Baling For Mr Luckyman - Part 4.

 I got off the tractor and waited at the entrance to the field for him to approach me. He was a big man with a round face and an even bigger rounded body. He was probably fifty to sixty years of age, dressed in bib and brace overalls, which for all the world looked like they needed some young girl to take them and their owner on a visit to the farm shop! Although I think that on this occasion we might be struggling to make much of an improvement. On his upper body he wore a check shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Topping it all off on his head was a flat cap.

We greeted each other.

"Hello." I said.

"Hello. Phew! It's warm." He announced all out of breath. He was even more massive now viewed close up.

"Have you come to bale the straw?" He asked.

I think it was either the baler on the tractor, or the fact that ten minutes earlier I had called him for assistance on where I was to bale, that gave the game away.

"Yes if you're Mr Reeves,"

He confirms that he is and goes on to give me permission to call him Lou.

"I'm Katie."

"Ken's girl, yeh?"

"His niece." I corrected him. I wasn't getting drawn in to any technicalities over the validity of that claim, so quickly asked where it was he wanted me to bale.

"Yes, I'll show you round. Can we go on the tractor though as I'm fair jiggered walking across the field in this heat."

I'd no objection to driving him round on the tractor, I was just concerned as to whether he was up to climbing in to the cab, and would there be any room for me in there if he did manage it. Anyway we squeezed in, I was virtually sitting on the right side armrest though, and we even got the door closed. So there you go Nigel, my cab is bigger than yours, even if I don't know what to do with it half the time.

"Do you know how to drive this then?" He said, looking round.

I looked at him, he wasn't joking!

"I think if I've managed to get here down these lanes there is a good chance that I can drive it around an open field." I said with the amount of sarcasm that I thought the question deserved.

"Aye, that's true. Was it you driving for Ken the other day?"

"Yes, but I was driving for myself." Honestly my mood was not good today, and he wasn't making it any better.

"Right. Well done. It's an extremely big machine and you're very young."

I didn't bother to comment on him being a big man or his apparent age.

I think he interpreted my silence as being put out by his statement, but in reality I was now concentrating on maneuvering my seemingly big machine through the gateway from an extremely narrow lane, without reversing in to any cars that might be approaching from behind and at the same time avoiding the gate posts.

Dad's words about not being rushed in to anything came to my mind. So I took my time and even with me being afflicted by my limited age problem, limited room in the cab, limited view out of the cab and limited room outside of it, I managed to get the big machine safely in to the field.

Baling For Mr Luckyman - Part 3.

 Of course I was well annoyed at myself all day over the altercation with Nigel. Mostly because it showed I still had some of my old family in me, and worse still, I let it escape and affect others. I thought I was past all that as I haven't seen it since I nearly lost Charlotte over it.

Because of my unplanned exit from the yard I needed to stop down the road as I hadn't implemented my satnav. I had been given a location to drive to and a phone number of a Mr Reeves who I needed to call when I got there. Mr Reeves isn't the farmer who I'm doing the baling for, Mr Reeves is just organising the baling while the farmer recovers from whatever is wrong with him so at least the straw is baled while still in good order.

I had instructions to not call in at Ken's and to go straight to the destination. I don't know why they had to say that as I wouldn't have done that anyway. I drove past Ken's lane end and carried on my way.

The lanes around there are probably the same width as our lane, the tractor and baler literally fill the road. But around that area the roads are lined with hedges and banking, where around us it is open countryside. So I'm going this way and that way wherever the satnav takes me. I can't see around bends in the road, which I am filling because of all the trees and hedges, It's like driving down a narrow tunnel except with no roof. Then there is this car coming the other way. Luckily I was going real slow on account of meeting something. The trouble started when the guy couldn't reverse. There was no way I was going backwards that's for sure. Unfortunately he couldn't even drive his car backwards in a straight line. He zigzagged in reverse down the road for what seemed like ages before finding somewhere wide enough for us to pass. Then it took him three attempts to pull in to the gap, and even then he could have got further over. I ended up squeezing past with my left side so close to a hedge that I was worried I was going to rip the mirror off and it looked in my other mirror like I was maybe a couple of inches off his door mirror with the baler. I couldn't physically get off to check the gap as I couldn't even open my door which was in the hedge. Talk about getting a sweat on. After passing the car, the temptation was to put my foot down to get off that road as soon as possible, but who was to say there wasn't another car just around the corner, all of which were completely blind even to me sitting high up as I was. I was sure pleased when I reached the point where the satnav had taken me. 

Now to call the meeting with Mr Reeves. It was like being in a spy movie or similar. I've parked off the road across the gateway as I didn't want to drive in to the field until I had it confirmed that it was the right one. So I'm sat there waiting. To my right, across the narrow lane is a woodland which looks to be impenetrable to me. The whole area is very woody and green, except for the wheat field to my left. In front of me is the narrow lane dropping down a hill before disappearing around a bend to the left about 300 yards in front of me. This is where I'm expecting a car to appear shortly. To my left, through the bottom half of the left side door is the open gateway. Either side of this gate opening is a tall hedge, taller in fact than the tractor so that my only view of the open wheat field is through the top half of the left side door. It's through this part of the side door that I notice a man waddling across the field in my direction. I recognised him straight away as the guy who Uncle Ken brought in to the field the other day.

Baling For Mr Luckyman - Part 2.

 Walking to my tractor I spotted someone sitting in the seat. Thankfully I had the keys with me, I always remove them when working on the baler so no one can inadvertently start up the tractor when I'm working on the baler. It turned out to be Nigel. This didn't improve my mood one bit.

"What do you think you're doing?" I asked him, in a sharp manner. Too aggressive I now feel.

"I'm just looking." Was his reply.

"Well you needn't bother, just get off, I need to get going."

"And look at yer, friggin' boots all over my carpet." I said in exasperation.

This is not what I needed this morning.

"They're clean, anyway don't worry, I'm going. You wouldn't catch me driving this piece of shit anyway even if it was the only tractor on the farm!"

He then proceeds to give me a list of things that were so much better about HIS tractor. Well that was it, Katie was annoyed!

"In case he haven't noticed you don't have a tractor here on this farm, you just get to drive one of ours when my dad says you can, and besides which, dad lets you use the one with all the driver aids on it because he knows I can drive a tractor without them."

With that I got on the tractor and drove off - he wasn't smiling today as I drove past, he didn't even look at me.

Baling For Mr Luckyman - Part 1.

 Saturday 9th August 2025.

Part One.

I'm thinking that Nigel thinks I shouldn't be out working in the fields, I reckon he hates how I get to do the baling. He keeps on bragging about how many bales he can do in the day compared to me. That's one reason why I got annoyed this morning when I caught him on my tractor, you can just tell when someone is getting big idea's can't you.

Also I was apprehensive going doing work for someone else who I wasn't familiar with. I wasn't like ready to commit suicide over it or anything, but it was worrying me. Mostly with regard to finding the place. It's not like when driving a car, I can't just do a three point turn if I go the wrong way. Then as I was leaving everyone was telling me to be careful what I'm doing like I was suddenly useless or something.

"Just take your time Katie, don't go feeling rushed in to anything." Said dad.

"I won't." Replied I trying to think what I might be in danger of getting rushed in to. Lambing season is well past. I definitely was detecting some kind of under current though. 

"Yeh, Just carry on like you have been, remember what you've been taught." Chimed in Eric.

 "Flippin' heck! What's up with you all this morning?" I asked feeling well worried now.

"There's nothing wrong, we just don't want any accidents or anything, that's all." Said mum.

I put it down to going somewhere new, and they were having the same feelings as me about it.

There then followed a round of, have you got this, have you remembered that, and did you check the other! I was sort of glad when the door closed behind me, also a little sad that I had to depart in such an exasperating way.

Assumption Confirmation.

 Friday 8th August 2025.

We have found out today that the person who came in the field the other day with Uncle Ken is not actually the one who wants the baling doing. He was enquiring for a farmer nieghbour of his who has had an accident and is unable to do it himself. He was going to organise a contractor to go in and do it, but when telling Ken and Carole of the accident Ken decided to volunteer my services. It's typical Ken, as those that have got to know him will appreciate. Dad didn't agree to it straight off as he wasn't happy with the way Ken went and roped me in. However dad is not one to turn his back on someone in trouble when asked to help. So today I am at home and then for the weekend I will be working away again. Firstly baling for the accident man and then catching up for Uncle Ken. So definitely rockin' and rollin' for the next few days.

Me, Eric and Nigel had a bit of a laugh this morning. They brought me a pallet of twine round with the telehandler. Nigel driving and Eric walking. Eric crept up behind and gave my platted pony tail a little tug, as he often does. It's just fun and I don't mind as he doesn't hurt me at all. But when he pulled it I spun round half expecting one of his rib grabs. I don't think Nigel has caught on yet as to what my relationship with Eric is, and so decided to be my knight in shining armour.

"You can do him for that, harassment in the work place!"

Instinct alone told me that he just went in the wrong place with that remark. He didn't have enough humour in his voice as he said it.

So before Eric got chance to respond, I quickly stepped in. Walking up to Nigel I asked, even though I heard him quite clearly the first time, "What did you say?" Not in a confrontational way, just calmly.

"Him, he shouldn't do that, it's sexual harassment!" He said, while glancing towards Eric. If he was joking he wasn't convincing me of that.

I was then very bad, although it was just said in fun really, trying to lighten the mood. No malice intended in the slightest, "You mean like trying to get a peak up the leg of a girls shorts every time she gets in and out of her tractor!"

I though he was going to bust a blood vessel, his face went like a beetroot. I did feel sorry, honest.

"I guess, in a way." He said quietly half under his breath, before sloping off behind the baler with a couple of spools of twine.

Of course Eric as mildly amused by it all, "It looks like you hit the nail on the head there."

I think we all learned a lesson, as there was no back chat from Nigel and Eric knew better than to say anything to him. Me, I didn't learn anything new, I just had my assumptions confirmed. 

To his credit Nigel soon got over his dilemma and surprisingly after loading all the boxes on his side of the baler came round and asked me to show him again how I like the spools joining together. Which I was more than pleased to show him. 

So, if that's not progress, I don't know what is.

Such A Creep.

 Wednesday 6th August 2025.

Today I have been back up at Uncle Ken's. Before setting off I got Nigeled!

"I hear you're having another day off today.". He said.

"It's hardly a day off." I replied, trying to get my things on the tractor so as to make my escape.

"I bet you have a right time over there with your dad not around!"

"I work the same there as I do here I can assure you of that." I informed him.

"What, you mean like slow!" He said with a grin on his face.

I could easily have taken offence at that last remark, but I thought no, set an example Katie, don't react like he would, or thoughts to that effect.

"Piss off!" I said as I climbed the steps and shut the door behind me so I couldn't hear him anymore.

I think he liked it actually as he was grinning as drove past and gave him the middle finger just for good measure.

I got to Uncle Ken's to find them just having a drink, so they made me a coffee before Ken set off in his car with me tagging along behind him. I did actually know where I was going as it happened but he wanted to got to the field anyway just to check I got going okay.

At one point he stopped me as he needed to call in at this new foreign shop, so I was cursing under my breath somewhat as I wanted to get going so as not to be late and end up having to leave my tractor thee again like last time. Anyway he redeemed himself by buying me an Iced Coffee drink to try. I'd not had anything like it before but it was actually very nice.

Nigel's comment was maybe, or maybe not a bit of fun, maybe a bit of both, who knows with him. Anyway such comments aren't good as they undermine you if you let them. I was thinking for ages whether I was to slow. I am steady deliberately, I know that. In the end I thought that dad has watched me working from his combine and never said anything about me going to slow. So I just carried on at my normal pace.

I didn't get everything baled that he had ready but there wasn't enough to make another full day of it, so dad told me to just come home as I have plenty here to be getting on with.

A guy came in the field with Ken at one point during the afternoon. They just came and went without bothering me. I've since found out from dad that the guy has been asking Ken if I could go over and bale up his straw for him. Dad hasn't decided yet, I think he's worried about giving me any more to do. So we will see.

I got back in the yard here at just after nine. Thankfully Carole had fed me a big bowl of strew which was very nice, not to mention welcome. Mum said again that she is going to get me a bed for my tractor then I needn't bother coming home!

"But mum, if I didn't come home I wouldn't ever get to see you which are my favourite parts of the day!"

She laughed and told me not be such a creep!

Checking Out the load.

Wednesday 23rd July 2025.

Today we have been back combining, or at least dad has. Because there is nothing to bale until tomorrow I have been assisting Nigel with the grain carting which is a bit boring to be honest. Loads of sitting and waiting. It would be a bit better for me if we took it in turns to take a load.

We get two loads from the combine in to one of our trailers but because we aren't working that far away from the farm I only get one fill before Nigel gets back so because dad doesn't want Nigel hanging around doing nothing I have to give him priority. This means he gets to take two loads to one of mine. So I have to either sit there on my tractor waiting for the orange beacon on the combine to come on which is the sign that dad needs to be emptied. Or if Nigel is there waiting to be loaded I will sometimes go and ride on the combine for a change. 

If it stays dry over night I will be back on the baling job tomorrow so that will be better.

New Relations

 Today has been quite interesting as I got to meet some of my relations on mums side of the family. We are now in the Scarborough area, which is where mum lived from being born and moving to Middleham  just after leaving school. Apparently there used to be a horse racing course here and it was while doing some Saturday work there that she got to know the people who she later went to work for at Middleham.

This morning we went round the area and she took great delight in showing me where she went to school, where she grew up and a few places that played a part in her early years. I tried to imagine myself growing up and doing what she did. It was hardly possible though as I had such a different up bringing and in a vastly different place.

After lunch we then went over to meet mum's cousin Jack, his wife Eva and their two sons, Stuart, 21 and Stephen, 23. They also had two daughters who are called Susan and Shirley! The fact that all the children's name begin with the letter S I find strange but things didn't get any better as the day progressed. I didn't see either Shirley or Susan as they are married and live away. Most likely to escape.

The place they lived was a farmhouse with a yard, plus a small paddock, but they aren't farmers. Jack and Eva are retired. Jack recently took early retirement so as to oversee all the planned alterations to the farm. Which incidentally belongs to Stuart, who is some kind of computer geek and does work as a software engineer, which for some reason Jack didn't allow him to elaborate on when asked. I got the feeling that they would have to kill me if they told me, it was such a big secret. From what I could gather Stephen didn't do anything. The whole situation, and the family, came across as very strange. The Adam's family strange to be honest.

Even though it seems Jack didn't come with anything in particular, he sold thier three bedroom bungalow in a place called Redcar to provide Stuart with a deposit for the farm. Stuart was the one working and paying for the place, but it was obvious that Jack was the one giving the orders and having all the idea's, all of which seemed to me to be way above his station. The whole situation seemed to have gone completely to his head. Afterwards mum said that he always has been one for having big idea's.

One of his big idea's was to turn one of the farm sheds in to a gym. Which is fine until you look at who as going to be using it. Also there looked to be enough work around the yard that if it were done there would be no need of a gym for exercise. The plans for one of the cow sheds is for Shirley to go and live in it. One would assume after it was converted but having seen Stephens room I have to wonder about that.

All the way around the tour of the farmyard and buildings Stuart simply followed behind not saying one word, which I felt was very creepy. Especially as he seemed to be watching me all the time. I'm not being pretentious when I say this, but I'm sure he fancied me. I can tell by just how he kept watching me. He isn't my type though. Short and skinny with computer geek skin. Not that looks are everything. But he wasn't interesting either. All he could talk about was computers and software. At one point asking if I wanted to go to his room to view his equipment, apparently he has a bigger than average hard drive! I felt it best to decline though as I was getting strong vibes that he was a bit of a trojan horse who's only intention was to do some penetration testing on his spread sheets!

Stephen was of more interest to me. Not in a fancying sort of way or anything, more in a persecuted lost soul sort of way. I felt that he was the sort of person who needed my help and wisdom! I saw some of my previous lives in him. He is actually a couple of years older than Stuart who is twenty one. He seems very undeveloped for his age though, which is not surprising from what I saw of his dad who only had eyes for Stuart. This was made abundantly clear the whole time we were there. To listen to Jack, Stuart was the next Bill gates. I'm assuming the Jack and Eva had one of the bedrooms and I know that Stuart has two, one for sleeping in and the other for when he wants to play with his floppy disk or whatever. Which I guess is up to him as it's his house. Except Stephen had to make do with what was basically the front hallway. It was where you came in through the front door from outside. His bed was under the stairs, all his things were everywhere and every time anyone used the front door or the stairs they had to pass through what was Stephens bedroom. Goodness knows how he ever took care of boy business! It's no wonder he had a continual look of frustration about him.

There is more to this story but I will leave it there as it's... well I will just say that this is the more presentable part, the part before disgracing myself I guess you could say.

Mum Is Not Amused.

 Just recently someone mentioned to me in a conversation, about Dire Straits, and in particular, the song Sultans Of Swing. I know me and dad have listened to Dire Straits on one of our music nights but I couldn't recall sultans Of Swing. So earlier I said to dad, "The next time we have a music night, would you mind playing Dire Straits again as I would like to listen to Sultans of Swing?"

Dad raised his eyebrows and a big grin came over his face. Then looking past me, over my left shoulder he said, "What's matter?"

I looked round to catch mum looking at us and pulling her, 'for goodness sake' type face.

On seeing me looking, "You've got the girl as bad yourself!" she stated, before adding, "Why can't you teach her some nice classical music or something?" 

I laughed because she is funny with her pretend anger.

"Sultans Of Swing  is a classic." Replied dad, intentionally tormenting her, I'm sure.

Mum rolled her eyes, "You're not fit to bring up a child you aren't!"

While I was laughing at mum, dad surprised me, he's not usually the one to initiate a big hug, by getting me and pulling me to him before wrapping his big arms round me, "You're the daddies child aren't you my dear." and gave me a little kiss on the top of my head. I liked the way he emphasized the word 'child'. I felt he knew what I was thinking when mum called me one. I obviously wasn't in danger of any kind, but had I been, I would have felt so safe with that strong left arm around my back and his right hand cupping my head to his chest. Oh, I wish I could tell you how nice it makes me feel.

The best part was that he didn't let go until mum said, "I don't know which one of you is the worst I'm sure! Clear off from under my feet the pair of you, go get your little dear an ice cream or something. It'll give you a chance to fill her head with some more of your daft rubbish! Leave me to get a nap for half an hour. My legs are fair dropping off me, all that walking around you've had me doing today."

To listen to mum sometimes, you would think she was hard done by. The truth is if anyone suggested doing it all again she would have been first out of the door. Just as she loves to sit with me and dad on a music night, seeing us all cuddled up. It's what she has dreamed of all her married life. She has told me as much many times now, and in many different way. The above being one of those times and ways.

Whitby

 Today we are, or have been at Whitby all day, which is an absolutely mental place, and by far the biggest place we have visited on my parental history tour and so demanded a complete day for a visit. The weather was really nice although there was a cold breeze at times, I got right sunburnt. There are loads and loads of shops which made mum happy which in turn made me and dad happy too. One little happy family, that's us. There is a cafe there called 'The Humble Pie', it reminded me of the walk from Jim's farm that day and how I thought I might have to eat humble pie back at the big house. Thinking how my life has changed from that day to this wonderful day and my beautiful parents made me get a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.

I won't bother to give you a tour as I have found another video showing more or less the same things we saw so I think that gives you a better idea than anything I can describe in the short time I have to add this entry. This video is a long one so you may need to get in some popcorn or beer, whatever takes your fancy.

The reason for our visit was to get and eat fish and chips on the Whitby Endeavour in the harbour!! Ha ha - just joking, although it would have been worth it just for that as they were the best. Much better to sit and eat them outdoors by the sea, just watch out for those darn seagulls though as they will steal them. 

Anyway, as I was saying, the reason for us being in Whitby in relation to my history tour is that this is the place that dad proposed marriage to my mum, up by Saint Mary's church overlooking the harbour. It's such a beautiful and memorable place with loads of history and just goes to show that dad can be romantic if he tries. I've decided for my next challenge that I am going to have to bring it out of him somehow. If one thing this tour has taught me is that dad needs working on. He is so much more relaxed and attentive when away from the farm and I can see now why mum is desperate to get him away more. He does have a lot on his plate when at home, what with the farm and the meetings and all that stuff, but I guess it wouldn't be a challenge if it were easy.

Anyway, enjoy the tour, it might even be fun to imagine we were walking around together as everything in the video is so like it was today, the mental amount of people and dogs, stuff to look at everywhere, just crazy, even the weather looked the same. The only thing missing is a walk along the pier but you won't miss much really. Oh, and don't forget, we had to walk all the way back again! Poor mum was so done in I had to help her back up the steps to the whale bones. When back at the van she had a lie down before we set off. I got dad to take me out and sat on the cliff top eating ice creams. It was such a special half hour for me, it has been a very special day for me.

Holiday - Richmond

 After visiting Middleham we then went to a place called Richmond, the North Yorkshire version. There is another Richmond somewhere, which dad informs me isn't as good as the Yorkshire version. I don't know the other Richmond but I think he may be right as the one we visited is really nice, I liked it a lot. There is lots of history, most of it set around or not far from a large cobble stoned market square, where a market is held every Wednesday and Saturday, which once again we missed by a day! Never mind, there were lots of other things to see.

The reason for our visit to Richmond is because mum and dad did a lot of their courting here. They would take romantic walks along by the river, although dad won't admit to them being romantic, they were just walks apparently!

After quite a lengthy stay in Richmond we then headed across the country towards the North York Moors national park. Calling first at a place called Helmsley and then Pickering before finishing the day close to the sea at a place called Whitby. Although the campsite was just out of Whitby. 

We walked in to a nearby village to a pub where we had dinner. The fish and chips appealed to me but I thought I'd better not push my luck. Mum suggested I tried the Cumberland sausage but I sort of went off sausages a while back so decided to have the homemade steak pie with chips. Dad went to the bar to get some drinks, and the meal got to us before he did with the drinks, which didn't go down well with mum. It seems he had met up with some farmers at the bar and he got talking to them. No doubt comparing much spreaders or something similar. Anyway we had another great night. I planned on writing all this when in bed before going to sleep. I think I wrote about two lines before falling asleep! I didn't even wake up early either, All this holiday business is very tiring.

Below is a link to another walking tour, this time it's around Richmond.

Holiday - High Jinx In Middleham.

 After leaving Leyburn we drove just a few miles down the road to a place called Middleham. This is just a village, although it does have a castle. I've found a little tour of the place for those who would like to take a walk round. (See below)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1DkIXp1Mg4&list=WL&index=1

The reason for the visit here is that this is where mum was living and working when dad met her. The pub job was just side work, her real job was working at a horse racing stables nearby. We couldn't actually go to the stables but we had a walk around the village and I enjoyed listening to mum talking about things her and some of the other stable girls go up to in and around the village. She was around my age and a little bit older when she lived in Middleham and was living away from home with some of the other girls so it sounds like there was a lot of high jinx going on. Nowhere near as well behaved as me - well, since I've been with them anyway.

After Middleham we drove to another market town called Richmond which is where we stayed for the night. We were just out of town but close enough to walk in and get a meal, I had fish and chips again! Mum said I needed to have something else but dad stuck up for me saying that I was on holiday and to let me have what I wanted. I like fish and chips so much that there is never anything better on the menu. I guess if we go out tonight though I will have to try and have something different.

Holiday - Leyburn, The Reason Why.

 After leaving Skipton yesterday we went to a place called Leyburn which is a very nice place, everywhere around here seems to be a nice place to be honest. 

Dad said to me yesterday, with mum present, that seen as it appeared that I was planning on being around for the duration that it was important for me to be shown my roots and so that's really what this holiday is about.

"Now that we've all decided to make our lives one and the same, we think it's important for you to see and understand where your roots lie. This is of course not to take away anything from who you are as a person you understand." Is what he said.

So with that in mind I will tell you the reason for a visit to Skipton yesterday. As I said, Skipton is an old market town, which even today has a cattle market as well as street stalls. Back in the day when dad was a youth not much older than me there no such things as supermarket contracts and such like, all your livestock was taken to a market, such as Skipton to be sold.

So one late afternoon, after a trip to Skipton Market, my dad and his dad were returning home when the cattle truck developed a problem. At the time dad didn't have a mobile phone, I don't think they were even invented. So they couldn't call someone out to fix it, they had to try and get somewhere that had a local mechanic, which usually meant a village or town. In this case the next town was Leyburn. They pulled up outside one of the pubs and went inside to enquiry about a local mechanic. Whilst there dad saw this really nice young girl, very much like me he reckon's. I think he was just trying to flatter me! Anyway, there was no one able to do anything to get them going before the morning, so the two dad's ended up staying the night where they were.

Dad didn't waste his time drinking and talking to the locals, many of which were farmers who they knew. Instead dad focused his attention on this hot young girl behind the bar. They got on so well that before they parted company for the night they agreed to see each other again as soon as possible. As things turned out this sweet young bar girl eventualy became dads wife and my mum.

So we stayed the night near to Leyburn. Because it's a pain moving the camper once you have it on site dad decided to book a taxi to take us in to town but then the owner of the campsite where we stayed said they were going in to Leyburn themselves so kindly took us in to town where we went and had an evening meal at the very pub that mum and dad met in. They say that it's obviously changed a bit but even so I really appreciated seeing it. I don't know why but it made me feel sort of special in some way.

We stayed there all night before getting the taxi back to the campsite.

Holiday - Skipton.

 

My driving lesson passed without any drama this morning. We basically went for a drive round. I did some town driving, dual carriageways, round a bouts and what have you. On arriving home I got changed and had some lunch before setting off in the camper van for a few days away. It’s not been decided yet as to how long we will be away. I woke quite excited this morning, more than I expected I would. I was thinking that maybe we were going to be paying Irene a visit as they wouldn’t tell me where were going. Anyway it seems they are taking me on a little tour of North Yorkshire. Which is the country I live in so not too far from home. But that’s okay, it’s nice to be away with just mum and dad enjoying fun times. Tonight we are near to a place called Skipton. We haven’t been in to town just yet but are saving that until tomorrow. After we got set up on the camp site we took a walk down in to the village and had a meal at a pub, I had fish and chips which were very good.

Not The Same Anymore.

 Today at the stables I was in the training ring with Lyn, it seems this is my place now as I never get out on any of the treks, I think this is mostly because I don't ride, but also I am a perhaps a little more suited to humping the poles and what have you about.

Charlotte was out on a trek with a family when I had my lunch so I thought I would pop over and see Rob. When I got there though he was nowhere to be seen so I sat on my own in his garden and had my lunch there. I was a little concerned that he was nowhere to be seen as this is unusual.

After I got finished around four I decided to pop back and see is Rob was back and thankfully found him in the house. He had been down the road at Norman's farm sale all day. I forgot the sale was today or I might have guessed where he was.

I think he was a bit down in the dumps because he was saying how things are not the same anymore and that Norman going was another nail in the coffin, and how one by one everyone was gone and soon he would be the only one left. He was talking about the people he'd known all his life. He isn't happy about how new people move in but don't mix with the people who are from there. I pointed out that I try to mix with the local people.

"Ay well, you're one of us anyway lass, I knew that after the first time I spoke to you."

That sort of gave me a warm feeling. I suppose with mum and dad being from around here helps anyway as far as I'm concerned. I never thought about it until he said, but it's true that all the people I really know around here are the old timers that have lived here for a long time, even though, I think I'm the newest member of the community as far as I know.

I would like to pop in and see him again in a couple of days but with us going away next week I doubt I'm going to get chance.

Mystery Tour.

 This morning dad got the camper van out of the shed and parked it up in the yard so that me and mum could give it a clean. Eric came at one point and started causing trouble by making out I'd missed a bit. He had this black grease on his finger end and he kept on touching the side of the van with his dirty finger, and saying that I'd missed a bit. Of course this then left a black mark where he touched it. He soon clear off though when I threw a wet sponge at him. Mum did all the inside while I washed down the outside.

I think we are going on Monday, they won't tell me where, saying that it's a mystery tour. I'm wondering if we are going to see Irene, but I don't know. They've perhaps secretly got fed up with me and taking me back for a refund! Can I have a different one as this one doesn't work properly, in fact it doesn't work at all half the time. Just swans around taking afternoon tea and eating Victoria sponge cake!

For some strange reason I decided when alone at one point to reenact a moment, the moment I flaked out on the steps of the van. I think dad must have pulled me inside on the night as I don't see how I could get where I did from just collapsing. I lay on the floor a couple of minutes looking up t the light and just remembering, All a bit silly and pointless really but I just felt the need to do it for some reason.

The Scary Cooker.

 Today mum and I have been to York.

Mum had an appointment this morning about her back. She had a scan and a talk with someone and it seems that everything is going alright with it but she still has to be careful not to go and do to much lifting and bending or riding.

Because the kettle stopped working last night, and we were in York, we decided to make a day of it and do a bit of shopping and looking round and of course afternoon tea.

Dad was saying this morning about going off somewhere in the camper van next week, before he gets busy harvesting and what have you. In one way I hope he does because it will be fun and mum would like to go somewhere just to get away. The only time I've been in the camper were very emotional times. They are the only memories I have of it. I'm sure there will soon be fun memories to take away the bad ones. Anyway I will keep you posted on that one.

Poor dad was frothing at the mouth when we got home as he hadn't been able to have a proper cup of tea all day. It was his own fault mind you, as he could have boiled some water on the cooker which mum did this morning for breakfast. I think he saw it as to much like cooking to which he has an allergy it would seem! So the first thing when we got back was to get out the new kettle and get a brew on. 

"Katie, just watch your dad with that tea, he's not had any for a few hours, he needs easing back in to it!" Mum said pulling his leg.

I smile to myself when I see him in my mind, standing there sipping his glass of cold water while trying to get up courage to touch the scary cooker!!

You Mean The Most.

 There have been a couple of things that for me are worth a mention today. One occurred when I posted an entry to my diary. As well as posting my entry I always check and reply to messages and have a little look to make sure my post has gone up okay, and at the same time take note as to how my previous posts have been viewed. It's not really about popularity but I would be lying if I said that it didn't matter how many people read what I write. I still get a thrill knowing just one person is interested in my writings. So when I tuned in yesterday and discovered that not only had all my entries had been viewed at least once in the past twenty four hours but a great many had been viewed several times. I couldn't believe it, I was so thrilled. I'm not really sure why this is but I want to thank everyone, old and new for reading what I post. You really do mean the most to me.

The other thing worth noting was when having our four o'clock tea and biscuits. Mum suddenly, without any prompting from me!

"I thought that offer to take Mary to church on a Sunday was very sweet of you Katie." 

I know it's good when she calls me Katie.

She then went on to say, "What about if we offer to take her out with us somewhere from time to time? It would be less binding for us but I'm sure just as much appreciated by her."

I said it was fine by me, although I do like my time alone with mum, but I guess every now and then would be alright. I wouldn't want to put mum off her nice idea anyway, especially after all my bight idea's she's had to endure.

The rest of the day has been pretty standard, no tractor work, just bits and bob's around the house and garden. Mum had an old friend and her mother round for lunch so we went in the garden and left dad and Eric to have their lunch in peace. They didn't leave until around two thirty so by the time we had cleared up there was just time for a little snooze before tea and biscuits. I lead such a hard life. I sort of feel like a princess or something just spending my life swanning around the place half the time!

My Day My Way.

 I woke this morning on the alarm which is always set for seven. I lay there a while until maybe ten past seven. On getting up I had a shower and threw on some house clothes as I was going to change up to something better after breakfast. If there is time I will usually check a few things on the internet at this point until I hear mum go down to breakfast. This morning though I decide it was best not to, as I had a driving lesson after breakfast so I didn't want to risk getting my head full of unnecessary thoughts and problems. So this morning I got my clothes out for later and then followed mum downstairs at just after eight. We then had a cup of tea before getting the food out and ready for cooking, laid the table and cooked breakfast once dad let us know when he and Eric would be in. When they arrived it was just after nine. We had breakfast and chattered about our day before dad and Eric went back to work. I quickly helped mum clear the things away and went to get ready for my lesson which was at ten thirty.

Today I had a mock driving test which my instructor said I would have passed although there were a couple of times when I went to far in to the junction before turning. This wouldn't have been a fail but it was untidy. She says I am a lazy breaker! I've been called much worse so this didn't upset me at all! What I do is when turning right across on coming traffic, (not forgetting we drive on the left here). I tend to go to far before making the right turn. It's something I do deliberately because I don't like to turn to closely across the nose of the car that I'm turning in front of, so I tend to go quite a bit more forward and then make a more right angled turn. Where as she thinks I should start turning further back so as to have to make a less sharp turn of it. I know the first time today I did go to far even by my standards. If when coming to a junction I can see that I am going to have to wait for oncoming traffic to clear before I can turn I tend to try and adjust my speed so that I arrive at the junction when the turn is clear for me to turn without stopping where as perhaps most people prefer to drive straight up to the junction and put on the brakes and sit there waiting for it to clear. That's why she calls me a lazy breaker. So what I did the first time was my mistake as I misjudged how slow the car approaching was, and so ended up going a few yards further than I should have which meant I had to turn back on myself to take the junction. It was no bit deal, there was no danger of me not making the turn or anything, but as she says, it was messy. I'm probably going to have to adopt the race and stop method rather than the steady cruise method. 

I got back from my lesson at eleven forty five. Mum was making beds when I got in the house after fussing the cats for a few minutes, they were loving the sunshine out on the wall in the yard. So I helped mum finish off the beds and then at twelve fifteen we went down to make sandwiches and tea for dad and Eric who came in just after twelve thirty. We had lunch together, chattered and cleared away before mum and I went in to Selby to get my blood taken as a follow up to the passing out in the camper van incident. By now I think it was around two thirty and I had ages to wait so that by the time we got out is was well after three. We just had time to go to B&M to get some more bird food before returning home, at which we arrived just after four. It was now time for our afternoon tea and biscuits which we enjoyed in the garden - on the bench I painted. There we talked about how nice the garden was looking in the sunshine and what we were doing for dinner. Me and mum had a salad, dad had a couple of burgers and some salad also, or rabbit food as he calls it.

After dinner I cleared away the dinner things and tidied up the kitchen. As it was a nice evening I took a walk around the yard locking at what if anything was or had been happening. I notice Eric has got all cow shit in my tractor which I'm NOT amused about. I said hello to the cattle, some of them come to have a rub, others look like they would also like a fuss but are not quite brave enough to risk it so just stand there looking. I don't go in the sheds with them so if they don't stick their hear through the barrier they miss out. 

By now it's getting on for eight so I go in, get a drink of juice and go sit on the couch and snuggle up  to dad who is busy watching someone getting murder and what have you. Just the usual routine boring TV series stuff. I soon lose interest and fall asleep with dads arm around me protecting me from the nasty people on the TV. He woke me at nine fifteen for supper. I got up to help him. I poured the juice away that I never drank, and made a few crackers and cheese while dad  made the drinks. It was now that he told me how he and Eric seen Rob this afternoon and had then had to spend a whole half hour listing to them do nothing but talk about and sing my praises. Dad reckons I should hurry up and get that Rob down the isle before he goes off the boil, saying that he would make a good sugar daddy! I told him that I didn't need a sugar daddy as I already have one. He gave me a hug and a kiss on the top of my head which was nice for me but maybe a little soppy for you all to be hearing about.

We enjoyed our supper, dad had the news on which was mainly about people getting murdered and what have you, the usual routine boring TV news rubbish! At ten thirty I went up to bed. Often I will spend some time catching up with people online but I figured I hadn't been on all day so why start now. Also I was tired. I'd been up late the night before and Monday's always seem tiring for some reason so I just went straight to bed. It's now Tuesday morning and have to get off down to help mum with breakfast.

Most people reading this will no doubt be saying, so what, who cares! Those that do care will probably be the ones who give me a hard time because I don't spend every spare minute I have writing them a message or what have you. I know I'm a great person and you want all of my attention to yourselves, and I wish I could give you all of it, because I love your interest in my life. But you have to understand also that I have to live that life or there would be nothing for any of us to enjoy. I have to fit all the above things in my day as well as all of you. I just hope you understand, because all I ever ask of you is an understanding. Which is the reason for the above - so that if I appear distant sometimes, you have an understanding.

By the way, none of the above sentence applies to anyone from this diary site who contacts me. I have nearly two hundred entries now and in all of the time it's taken me to post them I have never had one wrong word from anyone, just a few queries, which is great and absolutely fine, and lots of support and interest from the rest. Which again is great and very much appreciated, it inspires me to keep going. As are all interactions wherever they originate from - please just remember there is only one of me though.

Have a lovely day everyone. You're all great in your own way.

Who Would Have Thought It.

 When mum and I got to church today we were surprised to see Mary back in her usual place, we were thinking that maybe she has had some kind of recovery but it turned out not be the case. Pat, who is another church lady had given her a lift in to church this morning. On the way home after the service I mentioned to mum that maybe we could give her a lift to church in the future. Mum's reply was that we could give her a lift but so could a lot of the others too, but they won't. 

After thinking about it for a couple of minutes I said, "It wouldn't do for us to be the same as everyone else all the time though would it."

"That's true and your thoughts are what make you special but you have to be careful not to make a rod for your own back in such matters."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"It's the sort of thing that could go on for years and you could end up getting stuck with something that is hard to get out of. Or other people thinking that if you can give Mary a lift maybe you could give them one too."

"I know you mean well, but it's best you leave well alone this time dear." She said in a manner that I could tell there was no point in arguing with.

Thankfully this Sunday afternoon was far less eventful than last Sunday. It's been a nice day so after our Sunday lunch mum, dad and myself took a walk along the river bank and then back along the road. It was really nice to just walk along and chat about things. They told me things about the farm and how it might play out for me in the future. I'm not sure, but the way they were talking about things it was as though they expected the farm to one day become mine. I like the thought, but it's a mega scary thought all the same. Imagine if I owned a farm! Who would ever have thought that. Anyway I don't really want to think about that because if it did play out that way it would mean that I would no longer have mum and dad here. Just having that thought now makes me want to cry. I think I would rather die first to be honest.

I didn't get to make an entry yesterday because I was doing other things. I was neglecting my diary, that's the honest true. So much so I have decided tonight that my diary must come first. It never demands anything from me other than a bit of my time yet it's been with me through all the hard times and will hopefully be with me for a long time to come.

Yesterday I was at the stables as always on a Saturday. I was in the training ring again with Lyn, erecting jumps and just generally helping her when needed during the lessons she is giving.

Talking of lessons, Charlotte has expressed a desire to teach me to ride so that we can go out together for rides around the farm. I haven't agreed to anything yet, but the idea is growing on me. I just worry about the horse, also about what happened to mum. She still has terrible pain in her back sometimes from the fall. On the other hand I want to do things with Charlotte as I enjoy her company and we get on okay.

Miss Picky Pants.

 We were all sitting having breakfast yesterday when dad asked if I wanted to do a bit of grass cutting. Yes of course, I said with great enthusiasm, if you show me how. It's weeks since I did any proper tractor work.

On hearing my reply Eric jumped back like I'd just poked him with a stick.

"Hark at miss picky pants here! I thought farmin' was to messy for you these days." 

Of course he was only pulling my leg.

"Get lost!" I told him.

He just laughed and went on about he would rather be seeing to sheep lambing than falling asleep going round in circles on a tractor all day. 

The cutting job was cutting down the long grass growing on the verges down our lane and around the edges of the field tracks. Because I was working on a public road I had to use an old tractor as the one I usually use has a passenger seat installed so for some strange reason, which is known only to some pen pusher somewhere, if a tractor as a passenger seat fitted I can't drive it on my provisional license without instruction. Yet I can use the old tractor that's never had a second seat fitted okay. Everything is the same, just no second seat fitted. Figure the logic behind that one if you can.

So after breakfast yesterday we put on the cutter, which is a different one to that which we got out of the shed the day before. This cutter is just for the rough work. Then Eric took me up the road and pointed out a couple of fire hydrant markers that were difficult to see in the log grass. Then he showed me how to go on with the cutter. It was simple enough. Just put it in to gear, push the revs up and then pick it up and put it down as and when. Also avoid obstacles such as electric poles and concrete fire hydrant markers etc.

So for the past two days I have been doing that and it's been brill!

Tractor Fluids.

 Today I have been helping Eric get some machinery ready for making silage, which is a process for turning grass in to feed for the cattle, I will tell you more about it when I know more myself. Today we were fetching the machinery out of the shed and fitting new blades to the mower and giving it a service. The rowing up machine got some broken tines replaced and a grease round and tyre's checked and inflated where needed. The baler was the most work, although having said that there was nothing in need of replacement, but it's a complex piece of machinery with lots of different moving parts so there was lots to check over. I had grease and oil up to my elbows by the time we'd got done. Eric gave me the dirty jobs as he didn't want to get any grease and stuff on his new trousers. I think that was just an excuse though to be honest. I think really he just wanted me to learn how to do the work. He even had me connect the mower and the swather to the tractor. It's the first time I've actually connected anything as Eric or my dad has always done that for me. I didn't do the baler though as there is much more to that. There are at least 6 hydraulic lines, air hoses and electrics to connect. I reckon I could do it though if I had a couple of practices as it's just a matter of remembering which hydraulic lines go where, but they are coloured so it shouldn't be too difficult.

When I was snuggled up with dad on the sofa tonight he said how mum had told him about the problem I had with the lambing. He has apologized for not coming to my rescue, saying that he had no idea that I felt that way about it. He even said that he had an idea what I meant as he isn't in to all that birthing business, and has never seen the attraction of it.

"As long as you aren't averse to tractor fluids and what have you that'll do me!" He said while holding up my hand which was still black in places even after a severe scrubbing. 

"It looks like we need to get you some gloves or something." He laughed.

I Was Being Pathetic.

 When me and mum were in the summerhouse having our afternoon cup of tea and biscuits, following the day spend doing house work. She said was I going to tell her what was the matter or did she have to guess. I thought that seeing as how she was asking, and knowing mum, would carry on asking, there was not much point in pretending any longer. I couldn't really explain the feelings I was having as I didn't really know myself what they were exactly. I told her that it was the sheep situation, and how it came about that had upset me. She was surprised saying that I'd done a good job and that everyone was very impressed with how I got stuck in. I pointed out that, what I did or the outcome wasn't the problem. It was how it came about and the fact that the whole thing was truly awful and I wasn't even given a choice.

Once again she expressed surprise saying that whenever something needed sorting, I was usually pushing everyone out of the way and jumping in with both feet.

"What was so different this time?"

"I wasn't expecting it for one thing, blood makes me want to throw up, I had on my good clothes and I was forced in to it, and dad didn't even stop them!"

I was loathed to bring up the last bit, but I did as it was part of the problem.

"Katie dear, your dad or Uncle ken would never make you do something if you didn't want to. They would just be assuming that the way you are with things you would relish the opportunity. Really you should take it as a compliment that Ken even let you do it, as he is very precious about his sheep. If he had the slightest thought that you were going to mess the job up he wouldn't have let you near the sheep."

I didn't know what to say really as it was just what others had said to me about it. I just thought it best that I resign myself to the fact that I was being pathetic and just get on with it.

I've Lost The Feeling.

  I'm not really in  a good place at the moment, also yesterday was a holiday here in the UK so dad decided to take us to the seaside, which was good of him, but it was to cold to be really enjoyable. Normally it would still probably have been enjoyable as I used to find enjoyment in most things, but as I say I have this thing hanging over me at the moment.

I know it's something to do with that sheep situation but I don't know what or why. I think I might have that thing where when a mother has her baby she doesn't want to know it! Is that possible? 

To be honest, and you will probably thing I sound stupid now, and probably am. I feel like I was raped in that barn. I've never been raped, and most certainly wouldn't want to belittle the experience for anyone who has, but I imagine I would feel like I do at the moment. I had something forced up on me that I neither expected or was ready for. Worst of all dad was part of it. 

I had no interest in the lamb once it was out. They were all praising me and stuff, and normally I would be lapping it all up and wanting more but all I wanted to do was get out of there. Mum even commented going home, that I was quiet. I just said that I was tired, which I was after all the exertion, but it was more than that. I hope I get my old feeling back as I don't like this one, it's to much like Scotland.

I'm sorry about this.

The Midwife.

 This morning mum and I had the usual Sunday trip to the church where upon I learned that I was to have a fan club member less. Mary, who has just been on a cruise and who suffers from arthritis of her spine, has deteriorated to such an extent as to make it so that she can no longer drive, therefore she is unable to attend church anymore. So that was a bit sad, but I was soon cheered up when I received my Victoria sponge cake. 

After church and Sunday lunch of roast beef mum, dad and myself went to visit uncle Ken, aunt Carole and Kimberly. Uncle Ken made his usual fuss of me and Aunt Carole was her usual cheerful self. Kimberly was out tending their flock of sheep, so me, dad and Ken went to find her up in one of the barns. They have nearly finished lambing now so apart from half a dozen of so pens the barn was empty. The pens I am talking about are the individual pens where the mother and lambs are put to bond after just giving birth. They stay in these pens for two or three days, or however long it takes for the lambs and mother to form a suitable bond to each other.

We got there to find that Kimberly had got one of the last remaining mothers in to one of the pens as she was having trouble giving birth. There was a lambs nose and one front foot sticking out of it's mother. Ken said that one of the front legs was back so sent Kimberly for some warm water, soap and a towel. Ken tried to pull the lamb out while she had gone but it wouldn't come, so he pushed it back in a bit until just the nose and foot could be seen.

When Kimberly returned he said for me to roll up my sleeves and wash my hands. Everyone seemed to realise what was about to happen except me!! Ken asked what handed I was, so I replied that I'm right handed so he then got this plastic bottle that was half full of something and squirted a load into the palm of my right hand. I could feel what it was straight away as it was something dirty Dave had been fond of! Myself too for that matter.

"Right, kneel down and work your hand down the side of the lamb." He said to me in such a matter of fact way, like as if he was just asking me to pass him something across the dinner table. There was no option, like do I want to do it, or anything else that might excuse me from my impending actions. It was only when he saw me hesitate that he assured me I would be okay.

"Go on, you'll be alright, I've got every faith in you." He said.

Apparently I had to work my hand down the side of the lambs head and neck to it's shoulder where I will be able to locate the missing leg. I then had to go down the leg to the hoof and then curl my finger tips around the hoof and ease it gently forward so that the hoof was towards me and not facing to the front of the sheep. This all sounds very simple, However none of this takes in to account of having to over come the psychological block brought about by a life time of, lets say an understanding that this s not a place where ones hand. let alone half your arm should ever venture. Not to mention all the blood, slime and any amount of other bodily fluids that seemed to cover everything to the point that they were impossible to avoid. All this mess and my Sunday best clothes were not going to mix well and yet it was all so matter of fact to everyone but me that I simply had no choice but to crack on with it. After the initial feelings of pure yuckiness was over, which to be honest last about two seconds, it because just a task to be done. I never gave the disgusting situation I was in another thought.

I worked my out stretched fingers down the side of the head of the lamb, followed by the neck as instructed. Then as I was pushing in to the inner depths of the sheep, it started pushing the other way which had the effect of crushing the back of my hand against some bones. I couldn't pull it out and I couldn't push it in. Thankfully when the pushing stopped the pressure also went. Kimberly said I needed to stop the lamb from being pushed out because the bones that were crushing the back of my hand would prevent me from being able to pull the leg forward. So now, not only was I trying to get my hand in but the lamb as well, all the time the sheep was trying to push us both out. Talk about making someone feel unwelcome!

 I did find that when I was able to push the lamb back it allowed more room for my hand to squeeze between the lamb and the crushing bones. I could just feel the lambs foot but I couldn't quite hook my finger tips around the bottom of it and I could feel the strength going from my arm, probably due to the lack of circulation due to the crushing effect. Ken said to wait until she had a break from pushing and then go for it. His plan worked and I was just able to get the bottom of the foot, but with all the slime and what have you, keeping hold of it was another matter. I still had to stop the lamb from trying to come out because I needed to get the foot towards me before it went past the crushing bones. But there wasn't the room to get my hand through while it was in a fist holding the foot. So I had to keep my hand flat and try to pull the foot trapped between my fingers but it just slipped out. Thankfully I was able to get it back easy enough. In the end I sort of got the lambs foot forward and just held it against it's neck with the palm of my hand and then used the sheep pushing to let it push everything past the crushing bones. Then when the lambs foot was past them I was able to get it in my hand properly and pull it forward so that it was level with the other foot that had been there all the time. Then Ken said to pull on both legs equally with one hand and use my other hand to ease out the lambs head and once it started to come out try and keep it coming.

It came straight out once I got the shoulders out and then Kimberly took over, sticking straw up its nose and rubbing it's body with straw. She soon had it shaking it's head and wriggling about. Everyone was saying well done and I did a good job type of thing. I can't say I was able to indulge in the praise though because my right hand felt like it was busted to pieces, my clothes were in a right mess and I was completely knackered. 

When we got back to the house Carole gave Ken an ear full for getting me in such a mess, and then got Kimberly to find me something of hers I could wear.

I Have No Plans To Get Involved.

 This morning mum and I decided to do some baking as we hadn't done any for quite some time, and as I hadn't had very much interaction with Rob of late on account of there always being someone else around when I've seen him, I decided I would try to make him a lemon drizzle cake. I remember him once telling me that Lemon Drizzle cake is his favourite. So, after it was made and we had cleared away all the baking and lunch things I had a walk down the road with the cake. Rob was in his garden and stopped what he was doing immediately when he saw me. I handed him his cake and when he saw what it was he insisted on trying it there and then. So he put on the kettle and made tea which we took, along with the cake, in to the garden where we spent a most enjoyable afternoon in the sunshine.

It was during our conversation that he told me that Norman was selling up and moving out. Rob says that he is wanting a smaller place, also the place he lives in now is run down and needs a lot of money spending on it. I said how it makes sense for him to have a smaller place, living by himself a he does. Rob agreed but went on to add that he was a bit concerned that there has been this woman hanging around, and all this talk of moving has only come about since she showed up. So he's wondering if she has turned Norman's head and that this is all her doing.

Just in case anyone is wondering, no, I have no plans to get involved!

Eric's Trouser Problem.

 At breakfast this morning, and as planned, dad asked Eric if he would go to the  farm store to pick up some things for the farm, such as blades for the mower, tines and grease cartridges etc.

"Can Kate go with you as she wants to buy a sun hat and a few shirts for summer?"

Thankfully Eric agreed, there was no reason why he wouldn't, in fact I think he liked the idea to be honest.

Once at the store he went to the counter and got the items that he had gone for while I went to the clothing and picked out a hat and also a brown leather belt. I'd been struggling all weekend to formulate a plan of action when at the store but hadn't really been able to think of anything very good. So now I was sort of playing it by ear I think it's called, the belt was the start of the plan.

I took my things to the counter and joined Eric and the guy serving him. It was the same guy who took care of me and mum that time, and he remembered me. I told the guy that I would be buying my own things so not to put them on the farm account. Eric signed the paper for his things and I then passed him the belt and after taking it from me, asked him to go and pick a pair of trousers for himself to match the belt.

He looked a little bemused, and said, "I don't need any trousers."

"I'm sorry Eric, but I think you do, and you must know that you do too. I want to buy them for you as a friend, please don't force me to pull rank on you." Now that's my version of bossing it! I don't like to brag about myself, like grandfather often told me, 'self praise is no recommendation'. But I couldn't help feeling that I played that well. 

It did the trick anyway as Eric walked off, with what I hoped was fake reluctance, to the clothing section. 

The guy at the counter said, "It looks like you're settling in alright then?"

I assured him that I was getting there and that I was loving it. We chattered a little more before I excused myself, as I wanted to make sure Eric was behaving himself and not picking more of what he already had. The guy from the counter came with me. From the way he acts I get the feeling that he likes me a bit.

Eric had chosen a pair of trousers that he liked in a size that he said were better than what he had on. I made him go and try them on and when he return I didn't mess around. If he insisted on acting like a child over buying a pair of trousers, he deserved to be treated like one. So I grabbed at the waistband to feel what slack there was, they were much improved on his present pair, not that I've ever felt the need to interferer with those for any reason. You just have to look to see they aren't right.

So whilst there was a bit of slack to be found in he waist, knowing how long Eric liked to make things last I felt a size bigger would be best to accommodate any future expansion. So I asked the store guy if there was a pair one size bigger. He promptly found a pair and handed them to me and I gave them to Eric and said to try them on. He came back saying that the other pair was better as these were too lose.

I handed him the belt, "That's what this is for."

I wasn't sure at this point whether he was happy or had given up the will to resist, but he seemed to accept his lot. So I paid up and we left with Eric wearing his new trousers.

When we got in the car I pointed out how much better that must feel.

He didn't admit that it did, instead saying, "You're a right one you are, I can see now why you mum and dad make sure they stuck hold of you when they found you!"

That stuck me as funny because I always see it as me sticking hold of them.

After parking up back at the farm he thanked me before we parted ways. I said he was welcome and that I hoped I wasn't too bossy, "I just didn't want you getting in to anymore trouble or anything.

I was in the pantry when he came in for lunch, and I had to stop and listen before returning to the kitchen as he was all full of himself telling mum all about getting his new trousers and what an awesome girl I am. It really thrilled me no end, even more so thinking how mum must have felt on hearing him raving like that. I never let on that I heard any of it.

Going Round In Circles.

 Today I had another driving lesson. This meant I missed helping mum with some of the housework. But I did manage to get the vacuuming done after lunch so that was good.

Because the instructor thought I needed to build up my confidence on round a bouts, the whole lesson was devoted to them. I spend so much time going round in circles it's a wonder I didn't get dizzy! I did little mini ones, normal ones, BIG scary five lane ones and even a double, which is one round a bout that leads straight into another! Some road planner somewhere must have had a bad nights sleep and got out of the wrong side of the bed the morning he thought that one up. He thought that if he was having a bad day then everyone else was going to. 

The thing I have trouble with the most is choosing the right lane to be in. If they made it a personal preference, like picking nail varnish colour or some such thing, I would be fine. But oh no, you have to be in the right lane or you,re going to get some impatient knob in an Audi stuck up your bum, with his horn on like it's some sort of anger management tool rather than a simple warning device that's only there to get a girls attention. You would think that having a big letter 'L' stuck to the back of your car might give him a clue that you perhaps aren't sure what you're doing and so take these things more steady. But oh no, we can't have that can we, you have to be in the right position or it's the end of the world for him.

Anyway, everything went well and I think my only problem with them now are the ones I have in my head about them.

One Step Ahead.

 First of all I would like to thank the person who appeared to read every single entry bar one of my diary over the past 24 hours. Who ever it was deserves a medal for their efforts. The one entry that wasn't read was Happy Slapper which has now been renamed, 'Annoying Habit' and is dated 19/02/24. I say this on the assumption that it was one person as I can't tell who read what. It's just the way the numbers were that made it more likely to be just one person. If it was one person and you read this I would be interested as to why you missed just one entry. Drop me a message if you want, I'm very respectful and not at all scary.

While on the subject. Thanks also to everyone else who bothers to read what I write. I really do it for myself, to record the time I spent in Scotland. But it's nice that you read it, and helps me keep the motivation to carry on now those times are behind me and all I have to write about is daily life on the farm. Which is no doubt pretty boring to most people.

Right then, back to me. It's all about me isn't it - me me me!!

I had a fun moment with mum when leaving church yesterday. I had been wondering all weekend about how to approach her with regard me and Mr C's plan to resolve Eric's trouser situation. I really hadn't found the right time, and the courage, at the same time in order to bring up the subject. So it wasn't until Sunday morning when I decided to hold my breath and take the 3 2 1 approach. I had the speech and the answer to any opposition written out in my head. Well to be truthful, they were actually ingrained as I'd been going over it so many times that they are now imprinted in my brain somewhere. A bit like when you stare at a bright light, you can still see it for sometime after you look away.

"Mum...." I started, as we sat in the car just before starting the engine in order to drive off.

"Yes, of course you can my dear. Knowing you I'd expect nothing less." She said, interrupting me after getting the one word out of my mouth.

I haven't spoken a word about this to anyone except in my diary. So at this point I'm starting to break out in to a cold sweat thinking that by some miracle she has come across my diary. I looked across at her to see her looking straight ahead with a big grin on her face. Somehow she had gotten one step ahead of me and thrown me off balance.

She then looked at me looking at her for clues so that I could figure out what to say next.

"What's the matter, has the cat got your tongue or something? That's a first!" She said to me.

Without showing all my cards, I had to ask, "How did you know?"

"I'm your mother aren't I? I was always going to catch up with you eventually. It's been two weeks now since you've had an urge to save some poor soul from their own problems. You must be absolutely bustin' by now." She said sort of sarcastically yet with a smile in her voice.

Then before I could figure out how to answer she went on, " So who, or what is it this time that needs rescuing?"

Well at least he didn't know, about the diary or Eric so this was my chance to enlighten her about the latter. 

"It's about Eric and his trousers, I want to get him some new ones that fit him better so that he doesn't go getting in to any more trouble."

"I'm sure if Eric feels there is a need for a new pair of trousers he will buy his own." She replied, quite seriously now.

Ah! Now we were back on track, this was part of the script in my head. I didn't need to think anymore before answering.

"Yes I know that, but he isn't going to is he, you know what he's like."

"Well if you feel you have to. Good luck with getting him to take your money though."

I told her at this point about the plan, and how I wanted her to get him to run me to the farm store and I would sort something out with him when we got there.

"At least you've included me in your plans this time, so that's nice, I appreciate it. Poor Eric, he isn't going to stand a chance with you is he!" she said smiling at the thought in her head.

So we worked out over preparing Sunday lunch how mum would make out that I needed a few things for summer use on the farm as the ones I had were mostly winter clothing and so would Eric mind just running me to the store. Also when we told dad he said he needed some farm supplies from there anyway, so he would get Eric to go and fetch them on Tuesday and I could then go with him. He also told me to put the trousers on the farm account, but I said that I wanted to buy them for him as a thank you for all the things he has taught me about how to use the tractors.

"He probably doesn't need any thanks for that, you're doing him a favour. As you know he hates spending much time on the tractors himself. So by you doing the job it gives him more time with his cattle, which he enjoys more. It's up to you though. Whatever makes my little girl happy!"

Absolutely Stunning.

 I went to the photo society meeting with Charlotte tonight, just as a spectator. We arranged it last weekend when she stayed over. It was one of the things we talked about so she suggested I went with her. I didn't really want to as it meant missing my night with mum and dad. But she came over to stay with me so it was only right to return the favour, although I didn't sleep over at her house.

Anyway I'm pleased that I did. Although I got an absolutely massive surprise when I got to her house. She had been and got her long blonde hair cut to just above the shoulders, which was a surprise. Again, we did talk about it last weekend but I never thought she would actually do it. I also didn't imagine it would look so great either, and because she was going to live model this week she had on makeup. She looked totally stunning. I sort of wished I was a boy to be honest!! If you remember, she had all her camera stuff taken off her and was grounded for a couple of weeks for doing the live modeling thing before. It wasn't the fact that she did it, just that she did it without telling her parents about it. So just incase you are wondering, she does have permission to model now, with proviso's that the society have to abide by. One of which is that all pictures taken must be deleted before leaving the venue. The guy running it has had to put his name to that so he supplies all the memory cards and wipes them after viewing and discussion, then Charlotte keeps them until next time she models. She just does the modeling every last Friday in the month, the other weeks she goes as a photographer. She's into all that stuff. It's all taken very seriously and is not for me. It was nice seeing Charlotte in that environment. It sort of helped me a bit in seeing how mum sees me because Charlotte is always surprising me with the way she is and the things she does. I probably won't go again, but we'll see.

Positive trouser Thoughts.

 

I have been with Eric today clearing fallen branches from around the fields edges where they had fallen down over the winter. I didn't really do much except clear the rubbish away but because Eric was using the chainsaw someone had to be with him in case of an accident.

While watching him I got to thinking - I know, that's not good is it! A good friend of mine mentioned how Eric has left himself open for loads of leg pulling after nearly getting busted by the cops. My first reaction when he was telling us about it was to laugh, and that's just normal, especially for anyone who knows Eric. However, I thought I might like to be different, you know what I'm like? So I'm thinking if it might be a an idea to take him to the farm store and buy him some new trousers. I have a bit of money I could use, so it wouldn't cost dad anything. I'm sure Eric can buy his own trousers, but rather than just take the piss I feel it would be nice to do something positive for him. Especially considering how much he's helped me learn the controls of the tractors and what have you since I came here. It doesn't mean that I have to be totally boring, I could still pull his leg as well. 

Anyway, I don't know what anyone things. You probably think me crazy to be honest. Of course I will have to get it past mum as well. Also I will need to borrow transport too. I think it would be best not to tell him where he's going until we get there. I have all weekend to think about it or even if to do it or not. Of course I could buy him a subscription to weight watches. I reckon it's easier to just buy the trousers than it would be to get Eric to stop eating mum's big breakfast though.

Hot Topic Eric.

 Every morning around nine thirty Mum, dad, Old Eric the farm worker and myself sit down to breakfast. Mum usually has toast, although sometimes she has some sort of cereals. I have porridge with added fruit and honey. The fruit is always blueberries from the shops and some soft fruit berries that are from the garden last year and have been frozen in our freezer. At the moment I am having black currants. Dad and Eric have a full English breakfast, which is various things such as eggs, bacon sausages and the rest depends on what we have. It could be mushrooms; it could be beans or whatever else is to hand. So, that is breakfast, and I say this for no particular reason other than I've never said it before and it may be something worth noting.

Anyway, the real reason to bring up breakfast, well, not literally of course. Let's say, during breakfast as that sounds better. We, that's is mum, dad and Eric, I tend to sit and listen, talk mostly about plans for the day, and perhaps a bit of gossip from the village that Eric brings to work with him most days. He's a bit like a local daily news paper.

Today's hot topic was about Eric himself, who had a visit from the police last night. It turns out he was under investigation for indecent exposure! This so amused me, both the thought and the sight of Eric flashing someone was to funny. It brought back thoughts of Mr McCleod and the bread delivery. (15/07/24 Out For Delivery).

Because his jeans are too tight, and he himself is too tight to by a bigger pair he unfastens the button when he gets in the seat of his car to release some pressure while driving. Well he says he had to pick up some milk from the local shop on his way home from work and when he got out of his car all his shirt and vest had come out. So this meant the need to tuck it all back in and it was while doing this someone saw him and reported him, thinking he was flashing them or something. So last night while watching TV he got a knock on the door from the police.

Thankfully it seems that they have taken on board his explanation and have told him to be more careful in future. I expect it was some busy body with nothing to do and too much time to do it in. It livened up breakfast chitchat that's for sure.

A New Family Member.

 On Monday mum, dad and myself went to York, this was the first time ever for me. I heard that it was a nice place but it's a city and whilst I was a city girl for sixteen years, so I'm used to that environment, I wasn't sure I wanted to experience it again. But we were meeting our friend Irene there who was on a visit to the area to see her daughter for the Easter holiday and this week.

Dad made me get my learner plates and put them on his car, which I wasn't very happy about really. My head was full of Irene and I had never driven in York before but he insisted that they were reasons to do it and not reasons not to do it, as it would be all good experience for me. Anyway, even though it was a bit mental, I managed not to kill anyone or dent anything, and dad did say I was fine, and that I just need to stay a bit more calm sometimes. He was referring to me missing a turn off a round a bout because I got hung out to dry in the wrong lane. Those darn round a bouts.

We met Irene as arranged outside York Minster. I had something I wanted to say for ages now and I thought this was the time to say it. So I ran ahead of the others and gave her a hug, she hugged me back, "my word, what a bonny lass you've become!"

This comment almost made me jump the rails because I was surprised that I was any different to when she last saw me. I managed to stay focused and said to her how lovely it was to see her again.

Before asking, "Would you be offended if I called you gran?"

She laughed and said, "You can call me whatever you want my sweetheart, you'll never offend me."

Then added, "I hope I can be worthy of such a grand title."

"You've already are worthy, I have the best mum and dad in the world and now I have the best gran in the world too!"

I'd not said anything about this to mum and dad as it was something I wanted to do regardless, mostly because she felt like a granny to me, also I felt it would be some kind of recognition for all that she has done and offered to do for me in the past. I thought mum and dad may try to stop me, I also though I might be in trouble now. 

So it was a bit of a surprise to see mum with a tear in her eye, "Katie! You're a proper devil sometimes, I never know what you're going to come out with next."

It might sound like she was not best pleased, but I can tell she was very pleased, she called me Katie for a start off, but the watery eyes said it all to me.

Dad had a joke with Irene asking if that means he has to call her mum?! Everyone laughed. Gran is so sweet and easy to get along with.

The weather wasn't very nice with rain coming on so we decided to take a look around the minster. It is very big and impressive. I once went to Coventry cathedral on a school visit, I think York Minster is more impressive. We also had some lunch followed be a walk round some of the old streets and shops. I can see now why people say they like it in York. What I saw of it, it's a way better city than Coventry.

When we had finished in York I drove everyone over to the village where grans daughter lives and we met her and her family before going out for an evening meal at a local pub. Her family are all very nice. She already has three grand children and now another one! Although I didn't broadcast the fact while I was in their company for fear of upsetting them. Gran wants to come and visit the farm sometime, which is only about twenty miles from where her family are.

It still seems strange. I  mean how would I ever have imagined that day when we met on the train, and she was telling me about visiting her daughter who lives near York, that one day I would be a farmers daughter living just a few miles away from her daughter - and now she is my granny! I feel like a doll sometimes, like someone is playing with me, putting me in places I don't belong and making me do things I have no say in. 

Well Buzzing.

 I have had a nice day today. After breakfast me and mum dropped Charlotte off back at her home on our way to church. She said she had a nice time and wants to come again. Actually, she wants to teach me to ride, I will have to see about that. For some reason I found something very satisfying watching her and mum chatting away about the horses. They seemed to be getting on so well there was a point when I was beginning to think mum was looking to get me a sister!!

Church was much he same as always. Certain people seem to make a beeline for me after the service and they always want to catch up on what I've been up too. The vicar did a nice thing during the service. After reading out a list of events she congratulated me for passing my driving theory test. I think I blushed a little because of the attention it drew to me. It was nicer afterwards when people came and talked to me about it. 

This afternoon was the best though. As it was a nice sunny day me, mum and dad just spend the time sitting in the garden. I know it might not seem very exciting but to me I love moments like that. We don't even have to talk, just being together as a family is what makes it special for me.

Tomorrow we have a very special treat organised. Irene is staying with her daughter and family over the Easter week, and so when I phoned her the other night and found that she was going to be close by I asked if she could find time to meet up with us somewhere so we can spend some time together. She was thrilled at the idea and said she would have a word with her family. She got back to me later and we arranged a day out together in York. That will take place tomorrow so I am well buzzing about that.

Attitude Is A Grandfather Away.

I'm not sure why, but this weeks visit to the stables hardly took up any of my thoughts before the event this week. Usually I can think of little else the day before or even more sometimes. This I find a little surprising in that it was quite an important week with potential for something to go wrong, in that Peter was due to be there for his first time as a helper. I, true to form had volunteered myself to  be both his mentor and match maker. I'm not sure that I qualify for either role really, but especially the latter one.

He did arrive, which was a good start, and after asking Lyn, I set him off with Elisabeth to fill hay nets and it made me happy to see them walking back across the yard not only chattering and laughing away together, but also he seemed to have remembered how I told him to help her as much as possible while being kind and nice to her. She had one net full of hay and he was struggling down the yard beside her with four!! That's what I call a proper gentleman!

Throughout the day I set them together whenever there was a pos ability and it was a pleasure to see them getting along so well, albeit a bit to much fooling around at times but I let it slide this week. Although looking back maybe a bit of alienation against me might not have been a bad thing. One of the many things I  learned from Miss Oliver's self improvement classes is that nothing brings  people together like a common enemy. Also it would have taken me off the menu should I still be on it in his head.

Because mum and dad were going on a night out I had Charlotte come back home with me. Mum and dad had already left when we got home. Charlotte was to have my old room for the night so I took her up there with her things and then showed her round house. Mum had left us both a salad for our dinner plus what was left of this weeks Victoria sponge cake. It's easy to see why Charlotte is so slender, she nibbles away at her food in a manner that made me worry that she wasn't enjoying it. But when questioned she said she was enjoying it very much as salad was one of her fav meals. I hope she is okay and not one of those that half starve themselves just to fit an image. 

Other than that there were no worries. We took a walk around the farm yard after we had finished eating and tidied up after ourselves. Mum specified that strongly, as part of being left home alone with Charlotte. 

"Don't go letting me come home to a mess will you?" She had said.

I hope she really knew that she didn't need to tell me that, I think it was just a standard mother comment, like an instinct one gets born with or something.

Dad had added jokingly, "And try not to burn the house down!"

"Okay!" I'd replied, in my best, 'I'm not stupid manner'.

Notice how these day's a have a manner and not an attitude! Grandfather would be proud of me.

Before adding as an after thought, "And you two try not to get any parking tickets!"

Mum called me a cheeky madam while chasing after me with the tea towel.

This brought back a memory of grandfather flicking me in the face with one of his socks, although the situations were way different. His was to intimidate, mum's was done in fun and with a good nature.

The rest of the night was just spent chatting away, mostly about horses and riding, also after a while, I think when she got more comfortable being with me, she got to asking me how I came to be at the farm, and we got in to my past, and before we realised it, it was time for some supper and bed.

I enjoyed it, not just because we had a good time, but I also finally found the real Charlotte, the one that I always knew was there somewhere, but could never quite find. I'm actually now finding myself  fighting the depth of my affection for her if I'm honest. 

Hot Date And Overnight Stay.

 Oh dear, poor mum! Because it's good Friday she went to church in the morning and she only went and got a parking ticket! She parked where we normally do on a Sunday but didn't think about it being a week day, for which there are parking restrictions in place. I think you can only park there on evenings and weekends. The good thing is that I was working at the stables so wasn't able to go to church with her, or I may would have been driving and would probably have done the same thing. 

Everything went okay for me at the stables yesterday. Although I was well tired by the time I got finished. I certainly won't be complaining about helping Lyn in the training ring again. I was out with Charlotte all day leading non rides on hacks. This means you have to walk while leading the rider. It's usually kids and people like myself who have no riding experience. Apparently it's what you get during holidays. Mostly parents with their children. Often the parents or one of the parents can ride and then the rest have to be led.

Tomorrow night dad is taking mum on a hot date to see a show that dad booked for her birthday a long time before they had me - so I'm not included. That's okay though. I've been looking all week for an opportunity to ask mum if I can try again to have Charlotte over some time, but knowing how sensitive she is at the moment about me drifting away I haven't dared to bring it up.  But then tonight she asked if I was going to be alright here by myself.

"Well actually, I was wondering if you would mind if I asked Charlotte to come and stay with me?"

"Of course you can, I've told you before to have her over. She seems to be a nice sensible girl." Replied mum.

It's worth a lot when you achieve mum's sensible girl seal of approval.

So I called Charlotte and put it to her and so now she is coming back with me from the stables tomorrow, and then spend the night here with us. Dad reckons they should be back just after midnight so we won't be home lone all night. I just have to figure out what we will do with our time.

More Cleaning Work.

 Today I have been helping Eric empty and clean out one of the grain sheds as we had two trucks come and take away all the grain from them. So afterwards we cleaned everything down and by the time we were finished there was a nearly a trailer load of Barley. which we put through the mill to be used to feed the cattle.

I was finished in time to get showered and cleaned and enjoy afternoon tea with mum in the summerhouse. I was that done in though I went and fell to sleep in the chair!

There is talk of me going to help out the stables tomorrow. It's Good Friday so there are people around on holiday looking for hacks. To many for a Saturday and a Sunday so Lyn is wanting to do some for tomorrow but she doesn't have the help that she needs so mum is wanting me to go, which I suppose I will as I suppose it's my responsibility to help out where I can. I'm not here just to swan around eating out and whatever else we get up to that's a pleasure.

Success.

 Today I went and took my driving theory test, this was the big fish what I mentioned in yesterday’s post. Then, as I was back home by twelve, mum decided that we would go to a local garden centre for our lunch as she wanted another garden bench to match the one I painted on Monday.

 Before this though I had to endure what seemed an endless amount of hugs and back slapping which even Eric managed without causing me any grief. It was very nice though and appreciated their support and enthusiasm. I wanted to tell you yesterday but I didn’t want to jinx myself.  As you can gather I managed  to pass alright, but only just as I got a couple of what I consider to be trick questions wrong. Both were medical questions. One was something like, ‘How do you tell if someone is in shock?’ I said slow heart rate but the answer is fast breathing. Like what has that got to driving safely and who gives a f--- anyway! I’d just call an ambulance anyway.

 The other question was, ‘What would you do if you came across someone with burn injuries?’ I said to remove any burnt clothing that was stuck to them. I thought that the clothing would perhaps keep on burning them if it was still hot. But looking back I guess it was a bit stupid. The proper answer is to pour cold clean water over them. I was going to say that but changed my mind. The true is that when there was no option to run off in to the bushes by the roadside and throw up, I was only ever guessing. I want a license to drive, not to practise medicine anyway.

 So, whilst I’m pleased that I passed, I can’t help feeling quite disappointed with myself for getting those questions wrong. There was another medical question, I don’t recall what that was but I did get it right, so I suppose that’s something.

Unfortunately the trip to the garden centre wasn’t as successful as I, because the only benches of the right size were just rubbish wood and rubbish quality overall. Mum has since been looking online and thinks she may have found one. This is a shame though as we prefer to support local traders if possible. Anyway we has a nice lunch together, although it was expensive for what it was. We did manage to find some plants that mum liked so be bought those, which William will no doubt have to plant – alongside the shrivelled roots he already planted.