When they set off, the weather was ok.
Not amazing, but there was hope.
A farm park seemed like a good idea, so they loaded the car with kids and snacks and headed off to Matlock in the stunning Derbyshire Peak District.
As they drove, things got a little darker.
The mist rolled in…
And images of Heathcliff and Catherine filled Ms Beaufoix’s head. Sighhhh.
Yeah ok, I know, that was based in Yorkshire, but the bleak winter scenery, the rolling hills, the weathered rocky landscape, the mist…you get it right?
Let’s just ponder that for a while.
Well, ok, just Heathcliff.
Heathcliff, sighhh.
Passionate, dark, brooding…
Ok, on with the story.
As they neared the bustling little town, favoured by leather clad and bearded bikers, hippy chicks, posh folks, and well, pretty much everyone because it’s so darn lovely, they noticed something unusual.
When they reached the car park of the Farm Park, (try saying that very quickly while drinking a pint of port), their worst fears were confirmed…
There had obviously been some kind of mass exodus, or maybe an alien invasion, because, this bustling hamlet of culture, quaintness and character, was
EMPTY!!
Or it might have just been the cold and the wind and the rain…
But hey, they got to have lunch here;
The food wasn’t great, but they loved the idea, though of course it would be even better if they added French afternoons into the mix, just hang a little garlic over the door, et voila.
And after wandering around a few fabulous antique shops, the adventure truly began when their 7 year old daughter, Miss E, was attacked by one of the above mentioned aliens;
A face sucking Minnie Mouse from the planet, erm, Cheese.
Luckily they managed to save their small child, and escaped relatively unharmed, unless you count mud splatter.
And to top off this tale of joy and merriment, a real treat awaited them on their way home.
No, not a sighting of a wild unicorn atop a blustery hill doing the can can,
but this..
Croc-a-tile.
How clever, it’s like a very funny play on words.
Or as Mr B would say, “It’s like a very funny play on words…”
Sighh.
And they all lived happily ever after, especially Ms Beaufoix, as she had only yesterday received this lovely award from the thought provoking, witty and wonderful Sweet Irene. Thank you so much Irene. 
And without further ado she will present it to,
Hmmmm
Erm, and when I say, she, I mean me, right, just in case you thought Alien Minnie had infiltrated my blog.
![[MFM's mummy bloggers you really should read]](http://www.madeformums.com/news/images/mummybloggerlogo.jpg)
February 24th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
now this is a perfect example of a perfect post where i’m concerned.
it checked both the columns of
making me laugh; AND
receiving an award, which i love. i know, i’m weird that way.
you know what sweetie? i read that line the first time exactly like mr. b’s explanation. i know you. and my mr. says the same sorts of things.
oh i’m disappointed that the food wasn’t fantastic. it just seems like such a good place. you can NOT beat good indian food. i’m annoyed i had to be 28 years old before tasting any.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
You made me laugh, Jo, as you always do – and now it’s time for me to thank you as well, for the award.
Here’s my official speech: “I’d like to thank the Academy, and my director and my producer….”
Thank you, Jo.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Glad to have made you happy with the award, Jo. Sorry that I also couldn’t have given you a better day out, but then you did have those amusing croco-tiles and we got an amusing story, which is not half bad and we do so enjoy your amusing stories. You write like a pro and make us smile like a pro, that’s what counts.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:12 am
Croc-a-tile! And I suppose their salesmen are known as rep-tiles?
February 25th, 2008 at 1:22 am
ooh, know that stretch of road sooo well! You should have gone this morning. It’s sunny now. But maybe 8:20am isn’t the most convenient time …
February 25th, 2008 at 2:08 am
Leather clad bearded bikers? heck! Very funny story Jo. Cheers for the award!
February 25th, 2008 at 2:46 am
More excitement – an award and a contender in David’s post of the day. What a start to the week!
February 25th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Ahh thanks Holl. Your Mr and my Mr sound kind of similar.
And there was no Indian to be had as it’s English in the day and Indian only in the evenings. Great idea to share the rental isn’t it?
David, it’s a pleasure, and your speech was divine.
Irene thanks so much. And we still had a nice day, it just wasn’t the day we had planned.
Dumdad, hee hee, you should be in journalism.
Rosie, it’s a pleasure. And well done babe, David has such discerning taste dontcha know.