Two very kind friends, SA and J, invited the Pondboys down to Portreath yesterday afternoon for a walk and a chat. We met up at the Waterfront Inn, and together with Hamish and Fred we walked up the miners trail to Feadon Farm where we saw a couple of reindeer but they were too far away to get a picture on my phone and holding the Pondboys still would have been impossible.
We also saw a new development going up, part of a holiday home park, which was lovely and the views would be superb... only a few log cabins going up there and space between them which was nice. We were given a brochure by the salesman, and if only I had the money lol.
A slow walk down, back into Portreath and a run on the beach where the Pondboys did what they do best, having spotted water they were delighted to make use of it, rockpools, surf and even Murphy athletically clambering up one of the rocks in the bay... SA and J both took photos and I wish I had taken my camera as they were so funny, Hamish and Fred were much more reticent about the water, but still enjoyed themselves on the beach.
A lovely day, and when we had to leave the boys were quite disappointed to lose their playmates but after drying them off and having tea all I could hear was snoring during the course of the evening because they were both tired out after their running around..
Hopefully, we will get another opportunity to walk the dogs together, before the beach is closed off to them during the day but there will always be the evenings to enjoy the delights of Portreath.
Showing posts with label Friendship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friendship. Show all posts
15 March 2012
29 February 2012
An unpaid day
Or leap year day... when we have a full day extra in the calendar and traditionally it was for girls to propose to their fellas although I don't think many people are too bothered with waiting for the four years these days.
I have walked the dogs, well I have thrown lots of balls for them and they are now sleeping while I have some washing on that will need to go outside and enjoy the delights of the sunshine. It is cold here though, which is a shame as it would be nice to have sat in outside enjoying the last of the february days.
Winter (dare I say it) seems to have bypassed me, hardly any frosts to speak of and certainly no snow. No doubt she will come back and bite me on the rear end with some ferocious March weather in the month to come.
I extend an invitation to my bloggy friends to visit with me should you choose to do so, I have a spare bedroom and can lay on a suitably Cornish style breakfast.. just need to put up with two black labradors checking you out lol. Thank you for the suggestion Uncle Bernard :-)
I have walked the dogs, well I have thrown lots of balls for them and they are now sleeping while I have some washing on that will need to go outside and enjoy the delights of the sunshine. It is cold here though, which is a shame as it would be nice to have sat in outside enjoying the last of the february days.
Winter (dare I say it) seems to have bypassed me, hardly any frosts to speak of and certainly no snow. No doubt she will come back and bite me on the rear end with some ferocious March weather in the month to come.
I extend an invitation to my bloggy friends to visit with me should you choose to do so, I have a spare bedroom and can lay on a suitably Cornish style breakfast.. just need to put up with two black labradors checking you out lol. Thank you for the suggestion Uncle Bernard :-)
16 December 2009
Time to say my goodbyes
I have but a few days left here, and today is the start of the long farewell. I might not see some of these poeple again as visits will be intermittent in the future. Some will be harder than others, but there are many methods of communication, and I am certain to keep in contact via facebook with some, with phone calls and emails for others and some by letter.
I am savouring the memories, and at the same time I am looking forward to the new start. Leaving the problems I have encountered over the past 6 months here though not forgotten nor fully dealt with and I will be talking over these with people to see whether it is worth pursuing further action.
On a happier note, Kalem Murphy entered the world yesterday weighing in at over 9lbs (ouch) congratulations to Kathryn; hope you recover quickly and enjoy your new son.
I am savouring the memories, and at the same time I am looking forward to the new start. Leaving the problems I have encountered over the past 6 months here though not forgotten nor fully dealt with and I will be talking over these with people to see whether it is worth pursuing further action.
On a happier note, Kalem Murphy entered the world yesterday weighing in at over 9lbs (ouch) congratulations to Kathryn; hope you recover quickly and enjoy your new son.
14 December 2009
Visiting Sunday
I visited friends in Derby yesterday, to take up christmas presents, and to say farewell to them. Not goodbye as we will be meeting up in the future when the house is settled and I am finally down in Cornwall. It was fun to meet up with them and catch up with the news.
Even better was being able to go out in her car, she is competent enough to drive with L-Plates on and other than a few nervous moments she did extremely well and I don't think it will be too long before she will need to tear up those L-Plates for good.
The drive back was full of muppets on the motorway, why is it that everyone (well mostly everyone) drives in the overtaking lanes, leaving the normal driving lane practically empty in places other than the occasional lorry. When I needed to venture out into the overtaking lanes, to overtake a slower moving lorry, I was then promptly flashed by a car speeding up behind me, wanting me out of her way. My answer, was to move out again into the outside lane and put a bit of distance between us; it was a needless, agressive move on her part and I don't do it to others as it is a form of bullying. Suggest to the lady in the Ford Ka if you ever read this, please read your highway code!!
Tonight I defrosted the chest freezer in the shed, it will then be left empty and save on electricity as well which is a bonus.
Even better was being able to go out in her car, she is competent enough to drive with L-Plates on and other than a few nervous moments she did extremely well and I don't think it will be too long before she will need to tear up those L-Plates for good.
The drive back was full of muppets on the motorway, why is it that everyone (well mostly everyone) drives in the overtaking lanes, leaving the normal driving lane practically empty in places other than the occasional lorry. When I needed to venture out into the overtaking lanes, to overtake a slower moving lorry, I was then promptly flashed by a car speeding up behind me, wanting me out of her way. My answer, was to move out again into the outside lane and put a bit of distance between us; it was a needless, agressive move on her part and I don't do it to others as it is a form of bullying. Suggest to the lady in the Ford Ka if you ever read this, please read your highway code!!
Tonight I defrosted the chest freezer in the shed, it will then be left empty and save on electricity as well which is a bonus.
03 November 2009
Maybe, Just Maybe...
Thanks to the Hermit for his kind permission in recreating this here, I did ask first. The words mean a lot, as do all my visitors so this is for you guys.
1. Maybe . . . We were supposed to meet the wrong people before meeting the right one so that, when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift.
2. Maybe . . . when the door of happiness closes, another opens; but, often times, we look so long at the closed door that we don't even see the new one which has been opened for us.
3. Maybe . . it is true that we don't know what we have until we lose it, but it is also true that we don't know what we have been missing until it arrives.
4. Maybe . . . the happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.
5. Maybe . . . the brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; after all, you can't go on successfully in life until you let go of your past mistakes, failures and heartaches.
6. Maybe . . . You should dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you dream of, and want to do.
7. Maybe . . . there are moments in life when you miss someone -- a parent, a spouse, a friend, a child -- so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real, so that once they are around you appreciate them more.
8. Maybe . . . The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.
9. Maybe . . You should always try to put yourself in others' shoes. If you feel that something could hurt you, it probably will hurt the other person, too.
10. Maybe . . You should do something nice for someone every single day, even if it is simply to leave them alone. Profound!
11. Maybe . . Giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they will love you back. Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in their heart; but, if it doesn't, be content that it grew in yours.
12. Maybe . . . happiness waits for all those who cry, all those who hurt, all those who have searched, and all those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of all the people who have touched their lives.
13. Maybe . . . you shouldn't go for looks; they can deceive; don't go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one that makes your heart smile.
14. Maybe . . . you should hope for enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough hope to make you happy
15. Maybe . . . you should try to live your life to the fullest because when you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling but when you die, you can be the one who is smiling and everyone around you crying.
Maybe ...I could send this message to those people who mean something to me, to those who have touched my life, to those who can and do make me smile when I really need it, to those who make me see the brighter side of things when I am really down, and to all those whom I want to know that I appreciate them.
That, my friends, is why I'm sharing this with you! Maybe...it will be able to say just how special all of my readers are to me! Thank you just for being here!
1. Maybe . . . We were supposed to meet the wrong people before meeting the right one so that, when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift.
2. Maybe . . . when the door of happiness closes, another opens; but, often times, we look so long at the closed door that we don't even see the new one which has been opened for us.
3. Maybe . . it is true that we don't know what we have until we lose it, but it is also true that we don't know what we have been missing until it arrives.
4. Maybe . . . the happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.
5. Maybe . . . the brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; after all, you can't go on successfully in life until you let go of your past mistakes, failures and heartaches.
6. Maybe . . . You should dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you dream of, and want to do.
7. Maybe . . . there are moments in life when you miss someone -- a parent, a spouse, a friend, a child -- so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real, so that once they are around you appreciate them more.
8. Maybe . . . The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.
9. Maybe . . You should always try to put yourself in others' shoes. If you feel that something could hurt you, it probably will hurt the other person, too.
10. Maybe . . You should do something nice for someone every single day, even if it is simply to leave them alone. Profound!
11. Maybe . . Giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they will love you back. Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in their heart; but, if it doesn't, be content that it grew in yours.
12. Maybe . . . happiness waits for all those who cry, all those who hurt, all those who have searched, and all those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of all the people who have touched their lives.
13. Maybe . . . you shouldn't go for looks; they can deceive; don't go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one that makes your heart smile.
14. Maybe . . . you should hope for enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough hope to make you happy
15. Maybe . . . you should try to live your life to the fullest because when you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling but when you die, you can be the one who is smiling and everyone around you crying.
Maybe ...I could send this message to those people who mean something to me, to those who have touched my life, to those who can and do make me smile when I really need it, to those who make me see the brighter side of things when I am really down, and to all those whom I want to know that I appreciate them.
That, my friends, is why I'm sharing this with you! Maybe...it will be able to say just how special all of my readers are to me! Thank you just for being here!
10 July 2009
Yet Another Birthday
Today is Donald's birthday, a friend of mine... so many, many happy returns of the day...Sadly he won't see this post as he and his wife Pauline don't have access to the internet, but the thought counts .. that and I did send him a birthday card which I know he has got and next time we meet I will take him and Pauline out for a coffee and a piece of real cake on me to celebrate; I hope this won't be too distant into the future.
30 April 2009
Gotcha
I have unashamedly 'borrowed' this image from an on-line store. It reminds me very much of my late friend, A who died 4 years ago and who was a motorcycle cop with the local police-force and he used to regale me with tales of his days with the traffic police.His favourite pursuit car was a volvo, and one day he was out when a motorcyclist followed him so closely but didn't overtake because of it being a police car. Well this went on for a couple of minutes and eventually he stopped the car, went round to the rear and lifted the door motioning to the bike rider to open his visor.
When the rider asked what A wanted, the reply was "I thought you wanted to get in the back you were following so close" a few splutters from the biker but he was sent on his way with some good advice dealt with some humour.
A was very good natured, but that was him and his partner and he provided me with some very good advice when I decided to get a motorbike myself not to mention showing me how to ride (or rather showing me how he rode - I just followed slowly behind).
Just goes to prove that a cop is not always the bad guy, sometimes they are out to help you help yourself.
14 April 2009
And that was Easter
A grey and dank Friday morning, Max and I set off to Derby to stay with friends. Not my choice of weather, nor road, but M1 it had to be and filtering through the traffic was for me, at least, a slow progress.. admittedly faster than other car drivers because they were stationary... the reason I am slow is that those gaps that appear quite wide when you are approaching them, seemed narrower when travelling through. Only when I reached Leicester area did the drizzle turn more to rain and by the time I reached Derby itself I was dripping on the outside.
Though the friends had seen the bike before it was because I had lent him to SOH last year when his bike picked up an unfortunate puncture and the only solution was to lend him Max. It is a fair difference when you are used to riding a bike with a fairing to be riding something so naked and as it was a bitterly cold March day SOH reached his eventual location chilled to the bone. Now me, I ride with my electric waistcoat, heated grips and that does to a certain extent keep me warm so I don't mind too much.
Walked into the town centre on Saturday morning, a good 2-3 miles and it was a good pace but enjoyable in the spring sunshine. I ended up buying a Nintendo DS as they were doing a bargain on the pre-owned variety in a shop along with two brand new games this was the cheapest option I had ever seen. Though quite why today's pre-owned is better than second-hand beats me.. are they not the one and same?
We had steak and chips for our Saturday meal, along with some very potent pepper sauce... enough to fuel rockets to the moon but very nice with it..and the steak was some of the best I had tasted in a long while and the only chips I ever make are oven ones the home made deep fried golden ones that were served were delicious.
Sunday I took the bike over to Matlock Bath, to see the other bikes and their riders congregating along the main road was good fun and Max attracted his own comments notably 'What in the Hell's name is that!'... comes of having a belt drive bike.. usually reserved for Harley Davidsons. This of course meant that watching the Help for Heroes match in Bournemouth had to be postponed... but you can't be in two places at once.
Monday was a return home, to finish off the tidying up of the kitchen, to sort out what hasn't been done and what still needed to be done. While it is nice to go away, it is nice to return home to all things familiar.
Though the friends had seen the bike before it was because I had lent him to SOH last year when his bike picked up an unfortunate puncture and the only solution was to lend him Max. It is a fair difference when you are used to riding a bike with a fairing to be riding something so naked and as it was a bitterly cold March day SOH reached his eventual location chilled to the bone. Now me, I ride with my electric waistcoat, heated grips and that does to a certain extent keep me warm so I don't mind too much.
Walked into the town centre on Saturday morning, a good 2-3 miles and it was a good pace but enjoyable in the spring sunshine. I ended up buying a Nintendo DS as they were doing a bargain on the pre-owned variety in a shop along with two brand new games this was the cheapest option I had ever seen. Though quite why today's pre-owned is better than second-hand beats me.. are they not the one and same?
We had steak and chips for our Saturday meal, along with some very potent pepper sauce... enough to fuel rockets to the moon but very nice with it..and the steak was some of the best I had tasted in a long while and the only chips I ever make are oven ones the home made deep fried golden ones that were served were delicious.
Sunday I took the bike over to Matlock Bath, to see the other bikes and their riders congregating along the main road was good fun and Max attracted his own comments notably 'What in the Hell's name is that!'... comes of having a belt drive bike.. usually reserved for Harley Davidsons. This of course meant that watching the Help for Heroes match in Bournemouth had to be postponed... but you can't be in two places at once.
Monday was a return home, to finish off the tidying up of the kitchen, to sort out what hasn't been done and what still needed to be done. While it is nice to go away, it is nice to return home to all things familiar.
19 March 2009
Positive things
Lists can be useful, and focus your mind. The following is some of the things on my list :
1) I have decided to redecorate the house, overdue by years. Will take some time, but I have enough of that and that isn't as negative as it sounds it will be therapeutic and not only that but some very good friends have said they will help me out with the kitchen upgrade.
2) I have two holidays booked, one to France and the other in the UK. The bike will also get some usage this year at long last as I heard on the grapevine that the weather is going to be stunning. Take it from me :-) I have earmarked places I want to visit while I am in the UK, and just working out the best route. Friends have invited me to visit them, in US and in Australia but at the moment I need to root myself here before I too get the urge to run away from things.
3) The garden is going to benefit from an overhaul, again not a five minute job but I have plans in hand that should see it easier to maintain. I would like to be able to grow my own veg but it is a big garden and can be a bit much at times.
4) I plan to lose some weight, its not healthy nor do I like my body in the shape it is in. I have already made a start and want to continue the trend.
5) I brought a ticket to watch the Barbarians play Bedford next month, though sadly I can't make the Redruth v Cambridge game which I had hoped to do as something else has come up. I am considering getting hold of a ticket to see Northampton Saints play but it may well be next season.
6) I will be going to the Rutland Rally in May, the National in August and the Blackbull in September all bike events and by then I will have fathomed out the GPS connections to my bike. It is bluetooth and I need an adapter and a powerlead as the other one is on the ex's bike and I have no means of retrieving it.
7) I am entered in the race for life, and plan to do this in under 40 mins - it is only 5K in distance and I can walk 2K in 15 minutes now so I don't see this as unattainable. Training is going well for this.
8) I want to reduce the amount of 'stuff' I have and anything surplus to requirements will be donated to others using freecycle or sold if it has a decent value as I believe that I have clutter which though it might come in useful is simply not necessary. Not only that but as I get older I will want to downsize accommodation and rather than leave it to when I am less able to deal with it I plan to start now.
1) I have decided to redecorate the house, overdue by years. Will take some time, but I have enough of that and that isn't as negative as it sounds it will be therapeutic and not only that but some very good friends have said they will help me out with the kitchen upgrade.
2) I have two holidays booked, one to France and the other in the UK. The bike will also get some usage this year at long last as I heard on the grapevine that the weather is going to be stunning. Take it from me :-) I have earmarked places I want to visit while I am in the UK, and just working out the best route. Friends have invited me to visit them, in US and in Australia but at the moment I need to root myself here before I too get the urge to run away from things.
3) The garden is going to benefit from an overhaul, again not a five minute job but I have plans in hand that should see it easier to maintain. I would like to be able to grow my own veg but it is a big garden and can be a bit much at times.
4) I plan to lose some weight, its not healthy nor do I like my body in the shape it is in. I have already made a start and want to continue the trend.
5) I brought a ticket to watch the Barbarians play Bedford next month, though sadly I can't make the Redruth v Cambridge game which I had hoped to do as something else has come up. I am considering getting hold of a ticket to see Northampton Saints play but it may well be next season.
6) I will be going to the Rutland Rally in May, the National in August and the Blackbull in September all bike events and by then I will have fathomed out the GPS connections to my bike. It is bluetooth and I need an adapter and a powerlead as the other one is on the ex's bike and I have no means of retrieving it.
7) I am entered in the race for life, and plan to do this in under 40 mins - it is only 5K in distance and I can walk 2K in 15 minutes now so I don't see this as unattainable. Training is going well for this.
8) I want to reduce the amount of 'stuff' I have and anything surplus to requirements will be donated to others using freecycle or sold if it has a decent value as I believe that I have clutter which though it might come in useful is simply not necessary. Not only that but as I get older I will want to downsize accommodation and rather than leave it to when I am less able to deal with it I plan to start now.
27 February 2009
Masterchef
While I don't particularly like the new format of Masterchef, I do enjoy watching it as the amateur cooks start off with a fairly high level to start off with and finish on a real high with professional looking food. I can only dream of attaining those sort of heights in my culinary tastes.
I was glad to see the winner was Mat, he of the big flavours and even bigger portions turn out to be the finalist who could serve up a starter of rabbit, a main of crab and a desert of lavender mousse with bramble coulis... I might just have to look up that last recipe for my other blog as I love the smell of lavender and enjoy the flavour in food.
This morning, I went to the gym before work, we are lucky having the facilities here at the University so afterwards I could stroll into the office. By my reckoning I have a lot of work to do in the gym to make amends for the food I have eaten over the past year or so.
This weekend, I am going to tackle the garden, hoping that the weather will hold up long enough for me to get out there and do some work, I still need to prune the other apple tree, the pear tree and also the hedge between me and my neighbours. The latter is of some concern as a) I need to do it before the birds getting any ideas of nesting and b) before it becomes too tall for me. I don't do heights and I would feel more comfortable if I knew someone could hold the ladder for me but I don't and the only other option is to pay someone to come in and do it for me... which I would rather not do.
Sunday, I have the last of the winter meets at Towcester and am determined that I will go by bike unless something else arises. A couple of friends are coming over to ensure that I don't have to go by myself, which is good of them. The support of friends is important to me right now and so are your encouraging messages.
I was glad to see the winner was Mat, he of the big flavours and even bigger portions turn out to be the finalist who could serve up a starter of rabbit, a main of crab and a desert of lavender mousse with bramble coulis... I might just have to look up that last recipe for my other blog as I love the smell of lavender and enjoy the flavour in food.
This morning, I went to the gym before work, we are lucky having the facilities here at the University so afterwards I could stroll into the office. By my reckoning I have a lot of work to do in the gym to make amends for the food I have eaten over the past year or so.
This weekend, I am going to tackle the garden, hoping that the weather will hold up long enough for me to get out there and do some work, I still need to prune the other apple tree, the pear tree and also the hedge between me and my neighbours. The latter is of some concern as a) I need to do it before the birds getting any ideas of nesting and b) before it becomes too tall for me. I don't do heights and I would feel more comfortable if I knew someone could hold the ladder for me but I don't and the only other option is to pay someone to come in and do it for me... which I would rather not do.
Sunday, I have the last of the winter meets at Towcester and am determined that I will go by bike unless something else arises. A couple of friends are coming over to ensure that I don't have to go by myself, which is good of them. The support of friends is important to me right now and so are your encouraging messages.
25 February 2009
Healing Time
I am ok, getting there slowly. The shock is subsiding and the reality sinking in. It still seems unreal and strange but that is to be expected.
I have changes to make, some will be good, others will be less good but I have had so much support from so many friends both in real life and from the blogsphere that I am optimistic there is a light at the end of the tunnel - only if it turns out to be more work then I might just have to beat them up with a tickling stick.
I hope to be able to take the bike out soon, and am exploring doing some yoga classes something which I have always wanted to try but haven't found a suitable class nearby. The local council are putting on classes for the elderly (ok over 50's I lied) and it starts soon so I need to book on it pretty quick.
Holiday plans are up in the air, we had planned to go to Normand in June, and I mentioned to Zeltus (currently on holiday in Southern Spain) that I hadn't done anything other than book the cottage and was going to cancel it when he said he had always wanted to go so you never know what will happen, it's still a while until I have to make that decision.
I have changes to make, some will be good, others will be less good but I have had so much support from so many friends both in real life and from the blogsphere that I am optimistic there is a light at the end of the tunnel - only if it turns out to be more work then I might just have to beat them up with a tickling stick.
I hope to be able to take the bike out soon, and am exploring doing some yoga classes something which I have always wanted to try but haven't found a suitable class nearby. The local council are putting on classes for the elderly (ok over 50's I lied) and it starts soon so I need to book on it pretty quick.
Holiday plans are up in the air, we had planned to go to Normand in June, and I mentioned to Zeltus (currently on holiday in Southern Spain) that I hadn't done anything other than book the cottage and was going to cancel it when he said he had always wanted to go so you never know what will happen, it's still a while until I have to make that decision.
06 October 2008
Sunday Meeting
We had the first of our Winter meets at Towcester yesterday, a gathering of like minded souls of the BMW club who meet for soup and a roll and slices of home made cake from the kitchen of the Goddess Janet who turns out moist sponges you can only dream of making.
Due to the poor weather, we didn't have a great turnout but enough of us to raise neary £40 for the Air Ambulance with a raffle. SOH and I won a pen and a CD containing the vintage bike journals that one member put together which will be useful as we both like to look through the old journals.
One prize in particular seemed to be most unpopular, being ignored until the end when it was won by our neighbours at lunch; but they kindly gave it to us as an engagement present when they heard our news.
Haven't had many unusual presents like that, but I am sure we will find a way of preserving it for posterity.
Update :
What was it?
A tin of Meatballs in Gravy
:-)
Due to the poor weather, we didn't have a great turnout but enough of us to raise neary £40 for the Air Ambulance with a raffle. SOH and I won a pen and a CD containing the vintage bike journals that one member put together which will be useful as we both like to look through the old journals.
One prize in particular seemed to be most unpopular, being ignored until the end when it was won by our neighbours at lunch; but they kindly gave it to us as an engagement present when they heard our news.
Haven't had many unusual presents like that, but I am sure we will find a way of preserving it for posterity.
Update :
What was it?
A tin of Meatballs in Gravy
:-)
01 September 2008
Third weekend in a row
SOH and I have just returned from 'oop north (well to us anyway) to see friends, check on the caravan and attend a committee meeting...
We headed off early as the meeting was at 11.00am at Newark, we only meet three times a year and as the last meeting was at our house (with a bbq) it was nice to go somewhere different for a change. After coffee and a chat, we got down to business, it doesn't take too much effort to run the section, the treasurer does most of the hard graft with the money, the social secretary does the hard work of organising the runs and events and me, I just get to write up the minutes and deal with the memberships (new, old and soon to be).
We covered the business in less than two hours, with nary a bad word among the group just the odd question about budgets and other such stuff.
Afterwards we returned to Graham's house where he welded a swan neck extension to the trailer (pictures to follow) while we sat in the sunshine and chatted. Graham's wife showed us some of the things he has done, creating metal gates, brackets but most of all some stunning metal roses adorning mirrors, stands etc.. a truly talented gentleman.
Then over to another of our friends, while they sorted their bike out for the French trip [so close now :-) ] and generally nattered in the sunshine until the last of the work was completed and we headed back to our temporary home and a feast of chicken and chips...
Sunday was sorting out the caravan and packing the car.. not to mention fixing L's PC which had required a new USB device the one she had only had a short lead. I found a suitable package in a supermarket A*** which had connectors for all sorts of things; I wish I had brought myself one of those while I was at it - talk about jealous.
We sat down to Sunday lunch of roast lamb with tatties, carrots, peas, cabbage and yorkshire puddings so it was no wonder when we finally got home we only had toast for a light snack later that evening.
Next week, the french trip...
We headed off early as the meeting was at 11.00am at Newark, we only meet three times a year and as the last meeting was at our house (with a bbq) it was nice to go somewhere different for a change. After coffee and a chat, we got down to business, it doesn't take too much effort to run the section, the treasurer does most of the hard graft with the money, the social secretary does the hard work of organising the runs and events and me, I just get to write up the minutes and deal with the memberships (new, old and soon to be).
We covered the business in less than two hours, with nary a bad word among the group just the odd question about budgets and other such stuff.
Afterwards we returned to Graham's house where he welded a swan neck extension to the trailer (pictures to follow) while we sat in the sunshine and chatted. Graham's wife showed us some of the things he has done, creating metal gates, brackets but most of all some stunning metal roses adorning mirrors, stands etc.. a truly talented gentleman.
Then over to another of our friends, while they sorted their bike out for the French trip [so close now :-) ] and generally nattered in the sunshine until the last of the work was completed and we headed back to our temporary home and a feast of chicken and chips...
Sunday was sorting out the caravan and packing the car.. not to mention fixing L's PC which had required a new USB device the one she had only had a short lead. I found a suitable package in a supermarket A*** which had connectors for all sorts of things; I wish I had brought myself one of those while I was at it - talk about jealous.
We sat down to Sunday lunch of roast lamb with tatties, carrots, peas, cabbage and yorkshire puddings so it was no wonder when we finally got home we only had toast for a light snack later that evening.
Next week, the french trip...
27 August 2008
Report - Part 3
Sunday was met with thunderous rain showers before dawn, I was hoping that this meant that it would clear by late morning after the saying rain before 7, fine before 11; and this proved to be the case.
We chilled out by the main reception, drinking coffee and being sociable, watching the others trying the new bikes out and catching up with old friends. SOH had Ultraseal fitted to his tyres, this is a substance that hopefully will provide some protection in case of punctures; it allows a slow deflation rather than a fast one and mean less worry.
We watched the skills contest in the afternoon, 20 brave souls riding an unfamiliar bike on a testing course on wet grass - but everyone survived and no one was injured - not even the marshalls.
We had planned in the evening to go for a thai meal with some friends, and met up with them at 6pm. Many people were not very happy with the meals at the campsite, preferring to eat in town instead and it seemed that we were not alone in booking into the thai restaurent. There was a choice of dishes in the buffet and it was eat as much as you like for £9.95 a head; very good value for money.
Because I was going to be riding in the morning, I stayed off the alcohol but the rest of the group imbibed a couple of beers each along with the meals and we all tried some of most of the dishes, to see which ones to go back for more of. The honeyed chicken wings really seemed to go down well with most of us though the bones ended up in a bowl by my plate for some reason. Note to self, it is better not to over indulge on rich spicy food :-(
We returned to the campsite to find the raffle being drawn, though sadly SOH and I were not lucky enough to have won anything this time. The disco we passed on as neither of us were interested and it was too loud to talk over it.
Monday morning was dry and packing the tents away was quite sad as it is nice to catch up with friends at these events and we had been blessed with some really nice weather. A slow journey home along the same route saw us arrive in plenty of time to relax before having to prepare for work.
We chilled out by the main reception, drinking coffee and being sociable, watching the others trying the new bikes out and catching up with old friends. SOH had Ultraseal fitted to his tyres, this is a substance that hopefully will provide some protection in case of punctures; it allows a slow deflation rather than a fast one and mean less worry.
We watched the skills contest in the afternoon, 20 brave souls riding an unfamiliar bike on a testing course on wet grass - but everyone survived and no one was injured - not even the marshalls.We had planned in the evening to go for a thai meal with some friends, and met up with them at 6pm. Many people were not very happy with the meals at the campsite, preferring to eat in town instead and it seemed that we were not alone in booking into the thai restaurent. There was a choice of dishes in the buffet and it was eat as much as you like for £9.95 a head; very good value for money.
Because I was going to be riding in the morning, I stayed off the alcohol but the rest of the group imbibed a couple of beers each along with the meals and we all tried some of most of the dishes, to see which ones to go back for more of. The honeyed chicken wings really seemed to go down well with most of us though the bones ended up in a bowl by my plate for some reason. Note to self, it is better not to over indulge on rich spicy food :-(
We returned to the campsite to find the raffle being drawn, though sadly SOH and I were not lucky enough to have won anything this time. The disco we passed on as neither of us were interested and it was too loud to talk over it.
Monday morning was dry and packing the tents away was quite sad as it is nice to catch up with friends at these events and we had been blessed with some really nice weather. A slow journey home along the same route saw us arrive in plenty of time to relax before having to prepare for work.
Report - Part 2
Saturday dawned fair and bright and SOH and I had a breakfast of Sausages and Bacon with cereals washed down with a coffee together with some fellow campers.
We met up with Sam Manicom, and I brought a folding wash bowl (very useful) and had a chat; he gave me a copy of Under Asian Skies - Thank you Sam and the inscription reads
To a friend who knows the value of two wheels and an open road
I am saving it as my book to take to France which scarily is just over a week away.
Saturday afternoon we decided to go on the organised walk to Broughton on the Heath, the temperatures were well up at this point in time and we anticipated a gentle stroll to the village followed by a refreshing drink at the local hostelry.
Afterwards we could laugh, but at the time it seems more like a route march and having arrived at the village green we eagerly looked around for a pub but this was a dry village.. so another 2 1/2 miles back to the campsite in the heat before we could assuage our thirst.
As we cooled down post the walk we noticed a lift of gliders in the skies above the campsite, although I have posted the photograph I took here, you won't see all the 16 aircraft until you click on it. lift = collective noun for a number of gliders flying the thermals.
Saturday night found us back in the Wellington, along with both new and old friends, for a steak and pint before we headed back to the campsite and the evening entertainment of the Yetties - who were really very good and had all of us singing along by the end of the night.
We met up with Sam Manicom, and I brought a folding wash bowl (very useful) and had a chat; he gave me a copy of Under Asian Skies - Thank you Sam and the inscription reads
To a friend who knows the value of two wheels and an open road
I am saving it as my book to take to France which scarily is just over a week away.
Saturday afternoon we decided to go on the organised walk to Broughton on the Heath, the temperatures were well up at this point in time and we anticipated a gentle stroll to the village followed by a refreshing drink at the local hostelry.
Afterwards we could laugh, but at the time it seems more like a route march and having arrived at the village green we eagerly looked around for a pub but this was a dry village.. so another 2 1/2 miles back to the campsite in the heat before we could assuage our thirst.
As we cooled down post the walk we noticed a lift of gliders in the skies above the campsite, although I have posted the photograph I took here, you won't see all the 16 aircraft until you click on it. lift = collective noun for a number of gliders flying the thermals.
Saturday night found us back in the Wellington, along with both new and old friends, for a steak and pint before we headed back to the campsite and the evening entertainment of the Yetties - who were really very good and had all of us singing along by the end of the night.
26 August 2008
Looking Back
Ooops sorry for the late report :-)
We set off on Friday morning, well actually afternoon, to the rally over at Moreton in the Marsh (Glos) a scenic route and only ~65 miles to go. Even so it was eventful, I led the first part of the way as I know over to Aynho and then SOH took over with the GPS leading us through Chipping Norton and inviting back roads to our destination.
Somehow en-route the trailer connection seemed to loosen off and it was dancing around behind SOH like a whirling dervish. We stopped at one point to check the tyre pressures thinking that was the problem but when we reached our destination a friend and fellow K1100LT rider, Tim found out that the nuts had loosened off. Another friend, Graham is going to weld a goose neck onto the trailer to raise it to the height that we need for the tow bar fitting.
The campsite was spread over a wide area, and typically we picked a spot the further from the toilet block. Now riding a bike on grass is harder than on a road as you have to be extremely careful not to hit the brakes as it would duck out from under you, luckily my wits were about me and we safely navigated the length of the field.
We pitched the tents up and booked in for the rally acquiring a yellow plastic bracelet and a pack of a programme as well as some fetching polo-shirts in grey. We were being frugal and didn't want to pay for meals so later on meandered into the village and picked up some supplies to have later on.
A couple of drinks in the local pub, I had Hook Norton a nice hoppy bitter and SOH drank London Pride and we meandered back to the campsite where we had a late night supper and then bed.
We set off on Friday morning, well actually afternoon, to the rally over at Moreton in the Marsh (Glos) a scenic route and only ~65 miles to go. Even so it was eventful, I led the first part of the way as I know over to Aynho and then SOH took over with the GPS leading us through Chipping Norton and inviting back roads to our destination.Somehow en-route the trailer connection seemed to loosen off and it was dancing around behind SOH like a whirling dervish. We stopped at one point to check the tyre pressures thinking that was the problem but when we reached our destination a friend and fellow K1100LT rider, Tim found out that the nuts had loosened off. Another friend, Graham is going to weld a goose neck onto the trailer to raise it to the height that we need for the tow bar fitting.
The campsite was spread over a wide area, and typically we picked a spot the further from the toilet block. Now riding a bike on grass is harder than on a road as you have to be extremely careful not to hit the brakes as it would duck out from under you, luckily my wits were about me and we safely navigated the length of the field.
We pitched the tents up and booked in for the rally acquiring a yellow plastic bracelet and a pack of a programme as well as some fetching polo-shirts in grey. We were being frugal and didn't want to pay for meals so later on meandered into the village and picked up some supplies to have later on.A couple of drinks in the local pub, I had Hook Norton a nice hoppy bitter and SOH drank London Pride and we meandered back to the campsite where we had a late night supper and then bed.
22 July 2008
What I like about Blogging
The internet is a wonderful thing, it can put you in touch (and keep you in touch) with friends and family, work and colleagues but the new revelation is social networking software aka Blogs, wikis etc.
I was thinking about how much fun I get out of tracking, following a trail from a comment left on a blog to the owner and then following a link from their blog to another one and ending up who knows where. I have ended up at sites that have made me laugh, cry and am full of admiration at the courage and conviction of the authors.
It is like catching up with old friends and making new ones, sometimes at home and sometimes abroad; always fascinating and addictive and the different styles of writing make me hunger to jot down my own rambles.
Finding out that life in Australia, America, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa is like life in England just that the seasons are different but the concerns are the same. The credit crunch, the spiralling food costs, the awareness and the levels which bloggers are going to change their own lives and their families to make a small contribution to the ecology of this planet.
I have been inspired by my blogging friends, and you all are friends, to do things I wouldn't have done; to try new recipes, to visit places; for that thank you and please continue I enjoy my visits.
For those blogging friends who are no longer active, thank you as well, your journey may have come to an end but I keep checking back in the hope that you will rise again like a phoenix from the ashes.
I was thinking about how much fun I get out of tracking, following a trail from a comment left on a blog to the owner and then following a link from their blog to another one and ending up who knows where. I have ended up at sites that have made me laugh, cry and am full of admiration at the courage and conviction of the authors.
It is like catching up with old friends and making new ones, sometimes at home and sometimes abroad; always fascinating and addictive and the different styles of writing make me hunger to jot down my own rambles.
Finding out that life in Australia, America, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa is like life in England just that the seasons are different but the concerns are the same. The credit crunch, the spiralling food costs, the awareness and the levels which bloggers are going to change their own lives and their families to make a small contribution to the ecology of this planet.
I have been inspired by my blogging friends, and you all are friends, to do things I wouldn't have done; to try new recipes, to visit places; for that thank you and please continue I enjoy my visits.
For those blogging friends who are no longer active, thank you as well, your journey may have come to an end but I keep checking back in the hope that you will rise again like a phoenix from the ashes.
20 July 2008
Welcome to the world
Congratulations to The Greenwoods on the Birth of their new Baby Bear aka Bluebell Liberty who made her way into this world at 4.57am on Saturday 19th July and weighed a nice healthy 7lbs 7oz.
Overdue by just about 2 weeks, it's nice to say welcome to the world.
Overdue by just about 2 weeks, it's nice to say welcome to the world.
17 July 2008
I can't remember if I did or not...
Now that I'm 'older' (but refuse to grow up), here's what I've discovered:
1. I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it.
2. My wild oats have turned into prunes and All Bran.
3. I finally got my head together; now my body is falling apart.
4. Funny, I don't remember being absent minded...
5. Funny, I don't remember being absent minded...
6. All reports are in; life is now officially unfair.
7. If all is not lost, where is it?
8. It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser.
9. Some days you're the dog; some days you're the hydrant.
10. I wish the buck stopped here; I sure could use a few...
11. Kids in the back seat cause accidents.
12. Accidents in the back seat cause kids.
13. It's hard to make a come back when you haven't been anywhere.
14. The only time the world beats a path to your door is when you're in the bathroom.
15. If God wanted me to touch my toes, he would have put them on my knees.
16. When I'm finally holding all the cards, why does everyone decide to play chess?
17. It's not hard to meet expenses... they're everywhere.
18. The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.
19. These days, I spend a lot of time thinking about the hereafter... I go somewhere to get something and then wonder what I'm here after.
20. I AM UNABLE TO REMEMBER IF I HAVE MAILED THIS TO YOU OR NOT!
I received this from a friend... too good not to post here, enjoy.
1. I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it.
2. My wild oats have turned into prunes and All Bran.
3. I finally got my head together; now my body is falling apart.
4. Funny, I don't remember being absent minded...
5. Funny, I don't remember being absent minded...
6. All reports are in; life is now officially unfair.
7. If all is not lost, where is it?
8. It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser.
9. Some days you're the dog; some days you're the hydrant.
10. I wish the buck stopped here; I sure could use a few...
11. Kids in the back seat cause accidents.
12. Accidents in the back seat cause kids.
13. It's hard to make a come back when you haven't been anywhere.
14. The only time the world beats a path to your door is when you're in the bathroom.
15. If God wanted me to touch my toes, he would have put them on my knees.
16. When I'm finally holding all the cards, why does everyone decide to play chess?
17. It's not hard to meet expenses... they're everywhere.
18. The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.
19. These days, I spend a lot of time thinking about the hereafter... I go somewhere to get something and then wonder what I'm here after.
20. I AM UNABLE TO REMEMBER IF I HAVE MAILED THIS TO YOU OR NOT!
I received this from a friend... too good not to post here, enjoy.
14 July 2008
Book Club Choice - A Suitable Boy
The read selected by the members of my book club this time around is Vikram Seth's A Suitable Boy - it is going to be quite a challenging read I think with over 1400 pages and only 7 weeks.NB still no news of the latest edition in the Greenwood Bears house, now overdue by 8 days and counting :-)
I was lucky, this copy had been resting on my shelves since 2001 when I brought it for a hospital visit which lasted for 5 days and I only ever managed to get to page 200 so perhaps it is good to have another attempt at reading it.
I would like to have read another book with an indian theme, Kym by Rudyard Kipling. He is one of my favourite authors, I love his book of short stories Plain tales from the Hills; short stories about the English in India. He draws such a vivid picture in my mind, the heat the dust the colours really make it a film in my head.
The last book, Light on Snow by Anita Shreve, was discussed by the group last night and well thought of. She was likened to Joanna Trollope, my view was that she painted a very good mind picture of the story for me and I could almost taste the snow. Left lots of questions at the end and also hope for the characters that they could finally move forward.
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