5th April

Mary's brother David and his wife Liz visited us last weekend. We had a great time with them, introducing them to our new grandsons George and Dominic, who have arrived on the scene whilst they were living and working in Kenya over the last two years. Strange how much can take place over 24 months - a wedding, a couple of trips abroad, two births and lots more. Amongst the "lots more" is the start of a new business which David and Bethan have bought over the last month, The Magnesia Well in Valley Gardens, Harrogate. Owen and Kim have recently joined David's team and are spending most of their time in the new business as opposed to Ripley Store.
We have spent quite a bit more time with George (our grandson) over the last week because Bethan has been unwell. He is an adorable little chap, happily playing on his own for most of the time but enjoying interaction with anyone who will engage him in some chat and rewarding you with a beaming smile.
I had my first long cycle ride of the season this morning from Knaresborough via Ripley to Brimham Rocks and then on to Pateley Bridge and back to Knaresborough, a round journey, of 28 miles. The trip took about 3 hours which seems a long time but you have to allow for a lot of steep, long hills and a strong head wind which slowed me down. The bike performed well but I am looking forward to doing the same route on a road bike, which I may buy over the next few weeks.
On Wednesday afternoon I had my first decent motorbike ride of the season. I had to go to Ilkley on some business and then rode on to Skipton and back to Knaresborough via Blubberhouses. The weather was good and the bike's performance was awesome. I still can't speak too highly of the bike's acceleration and handling. It is difficult to keep within the speed limits because the bike demands to be ridden at high speeds - but I do my best !!
Snow is forecast for tomorrow and the outlook for the next few days in wintry. Perhaps we will manage to get to Snowdonia on Wednesday and do some scrambling in the snow, at last!