Back ...

I got back this lunchtime from Wales, after the wonderful train holiday to Oban and the Isle of Mull.  There are so many photos and a little video, plus lots of information that I am opening up a separate blog to post it all to, as there is just too much to put here.  Once I have finished with the other blog, I will put up the link here.

Taken with Toni's Canon

Quite a few photos ...

Les, Barbara and Jean are currently in Norfolk.   Here are a couple of photos taken since they arrived:

Jean

Les and Barbara's car and caravan

Inside the lounge/bedroom - Ewan wanted to stay there overnight!

Honey and Laila sharing notes

Today, we went to the Cathedral (they have put in some new glass, so I took a few photos of that -see later on)

Orange and Purple light filtering through the new windows onto the stone

No title - is anybody even reading this blog anymore?

I got new glasses today, went into Norwich on the Simonds bus at 0922am (it stops right outside the opticians).  Collected my glasses from my friend Emily at SpecSavers (who organised me 33.3% staff discount and a free spectacles-cleaning spray spritzer bottle that I'm actually supposed to pay for).  Went back on the same Simonds bus at about 1003am (it goes on a circular route into Norwich).  When I got to Long Stratton I was the only person left on the bus, which is technically supposed to stop at Barclays and hang around for fifteen minutes before going back into Norwich but the driver very kindly drove up the road to the last stop (which is closest to where we live) outside the small Co-Op and let me get off at the robots.  He also didn't charge me the full return fare because he recognised me and knew that I'd already travelled one way on the bus already - I thought that was right nice of him. 

Last night I was watching something on YouTube on my tablet, which was plugged into the wall near my bed, charging. The charging cord is quite short.  My tablet slipped and hurtled towards the floor, so I made a grab for it and in the process completely wrenched/ripped stuff in my left shoulder.  Now some of you might know about my shoulder issue - I have something long-winded called 'Rotator Cuff Tendonitis with impingement' and the only thing that helps are serious pain killers, which erm you don't really get here on the NHS. Anyway, I'm in so much pain today, I feel sick.  And of course, this morning I had to lift Faye's bike out the back of my station wagon at school, so that she could take it into the bicycle sheds, ready to do her Cycle Proficiency lessons later this morning. Oh well, I'll carry on moaning on my own. 

Ally was working in Norwich on a temporary assignment, that came to an end this morning (they didn't bother to tell her not to go in today, so she wasted her morning).  She's now at home but starts her real job on Monday. 

Can't wait to see my aunts and uncle this weekend.  Will take photos and put up here.

Andrew leaves India this evening and will be home in KZN tomorrow evening sometime ... I know he can't wait.   Daniel had jelly for the first time today ... 

 

Bit of an update

Hi everyone,
It's been a bit hectic here over the past couple of weeks.  What with the kiddies going back to school and getting into the routine again.   The nice news of the moment is that Ally has a temp position for four days this week (she went in for training on Friday afternoon) doing reception work in the centre of Norwich.  Then next Monday she starts her new 'proper' job - she doesn't want to post anything about this on Facebook just yet, until she's been in the job at least six weeks (funnily enough it's with Norfolk County Council - but a different department and location) - the first four weeks are probationary anyway.  So more on that later but good news for all of us, especially  her!
I'm having a friend pop by today for tea - I haven't had a home visit from a 'friend' of my own in about fifteen years, so better later than never hey?   Postscript - Toni, you are a friend by association :)
My Auntie Jean will be getting her stuff ready for the trip down from Wales to be with us this coming Saturday.  She's driving with my Uncle Les and Auntie Barbara (and Honey, the golden labrador) ... Les and Barbara are taking their new caravan to a local camp site and Jean will be camping out in one of our bedrooms.  Then on Friday Jean and I will be driving back to Wales in my old skedonk car, the day after we are going on our splendid Scottish Highland train holiday.  Can't wait for that!
Andrew starts the return trek from India this coming Thursday - I'm sure he will be glad to leave, although it sounds like he had a great adventure.
I went in on Friday to SpecSavers and have organised new multi-focal glasses, hoping to get them before we go to Scotland but not overly optimistic.  
Anyway, there's loads more stuff to put in here but I don't have time - got to rush off and take the kids to school.    Hope Ally has a great day today 'working' for a change :) 

Laxmi palace, Vadodara

Andrew sent us the following pictures on Whatsapp this morning of his tour to the palace:

berry bokeh*

Took Laila for a little walk into the fields this morning. The weather is changing, as evidenced by the fruit of the hedgerows but it's still warm and muggy, even when there is no bright sun about (like today).    Andrew only got to his destination mid-morning (UK time) and I believe he's now resting in his hotel (it's afternoon there as I type and midday here).   Glad he got there safe and sound.

 Hayzel and Allyson have gone to the Reload 80's concert (Kevin won them the tickets at his work's raffle) ...

• Kool & The Gang
• Soul II Soul
• Rick Astley
• ABC
• Go WEST
• Hot Chocolate
• Imagination
• Odyssey
• From The Jam

Can't help but smile hey?


Kevin took the kids out to the Hobbyking Festival of Flight show at Elmssett Airfield.


We heard yesterday that Eric had a bit of a nasty turn whilst out driving with Ingrid and that he was in hospital for observation (I think).  Hope he's feeling much better now and that everyone has a lovely weekend. xxxx

*Japanese term used by photographers to denote a blurry background in a photo 

My globe-trotting son

Andrew is off to Vadodara today:

First stop is Mumbai ... hope his trip goes well, looking forward to hearing his thoughts about India.

Back to school!

They were both chomping at the bit to get back to school this morning!    Looking smart in their new school uniforms ...

Happy Birthday Sharon!

Hope you have a lovely birthday today and that you get loads of nice surprises and wishes  ... lots of love from all of us here in Long Stratton.