10 days off Part Two

Part two began with the usually sluggish drive up to that there Yorkshire on Thursday morning, but the A1 was kind to us and we made it to Harrogate by mid-late afternoon. Spent some quality time with my folks (poor Mum wasn't feeling too well - bless her), then popped round to see our muckers Chris and Marianne in there huuuge new pad - the never ending flat.

Friday was the wedding day of Bongo (Al) and Lauren. Bongo was the first person I met when we moved to Harrogate in 1982. He lived across the road and popped over to see who the new kid was. I had a few Star Wars figures, he had all the Rubik's puzzles - we became instant chums. Bar a few random months, we have stayed in touch and are still good friends. Anyone that knows him will confirm that he is a truly unique chap in every way - the eternal optimist and joker who never lets anything or anyone stress him out - qualities some would surely pay dearly for. He met Lauren (lovely, lovely girl) on the t'interweb a few years ago and today they made it all official and proper like. Venue was The Dower House in Knaresborough. My role for the day was Usher and general 'help out' type person. An amazing, happy and sparkly day. So many friends and family from past and present to catch up with. Bongo and Lauren looked so happy and we all partied hard in the early hours. Even the weather was amazing - purfick.

After a hangover crushing fry-up brekky we headed over to Pately Bridge to meet my folks, Stu and his missus Sarah. About 12 years ago my Dad (a total train buff) bought a knackered old train carriage for next to nothing. It had been converted into a sort of holiday home and placed next to a stream at the end of a windy country lane - he and mum have spent the time since restoring it to it's original state (to exact detail) in a labour of love, and it is now our family's little place to find some peace and quiet in the summer - we call it Coach House. It's a beautiful part of the world and has loads of amazing walks (through old lead mines), wild-life and top class country pubs (Theakstons - nice). It's the most peaceful night's sleep you will ever have with only the sound of a trickling stream to wake you up in the morning. After a good few hours chilling we set off on a mad rush round to get provisions for the evening and popped in to see my dear old Nan. The evening was spent round at DragonDrop HQ with it's enhabitants, PaintMonkey and Weseal.Jem. Top night of cheese, wine and laughs with a bit of Micheal Palin chucked in for good measure. 

Up early this morning, said our goodbyes and plowed down the A1 again back to Londinium. What a brilliant and varied 10 days we've had, spent with lots of lovely people. Head back in work mode - keep smiling and throw yourself into it. Summer's here (apparently) and that always makes things easier!