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.  

Sleeping

As you know, I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. For anyone who doesn't know, it means I spend the night snoring like a tractor and sometimes gasping for breath. I don't wake up for this performance but the result is that I never get a proper night's sleep. Ergo, I'm always tired and looking for a nap. The sleep clinic at the Churchill gave me a testing machine to wear overnight and, yes indeed, I have sleep apnea. I have an appointment in June to be fitted up with a CPAP machine for which I have high hopes. It will mean sleeping with a mask or cannula but I have reached the point where I will do it. Apparently the muscles in my throat collapse and this machine blows the air past them. When I am all fitted up, I will do a selfie and post it for your enjoyment.

Easter in Brighton

I went down on Saturday. Alison and the boys picked me up at Gatwick. As soon as we got home, Harry, Alison and I went looking for a skateboard which we found in a shop in the North Lanes. It's a perfect size and shape for our Harry to get started with. Of course we had to go to the skate park so he could have a go.

Later we went to Blakers Park so Tom could come and do some scooting.

Mummy Sian could not allow herself to be left behind. Ergo:

Home for tea and a quiet game of chess.

On Sunday Mark and Emma and kids plus Grandma Pat came for Easter lunch. Alison and Sian made a most delicious meal. We all over ate but couldn't resist the deliciousness of it.

I came back on Monday after a wonderful weekend. Thank you Sian and Alison.

Resolutions

I’m always making them, resolutions that is. One that is ongoing is to have one cultural event per week. My week starts on Sunday so yesterday I went to the Holywell music room for a Schubert string quartet. Great. That’s me done and dusted for this week. Actually, I enjoyed it and didn’t agree with the Oxford white top in the queue behind me when he said, “I’m inclined to give Schubert a miss.” Pompous git.

Another resolution is to read. I’ve slipped into the habit of audio books. I listen on my ipod, tucked up in bed. I have two books to read for this month’s book clubs – Behind the Scenes at the Museum for BC2. I read this one years ago so may be able to get by with skimming. We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves for BC1 is a new one so will read diligently.

Exercise is a third resolution and I’ve gone back to the gym. I hate it but I know it is good for me. Ten minutes on the treadmill is about all I can take before I attack the machines. I miss Ben but will probably find another trainer so that I have to be there. I walk most days. Living close to town makes this easy and there are always the river walks which I love.

Update

Charlie is at home resting. He can't work until he grows a new cornea. His vision is fine which is what matters.

JF & C prep

Tun ( my cleaning lady) is coming today.  She will help me move furniture and make beds for the Hacking/Foglesong girls to sleep in.  I have that big front room upstairs, perfect for guests. Also, I get to keep my own bed. All good. I'm having Sunday lunch here for the family.

One family segment having difficulty. Rachel rang last night to say that Charlie (big) was whacked in the face by a branch and she had taken him to A&E because his eye is affected. Don't know the outcome because it is too early to ring her. Will update when I have more news.

2014

Better late than never for 2014. I am inspired by Alison's blog. It would never occur to me to write real things that don't make me look like a winner. I'll start off by complaining about the weather. It is sunny today with a predominantly blue sky but Jan, Feb have been appallingly grey, wet and windy. Due to having grown up in Canada, I never find it cold. Anyway, my plan is to blog regularly. Much more can be written on a blog. Don't roll your eyes. I'm feeling good today. I think it is due to a change in Antidepressant meds. I started this new one two weeks ago and fortunately the GP warned me that the first few days would be a bit grim. I woke up feeling severely drugged and almost unable to get up. This passed and each day got better and better. I'm fine now and pleased with the change. Jane and Catherine arrive on Saturday and will be here for a week. Can't wait.