21 June 2021

Grandpasaurus

America may have its Grand Canyon, its Statue of Liberty, its Golden Gate Bridge and  its  Grauman's Chinese Theatre but what it hasn't got is "Maltesers"! "Whoppers" are a pale imitation of "Maltesers". As the previous president might have said, "Whoppers are fake! Fake Maltesers!" He would have been right.

Yesterday, I received a box of "Maltesers" for Father's Day along with six bottles of beer - mostly Yorkshire brews, three cards and a new mug from our little granddaughter. She must have been saving up her pocket money.

Ian and Frances did not appear in person on Father's Day, opting instead for  a long weekend up in Kelso in the Scottish Borders. Stew and Frances drove up there on Friday afternoon with Phoebe sitting in her car seat like a princess. Apparently, she was as good as gold on the four hour journey north.

Ian and Sarah travelled up to Berwick-upon-Tweed by train on Friday morning  and then took a taxi with two other friends to Kelso. It's a journey of just over twenty miles.

This pandemic has kept most of us at home much more than normal. Getting away has been so difficult so for Ian and Frances the three nights in Kelso must have been such a comfort and a reminder of what many of us once took for granted -  breaks away from home.

One day we might get away too but I don't know where or when. We certainly wouldn't want to travel anywhere on an aeroplane any time soon. Masks, closeness to other travellers and all that COVID testing rigmarole you have to do.  No way - not yet.

27 comments:

  1. Happy father's day!

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  2. You were well treated on this father's day.

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    Replies
    1. Frances has always been a thoughtful present and card giver.

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  3. happy fathers Day to you!
    Maybe youshould go to Kelso?

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  4. Stick with the Loxley, I note they fill their bottles correctly.

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  5. Belated Happy Father's Day to you, Neil!
    Barnsley Bitter... now that triggered some memories!

    Like you, trips that involve crossing borders and flying do not appeal to me at all just yet. I hope that next year will be different, so that my sister and I can visit Yorkshire again. It will then be 3 years since our last visit, and I really miss my family and friends there, and my favourite places.

    Much as I like my home, I like being away for the weekend (at O.K.'s, of course). Getting back is nice, too. It must be even more important to have a break every now and then when you are young parents. Of course Phoebe went with them, but just a change of scene must have felt good.

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    1. hey were staying in a very grand house free of charge.

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  6. And most of those beers are actually brewed where they say they are - Bradfield, Hull, Barnsley (almost), Saltaire (near).

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    1. God bless Joshua Tetley! A Yorkshireman through and through.

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  7. Anonymous9:47 am

    The box of Maltesers seems to be depleted. A few days in the warmer Cornwall might be a nice break, or is it too touristy? Popular tourist places happen for good reasons.

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    1. The Mrs must have been dipping into the box when I wasn't looking! Cornwall is crowded just now. Would not want to go there.

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  8. I suppose it's one advantage of living in a coastal resort - somehow being able to see the vast expanse of water makes it less urgent to get away. The disadvantage is that we are now inundated with tourists who are able to drive overland, and are now descending on us.
    Belated Happy Father's Day - that mug is very precious, and what a clever girl Phoebe was to choose that particular design. It's years since I've had a Malteser, and I never realised they were something of a status symbol. We can buy them here, but I prefer very dark chocolate.

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    1. Dark chocolate? You must be a sophisticated woman Carol but watch out for those tourists descending on you!

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  9. With that mug are they trying to tell you you are an old relic or fossil. Haha. I'm with you on the subject of travel abroad. There's too much uncertainty to make it an enjoyable experience and there are plenty of beautiful places on our own island to enjoy.

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    1. Perhaps they are trying to tell me that! I had not thought of it that way. Now I am depressed.

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  10. So Father's Day in GB is the same day it is in the USA? But Mother's Day is not. Weird.
    I like that mug. Will you drink tea or coffee out of it?

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    1. Yes. It is the same day. Of course I will drink tea from it. Strong with milk and one spoonful of sugar.

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  11. Belated Happy Father/Grandpasaurus Day. Chocolate and Yorkshire beers. The 'meal' of champions...right after roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.

    You are absolutely correct--Whoppers are not, and never will be, as good as Maltesers. Whenever I cross the Pond I have standing orders from my (adult) children to bring back the Real thing.

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  12. I would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between a Malteser and a Whopper, I suspect. Maybe if I did a side-by-side taste test? It's great that the kids were able to get away for an adventure, but were careful to take care of you!

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  13. Wonderful gifts! I would love those Maltesers as long as the chocolate is good quality. I'm a fan of malt!

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  14. Belated Happy Father's Day to you, Neil, and to your son-in-law! That mug is awfully cute and I'm sure you'll be proud to use it.

    I follow Ian on Instagram and I saw a cute photo of him with little Phoebe. I'm sure he's going to be a fun uncle to her!

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  15. Happy Father's day of yesterday. The children chose well. Apparently Samuel Smith is the oldest brewery in Yorkshire, not featured though....

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  16. Happy Father's day of yesterday. The children chose well. Apparently Samuel Smith is the oldest brewery in Yorkshire, not featured though....

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