Today Phil brought the Guardian and there are articles about Olympic tickets to be released later this year - you register first. 75% for public and not too expensive apparently.
The games are in 2012 and i am going to arrange a rota for family to use QQ and take lifetime opportunity to go to games .
You can catch ferry across from flat at Globe to main area and London will be buzzing.
I think it is likely people will like different events where the ticket's are easier such as horse events, gymnastics , swimming rather than the main arena and athletics. There is volleyball near Downing Street in St James parade.
The web site tells all so have a look later in year.
Phil is very helpful and was here at 10am but had to make do with toast - she has lost weight similar to ma . She went to GP to get prescriptions and then to Coop supermarket and chemist.
On leaving she was laden with Yorkshire tea for Italy plus satnav ,maps and readies! The phrasebook in Italian was ignored so James can swot up - this would have been Grandads duty.
Today was the first time out for nearly 3 weeks and we went to New Inn in Sowerwood on edge moors towards Outlane.
I sat in back as i cannot wear a seat belt until 6 weeks .
The food is great - we had 1/2 meals from Gammon to Lasagna and belly pork for Phil ! plus J2O for £27 - i couldn't manage even 1/2 pint as yet but time will pass although getting bored.!
We water tomato plants each evening in grow bags on patio and they are growing like triffids so should have a crop.
Your work Angela has been like Forth Bridge -make sure they finish this time or no further interim payments until completely finished and inspected . In UK they have this habit of taking on many jobs and flitting around although there is a recession here in building trade and good time for Phil to get her work done .
Ma
we have had a busy day with more thinking than doing although it has made a difference with a cleaner. Phil is very very helpful as we are housebound as i cannot drive the new car yet and Dad can't for 4 weeks when we will go to Kilham as garden flat to walk and village .
We go for a walk everyday a little further but it is very hilly. Dad is getting better every day and we are so pleased with his news.
In my absence James is looking into Burton Agnes weekend at Bluebell Hotel - it looks as though there will be over 20 from Wigan plus us lot so quite a gathering .
You will have worked out that i have nothing to do so filling in blog.
Ask Issie and then Anna to join in about summer experiences plus photos which are easy to insert. There are instructions on google blogger how to do .
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Dad is going to live a little longer!
Well well ..
My surgeon Peter Holdsworth telephoned a few minutes with news there was no spread from colon to lymph glands and hence no need for chemotherapy .. really i am surprised as i was counting days .. not quite but you know what i mean.
One way or another i will get to Adams big uni graduation this time and this is a promise..
I don't need to see him for 3 months so your ma and i will arrange a cruise in October and we will go to Australia again for 3 months in winter after new year
We have multiple luxury exchange accommodation in Sydney so you will have to fly out as great place to visit at Easter .
I think Chris out to hire a car as it only costs £150 - you will need to place on insurance - although there will be 2 large cars.
I will send you a copy of Phil's hotel details just in case .. i bought a water polo ball and intended to carry out as know lads would love in large pool - i will see if Phil will carry out.
Chris - are you here for Wembly RL cup final - i think august 29th - we are coming down and not booking meal but £50 tickets for concourse. If you are not available then we may not go as we will be driving and you could help.
I have had another email from Seville - when are we going for exchange - i will ask Phil if she is interested .
James is booking Burton Agnes this week so it will be a great get together and a nice farewell party . I think Tim is also coming.
I am now going to have a glass of Guinness - the sun is out so we shall sit on patio
The Queens Canada trip apparently was a great success - surprised a royalist like you dd not take Adam and Issie to sample their British heritage ..
Love
Dad xxx
My surgeon Peter Holdsworth telephoned a few minutes with news there was no spread from colon to lymph glands and hence no need for chemotherapy .. really i am surprised as i was counting days .. not quite but you know what i mean.
One way or another i will get to Adams big uni graduation this time and this is a promise..
I don't need to see him for 3 months so your ma and i will arrange a cruise in October and we will go to Australia again for 3 months in winter after new year
We have multiple luxury exchange accommodation in Sydney so you will have to fly out as great place to visit at Easter .
I think Chris out to hire a car as it only costs £150 - you will need to place on insurance - although there will be 2 large cars.
I will send you a copy of Phil's hotel details just in case .. i bought a water polo ball and intended to carry out as know lads would love in large pool - i will see if Phil will carry out.
Chris - are you here for Wembly RL cup final - i think august 29th - we are coming down and not booking meal but £50 tickets for concourse. If you are not available then we may not go as we will be driving and you could help.
I have had another email from Seville - when are we going for exchange - i will ask Phil if she is interested .
James is booking Burton Agnes this week so it will be a great get together and a nice farewell party . I think Tim is also coming.
I am now going to have a glass of Guinness - the sun is out so we shall sit on patio
The Queens Canada trip apparently was a great success - surprised a royalist like you dd not take Adam and Issie to sample their British heritage ..
Love
Dad xxx
Sunday, July 18, 2010
hi from ottawa
Good idea about the sat nav, I don't have the address of the house but we can figure it out once we see pHil, I don't need a car in the UK as I have hired one for a week. It is nice news about Chris and Mairead, they will have their hands full. They are bringing Mairead's neice to Italy to help with the kids , Chris isn't getting a car so hopefully they will not be too housebound as i am not sure what type of car James is getting
Niagara on the lake was lovely, the gardens were spectacular, it is a hike from here, nearly 7 hours on friday but only 6 hours tonight. The baptism was lovely and afterwards we had a very nice lunch in the hotel, Celia and the kids are coming on tuesday for 3 days as celia's nanny is on vacation, Lucy isn't great with little kids.
Glad that you are getting better, Phil is very good, I am sure that she is looking forward to Italy as we all are
Anna is home in a weeks time , she is on safari for a few days and then she will be going to see some of the sights of Namibia, Issie loved being with the wolves.
love Angela
Niagara on the lake was lovely, the gardens were spectacular, it is a hike from here, nearly 7 hours on friday but only 6 hours tonight. The baptism was lovely and afterwards we had a very nice lunch in the hotel, Celia and the kids are coming on tuesday for 3 days as celia's nanny is on vacation, Lucy isn't great with little kids.
Glad that you are getting better, Phil is very good, I am sure that she is looking forward to Italy as we all are
Anna is home in a weeks time , she is on safari for a few days and then she will be going to see some of the sights of Namibia, Issie loved being with the wolves.
love Angela
Sunday 18th july
Sunday has been a non day as time appears eternal, when you are essentially housebound and progress slow. Still your ma and i managed to walk about 1/2 mile today and not tired so i will increase daily . I watched the open golf for many hours.
Niagara on Lake brings back memories - we stopped there when living at Mississauga and took C&M with us to the falls.
I was reminded by your ma, when you Angela did the emergency honours - ma was recovering from her accident and i was in Nuffield - you were with Issie and Kate . Ma says you were good company also and i remember the close examination of my drips etc when you all visited.
James came yesterday with all family including Sara and he had called at M&S for £40 of groceries - the food is top quality as we had steak today for lunch.
He borrowed 3 suitcases for Italy and we gave him a tomato plant.
I have an electronic organ and i offered to Chris but he thought better and similarly with James - i think they both have enough noise at home.
I presume you know Mairead is preggers again -what a surprise! 12 weeks . Chris told Ma when i was in hospital.
William apparently is having speech therapy and i hope there is some improvement . It didn't stop them all jumping and fighting on the couch.
Angela can you give me the precise address of the house - I am sending over my Garmin satnav with Phil, which works in Italy - i will setup main places - Pisa airport / Phil's hotel etc - i have booked a hotel in central Pisa for her and anyone can use .
Phil has a full day here on Tuesday - ma has to go to hospital anticoagulant clinic plus prescriptions from GP and then to chemist . She has bought new summer duvet for us as we are sweltering .
Also James is bringing my 3 chip video camera - all use in turn for a day and i will edit a communal film for all - i will send 2 tapes of 90 mins.
I still haven't heard about histology so do not know if chemo is required - over 6 months.
Mike A emailed and says when up and about we are going to Nont Sarah's for lunch.
We are hoping to get to Kilham sometime to rest and recuperate - Angela do you wish to use any car _ ma and i can take jag and 4x4 down.
Niagara on Lake brings back memories - we stopped there when living at Mississauga and took C&M with us to the falls.
I was reminded by your ma, when you Angela did the emergency honours - ma was recovering from her accident and i was in Nuffield - you were with Issie and Kate . Ma says you were good company also and i remember the close examination of my drips etc when you all visited.
James came yesterday with all family including Sara and he had called at M&S for £40 of groceries - the food is top quality as we had steak today for lunch.
He borrowed 3 suitcases for Italy and we gave him a tomato plant.
I have an electronic organ and i offered to Chris but he thought better and similarly with James - i think they both have enough noise at home.
I presume you know Mairead is preggers again -what a surprise! 12 weeks . Chris told Ma when i was in hospital.
William apparently is having speech therapy and i hope there is some improvement . It didn't stop them all jumping and fighting on the couch.
Angela can you give me the precise address of the house - I am sending over my Garmin satnav with Phil, which works in Italy - i will setup main places - Pisa airport / Phil's hotel etc - i have booked a hotel in central Pisa for her and anyone can use .
Phil has a full day here on Tuesday - ma has to go to hospital anticoagulant clinic plus prescriptions from GP and then to chemist . She has bought new summer duvet for us as we are sweltering .
Also James is bringing my 3 chip video camera - all use in turn for a day and i will edit a communal film for all - i will send 2 tapes of 90 mins.
I still haven't heard about histology so do not know if chemo is required - over 6 months.
Mike A emailed and says when up and about we are going to Nont Sarah's for lunch.
We are hoping to get to Kilham sometime to rest and recuperate - Angela do you wish to use any car _ ma and i can take jag and 4x4 down.
Friday, July 16, 2010
hi
We are off to Niagara on the lake this morning, issie and adam are coming under duress as last time we were away adam's friends moved in. We decided at the last minute that they should come with us and they are not very happy about it.
Toronto was great, we stayed at the Royal York which is downtown and the 2 girls could go off by themselves and I walked all over, I enjoyed lady gaga although it was in a hockey arena and the view wasn't that good
Anna called last weekend, she is on the Namibia and Angola border and she had seen a herd of elephants, she has now left the village and they are going on safarii and she will be home in 10 days, I am sure that she has had a great time
I will get Issie to post a picture of herself being licked by a wolf, Issie loved Colorado. She really liked all the conservation stuff and next year wants to go to the Florida keys to do conservation work there
I am glad that you are getting better, I haven't booked PHil a hotel for the 7th, we are going to be in Pisa on the 31st
the weather here is lovely but very warm, the air conditioning is going all the time
remind phil to print out her jet2 reservation
love Angela
Toronto was great, we stayed at the Royal York which is downtown and the 2 girls could go off by themselves and I walked all over, I enjoyed lady gaga although it was in a hockey arena and the view wasn't that good
Anna called last weekend, she is on the Namibia and Angola border and she had seen a herd of elephants, she has now left the village and they are going on safarii and she will be home in 10 days, I am sure that she has had a great time
I will get Issie to post a picture of herself being licked by a wolf, Issie loved Colorado. She really liked all the conservation stuff and next year wants to go to the Florida keys to do conservation work there
I am glad that you are getting better, I haven't booked PHil a hotel for the 7th, we are going to be in Pisa on the 31st
the weather here is lovely but very warm, the air conditioning is going all the time
remind phil to print out her jet2 reservation
love Angela
Friday 18th
holed up in my office as cleaner is finishing and have to get out of way.
i had to lie down with shock as Adam sent an email to make me envious when he described the location and weather in Santa Barbara - never mind studies but Pacific beckons and hedonistic lifestyle ...
I wonder if Phil has booked hotel for 7th August in Pisa as i would book - you haven't booked one Angela have you . We have stayed in Pisa before an know where to stay for airport and to see sights. There are modest price hotels on expedia - reduced. She has given her order for a few euros!
I will give James tourist books and my Garmin - it has Italy and you can all use when needed. I will offer video camera - very compact but he is always reluctant to take - space etc .
Phil is coming around next week and we have given her our food order plus some bedding to buy . She has had the corolla touched up and looks like new apparently.
The weather is shocking raining bucketfuls - although we need for gardens etc
I have belly ache self inflicted - told to eat non residue food -ok but made a home wholemeal loaf rather solid and after boiled egg for brek pus bread have given me symptoms - pity as nice tasting .
I received an email from Mike A - he wants to ocme around to visit so probaly next week .
Plus we had a call from cleaner at Kilham to say electric had tripped out again and we have lost loads from freezer for 3rd time. An electrician is going to check plus we are having a new extractor fan in kitchen and an FM aerial on roof as reception rubbish.
Ma
I can't keep Dad still as impossible but he is much better when you consider only 2 weeks today and 5 days since he was transfused .
Going to watch open golf again in rain of Scotland - have played at St Andrews and took your Ma just after she finished at All Saints . Rotary job.
i had to lie down with shock as Adam sent an email to make me envious when he described the location and weather in Santa Barbara - never mind studies but Pacific beckons and hedonistic lifestyle ...
I wonder if Phil has booked hotel for 7th August in Pisa as i would book - you haven't booked one Angela have you . We have stayed in Pisa before an know where to stay for airport and to see sights. There are modest price hotels on expedia - reduced. She has given her order for a few euros!
I will give James tourist books and my Garmin - it has Italy and you can all use when needed. I will offer video camera - very compact but he is always reluctant to take - space etc .
Phil is coming around next week and we have given her our food order plus some bedding to buy . She has had the corolla touched up and looks like new apparently.
The weather is shocking raining bucketfuls - although we need for gardens etc
I have belly ache self inflicted - told to eat non residue food -ok but made a home wholemeal loaf rather solid and after boiled egg for brek pus bread have given me symptoms - pity as nice tasting .
I received an email from Mike A - he wants to ocme around to visit so probaly next week .
Plus we had a call from cleaner at Kilham to say electric had tripped out again and we have lost loads from freezer for 3rd time. An electrician is going to check plus we are having a new extractor fan in kitchen and an FM aerial on roof as reception rubbish.
Ma
I can't keep Dad still as impossible but he is much better when you consider only 2 weeks today and 5 days since he was transfused .
Going to watch open golf again in rain of Scotland - have played at St Andrews and took your Ma just after she finished at All Saints . Rotary job.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Dad day 2!
I know only the Queen has daily updates on medical condition but you know what Dad is like .....
Phil has just been on telephone and told me she is on a "power walk" with her neighbour's tonight finishing up in a boozer for drinks and meal. The mind boggles at the thought . She is going to Manchester on Sunday to meet Sandra and do a little shopping.
Generally well - eating better diet even a little liver - your ma's favourite. Plus we have a huge delivery of ready made meals and i am in process of baking bread as have a machine.
We went for a walk this afternoon down Buckden to the corner but i was cautioned by nursing advise on discharge to remember not to walk until tired as you have to return . Good advise
My Hb is only 10.3G ( normal 15.5G) so pretty anaemic and this will compromise energy but Guinness and steak will soon turn around.
Angela telephoned from Toronto airport - she was accompanying Issie to a concert by Lady Gaga - i did not ask how much she enjoyed . There was a photo of her in weekend paper and it looked as though she was in a woollen mop and likened to Doogle from Magic roundabout .
Our cleaner started today and was excellent - immediately the house is better and she is coming in 6 days a week pro tem. I have not enjoyed answering telephone as there has been over 50 replies and some desperate for the money - £120 a week cash is some incentive .
Ma
the lady seems suitable and has a large house of her own and will wash and iron also. I forget her name as she only started today . Phil is coming around next week and will collect our prescriptions from GP surgery and take to chemists . We have asked her to buy a summer weight duvet as we are sleeping downstairs at present and short .
Chris - the old computer is P111 2004 and will not load new dragon voice recognition and my new editing video software - can make HD/Blue Ray . I cannot give away as great e machine .
I have appointment at Queens Square in mid august so we may travel down by train and stay at QQ - about 6 weeks post op so told should be back to normality and can the can start driving.
Must get back to tv as showing open golf and a drop of flat Guinness.
Anna and Issie will have to add photos to blog - i will when I get time as i would like you to see beautiful flowers from Wigan as Proteus as opening .
Plus the tomato plants on patio as growing like Triffids - also Phil's plus her herb garden .
Don't be bored folks yet...!
Love Mum and Dad
Phil has just been on telephone and told me she is on a "power walk" with her neighbour's tonight finishing up in a boozer for drinks and meal. The mind boggles at the thought . She is going to Manchester on Sunday to meet Sandra and do a little shopping.
Generally well - eating better diet even a little liver - your ma's favourite. Plus we have a huge delivery of ready made meals and i am in process of baking bread as have a machine.
We went for a walk this afternoon down Buckden to the corner but i was cautioned by nursing advise on discharge to remember not to walk until tired as you have to return . Good advise
My Hb is only 10.3G ( normal 15.5G) so pretty anaemic and this will compromise energy but Guinness and steak will soon turn around.
Angela telephoned from Toronto airport - she was accompanying Issie to a concert by Lady Gaga - i did not ask how much she enjoyed . There was a photo of her in weekend paper and it looked as though she was in a woollen mop and likened to Doogle from Magic roundabout .
Our cleaner started today and was excellent - immediately the house is better and she is coming in 6 days a week pro tem. I have not enjoyed answering telephone as there has been over 50 replies and some desperate for the money - £120 a week cash is some incentive .
Ma
the lady seems suitable and has a large house of her own and will wash and iron also. I forget her name as she only started today . Phil is coming around next week and will collect our prescriptions from GP surgery and take to chemists . We have asked her to buy a summer weight duvet as we are sleeping downstairs at present and short .
Chris - the old computer is P111 2004 and will not load new dragon voice recognition and my new editing video software - can make HD/Blue Ray . I cannot give away as great e machine .
I have appointment at Queens Square in mid august so we may travel down by train and stay at QQ - about 6 weeks post op so told should be back to normality and can the can start driving.
Must get back to tv as showing open golf and a drop of flat Guinness.
Anna and Issie will have to add photos to blog - i will when I get time as i would like you to see beautiful flowers from Wigan as Proteus as opening .
Plus the tomato plants on patio as growing like Triffids - also Phil's plus her herb garden .
Don't be bored folks yet...!
Love Mum and Dad
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Dad Home - a Family to be proud of !
My first day at home
- not too bad - your ma now has a duty in life looking after me and very happy at that .
I think she enjoys the role - we are both sleeping downstairs but go upstairs once a day to have a shower - James has put a plastic chair in shower for me to sit on if get tired etc. I am very anaemic so supplementing with flat Guinness!
I ordered 34 meals from Wiltshire - look on web - they have great reputation and recommended by hospital. They are being delivered tomorrow.
Yesterday - Judge James should have been on duty in Sheffield but fortuitous for me he was free - i telephoned for him at home at 10am and he was in bed - it transpired he had been at HRI with Ma and Phil for 6 hours the previous night and didn't get home until 2am. Your Ma's warfarin was causing bleeding and has been reduced but no further DVT.
He came into ward to help pack and maneuvered my wheelchair expertly from the ward to the entrance -some distance so i could not walk
- it was like a scene from Little England BBC series - he parked me in HRI front portico in such a position that the rain blew over me , whilst he went for his wagon. I had to stand up and move .
Philippa has been the perfect daughter in a crisis and unbelievably capable looking after Ma and house and remaining cheerful. I never doubted she had qualities but even surprised me - i hope she gets a job soon but not at any price as she told me she lies on couch after lunch to listen to play of day on radio 4 and often has a zizz. Quite.
James and Phil disappeared to town centre for 4 hours - a quiet lunch in Shabab and then they did some shopping at M&S for us of superb ready meals - we are having one tonight . Phil returned home that night and spoke today - gym and weight watchers.
I have never been so impressed by a hospital - it was spotless and cleaned all time = plus now we have joined with Halifax - 400,000 catchment - there is a new generation of young Consultants doing the most complex surgery - previously only in teaching hospitals . We are obviously financed and have critical mass to sub specialise . The contrast with Bart's in London was profound - i would never go in for surgery if avoidable as agency nurses and change very night -many do not speak English.
I had every complication but survived and onwards - looks like 6 months of chemotherapy but you do not loose hair ! at least if i look like Yul Brynner can you tell the kids to pretend not to notice and not laugh! Particularly Issie! I may need a transplant! as we have a posse of grand kids with excess hair as i tease.
Dick came into hospital 3 times to see me - the last only 5 mins as i was vomiting so he did a runner.
Tim telephoned this evening from Marbella - like Ottawa 30 today and they were sitting in terrace with drinks - knowing Deidre - why not champagne- she has a glass a day.
Plus interesting Paul H has telephoned a couple of times and says when convenient he wants to come over to see me.
As my title says what a family above the call of duty
Angela
started ball rolling in Ottawa taking us at short notice to airport - the only occasion when my facade nearly slipped when Adam asked me to hold his hand and Issie came down to play Grandad a farewell tune on guitar. I shall have to send a short email to say survived! Let me know news.
Chris came up with Aiden
- a treat for ma in many ways , as she loved teaching Aiden and he soon picked up. I may have mentioned new Suzuki - he drove and they has splendid meal at pub on moors - apparently waitress bent over backwards to get Aiden suitable food ,which impressed Chris . He only had to drive to Birmingham as they were spending weekend with Edinburgh friends . used to examine and great a city centre .
Phil loves the Corolla and is having touched up tomorrow so pristine. A daughter in million - when better i am going to get her kitchen done - it will cost 30k - she can put on mortgage as small and interest rates low. I will help with fittings etc .
James also - he has never been away - poor Sara - he is bringing kids on Saturday for lunch and going to park afterwards.
The Wigan crowd sent me a beautiful box of lowers from M&S - Proteus etc and would have been very expensive - they never forget.. The dinner in Burton Agnes is going ahead - it is 6 week for me so should be able to join in hopefully particularly after missing Italy!
Doing fine - love to everyone
Dad xxxx
- not too bad - your ma now has a duty in life looking after me and very happy at that .
I think she enjoys the role - we are both sleeping downstairs but go upstairs once a day to have a shower - James has put a plastic chair in shower for me to sit on if get tired etc. I am very anaemic so supplementing with flat Guinness!
I ordered 34 meals from Wiltshire - look on web - they have great reputation and recommended by hospital. They are being delivered tomorrow.
Yesterday - Judge James should have been on duty in Sheffield but fortuitous for me he was free - i telephoned for him at home at 10am and he was in bed - it transpired he had been at HRI with Ma and Phil for 6 hours the previous night and didn't get home until 2am. Your Ma's warfarin was causing bleeding and has been reduced but no further DVT.
He came into ward to help pack and maneuvered my wheelchair expertly from the ward to the entrance -some distance so i could not walk
- it was like a scene from Little England BBC series - he parked me in HRI front portico in such a position that the rain blew over me , whilst he went for his wagon. I had to stand up and move .
Philippa has been the perfect daughter in a crisis and unbelievably capable looking after Ma and house and remaining cheerful. I never doubted she had qualities but even surprised me - i hope she gets a job soon but not at any price as she told me she lies on couch after lunch to listen to play of day on radio 4 and often has a zizz. Quite.
James and Phil disappeared to town centre for 4 hours - a quiet lunch in Shabab and then they did some shopping at M&S for us of superb ready meals - we are having one tonight . Phil returned home that night and spoke today - gym and weight watchers.
I have never been so impressed by a hospital - it was spotless and cleaned all time = plus now we have joined with Halifax - 400,000 catchment - there is a new generation of young Consultants doing the most complex surgery - previously only in teaching hospitals . We are obviously financed and have critical mass to sub specialise . The contrast with Bart's in London was profound - i would never go in for surgery if avoidable as agency nurses and change very night -many do not speak English.
I had every complication but survived and onwards - looks like 6 months of chemotherapy but you do not loose hair ! at least if i look like Yul Brynner can you tell the kids to pretend not to notice and not laugh! Particularly Issie! I may need a transplant! as we have a posse of grand kids with excess hair as i tease.
Dick came into hospital 3 times to see me - the last only 5 mins as i was vomiting so he did a runner.
Tim telephoned this evening from Marbella - like Ottawa 30 today and they were sitting in terrace with drinks - knowing Deidre - why not champagne- she has a glass a day.
Plus interesting Paul H has telephoned a couple of times and says when convenient he wants to come over to see me.
As my title says what a family above the call of duty
Angela
started ball rolling in Ottawa taking us at short notice to airport - the only occasion when my facade nearly slipped when Adam asked me to hold his hand and Issie came down to play Grandad a farewell tune on guitar. I shall have to send a short email to say survived! Let me know news.
Chris came up with Aiden
- a treat for ma in many ways , as she loved teaching Aiden and he soon picked up. I may have mentioned new Suzuki - he drove and they has splendid meal at pub on moors - apparently waitress bent over backwards to get Aiden suitable food ,which impressed Chris . He only had to drive to Birmingham as they were spending weekend with Edinburgh friends . used to examine and great a city centre .
Phil loves the Corolla and is having touched up tomorrow so pristine. A daughter in million - when better i am going to get her kitchen done - it will cost 30k - she can put on mortgage as small and interest rates low. I will help with fittings etc .
James also - he has never been away - poor Sara - he is bringing kids on Saturday for lunch and going to park afterwards.
The Wigan crowd sent me a beautiful box of lowers from M&S - Proteus etc and would have been very expensive - they never forget.. The dinner in Burton Agnes is going ahead - it is 6 week for me so should be able to join in hopefully particularly after missing Italy!
Doing fine - love to everyone
Dad xxxx
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
June 9th Home from QQ London
we are enjoying another dark rainy day in Hfd - the weather is totally unpredictable so we are house bound although we had to go out to butchers as i have to replenish my iron so steak and liver for main meal today! Plus Guinness.
We spent almost a week in London at QQ and saw more of Chris since Sydney - that is when they were living there.
It was glorious weather then almost 80 degrees and Mairead had taken children to Kerry over half term although ma was sorry to miss as we had bought a few presents.
Chris looked very smart - not this time in the gentleman's dresser of Driffield suit although we are going to top up his wardrobe when we are next over.
Chris stayed with us on Thursday night and we went out for a drink on strand and then for a super meal at Chez Gerard overlooking Covent Garden - we can recommend when you are next over in London. He could see his office from the flat window - about a 5 min walk.
He went home on Friday to cut grass etc and returned on sat - Sunday we went to cathedral and then to Marriott for lunch.
we had a splendid time - different way of life down - on roof terrace people came after work with couple of glasses and champagne!
we drove home early Monday evening - easy up M1 as light until 10pm so we had MacDonald's at motorway cafe .
We are going over to see Phil for lunch tomorrow - she still has Maggie so we are taking as she is applying for more jobs.
Tim telephoned and we are going to Harrogate on sat afternoon for lunch and to watch USA v England in south Africa world cup. We will go via Leeds to drop off Maggie.
Medical wise - not sure - no results from biopsy and having whole body CT scan next Tuesday to make sure no mischief. Frankly not optimistic but realistic so we shall see
Ma is well and very pragmatic although she did say last week 'not to die and leave her' ,which I hope is not epochal. I have too much to do in life.
Next week Chris may come up for night as Mairead is in Sheffield - she will come over by train to hfd - they will then go over to stay with James.
We spent almost a week in London at QQ and saw more of Chris since Sydney - that is when they were living there.
It was glorious weather then almost 80 degrees and Mairead had taken children to Kerry over half term although ma was sorry to miss as we had bought a few presents.
Chris looked very smart - not this time in the gentleman's dresser of Driffield suit although we are going to top up his wardrobe when we are next over.
Chris stayed with us on Thursday night and we went out for a drink on strand and then for a super meal at Chez Gerard overlooking Covent Garden - we can recommend when you are next over in London. He could see his office from the flat window - about a 5 min walk.
He went home on Friday to cut grass etc and returned on sat - Sunday we went to cathedral and then to Marriott for lunch.
we had a splendid time - different way of life down - on roof terrace people came after work with couple of glasses and champagne!
we drove home early Monday evening - easy up M1 as light until 10pm so we had MacDonald's at motorway cafe .
We are going over to see Phil for lunch tomorrow - she still has Maggie so we are taking as she is applying for more jobs.
Tim telephoned and we are going to Harrogate on sat afternoon for lunch and to watch USA v England in south Africa world cup. We will go via Leeds to drop off Maggie.
Medical wise - not sure - no results from biopsy and having whole body CT scan next Tuesday to make sure no mischief. Frankly not optimistic but realistic so we shall see
Ma is well and very pragmatic although she did say last week 'not to die and leave her' ,which I hope is not epochal. I have too much to do in life.
Next week Chris may come up for night as Mairead is in Sheffield - she will come over by train to hfd - they will then go over to stay with James.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Ottawa 25 kilham 12
This is not a football score
but the temperature today - Your Mother looks in the Telegraph every morning to compare temperatures and there was something predictable as this is a bank holiday weekend in the UK.
It appears as though you're having an Indian summer in Ottawa although we did get good weather last weekend and had a couple of barbecues.
We have a gardener called Stan and his wife cleans the house - he is a farm worker but they are paid only the minimum wage even though the farmers are multimillionaires.
Well they go way to Ibetha every year to the same hotel - the accumulate so that I pay them only once a year and this is about 600 pounds - the Garden has the lawn cut back and front regularly irrespective that the house is empty. It is much better for us when we leave as we can and it is spotless on return.
When I drink at the Star pub in the evening - I hear all the farming stories - one chap was telling me last night that he has a farm with over 1000 lambs and supplied Marks & Spencer's for the past seven years but they had to discontinue for reasons which are hard to believe. Apparently the quality of his Lamb is proportional to the lushness of the grass - from round here it was such high-quality Lamb but he couldn't supply insufficient proportion for M&S and punters complained from the inferior lamb from his competitors.
He is a real character and kept me in stitches when he finished at agricultural college he went for a year to Wyoming in the 1990s- riding on a horse and looking after cattle - even in this day and age they carry a gun to stop the Indians russling. He was 30 miles from the town and apparently this was the back of beyond and he said the workers there spent all their life on the farm and were completely cut off from the rest of the world.
Everyone called him the Englishman and tears came to his eyes when he told me he recently went back after 15 years and they all rushed up to him to pat him on the back and still remembered him/ he said is never worn a watch since then - apparently their motto was you either work or drink or Sleep.
It's sad to hear really as Bridlington is dependent on good weather over the bank holiday - they have spent 6,000,000 pounds on improving the area - mainly on the sea front and the new Spar Theater. Plus today they have opened a huge carpark for park-and-ride. Even the swimming pool has been revamped and you will see when you are over in August.
It's a pity for James and family as it is too cold in the Lake District for children - I doubt whether the log cabin they are staying in, have any form of heating. Only Maggie will enjoy.
We spoke to Philippa on the telephone yesterday but she didn't wish to come down for the weekend to kilham - she said she was going to apply for a couple more jobs and rest whatever that means. She's getting bored I hope she can get a job soon.
She goes away to Crete the week before we fly out to Ottawa - we are fortunate in having a BA flight to Gatwick which is not affected by the strike.
I think this time that BA has broken the unions - if you listen to the Liverpudlian and Glaswegian voices of the leaders - they are all ex-Communists from the bad old days and this is the last bastion of union power when they have almost all BA to its knees over the past years.
Your mother buys more presents for your children so I hope they enjoy and we've got a small something for Adam. He will be able to accompany me to the Earl of Essex pub with his bulging wallet but I think the drinking age is 21 in Canada also. I will be able to judge his driving skills as well as Annas. I assume you are not going to buy them a car.
Just a short reminder Angela but can you make sure the car insurance covers me as I am not intending to hire car but may go for a drive out downtown as their is no bus if my memory is correct.
I received a short e-mail - a misnomer really as only four words on Chris's iPhone - he obviously has the latest technology. He told me that his contract has been extended until December and we will see him in London.
As I stated previously the LED television /Blu-Ray from John Lewis did not work properly they are sending out the technician on Thursday next week to Queens Quay - as it is brand-new I thought they would've replaced it.
We have done very little today other than going into Driffield to do some shopping - you will see when your here that it is a superb place to shop as many upmarket. All the produce is a local and we made the spaghetti Bolognese today and had fresh strawberries and cream. The local asparagus tastes fantastic.
We go to the library every other day as your mother is an avid reader of biographies mainly film stars and models - we returned one today on Elizabeth Taylor.
What I suggest for Italy is that we all take two paperbacks and a bottle of hooch - we can liaise and some take gin others Bacardi and your mother likes Bailey's etc. we will buy the Pepsi and soft drinks as well as the wine and beer as we have a week beforehand and should be able to find a hypermarket.
I am passing time to avoid five hours of the Eurovision song contest! Even Terry Wogan has called it a day
but the temperature today - Your Mother looks in the Telegraph every morning to compare temperatures and there was something predictable as this is a bank holiday weekend in the UK.
It appears as though you're having an Indian summer in Ottawa although we did get good weather last weekend and had a couple of barbecues.
We have a gardener called Stan and his wife cleans the house - he is a farm worker but they are paid only the minimum wage even though the farmers are multimillionaires.
Well they go way to Ibetha every year to the same hotel - the accumulate so that I pay them only once a year and this is about 600 pounds - the Garden has the lawn cut back and front regularly irrespective that the house is empty. It is much better for us when we leave as we can and it is spotless on return.
When I drink at the Star pub in the evening - I hear all the farming stories - one chap was telling me last night that he has a farm with over 1000 lambs and supplied Marks & Spencer's for the past seven years but they had to discontinue for reasons which are hard to believe. Apparently the quality of his Lamb is proportional to the lushness of the grass - from round here it was such high-quality Lamb but he couldn't supply insufficient proportion for M&S and punters complained from the inferior lamb from his competitors.
He is a real character and kept me in stitches when he finished at agricultural college he went for a year to Wyoming in the 1990s- riding on a horse and looking after cattle - even in this day and age they carry a gun to stop the Indians russling. He was 30 miles from the town and apparently this was the back of beyond and he said the workers there spent all their life on the farm and were completely cut off from the rest of the world.
Everyone called him the Englishman and tears came to his eyes when he told me he recently went back after 15 years and they all rushed up to him to pat him on the back and still remembered him/ he said is never worn a watch since then - apparently their motto was you either work or drink or Sleep.
It's sad to hear really as Bridlington is dependent on good weather over the bank holiday - they have spent 6,000,000 pounds on improving the area - mainly on the sea front and the new Spar Theater. Plus today they have opened a huge carpark for park-and-ride. Even the swimming pool has been revamped and you will see when you are over in August.
It's a pity for James and family as it is too cold in the Lake District for children - I doubt whether the log cabin they are staying in, have any form of heating. Only Maggie will enjoy.
We spoke to Philippa on the telephone yesterday but she didn't wish to come down for the weekend to kilham - she said she was going to apply for a couple more jobs and rest whatever that means. She's getting bored I hope she can get a job soon.
She goes away to Crete the week before we fly out to Ottawa - we are fortunate in having a BA flight to Gatwick which is not affected by the strike.
I think this time that BA has broken the unions - if you listen to the Liverpudlian and Glaswegian voices of the leaders - they are all ex-Communists from the bad old days and this is the last bastion of union power when they have almost all BA to its knees over the past years.
Your mother buys more presents for your children so I hope they enjoy and we've got a small something for Adam. He will be able to accompany me to the Earl of Essex pub with his bulging wallet but I think the drinking age is 21 in Canada also. I will be able to judge his driving skills as well as Annas. I assume you are not going to buy them a car.
Just a short reminder Angela but can you make sure the car insurance covers me as I am not intending to hire car but may go for a drive out downtown as their is no bus if my memory is correct.
I received a short e-mail - a misnomer really as only four words on Chris's iPhone - he obviously has the latest technology. He told me that his contract has been extended until December and we will see him in London.
As I stated previously the LED television /Blu-Ray from John Lewis did not work properly they are sending out the technician on Thursday next week to Queens Quay - as it is brand-new I thought they would've replaced it.
We have done very little today other than going into Driffield to do some shopping - you will see when your here that it is a superb place to shop as many upmarket. All the produce is a local and we made the spaghetti Bolognese today and had fresh strawberries and cream. The local asparagus tastes fantastic.
We go to the library every other day as your mother is an avid reader of biographies mainly film stars and models - we returned one today on Elizabeth Taylor.
What I suggest for Italy is that we all take two paperbacks and a bottle of hooch - we can liaise and some take gin others Bacardi and your mother likes Bailey's etc. we will buy the Pepsi and soft drinks as well as the wine and beer as we have a week beforehand and should be able to find a hypermarket.
I am passing time to avoid five hours of the Eurovision song contest! Even Terry Wogan has called it a day
Friday, May 28, 2010
Post Shona
It takes a long time to forget the dog, particularly as the Corolla had the typical dog smell until recently when Phillipa cleaned the car. We have donated the car to her and she sold the red yaris yesterday for a modest price - a father was buying it for the University daughter
Also when we were walking, we saw an almost identical dog- Shonas doppelgänger - and had an instinct to call out.
The reason it came to our minds was that we went for walk on the cliffs at Flamborough and passed the spot where Shona fell down and almost toppled 200 feet into the sea.
She was waiting down the cliff face for me to come down and pick her up but I had to lie over the edge and encourage her to climb back up which he managed with a struggle as I fearful we were going to need either the lifeboat or the helicopter for a rescue!
This is one thing about a dog that could gets you out every day for a walk - rain or snow
The walk on the cliff top is stunning on a summers day with a white cliffs and the birds nesting on the rocks . Most of the birds have taken off for Africa.
we went to the golf club for lunch - The Links where we used to play golf on Boxing Day in the past. We have to remember to take Phillipa's golf clubs and she's going to start and Val is very keen to teach her
I found the garage is still full off dog food when I went to clean and the last task was to put her bed in the dustbin. We keep the food just in case Maggie spent some time with us.
Similar to Dick, we are not getting another dog although your mother is still very sorry. We try to get out every day for walk irrespective.
That has to be some positives - your mother is never on toilet duty now on the back lawn with a shovel! I've been feeding the lawn and it looks superb.
It is a different way of life down in kilham as I can hear the noise of animals and there'll always horses going by as well as tractors. I wonder if any of the visitors here will wish to ride as it is a stable nearby - Phillipa has not written since she fell off.
Also when we were walking, we saw an almost identical dog- Shonas doppelgänger - and had an instinct to call out.
The reason it came to our minds was that we went for walk on the cliffs at Flamborough and passed the spot where Shona fell down and almost toppled 200 feet into the sea.
She was waiting down the cliff face for me to come down and pick her up but I had to lie over the edge and encourage her to climb back up which he managed with a struggle as I fearful we were going to need either the lifeboat or the helicopter for a rescue!
This is one thing about a dog that could gets you out every day for a walk - rain or snow
The walk on the cliff top is stunning on a summers day with a white cliffs and the birds nesting on the rocks . Most of the birds have taken off for Africa.
we went to the golf club for lunch - The Links where we used to play golf on Boxing Day in the past. We have to remember to take Phillipa's golf clubs and she's going to start and Val is very keen to teach her
I found the garage is still full off dog food when I went to clean and the last task was to put her bed in the dustbin. We keep the food just in case Maggie spent some time with us.
Similar to Dick, we are not getting another dog although your mother is still very sorry. We try to get out every day for walk irrespective.
That has to be some positives - your mother is never on toilet duty now on the back lawn with a shovel! I've been feeding the lawn and it looks superb.
It is a different way of life down in kilham as I can hear the noise of animals and there'll always horses going by as well as tractors. I wonder if any of the visitors here will wish to ride as it is a stable nearby - Phillipa has not written since she fell off.
Monday, May 24, 2010
hi from ottawa
The house is reverberating to loud music, Adam and his friends are in end of school year mode even though there are still a few weeks to go, our house is full of kids night and day, they even knw the dogs name as they step over her on the stairs. Issie is also miss social so last night, Issie had 6 friends over while adam had about 10 friends over, luckily it is a big house!
Glad that you are having a good time in Kilham, the weather is lovely here, we have sat outside more this year than any other year, the house is slowly being finished but we have yet to do the outside, it is one project after another. We are having the dry stone walls rebuilt, the stone mason is english and has done a great job , it is very labour intensive though.
It is a great idea you going for dinner with Gary and ANgela, they arrive on the thursday and maybe you can go for dinner on the friday night as we have an event at the school to go too. Adam has a date for the prom and he is looking forward too it.His date is iranian and very pretty, the girls were shocked that he found a date!
I just spoke to Phil, she said Wigan have booked their hotel for the meal which will be fun, even tim and Polly are coming. Remember to have a veggie option for anna.
Adam is off for sushi with his friends, he has had a great year at school on the social side,
love angela
Glad that you are having a good time in Kilham, the weather is lovely here, we have sat outside more this year than any other year, the house is slowly being finished but we have yet to do the outside, it is one project after another. We are having the dry stone walls rebuilt, the stone mason is english and has done a great job , it is very labour intensive though.
It is a great idea you going for dinner with Gary and ANgela, they arrive on the thursday and maybe you can go for dinner on the friday night as we have an event at the school to go too. Adam has a date for the prom and he is looking forward too it.His date is iranian and very pretty, the girls were shocked that he found a date!
I just spoke to Phil, she said Wigan have booked their hotel for the meal which will be fun, even tim and Polly are coming. Remember to have a veggie option for anna.
Adam is off for sushi with his friends, he has had a great year at school on the social side,
love angela
Saturday, May 22, 2010
May 22 update 2
For some reason, the blog was updated so I think I must've exceeded the number of words required but will make more sense if you read update below first.
Tim and Deidre - they have moved into Harrogate and love the place and now go for coffee at Betty's! They live right in the center next to the Majestic Hotel which had a fire last week I was on the television .
They've invited us over as they have a guest room and Angelo will have to visit as Harrogate is a great place and they are good hosts.
as I said, Clare has returned to Dublin to the same job and is now settled down again although she was a little depressed after finishing with her German boyfriend.
JP was doing some local work but had been interviewed for a permanent position with a law firm in Leeds. He has been working in Manchester. I hope he settles down as T&D need a more tranquil life.
Dick - I have not been able to play golf for some time as them a little too unsteady with my blood pressure - however we meet in Tuesday evenings at the cavalry for a drink and on Wednesday lunchtime go to the New Inn.
He is down in London at the moment as the family are giving him a 70th birthday party - they are all coming over to Liz's place in Putney including the three or four grandchildren and they are sleep cheek by jowl. He puts a brave face on it and they're going to a concert of a very famous Chinese pianist at the Albert Hall. You will know the lad as I think he is played for Obama. Pippa is over from Prague but unfortunately her marriage has become unstuck although she's staying there with her two children and has a part-time IT job. Her husband's grandparents are fantastic. Liza is pregnant again and he even get e-mails sequentially of her ultrasonic scan! He says the size of the files of such the other clogging his computer as he is reluctant to delete.
Your mother sat on the coffee table in the lounge and as you can imagine there was a splintering sound - well Dick has been around to repair - your mother thinks he looks like Mr. Pickwick with a florid complexion - we gave him a nice bottle of wine.
James - he telephoned a couple of times this week - once for medical query for a case and also inviting us for Sunday lunch but we are down the kilham.
It is Bank holiday weekend next time we invited them to come over here but they are going on a camping holiday to the Lake District. I think this is a bit of a misnomer as they're not in a tent but I think in a wooden hut. Last time they went with Turner but this time they are alone. Philippa went around recently and took some shirts I had bought for him which were well appreciated and a navy blue suit. These all came from the gentleman's dresser in Driffield - but I was discreetly told that he has a wardrobe full and not only that, but the jacket was a size 42 for Chris with small trousers so I hope I haven't given Chris a mismatch also.
Hospital - I have an appointment on June 1 to see a colleague - he telephoned me at home to discuss the problems as I obviously know him very well. He was a bit noncommittal about traveling to Ottawa but I will inform the insurers and pay a small premium to cover. Your mother has a melanoma on her back and a seeing a plastic surgeon in Bradford on November 10.
London- we going to Queen's quay on Wednesday, June 2 for eight days by car. I bought a new LED television and the HDMI plug does not work to run the Blu-Ray/have to send back to John Lewis and also to get the floor re-stained. Your mother has bought a number of small presents for Aiden and Aoefe so we hope to see them as it is now a long time since Christmas.
We are going to book into some of the good restaurants as there are great deals at the moment. We've been to the Ritz last time and this time we are going to the Waldorf or Claridges.
Sunday morning and once again is going to be 80° but we again to stay in the garden as Bridlington will be heaving and we have the rest of the week.
Your mother is eternally happy - whether going to Bolton to have a meal with Phillipa as we do weekly or coming to kilham then to London and she cannot wait to travel to Ottawa - she reads the temperature every day from the telegraph and apparently you have also been having a heat wave.
Must finish
love dad
your mother is watching the TV - the obsession now is with animal programs which is a change from cookery and then property.
May 22nd 2010 Update
My broadband has been repaired so I'm going to put my e-mails on the blog so that everyone can read and join in. I've change from Orange to BT and have a new e-mail for home and kilham although the old one still runs for a year.
Kilham -we are spending 10 days here and it is a great place for holiday as we are having an Indian summer and the weather yesterday was 80°. The garden looks great as a red orange blossom is out to the front plus the Clematis so the place looks like a picture postcard. We're in the process of transplanting the tomato plants we should be in bloom when you are over and a herb garden. We spent a fortune on the lawn feeding it I had the sprinkler on overnight so it should look like a cricket pitch late in the year. We abort a superb solid oak wooden table and umbrella - I've used yacht varnish and it is to be used in the garden for meals. I bought one for James as well and it has two benches which she is going to use in his own kitchen for the kids.
We went to the beach which was heaving and all the children would've loved it including the donkeys. The great British public on holiday are not fashion plates and a tattoo is de rigeur. It would have been nice to use the red speedboat I'll go for trip on the Yorkshire Bell bully them to wait for this week when it is less crowded.
We had a superb meal in the Captain's Table of Moules Marinaire followed by half a lobster salad and homemade chips for £26 for two. Angela will have to visit when over as efficient chips are also excellent.
Your mother uses the public library and is now gone to biographies of every film star you could mention. She drew the line at the biography of Dusty Springfield! The facility is fantastic and it is just me modernized and you just pile your books onto a computer reader and it automatically books out with a printout of the date when it is due back. I've never seen anything like it as you compile five books on top of each other and it can still read the chip.
Philippa - is really well but is now waiting to get a job. As you know she was interviewed about 10 days ago I didn't get the job but the delay suggested that she was very close and she suspects it was an internal candidate. She is going to apply for three-day week teaching job in law.
Yesterday she cleaned the Yaris with Val and they took some photographs and they're going to advertise in the local paper. I obtained a valuation of £980 - but I think she is going to sell it for 800 pounds, which is a bargain as it is totally reliable and very economical and she has full service history.
Apparently she's going to come to kilham with Sandra if they can find a weekend and next month is going to a Greek island with Val for week.
The house has been decorated and looks very nice and clean and I'll have to consider getting the new development to the kitchen as this is the worst aspect of the house. She still talks about getting another dog.
Ottawa - I had a brainstorm with my BA booking from Manchester to Gatwick as I booked the return flight on the 28th June - completely forgetting that you fly overnight and it is the 29th when you arrive back.
I'll have to speak to them to see if I can change although it is a nonrefundable ticket.
Your mother is planning old bits and pieces as small presents she doesn't want to arrive empty-handed. We thought perhaps if it was convenient, then we would have a meal out with Gary and Angela on the Friday evening - grandparents - as we have not seen them for long time.
We will buy Adam a watch - this will be a present from granny and granddad and he can use in the future. I shall have to send him a little e-mail to dip into his bank account as granny and granddad will be very poor - have you seen the rate of exchange. Sterling is in freefall.
I will bring my video camera to record the event and I hope Adam will be wearing a bow tie as you see in all films of graduation events.
I received a nice photograph last week of a competition. I wonder who is the winner whether it was Issie or Lucy!-certainly in the IQ department, it would've been a close contest between Buddy and Lucy-neither endowed with great brains. I'm certain it's the breeding and next time everyone should get a mongrel. We had dogs in the past that could almost speak.
Tim and Deidre - they visited for me last week and it looks like the Elizabeth Taylor of Harrogate. As you know she has a huge diamond ring which she bought in Liverpool for almost 10,000 pounds and she turned up in an equally sized emerald ring. They both looked extremely well but does your mother will tell you when we meet, their faces looked distinctly different particular Tim and this was not the ginger color of his hair. I blame my mother for the tinting as she was an expert having a different color every week. I will tell you my suspicions when I see you but Tim's eyelids are completely distorted. They have had nothing but problems with a Spanish villa and they again to sell even at a financial loss. Plus they again to sell the house at Sherborn.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Sydeny Airport - freebie internet Phil 09.30 Mc Sunday
one of joys of business class is lounge - your ma has made good use of food for lunch as flight isn't for another 2 hours - small plane 777. Amazing who flys first and business class -full
i lost my blazer = left in hire car but apparently not found - it was on back seat and handed over car in dark area.
we had a final night our with Nicola - she has landed lucky as au pere - looking after 4 kids at school but has own room plus flat TV and access to car -300$ cash a week.
we went to KX hotel a final meal of spring roil starter and steaks plus a bottle of red wine.
Ma is waiting to get home - we try not to think 23 hours although weather in London is 65 degree today so spring is coming .
Phil plus dog ! Manchester we arrive at 08.40 but plane shuttle always late and we have to get luggage = park in short stay entrance past arrivals area on corner as nearest
Well must explore area - see you all soon
i lost my blazer = left in hire car but apparently not found - it was on back seat and handed over car in dark area.
we had a final night our with Nicola - she has landed lucky as au pere - looking after 4 kids at school but has own room plus flat TV and access to car -300$ cash a week.
we went to KX hotel a final meal of spring roil starter and steaks plus a bottle of red wine.
Ma is waiting to get home - we try not to think 23 hours although weather in London is 65 degree today so spring is coming .
Phil plus dog ! Manchester we arrive at 08.40 but plane shuttle always late and we have to get luggage = park in short stay entrance past arrivals area on corner as nearest
Well must explore area - see you all soon
Thursday, April 8, 2010
'Home James and don't spare the horses'
Chris - this was a favourite saying of my Mother although i do not know origins - your Ma gives me history and literature vivas and has deemed me an ignoramus -not true! as i have read 3 history books this holiday.
we have spent morning cleaning and packing - it is a very modern appt so we have little to do and they do little at QQ.
It is 90 degrees today so we are doing nothing other than i am going to have a swim this afternoon -we have a fantastic pool
No BA strike -both Angela ( book on BMI) and yourself (book hotel) were sensible as i had not considered - after 23 hours you do not need further hassle . During last strike a friend arrived from NZ and had 6 hour coach journey to Manchester .
Yesterday we went to Botany bay - La Peruse - and had a seafood platter overlooking beach. It is great location and wouldn't you all have liked beach and sea . Cook was a genius when you are here - it is such a long way from Whitby
I saw photos of A&Ao when Michael was with you . They could have been in Ottawa as it looked so cold and overcast so hope spring is here . Apparently the winter has been horrendous.
Angela told me news about Phils dog - the last spaniel we had in house never stopped whining - still your ma will be happy as she love dogs and worked out we would hardly be without one as perennial dog sitters for family. If we were back we would have had Maggie .
Health wise i take things in my stride fortunately and never phased although BA would need Royal medical proclamation to fly if they knew . I will try to get help with lifting although steak etc obviously bringing up Hb so not too tired . There is no point in assistance as i can walk OK but have to lug luggage from hire cat etc
We may be down in QQ soonish as i have to send new TV back to John Lewis - you all may like to come over for day as before at weekend. I will be driving jag. We have some little presents for kids and would like to see you all . Ma hopes they all liked postcards with animal's
James is away - he promised me he would go to Kilham for weekend at half term - we shall see as i do not like it empty over winter for 4 months.
Angela is yo yo ing around colleges and uni for Anna and Adam . As she says the weather of Santa Barbara after Ottawa would be great attraction for Adam.
Haven't they all grown up quickly - did you see photos of Montreal - the elegance of all - Angela always a million dollars dresses and kids in designer clothes -it looked a very nice family occasion -lets hope we have same in Italy - you will have to book flights - I will probably get larger hire car as we are going a week early .
Last night we went to Opera House - a Gershwin evening but really french song and dance in almost nudity -for 220$ plus parking it was rubbish. i am going to complain.
well tonight we are having a meal in Kings Cross with backpacker Nicola and leave 11.30 in morning - i will watch a little golf from Master today.
we have spent morning cleaning and packing - it is a very modern appt so we have little to do and they do little at QQ.
It is 90 degrees today so we are doing nothing other than i am going to have a swim this afternoon -we have a fantastic pool
No BA strike -both Angela ( book on BMI) and yourself (book hotel) were sensible as i had not considered - after 23 hours you do not need further hassle . During last strike a friend arrived from NZ and had 6 hour coach journey to Manchester .
Yesterday we went to Botany bay - La Peruse - and had a seafood platter overlooking beach. It is great location and wouldn't you all have liked beach and sea . Cook was a genius when you are here - it is such a long way from Whitby
I saw photos of A&Ao when Michael was with you . They could have been in Ottawa as it looked so cold and overcast so hope spring is here . Apparently the winter has been horrendous.
Angela told me news about Phils dog - the last spaniel we had in house never stopped whining - still your ma will be happy as she love dogs and worked out we would hardly be without one as perennial dog sitters for family. If we were back we would have had Maggie .
Health wise i take things in my stride fortunately and never phased although BA would need Royal medical proclamation to fly if they knew . I will try to get help with lifting although steak etc obviously bringing up Hb so not too tired . There is no point in assistance as i can walk OK but have to lug luggage from hire cat etc
We may be down in QQ soonish as i have to send new TV back to John Lewis - you all may like to come over for day as before at weekend. I will be driving jag. We have some little presents for kids and would like to see you all . Ma hopes they all liked postcards with animal's
James is away - he promised me he would go to Kilham for weekend at half term - we shall see as i do not like it empty over winter for 4 months.
Angela is yo yo ing around colleges and uni for Anna and Adam . As she says the weather of Santa Barbara after Ottawa would be great attraction for Adam.
Haven't they all grown up quickly - did you see photos of Montreal - the elegance of all - Angela always a million dollars dresses and kids in designer clothes -it looked a very nice family occasion -lets hope we have same in Italy - you will have to book flights - I will probably get larger hire car as we are going a week early .
Last night we went to Opera House - a Gershwin evening but really french song and dance in almost nudity -for 220$ plus parking it was rubbish. i am going to complain.
well tonight we are having a meal in Kings Cross with backpacker Nicola and leave 11.30 in morning - i will watch a little golf from Master today.
hi
Just getting ready to leave for California tomorrow, adam has been accepted to the MIddle East department but he has yet to see the school, it is a very large school but with a good reputation, he loves the idea of being in the sun!
I spoke to Phil today, Chester the dog is settling down slowly, he cries every night, she still misses buddy( hard to believe!) and she had an interview yesterday, she thinks they thought she was over qualified but there are other jobs coming up. Phil is meeting you as James is away as it is Easter break, PHil had a very nice time at James's house for Easter, Maggie wasn't that keen on Chester though.
Issie had a science fair today but I forgot to go, she was a little annoyed.
We really enjoyed visiting anna's school and think she will be happy there next year
love Angela
I spoke to Phil today, Chester the dog is settling down slowly, he cries every night, she still misses buddy( hard to believe!) and she had an interview yesterday, she thinks they thought she was over qualified but there are other jobs coming up. Phil is meeting you as James is away as it is Easter break, PHil had a very nice time at James's house for Easter, Maggie wasn't that keen on Chester though.
Issie had a science fair today but I forgot to go, she was a little annoyed.
We really enjoyed visiting anna's school and think she will be happy there next year
love Angela
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
wed 7th april T-3
winter is coming - the weather has been much colder and raining all morning so we started packing and a little cleaning up. Sunny 24 now - my US Internet neighbour has been on skpye for past hour talking home so it must be free
We have stunning views from window over harbour and opera House and will send photos when home as I am confined to an Internet backpackers cafe in a narrow booth with a tatty keyboard..
A beautiful white liner arrived this morning in the fog and rain -not what they would expect in Sydney. Next time we will cruise back part of way to Singapore
For the first time this morning we went to Paddy's market and china town and we don't know why we have ignored in the past . Fascinating and all stalls and stores including pharmacist are Chinese - most cannot speak English well .
We did a little shopping for kids and coffee etc and i wanted to but a Tilley hat and some shorts - Aussie style with pockets but could not find .
I received an email with photos from Montreal -It looked a very nice occasion and everyone weathering well and looked well G&A - the first time i had seen all family. You are all dressed for occasion and appreciate we are getting older when i see Anna and Issie now growing into young ladies .
Where was Adam - he isn't usually camera sky! Good job he is not at school here in Sydney as the 6th form kids as tall as Adam dress in shorts,blazer and long socks plus cap with long hair peeping out.
I looked at web page of uni - California is great -Tim has been to Santa Barbara . We have plenty of opportunities to visit California. I assume it is 9 hour flight - can you fly from Ottawa
We have a super exchange House on Lake Tahoe when you visit if you want to add on a short holiday - super on edge to lake plus skiing nearby. Tom is an attorney in Sacramento and is coming to QQ this summer -he owes us 3 weeks at least . You have visitor of a bear at night - no joking
I haven't heard from home as yet -they do not read blog but sent a short email to Phil,Chris and Tim. Back for election tedium - James is going to vote for Gordon!
Pretty much back to reasonable normality so should be able to manage luggage on sat - we are business class with beds which helps - agree BA - no news of strike
Ma is waiting for home to 'see family' -we have had OLH decorated so will be bare as all pictures down . One of joys of this holiday is no mail.
Tomorrow we are going again to Botany Bay and lunch in sea food restaurant overlooking sea - well recommended .
Get Adman to email how he likes uni - has he accepted place or just looking
We have stunning views from window over harbour and opera House and will send photos when home as I am confined to an Internet backpackers cafe in a narrow booth with a tatty keyboard..
A beautiful white liner arrived this morning in the fog and rain -not what they would expect in Sydney. Next time we will cruise back part of way to Singapore
For the first time this morning we went to Paddy's market and china town and we don't know why we have ignored in the past . Fascinating and all stalls and stores including pharmacist are Chinese - most cannot speak English well .
We did a little shopping for kids and coffee etc and i wanted to but a Tilley hat and some shorts - Aussie style with pockets but could not find .
I received an email with photos from Montreal -It looked a very nice occasion and everyone weathering well and looked well G&A - the first time i had seen all family. You are all dressed for occasion and appreciate we are getting older when i see Anna and Issie now growing into young ladies .
Where was Adam - he isn't usually camera sky! Good job he is not at school here in Sydney as the 6th form kids as tall as Adam dress in shorts,blazer and long socks plus cap with long hair peeping out.
I looked at web page of uni - California is great -Tim has been to Santa Barbara . We have plenty of opportunities to visit California. I assume it is 9 hour flight - can you fly from Ottawa
We have a super exchange House on Lake Tahoe when you visit if you want to add on a short holiday - super on edge to lake plus skiing nearby. Tom is an attorney in Sacramento and is coming to QQ this summer -he owes us 3 weeks at least . You have visitor of a bear at night - no joking
I haven't heard from home as yet -they do not read blog but sent a short email to Phil,Chris and Tim. Back for election tedium - James is going to vote for Gordon!
Pretty much back to reasonable normality so should be able to manage luggage on sat - we are business class with beds which helps - agree BA - no news of strike
Ma is waiting for home to 'see family' -we have had OLH decorated so will be bare as all pictures down . One of joys of this holiday is no mail.
Tomorrow we are going again to Botany Bay and lunch in sea food restaurant overlooking sea - well recommended .
Get Adman to email how he likes uni - has he accepted place or just looking
Monday, April 5, 2010
Update
Happy Easter also to all
we went to Cathedral to mass as I have a hire car . Your Ma is losing religion fast and sits down all thru mass and never a prayer. It is a fine cathedral and built by convicts .
Today we went to Bondi Beach and strolled about a mile in beautiful sunshine and had a coffee
The steak,Guinness and spinach appear to be working and now we get out for 4 hours or so every day -it was just lifting luggage problematical as there are few porters these days .
I told Dick and he blames beer in Australia -
Deidre Tim - they have had a disastrous time as when they got to Marbella - the place was flooded with storms and rot etc . They are insured for damage but he is worried about quality of roof as it is 4 year old house and the builder has gone bust. Your Ma says nothing goes right for them .
I saw the attraction of Anna's school - I naively thought it would be an all girls similar to your convent ! but no the web page is full of attractive young men -the activities look great - how accessible is it by air . Looks very exclusive - As i said on blog, we are impressed by her first driving lessons -has Adam not started . When i was in hospital with drips etc i was thinking i hope ok to get to Adams school grad!
We heard Phil was getting an interview and a dog! not heard but hope for serendipity
I gave tickets to June who passed on to daughter Philippa and partner - unipolar and doesn't work - due to Marijuana's . They really enjoyed opera house ..
I am fit tomorrow to go to see Gershwin at opera house.
The owner of flat is on Grandad duty in Perth and he said we could stay as long as we liked ,which was very nice .
I will have to recommend Australia for golden oldies as you get free health treatment .
Montreal weekend sounded nice - 5 grand kids now for G&A catching up a little .
Tell Issie she can email Grandad with her love and best wishes as she is the only one not to email this year . Have I offended her with Lady GaGa comments! I promise not to giggle when she sends us a photo of her and Brendan -an Irish name.
off for my medicinal pint of Guinness
Where is Adams uni - send web address
we went to Cathedral to mass as I have a hire car . Your Ma is losing religion fast and sits down all thru mass and never a prayer. It is a fine cathedral and built by convicts .
Today we went to Bondi Beach and strolled about a mile in beautiful sunshine and had a coffee
The steak,Guinness and spinach appear to be working and now we get out for 4 hours or so every day -it was just lifting luggage problematical as there are few porters these days .
I told Dick and he blames beer in Australia -
Deidre Tim - they have had a disastrous time as when they got to Marbella - the place was flooded with storms and rot etc . They are insured for damage but he is worried about quality of roof as it is 4 year old house and the builder has gone bust. Your Ma says nothing goes right for them .
I saw the attraction of Anna's school - I naively thought it would be an all girls similar to your convent ! but no the web page is full of attractive young men -the activities look great - how accessible is it by air . Looks very exclusive - As i said on blog, we are impressed by her first driving lessons -has Adam not started . When i was in hospital with drips etc i was thinking i hope ok to get to Adams school grad!
We heard Phil was getting an interview and a dog! not heard but hope for serendipity
I gave tickets to June who passed on to daughter Philippa and partner - unipolar and doesn't work - due to Marijuana's . They really enjoyed opera house ..
I am fit tomorrow to go to see Gershwin at opera house.
The owner of flat is on Grandad duty in Perth and he said we could stay as long as we liked ,which was very nice .
I will have to recommend Australia for golden oldies as you get free health treatment .
Montreal weekend sounded nice - 5 grand kids now for G&A catching up a little .
Tell Issie she can email Grandad with her love and best wishes as she is the only one not to email this year . Have I offended her with Lady GaGa comments! I promise not to giggle when she sends us a photo of her and Brendan -an Irish name.
off for my medicinal pint of Guinness
Where is Adams uni - send web address
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Happy Easter!
I wondered if you were ill as you hadn't writtern on the blog. Hope you are feeling better.
Why don't you book on BMI from Heathrow to Manchester, there is a flight at 11.30 , you would have to pick up your luggage but it has to be easier than going to Kings X?
We just got back from the weekend in Montreal, it was a lovley weekend as the weather was great, in the mid 70's so we could sit outside and eat etc. There were 16 of us for the meal plus Celia's 2 children, I think Gary and Angela enjoyed it
It is very busy week, MIchael , Anna and I are going to her new school tomorrow and next weekend Adam and I are going to Santa Barbara to look at the university.
There aren't any strike dates on BA, and the union have to give 7 days notice, we are now experts after our trip to Israel.You should be fine getting home.
You should ring James to confirm him picking you up.
love Angela
I wondered if you were ill as you hadn't writtern on the blog. Hope you are feeling better.
Why don't you book on BMI from Heathrow to Manchester, there is a flight at 11.30 , you would have to pick up your luggage but it has to be easier than going to Kings X?
We just got back from the weekend in Montreal, it was a lovley weekend as the weather was great, in the mid 70's so we could sit outside and eat etc. There were 16 of us for the meal plus Celia's 2 children, I think Gary and Angela enjoyed it
It is very busy week, MIchael , Anna and I are going to her new school tomorrow and next weekend Adam and I are going to Santa Barbara to look at the university.
There aren't any strike dates on BA, and the union have to give 7 days notice, we are now experts after our trip to Israel.You should be fine getting home.
You should ring James to confirm him picking you up.
love Angela
Friday, April 2, 2010
Contingency Plans Chris
Chris
in event BA strike - the Sydney flight will be ok but Manchester flight may be cancelled
in event BA strike - the Sydney flight will be ok but Manchester flight may be cancelled
- can you meet us at Heathrow T5 and give us a hand to KX. Sunday 11th
- we arrive at 6am but we will wait in business lounge until 7am. I will look for my mobile but will ring you on your mobile
- can you book on web 2 rail tickets 9am to allow for delay -supersaver return cheaper and any dates for return and we will upgrade to 1st for 15 pounds
- QQ - can you call in and check cleaned and collect keys - we intended to visit in April but have to get health sorted out
No strike
- can you ask James to meet at 9.30am in Manchester to help luggage . The flight arrives 8.40 but always late and takes nearly 1hour to get thru
- Phil was going to meet but need lifting power
thanks all!! Falling apart but not before we go for a drink in O'Malleys pub
Hospital not Hunter Valley
unfortunately i was unable to go to Hunter Valley as i had quite a troublesome GIT hemorrhage and was admitted as an emergency at 5.30 am Monday morning (to be mor eprecise had a shower and called a taxi) and was admitted to the local teaching hospital St Vincents,which was quite palatial .
As you can imagine a UK visitor Consultant retired - i was given VIP treatment - i will relate details later
Bled 4 pints or so and my haemoglobin fell from 15.5 to 11.3 G in 24 hours - that is some blood loss . I was only kept in for 5 days until bleeding subsided as no test were ordered and they do not transfuse these days unless in extremis . Similar picture to Tim but settled otherwise a nightmare logistically.
I am at home but we have decided not to move to the Rocks but stay in this luxury appt until we leave next week for home
As you can imagine it has completely changed our plans
- the 450 pound car hire is in garage
and i had to give June Stone our 2 opera house tickets 80$ each to Beethoven's 9th
- cancel Dave and Liz who were coming for a barbecue
and unable to go to stay with David Hunters friends in Hunter Vally which we had looked forward to .
Plus we are due to go to a Gershwin concert on wed night so hopefully my energy level will improve
plus dinner out on Friday our last day with a backpacker from Hfd.
Easter weekend and weather great so will rest for a few days - Guinness and steak
Hope we can get a porter at airport to help with suitcases
More later - contingency plans below
As you can imagine a UK visitor Consultant retired - i was given VIP treatment - i will relate details later
Bled 4 pints or so and my haemoglobin fell from 15.5 to 11.3 G in 24 hours - that is some blood loss . I was only kept in for 5 days until bleeding subsided as no test were ordered and they do not transfuse these days unless in extremis . Similar picture to Tim but settled otherwise a nightmare logistically.
I am at home but we have decided not to move to the Rocks but stay in this luxury appt until we leave next week for home
As you can imagine it has completely changed our plans
- the 450 pound car hire is in garage
and i had to give June Stone our 2 opera house tickets 80$ each to Beethoven's 9th
- cancel Dave and Liz who were coming for a barbecue
and unable to go to stay with David Hunters friends in Hunter Vally which we had looked forward to .
Plus we are due to go to a Gershwin concert on wed night so hopefully my energy level will improve
plus dinner out on Friday our last day with a backpacker from Hfd.
Easter weekend and weather great so will rest for a few days - Guinness and steak
Hope we can get a porter at airport to help with suitcases
More later - contingency plans below
Sunday, March 28, 2010
HI From Anna
Hi Granny and Grandad,
How are you? Australia sounds lovely I wish I was there right now. Mom just took me out for my 2nd driving lesson. You should be proud I went straight on the road (no parking lots) and even passed a fire truck and police car!
I am going to berkshire School in well the middle of nowhere Western Massachusetts next year. Here's the link if you want to check out the school. www.berkshireschool.org
I'm going down next week with my parents to have a revisit day and luckily I have a friend who goes there and she is the year above me.
Not much new here. We're going to Montreal next weekend for Michael's parents 50th wedding anniversary there will be 16 of us.
Izzy is fine, she has a boyfriend named Brendan who brought her a present back from his spring break trip! I haven't met him yet, but he goes to my school so I've seen him.
See you soonish
xoxo
Anna
How are you? Australia sounds lovely I wish I was there right now. Mom just took me out for my 2nd driving lesson. You should be proud I went straight on the road (no parking lots) and even passed a fire truck and police car!
I am going to berkshire School in well the middle of nowhere Western Massachusetts next year. Here's the link if you want to check out the school. www.berkshireschool.org
I'm going down next week with my parents to have a revisit day and luckily I have a friend who goes there and she is the year above me.
Not much new here. We're going to Montreal next weekend for Michael's parents 50th wedding anniversary there will be 16 of us.
Izzy is fine, she has a boyfriend named Brendan who brought her a present back from his spring break trip! I haven't met him yet, but he goes to my school so I've seen him.
See you soonish
xoxo
Anna
Friday, March 26, 2010
Almost Finale
The time passes quickly and everyday your Ma remarks how lovely good weather and sunshine makes.
we have had another super day out looking at Botany Bay where Cook arrived - in brilliant sunshine although we did not see any whales .
I hired a car today with no sat nav so i called at electronic shop and got a recon for 140$ about 80 pounds - we could not go into sticks without one that is Hunter Valley for 3 days in the week . This is actually cheaper than renting. We have a new large car Holden .
we stopped at cafe and had coffee and scones and cream and jam for first time this holiday for you am overlooking Cape Botany Beach and sea with bare island in background as Cook called as there was no one there .
A touch of serendipity as i spoke to a friend Peter Gavaghan from all my early life to 22 years when he went to Sydney as a journalist -at that time very avant guarde .
He was at our wedding and travelled with our best man Anthony Broady . He talked for an hour and lives in Melbourne - he nearly met me as he was Far East corespondent for Melbourne Star and was in HK when I was on TV and he tried to contact me but i had gone to UK for a conference - secret research! Some of stuff classified in retrospect was ridiculous due to government pressure . Tell you more if interested when we meet.
His memory was phenomenal an he could remember my birthday . He invited us to stay with him in Melbourne when next over . His wife is VIP boss at Hyatt Boutique and Lady gaga took over 135 rooms -she was so tired that no real contact during her stay but she knows all tennis stars and they give her rackets/shirts and hundreds of tennis balls . She arranges everything from food to transport
I saw him virtually every day of my life as we were neighbours on Estate and there was no TV so we played out all the time,cycled together including Youth hosteling etc .
I went to SFG to See RL on Friday evening and tomorrow it is Olympic stadium
We are getting ready for finale home and have booked for Beethoven's 9th and another night for Gershwin - we went there with C&M to see Gilbert and Sullivan in past - w emay have meal on Opera House first.
On final night we are going to take Nicola out with us -she is backpacking daughter of friend and has now got job with au pere and they are taking her with them on holiday to Perth Margaret Island.
We have no news other than Angela - i will reply soon .
James is silent although Dave and Liz are coming round on good Friday for swim in pool and barbecue . So there will be reciprocal news with us as intermediaries .
Beer now in Holiday inn and spaghetti Bol tonight at home
Surprised Tim has not replied to email
we have had another super day out looking at Botany Bay where Cook arrived - in brilliant sunshine although we did not see any whales .
I hired a car today with no sat nav so i called at electronic shop and got a recon for 140$ about 80 pounds - we could not go into sticks without one that is Hunter Valley for 3 days in the week . This is actually cheaper than renting. We have a new large car Holden .
we stopped at cafe and had coffee and scones and cream and jam for first time this holiday for you am overlooking Cape Botany Beach and sea with bare island in background as Cook called as there was no one there .
A touch of serendipity as i spoke to a friend Peter Gavaghan from all my early life to 22 years when he went to Sydney as a journalist -at that time very avant guarde .
He was at our wedding and travelled with our best man Anthony Broady . He talked for an hour and lives in Melbourne - he nearly met me as he was Far East corespondent for Melbourne Star and was in HK when I was on TV and he tried to contact me but i had gone to UK for a conference - secret research! Some of stuff classified in retrospect was ridiculous due to government pressure . Tell you more if interested when we meet.
His memory was phenomenal an he could remember my birthday . He invited us to stay with him in Melbourne when next over . His wife is VIP boss at Hyatt Boutique and Lady gaga took over 135 rooms -she was so tired that no real contact during her stay but she knows all tennis stars and they give her rackets/shirts and hundreds of tennis balls . She arranges everything from food to transport
I saw him virtually every day of my life as we were neighbours on Estate and there was no TV so we played out all the time,cycled together including Youth hosteling etc .
I went to SFG to See RL on Friday evening and tomorrow it is Olympic stadium
We are getting ready for finale home and have booked for Beethoven's 9th and another night for Gershwin - we went there with C&M to see Gilbert and Sullivan in past - w emay have meal on Opera House first.
On final night we are going to take Nicola out with us -she is backpacking daughter of friend and has now got job with au pere and they are taking her with them on holiday to Perth Margaret Island.
We have no news other than Angela - i will reply soon .
James is silent although Dave and Liz are coming round on good Friday for swim in pool and barbecue . So there will be reciprocal news with us as intermediaries .
Beer now in Holiday inn and spaghetti Bol tonight at home
Surprised Tim has not replied to email
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Chris Nostalgia & Angela
Today lunchtime we strolled in CBD of Sydney down Hunter to George Street just as all business men were out for lunch in shirt sleeves in 75 degree temp . This was your neck of woods and we passed C-Bank on way to Rocks .
We had been to Sydney Hospital on McQuairrie - full of fine British buildings . your Ma was treated free and VIP when she told them I was in the trade .
No waiting and i telephoned back for results this afternoon , which are OK so i do not have to inject when we return. I had to do it when cabin lights were out as i would have looked suspicious!
We sat out for a coffee next to library and they are great as people have one coffee and then spend hours reading or making notes etc
Your Ma can now walk miles and sat near Rocks on seat overlooking opera House whilst i went to tourist place for details of events .
We are going to opera House for a few concerts - Gershwin and Tosca before we leave
I intend to hire a car as we are going to Hunter Valley for a few days with friend who owns a winery and recommended restaurant -they said we can stay as long as we like - they are picking vines at present .
I have been quoted a higher price here for 17 days car hire than for 5 weeks when we booked in UK. The pound drops daily.
I am in Internet cafe and are using Skye - they even ring government office from here so it must be versatile .
We are deciding when or if to move to Rocks as we are very comfortable here but central to end holiday . We are meeting June for coffee next week for keys and to say hello.
Plus i am ringing Dave today to see if he wants to visit as we have great facilities and K-X will probably open his eyes if he hasn't been here before .
On Friday we are going again to Sydney Football Ground in Moore Park - it is a great stadium and Gareth Ellis i splaying again . Not that I am getting to be a RL fanatic but on Sunday we are going to Olympic park to AZN after mass and have lunch out first in Olympic Park . Have you been . I have collected programmes for you . Fantastic occasions -carnival
Your ma is looking for hats and T-shirts with an Aussie logo on for kids I we have got some books
You will see news from Angela above - obviously they all enjoyed time together with you
Angela
nice to hear news and Adam and Anna look like being settled for next year.
We intend to come over for Adams graduation and have a nice exchange in Montreal so we may tag on and you could ll come up the following weekend for a meal ..
I am running out of time in cafe so will add a few more details tomorrow
Lady GaGa is here in Sydney for 3 concerts and has been in all papers - after Marianne Faithful and others she got an accolade for performing live not miming . I could have got entered a draw for tickets but did not know her first hit in 2008! After show she came to Kings X to a club next door to pub i am going to now - happy hour!
Love to all
We had been to Sydney Hospital on McQuairrie - full of fine British buildings . your Ma was treated free and VIP when she told them I was in the trade .
No waiting and i telephoned back for results this afternoon , which are OK so i do not have to inject when we return. I had to do it when cabin lights were out as i would have looked suspicious!
We sat out for a coffee next to library and they are great as people have one coffee and then spend hours reading or making notes etc
Your Ma can now walk miles and sat near Rocks on seat overlooking opera House whilst i went to tourist place for details of events .
We are going to opera House for a few concerts - Gershwin and Tosca before we leave
I intend to hire a car as we are going to Hunter Valley for a few days with friend who owns a winery and recommended restaurant -they said we can stay as long as we like - they are picking vines at present .
I have been quoted a higher price here for 17 days car hire than for 5 weeks when we booked in UK. The pound drops daily.
I am in Internet cafe and are using Skye - they even ring government office from here so it must be versatile .
We are deciding when or if to move to Rocks as we are very comfortable here but central to end holiday . We are meeting June for coffee next week for keys and to say hello.
Plus i am ringing Dave today to see if he wants to visit as we have great facilities and K-X will probably open his eyes if he hasn't been here before .
On Friday we are going again to Sydney Football Ground in Moore Park - it is a great stadium and Gareth Ellis i splaying again . Not that I am getting to be a RL fanatic but on Sunday we are going to Olympic park to AZN after mass and have lunch out first in Olympic Park . Have you been . I have collected programmes for you . Fantastic occasions -carnival
Your ma is looking for hats and T-shirts with an Aussie logo on for kids I we have got some books
You will see news from Angela above - obviously they all enjoyed time together with you
Angela
nice to hear news and Adam and Anna look like being settled for next year.
We intend to come over for Adams graduation and have a nice exchange in Montreal so we may tag on and you could ll come up the following weekend for a meal ..
I am running out of time in cafe so will add a few more details tomorrow
Lady GaGa is here in Sydney for 3 concerts and has been in all papers - after Marianne Faithful and others she got an accolade for performing live not miming . I could have got entered a draw for tickets but did not know her first hit in 2008! After show she came to Kings X to a club next door to pub i am going to now - happy hour!
Love to all
news from ottawa
Dear mum and dad,
We had a great time in Israel, we went north to the Golan Heights and stayed in a kibbutz there for 2 nights, took a jeep ride through the mountains looking at the mine fields of the area left over the various wars.
It was very warm but still green after the spring rains, our guide was excellent and we loved our time visiting with Jenny and her family. Even though the kids had never met her, she seemed very familiar to them and we ended up spending a day with her family at the begiining of the holiday and then she came with the kids to Jeruaslem for an evening. The 6 kids got on great. Jenny may be in the UK when we are there in summer and will come and see us at Kilham.
Jerusalem was lovely, we stayed in a new hotel overlooking the old city , Joe Biden was staying there as well so there was a ton of security. It is a tense city though and we were lucky that we left when we did as the situation is very tense right now. We went to BEthlehem which is in the PA area, our guide was a muslim palestinian who lives in Jerusalem and speaks hebrew, arabic and english. We saw the wall which is very imposing and makes life very difficult for palestinians. we got a taste of that as the isrealis wouldn't let us back into Israel through the normal check point, our guide without us could get back in but in the end we had to go to another check point. It was a case of pure harrasment of any visitor to the PA areas. Israel does seem much more prosporous now, we drove past St johns, the area has been completely developed and has a major highway in front.
Issie liked the holocaust museum best and the other 2, the day at the dead sea.
We enjoyed Tel Aviv as after Jerusalem it is a relief not to be in such a religious area with all the dietary/dress restrictions/ We were very lucky to miss the BA strike, I don't know about what is happening in the summer as they are threatening to strike again after April 14th, I don't know how they imagine that the airline will survive.
London was really fun, Michael had to go to DC and the kids and I stayed in a new Youth hostel near Great Portland street. The facility was new, clean and secure and for 100 pounds we had a 5 bunk room with our own shower and toilet. Phil stayed with us for one night while issie stayed with Huw and Mairead in Goring. Hakkasan was wonderful, Huw and Mairead showed up with some balloons , the restaurant said no you cannot put them up! DInner was nearly 800 but fun, adam loved it and everyone was happy to be there, unfortnaelty Sara couldn't make it . THe next day, adam, anna and I took the train out to Goring, when we were walking to their house it stood out as Mairead and Issie had decorated it for St Patricks day. We really enjoyed seeing the kids and Huw and Mairead, the kids were great, as the weather was so nice we all walked in the village, aoife is really fast on the scooter and aidan does a great job on his bike. We sat outside at a cafe as the weather was warm in London. On our last morning,we walked to Regents park which was full of spring flowers etc, London is such a nice city and our 48 hours there was fun. The snow has melted and Adam has been accepted at 3 universities so far, he didn't get into UCLA as for 4000 places they had 58,000 applicants. American university in DC offered him a merit scholorship of 20,000 a year which is a nice suprise, he has still to hear from 9 universities before he makes a decision and ANna has been accepted to boarding school so only issie next year.
Adam really wants you to come to his graduation, hopefully he will work hard as his grades keep slipping, no idea why, it is frustrating as he is very bright. Luckily for uni he just has to finish the year, it isn't dependent on exams . We may have to go and look at some of the universities that he has been accepted too as so far the 3 he has heard from , he hasn't visited.
Glad that you are having such a good time in Oz loev Angela
We had a great time in Israel, we went north to the Golan Heights and stayed in a kibbutz there for 2 nights, took a jeep ride through the mountains looking at the mine fields of the area left over the various wars.
It was very warm but still green after the spring rains, our guide was excellent and we loved our time visiting with Jenny and her family. Even though the kids had never met her, she seemed very familiar to them and we ended up spending a day with her family at the begiining of the holiday and then she came with the kids to Jeruaslem for an evening. The 6 kids got on great. Jenny may be in the UK when we are there in summer and will come and see us at Kilham.
Jerusalem was lovely, we stayed in a new hotel overlooking the old city , Joe Biden was staying there as well so there was a ton of security. It is a tense city though and we were lucky that we left when we did as the situation is very tense right now. We went to BEthlehem which is in the PA area, our guide was a muslim palestinian who lives in Jerusalem and speaks hebrew, arabic and english. We saw the wall which is very imposing and makes life very difficult for palestinians. we got a taste of that as the isrealis wouldn't let us back into Israel through the normal check point, our guide without us could get back in but in the end we had to go to another check point. It was a case of pure harrasment of any visitor to the PA areas. Israel does seem much more prosporous now, we drove past St johns, the area has been completely developed and has a major highway in front.
Issie liked the holocaust museum best and the other 2, the day at the dead sea.
We enjoyed Tel Aviv as after Jerusalem it is a relief not to be in such a religious area with all the dietary/dress restrictions/ We were very lucky to miss the BA strike, I don't know about what is happening in the summer as they are threatening to strike again after April 14th, I don't know how they imagine that the airline will survive.
London was really fun, Michael had to go to DC and the kids and I stayed in a new Youth hostel near Great Portland street. The facility was new, clean and secure and for 100 pounds we had a 5 bunk room with our own shower and toilet. Phil stayed with us for one night while issie stayed with Huw and Mairead in Goring. Hakkasan was wonderful, Huw and Mairead showed up with some balloons , the restaurant said no you cannot put them up! DInner was nearly 800 but fun, adam loved it and everyone was happy to be there, unfortnaelty Sara couldn't make it . THe next day, adam, anna and I took the train out to Goring, when we were walking to their house it stood out as Mairead and Issie had decorated it for St Patricks day. We really enjoyed seeing the kids and Huw and Mairead, the kids were great, as the weather was so nice we all walked in the village, aoife is really fast on the scooter and aidan does a great job on his bike. We sat outside at a cafe as the weather was warm in London. On our last morning,we walked to Regents park which was full of spring flowers etc, London is such a nice city and our 48 hours there was fun. The snow has melted and Adam has been accepted at 3 universities so far, he didn't get into UCLA as for 4000 places they had 58,000 applicants. American university in DC offered him a merit scholorship of 20,000 a year which is a nice suprise, he has still to hear from 9 universities before he makes a decision and ANna has been accepted to boarding school so only issie next year.
Adam really wants you to come to his graduation, hopefully he will work hard as his grades keep slipping, no idea why, it is frustrating as he is very bright. Luckily for uni he just has to finish the year, it isn't dependent on exams . We may have to go and look at some of the universities that he has been accepted too as so far the 3 he has heard from , he hasn't visited.
Glad that you are having such a good time in Oz loev Angela
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Sydney Saturday
we have just had a drink in a large gay bar plus a few fancy ladies - the beer is good and RL on tv whilst your Ma reads the paper. Wefeel quite comfotsable in flashpots of Kings X!
We have had a great transfer from sleepy suburbs of Bryon Bay to Brisbane airport - no security problems here as flying is simple with no queues . The sat nav was invaluable and we had an upgrade to large Mitshubishi - with great aircon
Ma to Phil
hope job hunting is going OK and you had a good time in Goring and with Angela in London
We have had a wonderful holiday on the East Coast and the healthy lifestyle has meant i have lost 1stone 2 pounds and feel better and my trousers were falling down on the aircraft.
We flew with Virgin Blue and the girl told Dad that Richard Branson gives a barbecue for all staff once a year - we hear BA are on strike.
We are going to the supermarket and having a barbecue tonight on the patio with views of Sydney Harbour .
We haven' had much news from home other than a Short email from Adam to ask us to his graduation do in June . He liked Israel . If possible we will go
On Monday there is Huddersfield Giants live on TV here but midnight Sunday - rather late .
Tomorrow we are going to Cathedral to mass and possibly another RL game in the afternoon.
ma wants to go
We have had a great transfer from sleepy suburbs of Bryon Bay to Brisbane airport - no security problems here as flying is simple with no queues . The sat nav was invaluable and we had an upgrade to large Mitshubishi - with great aircon
Ma to Phil
hope job hunting is going OK and you had a good time in Goring and with Angela in London
We have had a wonderful holiday on the East Coast and the healthy lifestyle has meant i have lost 1stone 2 pounds and feel better and my trousers were falling down on the aircraft.
We flew with Virgin Blue and the girl told Dad that Richard Branson gives a barbecue for all staff once a year - we hear BA are on strike.
We are going to the supermarket and having a barbecue tonight on the patio with views of Sydney Harbour .
We haven' had much news from home other than a Short email from Adam to ask us to his graduation do in June . He liked Israel . If possible we will go
On Monday there is Huddersfield Giants live on TV here but midnight Sunday - rather late .
Tomorrow we are going to Cathedral to mass and possibly another RL game in the afternoon.
ma wants to go
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tropical storms Thursday 18th March
we have been spending quite a lot of time on patio as tropical rainstorms lash Queensland coast and we are waiting a cyclone at present over Fiji. The place is flooded
Your Ma is quite happy in car reading OK about Coles marriage problems and Wayne Rooneys house photos whilst I am in an Internet cafe.
We go for a drive everyday up and down the Gold Coast with 20 miles and it is a great place for a holiday - never a day passes without your ma saying how much you would all enjoy Gold Coast . The beaches and sea are glorious and all are surfing.
We are in a huge wooden house about 100 or more years old and have a German couple next door from Munich - I spoke to her as she was dyeing her fellas hair blond! Some men are vain . I have run out of shampoo " Men with a touch of Grey"( Angela brought) and your Ma says I look like a ginger Tomcat.
I noted Giants won on Sunday against Leeds - I left my ticket with Mike A - he updates me with scores although BBC web is great
We hang clothes out on patio and now easier as hissing of snake has disappeared.
We went to a sanctaruy on way back from Brisbane and you could hold Koalas and Kangaroos etc - similar to Cuckly Farm. great for kids . I will try to upload photos when we are back in Sydney
Looking at BA strike - at present we should be OK after Easter 13 April flight .
In Sydney we are going to see James friends Dave and Liz and also Pater Cannon and we are spending a weekend in Hunter Valley with friend of David Hunter - play golf on Wednesdays with him and Dick - he has been given months to live and Joe his life long friend has winery and insists we visit
Phil let us know how Israel went - Angela never reads blog - hope you are lucky with job.
Your Ma is quite happy in car reading OK about Coles marriage problems and Wayne Rooneys house photos whilst I am in an Internet cafe.
We go for a drive everyday up and down the Gold Coast with 20 miles and it is a great place for a holiday - never a day passes without your ma saying how much you would all enjoy Gold Coast . The beaches and sea are glorious and all are surfing.
We are in a huge wooden house about 100 or more years old and have a German couple next door from Munich - I spoke to her as she was dyeing her fellas hair blond! Some men are vain . I have run out of shampoo " Men with a touch of Grey"( Angela brought) and your Ma says I look like a ginger Tomcat.
I noted Giants won on Sunday against Leeds - I left my ticket with Mike A - he updates me with scores although BBC web is great
We hang clothes out on patio and now easier as hissing of snake has disappeared.
We went to a sanctaruy on way back from Brisbane and you could hold Koalas and Kangaroos etc - similar to Cuckly Farm. great for kids . I will try to upload photos when we are back in Sydney
Looking at BA strike - at present we should be OK after Easter 13 April flight .
In Sydney we are going to see James friends Dave and Liz and also Pater Cannon and we are spending a weekend in Hunter Valley with friend of David Hunter - play golf on Wednesdays with him and Dick - he has been given months to live and Joe his life long friend has winery and insists we visit
Phil let us know how Israel went - Angela never reads blog - hope you are lucky with job.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Brisbane -Broncos and St Pats Day
Brisbane is certainly a fantastic city - with river in centre
We are staying at Sofitel in CMD in comfort
Today we had breakfast out on a terrace in lovely sunshine and then watched a huge St Pats day parade . Mairead would have loved and most ladies were wearing Lady Gaga type green sparkling specs and all kids in green . I nearly regretted at parade was over an hour and then there was a party in Botanical gardens.
Ma and i then got the river cat and tripped up river for 1hour on ferry and then had lunch at riverfront restaurant.
Last night would have been great for Chris as we went to Suncorp stadium to see Brocos in first RL game of season. I nearly had a fright when TV said all 54000 tickets had been sold out but we got 2 from a ticket booth on 2nd row level with pitch. Unfortunately at half time it tippled it down and we were in t shirts so had to escape back . It is a fantastic stadium like Old Trafford and the camaraderie with other fans was great. We had a drink in hotel casino before bed.
Tomorrow Sunday we are going out for breakfast - better than inside in hotel and cheaper as 45$ but not cost as car costs 50$ concierge daily . Then to Cathedral to mass and maybe we will drive to nearby coast .
Well time flies here in sunshine although we have had more than share of rain and storms for days
We leave on Monday and are calling at animal sanctuary to hold animals such as Koalas and kangaroos etc so will send photos when back in Sydney next weekend.
Phil - i am sure you will have a great time in Goring and London - hope they are in one piece as your Ma is worried about their safety.Give our love to all.
There are some presents in QQ if you get time to visit or Chris does .
We are staying at Sofitel in CMD in comfort
Today we had breakfast out on a terrace in lovely sunshine and then watched a huge St Pats day parade . Mairead would have loved and most ladies were wearing Lady Gaga type green sparkling specs and all kids in green . I nearly regretted at parade was over an hour and then there was a party in Botanical gardens.
Ma and i then got the river cat and tripped up river for 1hour on ferry and then had lunch at riverfront restaurant.
Last night would have been great for Chris as we went to Suncorp stadium to see Brocos in first RL game of season. I nearly had a fright when TV said all 54000 tickets had been sold out but we got 2 from a ticket booth on 2nd row level with pitch. Unfortunately at half time it tippled it down and we were in t shirts so had to escape back . It is a fantastic stadium like Old Trafford and the camaraderie with other fans was great. We had a drink in hotel casino before bed.
Tomorrow Sunday we are going out for breakfast - better than inside in hotel and cheaper as 45$ but not cost as car costs 50$ concierge daily . Then to Cathedral to mass and maybe we will drive to nearby coast .
Well time flies here in sunshine although we have had more than share of rain and storms for days
We leave on Monday and are calling at animal sanctuary to hold animals such as Koalas and kangaroos etc so will send photos when back in Sydney next weekend.
Phil - i am sure you will have a great time in Goring and London - hope they are in one piece as your Ma is worried about their safety.Give our love to all.
There are some presents in QQ if you get time to visit or Chris does .
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tim And Deidre
Hi Dad
Forgot to tell you about a phone call from Deidre. They are in the flat in Harrogate and enjoying that. Claire is coming back to Leeds as her job didnt work out. JP started with a woman Solicitor who couldnt afford to pay his salary so things are difficult for them at the moment.
Speak soon p
Forgot to tell you about a phone call from Deidre. They are in the flat in Harrogate and enjoying that. Claire is coming back to Leeds as her job didnt work out. JP started with a woman Solicitor who couldnt afford to pay his salary so things are difficult for them at the moment.
Speak soon p
Hi Mum and Dad
Im going down to Goring on Saturday and chris and Mir are meeting me at three O clock at the station. Im spending a few days with them and then meeting Ange at the YHA on Oxford Street. Chris Jim and I are buying Adam a trendy rucksack so i bought it in Manchester the other day.
I went to Old Lodge as I had a meal in Hudds and the painting is nearly finished it looks fresher.
Saw wigan at the weekend they were taking Mary out for her 84th ??. Shes fine.
I will get Chris to blog you at weekend
Love Phil
Im going down to Goring on Saturday and chris and Mir are meeting me at three O clock at the station. Im spending a few days with them and then meeting Ange at the YHA on Oxford Street. Chris Jim and I are buying Adam a trendy rucksack so i bought it in Manchester the other day.
I went to Old Lodge as I had a meal in Hudds and the painting is nearly finished it looks fresher.
Saw wigan at the weekend they were taking Mary out for her 84th ??. Shes fine.
I will get Chris to blog you at weekend
Love Phil
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Bryon Bay 2
The tropics are great for weather and vegetation plus huge variety of coloured birds but there is downside .
The other morning we had the downstair floor covered with thousands of white small worms - your ma did not see and walked over in bare feet thinking rice . It took 2 hours to clear and we have no idea why - it appears an animal must have laid eggs overnight as we do not close window.
Plus we have 3 crows who nearly fight us for food as we eat on patio.
There has been 5 snake bite episodes in local paper non fatal. We can hear a hissing snake on balcony so maybe my medical emergency kit will be useful !
The tropical storms have ceased so now back to 90 degrees - we stick to sittng under trees on seafront and take our own chairs etc although we eat out.
It is really a backpackers paradise with thousands literally plus a few old codgers from UK who let hair grow and look like moses with flowing hair and beards .
A small group of UK expats meet at Railway Pub we frequent. for most a nose or ear ring and tattoo are de rigeur and you Ma says i am jealous as i feel uncomfortable although they are very quiet.
We have German neighbours from Munich - we met this morning as the electric blew - we are semi detached and had to find fuse box together.
I had a stroke of serendipity as my school friend Peter Gavaghan left Batley for Sydney as journalist in 1961 - i have found him and he is editor of Melbourne Paper in sport - so i will email.
We both appeared in Batley News when aged 13 riding along Bradford Road when we saw a flying saucer ,which created quite a stir in Batley - we were even accused of being drunk at that age.
Hope Phil had a happy birthday.
Ma reading Hello in AC car across road before we go for drink.
Angela let me know about Israel and Phil Goring - your ma is waiting for some news.
The other morning we had the downstair floor covered with thousands of white small worms - your ma did not see and walked over in bare feet thinking rice . It took 2 hours to clear and we have no idea why - it appears an animal must have laid eggs overnight as we do not close window.
Plus we have 3 crows who nearly fight us for food as we eat on patio.
There has been 5 snake bite episodes in local paper non fatal. We can hear a hissing snake on balcony so maybe my medical emergency kit will be useful !
The tropical storms have ceased so now back to 90 degrees - we stick to sittng under trees on seafront and take our own chairs etc although we eat out.
It is really a backpackers paradise with thousands literally plus a few old codgers from UK who let hair grow and look like moses with flowing hair and beards .
A small group of UK expats meet at Railway Pub we frequent. for most a nose or ear ring and tattoo are de rigeur and you Ma says i am jealous as i feel uncomfortable although they are very quiet.
We have German neighbours from Munich - we met this morning as the electric blew - we are semi detached and had to find fuse box together.
I had a stroke of serendipity as my school friend Peter Gavaghan left Batley for Sydney as journalist in 1961 - i have found him and he is editor of Melbourne Paper in sport - so i will email.
We both appeared in Batley News when aged 13 riding along Bradford Road when we saw a flying saucer ,which created quite a stir in Batley - we were even accused of being drunk at that age.
Hope Phil had a happy birthday.
Ma reading Hello in AC car across road before we go for drink.
Angela let me know about Israel and Phil Goring - your ma is waiting for some news.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
News from Bolton
Hi Ma and Pa
Finally got onto blog well val got me on !
All is well here. Im busy filling in job applications. I was shortlisted for one but didnt get it. I am filling in one for a College locally in student services as the council are shedding another 15 careers advisers i think the public sector is going to be squeezed so its as well to be flxible. I think that I have a fair chance with the College. Not great money but a job.
I went to Vals golf dinner last night at Horwich she was the acting captain so had to give a speech. It was a traditional menu of broccili and stilton soup and roast beef but nicely served.
Its my 45th birthday to-day and i got some lovely presents a case of wine smellies etc. Im going for a chinese meal tonight to celebrate.
Ange will be in Israel. Jim chris and i are buying Adman a trendy piece of Luggage for his birthday. I am spending a couple of days with Hugh and Mir next weekend as i havent seen them or babies for a while. Spoke to Jim and he sounded well but the girls were playing him up at bedtime. we are sorry you wont make celebration.
Will blog on again soon and hopefully will be in gainful before long !
Phil x
Finally got onto blog well val got me on !
All is well here. Im busy filling in job applications. I was shortlisted for one but didnt get it. I am filling in one for a College locally in student services as the council are shedding another 15 careers advisers i think the public sector is going to be squeezed so its as well to be flxible. I think that I have a fair chance with the College. Not great money but a job.
I went to Vals golf dinner last night at Horwich she was the acting captain so had to give a speech. It was a traditional menu of broccili and stilton soup and roast beef but nicely served.
Its my 45th birthday to-day and i got some lovely presents a case of wine smellies etc. Im going for a chinese meal tonight to celebrate.
Ange will be in Israel. Jim chris and i are buying Adman a trendy piece of Luggage for his birthday. I am spending a couple of days with Hugh and Mir next weekend as i havent seen them or babies for a while. Spoke to Jim and he sounded well but the girls were playing him up at bedtime. we are sorry you wont make celebration.
Will blog on again soon and hopefully will be in gainful before long !
Phil x
Friday, March 5, 2010
Bryon Bay
Difficult to know what to write - - first of all you all would love the place as it has fantastic beach and full of very type of water sports - from kayaking to scuba diving and surfing
The place is full of backpackers - more than i have ever seen plus as it says in guide alternative lifestyles if you know what that means .
We are living in a wooden old house perhaps over 100 years old and have a balcony that overlooks sea front and bay . It was named by Cook as most of this area - dangerous bay as he ran aground .
I have just had an email from Mike A giving news of Giants plus one from Dick with details of Peter Cannon - we may see in Sydney - the weather appears ghastly in UK and we complain about tropical storms - floods although locals love as they need water.
I thought of James at dinner today as we had a bottle of Wolf Blass Shiraz - his favourite wine - we are finding it relative expensive as exchange rate rubbish.
Ma is next to me in an Internet cafe - we are only buying small presents after last year when we bought very expensive dresses. Still they will be nice as your ma picks She continues to lose weight and her trousers all fall down believe it not.
Angela will be in Israel now - when in London if Chris you could go to QQ - we have left a few presents for family in top of wardrobe . All we could carry. Anna's present of a folding blue floral Totes umbrella has been a godsend for us in downpours as we brought with us .
Next week we are in Brisbane Sofitel for weekend .
Tomorrow Sunday we are going to mass in nearby village which has a huge church and out for lunch.
Let us know news - we are going for a drink now .
The place is full of backpackers - more than i have ever seen plus as it says in guide alternative lifestyles if you know what that means .
We are living in a wooden old house perhaps over 100 years old and have a balcony that overlooks sea front and bay . It was named by Cook as most of this area - dangerous bay as he ran aground .
I have just had an email from Mike A giving news of Giants plus one from Dick with details of Peter Cannon - we may see in Sydney - the weather appears ghastly in UK and we complain about tropical storms - floods although locals love as they need water.
I thought of James at dinner today as we had a bottle of Wolf Blass Shiraz - his favourite wine - we are finding it relative expensive as exchange rate rubbish.
Ma is next to me in an Internet cafe - we are only buying small presents after last year when we bought very expensive dresses. Still they will be nice as your ma picks She continues to lose weight and her trousers all fall down believe it not.
Angela will be in Israel now - when in London if Chris you could go to QQ - we have left a few presents for family in top of wardrobe . All we could carry. Anna's present of a folding blue floral Totes umbrella has been a godsend for us in downpours as we brought with us .
Next week we are in Brisbane Sofitel for weekend .
Tomorrow Sunday we are going to mass in nearby village which has a huge church and out for lunch.
Let us know news - we are going for a drink now .
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Sunday Feb 29th
we have had a very nice day - went to mass and the church with an Irish priest was a tropical paradise . You walked down an avenue pergola of grapes and the 2 sides were opened with tropical palms etc visible
We sat on sea front reading and then had a "fruite de mer" for lunch. Fish of all sort with set of tools!
Your Ma says all time wouldn't it be nice if all family were here as perfect weather and resort .She is busy writing cards and letters - we got at a trendy market we visited yesterday
I have to but paperbacks for ma and she is a great scanner although she gets gist . Degenerated to Mills and Boon - eclectic taste as she says - i have now spent about 120$ on books plus odd OK/Hello.
Tomorrow we have been invited onto a House boat for a trip around inlets etc by host Ian - he lives here in winter from south island of NZ as his grand kid is here .
On Thursday we are on out way to Bryon Bay - Noossa has been a fantastic upmarket place full of English tourist believe it not .
I have just booked a secret hotel in Brisbane - it turned out to be Sofitel - Broncos game on Friday and St Pats procession Sunday - a little luxury for us
locking up so off as in arcade Internet 2$ for 20 mins - Irish pub next door and licensee from Stoke - must tell Dick a she remembers Stanley Matthews
We sat on sea front reading and then had a "fruite de mer" for lunch. Fish of all sort with set of tools!
Your Ma says all time wouldn't it be nice if all family were here as perfect weather and resort .She is busy writing cards and letters - we got at a trendy market we visited yesterday
I have to but paperbacks for ma and she is a great scanner although she gets gist . Degenerated to Mills and Boon - eclectic taste as she says - i have now spent about 120$ on books plus odd OK/Hello.
Tomorrow we have been invited onto a House boat for a trip around inlets etc by host Ian - he lives here in winter from south island of NZ as his grand kid is here .
On Thursday we are on out way to Bryon Bay - Noossa has been a fantastic upmarket place full of English tourist believe it not .
I have just booked a secret hotel in Brisbane - it turned out to be Sofitel - Broncos game on Friday and St Pats procession Sunday - a little luxury for us
locking up so off as in arcade Internet 2$ for 20 mins - Irish pub next door and licensee from Stoke - must tell Dick a she remembers Stanley Matthews
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Chris
Australia - your Ma mentions every day another anecdote when C&M were here . We are not a million miles away from Pt Douglas - you will remember Mirage hotel - luxury - " Slick Willie " had been there the day before we arrived
You may like to read www.australiait.com.au/thehub - the paper yesterday reviewed IT for 2010
Australia is booming and there is a totally different upbeat philosophy here from government as opposed to gloom in UK
The article has comments from boss of Accenture and IBM Glen Boreham with views
Interesting but all big projects are government - the latest is NBN - the broadband which is sucking in all IT professionals - multimedia etc
There is also 600$ million DIAC system for people
700$million Tax project
and it quoted smart metering and grid computing projects plus integration of web2 technology into business - never heard in UK mentioned in paper
what was interesting was no bank projections other than integration such as Westpac and St Georges at present
Hays IT said main deficiency are top level project mangers but it may give you ideas for future developments.
We are regular visitors at Vinnies - remember Mairead worked but we cannot get on welfare programme! We use as library although i have on a very nice T shirt bought for 6$
The game in Leeds tomorrow with Melbourne - paper says the pitch is covered in snow.
Tropical downpours today although around pool later and going to fish restaurant tonight - about every 3rd day we go out.
You may like to read www.australiait.com.au/thehub - the paper yesterday reviewed IT for 2010
Australia is booming and there is a totally different upbeat philosophy here from government as opposed to gloom in UK
The article has comments from boss of Accenture and IBM Glen Boreham with views
Interesting but all big projects are government - the latest is NBN - the broadband which is sucking in all IT professionals - multimedia etc
There is also 600$ million DIAC system for people
700$million Tax project
and it quoted smart metering and grid computing projects plus integration of web2 technology into business - never heard in UK mentioned in paper
what was interesting was no bank projections other than integration such as Westpac and St Georges at present
Hays IT said main deficiency are top level project mangers but it may give you ideas for future developments.
We are regular visitors at Vinnies - remember Mairead worked but we cannot get on welfare programme! We use as library although i have on a very nice T shirt bought for 6$
The game in Leeds tomorrow with Melbourne - paper says the pitch is covered in snow.
Tropical downpours today although around pool later and going to fish restaurant tonight - about every 3rd day we go out.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Angela
well at last someone looks at blog occasionally particularly as Chris and Phil asked to start one
Well your young ladies will have to marry Rockefeller junior III to maintain their life style
I assume Issie went with school friend to a top hotel in NY - she knew all ropes when going thru Manchester airport as a veteran traveller
It would be agony for Anna as me here as like a pin cushion with mosquito and sand fly bites - i cannot sit on patio in evenings to read .
Incidentally Michael will have to sleep on a bed at Chris with wooden lats missing so there is a hole you have to avoid. I went there from Barts when let out sat night - they are going to get another sometime.
You did not let us know about Issie's spelling test - a runner up is fine . My Mother used to say " always the bridesmaid and never the bride" when we were young . There is a song about that .
We have been to beach today in Noosa - 90 and humid but we sit in shade and your Ma is happy as Larry if a good book - ideal area with great shops and facilities .
We may go to a Brisbane hotel for a weekend to have a bit of looking after although we eat well - your Ma has lost weight so trousers now fit her easily and some fall down - not a pretty sight. She feels better getting around.
Adam will have to email - he will be happy to get away to uni and i have him pencilled in to be a foreign journalist based in London!
Phil - can you encourage to get a job! Her advisor recommended as part of rehab.
James had to get me out of a mess as I was unable to order a replacement washer for flat in Hfd - my cheque card was rejected and as i said Australia is home for cloned UK bank cards as not all pin and chip etc . Curry's would not let you order from abroad - you had similar problems with BA going to Beirut.
Do you want to visit St Johns when in Jerusalem - you were there as kids - I can arrange
G&A will be pleased with another Grandchild
i am in cafe and going to Irish pub for happy hour and Chinese takeaway tonight .
Well your young ladies will have to marry Rockefeller junior III to maintain their life style
I assume Issie went with school friend to a top hotel in NY - she knew all ropes when going thru Manchester airport as a veteran traveller
It would be agony for Anna as me here as like a pin cushion with mosquito and sand fly bites - i cannot sit on patio in evenings to read .
Incidentally Michael will have to sleep on a bed at Chris with wooden lats missing so there is a hole you have to avoid. I went there from Barts when let out sat night - they are going to get another sometime.
You did not let us know about Issie's spelling test - a runner up is fine . My Mother used to say " always the bridesmaid and never the bride" when we were young . There is a song about that .
We have been to beach today in Noosa - 90 and humid but we sit in shade and your Ma is happy as Larry if a good book - ideal area with great shops and facilities .
We may go to a Brisbane hotel for a weekend to have a bit of looking after although we eat well - your Ma has lost weight so trousers now fit her easily and some fall down - not a pretty sight. She feels better getting around.
Adam will have to email - he will be happy to get away to uni and i have him pencilled in to be a foreign journalist based in London!
Phil - can you encourage to get a job! Her advisor recommended as part of rehab.
James had to get me out of a mess as I was unable to order a replacement washer for flat in Hfd - my cheque card was rejected and as i said Australia is home for cloned UK bank cards as not all pin and chip etc . Curry's would not let you order from abroad - you had similar problems with BA going to Beirut.
Do you want to visit St Johns when in Jerusalem - you were there as kids - I can arrange
G&A will be pleased with another Grandchild
i am in cafe and going to Irish pub for happy hour and Chinese takeaway tonight .
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Hi
It is a very pretty day here and +1 so warm, we have had very little snow this winter which has been great.
Glad that you are having a good time , and i hope that mum is feeling better, you could take her to a doctors in Australia, I am sure that they are good!
Not much news here, Anna and i went to buy a netbook for our trip to Israel, we should find out tomorrow what days BA are going on strike , hopefully we will be fine. We are seeing Jenny and family in 2 weeks time, it will be nice to see her.
Issie was in NY last weekend with a friend, she saw 3 musicals , went to the Guggenheim, went on a Gossip Girl tour of NY , Gossip Girl is a teen TV show and she loved it. They stayed in a wonderful hotel called the NY palace, normally it is $600 a night but they got it for $200 , issie loved it!
We took Adam, Anna and some friends of Anna's to montreal, it is so close but with the french etc it is always a real break going there. Adam', Michael and I took the metro out to an indoor food market with great produce and food and then we walked back through all different neighborhoods . We had dinner in the old part of Montreal , it was indian food and excellent.
I talked to PHil today who sounds very well, we will be seeing her in a few weeks time in London, the kids, Phil and i are going to stay in a youth hostel near Oxford circus.
Gary and ANgela have another grandson , born last night in Toronto called Santiago , both baby and Celia are doing well. I hope to go to see them after Israel.
Michael is going to London for a week at the end of March and will spend the weekend with chris and Mairead in Goring . They are having a client do on the Thames followed by the london eye.
Still waiting to hear about Anna's boarding schoools and Adam's colleges.
Issie went to a party last night and enjoyed herself.
Have fun , love Angela
Glad that you are having a good time , and i hope that mum is feeling better, you could take her to a doctors in Australia, I am sure that they are good!
Not much news here, Anna and i went to buy a netbook for our trip to Israel, we should find out tomorrow what days BA are going on strike , hopefully we will be fine. We are seeing Jenny and family in 2 weeks time, it will be nice to see her.
Issie was in NY last weekend with a friend, she saw 3 musicals , went to the Guggenheim, went on a Gossip Girl tour of NY , Gossip Girl is a teen TV show and she loved it. They stayed in a wonderful hotel called the NY palace, normally it is $600 a night but they got it for $200 , issie loved it!
We took Adam, Anna and some friends of Anna's to montreal, it is so close but with the french etc it is always a real break going there. Adam', Michael and I took the metro out to an indoor food market with great produce and food and then we walked back through all different neighborhoods . We had dinner in the old part of Montreal , it was indian food and excellent.
I talked to PHil today who sounds very well, we will be seeing her in a few weeks time in London, the kids, Phil and i are going to stay in a youth hostel near Oxford circus.
Gary and ANgela have another grandson , born last night in Toronto called Santiago , both baby and Celia are doing well. I hope to go to see them after Israel.
Michael is going to London for a week at the end of March and will spend the weekend with chris and Mairead in Goring . They are having a client do on the Thames followed by the london eye.
Still waiting to hear about Anna's boarding schoools and Adam's colleges.
Issie went to a party last night and enjoyed herself.
Have fun , love Angela
Friday, February 19, 2010
Tropicana Ma
bit worrying over past few days as your Ma developed a high temperature and was ill with pain in chest plus coughing
There was always the possibility of another PE but on warfarin and i had potent antibiotic - up today 3rd day but unusual for you ma ever to be set in bed. Still not well enough to go out although sunshine .
Beautiful place Noosa but spoilt as full of tourists and backpackers and you can get no where to park near front.
i cannot get a computer to load photos so wait although i think i am emailing blog to myself!
another drama as both my bank cards were blocked and still trying to order a repalcement washer to a flat in Lighthouse from Currys.
I have a telephone in appt no overseas calls allowed so had to go round to Ian and Kaths - the owners from NZ who have house nearby and use there phone
It transpired that there was a security block as Australia is number 1 country for cloned cards - who would believe that . They said i would be on line in 10 mins but just tryed to reorder at Currys and crashed again.
We have had tropical storms all week - we went to Steve Irwin zoo nearby but it was raining so much we decided not to spend 55$ and go another day - main zoo and quite famous although you will remember Steve died from sting ray spike some years ago
Ma recounted Tiger Woods repentance as on TV and a UK girl in line for gold medal in VC Olympics. We have all channels and football from UK .
We eat on patio and in spite of insect repellent still like a pin cushion . We have birds on table for crumbs as we eat.
No family news from UK so like a travelogue . New word for Issie vocab test.
now for a pre prandial drink
There was always the possibility of another PE but on warfarin and i had potent antibiotic - up today 3rd day but unusual for you ma ever to be set in bed. Still not well enough to go out although sunshine .
Beautiful place Noosa but spoilt as full of tourists and backpackers and you can get no where to park near front.
i cannot get a computer to load photos so wait although i think i am emailing blog to myself!
another drama as both my bank cards were blocked and still trying to order a repalcement washer to a flat in Lighthouse from Currys.
I have a telephone in appt no overseas calls allowed so had to go round to Ian and Kaths - the owners from NZ who have house nearby and use there phone
It transpired that there was a security block as Australia is number 1 country for cloned cards - who would believe that . They said i would be on line in 10 mins but just tryed to reorder at Currys and crashed again.
We have had tropical storms all week - we went to Steve Irwin zoo nearby but it was raining so much we decided not to spend 55$ and go another day - main zoo and quite famous although you will remember Steve died from sting ray spike some years ago
Ma recounted Tiger Woods repentance as on TV and a UK girl in line for gold medal in VC Olympics. We have all channels and football from UK .
We eat on patio and in spite of insect repellent still like a pin cushion . We have birds on table for crumbs as we eat.
No family news from UK so like a travelogue . New word for Issie vocab test.
now for a pre prandial drink
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Brisbane and Sunshine coast
we made it on Virgin Blue without excess baggage - pretty easy transfer
Millionaire apt but thought 95 temp plus humidity was going to prove too much for us but getting acclimatised .
First morning awoke to find millions - literally of ants on floor and my pillow - but they did not bite - the management are spraying as there is obviously a nest behind the bed. We have moved into other bedroom
Mind you your Ma takes all in her stride providing there are plenty of books - we are in a rented apt so none and we have had to buy at second hand place
We have had a super day - went to beach in Noosa and breeze made it tolerable - they do it well here with parking ,toilers and all facilities on hand
We have just had lunch at an Irish pub near our complex - Murphy's bar . There is always one .
James emailed with Dave's telephone number - i did not wish him obliged as we are now geriatrics but he appears pleased and may fancy coming down to our Sydney apt as it has great gardens with barbecue area and swimming pool .
I have been watching RL on tv and much faster than super league plus refs let play go on .
We try not to look at weather in UK or complain too hot and humid here our next exchange at Bryon Bay - silence so we have no idea if problem.
in cafe full of backpackers using Internet
Millionaire apt but thought 95 temp plus humidity was going to prove too much for us but getting acclimatised .
First morning awoke to find millions - literally of ants on floor and my pillow - but they did not bite - the management are spraying as there is obviously a nest behind the bed. We have moved into other bedroom
Mind you your Ma takes all in her stride providing there are plenty of books - we are in a rented apt so none and we have had to buy at second hand place
We have had a super day - went to beach in Noosa and breeze made it tolerable - they do it well here with parking ,toilers and all facilities on hand
We have just had lunch at an Irish pub near our complex - Murphy's bar . There is always one .
James emailed with Dave's telephone number - i did not wish him obliged as we are now geriatrics but he appears pleased and may fancy coming down to our Sydney apt as it has great gardens with barbecue area and swimming pool .
I have been watching RL on tv and much faster than super league plus refs let play go on .
We try not to look at weather in UK or complain too hot and humid here our next exchange at Bryon Bay - silence so we have no idea if problem.
in cafe full of backpackers using Internet
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thursday Watson Bay Chris
we had a super time in 90 degree sunshine - now burnt. What a holiday!
We went into Domain and to Art Gallery - there was an exhibition by Rupert Bonner -never heard of him - he was the Australian Impressionist - very nice paintings
We walked to Circular Quay and took ferry to Watson's Bay and visited Doyle's - this time just for a drink although we will return later for fish.
Your Ma has lost weight and her clothes are now too loose ! and she can walk 3 miles or more in this weather and is perennially happy reading the extensive library of books - eclectic variety many of London and UK authors as he lived at Chelsea Harbour for many years . No bread or potatoes for 3 weeks.
I have just had pint in happy hour and checking email - you would be surprised at number -one from BP - he wants to look after small dog for friend for 5 weeks ! No problem if allowed.
Plus we have at lest 40 potential exchanges for QQ - one from Buenos Aires requesting 3 months and offering similar to learn Spanish /Salsa or Tango. What an offer.
Your Ma and I were a little judgemental for Taylor Swift - she sang and was interviewed on tv -nice girl - well the radio programme are inundated with her records and even for a different generation, she does have talent as she writes herself - have you heard of her in UK.
The young backpacker is coming round tomorrow - rain due -we are packing for Brisbane and Gold Coast on Sat so getting a Thai take away - we love Kings X - full of life and so many Gays - must be taking over from SF
In Brisbane we are going to see a cricket test match and RL with broncos i read Giant won first game - I left my ticket with Mike A
we got a long email from Eliz - they appear to be enjoying life and are flying to Koblenz next week to visit some fellow sailors .
Hope all is well
a thought -they are tightening up on immigration - it might we worth your while to make flying visit to Australia to extend visa - other people are such as Dicks niece husband did.
steak tonight and salad plus mango -now UK prices
We went into Domain and to Art Gallery - there was an exhibition by Rupert Bonner -never heard of him - he was the Australian Impressionist - very nice paintings
We walked to Circular Quay and took ferry to Watson's Bay and visited Doyle's - this time just for a drink although we will return later for fish.
Your Ma has lost weight and her clothes are now too loose ! and she can walk 3 miles or more in this weather and is perennially happy reading the extensive library of books - eclectic variety many of London and UK authors as he lived at Chelsea Harbour for many years . No bread or potatoes for 3 weeks.
I have just had pint in happy hour and checking email - you would be surprised at number -one from BP - he wants to look after small dog for friend for 5 weeks ! No problem if allowed.
Plus we have at lest 40 potential exchanges for QQ - one from Buenos Aires requesting 3 months and offering similar to learn Spanish /Salsa or Tango. What an offer.
Your Ma and I were a little judgemental for Taylor Swift - she sang and was interviewed on tv -nice girl - well the radio programme are inundated with her records and even for a different generation, she does have talent as she writes herself - have you heard of her in UK.
The young backpacker is coming round tomorrow - rain due -we are packing for Brisbane and Gold Coast on Sat so getting a Thai take away - we love Kings X - full of life and so many Gays - must be taking over from SF
In Brisbane we are going to see a cricket test match and RL with broncos i read Giant won first game - I left my ticket with Mike A
we got a long email from Eliz - they appear to be enjoying life and are flying to Koblenz next week to visit some fellow sailors .
Hope all is well
a thought -they are tightening up on immigration - it might we worth your while to make flying visit to Australia to extend visa - other people are such as Dicks niece husband did.
steak tonight and salad plus mango -now UK prices
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