I nearly dropped my clubcard in astonishment!
Over-efficient foward planning? Or maximising profit potential?
Either way - less than 12 weeks to go!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Happy Easter?
The following greeted me at the till of our local convenience store.
I nearly dropped my clubcard in astonishment!
Over-efficient foward planning? Or maximising profit potential?
Either way - less than 12 weeks to go!
I nearly dropped my clubcard in astonishment!
Over-efficient foward planning? Or maximising profit potential?
Either way - less than 12 weeks to go!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
An evening with thathideousman
Mrs D and I had a lovely evening yesterday with thathideousman, his wife and children, Boris, Noris and Doris. The evening started well, with coffee and good chat - we hadn't seen thathideousman for about 7 years, so lots to catch up on. Boris, Noris and Doris were a tad shy, but understandably so, having never met us before!
As the evening went on, young Boris and Noris decided to threaten us both with decapitation, prompting Mrs D to hide in the cupboard under the stairs. This led me to tell a slight untruth to young Noris, and explained that Mrs D had escaped and gone home. Noris was having none of this explanation, and proceeded to hunt for Mrs D, so the beheading could be done.
Mrs D was eventually found by Noris, but before the execution could proceed, I was accused of telling lies. My sentence? 5 minutes on the naughty seat!
This seat is in the porch, and there was no escape from my punishment! After 3 minutes, the door was opened, and I was reminded that 2 minutes remained. It was then suggested that I ask whether the time was up yet... I later learned that had I posed this question, I would have been subjected to an additional minute on the naughty seat!
After a good 5 minutes, I decided to get up and join everyone else in the kitchen - to much horror from young Noris, who promptly sentenced me to an additonal 10 minutes for getting up without permission! I was luckily pardoned by thathideousman! It would have been interesting to have seen the expression on thathideousman's wife's face as she returned from work to see me on the naughty seat!
Later I was forced to the underworld by Boris and Noris, with all manner of cushions, blankets and coats piled on my head - there was no use in protesting - there was no escape! Thankfully bedtime called and I managed to find my way back to this world!
It was lovely to spend the evening with thathideousman's family - catching up and sharing stories of old times... here's hoping we don't leave it another 7 years before we meet again!
As the evening went on, young Boris and Noris decided to threaten us both with decapitation, prompting Mrs D to hide in the cupboard under the stairs. This led me to tell a slight untruth to young Noris, and explained that Mrs D had escaped and gone home. Noris was having none of this explanation, and proceeded to hunt for Mrs D, so the beheading could be done.
Mrs D was eventually found by Noris, but before the execution could proceed, I was accused of telling lies. My sentence? 5 minutes on the naughty seat!
This seat is in the porch, and there was no escape from my punishment! After 3 minutes, the door was opened, and I was reminded that 2 minutes remained. It was then suggested that I ask whether the time was up yet... I later learned that had I posed this question, I would have been subjected to an additional minute on the naughty seat!
After a good 5 minutes, I decided to get up and join everyone else in the kitchen - to much horror from young Noris, who promptly sentenced me to an additonal 10 minutes for getting up without permission! I was luckily pardoned by thathideousman! It would have been interesting to have seen the expression on thathideousman's wife's face as she returned from work to see me on the naughty seat!
Later I was forced to the underworld by Boris and Noris, with all manner of cushions, blankets and coats piled on my head - there was no use in protesting - there was no escape! Thankfully bedtime called and I managed to find my way back to this world!
It was lovely to spend the evening with thathideousman's family - catching up and sharing stories of old times... here's hoping we don't leave it another 7 years before we meet again!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Yea, Lord - we greet thee!
Christ is born in Bethlehem!
Hurry now to see him lying in the manger...
Merry Christmas!
Hurry now to see him lying in the manger...
Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Invitation to proceed
The letter from DFW finally arrived today...
We've been invited on to the next stage in the assessment to be adoptive parents. There's a dotted line on which each of us have to sign, and then home assessment will start in January. Sounds so easy... we know it won't be!
We have no way of knowing what 2008 will hold - I suppose none of us do... but we get the feeling there will be more joy, tears, frustrations and excitement than would normally be expected in a typical year...
It's good to know that God has it all in his hands - as one of our dear friends keeps telling us, 'the matter is settled in heaven'. And that's good enough for me!
We've been invited on to the next stage in the assessment to be adoptive parents. There's a dotted line on which each of us have to sign, and then home assessment will start in January. Sounds so easy... we know it won't be!
We have no way of knowing what 2008 will hold - I suppose none of us do... but we get the feeling there will be more joy, tears, frustrations and excitement than would normally be expected in a typical year...
It's good to know that God has it all in his hands - as one of our dear friends keeps telling us, 'the matter is settled in heaven'. And that's good enough for me!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Mrs D has a very sore ear
Mrs D has returned home today from the consultant with rather less ear than she had when she left this morning.
The consultant decided that the only way to stop the pain in the cartilidge in her ear was to cut some of it out... so he did.... and now Mrs D has a rather fetching white dressing on her ear... and 10 or so stitches! The stitches are to come out on Monday... Till then she's not supposed to wash her hair. As Mrs D said - some chance! Hair is apparently being washed tomorrow - perhaps a plastic bag over the offending ear?!
We've now started calling her 'Vincent'!
The consultant decided that the only way to stop the pain in the cartilidge in her ear was to cut some of it out... so he did.... and now Mrs D has a rather fetching white dressing on her ear... and 10 or so stitches! The stitches are to come out on Monday... Till then she's not supposed to wash her hair. As Mrs D said - some chance! Hair is apparently being washed tomorrow - perhaps a plastic bag over the offending ear?!
We've now started calling her 'Vincent'!
Mary, did you know?
Words to make you think...
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?
Mary did you know?
The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Difficult to get your head around
I've been reading a book this morning on adoption, written by an adoptive dad, for adoptive and propsective adoptive dads.
Some quotes...
"You're being assessed for a role you have no experience in, to take over from someone who demonstrably can't perform that role - and that's difficult to get your head around."
"Reconciling yourself to the fact that no-one is entitled to have a child is a tough process. But the even harder proposition to get your head around is that you are entitled to make a commitment to someone else's child."
Some quotes...
"You're being assessed for a role you have no experience in, to take over from someone who demonstrably can't perform that role - and that's difficult to get your head around."
"Reconciling yourself to the fact that no-one is entitled to have a child is a tough process. But the even harder proposition to get your head around is that you are entitled to make a commitment to someone else's child."
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Preparation Day 4
The fourth and final preparation day...
What really stood out today was listening to three adoptive parents talking about their experiences adopting. It was a privilige to hear their stories - the good and the not so good - the waiting, the frustrations, the tears and the laughter. They had very different stories, but some common threads... the intrusion of the home assessment; the frustrations in waiting for a match; the heartache of being truned down by a child's social worker in favour of another couple; the range of emotions when you visit your new child, and eventually take them home...
So, what now?
We now wait for a letter from the adoption agency inviting us to make a formal application - hopefully in the next few weeks. We then formally apply.
We're then assigned a social worker, who will come and visit us over a 4 or 5 month period - to get under our skin, find out what makes us tick, and measure us against the national competencies - and hopefully come to the conclusion that we are suitable to be adoptive parents...
So come late spring / early summer, we should be going to the adoption panel for approval as adoptive parents. Then the matching process starts - which could take weeks, months, or longer...
So, I think it feels like we've taken another small step on the journey towards parenthood. But there is a long way to go yet... one small step at a time!
What really stood out today was listening to three adoptive parents talking about their experiences adopting. It was a privilige to hear their stories - the good and the not so good - the waiting, the frustrations, the tears and the laughter. They had very different stories, but some common threads... the intrusion of the home assessment; the frustrations in waiting for a match; the heartache of being truned down by a child's social worker in favour of another couple; the range of emotions when you visit your new child, and eventually take them home...
So, what now?
We now wait for a letter from the adoption agency inviting us to make a formal application - hopefully in the next few weeks. We then formally apply.
We're then assigned a social worker, who will come and visit us over a 4 or 5 month period - to get under our skin, find out what makes us tick, and measure us against the national competencies - and hopefully come to the conclusion that we are suitable to be adoptive parents...
So come late spring / early summer, we should be going to the adoption panel for approval as adoptive parents. Then the matching process starts - which could take weeks, months, or longer...
So, I think it feels like we've taken another small step on the journey towards parenthood. But there is a long way to go yet... one small step at a time!
Monday, December 03, 2007
Preparation Day 3
Another preparation day, and lots more to think about.
We had an encouraging morning discussing issues of attachment - what kind of problems children may have attaching to adults and forming trusting relationships, and what kinds of things we as adopters can do to help children form good attachments...
One of the adoption social workers then talked to us about child development, with the help of a giant Bob the Builder...! We discussed the different stages of children's development, and likened this to building a wall, with foundations formed at an early stage. We discussed what would happen if some of the foundation bricks were missing, as can be the case in children who are looking for adoptive parents. And we thought about our role in rebuilding these missing bits of foundations, to give the child the best possible chance in life. A bit of a scary prospect!
In the afternoon we discussed issues surrounding an adopted child's identity - and the struggles many of the children have - 'where do I come from', 'why was I not wanted', 'do my birth parents think about me'... and the struggles many adopted children have with birthdays - and the memories these bring...
Then we had the privilige of listening to an adopted person talk about their experience of being adopted - though adopted in the 60's when the process was very different, his thoughts and feelings were really useful to hear... and gave us loads to think about in terms of parenting style and the need to be really open with our future children about their adoption.
On reflection, a positive day, but lots to think about!
Day 4 tomorrow.
We had an encouraging morning discussing issues of attachment - what kind of problems children may have attaching to adults and forming trusting relationships, and what kinds of things we as adopters can do to help children form good attachments...
One of the adoption social workers then talked to us about child development, with the help of a giant Bob the Builder...! We discussed the different stages of children's development, and likened this to building a wall, with foundations formed at an early stage. We discussed what would happen if some of the foundation bricks were missing, as can be the case in children who are looking for adoptive parents. And we thought about our role in rebuilding these missing bits of foundations, to give the child the best possible chance in life. A bit of a scary prospect!
In the afternoon we discussed issues surrounding an adopted child's identity - and the struggles many of the children have - 'where do I come from', 'why was I not wanted', 'do my birth parents think about me'... and the struggles many adopted children have with birthdays - and the memories these bring...
Then we had the privilige of listening to an adopted person talk about their experience of being adopted - though adopted in the 60's when the process was very different, his thoughts and feelings were really useful to hear... and gave us loads to think about in terms of parenting style and the need to be really open with our future children about their adoption.
On reflection, a positive day, but lots to think about!
Day 4 tomorrow.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Dreamy Spires
Some photos from our visit to our friends Rose & Andy in Oxford last weekend...
It was so cold... but we found a lovely coffee shop on the corner of Queen's Lane!
Andy, Mrs D and Rose outside Christ Church
Christ Church
Bicycles...
Spires...
Bridge of Sighs... not the original though!
Martyr's Cross
Burnt for their faith...
It was so cold... but we found a lovely coffee shop on the corner of Queen's Lane!
Andy, Mrs D and Rose outside Christ Church
Christ Church
Bicycles...
Spires...
Bridge of Sighs... not the original though!
Martyr's Cross
Burnt for their faith...
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Preparation Day 2
A tough one today. Mrs D and I are totally drained emotionally...
We had four sessions.
The first was lead by a lady from CAMHS, talking about separation, grief and loss - we thought about the losses a child has - at a time when we are thinking about a gain (having a new child in our family), the child is experiencing grief and loss - of their foster carers, their bedroom, their friends, etc... We thought about how the child would be feeling, and what their behaviour might be as a result - and the various stages of grief. We also thought about other losses the child might have experienced in their short life - many moves, places where they've stayed and people looking after them - and the effects on them.
The second session was all about health issues - it was lead by a community paediatrician. We thought about health issues for the children who are currently being looked after - effects of neglect, alchohol and drugs during pregnancy, possible inherited conditions from birth family. We also thought about our health and things which could affect our ability to adopt - and the effects on our health post-adoption!
After lunch, we looked at issues relating to the children who are waiting to be adopted - what kinds of experiences they might have been through to mean they are in the position they are... we had to think about different types of abuse - neglect, emotional, physical and sexual - and what kind of things these children may have experienced under each heading... this was particularly difficult to do - some things really don't bear thinking about... And then we had to start to think about what kinds of problems / issues we would be able to manage - would we consider a child with mild learning difficulties? What about a child whose mother has schizophrenia? Or a child with hearing problems? Or a child with ADHD? Or autism?
Then we looked at what kinds of behaviour a child may exhibit, having been through these experiences - and how things we may do and think are totally normal may set off reactions we don't expect in children... We finished off looking at 'safe care' and what that means - making sure that we care for the child in a sensitive way - sensitive to their previous experiences. And also that we are safe as we look after the child - particularly thinking about the possibility of a child making allegations against you - and ways to make this less likely.
All in all a really difficult day - lots of difficult issues to think about. It would be easy to let it all become overwhelming... but we need to keep it in focus - these are all the worst possible things / experiences / issues / behaviours - and no child is going to have all of these!
We now have the rest of the week to reflect and think about what we've learned and discussed - so a bit of breathing space before next Monday / Tuesday when we have the rest of the preparation.
We had four sessions.
The first was lead by a lady from CAMHS, talking about separation, grief and loss - we thought about the losses a child has - at a time when we are thinking about a gain (having a new child in our family), the child is experiencing grief and loss - of their foster carers, their bedroom, their friends, etc... We thought about how the child would be feeling, and what their behaviour might be as a result - and the various stages of grief. We also thought about other losses the child might have experienced in their short life - many moves, places where they've stayed and people looking after them - and the effects on them.
The second session was all about health issues - it was lead by a community paediatrician. We thought about health issues for the children who are currently being looked after - effects of neglect, alchohol and drugs during pregnancy, possible inherited conditions from birth family. We also thought about our health and things which could affect our ability to adopt - and the effects on our health post-adoption!
After lunch, we looked at issues relating to the children who are waiting to be adopted - what kinds of experiences they might have been through to mean they are in the position they are... we had to think about different types of abuse - neglect, emotional, physical and sexual - and what kind of things these children may have experienced under each heading... this was particularly difficult to do - some things really don't bear thinking about... And then we had to start to think about what kinds of problems / issues we would be able to manage - would we consider a child with mild learning difficulties? What about a child whose mother has schizophrenia? Or a child with hearing problems? Or a child with ADHD? Or autism?
Then we looked at what kinds of behaviour a child may exhibit, having been through these experiences - and how things we may do and think are totally normal may set off reactions we don't expect in children... We finished off looking at 'safe care' and what that means - making sure that we care for the child in a sensitive way - sensitive to their previous experiences. And also that we are safe as we look after the child - particularly thinking about the possibility of a child making allegations against you - and ways to make this less likely.
All in all a really difficult day - lots of difficult issues to think about. It would be easy to let it all become overwhelming... but we need to keep it in focus - these are all the worst possible things / experiences / issues / behaviours - and no child is going to have all of these!
We now have the rest of the week to reflect and think about what we've learned and discussed - so a bit of breathing space before next Monday / Tuesday when we have the rest of the preparation.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Preparation Day 1
Well - Mrs D and I have survived the first adoption preparation day.
We joined 4 other couples for the day in Durham - all of us a bit apprehensive and wondering what it would be all about.
We looked at the adoption process in England - the journey children go on from first coming into contact with social services, through care orders, placement orders and finally adoption. We were told about the different types of care for children, including special guardianship, long term fostering, and adoption really as a last resort.
We looked at what the journey would be for us - after the prep days comes home study, which will be a series of about 12 or so fortnightly visits - in parallel our social worker will visit our referees, and also will want to see us interacting with children (do they really want to come to Kidz Klub??!) - this all gets written up into a large tome which is presented to the adoption panel - hopefully to approve us as adoptive parents - around late spring / early summer next year. We then wait for the match - which takes as long as it takes!
We thought about what a child would say, having been with their new family for about a year, when asked how they knew that they were loved.... words along the lines of 'they spend time with me', 'they do what they say', 'they help with my homework', 'they're still there even when I'm naughty', 'they kiss me better when I'm hurt'...
And we thought about some of the things which were specially important when parenting an adoptive child - the importance of praise and encouragement, of being reliable and consistent, and the need for a constant shower of warmth, love and affection - all things which would apply to any child, but even more so when they have experienced loss, grief and huge upset in the past.
We thought about what our lives were like now by apportioning a typical 24 hours... and then thought about that same 24 hours with a child in our family - very different!
There's lots more to come tomorrow and then next week too. But it feels like things have finally started to move forward, albeit slowly... but there's a long way to go!
We joined 4 other couples for the day in Durham - all of us a bit apprehensive and wondering what it would be all about.
We looked at the adoption process in England - the journey children go on from first coming into contact with social services, through care orders, placement orders and finally adoption. We were told about the different types of care for children, including special guardianship, long term fostering, and adoption really as a last resort.
We looked at what the journey would be for us - after the prep days comes home study, which will be a series of about 12 or so fortnightly visits - in parallel our social worker will visit our referees, and also will want to see us interacting with children (do they really want to come to Kidz Klub??!) - this all gets written up into a large tome which is presented to the adoption panel - hopefully to approve us as adoptive parents - around late spring / early summer next year. We then wait for the match - which takes as long as it takes!
We thought about what a child would say, having been with their new family for about a year, when asked how they knew that they were loved.... words along the lines of 'they spend time with me', 'they do what they say', 'they help with my homework', 'they're still there even when I'm naughty', 'they kiss me better when I'm hurt'...
And we thought about some of the things which were specially important when parenting an adoptive child - the importance of praise and encouragement, of being reliable and consistent, and the need for a constant shower of warmth, love and affection - all things which would apply to any child, but even more so when they have experienced loss, grief and huge upset in the past.
We thought about what our lives were like now by apportioning a typical 24 hours... and then thought about that same 24 hours with a child in our family - very different!
There's lots more to come tomorrow and then next week too. But it feels like things have finally started to move forward, albeit slowly... but there's a long way to go!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Mrs D's knee - another update
Well, nearly a week since Mrs D had her arthroscopy, and things would seem to be looking up. After a couple of days of her knee being really sore, following the operation, Mrs D awoke on Thursday morning being able to walk better than she has for nearly 3 months. The knee has continued to improve - she can fully weight bear now, and can walk upstairs normally (though coming down is still painful). We went for a walk with doglet yesterday - something we haven't done together for a very long time now...
Mrs D has been poking and prodding her knee, and it would appear that the very tender and painful bit on the outside of her knee is no longer very tender and painful.
Yes, she has pain from the two holes in her knee, but it seems the previous pain is gone. Quite amazing, given that the doctor simply washed it out...
We don't want to get our hopes up, but definitely a large step (boom boom) in the right direction!
Mrs D has been poking and prodding her knee, and it would appear that the very tender and painful bit on the outside of her knee is no longer very tender and painful.
Yes, she has pain from the two holes in her knee, but it seems the previous pain is gone. Quite amazing, given that the doctor simply washed it out...
We don't want to get our hopes up, but definitely a large step (boom boom) in the right direction!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Mrs D's knee - update
Well, after much faffing around, Mr P cut a couple of holes in Mrs D's knee.
He looked around a bit, looked some more, poked, prodded and looked one last time.
Nothing.
Well - apart from a healthy knee, that is.
No torn bits, missing bits, stretched bits.
Nothing.
He flushed it out (this conjures up garden hose to me...).
So Mrs D is back home, on the sofa.
Perhaps her knee will get better now. Perhaps not.
She's to go back in a couple of weeks to see Mr P.
And some physio between now and then.
So we have to wait and see.
Any suggestions as to what might be causing so much pain on the outside of Mrs D's right knee, would be gratefully received.
Just add a comment.
There will even be a reward for information leading to a successful diagnosis!
He looked around a bit, looked some more, poked, prodded and looked one last time.
Nothing.
Well - apart from a healthy knee, that is.
No torn bits, missing bits, stretched bits.
Nothing.
He flushed it out (this conjures up garden hose to me...).
So Mrs D is back home, on the sofa.
Perhaps her knee will get better now. Perhaps not.
She's to go back in a couple of weeks to see Mr P.
And some physio between now and then.
So we have to wait and see.
Any suggestions as to what might be causing so much pain on the outside of Mrs D's right knee, would be gratefully received.
Just add a comment.
There will even be a reward for information leading to a successful diagnosis!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Mrs D's knee
Mrs D has a very sore knee.
It's been sore since the middle of August.
She says it started during white water rafting
on the Fraser River in British Columbia.
She's seen her GP umpteen times,
and eventually saw Mr P.
A consultant - he diagnosed
a torn lateral miniscus -
but the MRI didn't agree!
The consultant
described her
as
a
mystery...
Four weeks of physio followed -
different exercises every week.
But these just made her knee sorer
So back to see Mr P.
Now all of this was on BUPA
Because my company decided to pay...
Mr P decided to operate
But no spaces till mid December!
Now this is quite unsatisfactory
'Enough is enough' said Mr P.
So he found some space at Hexham
On the NHS - much quicker you see!?!
So tomorrow, Mrs D
will have an arthroscopy
to see
what Mr P can see.
Hopefully he'll find the problem
And fix it good and proper.
Then Mrs D will be back at work -
you just try and stop her!
It's been sore since the middle of August.
She says it started during white water rafting
on the Fraser River in British Columbia.
She's seen her GP umpteen times,
and eventually saw Mr P.
A consultant - he diagnosed
a torn lateral miniscus -
but the MRI didn't agree!
The consultant
described her
as
a
mystery...
Four weeks of physio followed -
different exercises every week.
But these just made her knee sorer
So back to see Mr P.
Now all of this was on BUPA
Because my company decided to pay...
Mr P decided to operate
But no spaces till mid December!
Now this is quite unsatisfactory
'Enough is enough' said Mr P.
So he found some space at Hexham
On the NHS - much quicker you see!?!
So tomorrow, Mrs D
will have an arthroscopy
to see
what Mr P can see.
Hopefully he'll find the problem
And fix it good and proper.
Then Mrs D will be back at work -
you just try and stop her!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Jesus isn't Christmassy any more
Apparently so, according to one of Waterstone's staff.
I only went in for a book token.
They had some difficulty finding a suitable non-Christmassy card for the aforementioned token... flicking through the pile, the employee of Waterstones stopped and said, 'How about this one - it's Jesus... he's not Christmassy any more, is he!?'
Well, there you go.
So what is Christmassy these days?
I only went in for a book token.
They had some difficulty finding a suitable non-Christmassy card for the aforementioned token... flicking through the pile, the employee of Waterstones stopped and said, 'How about this one - it's Jesus... he's not Christmassy any more, is he!?'
Well, there you go.
So what is Christmassy these days?
- Queuing for hours at every shop from mid-October to get the essential presents?
- Massive debt?
- Turkey? Tinsel?
- The Sound of Music?
- Snowmen? Santa Claus?
These words by Chris Rice say it really well...
Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from God
You’ve been promised, we’ve been waiting
Welcome Holy Child. Welcome Holy Child.
Hope that you don’t mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long awaited Holy Stranger
Make yourself at home. Please make yourself at home.
Bring your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled.
World now breaking Heaven’s silence
Welcome to our world. Welcome to our world.
Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born. Unto us is born.
So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God. Perfect Son of God.
Welcome to our world.
RIP Virgin Cross Country
After many weeks of travelling to and fro between Newcastle and Leeds, it was with a tear in my eye that I made my last ever journey courtesy of Mr Branson and Virgin Trains on that route.
For as of tomorrow, the route is taken over by no less than the mighty Arriva Cross Country...
Same trains; same liklihood of getting cut in two by the automatically closing doors at the carriage ends; same problems working out whether the toilet door is locked or not; same scrolling digital display above every seat; same staff; same track; same signals; same timetable; same opportunity for delays...
New train colours; new uniform; no doubt new (higher) prices; new script for the endless announcements before and after every station....
Will I be able to tell the difference next week?
We'll see!
For as of tomorrow, the route is taken over by no less than the mighty Arriva Cross Country...
Same trains; same liklihood of getting cut in two by the automatically closing doors at the carriage ends; same problems working out whether the toilet door is locked or not; same scrolling digital display above every seat; same staff; same track; same signals; same timetable; same opportunity for delays...
New train colours; new uniform; no doubt new (higher) prices; new script for the endless announcements before and after every station....
Will I be able to tell the difference next week?
We'll see!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
4 and 20 blackbirds - OK - just one
What a fun afternoon...
Mrs D and I were sitting in the sitting room this afternoon (as you do after Sunday lunch, letting the roast chicken digest), admiring the newly decorated walls which were finished on Thursday, when we heard a strange scratching sound coming from the direction of the chimney. Doglet started to take an interest in the sound, and we thought we had better investigate too.
We have a flappy lid thing which comes down to close off the chimney and helps prevent draughts. This was flapped down, and so whatever was making the scratching sound was standing on top of the flap.
On analysis of the sounds, we concluded that a bird must have fallen down the chimney and was now flapping about trying to get out of what must have seemed like a very deep dark pit.
So - 2 options....
1. leave the bird to flap around, perhaps find its own way out, or die (possibly roasting it when we next light the fire)
2. open up the flap and try to catch the bird as it comes out
We went for Option 2.
So, armed with an old duvet cover, we 'sealed' the fireplace. Mrs D then opened the flap and tried to coach the bird out. It wasn't for coming, but Mrs D managed to find its legs, and with a bit of persuasion, the bird dropped out, into the duvet cover.
Unfortunately we hadn't sealed the duvet cover properly, and the bird got free.
We now had a blackbird flying round the sitting room, feathers and soot flying everywhere, dirty black marks all over the newly painted walls, doglet jumping around trying to catch it.
Not exactly what we had intended!
We opened the patio door, and eventually doglet chased the blackbird outside.
First task for tomorrow morning?
Phone the chimney man and get a mesh installed over the chimney pots!
Mrs D and I were sitting in the sitting room this afternoon (as you do after Sunday lunch, letting the roast chicken digest), admiring the newly decorated walls which were finished on Thursday, when we heard a strange scratching sound coming from the direction of the chimney. Doglet started to take an interest in the sound, and we thought we had better investigate too.
We have a flappy lid thing which comes down to close off the chimney and helps prevent draughts. This was flapped down, and so whatever was making the scratching sound was standing on top of the flap.
On analysis of the sounds, we concluded that a bird must have fallen down the chimney and was now flapping about trying to get out of what must have seemed like a very deep dark pit.
So - 2 options....
1. leave the bird to flap around, perhaps find its own way out, or die (possibly roasting it when we next light the fire)
2. open up the flap and try to catch the bird as it comes out
We went for Option 2.
So, armed with an old duvet cover, we 'sealed' the fireplace. Mrs D then opened the flap and tried to coach the bird out. It wasn't for coming, but Mrs D managed to find its legs, and with a bit of persuasion, the bird dropped out, into the duvet cover.
Unfortunately we hadn't sealed the duvet cover properly, and the bird got free.
We now had a blackbird flying round the sitting room, feathers and soot flying everywhere, dirty black marks all over the newly painted walls, doglet jumping around trying to catch it.
Not exactly what we had intended!
We opened the patio door, and eventually doglet chased the blackbird outside.
First task for tomorrow morning?
Phone the chimney man and get a mesh installed over the chimney pots!
Friday, October 05, 2007
Preparing for preparation days
We've just had confirmation from DFW Adoption that our preparation days will be on 26/27 November and 3/4 December...
I'm really glad we finally have some dates to focus on as the next step in the process, but a little disappointed that it is so far off. We had hoped to have had these days already, but things haven't worked out that way.
As far as we can work out, these days will prepare us for what adoption is all about - what the children we might get may have been through, and the kinds of behaviours they might exhibit, and why... I guess it's a bit of a reality check, and is designed to sift applicants to make sure we are absolutely sure this is for us, and for the adoption agency to get a better impression of the kind of people we are...
Then after these 4 days we will be linked to a social worker, who'll visit us for a couple of hours each week for a couple of months - gaining a full understanding of who we are and the kinds of children we could take on...
So lots more ahead of us, but things are starting to move forwards... We're just so glad that God goes before us preparing the way - knowing we're held firm in his hands is so reassuring!
I'm really glad we finally have some dates to focus on as the next step in the process, but a little disappointed that it is so far off. We had hoped to have had these days already, but things haven't worked out that way.
As far as we can work out, these days will prepare us for what adoption is all about - what the children we might get may have been through, and the kinds of behaviours they might exhibit, and why... I guess it's a bit of a reality check, and is designed to sift applicants to make sure we are absolutely sure this is for us, and for the adoption agency to get a better impression of the kind of people we are...
Then after these 4 days we will be linked to a social worker, who'll visit us for a couple of hours each week for a couple of months - gaining a full understanding of who we are and the kinds of children we could take on...
So lots more ahead of us, but things are starting to move forwards... We're just so glad that God goes before us preparing the way - knowing we're held firm in his hands is so reassuring!
I'm back...
Apologies to everybody who has been checking here for news and insights during September - it has been a hectic month, and I just haven't got round to blogging - sorry!
But I'm back now, and hopefully things will be a bit more regular...
But I'm back now, and hopefully things will be a bit more regular...
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Lofty mountain granduer
The words from this hymn kept coming back to us as we travelled through the Rockies...
Angel Glacier, Jasper National Park
The glacier tumbles down from Mount Edith Cavell, and looks very like an angel with arms outstretched...
Lake Agnes, Banff National Park
This is about an hour and half's walk above Lake Louise
There's a lovely tea shop next to the lake - a just reward after the walk uphill!
A glacier tumbles down from the Columbia Icefield
The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest masses of ice outside the polar regions, and is the source of water for three oceans - the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific!
Castle Mountain, Banff National Park
The top of Whistler Mountain in Jasper National Park
Elevation: 8,100 ft (we took the gondola rather than climbing!)
The Athabasca River is in the background, with the Queen Elizabeth range of mountains behind.
View from the top of Sulpher Mountain, Banff National Park
Elevation: 7,400 ft (again - there's a gondola!)
The views from here are incredible - mountains for 360 degrees!
Peyto Lake, Banff National Park
The water in many of these lakes is vivid green / blue because they are fed by glaciers. The glaciers crush the rock underneath them, making a very fine rock flour which is deposited in the lakes, and stays in suspension - absorbing all the light except green / blue.
Spirit Island and Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park
This is one of the best views in the Canadian Rockies...
Lake beneath Mount Edith Cavell, Jasper National Park
Just look at the colour of the water!
Angel Glacier, Jasper National Park
The glacier tumbles down from Mount Edith Cavell, and looks very like an angel with arms outstretched...
Lake Agnes, Banff National Park
This is about an hour and half's walk above Lake Louise
There's a lovely tea shop next to the lake - a just reward after the walk uphill!
A glacier tumbles down from the Columbia Icefield
The Columbia Icefield is one of the largest masses of ice outside the polar regions, and is the source of water for three oceans - the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific!
Castle Mountain, Banff National Park
The top of Whistler Mountain in Jasper National Park
Elevation: 8,100 ft (we took the gondola rather than climbing!)
The Athabasca River is in the background, with the Queen Elizabeth range of mountains behind.
View from the top of Sulpher Mountain, Banff National Park
Elevation: 7,400 ft (again - there's a gondola!)
The views from here are incredible - mountains for 360 degrees!
Peyto Lake, Banff National Park
The water in many of these lakes is vivid green / blue because they are fed by glaciers. The glaciers crush the rock underneath them, making a very fine rock flour which is deposited in the lakes, and stays in suspension - absorbing all the light except green / blue.
Spirit Island and Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park
This is one of the best views in the Canadian Rockies...
Lake beneath Mount Edith Cavell, Jasper National Park
Just look at the colour of the water!
Wildlife in the aquarium
These are some of the animals in the Vancouver aquarium - well worth the visit if you ever find yourself there...
Jellyfish
These are spectacular... Luckily we didn't stand on any at the beach!
Sea Otters
These are the cutest things - they lie on their backs all day floating around, washing themselves... and holding hands so they don't lose each other. There is a fantastic video of them on youtube (not mine, I'm afraid) - have a look...
Beluga whale
This is an amazing creature - with advanced sonar to find its way, and loads of blubber to keep warm. It also has a smile on its face too!
Jellyfish
These are spectacular... Luckily we didn't stand on any at the beach!
Sea Otters
These are the cutest things - they lie on their backs all day floating around, washing themselves... and holding hands so they don't lose each other. There is a fantastic video of them on youtube (not mine, I'm afraid) - have a look...
Beluga whale
This is an amazing creature - with advanced sonar to find its way, and loads of blubber to keep warm. It also has a smile on its face too!
Canadian wildlife
Bald eagle
These are everywhere - there were a pair nesting in the garden of one of our B&Bs - they have a white head and bright yellow beak.
Big horn sheep
This was one of about 12 which decided to cross the road in front of us in Banff.
Black bear
We went bear watching in Tofino and saw 10 - they come down to the shore at low tide, turning over the rocks to look for crabs. We saw a couple more beside the road on our travels too.
Ground squirrel
They look a lot like chipmunks, but apparently aren't related at all. They were everywhere we went and are particularly tame - it must be the Japanese tourists feeding them muffins!
Hump back whale
We went whale watching from Victoria, and watched this humpy for an hour or so.
Race Rocks and lighthouse
Perhaps my favourite photo of them all...
This is Race Rocks, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. We went through here on our boat while looking for whales... There is an urban myth that the stone for the lighthouse was quarried in Scotland and shipped over... the internet is full of claims and counterclaims over where the stone came from - but there isn't a shortage of rock in Canada, so it seems a little strange to have brought it from Scotland!
More fantastic views from Canada
Long Beach, Pacific Rim National Park
Vancouver Island, BC
Early morning looking for bears on Clayoquat Sound, Tofino
Vancouver Island, BC
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Truly awesome!
That seemed to be the resounding theme wherever we went on our grand tour round the western side of Canada...
Photos and video will be posted here once I've sorted out the 1300 pics... but here are a few to get things going.
Vancouver - Lost Lagoon
Tofino - Middle Beach at Sunset
Lake Lousie, The Rockies
Sulfer Mountain, Banff
Photos and video will be posted here once I've sorted out the 1300 pics... but here are a few to get things going.
Vancouver - Lost Lagoon
Tofino - Middle Beach at Sunset
Lake Lousie, The Rockies
Sulfer Mountain, Banff
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Family wanted
Mrs D and I have been following the BBC programmes closely this week, as Nicky Campbell introduces stories of adopted children and their families.
We've both been in tears at times, seeing some of the things these children have been through, and then the wonderful way that they flourish when given a stable, loving home...
And it makes what we're doing seem that much more real...
We've now completed our CRB forms, and have a medical with our GP on Tuesday. The adoption agency will be writing to our personal referees over the next few weeks, as well as contacting social services in every place we've lived, to check what records they hold on us (I suspect they will draw a blank there).
We then have to attend preparation days - these were supposed to be in September, but for various reasons, will now be in November. Yet another delay for us - it's really frustrating at times, but we hang on to the knowledge that God's timing is spot on, and most likely isn't the same as ours!
So the journey continues, albeit slower than we would have liked... but we know God is using the time to mould us and prepare us for what lies ahead...
We've both been in tears at times, seeing some of the things these children have been through, and then the wonderful way that they flourish when given a stable, loving home...
And it makes what we're doing seem that much more real...
- The first meeting
- The day the children come to stay for good
- The first family photo
- The laughs and the tears and the hard times
We've now completed our CRB forms, and have a medical with our GP on Tuesday. The adoption agency will be writing to our personal referees over the next few weeks, as well as contacting social services in every place we've lived, to check what records they hold on us (I suspect they will draw a blank there).
We then have to attend preparation days - these were supposed to be in September, but for various reasons, will now be in November. Yet another delay for us - it's really frustrating at times, but we hang on to the knowledge that God's timing is spot on, and most likely isn't the same as ours!
So the journey continues, albeit slower than we would have liked... but we know God is using the time to mould us and prepare us for what lies ahead...
Godparents to be
We're going to be godparents again!
Mrs D and I are delighted...
Alice is a beautiful little girl, and we feel honoured to have the responsibility of sharing Christ with her as she grows up... alongside her parents, helping her to know God... and supporting them as they help her grow into all that God has prepared for her.
What a privilige!
It all becomes official in October at a service of thanksgiving... Here's a photo of her looking gorgeous (as always!) You can see more photos of Alice on her website.
Mrs D and I are delighted...
Alice is a beautiful little girl, and we feel honoured to have the responsibility of sharing Christ with her as she grows up... alongside her parents, helping her to know God... and supporting them as they help her grow into all that God has prepared for her.
What a privilige!
It all becomes official in October at a service of thanksgiving... Here's a photo of her looking gorgeous (as always!) You can see more photos of Alice on her website.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Thank you, kind lady
I just wanted to publicly thank the kind lady I briefly met at Newcastle station yesterday afternoon. I had to go to the station to get a refund as GNER haven't yet arrived in the 20th century, with refunds processed by way of triplicate forms, huge British Rail clipboards and giant rubber stamps...
Anyway - I arrived at the ticket machine to find I only had a £2 coin - and the ticket machine being owned by GNER, hadn't yet been upgraded to accept these...
A lady approached the machine to buy a ticket, and I asked if she had change for a £2 coin. She hunted a bit, and then said that she was very sorry, but she didn't have £2 worth of change. But she did have 50p I could have, which was enough for 40 minutes. I tried to give her my £2 in exchange for he 50p, but she was having none of it. What a kind gesture. Of course, I thanked her profusely, and then I purchased my ticket.
So, thank you kind lady.
I hope I would do the same...
Anyway - I arrived at the ticket machine to find I only had a £2 coin - and the ticket machine being owned by GNER, hadn't yet been upgraded to accept these...
A lady approached the machine to buy a ticket, and I asked if she had change for a £2 coin. She hunted a bit, and then said that she was very sorry, but she didn't have £2 worth of change. But she did have 50p I could have, which was enough for 40 minutes. I tried to give her my £2 in exchange for he 50p, but she was having none of it. What a kind gesture. Of course, I thanked her profusely, and then I purchased my ticket.
So, thank you kind lady.
I hope I would do the same...
Friday, July 06, 2007
Call me irresponsible?
This is a long story, but I'll try to keep it brief...
I ordered the new Michael Buble CD for Caroline a number of weeks ago from amazon... It didn't arrive, so I contacted Amazon's customer service people, and the said they'd send a replacement... that arrived in a couple of days - fantastic!
Two weeks later, the original arrived - presumably having been stuck in the back of a Royal Mail sorting office in the interim...
Anyway, being an honest and responsible kind of bloke, I thought I'd better contact amazon to let them know, and then return the extra copy... should be easy, you would have thought...
Amazon arranged for the CD to be picked up from work - except they turned up on the wrong day!
I phoned again to arrange another pick-up - they didn't arrive at all!
I phoned again. They arranged to pick it up yesterday. They actually came. Fantastic, I thought!
I arrived home this afternoon after work. Imagine my surprise when I found the self same parcel, which had been picked up yesterday from work, sitting on my doormat at home!
I have since phoned amazon again (you'll be glad to know the calls are all free!). They told me to keep the CD, and give it to a friend...!
So if you get a Michael Buble CD from us, for your birthday or other occasion - you'll know where it came from!!
I ordered the new Michael Buble CD for Caroline a number of weeks ago from amazon... It didn't arrive, so I contacted Amazon's customer service people, and the said they'd send a replacement... that arrived in a couple of days - fantastic!
Two weeks later, the original arrived - presumably having been stuck in the back of a Royal Mail sorting office in the interim...
Anyway, being an honest and responsible kind of bloke, I thought I'd better contact amazon to let them know, and then return the extra copy... should be easy, you would have thought...
Amazon arranged for the CD to be picked up from work - except they turned up on the wrong day!
I phoned again to arrange another pick-up - they didn't arrive at all!
I phoned again. They arranged to pick it up yesterday. They actually came. Fantastic, I thought!
I arrived home this afternoon after work. Imagine my surprise when I found the self same parcel, which had been picked up yesterday from work, sitting on my doormat at home!
I have since phoned amazon again (you'll be glad to know the calls are all free!). They told me to keep the CD, and give it to a friend...!
So if you get a Michael Buble CD from us, for your birthday or other occasion - you'll know where it came from!!
Monday, July 02, 2007
The Impossible Quiz
This is totally addictive...
Don't click unless you have hours (I mean hours) to spare!
Play The Impossible Quiz
Top tip - you need to think way outside the box!
Don't click unless you have hours (I mean hours) to spare!
Play The Impossible Quiz
Top tip - you need to think way outside the box!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Mr Blair's farewell speech
Ok, I've been spending too much time on youtube...
but this is really good...
but this is really good...
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
More delays!
Can you beieve it?
After the horrific delays last time I took the plane, I decided to get the train to London for my meeting today.... wrong decision!
Good old GNER did their best to keep us moving, but the crumbling infrastructure which passes for a railway system in this country got the better of them, yet again...
I was booked on the 0700 from Newcastle, scheduled to arrive into Kings Cross at 0950 or thereabouts, giving me plenty of time to get the tube to my meeting at 1100.
After sitting on the train (train number 1) in Newcastle station going nowhere fast, we were told that the train was cancelled because of overhead line failure in the Peterborough area. We were told to get off the train and catch the 0740. Which we did (train number 2).
This arrived at York, where we were told it was terminating. We got off. And onto another train (train number 3). We were told this was cleared to go to Doncaster. We arrived in Doncaster, and to great cheers were told that we had now been cleared to go on to Peterborough. By this time we were an hour and a half late. We arrived in Peterborough. We got off.
We then queued for half an hour to get on specially provided buses (train (OK, bus) number 4), which took us to Huntingdon by way of quaint Cambridgeshire lanes.
We arrived in Huntingdon, got off the bus and walked to the station, to be greeted by the back of the train (train number 5) we were supposed to be getting on, leaving the platform heading for London. It seems they got fed up waiting, and left without half the passengers....
So we were told to get on a chuggy local train (train number 6) bound for Kings Cross. Which we did. And it chugged. And chugged. And chugged some more, stopping at every station, and in between stations as well.
On arriving at Stevenage, we noticed a fast GNER train pull in on the platform opposite. Thinking that this would, without doubt, get us to London more quickly than the chuggy thing we were one, we all got off and piled onto the fast train (train number 7).
This left and then promptly stopped 2 minutes later. A fault with the door locks apparently. This seemed to get fixed after 10 minutes (or they decided that it wouldn't matter if a few people fell out along the way), and we eventually arrived into Kings Cross at 1245 - nearly 3 hours later than we should have.
Perhaps fly(may)be aren't that bad after all!
After the horrific delays last time I took the plane, I decided to get the train to London for my meeting today.... wrong decision!
Good old GNER did their best to keep us moving, but the crumbling infrastructure which passes for a railway system in this country got the better of them, yet again...
I was booked on the 0700 from Newcastle, scheduled to arrive into Kings Cross at 0950 or thereabouts, giving me plenty of time to get the tube to my meeting at 1100.
After sitting on the train (train number 1) in Newcastle station going nowhere fast, we were told that the train was cancelled because of overhead line failure in the Peterborough area. We were told to get off the train and catch the 0740. Which we did (train number 2).
This arrived at York, where we were told it was terminating. We got off. And onto another train (train number 3). We were told this was cleared to go to Doncaster. We arrived in Doncaster, and to great cheers were told that we had now been cleared to go on to Peterborough. By this time we were an hour and a half late. We arrived in Peterborough. We got off.
We then queued for half an hour to get on specially provided buses (train (OK, bus) number 4), which took us to Huntingdon by way of quaint Cambridgeshire lanes.
We arrived in Huntingdon, got off the bus and walked to the station, to be greeted by the back of the train (train number 5) we were supposed to be getting on, leaving the platform heading for London. It seems they got fed up waiting, and left without half the passengers....
So we were told to get on a chuggy local train (train number 6) bound for Kings Cross. Which we did. And it chugged. And chugged. And chugged some more, stopping at every station, and in between stations as well.
On arriving at Stevenage, we noticed a fast GNER train pull in on the platform opposite. Thinking that this would, without doubt, get us to London more quickly than the chuggy thing we were one, we all got off and piled onto the fast train (train number 7).
This left and then promptly stopped 2 minutes later. A fault with the door locks apparently. This seemed to get fixed after 10 minutes (or they decided that it wouldn't matter if a few people fell out along the way), and we eventually arrived into Kings Cross at 1245 - nearly 3 hours later than we should have.
Perhaps fly(may)be aren't that bad after all!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Flybe v Easyjet
I've been having some discussions recently with my friend Lynne about which airline is worse...
Fly (may) be
or
Easyjet (why do they wear orange?)
I reckon flybe is the pits, following a disasterous journey to Southampton recently.
Lynne reckons Easyjet is worse, following her stressful journey to Belfast recently, coupled with her frustrations over scrumming for seats.
I thought I'd give you fine people the chance to vote (Joseph / Big Brother style).
Just add a comment, and let me know which you think is worse, and why!
And if you have any nominations for a worse airline (is it possible?), please feel free to vent your spleen!
Over to you...
(ranting is allowed!)
Fly (may) be
or
Easyjet (why do they wear orange?)
I reckon flybe is the pits, following a disasterous journey to Southampton recently.
Lynne reckons Easyjet is worse, following her stressful journey to Belfast recently, coupled with her frustrations over scrumming for seats.
I thought I'd give you fine people the chance to vote (Joseph / Big Brother style).
Just add a comment, and let me know which you think is worse, and why!
And if you have any nominations for a worse airline (is it possible?), please feel free to vent your spleen!
Over to you...
(ranting is allowed!)
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
A splendid evening
Mrs D and I had a splendid evening yesterday at church...
About 50 of us had a lovely meal courtesy of Sandra and her team in the kitchen (thank you all - the food was delicious), and were entertained (and made to think) between courses by Rev Dennis Pethers and the Envizage Theatre Company, from Viz-a-viz Ministries, all the way from Essex... The theme was 'More to Life' - there must be more to life that this...
Accompanying us were Edwina and Lee - the parents of some of our KidzKlub kids - a family we have grown to know and love over the past year through our weekly visits... They had a lovely time, enjoying the food, conversation and drama... and it turned out this was the first time they had been out as a couple in 12 years...
We are so glad they enjoyed themselves and were challenged by what they heard (and weren't even put off by the Essex accent!!) - we'll just have to make sure that it isn't another 12 years till we invite them out again!
About 50 of us had a lovely meal courtesy of Sandra and her team in the kitchen (thank you all - the food was delicious), and were entertained (and made to think) between courses by Rev Dennis Pethers and the Envizage Theatre Company, from Viz-a-viz Ministries, all the way from Essex... The theme was 'More to Life' - there must be more to life that this...
Accompanying us were Edwina and Lee - the parents of some of our KidzKlub kids - a family we have grown to know and love over the past year through our weekly visits... They had a lovely time, enjoying the food, conversation and drama... and it turned out this was the first time they had been out as a couple in 12 years...
We are so glad they enjoyed themselves and were challenged by what they heard (and weren't even put off by the Essex accent!!) - we'll just have to make sure that it isn't another 12 years till we invite them out again!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Fly Maybe?
Well, here I am back home again after a fantastic weekend in Bournemouth / Poole / Christchurch celebrating the impending marriage of one of my best friends, Stu...
The sun shone every day from the moment we got up, the skies were blue, and it was scorching hot - perfect weather for a spot of golf on the Saturday morning (yes, I know I've never picked up a golf bat / racket / club before in my life) and a private cruise down the River Stour in the afternoon with strawberries and champagne, followed by lunch at the Beach House on Mudeford sandbank, at the end of Christchurch Bay....
Then out in the evening for a curry and some drinks - the perfect end to a perfect day!
I came second in the overall golf challenge (a score of 37 against a par of 18), although we only made it round 6 holes in 2 hours... and I won the high score competition too (12 on the first hole!)
The sun shone every day from the moment we got up, the skies were blue, and it was scorching hot - perfect weather for a spot of golf on the Saturday morning (yes, I know I've never picked up a golf bat / racket / club before in my life) and a private cruise down the River Stour in the afternoon with strawberries and champagne, followed by lunch at the Beach House on Mudeford sandbank, at the end of Christchurch Bay....
Then out in the evening for a curry and some drinks - the perfect end to a perfect day!
I came second in the overall golf challenge (a score of 37 against a par of 18), although we only made it round 6 holes in 2 hours... and I won the high score competition too (12 on the first hole!)
What number bat do I need for this one...?
Who's going to eat the last strawberry?
Mudeford sands - where the beach huts go for more than £100k each!
But the whole weekend could have been a disaster before it began... thanks to Fly Be.
I was booked on the 5pm from Newcastle to Southampton, so pitched up at the airport at around 3.45 to check in. No problems there. Through security. Easy. Check the boards. 30 minutes till we go to the gate. Time for a coffee.
The time counts down to zero. Go to Gate 6. So I stand up to go to Gate 6. Then It changes to 25 minutes again. Fair enough, I thought. A bit of a delay. Counts down to zero again. Then the flight disappears from the board... Then 135 minutes appears. What?
Chos then ensues. Announcement - apologies on behalf of Fly Be... technical problems on inbound flight... still at Southampton... delay of 2.5 hours.... go to desk and get a meal voucher... Fantastic!
So I found a corner and read some of my book... then went to get something to eat... looked at the board - only 45 minutes to go now, but only 30 minutes since it said 135 minutes - something strange going on with the numbers - they must be flybe minutes...
Looked again at the board - 3 minutes to go - brilliant, we all thought - except no plane has arrived for us to get on.... 20 minutes passed - display still says 3 minutes - definitely flybe minutes.... or should that be flymaybe minutes?!
Looked again after another 10 minutes and the wait time had jumped back to 59 minutes... was somebody having a laugh?
And so it went on... and on... and on... Eventually I found a group of other irate passengers in the same situation as me.... all trying to find out what was going on - but there was nobody around - and when somebody did turn up, they left sharpish, promising to return in 10 minutes with answers - they still havem't turned up!
We eventually took off at 9.45pm, a full 4 hours and 45 minutes late....
Thankfully the return flight was uneventful, though they did thank us for flying with them, 'The UK's favourite low-cost airline'! How can this be?
So if any of you are thinking of maybe flying with flybe, remember, flymaybe could be closer to the truth!
Thanks to Dave, for organising the weekend, and to Stu, for giving us the excuse to get together, by getting married!
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Urban gardening
We spent an enjoyable hour this morning with our housegroup and a load of the Kidz Klub kids from the neighbourhood, replanting one of the planters on the street near church.... The men from the council came with loads of plants and soil, and lended a hand too!
The kids had a great time, and were really focussed on the task in hand! Not much soil slinging either, although whose idea was it to water the plants with super soakers??!
Before
All hands on deck
Don't stand on it!
What about putting that one there?
Result!
Let's hope it stays like this for a while...
The kids had a great time, and were really focussed on the task in hand! Not much soil slinging either, although whose idea was it to water the plants with super soakers??!
Before
All hands on deck
Don't stand on it!
What about putting that one there?
Result!
Let's hope it stays like this for a while...
Friday, June 01, 2007
Tummy poppers
We've just had our three beautiful godsons (aged nearly 5, 3 and 18 months) to stay over - to give their mum and dad a well-deserved break in the country by themselves...
We had a great time - Mrs D took them to the park and they played on the swings - then I came home from work and we read stories till tea time...
Then 'The Jungle Book' DVD for a while till bath-time...
...a Bible story and prayers, and then bed...
'Tummy poppers now, tummy poppers' (don't ask - I have no idea!)
Not a squeak from them all night (well, apart from the snoring!)
This morning I managed to make breakfast - 'krispies please, krispies...' - 'what's that popping noise?' Then toast ('strawberry jam please, not raspberry').
Then off to work for me, and off to the park for them with Mrs D...
'kiss bye bye, kiss bye bye'
It has been reported to me that while I was at work, Mrs D was told that I was very good at making breakfast, and I even managed to do it all by myself!
We now know:
1. our car isn't wide enough for 3 child seats
2. our bathroom floor squeaks horribly, paricularly when cleaning your teeth at 11pm and trying not to wake the kids
3. the importance of stair gates
4. elephants can fly
5. I'm good at making breakfast
We still don't know:
1. what a tummy popper is
2. where all the rice krispies went
A grand time was had by all...
We can't wait to do it all again soon!
We had a great time - Mrs D took them to the park and they played on the swings - then I came home from work and we read stories till tea time...
Then 'The Jungle Book' DVD for a while till bath-time...
...a Bible story and prayers, and then bed...
'Tummy poppers now, tummy poppers' (don't ask - I have no idea!)
Not a squeak from them all night (well, apart from the snoring!)
This morning I managed to make breakfast - 'krispies please, krispies...' - 'what's that popping noise?' Then toast ('strawberry jam please, not raspberry').
Then off to work for me, and off to the park for them with Mrs D...
'kiss bye bye, kiss bye bye'
It has been reported to me that while I was at work, Mrs D was told that I was very good at making breakfast, and I even managed to do it all by myself!
We now know:
1. our car isn't wide enough for 3 child seats
2. our bathroom floor squeaks horribly, paricularly when cleaning your teeth at 11pm and trying not to wake the kids
3. the importance of stair gates
4. elephants can fly
5. I'm good at making breakfast
We still don't know:
1. what a tummy popper is
2. where all the rice krispies went
A grand time was had by all...
We can't wait to do it all again soon!
Wobbly doglet
Doglet is walking sideways and can't quite keep her eyes open...
...such are the after-effects of a general anaethestic!
She went in because of a poorly bottom - but she wouldn't let the vet poke about (would you?!), so they had to admit her and make her sleepy so they could have a look...
So she now sports a lovely plastic collar which looks for all the world like a lamp-shade - she's supposed to keep this on for 5 days, to stop her licking where she shouldn't, but I don't see that happening somehow... she's so wobbly at the moment she keeps bumping into things with the collar - poor thing!
While she was under, they also cleaned her teeth - so she'll have sore gums at the moment too!
But she'll be fine - just a bit dozy at the moment!
...such are the after-effects of a general anaethestic!
She went in because of a poorly bottom - but she wouldn't let the vet poke about (would you?!), so they had to admit her and make her sleepy so they could have a look...
So she now sports a lovely plastic collar which looks for all the world like a lamp-shade - she's supposed to keep this on for 5 days, to stop her licking where she shouldn't, but I don't see that happening somehow... she's so wobbly at the moment she keeps bumping into things with the collar - poor thing!
While she was under, they also cleaned her teeth - so she'll have sore gums at the moment too!
But she'll be fine - just a bit dozy at the moment!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Successfully screened by DFW
We've just been screened by DFW Adoption. We knew what was coming, having been through it all already with Newcastle City Council, so were much less aprehensive than we might have been!
The meeting went well - the lady was very friendly and generally chatty. Gut feeling is that these are the people to go with - but we'll take a few days to pray and think things through, just to make sure!
If we decide to go with DFW, preparation days would be September, and then assessment following that...
It feels right.
The meeting went well - the lady was very friendly and generally chatty. Gut feeling is that these are the people to go with - but we'll take a few days to pray and think things through, just to make sure!
If we decide to go with DFW, preparation days would be September, and then assessment following that...
It feels right.
Colvend in the sunshine
Just back from a relaxing few days at the caravan in Kippford.
Lots of walks and coffee and cake!
And a chance to try out the new camera...
Looking towards Kippford from The Pier
Rough Island from The Pier
Boats on the mud
The Pier
Do you like butter?
Lots of walks and coffee and cake!
And a chance to try out the new camera...
Looking towards Kippford from The Pier
Rough Island from The Pier
Boats on the mud
The Pier
Do you like butter?
Sunday, May 20, 2007
J John and Just10
Just10 is coming to the north-east. It's official. I had the privilege last night to be part of the launch event - a thousand Christians from across Tyneside gathered together at the City Hall to worship, pray and hear J John explain what it was all about. We were doubly blessed, as our own pastor was leading the worship, with Mrs D on flute and Stew on bass (as well as an extremely talented lass on the trumpet).
So - Just10 - the 10 commandments - one each week - for 10 weeks. We're getting an 8,000 seat big top in Gateshead, and a 6,000 seat big top in Stockton. Starting in April next year. That's 140,000 seats over the whole 1o weeks. What an opportunity for people to hear God's word - explained practically and relevantly for them. For our friends. Colleagues. Neighbours. Kidz Klub parents.
J John has been greatly gifted by God - he's funny, relaxed, easy to listen to - and manages to explain profound truths before you've realised he's doing it. Imagine Rowan Atkinson as an evangelist. You'll not be too far off the mark!
Roll on April...
So - Just10 - the 10 commandments - one each week - for 10 weeks. We're getting an 8,000 seat big top in Gateshead, and a 6,000 seat big top in Stockton. Starting in April next year. That's 140,000 seats over the whole 1o weeks. What an opportunity for people to hear God's word - explained practically and relevantly for them. For our friends. Colleagues. Neighbours. Kidz Klub parents.
J John has been greatly gifted by God - he's funny, relaxed, easy to listen to - and manages to explain profound truths before you've realised he's doing it. Imagine Rowan Atkinson as an evangelist. You'll not be too far off the mark!
Roll on April...
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