gary had taken us for an interesting and fun visit to the Castle gardens and parkland, but on this day we only had time for a quick lunch in a local bistro before heading out to visit their daughter & granddaughter - Crystal and Chloé - who live a few miles away in another lovely town - Llangollen. With Choé just up from her nap, we had time to enjoy some unusually hot weather in the garden and some “group play-time” - to overcome the little girls shyness - before tea and cake was served.....our favourite British tradition!
Before heading home, we walked down to the River Dee - about 3 minutes walk from Crystal’s house - to stroll along the green space there.....a perfect ending to a lovely day....the only regret being that we did not get to see Dave (Crystal’s husband), who was working....but no worries, Dave - we all shared your portion of cake!