Wideopen

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 In between longer trips we had one night away on Kathy‘s driveway to see Hamilton at the Sunderland Empire. We travelled up on the Saturday morning after Vicky had arrived on the Friday night, and arrived with Kathy around 3 o’clock despite the A1 being closed for a bad accident involving horses. The diversion actually led us cross country which was a much more pleasant drive, and we made time to stop for a coffee. Kathy and Einar had ordered pizza so we all tucked in on arrival then Ian positioned Dame Shirley Bassey so that Kathy’s next-door neighbour, Adam, could get his car out. Kathy had already  asked him if he minded us staying.



A lovely forced diversion


After a bit of chilling, Ian set off to work Sam as he was the designated babysitter and the rest of us left in Cathy‘s car for Sunderland. We had already scoped out a car park and arrived in plenty of time at the Sunderland Empire. Our seats said restricted view but in actuality they were pretty good. The only problem was the Guy in front who insisted on leaning forward, then backwards, then forward, causing Einar and Kathy to bob about. It was the first time I had ever seen Hamilton and to be honest I thoroughly enjoyed it.



The lovely Sunderland Empire



Our view, standing and seated


Meanwhile, Ian and Sam watched Oppenheimer and two episodes of some House program where they look for a house for you but you never want to buy it!

The show finished about 10.30 and we returned to the car park to a massive queue. Everyone in the theatre must’ve parked in the same car park. We paid for our ticket then sat in the car for ages until there was a space to escape. We had texted ahead to get Ian to pour the Prosecco (a gift from one of Vicky‘s clients) and arrived back around midnight.  The Prosecco went down well.

We slept really well outside Kathy‘s house in Dame Shirley. Next morning I opened up Ian‘s blind and looked across the cornfield opposite. It was what I imagine being in Provence is like. I always like to go with Kathy to walk Sam when we’re together, so we tootled off across the fields and returned for a slice of toast. A lazy morning ensued before we all trooped down to the local pub for Sunday dinner. Vicky had to drive back to devices once we returned to Rotherham so we set off around three and she had plenty of time once we were home. 

We think staying in Shirley is the way to go if we visit Kathy’s as she is limited for space specially for three of us.

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