FAMILY TIME

Everyone was Ok -ish this morning so we decided to give the Parkrun a go.  The venue was Herrington Country Park near Sunderland.  We had an easy drive there - not much traffic on the road at 8.30am on New Years Day.  The ParkRun was very well attended - there were 346 finishers.  The start time was 9am. The course is 5km ( just over 3 miles ) and the winner took 17 mins.  Mike took 21 mins and was 16th.  Beckys time  was 23 mins and she was 40th  - and the 3rd lady to finish. The course was VERY muddy and some of the runners slipped over in the mud.

While Becky and Mike were running I took Astrid down by the lake to look at the swans.  I have added an extra of the sunrise over the lake and a view of the runners gathering at the start.  Also some photos of Astrid taken by the lake.

We went home to change and the runners showered,  Then it was time to head off to The Woodmans - a pub on the outskirts of my village.  We had a table booked for 12.30pm.  We all chose Sunday lunch from the menu.  Becky and Mike had beef and I had pork.  All came with enormous yorkshire puddings.

My collage shows Becky Mike and Astrid in front of the lovely Christmas display in The Woodmans and some shots of me and Astrid together. In the bottom right photo she's doing the actions for " Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star".

Next we drove to Watergate Park not far from where I live.  We had a nice wander around but it was tricky underfoot - as well as the mud there were some huge puddles to negotiate along the way. We were all a muddy mess when we returned to the car.

Back home to relax for a while and do the traditional New Years Day quiz.  I always put together some questions for Becky  and Mike to answer - its a lot of fun.

Neil and Rachael were due here this evening for buffet food.  Neil was at work today - no buses so he had to get a taxi.  He finished work at 6pm and got a taxi here.  Rachael has been unwell so she didn't come home from Ireland a few days ago as planned -  she came home today.  Long drive to Belfast, then a ferry, then a drive from Scotland to home.  She arrived home at around 8pm but she was too exhausted - and still rather unwell  - to come here.  But at least we had Neil with us for a while.  We all enjoyed the tasty food and Neil was able to see Astrid.  He left around 9.30pm - another taxi ride to pay for.

So another enjoyable day with my family around me.  I will miss them when they leave in the morning. 

Steps today - 11,842