The Ryedale Grand Prix

Now don't get too excited. This isn't Monte Carlo and there was no sign of a racing car. these were racing cyclists. So dedicated that had to fore go a good Yorkshire breakfast for double helping of porridge pasta and the like. The ladies had an early start with the men's at a more leisurely time of 1.15pm. The girls came from Aberdeen and Edinburgh while the boy racer was from Hampshire. We have since heard that although he didn't win he has been offered a professional sponsorship which his family are very excited about. Having got him to sign the guest book I might have just got the signature of the future Winner of a le Tour de France. I thought he would have been more excited about competing in the Olympics but he said no the creme de creme was Le Tour. The racing on Sunday was the Peter Longbottom memorial. It starts at Ampleforth College which is just 5 minutes in the car from here so we are ideally situated for it.

Motor biking.....

All the talk at the moment is on cycling . The Tour de France just finishing and Le Tour Yorkshire coming here next year. But this is proper biking ---like Motor biking. Whizzing down the country roads on super bikes -not much energy to turn the throttle back and ride into the sunset. Here you see a biker who was staying with us recently but he is no ordinary biker he is the Belgium journalist,Chris Wouters who write for Motorn and Toeriems and Moto and Lousir .He was exploring Yorkshire film locations such as Heartbeat,Harry Potter and All Creatures Greta and Small. This is some bike he was riding .Another guest asked him about his bike and did his wife even travel with him.Yes was his reply but we have a more luxurious bike for the two of us. As Chris and his wife do bed and breakfast in Belgium. Waffles for breakfast and curiosity may just get the better of me

Ryedale Show...

Ryedale Show seems to have been around for ever. It gets a lot of support from locals and visitors. The work that goes into getting it ready goes on for days before hand. This year was no exception and when wind caused chaos it didn't deter Peter Woodall and a staunch band of helpers. Apart from prize winning cattle,sheep and goats,there is the WI tent ,show jumping and a host of exhibitors including the North York Moors National Park and the well known David Lishman,producer of the official Yorkshire sausages. There was also an interesting array of flavoured vodkas on show too. I loved the clean cut labelling and shape of the bottles. There isn't many years that my Dad doesn't make it to the show . I caught up with him and Robin as they sat down in the BATA marquee for refreshments.

For Sale- William,Kate and baby George

Yes you read it right. Nicholas has finally decided to see his llamas. they have made for some very striking photographs over the years. The best one I took on a winters day and it looked as if we were in their home land rather than in a field in front of the house.It would be nice if you wanted to buy the trio but they are able to be split. Well divorces have been around a long time now and so there would be no problem. Young George is able to fend for himself. Imagine what the neighbours would say. You would be the talk of your neighbourhood . Everyone would invite you to their parties and celebrations. The senders hoping that you would be sending a return invite and get an introduction to this very special family. You never know who may invite you to dinner with the finest Minton china being served by the butler. Lunch in the garden,Pimms before afternoon tea with the vicar or pre dinner drinks with the Lord of the Manor... I have cracked it for you .Buy our trio and you are in with a chance to be the top of those "A" celebrity guest list. Well it was only a thought ...

Afternoon Tea with Betty...

or should I say at Betty's. I was very excited when an invitation came inviting me to the Belmont Room at York for champagne and canapés. As I trotted up the stairs I heard the pianist setting the mood -from then on it was a graceful glide. beautifully dressed staff welcomed us with glasses of champagne on silver salvers. How I could have been born tot his life. It was a networking event. The canapés as you would expect of such an establishment was delicious. For those who know me -I can't resist food . A man I will not mention who looked as if he needed the canapés more than me seemed to enjoy the fact he had the will power to way them by . I tucked into smoked salmon and cream cheese,parma ham and asparagus , hot cheese balls with relish rolled and fried in bread crumbs. And then more and more until I was near bursting point. One thing I am not in awe of is goats cheese but when the young lady smiled I felt sorry her plate looked so heavy I had one it sat between layers of cooked beetroot. I manage one but only one. There were chocolates which the most delicious fillings -rose and lavender. Well this man who had the will power seemed to hang near me seeing if I would weaken and say no, but he didn't know me well enough. Let's say I didn't let the side down. We were well and truly spoilt by Betty's as there was also the most divine biscuits and cake. It was what I would call a perfect trip out. But don't take my word for it -you must go for yourself and if you are looking to hold a function it is so central in York and ideal for anyone assured that you send out the invites and Betty's will do the rest.

The Royal baby is born ..

but for us it was just as exciting to get this little foal. And what a beauty she is .Here you see her with her mother,who is very proud of her. So whether it is a human birth or an animal one it a marvellous act of natural. Probably more so for an animal as they don't have a mother to tell them what to do. It is the maternal instinct that just happens. So to the little foal and to the little Royal prince we can only hope they have a long healthy and happy

life.I am sure they in turn will bring others near to them a lot of happiness.

Shepherd's Purse Cheese... Ryedale ...

As I type this I am have an eye on the television watching the final laps of Le Tour de France. No I am not into cycling and lycra but I am not only looking out for Gary Verity and the Welcome to Yorkshire Team but for Caroline Bell. Caroline is daughter of the famous Mrs Bell who makes some of the most wonderful cheese Yorkshire produces. Caroline is a very busy lady as she is there with their cheeses to give to the VIPs at the end of Le Tour. The Team Bells were at the Yorkshire Show the other week and here you see Caroline busy behind the counter and that was after a 14 hour day. They have made the Ryedale cheese now into smaller waxed portions and it was going down very well. Another photo shows me stood near a posh looking vehicle clutching my precious cheese. I said to Jack "I need a photo stood near this car so I can say -Guess which I would choose -it would be the cheese everytime" -that is how much I love it . Cars can come and go but hopefully Mrs Bell's cheese will live on forever. You see the cheese so when you see the label remember you must try it before the mouse eats it all