Saturday 17th August 2024

Woke at 0800. Descended to the kitchen to make tea, passing father and his tea tray on the way. Took tea up to Aki and got back into bed. Descended for breakfast with mum and dad. Kath drove off to a birthday party in town for Nicki's two-year old, Everley. Aki and I drove over to Newburn and parked up in the Tyneside Country Park. Walked down-river to the Tyne Amateur Rowing Club boathouse, where a regatta was being held. Managed to find Aki's acquaintances from Hexham, Gill, and Rob, who had been on the Portugal rowing trip. Had a chat with them, then ascended the steps to the boathouse and took up positions on the balcony from which to see the action. The regatta consisted of a number of two-boat races, 600m upstream, to a finish line in front of the boathouse. Enjoyed watching for an hour or so, then wandered out front to bid the Hexham rowers farewell. Drove up to Sainsbury's at Throckley and did some shopping. Back home in time for lunch with mum and dad. Aki spent most of the afternoon prepping and cooking a fish pie for dinner. Kath turned up mid afternoon, and we all sat down to dinner at 1830. Watched a bit of telly in the lounge. Really enjoyed a repeat broadcast of a programme celebrating 50 years of "Parkinson"...some great memories. Kath nodded off on the sofa. Watched MOTD as she snored contentedly...she woke up about half way through, and went up to bed...