A GRAND DAY OUT

We decided to take a healthy picnic to Helmsley today, although I'm afraid B gave way to other temptations once we were among the pie shops and bakeries.

Just as we were passing Middlesbrough the car we bought from a dealer there 5 weeks ago flashed up a warning light so we swung by to talk to them and book it in and they couldn't have been more friendly and helpful. We'd had a really good buying experience with them, too, so different from some of the spivvy practices and attitudes we've suffered in the past.

In Helmsley Castle we had a lovely conversation with an 11-year-old young man called Sam and his mum when their dog decided she wasn't going any further until she'd had a nap under our picnic table. We were all startled to see a Bald Eagle soaring around above us (extra), but realised from the jesses trailing from its legs that it was from the birds of prey centre nearby, although possibly out on its own adventure.

No day out with B is complete until he's had a pub conversation about beer and the (mis)use of sparklers with a completely uninterested barperson, so once that had happened we headed home.

I've done my Mum's online supermarket order, bought the winning lottery ticket and now I'm going to polish off the remains of the picnic.