Another month and half the year gone! I'm certain someone is speeding up the years. Either that or the hectic start to the year has meant that we quite literally haven't had time to catch our breath.
June, is usually a quieter month, our lull before the summer storm. This year however it has been busier than usual and we have been able to cater for the needs of guests, both old and new.
We did however have a mid month break and spent a few days with our eldest daughter, son in law and granddaughter in London. This came about as a result of Tim and Sarah giving Elaine a ticket to the London production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. British readers will know that BBC1 hosted a programme last year to find a "viewers" Joseph. From the first programme Elaine identified eventual winner Lee Mead as her chosen Joseph. Sarah had likewise chosen Mead and both were quite smug when he was announced the winner.
As a result Sarah and Elaine decided they had to see the show and hence the Christmas present of a ticket. At the time Elaine indicated to Sarah that she should book sooner rather than later as she knew that it would be difficult to get away once we were into full seasonal swing.
But as the saying goes "the best laid plans of" were of no use as the world and his wife were all clamoring to see Mr. Mead and the earliest date that they could get tickets was 17th June.
Thus it was that we set off for London on the sixteenth. We spent the morning of the seventeenth with Sarah and Emma, our newest family addition, at Kew Gardens which at this time of the year are a real treat.
In the evening the ladies set off for the theatre whilst Tim and I baby sat. No really a chore as once Emma goes to bed that's usually her gone until morning. With Euro 2008 on we did the male thing and watched Italy versus France.
The trip also coincided with Elaine's birthday and as a birthday present Sarah and Tim treated us to a luncheon at Alain Ducasse's new restaurant at the Dorchester. They have a fixed price menu and this brings me to my "Basil Fawlty" moment. We enjoyed lunch, although my Yorkshire bias suggests that we certainly have restaurants that rank favourably with the best London can offer. (Visit our website www.fevershamlodge.co.uk and click on the link Dining in York to see some of our recommendations.)
After lunch Elaine headed off to the ladies whilst I waited near the lifts. I had only been waiting a few moments when the lift door opened and a tall gentleman accompanied by an equally tall very attractive black lady got out the lift. She is wearing a pair of large "wrap around" designer sun glasses.
They approached me an she asked me "where does the lift stop" - or that's what I thought she said. Having seen them get out of the lift I thought it a strange question and responded by pointing and saying "behind you".
She gave me a strange look and repeated the question. Now I am really confused and I respond;
" Behind you; it stops where you just got out of it". The lady looks at me as if I have lost my mind.
Whereupon the man intervenes and says: Where's the gift shop?"
Needless to say I felt I right idiot and on telling Elaine she just shook her head.
But the story gets better. The following day we switch on the one o'clock BBC News and low and behold I discover that the lady in question is none other than Naomi Campbell.
What can I say other than "was my face red."
As the summer season gets into full swing the "fare on offer" in Yorkshire provides something for everyone and we highlight some of the activities available in York and the immediate environs this month.
Till next month, take care.

Until 28th September - Grand Tour of York. Full size reproductions of 49 art works (45 from the National Gallery London and 4 from York art Gallery) will be hung around the city. Full details available on www.nationalgallery.org.uk or www.thegrandtourinyork.org.uk
3rd - 12th - York Early Music Festival - National Centre for Early Music, Box Office: 01904 658338 www.ncem.co.uk
8th - 10th - Great Yorkshire Show - Harrogate, Tel:01423 541000
11th & 12th, 25th & 26th - York Races - www.yorkracecourse.co.uk
13th - East Yorkshire Thoroughbred Car Club Rally - Yorkshire Air Museum, Tel: 01904 608595
13th - 27th - Festival of Rivers - Tel: 01904 554253 www.yorkfestivals.com
14th - Dragon Boat Racing - Riverbank and Museum Gardens www.yorkrotary.co.uk/dragonboat.
19th - 7th September - York Maze - Elvington Lane. www.yorkmaze .co.uk
Mid July - Early September - York Maze - Elvington www.yorkmaze.co.uk