1st October. Much needed break.

With Dad on the mend and seeming ok, we decided not to cancel our weekend in Blackpool which had been organised by my very thoughtful Auntie Ann and Uncle Baz. We went to visit Dad on the way and then headed off to the camp site. Arrived just in time for a fish 'n' chip supper, which I do believe is obligatory on your first night in a caravan. We later had a stroll down to the club to watch the entertainment. The sign said it was a band called 'Grovestar´, which as I suspected was a misprint and they were actually called 'Groovestar'. They were OK but got a bit samey and we weren't sure if anyone other than the drummer and the singer were playing live, which was disappointing. Ann and I exercised great restraint and did all the retro dances ( i.e Agadoo, Superman and more amazingly the cha cha slide!!) whilst still sat down. Baz and Mikey were more like Statler and Waldorf from the Muppets , totally bemused by it all. By 11.00pm we were ready for some Karaoke, so we nipped off to the cafe bar to sing a bit. 3 hours, many songs and copious amounts of lager later, we headed back to the van.

Saturday, we did a tour of the Fylde coast, basically because we didn´t fancy staying in Blackpool all day waiting for the illuminations to be switched on. We went back and had some tea in Tommy Ducks ( though there was not a pair of drawers in sight!!! You´ll only get that if you are a Manc!!!) and then drove through the lights. Sadly we were all shattered when we got back to the van so we had a cosy night in.

Sunday morning Ann and I ( on a very tight budget) went to play on the penny shove machines in the arcade. I was shocked to find that they had doubled in price since I last went in an arcade....20 years ago!!!! Needless to say we left 3 quid lighter but enjoyed it.

We said our farewells and headed off to see Dad at the hospital, then off to Ange´s to watch the Southport Firework finals. Ange was making ´tater ash´for tea which we were looking forward to...until she mentioned the butter beans!! Butter beans???? in ´tater ash¨? whats that all about?? We talked her out of it and as a result, had a splendid tea, just in time for the fireworks.

Fireworks were great and it was quite mild too, much warmer than last year.

Like I said a much needed break with my lovely folks...thank you xx