Leaving on a jet plane…..

Will and myself head off to France tomorrow to see Morten, Fernanda, Lennart and Annika.

If you would like me to pass on a greeting I will, or you can post up a comment here.

It was great to hear from Ian in NZ. I can’t believe its 10 years since he and Maureen emigrated.

And Ron in Nijmegen also mailed me today. As soon as he gives me the OK I will link to all his fantastic drawings. He didn’t say whether he is producing artwork at the moment – but we can all urge him to right here.

Steve tells me Ulrika is also due in Oxford the week after next. Sadly I won’t be here but I’m sure they will be arranging something. I’ll let you know here if I can.

If anyone wants lost e-mail addresses, I can now supply.

I will also try to put some pictures up from France.

Until then, take care

Anger management

It’s never been my strong point.

Some of you may remember I had an altercation with the local authorities which made my blood evaporate with rage.

And then about a week ago my vacuum cleaner couldn’t create a vacuum – not even a partial one – and it started to blow grime all over the house.

I took it into the backyard and fixed it…. with a lump hammer.

It doesn’t work now.

We all know the tale about Steve Cross and the moped brake part but if you’ve got any more temper of doom moments share them with us.

Tour de Purbeck

John rang to say the Tour de Purbeck bike ride will be on 17 June.

The last outing to the New Forest was absolutely fab’lous. It was a while since we had been together for such fun and gave John plenty of opportunity to regale and recoil with his stock of tasteful medical jokes

If everyone agrees I will also post up some pictures of the recent reunion dinner and the walk along the Wye. I just need the snaps – so “come on John”!

Eve of the great adventure

It is with some trepidation I embark on a career break. I’m really looking forward to the independence but also concerned about the lack of income.

It feels like I’m stepping onto a tight rope.

The first port of call is Aix en Provence where I’m walking with Will and Morten, and hopefully doing some skiing if there is still enough snow. It’s fully six years since I climbed on to a pair of skis so it could be back to a Bambi experience.

But I love the outdoor life so bring it on.

I probably won’t feel like that when I join the Iron Age settlement at Cinderbury in the Forest of Dean on Friday week. I shall endeavour to break away from BC and grinding corn in the round house to upload some pictures for you to laugh at. Apparently you can wear your own shoes and underwear so I know what I wil be playing on my iPod

Iron Age nostalgia

And I will be attempting to update this blog over the coming months so if you don’t have anything better to do – and I’m sure you have – then you can follow what I’m up to.

Hanging gardens of Headington

After a long-suspended spring, some of my daffodils have finally agreed to make an appearance. I’ve only snapped one dim and shaky shot but here it is.

I will be posting more pictures of my back yard for your edificaton unless I receive suitable tribute to desist.