Saturday 23rd December 2023

Rose around 0900 and descended to find the kitchen remarkably tidy after last night’s goings-on. Jim and Kath had gotten to bed around 0300, but looked none the worse for wear. Kath made tea and toast, and we sat at the kitchen table chatting with Barney, Jen, Ro and Rob until it was time to climb back in the car and head north. Jim waved us off, and we drove to the M62 via Huddersfield. Stopped off at Mainsgill Farm shop on the busy A66 and bought a sandwich and a quiche to share for lunch. The place was rammed. Cold, wet and windy afternoon. No sign of the camels...they've probably fled the country! Bought some Brussels sprouts then headed back to the A1 for the final leg of the journey. Diverted to Tesco at Kingston Park to get the Xmas vegetables in. Bags of potatoes, parsnips and carrots going for 15p a shot! Got to High View around 1630. Mum made us tea and we thawed out in the living room after unpacking the car. Kath cooked a carbonara for dinner. Ma and pa seem to be in relatively good shape, though dad is still having to carry about a catheter and bag. Hopefully they will take it out in early January. Ma looks very spritely. Chatted at the dinner table for a while before watching a bit of telly, then bed…