Surf Chick 100

Snow Covers England, But Cornwall Shines

2012-02-05T18:41:00.000Z

Having spoken with Mom earlier today, we have heard that by lunchtime they had already had an inch and a half of snow fall in the West Midlands.

Cornwall, I am happy to report is a balmy 8 degrees, and we have had a lovely walk on the beach with Sally-Ann, Mike and the dogs.

The tide had just started to turn and the waves were cracking for the few surfers who decided to brave it.

Needless to say, the beach was full of dogs and their carers. I wonder why LOL!

We are so lucky to be living here!

Jo Anne

New Year, New DIY

2012-01-30T17:27:00.000Z

We have many jobs that need doing around the house, but all of them cost too much for us to afford at the moment.

The easy fix is to do a job that is 5 years overdue, and that will only cost us a couple of rolls of wallpaper, as we already have undercoat and gloss. It is also a job that, once done, will make the largest impact on the downstairs.

Our hallway, stairs and landing.

Since moving in, nearly 5 years ago, we have not touched the hallway, and the gloss work, and plasterboard show it! It’s certainly not the most welcoming of entrances.

We chose a super fresco wallpaper, that is quite thick, so that it will cover some very bad plaster work and hide some areas that once held coat hooks. (We relocated them to the down stair loo!)

Last weekend we did all of the undercoating and glossing on the wood work, leading all up the stairs and across the landing and back down again. (The disadvantage of open plan hall and stairway is the fact you can’t just stop at the bottom of the stairs as the paintwork shows the colour difference !)

This weekend we have spent painting the ceiling, and papering the walls.

Some of the twists and turns were a challenge, but I think that it was worth it.

The alcove that once held a scruffy bookcase and the coats now holds a little occasional table and some lovely pictures.

Before is the above picture and below is the new improved version.

I’m really please with the warm cosy feel to it now. Well worth feeling knackered when we had to get up for work today!

Jo Anne

Sick and Tired…

2012-01-30T16:35:00.000Z

OK, so it’s Christmas Eve, and the postman has delivered an urgent letter. I am now scared and upset, and have no way of checking out where to go from here.

I shall begin at the beginning……

Back at the beginning of November I picked up a pretty nasty bout of flu, and have just not been able to shake it off. My chest has been tight and my breathing shallow and painful.

On the 20th December, After 2 separate lots of antibiotics, I called the local surgery and asked for more, and this time they wanted me in so they could check my chest and do a lung function check with the puffa thingy.

I failed all miserably, and was told they wanted me to have a chest x-ray.

Off I trotted to the little cottage hospital round the corner, where I did the necessary, and was told to call my surgery on Friday 23rd December for my results.

I called on Friday afternoon, after work, and was told, by the receptionist no less, that I had a shadow on my chest x-ray and they wanted me to have another x-ray! I was to call back after Christmas…….

Panic set in, but after sitting down and talking rationally with my friends and hubby, we decided it was nothing to worry about.

Then, Saturday 24th December,( the point at which I started this post) when the surgery is closed until after Christmas, I received an urgent letter from my GP asking me in for an appointment on the 3rd January to discuss my X-Ray results and the course of action planned.

Needless to say both Paul and I were distraught. I was convinced I had the Big C, and had him check the mortgage policy for our cover!

Following a really crappy Christmas and New Year emotion wise, I dutifully turned up for my appointment on the 3rd, with Paul in tow for moral support.

The GP was was horrified that the receptionist had even told me anything, and that no-one has spoken to me on the phone to put my mind at rest. No it is not anything like what we were thinking. I have a fatty sack growing around my heart, and they need to keep a check on it.

In the meantime, I am on steroid tablets to try and relieve the symptoms of chest pain and tightness.

I have another x-ray in a couple of weeks, and my course of steroids has just been extended once more.

Is it me, or are all GP receptionists, bloody know it all’s who can’t wait to inflict as much emotional damage as possible in one single telephone call? They did not train for 7 years plus to make a diagnosis or read an x-ray, so why do they feel the need to think they can give a verdict on something they know nothing about!

Anyway, rant over. I'm hopefully on the mend, and will update again when I have my next x-ray results (hopefully given to me by a GP and not an over eager secretary)

Jo Anne

Sun Rise

2012-01-17T07:49:00.000Z

This mornings sun rise from the office window was magnificent. Carn Brea looked to be alight with fire, and the skies a mass of colour.

Thank god I’m a compulsive photographer and had my camera in my handbag, but I have to say that this picture just does not do it justice!

Jo Anne

Happy Birthday Daddy Bear

2012-01-16T17:04:00.000Z

I Love you and miss you so much.

Jo Anne

Welcome 2012

2011-12-31T20:30:00.000Z

I'd like to wish all of my blog family a Happy and Healthy New Year from down here in beautiful Cornwall.

Jo Anne x

Fred’s Christmas

2011-12-25T13:30:00.000Z

What do you do when you don’t have kids and it’s Christmas time? You lavish everything on your pet, and Fred is no exception.

He loves opening his presents, and then playing for hours with them.

And guess what! We love watching him!

Jo Anne

Winterizing Crocus

2011-12-17T16:31:00.000Z

Sally-Ann had asked if we could help place a new tarpaulin over Crocus, the boat that they have been renovating. The wind had dropped a little from the gales that we had been having, and so, today we were going to try and cover her. Our first attempt had failed due to the gusts, but today we were determined to get the job done.

Having established our plan of action it was all hands on deck (or under it so to speak) and pull the new tarp over her, before lashing the underside with new ropes to hold it all down.

Sally-Anne peered through a hole in the old tarp to point out something to Paul!

Finally, job done, we were all able to head into the warm for a cuppa and a biccy.

Sorry but there are no piccies of the new tarp on, as the photographer was helping out at this point LOL!

Sleep well Crocus.

Jo Anne

All Wrapped Up For Christmas

2011-12-10T16:39:00.000Z

We are back to Trelissick Gardens once more this week. The reason ? The beautiful old water tower, that we take a picture of whenever we are here, is open to the public, just this once.

We awoke to the most beautiful December day, and had a gentle drive over, before parking up and wandering down towards the gardens entrance.

As the tower came into view we had a lovely surprise.

It was all wrapped up in a pretty pink bow, especially for the occasion.

As the tower is so tiny inside, we were asked to wait until some people came out, and then made our way into the base.

We all got our pictures taken before going in.

The first room we saw was a lovely bathroom.

Then it was upstairs to the bedroom, and then up again to the living room. (The sofa had to be made inside the room, as nothing would fit up the staircase!)

The kitchen is on the top floor, but as it is single file up the stairs to reach it, the National Trust had decided not to allow anyone up there, as it would cause a bottle neck situation, and people might panic due to the tight nature of the staircases.

This is an amazing building, with really weird acoustics, that make it sound like you are wearing a microphone depending on where you stand in each room, due to the shape of the room and the immense depth of stone in the walls.

A really amazing building, but I don’t think I could stay in it, there wasn’t room for a wardrobe!

Jo Anne

Christmas Fun

2011-12-09T23:00:00.000Z

This year we had arranged to go to Tyringham Arms for our works Christmas meal.

An old colleague of ours had taken over the running of the Arms last year, so it seemed like a good idea to keep it all in the family so to speak.

(Yes I know Paul looks miserable, it’s because he’d seen the camera come out of my bag for the umpteenth time in the last week!)

The meal was a carvery and dessert, and the entertainment a cabaret type singing type karaoke type comedian chap.

We all decided that despite not liking the singing comedian idea we would enjoy ourselves regardless…. We needn’t have worried! He was superb, and dragged us all in as an audience. Look at Alison lapping up the serenade!

We all got given some school yard type musical instruments, and told to join in at the time we thought appropriate. Well, that was it then, we never stopped all night, and even took the instruments up to dance with!

Most of the men in the room got given hats, wigs and some even got grass hula skirts, and guess what! They all wore them!

This cabaret chap must have been using magic or something, as we all enjoyed ourselves so much, it did not matter how silly we looked!

A superb evening was had by all, and we cannot recommend it highly enough.

In the words of the immortal Mrs Hart: Such Fun! (It only work in her voice though I think!)

Jo Anne

It’s Beginning To Feel a Lot Like Christmas!

2011-12-03T18:49:00.000Z

Yay!

Scrooge finally gave in and allowed me to put up my decorations, including this cute little train I got at the Gardens National Trust shop today.

Jo Anne

Hot to Trot at Trelissick

2011-12-03T17:57:00.000Z

Sally-Ann had spotted that the National Trust have a few things planned at Trelissick Gardens throughout the December period.

Today we took advantage of the horse and carriage rides that were on offer for a mere £3.00 per person. As we have our passes to get in for free, this meant a nice cheap day out and a great start to the Christmas celebrations.

We arrived at 11.00am, and headed straight to the coach house and stables to book our seats on the earliest possible ride. The first was to leave at 12.00 noon, but we managed to get booked onto the 12.10pm slot.

We had about 50 minutes to kill, so took advantage of our passes for the garden and headed off for a slow meander through the grounds, arriving back at the stables about 15 minutes early.

We had a mooch around the NT shop, and then went to claim our seats on the carriage.

The groomsman was all dressed up in elf hat, maintaining he was head of ‘elf and safety!

Although the ride was only about 10-15 minutes long, it was a lovely treat for the start of winter.

After our ride, we headed back to the cafe for lunch and a coffee.

It was only early afternoon when we left, and as we were only a short way from Carnon Downs Garden Centre, we headed there for a little wander around before heading back home.

What a treat of a day.

Thanks guys!

Jo Anne

Carnon Downs Garden Centre

2011-11-19T16:16:00.000Z

I want to get an early grip on Christmas this year, and have decided that I may find inspiration at the garden centre.

All of that Christmassy goodness can only be inspiring I think!

Great fun!

Jo Anne

Charge of the Light Parade!

2011-11-16T21:08:00.000Z

Another year, another City of Lights parade through Truro.

We arrived in more than enough time to do a little Christmas shopping, and to grab some supper at The William IV, before the parade started at 7.40pm. A few minutes later than scheduled, but that didn’t stop the crowds gathering in anticipation.

Well done to the organisers, this year had some amazing entries.

Jo Anne

11:11:11:11

2011-11-11T11:11:00.000Z

Jo Anne

The Big Day Arrives

2011-11-05T23:00:00.000Z

The plans and preparations over the last 18 months all come down to this one beautiful day.

Colours had been co-ordinated, themes organised and itineraries set, and god forbid anything goes off schedule, this was indeed a very very special day, and I am so thrilled for my favourite boys, Jamie and Phill.

We all got ready and met in the room set aside for the pre ceremony gathering.

The word came through that Jamie was arriving. He pulled up in an old Land Rover (one of his dream cars) that was decked out in ribbons and ladies silver dancing shoes. If you have seen Priscilla Queen of the Desert you will understand, and that’s the show they went to see on their buck night.

Pink balloons were released from the back of the Landy, all the more poignant for me, as it was also 12 months to the date that we had lost my lovely cousin Emily, and this was what we did for her funeral.

Arrival pictures taken, we were then taken into the Tithe Barn for the ceremony. It looked so beautiful as we went in. Until now, it had all be kept under lock and key, so that it would remain a surprise for everyone.

After a false start because of Phill breaking down into tears, followed by everyone else in the congregation, we settled down to a wonderful ceremony, that was totally personalised for them, incorporating Disney music and references at the end to tie in with the theme for the day.

Then it was picture time, some inside before heading out to do all the group shots.

One of their friends had arranged for turtle doves to be placed either side of the archway into the Tithe Barn, and they got the release some into the skies to symbolise their love for each other. Again a very emotional moment. I don’t think I’ve stopped crying during all of the events so far, it’s been so beautiful.

Everyone headed back to the pre ceremony room for a quick coffee/tea or glass of something from the bar. Meanwhile I followed the boys and the photographer and continued clicking away, I also had Phill’s camera, and was trying to get as many memories on his camera for them, as my own.

Next came the full sit down wedding breakfast, speeches, and passing of gifts.

I cried once more at each of the boys speeches, and then even more so at Simon’s. As Jamie’s brother and best man, it really hit the right note for the whole day.

I was shocked to find myself being called up to the top table to receive the most beautiful bouquet of flowers for making the wedding stationary for them. More tears!

The afternoon festivities closed down, and we all returned to the room used earlier on the day, and the boys opened some present and relaxed for a little while.

Then it was time for the evening do, and a good old chance and celebration of the day. The boys did the first dance, and I have to day I’d give them a 10! Brilliant

It was the most amazing and beautiful day, that was so emotionally charged with love and laughter that it was overwhelming.

We love you guys, and feel honoured to have been included in such a special day. x

Jo Anne

Cornwall to Bedfordshire

2011-11-04T22:53:00.000Z

Following a very long 7 hour drive, we arrived in Bedfordshire at 4.30pm and checked into The Barns Hotel.

This is to be a very exciting weekend. Jamie and Phill are having their Civil Ceremony tomorrow, here at the hotel.

First things first though. Cocktails in the lounge bar, then a lovely supper in the dining room, before tomorrows Event of the Year.

That Grasshopper cocktail certainly started the weekend off well!

Jo Anne

An Autumn Wedding

2011-10-15T18:35:00.000+01:00

Liza and Jim are getting married today, and combining the wedding with their sons Christening too.

Liza is a friend from work, and so, it’s very much a works outing, with all of my lovelies together.

Firstly Alison and Paul…

Then Alison and David…

Sharon – Chris, her husband, is doing the video

Tracey, Adrian and Jack…

Me (being played by Flossie today LOL) and Alison…

Mandy and Mike…

and at last……The bride and her Dad

It was a really up beat, ceremony, and Dylan was good as gold bless him.

Then it was outside for some more pictures, before the bride and groom headed to the beach for some more pictures

The weather was glorious, and the pictures that were taken on the beach were fantastic. Unfortunately I don’t have any of those as we were already at the venue for the celebrations.

Well done to the three of you, we hope you have a happy life together.

Jo Anne

43 Today and off to Godolphin House

2011-10-07T21:15:00.000+01:00

I have wanted to go here all year. The house is only opened on very short time slots, over about 3 weeks throughout the year, but happily, it’s the last day of the year that it will be opened today,and it fell on my Birthday! Yay, todays day trip is sorted!

The rooms have been restored to an amazing level of craftsmanship, and flow beautifully. The volunteers on site told us that it was actually available to hire on the weeks that it wasn’t open to the public!

It was a lovely few hours, finished off with carrot and coriander soup and a roll, sat at the picnic tables in the grounds.

Having got back in the car we headed home stopping off so I could buy some cakes on the way back, and then headed on to eat them with a nice cuppa.

What a great birthday, spent with the best of friends!

Jo Anne

Jailhouse Rocks and Fowey is Fab

2011-10-06T22:34:00.000+01:00

Another daytrip is planned to make the most of our at home holiday, and I decided that I really wanted to do the dungeons at Bodmin Jail again. It’s been about 17 years since we last went down and did the tour, so to be honest I was dredging my memories to try and remember it.

I messaged Sally-Ann and Mike to see if they were up for joining us, and they didn’t hesitate!

The first thing you see, even before you enter the restaurant for the door to the stairs down, are the execution sheds, and hang mans drop. There is nothing left to the imagination!

Once you climb down the staircase into the depths of the building, the atmosphere changes. There is only ambient lighting, and your eyes have to adjust. Needless to day, there is still probably more light than the inmates would have seen back in the day!

Each room is set up as a diorama of a possible event that took place in there, along with mannequins, tools and furniture. Some are quite quirky and others really quite gruesome.

We took the chance to act daft…..

but generally took our time strolling each room and cell, reading all of the literature that was placed around, and getting a feel for how terrible life was back then if you were a naughty person!

As we climbed up the six floors, we could see that there was still an awful lot of building yet to be salvaged. The enormity of it is astonishing!

A couple of hours or so later we came to the final area, which was down near where we had parked the car…

I posed for my final picture as a 42 year old, but at least I did it in style, taking on my other persona the gorgeous and glamorous Flossie Merryweather (long story! LOL) Flossie now makes more outings than Jo as she is younger and far more fun Ha Ha!!

Anyway, that’s enough silliness, time for lunch!

We were going to get a snack at the Jail, but it was full on meals, rather than light bites, so we headed off with no particular plan in mind.

Now we are very used to seeing where the road will take us, but Sally-Ann and Mike like a plan of action, so it was a bit of a leap of faith for them to trust that it would all work out…… and amazingly it did!

We ended up in Fowey.

Lunch was wonderful. We went to The Galleon and had Thai fish cakes and salad – Yum! A wander around the streets of Fowey showed us that it would be worth a trip in the Summer to spend more time there.

A truly lovely day, but we are all shattered now, and so headed back home to our ever faithful dogs.

Such a wonderful day.

Jo Anne

That’s just how it is from now on, OK?!

2011-10-05T12:42:00.000+01:00

Jo Anne

Torquay Trip

2011-10-04T19:39:00.000+01:00

We are on holiday this week as it’s my birthday on Friday, and the only thing I wanted to do, without fail was to go up to Torquay for the day.

I did the accuweather thing on my phone, and today was the day it said would be good weather, but not too hot, for a trip up there.

We finally got under way at 09.45am after I had a major panic attack about the 2 and a half hour journey, but I’m so glad Paul was able to talk me around.

As we went over the Tamar Bridge, we found out that Kelly, Dylan and Paul were in Devon, and possibly near where we were headed. Naturally I messaged them.

We had a wander around the shops, and then went for some lunch. As I was ordering my phone pinged, and Kelly was telling me they were on their way to meet us, and they were only in Babbacome.

By the time our food had been eaten, our friends had arrived, and we were able to spend a lovely hour or so with them, before we had to head back towards Cornwall, and our poor little dog, who no doubted needed a pee by now!

That said, we also needed the loo 45 minutes into the journey, and so ‘nipped in’ to Trago Newton Abbott for a wee and a quick grab of something we had not been able to buy at the Falmouth store…. Managed to get the swirl remover for the car, Mom!

We crossed the border into Cornwall as the heavens opened, and my nerves got worse as the journey continued. I know I’m a nightmare in the car when the panic sets in, but thanks to Paul, I got to do the trip I had wished for, and even seen friends unexpectedly.

All in all a great day.

Jo Anne

Garden Grandeur

2011-10-01T17:31:00.000+01:00

We had done the pointing on the slabs, finally, and now it’s time to get some borders dug and planted.

We marked out the general area we wanted as a border with some car spray paint, this way we could follow the lines with the edge cutter, and then lifted the grass away.

I then sat and broke up all the soil by hand, removing any deep roots that belonged to some of the dreaded dandelion type weeds that have those roots you always manage to leave a bit behind with or cut/break when you pull them out!

We then placed a membrane over the dug border, and cut in the plants we had chosen.

Some heather, cyclamen and a lovely purple leaved plant for the main attraction that Mom had bought for us whilst she was here.

Finally we spread the stone chippings over the area to prevent any weeds coming through and deterring Fred from kicking up the soil onto his feet.

YAY! We are getting there slowly!

Jo Anne

Final Family Meal

2011-09-22T20:25:00.000+01:00

Having had a lovely day in Truro, tonight is becoming quite sad. It’s the last night we will all be together for a while.

We had booked a table at the Portreath Arms last week just for the occasion.

Sally-Ann and Mike were also joining us, for the big send off.

We had a lovely evening talking of all that had happened during the week, and becoming upset about the time that would have to lapse before we might get to do it again.

Despite the sad reason for the meal, we all had a lovely evening.

Jo Anne

Relic Hunters

2011-09-22T14:54:00.000+01:00

Another half day, and another trip for the family.

We were doing Truro Museum and Cathedral, I knew that Keith loves history, and thought this might be just the thing.

We spent a good while wandering the exhibits, with Keith falling in love with certain items as he went around.

Then it was time for a coffee and a sit down before walking around to the cathedral.

Truro Cathedral is a beautiful place, and we had a slow meander, before lighting a candle each for Nan, who’s birthday would have been only a week away.

It was then time to head home, and back to Paul who was just finishing work.

Jo Anne

Falmouth of Course!

2011-09-21T16:34:00.000+01:00

When I knew that we were having Mom and Keith visit, I organised to have two half day holidays. One for today and one for tomorrow. My half days start at 11.00am, so it was a great time to ask them to be ready for. As soon as I got home they climbed into Prick-illa and we set off.

We headed on to Falmouth, with a plan of ‘doing’ Trago for Keith. He wanted a jacket to replace one that was a bit the worse for wear and knew he would be able to get one there.

Mom, like me, just wanted a mooch!

We had great success in getting Keith’s wet weather jacket, and so, celebrated with the purchase of an Oggies pasty each, and a trip up to Pendennis Point to eat them, whilst watching the world and the boats go by.

It was now nearly 2.30pm and time for Paul to finish his shift at work. We messaged him to say we were heading home via the garden centre, to look for the plant that Mom had seen on Sunday, and were going to grab a coffee and a cake whilst we were there.

He messaged back that he was on his way to join us!

No plants, but a very large piece of lemon meringue pie and a mug of latte later, we were all very happily full, and heading back home for a rest before I had to think about cooking supper for us all!

Jo Anne

A Treasure of a Day

2011-09-20T17:19:00.000+01:00

When I arrived home from work today, the weather was not the best, but the last thing we wanted to do was to waste the day.

Mom and Keith piled into Prick-illa and we headed out to Treasure Park for a little wander and a window shop.

Keith fell in love with the De Lorean and Aston Martin, typical bloke….. he even took a fancy to what might be up a models dress!

Mom on the other hand was quietly spending…. in her head of course!

Jo Anne

Boating Lake Bliss

2011-09-19T19:00:00.000+01:00

Following very full days at work for both Paul and I, we arrived home at mid afternoon, and picked up Mom and Keith for a trip down to Helston.

In all our years here, we had not walked the Helston Boating Lake, only driven past it, so we thought it might make a nice afternoon, early evening stroll before our evening meal.

We managed to park very close to the pathway, and made our way over tot he lake and the inquisitive swans that were watching our every move.

Although it’s not a large lake to walk around, it was a lovely stroll.

We drove home via Porthleven and Marazion, just for the views really LOL!

Jo Anne

Mom’s Trelissick Trip

2011-09-18T17:47:00.000+01:00

We were all up bright and breezy today, and the decision was made to take Mom and Keith to Trelissick Gardens for a wander and some lunch.

Unfortunately Keith was suffering with his legs, after the long drive, and decided to stay at home, but the rest of us piled in the car, and headed on up to the gardens.

The weather was glorious for us, and despite the fact that there were not that many plants in bloom, the trip was a success.

Mom found some plants that she fell in love with and decided that she would like some to take home for her garden. This means a trip to the garden centre some time this week.

We had a lovely gentle stroll around the grounds, and then headed back to the coffee shop for some lunch. Soup, roll and coffee all round, followed by huge gooey cakes and cream for after….. let me just say that the protestations of making her fat did not last longer than it took to get the spoon to her mouth LOL

On the drive home, we detoured to Godrevey in order to do some seal spotting.

We had great success, and saw a beach full of mother seals with their pups, but the gale like winds on the cliff top soon had us running back to the car for some cover!

A lovely first full day with Mom.

Jo Anne

and Hens go Cluck Cluck…..

2011-09-17T23:23:00.000+01:00

It’s all getting quite exciting! Liza gets married in October, and tonight is the Hen Party. Don’t read any further if you are of a sensitive nature LOL…

Tracey and I have been putting together hen bags for all those attending, which include Ann Summers magazines with 10% discount vouchers, perfumes, shampoo’s, conditioners, lipsticks, loads of Avon products, love heart sweets with “Liza’s Hen Night, Gwel an Mor, 17 September 2011” on the external label (these are done by a local company with the wording that you request)

There are also party poppers, naughty willie shaped sweet dummies, and some aromatherapy soaps in the shape of, you guessed it, willies!

In Liza’s bag, we also added a blue garter, some honeymoon dice that contain certain suggestions when you roll them, and of course her halo, wand and tiara!

Tracey and I arrived about 45 minutes early in order to place the soap willies on each place setting…… the aroma was so strong we couldn’t put them in the hen bags!

Then as people arrived, we handed them their personalised hen bag. We had managed to do all of the bags for a total cost of £35.00, so each person only had a tiny amount to pay towards the fun.

The fun soon got underway, and although the rest of the night was pretty normal, as Liza didn’t want any of the hoo ha that goes with hens do’s, we still managed to all have a laugh and ask the chap looking after us all for his trousers, boxers and a kiss! Of course I had nothing to do with this!

Soon enough the night was over, and I headed back home. Pauls Mom and step Dad had arrived a few hours ago from Birmingham and, I just had time to have a natter and a catch up before we all headed off to bed.

Such Fun! in the words of a certain lady from ‘Miranda’. I love that show! LOL

Jo Anne

Glamping!

2011-09-01T21:06:00.000+01:00

I had been invited to join everyone at the camp site, for a very special evening.

The plan was to have a Chinese take away, and surprise the four kids with a birthday cake, and make it into a joint celebration for them all, as they were all together, even though all of their birthdays and already been and gone.

We had a lovely evening in their little enclosure, but all too soon it was over.

Thanks for the invite guys x

Jo Anne

Hold Onto Your Seat!

2011-08-28T20:34:00.000+01:00

When I got Prick-illa she had a problem with a snapped cable under her drivers seat which prevent it sliding forward to allow rear passenger entry.

Whilst Simon was here on his last visit he said he thought he may have one, as he is a senior technician with a large German car manufacturer (mentioning no names LOL). We were quoted about £120.00 plus fitting from the dealership (totalling about £250.00ish) we were thrilled that he was happy to check his garage for us.

Bless him! He arrived in Cornwall for his latest visit, with cable dutifully packed in his case for us.

Paul took some fitting advise from him, and once the tide race was over, and we got home and he began pulling my precious little motor apart to repair her.

The seat was removed from the foot well, and placed on its side on his work bench, and he set to work removing the old cable and replacing it with the new one.

Bingo. One beautifully sliding seat, doing the job it was supposed to do.

The best part is, it just cost me 18 scones, a very large tub of clotted cream and a jar of jam! Yummy goodness enjoyed by all!

Thanks so much Simon!

Jo Anne

Time and Tide Wait for No One

2011-08-28T16:46:00.000+01:00

Another year, another tide race.

We got the times from Sally-Ann and dutifully set off down to Portreath to watch the events as they unfolded.

Needless to say, Pill and I did the hunt for the most gorgeous bloke we could find, who was building their stand on sand castle so we could get a picture of them! Such Fun! LOL

We soon got bored of watching the tide come in over the towers of sand, and everyone went into the water….. well I watched from the side lines as it was far too cold today for me!

I did however manage to jump waves with little Sara, we had a great time shouting, one, two, three, jump!

We took the obligatory group picture of everyone, before heading back home, having said our goodbyes.

Jo Anne

Cinematic Moments

2011-08-15T17:42:00.000+01:00

Its Monday, and we go back to work on Wednesday 17th August, and, as the weather is pitiful once more, and therefore we can’t do any more on the patio/terrace, we have decided to have a day in Truro.

We headed in, parked on the park and ride, and caught the bus into the town.

After a wander around the shops, we headed into Pizza Express for a well earned end of holiday meal!

Lovely!

Then it was a waiting game, as we planned to go to the pictures this afternoon to see the final Harry Potter film.

The perfect way to fill the time before it began, was to take a trip into Truro Cathedral, and take in the beautiful history the building has to offer.

A lovely interlude, before watching an amazing film that concluded a wonderful storyline. Well Done JK Rowling!

Jo Anne

A Little Bit of Trust….. National Trust!

2011-08-10T17:10:00.000+01:00

And so…. The weather is still playing in our favour. Trenwainton Gardens here we come!

This is a local gardens to us, being only about 30 minutes away, however, following a mass of holiday traffic hitting the A30 towards Penzance, we had to improvise on the route we took, which meant we finally arrive 45 minutes after leaving the house, with the help of some super sleuth map reading by our very own Miss Marple, otherwise known as Sally-Ann.

Having parked up, we made our way through some very green, pathways…. unfortunately we had missed all of the flowering plants!

Wandering through the pathways, we caught glimpses of different parts of the grounds, and knew we would make our way around for further inspection as the path took us along it’s way.

A beautiful spot was selected for our picnics to come out, and we sat with views over Mounts Bay, and the soft breezes keeping us comfortable.

After lunch, we drifted on, taking in the rest of the gardens

Sally-Ann, played the good blogger, and caught a piccie of a snail on a leaf!

There were some lovely sculptures…..

Some water for Fred to inspect…..

and some lovely vegetable gardens and flower beds

A lovely day out.

Jo Anne

Day Trippin’ to Morwellham Quay

2011-08-09T10:42:00.000+01:00

I was determined that whilst we were off work, we would actually do some fun things, and not just the patio (or Terrace, as you have all suggested it should be known as).

I had been checking the weather forecast’s for the last few days, and as far as Morwellham Quay was concerned, we had one window of opportunity before the weather in that neck of the woods changed for the worse.

Today was it! We had arranged that Sally-Ann and Mike meet us here, and we would all travel up in Pricilla (we are now pronouncing it prick-illa, as I refuse to change my miss-spelling LOL).

Paul treated Pricilla to a wash and brush up before the others arrived, and then we headed off, leaving the two dogs at home, as it would be a warm day, and we also wanted to take advantage of one of the attractions when we got there, and the dogs would probably not be allowed on.

A very comfortable hour and a half’s drive up country, brought us to Morwellham Quay.

We paid our very reasonable entrance fee, along with the cost of the train ride we wanted to do, and acquired our maps of the town, and proceeded down to explore. Spotting Monarch in dry dock as we went.

The cottages were beautifully kept, and lead us to the Cooper’s shop…

and then to the Carpenter and Wheelwright, who also made coffins!

The Manganese Mill loomed in front of us, with it’s huge working water wheel

We came past the water wheel, and made our way to the main built up area that included the local Inn and some pretty shops. There were people dressed in the period costume of the time, offering advice and information. This lovely lady kindly agreed we could take her picture and use it on our blogs.

By now, we had walked the length of the village, having not spent too much time exploring, as we were booked on the 11.30 train ride into the copper mine. We took our places in line, and awaited to be called onto our ride.

Our train was an enclosed carriage of seats, to protect us from any falling debris inside the mine.

an ominous site to see as we entered the hole in the ground ahead!

Jasen, our guide, stopped the train part way in and told us some facts about the mine and how it was worked all those years ago

It was all very cleverly done, but soon we were back in daylight once more.

Walking back down from the mine, we headed past the lime kilns

Having been treated to a really lovely lunch in the Ship Inn, we headed on round to Ruth’s Cottage. This was renamed after the village was used for the show Edwardian Farm (there is a link for the information of this show on the Morwellham Quay hyperlink I added earlier in my post).

The lady we had seen earlier in the day was offering us information about the cottage and the village life, both during filming, and back in the day so to speak.

We then wandered back through the village, spotting the potter at work as we went.

Inside the assayers cottage and laboratory, which we had seen the outside of as we arrived

a far more glamorous existence that the mine workers had, that’s for sure, and a nice view of the dock from the front door too!

Meanwhile, the miners slept on the floor of a two room cottage, sharing a blanket with the chap on the opposite shift. A one got up to go to work, the other climbed into the bed (or floor as was the case here)

The family who rented the room to the miners, were lucky enough to get beds, but all had to share the one room!

Having explored the inside, it was time to get out into the wonderful sunshine, and go down to the ship in dock.

One final place to visit now. The farm.

We wandered up the road towards it, to visit the animals that had been used on the TV show.

The pigs

The very inquisitive geese

the sheep and ram

the Shire horses

Sally-Ann was in her element I think!

The pygmies goats were the last of the animals that we saw, before heading back towards the village just in time to see the horse drawn cart on it’s travels

What a wonderful day!

Jo Anne

The Holiday Begins….. Sort of!

2011-08-07T21:55:00.000+01:00

Finally the first day of our holiday comes around, and following an incident involving me, and the back of an ambulance on Friday, I just want to crack on with the slabbing.

Unfortunately, I have it in writing that I have to ‘rest’ for a few days, but this is not an option when we need to get this job finished.

With a lot of tweaks to the master plan by Paul, I am allowed to pour the water onto the muck in the cement mixer, and that’s about all he’ll allow me to do! Yes, I am ok, but it’s a long and foolish story, so don’t worry!

And so, we crack on. One set of slabs is already down, as you have seen, and the second lot are planned for this weekend.

If we can finish them, we can then have a few days of Cornish Countryside exploration and relaxation, so it’s in our interest to get it done, so to speak!

Saturday, was spoiled by the fact that the wrong mix had been delivered, and so Paul had to spend 3 hours driving back and forward with the trailer to collect the correct ‘dust’ mix for the cement. All in all a bit of a disaster in terms of laying, especially as the weather held off for us. We only managed to get down about 4 slabs!

Sunday began and we were outside. The heavens kept weeping on us in small amounts all morning, and then this afternoon, they opened fully.

I was forced inside to ‘rest’ and watch from the window, as Paul got drenched and muddy in the downpour, as he tried to get the last four slabs in position.

He did a grand job, and deserved the long hot bath that I suggested to help sooth his sore muscles.

I think we shall have a day off from anything on Monday!

Only a few more slabs and we can finish either side of the patio and bring it one row deeper to enclose that other man hole, but that’s a job for later in the week.

Jo Anne

Cuttlebug Fun

2011-08-04T21:43:00.000+01:00

A little while ago Tracey was bought a Cuttlebug, and we had been promising ourselves we would get together and have a go, as I also have one, and we would see what we could produce.

I receive an email from Do Crafts on a regular basis, as I am an member of their online community, and I had spotted some designs that I thought we could use as our practice run.

I set up the table with all we would need, and when Tracey arrived, showed her the finished card I had produced, and the practice run I had made for that night.

We now had a plan of action, and set about spreading our crafty goodness all over the kitchen work surfaces.

I had invested in some of the new acrylic stamps that were on special at The Range on a 3 for 2 sale, and we used these as our basis for the toppers that were produced for the cards.

All in all we had a really great evening of craft and chat. I am so lucky to have a friend that loves card making as much as me, and who is able to spare time away from her little boy and husband just to come out and play for an evening.

Thanks Tracey – Great evening x

Jo Anne

Finishing Touches

2011-07-31T16:01:00.000+01:00

Sunday morning, and it’s a bit mizzly, but we cracked on regardless.

Having checked with the next door neighbour that they did not mind the grinder going, (as they were at home) we got the cutting dome for the second man hole.

This is the complete pack of slabs now down. The second lot arrive tomorrow, for us to continue the pattern across. We shall then buy some separate slabs to me across the front and enclose that last manhole, giving a complete finish to the project.

Role on our holiday next weekend. Hopefully we shall get the second lot laid by Sunday evening, and then we have just over a week to spend relaxing and exploring our beautiful Cornwall.

Jo Anne

Landscaping Made Hard….

2011-07-30T17:21:00.000+01:00

For our wedding anniversary, Mom gave us some money, and we decided that, rather than blowing it on one nice meal out, we would do something we could enjoy for a long time. Some of the garden.

The plan was to build some decking in the one corner, however, having priced it all up, it was coming up at about £500 for 7m^2.Obviously this just was not practical.

We then spotted a fixed price pack of garden slabs that would cover a 7.2m² area. It was only £125.00, and as Mom’s money pretty much covered the most of this amount, this was the way we decided to go.

The pack contained two sizes of slabs, 600x600, and 600x300. We were supplied with a plan to work from for the layout, that would give us a very nice random pattern effect.

We were not at all daunted by this, as we had dome a very similar thing at our previous house, using a 3 slab size pattern, and it was a great effect.

It all began with the delivery of the slabs, sand and concrete. The nearest we could get was a tarpaulin at the rear of our home, in from of our garage door. this meant, relocating the sand, shovel by shovel, into the back garden! I placed the sand into the wheelbarrow, and Paul transferred it all into the bag in the garden.

Then we placed the slabs on top of the grass, in the general area they were going to be placed, to ensure we understood the pattern layout.

Having got it all sorted in our heads, it was then Paul’s time. Pick axe in hand he pulled up the existing plain grey concrete slabs and broke up the ground underneath, keeping some as hard core.

All of this groundwork was completed on the Friday afternoon, and so, bright and breezy on Saturday morning, we began to lay the slabs, centrally to the rear of the house, so that we could lay a second pack along side when we were ready, creating a nice central square design (fingers crossed) when it is all finally completed.

Paul’s job was to lay the slabs, and mine to mix the muck, using a borrowed cement mixer from one of Paul’s friends.

We got the first 5 or 6 slabs down, and then I had to leave Paul briefly, in order to meet up with Jamie, Phill, Simon, Vikki, Sara, Pam, Sally-Ann and Mike.

Everyone was down to see Pam as a surprise. Pam was exhibiting some of her art this weekend in the Millennium Hall in Portreath, and they came as support, and to help set up for her.

We all drove in convoy to Falmouth, where we stopped for a cuppa and a chat at the Falmouth Watersports Centre, and a few of us then headed into Trago for a quick mooch.

An hour or so later, I bid everyone farewell until later, grabbed a couple of pasty’s from Oggies, and headed home to feed and continue helping Paul.

I arrived home in time for the worst slabs to go down. The area we are currently working on has 3 manhole covers to cut around, so not the easiest to deal with. Having suggested we use the man hole cover as a template to get the circle correct for the cut edge of the slab, Paul got out his angle grinder and began making noise and dust. Of course, he also got a perfect curve to go around the manhole too!

Suddenly it was 5pm, and we had to quickly pack up, and get showered, as we were going down to the opening of the art exhibition, as Pam’s guests, and also meeting up with everyone once more.

We had a lovely evening looking at the art work, and casting our votes for most favoured piece, and a few of us even bought some paintings.

A tiring but lovely and very productive day. Hopefully tomorrow we will be able to complete the laying of this pack of slabs before the second lot is delivered on Monday morning!

Jo Anne

Chef Extraordinaire !

2011-07-23T16:46:00.000+01:00

Today is a day of trials for new recipe’s.

Firstly Orange and Walnut Flapjack, courtesy of a chap that Paul works with, and the other Quesadilla's, inspired by Thomasina Miers new TV show, Mexican Meals Made Simple.

I started with the flapjacks. I used to make flapjack on a regular basis many many years ago, but never flavoured ones, so this is a new experience for me.

Using the hand written notes that Paul had been given by his mate, I measured everything out, and followed the instructions. (If you click on the image above, you should be able to read the recipe quite easily, if you wish to reproduce it yourself)

It was all quite straightforward, and only took about 10 minutes before it was all in the oven.

About 10 minutes later (ours is a fan assisted oven) and the flapjack were golden and brown and making the whole house smell of oranges and walnuts – lovely!

Meanwhile, Paul was making use of his best talent….. cleaning the spatula!

Let us just say that these did not have a chance to get cold…. we ate the lot in one sitting! Terrible I know, but very lovely!

Next came the Quesadilla's. When I watched these being made, not only was I pleased at how quick and easy they were to do, I was also pleased that there was only one ingredient that we don’t have in our store cupboard on a weekly basis! Bonus!

Too make them you need:
Some boiled potatoes left over from the previous meal (or boil one up and cube it) (cost pennies)
Chorizo Sausage x 2 (£3 for 4 from Tesco)
diced onion x1 (about 15p)
garlic (I used about a teaspoon of squirty stuff) (£1 Tesco)
Fresh thyme small handful from our kitchen window sill!)
Tortilla Wraps x 2 (£1.19 for 8)
Tesco Value Mozzarella cheese (about 35p!!!)
Some grated Cheddar

OK, so this isn’t actually how Thomasina said to do it, but it’s the easiest way I translated it it my head!

I diced up an onion and put it in the frying pan with a squirt of garlic paste (you gotta cheat with garlic in my book!)

When it starts to soften and brown, add the potato cubes and warm it all through.

Meanwhile dice up two chorizo sausage (I bought a pack of Tesco’ s own which come as a four pack, and froze the spare two for next time)

Add the sausage to the pan, and allow the oils to be taken on by the potato and onion, making everything a lovely deep orange/red colour.

Then place a second frying pan on a second ring and put the heat up high on it.

Place a tortilla wrap along the bottom of the pan and break about a quarter of the mozzarella over the bottom of it and sprinkle some cheddar over it.

Add the chopped thyme over the potato concoction, stir it on and place half onto the wrap in the other pan.

Fold the wrap in half. It should be crisping up by now. Flip it over to ensure both sides are crisp and place it onto a plate for the first victim….. repeat the process with the second wrap, cheeses and mix for yourself.

We have never eaten anything with chorizo before, and have to say, we really enjoyed it.

Happily there is half of the mozzarella left, and along with the two spare sausage in the freezer, we have enough to be able to repeat the meal again next week.

All in all a totally successful day of cooking unknown recipe’s, and certainly will be repeated again!

Jo Anne

The New Arrival

2011-07-09T16:55:00.000+01:00

Pricilla arrived home today……

The stork had a little trouble in lifting her weight, so I had to go and collect her, but it was worth the trip!

Yes, I did have a few tears in handing over Betty Blue, after all she had been a big part of our lives for so long, but Pricilla had me smiling the moment I sat behind her wheel.

It’s now time for our Mini Adventure, so no doubt she will help us to create some new memories, just as Betty did for us.

Paul did a little valet on her for me and then it was out and about to try her on the roads.

Meanwhile, my biggest joy? Being able to get a weeks shopping in her boot! LOL (BTW, I do normally use reusable bags, but I forgot to put them in her boot before I left the house!)

Welcome Pricilla!

Jo Anne

Crafty Companions

2011-07-08T17:41:00.000+01:00

It was a long time coming, but finally the day arrived for Tracey and I to attend the local school Summer Fair.

The plan was to sell all of the cards that we had been creating, and building up our stock especially for.

We had both worked really hard to build up a good range of cards to cover every occasion possible, and the plan was to make loads of dosh so that we could have a spend up on more crafty items!

I had arranged to finish work, charge home to let Fred out for a wee, and then throw the paste table and all of my cards into the boot of Tracey’s car.

We arrived at the allotted time, and set up our table, beneath some pretty gruesome black clouds. I had thrown in a lace cover, and Tracey had grabbed an old duvet as a pretty cover for the table.

All of our wares were laid out, and then had to be re-arranged as the wind kept blowing them down!

Thankfully, Tracey’s husband, Adrian, had the foresight to find out his tarpaulin, just in case it rained……

and we needed it!

The cover came on and off through the afternoon, but that did not stop the fun and games for the children.

There was a coconut shy, Rat down a drainpipe……

hook a duck, cakes and candy floss.

We both managed to sell some cards, but to be honest, not enough to cover the cost of the table which they priced quite highly to get money for the school.

Despite the comedy of the two of us covering and uncovering our stock, we enjoyed ourselves, and are now considering doing an indoor table at the local car boot. Perhaps we will have more luck?

Jo Anne

Duncan’s Day Lily

2011-07-06T19:43:00.000+01:00

A little while ago, my friend Duncan bought some plants from his garden into work for me.

I arrived to find a large black bag under my desk, containing Day Lily’s and Canna’s.

Me? Not a blinkin clue!, Duncs – “They’ll look fabulous luv, trust me, and do as I say!”

And so, following his instructions, I transplanted said lily’s and canna’s into pots, and waited…… and waited…… and waited…..

….. and then, Voila! Fabulous darling!

Thanks Duncs x

Jo Anne

Jannah’s Big Day

2011-07-03T23:44:00.000+01:00

Amazing! Another year has gone by, and Paul’s little sister, who was only in nappy’s yesterday surely? is now 17 years old!

Even more amazing? She is learning to drive! How did this happen? Where did the years suddenly disappear to?

I remember going to see Dee in hospital taking with us a bouquet of flowers for her, and a teddy bear for the tiny, tiny JB, and now she is 17!

I think it’s time for a midlife crisis and a panic about how old I now feel, LOL

Anyway, back to the gorgeous young lady that is our sister!

We were all invited for a meal to celebrate her 17th, and headed over to Perranporth to meet up and hand over cards and prezzies prior to the meal.

Then it was time to have a slow stroll over the road to the restaurant, and find our seats.

It was the usual suspects that attended, along with Jade and Ambers family.

As we sat at our table we were able to watch the gorgeous view as the sun began to come down over the beach at Perranporth.

A view that none of us could get tired of, and that makes us proud of where we are living. Such a fantastic County.

We ate our meals, and then followed it up with a cake that Dee has made especially for the birthday girl.

What a fantastic evening.

Jo Anne

Pongtastic!

2011-07-03T12:18:00.000+01:00

Yesterday Paul did a bit of a daft thing!

We had a load of rubbish and recycling to go to the dump, along with some garden waste.

Pauls car will hold just about anything asked of it, as it is an estate, so everything went into the back, including the garden waste bags.

The garden waste bags had been closed and festering for about 6 weeks, in the Cornish sunshine, and were pongy, acrid and soupy. Nice!

Off Paul drove to the local council tip. I never thought any more of it.

An hour or so later a very green looking Paul fell through the front door, feeling exceptionally sick!

The garden rubbish bags had split and spilt the liquid contents into the entire rear end of the car, soaking into the upholstery and carpets, adding an altogether un-nice fragrance to the interior of the car!

Today, he is spending the day taking apart every piece of interior upholstery and carpet, trim and fitting, and placing it in the garden to be wet vacc’d or scrubbed.

Thankfully the sun is shining and the day is exceptionally hot, so it should not take long for it all to dry, but Oh Boy! I hope this gets rid of the smell!

Fingers crossed!

Jo Anne

Bye Bye Betty Blue, Hello Pricilla Queen of the Cornish Roads

2011-07-02T22:58:00.000+01:00

As most of you who have been following my antics for a while will be aware, Paul injured his back a few years ago, before we left the bright light of Birmingham, to move to Cornwall.

The company he worked for at the time, paid to have a sports physio try to ease it, but with two prolapsed discs, it’s only a matter of time before problems rear their ugly heads once more.

About 12 to 18 months ago he was in a lot of pain. I arranged for him to see our Company Osteopath, on a private basis, and although it cost a fortune, it did a grand job of easing the pain and re aligning the discs in his spine.

Unfortunately, whilst we were on holiday, with all of the manoeuvring of the caravan, and the lifting of equipment, and long hours driving, his back went once more.

This time was worse than he has known it for a long while.

To cut a long story short, we decided to sell my lovely Betty Blue. This was not a decision that we took lightly. We have owned and run an MX-5 for in excess of 10 years now, and to not have on in our household, or be able to be members of the club any more, is a big step.

We went up to Exeter to view a possible motor, and as we arrived home, the final straw in Betty’s coffin, was that Paul’s back and legs had locked, and he was stuck in her!

The hunt must now start in earnest, but it has to be a local car for us, as Paul just can’t do a journey in her any more.

After much investigation and review checking, my decision was made on the car I wanted. My number plate was put on retention ready for the next car, and we are awaiting the log book with the new reg number for Betty.

Today we found and paid our deposit on my replacement.

It is not quite like for like in cost, but it’s close enough for us to be able to put the difference on the credit card, and clear a bit each month.

At some point this week, all of the paperwork will be sorted and I shall hand over Betty and collect Pricilla. (get it? Cilla as in Black……..LOL)

What do you think of her? She has a silver union jack on her roof, and go faster stripes up her bonnet!

Not quite a convertible, but striking in her own right I think, even if she is already 5 years old.

It’s amazing just how much room there is in the newer style of Mini. It also has lumbar support and height adjustable seats and steering column. Perfect for when Paul drives it!

I feel a song coming on….. this is the self preservation society… LOL

Jo Anne

Home to Flowers and Cards

2011-06-26T22:15:00.000+01:00

It’s lovely to be home, despite the Chinese laundry going on in the kitchen and spare room, and even more so, when we have cards to open!

Our anniversary cards may be left up a little longer than they normally would have been, but we have to get the benefit of them from the sideboard!

I also went into work to a bouquet of flowers! Unfortunately the circumstances for them are very sad. They were from a lovely chap who had just lot his Dad, and he bought all of us office girls a bunch of them each to thank us for our support.

RIP Harry.

PS If you can make the photo out in the frame, it was taken at the wedding, and we didn’t know it was being taken!

Jo Anne

19 Years Together

2011-06-18T07:02:00.000+01:00

It’s our 19th Wedding Anniversary today.

I have two cards to open that I have been given whilst we are in the Midlands, but I know that there will be some waiting on the mat for us when we get home.

Love you Pooh Bear x

Jo Anne

Loving Time With Mommy

2011-06-17T21:53:00.000+01:00

I spent a lazy day at the camp site with Sally-Ann and Mike, whilst Paul went over to do some work on his Mom’s guttering, as it was causing a problem.

We arranged to go over and see her together on the evening.

When we arrived Keith was on his way out, so we had a five minute chat before he headed off, and then sat and had a lovely evening with Mom. The main topic of conversation was, of course, the wedding and how wonderful it had been to see everyone so happy.

Fred was a little angel while we were there, and sat at our feet, until his Nanny called him up for a love and a cuddle.

We have really loved being able to spend so much time with her, and hopefully won’t be leaving the next trip too long as we are already arranging a visit for them to Cornwall.

Missing you already Mom x x

Jo Anne

Catching Up With Dylan

2011-06-16T21:45:00.000+01:00

We have been trying to find a chance to catch up with Kelly, Paul and Dylan since we arrived in town, but finally, tonight we are able to do it.

Now, tiny caravans and little boys tend not to mix, but Dylan, being my Godson, and me being by no means biased, was a little star!

We are lucky enough to have ducks on this camp site, and on Sally-Ann’s suggestion, I grabbed some old bread so that Dylan could feed them.

The ducks were very happy and Dylan got to be up close and personal with them

It was a short but wonderful visit, but soon enough it was over, and my lovely friends had to head back home to get the little man to bed.

Thanks for coming over to see us, it was lovely to catch up x

Jo Anne

Sunny Stratford Upon Avon and Grave Hunting Success

2011-06-16T17:45:00.000+01:00

After yesterdays relaxing time, we were off on our travels once more today.

This time to Stratford Upon Avon.

Paul decided that he would remember the route, and despite a minor detour that took us about 10 or 15 minutes out of our way, we arrived and parked up on the Avonside carpark, where we always used to park.

We wandered up the river towards the town, snapping away with our cameras as we went.

It was already 12 noon when we arrived, so by the time we’d had a gentle wander up, I was ready to eat my own arm, so it was definitely time to get some food LOL

We bought our sangas from the Baguette Bar, and they were wonderful, and made totally fresh by order.

I’d forgotten just how lovely Stratford is, and the buildings just kept springing out to be photographed.

We wandered a little more, and at every turn, Fred and Hamish were attracting admiring advances by Americans and British alike!

Mid afternoon, and it’s cake time!

Off we trotted to Cox’s Yard for coffee and cake treated to us all by Mike.

A wander back over the bridge and it’s time for us to get the boat for our little trip up river and back.

The dogs were welcomed on board, and as we were the first on, we chose the very back of the boat.

The two dogs settled down and looked over the side at the ducks that were actually in the water and getting wet, unlike them ~ Silly Ducks! LOL

It was a lovely trip that took us both ways on the river to see the big posh houses on one end and the lovely countryside on the other.

We had a lovely time, and it was made better by the factor that the boat was run on electric, so no nasty diesel fumes to inhale.

Soon the half hour was up, and we were back to dry land, where Mike and Paul got chatting to the owner about the engine and other man type things! Sally-Ann and I snapped away for our blogs with our cameras LOL

Our time in Stratford over, we headed back to the car, and on towards Hampton on the Hill and Budbrooke.

During my family history quest, I have found that there are many of my family born, bought up and buried in these two villages.

When we arrived we went to Hampton on the Hill first, but only found a Catholic church there, and this did not fit with the profile I had.

A mile or so up the road, and Budbrooke looked exactly as I expected in my minds eye, and in the church-yard we found graves stones almost straight away.

Unfortunately the church was locked, so we took some external pictures and made our way back to the car to check the names on the stones with my PAF file on the laptop.

Meanwhile Sally-Ann spotted some people coming across the car park away from the church, so, being cheeky I asked if they knew anyone who may be able to give me some information.

The chap was instantly extremely helpful, and said he had keys and could access the records in the safe for me. How fantastic!

The inside of the church was lovely, and once the gent had checked the records he confirmed the names of the people that I had already photographed the stones for, and also another two, were so old, they were no longer legible.

At this point I became overcome with emotion, and we chose to leave, thanking the kind gentleman profusely for all of his help.

Now it really was time to head back to the site, but one last stop was in order.

Hatton Locks, for a quick photo opportunity, and a look back down the locks towards the church we had just been in.We had the chance to watch a boat come through one of the locks and then climbed back into the car for the last part of the journey.

Another great day!

Jo Anne

Relaxing at Kingsbury

2011-06-15T14:01:00.000+01:00

We had planned to do some more day tripping today, but at the last minute, Sally-Ann had a cunning plan to stay on site and have a relax and explore the Water Park.

We succeeded in doing a full circular walk along to the front entrance of the park via the road, and then in through the park and around and back into the camp site.

We stopped in the middle for a coffee, and managed to catch pictures of some ducks, squirrel and bee’s in action.

We had arranged for a big family gathering once more on the evening, so that we could discuss the wonderful events of Saturday with the new Mr & Mrs P.

On arrival back at the caravan site we were treated to a spectacular sunset to end our day.

Jo Anne