Saturday 15th August 2026

Woke around 0830. Lounged in bed for a bit, but was disturbed by Brett Rodgers OBE following Aki into our bedroom to gain access to the rear garden for plant watering instructions. Got up and porridged. Finished packing. We headed for KX at 1030, hopping on a No.91 bus with our luggage. Got to KX in good time, and sought out coffee from Starbucks...over £10 for two coffees!!! Clambered aboard the 1130 to Newcastle and took our seats. Uneventful journey. Enjoyed our packed lunch. Rolled in to Newcastle at 1415. Had time to buy chocolates for mother at M&S before meeting up with Kath in the car park for a lift to High View. Journey slowed by vast crowds heading for St James's Park to watch Newcastle take on Bayer Leverkusen in a pre-season friendly. Ma and pa in relatively good shape. Sat out in the garden for tea. Jim and Emma around...Jim has had his ears pierced...looks quite good on him, with his biker beard...just needs a big tattoo on the side of his head to complete the look! Kath made a pasta bake for dinner...I made up some custard to have with an apple bake that Emma had made...worked well. Sat about and chatted for a bit. Watched some European athletics...Amy Hunt got her third gold of the meet in the 4x100m relay.. Aki went to bed early early complaining of tummy problems. Mum was sick in the bathroom sink! Hope it wasn't my custard!!!