(no subject)

[turps]

It was my in-law's golden wedding anniversary yesterday, so we arranged to take them out for the day. The initial plan was to go up for a drive on the moors and grab something to eat while out, but about half an hour into the journey our car started to act up. It said the engine was overheating and despite calling the garage and being told as long as it was just words and not warning signals coming up it was fine to keep driving, we didn't want to risk getting stuck on the moors.

So, we turned around and went back into Durham, which was only about five minutes away. It was a good decision as we went to a restaurant we like that's pretty much a more upscale food court and had a lovely time. Me and my MiL had a cocktail each, the food was good, though because of the set up we were all served at much different times, it was sunny, we were sitting overlooking the river and castle and it was just nice to be out with them.

A very lovely lady offered to take a photo of us when she saw me taking one of James and his parents, and I upload that to my insta. Not the best of me but everyone else looks happy. It's something I always try to do now, take photos of occasions, very much prompted by realising how few photos I had of us together after mam and dad died.

The increase in my MiLs mobility was amazing. She can still only take a few steps and needs the wheelchair while out, but a few months ago when she got in our car I had to lift her feet in as she had no strength in her legs, same when she was going home, where I'd have to help her pull her feet up each step. Yesterday she got into the car much easier, needed no help with her feet, and even stood up a while so she could look over the wall of a bridge. Small things but so significant for her. The only small negative was I got her wheelchair stuck on the cobbles, thankfully a very nice man helped, though I tried to say no as he had a tiny baby in a sling on his chest. But, once he started to help another man came and helped too so we were soon on our way again.

Not that I even attempted to push her up to the market square. I love Durham but the hills and cobbles mean it's not disability friendly at all, so we were content staying on the lower level.

Friday we were at Durham too, just me and James when we went to see Godzilla v Kong at the Odeon. It was in the iMax and the film had barely a plot but it was loud with lots of fights and explosions so kept us entertained enough. Today we're off to see Cruella so you can't say we're not getting value from the Unlimitless card.

We're calling at B&Q to pick up some bedding plants first and will probably head out for a walk too as it's a beautiful day already.

I got my stamp presentation pack for finishing my 6-month mail survey stint Only Fools and Horses this time. I've no idea if you're supposed to use these or not, but I'll put it away with the Trek set I was sent for starting.

Comments

[sperrywink]

I'm glad you guys had a lovely time and I hope the car troubles are minor or not at all a thing.

Enjoy the movies!

[turps]

Thankfully Motability means all repairs will be paid for, so I'm not worried about that. It's just a pain if the car has to go in at all. I hope it will be a minor thing as the warning never came back, just, I didn't want to take the risk at getting stuck miles away from civilization.

I did enjoy the movies! Cruella was a lot of fun, much more than I expected.

[dine]

even though your plans had to change, it sounds like a terrific day! glad everyone had such a good time.

[turps]

It was a terrific day.

I did have to laugh as my MiL suggested we could make our way through the cocktail list, and really, considering she's been out of the house a handful of times in the last two years that seemed to be going from 0 to 100. Plus, I would have had to be carried home *g*

[shadowhive]

Oh that’s a shame, though at least you didn’t get stuck, j think you were wise to head somewhere closer. That does sound nice and you all look happy🖤

Oh that’s good that she’s showing some improvement!

Oh nice, I hope you have a good time at the cinema. I keep checking but it seems our local one is still closed, the fb for it hasn’t been updated since the first lockdown started so I dunno.

Aww nice

[turps]

Yeah, I really did worry that the engine would overheat completely and we'd be stuck. It didn't, but at the same time, we also didn't drive far and especially, didn't go up a load of steep banks which we'd need to to get to the moors.

She's made a load of progress. I was amazed to see it, and very happy.

That sucks about your cinema. I really enjoyed Cruella, much more than I expected even.

[kat_lair]

Whee look at your face! It is good to see it ☺️ Glad you had a good day.

[turps]

My face is all scrunchy due to the sun, but thank you!

It was an excellent day.

[frausorge]

That sounds like a lovely celebration you put together for them, despite the sudden change in plans. And that's great news about your MiL increasing her strength.

And movie date night sounds awesome too!

[turps]

It was a really nice day and I enjoyed spending time with my in-laws. Especially so seeing how much my MiLs strength had increased.

[turlough]

It sounds like you'd a lovely day despite not getting to drive around the moors. You all look so happy in that photo.

It's good to hear how much your MiL's mobility has improved.

It's been half a lifetime since I visited Durham but I still remember how hilly it was.

I take it James didn't fall asleep to this movie ;-D

[turps]

It was a good day, even if we did have to turn back.

But, Durham is a lovely place. It's just a shame it is so bad for wheelchairs. It's so easy to get them caught in the cobbles, and I wasn't even going to attempt to get up the big hill with one. Cobbles plus a steep slope would have been a terrible combo.

[rikes]

So glad to hear your MiL is doing better!

[turps]

So glad to hear your MiL is doing better!

She's doing great. It's lovely to see.