Harry's Weekend

Harry became a seven year old on Saturday.  He is loving his XBox.  We went bowling in the afternoon and stopped off at the playground before the bowling alley.  He had his proper birthday party on Sunday afternoon but I couldn't stay for the lazer fighting so no pictures.

Harry with his best present - XBox 360

Tom on the quad bike before bowling

Harry before bowling

Eight of us went bowling on Saturday afternoon before Pizza Hut.  It was the first time for Harry.

The boy turned seven on Saturday but the fun started on Friday morning.  A nativity play was performed by Harry's class.  He was a wise man.  He brought myrrh.  Here are some pictures.

Mr. Myrrh and his fellow wise man.

Paying tribute to Mary and Joseph

What a King.

A Large Family

The title refers to mine.  Daniel and Michelle and Olivia arrived last week on Wednesday.  It is wonderful to see Olivia so grown up.  She reads and writes like a pro and she has been helping me with my wardrobe.  She chooses what I am going to wear and I wear it.

Catherine and Sam have been here for a week and were the first to arrive.  I love teenagers.  They sleep like dead logs and when they finally surface, they feed themselves.  We went to the Punter the first night and Charles and Adam and Rosie joined us.  There I was with five gorgeous grandchildren I was in my element.

See what I mean.

Jane also arrived on Wednesday and the teenagers went with her to stay at the far.  D,M&O are staying with me.  I really live in the right place now.  It is a 20 minute walk up the tow path to the farm.

On Saturday we went to London for a matinee of Wicked.  The adults then carried on down to Brighton for Sian's birthday bash.  The kids and I went back to my house sopping at Dominos to bring home large pepperoni pizzas, garlic bread and coke.  We stuffed ourselves and then they left to walk up to the farm.  I had a quiet evening before J,D&M came in at 1AM.  Yesterday they left for Devon to spend a few days with Nancy.

Seeing them off at the train station

The next huge event is the Triathlon on Saturday.  I am full of admiration that they would try such a thing.  I don't think I can go because who would I root for?  Because there are three events I can't even say that each one should win one.  The next day is my event.  I have rented a large boat and will take 30 of my family and friends on the river for Sunday lunch.  I'm having it catered so I too can enjoy myself.  I will post again when all this activity is over.

Writing a How to Book

It was a wonderful weekend in London.  I went up on Friday evening and the course started on Saturday morning.  The Guardian office is a lovely posh place.  There were eight on the course plus the instructor.  I was planning to meet Alison at the venue on Saturday morning.  Ten o'clock came and went.  We were all assembled.  No Alison.  By 10:30 I was quite anxious so the gopher who was looking after our group went out to track her down.  He came back with the news that she was ill.  I rang her at the tea break by which time she was feeling much better and said she was on her way.  She duly arrived at lunchtime.  We filled her in and she was up and running.

There were a variety of subjects and the discussions were helpful and interesting.  I had trouble thinking of something that I might know enough about to write anything let alone a book.  In the end I settled on late divorce, coping with.  I was so proud to be sitting there with Alison beside me.  She was clearly the brightest and most academic of the eight.  I was the oldest and the funniest.  The best thing about the weekend was spending it with her and then coming away with an actual plan to get started on my own book.

Although I took my camera, I forgot to take pictures so no illustrations.

Another Weekend in Brighton

The sun was shining on Friday afternoon and I was off to Brighton.  A wonderful weekend was had by me.  I think the boys and the girls enjoyed it too.

They have joined a new park called Drusilla's and it is excellent.  It's a zoo, it's a playground and it has rock climbing.  Harry is a novice climber but he is already impressive.  Tom scoots, Harry climbs.  I came home this afternoon and took a well earned rest.

Pictures

Two wheelers are the only way to go.

I think this cow produces strawberry slurpies

He was pretty good climbing this but wait for the big rock.

All kitted out for the climb

On his way up

                                                                                                                 

Definitely getting there

The rock in all its glory

I'm not sure how tall the rock is but he made it to the top and rang the bell. Proud Grandma. Happy boy.

Garden Party

Kathleen had a garden party on Sunday. It was a great success.  I helped and it gave me the chance to see many old friends.  She cleverly ordered the food from Waitrose so all we had to do was fill the platters and put them on the tables.  We were very lucky with the weather.  It was a dry day but not too hot.  I was able to contribute various bits of garden furniture as did Simon.  He also acted as bartender with Robert's help.  A very good time was had by all.

The boys behind the bar

Guests

An English summer garden

Food

                                     

More guests

Granddaughter travelling

Chloe and friends left for Thailand yesterday.  I took a few pictures of the farewell.  She will be back in 3 months.

The last supper on Wednesday evening. It included early strawberries from the farm.

Backpacks in the boot. Ready for the 'off'.

Goodbye big sister.

Off they go. First stop Heathrow.

Terror at No. 9

Rosie and Harry took pictures of me when they could stop laughing.

I have had the machine for a week now and it seems to be working.  Alison and Harry were up from Brighton for a couple of days and I pretty much kept up with them.  Alison spent four hours helping me to declutter the loft.  It is amazingly clear and inviting.  I shall paint up there now that I can make my way to the easel.  I am so grateful for her help.  Rachel did her bit by having Harry round to the farm to play with Rosie.