12/02 Christmas came and went, as it does. Our Swiss friends caught bronchitus, so had to postpone their trip for new year, so we've yet to meet Max, their new addition. 11/02 Did the fireworks thing at the local show. Chris came along too, the all day rain stopped but the park was a quagmire. The firework show was very good though, even the hiccup start delay didn't dampen the oo's and ah's. Later on in the month I finally got around to having a good look at the aquired dinghy, unfortunately rot had set in to every major body panel, so a quick trip to the local tip was required. Know anyone who wants a dinghy trailer? 10/02 Went over to France on a 'booze cruise', 'cept we went by tunnel, but still came back suitably laden. During half term went to the Welsh valleys to see friends for a couple of days, dropped off in Bristol Ikea to get a shelf that had so far eluded us, and have a reasonable lunch. Solved the Halloween dilemma at last, not really agreeing with the imported trick or treat phenomena, we discovered a local restaurant that did a party, complete with apple bobbing, dressing up, etc., far better, and good food as well! 09/02 On the 2nd we heard that Blake had a place at the junior school, after a morning of deliberating, we announced to the kids that they would indeed be staying with their friends, and not moving to another school. Nine months of anguish is finally over. 08/02 Finally completed the gutter replacement programme, now on to outside paintwork. The kids summer holiday has been marked by a number of outings and events. We've 'done' Kew Gardens, hired a boat on the River Thames, seen various films, done Legoland, and been out with friends. So they've not been too bored. 07/02 The school year end came and went, with a round of disco's, partying etc., and visits to possible future schools. Aquired a Mirror dinghy, built c.1978, it needs a bit of work! Well on the way to covering all the fascia boards and some barge boards with plastic, and redoing all the guttering. Outside is looking a lot better, unlike the back of my leg when I fell off the workmate I was standing on whilst doing it. 06/02 Jubilee Bank Holiday was successful, the kids enjoyed the street party, a big Thankyou to our neighbours for organising it. And we managed to keep them occupied daily for the rest of half term, although I fell off my bike on the local BMX race track, I guess I should know better! 05/02 Went to Wales for the Bank Holiday, it rained, it's Wales! otherwise had a good time. 04/02 Put the car in for a new clutch, the old one had needed replacing when we bought the car 3 years ago, so can't really complain, shame it took a day longer than anticipated. 03/02 Appeal failed, we now do not have a place for Blake at a junior school, anywhere. Had an interview for a position in Poole, Dorset, who afterward told me I was too sales oriented for the role they had in mind, odd, as it was a prerequisite. Our Swiss friends appeared again, with the aim of touring the West Country prior to her giving birth in May. A creditable aim, pity Peter got a bug, was laid up, and necessitated an early return home. I'm beginning to wonder if our luck extends to our friends. 02/02 Half term was eventful, aside from having all our wooden floors done, i.e. sanded and oiled - 40 m2 of horrible mess, we had to go to the Portuguese embassy to get some documentation sorted out. In their infinite wisdom they only see 250 people per day, and operate 1st come, 1st serve system, which of course means you have to be there at some unearthly hour in the morning to get seen. So we get there, I go to park the car, and come round the corner to meet Ana, because they're closed for a Portuguese carnival, on a Tuesday! So we had to go again the following day, and suffer a second lot of Knightsbridge parking fees. Had a nice trip to Aylesbury to meet the appeal board, and give our case for Blake to stay with his mates and go up to the junior school. 01/02 After living with the same mattress for 14+ years, we finally decided to take advantage of the 'sales', and get a new one. Ana got 'mattress blind' and left me to make the decision, I mean, we only spend a third of our life there, thanks! Kid's started swimming again, in a new class, and I went on an enterprise seminar with a view to becoming self employed. |