We are doing the “don’t be knocking on the door” thing again this year, with a scream mat hidden beneath the cloth.

The stash is going down fast, so it looks like it won’t be out for long!

Penny getting all maternal with the puppy doorstop I’ve brought back from the UK.

Back home safely after a pretty smooth journey. The Premium Economy experience was nice, with easier checkin and boarding and less loo queueing, though the seat recline still wasn’t enough for a decent sleep.

Penny wasn’t that fussed about me getting back which I’m hoping is because her and Wor Lass had gotten on with things normally without me there so she hadn’t fretted.

Now on that post-journey sleep and time zone catchup before returning to normality and work.

I’ve really enjoyed spending time with The Oldies, relaxing and getting a break from things, even with the Covids getting in the way. Once I’ve shaken off the travel it’ll be good to get back to work and enjoying the coming Summer.

Writing this from Gate 40 Heathrow Terminal 3 waiting on the flight to Hong Kong. 7.5 hours into a 2 day journey, so far so good.

Everywhere seems to be several degrees warmer than I’d like but the trains and tube got me to Heathrow nice and early, then Premium Economy checkin meant I jumped the queues.

Through the departure checks and duty free smellies and decided to treat myself to the Qantas Lounge to avoid the crowds. Well worth fifty of your English pounds for buffets, bar, recharge points, showers and lack of children.

Now waiting to begin the longest leg, 12.5 hours to Hong Kong. Feeling tired so hoping to get some sleep.

Last bit of sightseeing today, got around Hull’s most popular museum The Deep at last (first time visit in it’s 20th year)

Enjoyed watching the penguins and the impressive nurse shark tank, but was round it in an hour and wasn’t engaged by a lot of the exhibits.

It’s lunchtime in mid-October and I’m sat in a beer garden in short sleeves ordering a burger and a beer. In Hull! Almost surreal.

Turned into Dad when the waiter tried to explain how I can order by scanning the QR code then entering a certain string – Nay Lad, tha’ll be ordering normally thanks. Brain’s on holiday, that’s beyond me.

After this I’m off to The Deep to check out the fish before meeting up with my cuz for a pint and a catchup.

Final chore of closing the UK bank account is now done so it’s now about final catchups and packing for the return leg Thursday.

Today was about revisiting old haunts to see how Leeds has changed in recent years, and I’m pleased to report that it’s in a much healthier state than Hull.

Some lovely new shopping centres have been built and the rest of the CBD is busy with fewer empty shops, though House of Fraser was having a Closing Down sale.

Still Reyt Yorkshire though!

Had a lovely meal at ASK with Sissyface and her family tonight. Lovely catching up with them and seeing my neice and nephew be cheeky and funny.

First trip to see City in 4 years, and enjoying the matchday experience. Programme full of cliche-heavy interviews and adverts, terrible coffee and freezing cold concrete stadium.

20 minute delay to kickoff because the crossbars are 2″ too high so the goalline technology needed recalibrating.

Currently half time and City are 1-0 down thanks to a basic defensive blunder giving away a penalty.

Second go at haddock and chips on this stay and it won’t be the last! With bonus curry sauce!