Sheffield sunshine

Bev and I have just got back from a quick excursion to Yorkshire, so as to attend the christening of Harry, the latest member of the "Higgins clan". Jayne has been friends with Bev since very early childhood and both her kids call her auntie, although it is not anything to do with being related. Harry is Jayne's third grandchild and there was no way Auntie Bev wasn't going to be there for this special event. Me? I'm just the driver! Once Bev and Jayne start chatting, and reminiscing, I might as well not be there. Saturday afternoon, out in Jayne's garden, it was beautiful. Bright sunshine and a gentle breeze, the temperature was around 20 C. What's going on, it was bloody horrible when we left Kent and that brisk NE wind ensured that it felt chilly, even if the sun did manage to peek through the clouds from time to time.

Harry, with his half sister, the star of the show!

Sunday, at noon, the christening took place in a stunning little church in Thorpe Hesley. A very nice ceremony, conducted by the vicar, who was female, so as to make everyone feel comfortable and involved. Aided by a microphone, computer graphics and no shortage of humour, the whole experience was a refreshing insight into how modern religion is attempting to embrace a changing world?

After the formalities were over, it was a short drive over the M1 junction 35, towards Chapeltown, to The Barley (Meadow?) bar and restaurant where the celebrations really got started. With the weather much the same as it had been the day previous, everyone was able to enjoy this gathering of friends and family yet have plenty of space. It is a very well run and family friendly business. Bev did her best "doting auntie" routine with Harry and Priya, whilst Bowie, the third of Jayne's grandchildren, kept well clear.

Harry looked well pissed off, having been passed around every "cooing" aunt and uncle.

Priya looked a little more perky, having just been fed by Auntie Bev.

Knowing that we had a long journey to undertake, it was just after 16.15 hrs that we said our good-byes and embarked on the 250 mile drive back south. It was just four and half hours later that I pulled up on our drive, thus a good two hours shorter than the trip north on Saturday. Downtown Dumpton was just as we'd left it, that brisk NE wind showing no signs of ending. I got the moth trap, Fox and Hedgehog feeding bowls set up then hit the sack! I was knackered. Tawny Marbled Minor and Yellow-faced Belle were the only additions to the 2023 garden list, when I checked the egg trays this morning only to watch, in horror, a Magpie discover an Eyed Hawk-moth in a flowerpot and proceed to devour the poor creature. I was only able to id the moth due to discarded wings!

Yellow-faced Belle