It took only 30 minutes after catching the train from Hoylake to Liverpool via the Mersey River Railway Tunnel. I enjoyed the day as I was totally surprised by the ease of moving around. There was no congestion on footpaths or roads. From exploring the inner city to the waterfront to the cathedrals to quiet streets to the Radio City Tower it was a day of new learning and appreciation. Mary was kind enough to let us drive her car to the Hoylake Train Station, where one is able to park free for 24 hours! With return tickets in hand we were set for the day. The temperature was kind to us and very conducive for comfortable walking. As I had not been into the ‘depths’ of Liverpool city before, I took it slowly, so as ... read more

We continue to experience glorious weather so a long, easy bike ride of ‘discovery’ was in order. I’m sure Mary was glad to have us out-of-the-way, for her to enjoy ‘her’ time. It was good to have Jane go to areas she had not seen or visited before. The unfit state that I am in had me ‘rest-up’ for the remainder of the day, either with light reading or watching Wimbledon. Rest day for the World Cup not only for the players but for the fans and television audience who would have been so intense as they watched England play Colombia. I was barracking for England because to put it really mildly, “I didn’t agree with the Colombian’s ‘treatment’ of opposition players and the referee.”... read more

A late rising compared to other mornings with washing to be done followed by ironing interspersed with a little reading. The afternoon was highlighted by the end-of-year concert by the pre-schoolers, Year 1 and Year 2 students at Mary’s Grand-daughters school. The hot conditions did not make it comfortable for students or adults, however the songs, poems and personal renditions from the students kept the minds of all in attendance focused on the performances more so than the temperature. Jane and I came away strongly disagreeing with the conclusion of the presentation as our educational value system is completely at odds with what occurred. Our views were backed-up by a few children being upset. Awarding trophy cups to 3 students of each level (smaller versions of premiership cups) to children aged 5, 6 and 7 is ... read more

We decided to stay put in our accommodation in Great Broughton and headed to Maryport on the suggestion of our host to watch the great Trawler Race. We weren’t disappointed as the walk around the harbour was an eye-opener and most enjoyable. I happened to strike up a conversation with a owner-skipper of the trawler, “Silver Fern”, and was invited on board for a look around and even invited to stay on board and partake in the race out at sea, the Irish Sea. I declined as I have enough trouble staying upright standing still on level ground let alone on the deck of a trawler as it surges through the waves … “Man overbooooaaaarrrd!” We stayed, watched and enjoyed all of the decorated, flag flying trawlers depart safe harbour. The tide had come in, the ... read more

With Rob and Mary’s generosity we left with Mary’s Mercedes-Benz convertible for the Lake District. Speed along the Motorways was constantly high and even at 70mph and a few times 80mph many vehicles flashed past. We made for the southern end of Lake Windermere before following its eastern shore north to the town of Windermere. We had stopped on its shores about 5km before the actual town for a brief wander before arriving at our accommodation at Holly Lodge B&B. Our welcome was very warm and friendly and we were shown to our luxurious room. Another accommodation winner. It was so comfortable that we both fell asleep for a couple of hours. After very briefly wandering the main street we headed off to explore the environment. Now, the Lake District is world renowned for its magnificent ... read more