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Me & My Dog – The Summer Sun in Yorkshire

Following the seemingly biblical deluge of rain and hailstones during May, June finally confirmed that summer is upon us. Without a cloud in the sky and bright warm summer sun flooding our garden and surrounding countryside we elected to take full advantage of the new conditions. Living in Yorkshire, rich in heritage and natural beauty, it was decided an outing to Bolton Abbey in Skipton was worthy of such glorious conditions. They say home is where the heart is. Having lived overseas for many years experiencing the wonders and delights of foreign cultures my heart still lies in England. England, with its glorious and resplendent natural beauty captured so atmospherically by Turner, is for me, still the most beautiful country in the world.

So it was, Anny, Abi, Toby, Willow and I would spend Sunday luxuriating in Yorkshire’s splendour. Of course, the importance of lunch and where we might feast took precedence even before we left home. Like some tortured gargoyle rearing its ugly head, the subject of food and where to gorge looms omnipresent in our family. Should we dine on a picnic or restaurant food? Growing up in Newcastle during the tail end of the industrial seventies, did issues such as dining out and convenience food take centre stage? No, I hear you say! No, trips to Bamburgh et al consisted of sandwiches, Scotch-Eggs and fruit washed down with flasks of tepid coffee, warm juice and perhaps a glass or two of Blue Nun or Black Tower if my parents were feeling decadent.

Luxuries including meals out were restricted to special occasions such as birthdays. Trousers had to be pressed and shoes cleaned before the Maitre D would even entertain us in their restaurant. As alien as that may seem to my children, dining out really was a special occasion. In contrast, my children believe they have a seemingly god given right to dine out wherever and whenever the inclination beckons. But during lockdown when restaurants were closed how did my children survive? Better than I expected!

Anny and I sharpened our culinary skills and we ate extremely well. The diversity and range of produce in modern supermarkets really is something to behold. Gone are seasonal vegetables and meals reflecting such produce. Today, it seems consumers can access almost anything they desire irrespective of season. And did I notice a difference in my waist-line and wallet? The combination of calorie-regulated meals based on fresh produce resulted in a refreshingly positive outcome. I felt fitter, healthier and leaner whilst our finances received a huge boost. Instead of paying circa one hundred pounds on a meal for four, the same amount easily fed our family of four for a week. Feeling ebullient and emboldened we packed a picnic and set off for our Sunday outing. Our destination, Skipton, once provided the backdrop for a Turner masterpiece. As we stood in Strid Wood near the spot where Turner once sat painting, we gazed in awe and wonder at the vista which greeted us.

It was not hard to imagine what Turner must have thought when greeted by the same scene. A cursory glance at his painting impressed upon me that whilst modernity and society’s passion for technology is driving change there are still pockets of life which remain untouched by mankind. How resilient nature can be! Talking of nature, Willow, who recently turned one year old has been forming her own opinion of water. Still unsure of water, she intrepidly ventured into the River Wharfe in a shallow section near the riverbank. Apprehensive at first, her enthusiasm and confidence started to grow. Within moments her natural Labrador joie de vivre took over and soon she was cascading through the cooling water. Never have I seen a dog so happy, chasing a tennis ball as well as stones skimming the surface of the water. Finally, feeling replenished with Vitamin D, courtesy of the afternoon sun we headed back to the car and picnic. As we sat under the shade of a mighty oak tree, I looked at Willow and our children who looked exhausted but content.

Of course, the peace and tranquillity of the moment was shattered as the usual family argument quickly ensued. Which of us was worthy of the final sandwich? Would it be me, the largest member of the family, or Toby or Abi both needy of food to fuel their growth, or perhaps mum who so diligently suggested the picnic? As it transpired none of us were to be the beneficiary. Willow with her longing, saddened eyes had the measure of us all. Melting into those sweet eyes, she gingerly edged toward us, nose twitching whilst she held us in her mesmerising gaze. That power, bestowed upon her by some godly force which only Labradors control. Mouth ajar, the sandwich was gone in a flash and the argument rescinded.

As I lay content in the warmth of the day surrounded by loved ones I reflected on life and how it has changed since my childhood, especially the things my children take for granted such as dining out. Are they happier dining out or were they more content devouring home made sandwiches sitting on the grass enjoying nature? I concluded that as pleasurable as dining out is, I believe my children should not regard such niceties as the norm. Home cooking and picnics are often healthier and save money.

Since lockdown many of our clients who are business owners have witnessed an increase in their personal and business insurance cover. I cannot say definitively why, but perhaps Covid confirmed we never know what surprises lurk around the corner in life and it is better to be prepared than unprepared. Rather than being unprepared and exposed to risk, I suspect clients are reducing expenditure on luxuries such as dining out and reinvesting that money to ensure their family and businesses are protected. My family and I are certainly adhering to this mantra although I am not sure my children see it this way!

You may have cover but when was it last arranged, has your family grown or business expanded during the interim? If you are unsure whether you have the correct level of protection, please email Nick Green at nick@fatgreen.co.uk or call 07985 219 763.

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