Things I have learned this last week

* In the event that we ever again have a house party of 8 people which lasts for more than a few hours - we need to hire a portaloo. We can manage with just one bathroom - after all, how often are there urgent shower needs? But we have almost come to loo wars with only one loo! We need another.

* In the event that those same 8 people should ever again go away for a few days to a place with two loos - the early risers need to be the ones who have the room with the en suite, even if they are ancient and required to sleep on a futon.

* In the event (etc) - we need lots more towels. This morning almost nobody has a clean towel. I had to wash them yesterday for they were becoming quite whiffy and they are not quite dry. Still, another hour or so out on the line in the sunshine and they will be.

We're back at home now. We had a fairly quiet last day on holiday. A man came and took Austin' parcel away at lunchtime. Some of us collected villages and went walking. Others played more backyard cricket, went to the local pub to play pool, went to Consett for the wifi, generally pottered about. Ian made a magnificent lamb shank casserole. Various games of frisco were played in the evening.

We tried to go to visit Richmond on the way home, but couldn't get in. The queues driving into town were lengthy and effectively stationary. So we went to Ripon instead.

Yesterday Ian, Tabitha, Gareth, Austin and Freyja went to Xscape near Leeds to go bowling and to play mini-golf and various other activities. Lindsey, The Builder and I went to Edwinstowe for lunch and then for a wander around Sherwood Forest. I don't think Lindsey realised quite how close to Sherwood Forest we are when she first suggested it as something to do. Quite coincidentally, we were there on the weekend of the annual festival. There were lots of people wandering around in medieval costume and many tents dotted about.

Tabitha and Gareth go home this morning. We reconvene (after more activities) at their place on Tuesday, minus Freyja. Must remember to take towels!