Kevin's world

Lent---46

2011-04-23T21:34:00.000+01:00

The final day.

So after 46 days, I have successfully completed my task of not signing into FB for Lent.

Have I missed it? Yes and no.

Yes----for not being able to play games with friends, for not being to catch up on the news of those I care about.

No----not missing the insidious posts of some people.

When I left FB I had 126 "friends" or properly termed "acquaintances". I know I have lost one because she, after only a short time using FB, has decided it is not for her. I did gain one friend to whom I sent an invite a few weeks back. It would be good to catch up with him as we have not seen each other for about 18 years! The ironic thing about the ex and new FB friends are that they are ex husband and wife to each other.

Have I learned anything from his period of abstinence?

I don't think so.

I think I will continue in my usual vein of commenting on other's walls, I will continue posting on my wall using my own particular line of humour.

I do not set out to offend, if others are offended then they must have the issue and deal with it. Either by discussing with me to gain understand me or losing out by deleting me as an "acquaintance."

Aspergers of the world unite.

Lent---45

2011-04-22T22:22:00.000+01:00

Good Friday.

A day when Christians remember Christ's barbaric death on the cross. Have thought perhaps that it could be called "Bad Friday" but the reality is that Christ's death brought us life, through His act of forgiving and dying for our sins as the supreme, once-and-for-all sacrifice. Yes, for us, it truly is the "Good Friday."

Thank you Lord.

Lent---44

2011-04-21T22:06:00.000+01:00

This fine weather is getting just too much....NOT!

New lino laid today in conservatory-- looks good. Took remnants to local tip and then went to Wickham for a walk along old railway route followed by a coffee and bowl of ice cream in village square...yum yum.

We then drove to Portsdown Hill, parked car and soaked up the rays whilst overlooking our city.

Back home to return junk/furniture to conservatory and then for a chilling evening playing backgammon

Lent---43

2011-04-20T20:36:00.000+01:00

Fantastic weather today. Blue skies, little wind.

Tomorrow we have new lino being lain in our conservatory so this morning we took great delight in ripping up old lino and then disposing of it at local amenity tip.

In the afternoon, I went to allotment and planted out carrot and parsnips. After not too long, had a call from eldest daughter who was with the two grandkiddies standing at allotment gate wanting to be let in. I put them to good use by letting them hold the hosepipe and water the crops. The eldest grand child had it in her mind to spray the water over us. Good fun when you are the giver but not so if you are on the receiving end.

With the sun out I decided to wash the car. That is usually a sign for rain to come but looking at the forecast it is sun, sun & sun through to at least next Monday. Happy days :)

Lent---42

2011-04-19T20:28:00.003+01:00

A day in Ole London Town.

Took advantage of a Super Off Peak return ticket to London £18 with Southern Railways. Arrived at Victoria Station a proceeded first to Buck Palace. The temporary TV studios are being put in place, the flowers are in bloom and the tourists are in abundance. Absolutely no chance that I will be in London on 29th...I don't do crowds on the best of occasions. Was good to see the Queen's Horse Guards moving up the Mall...only I could take a picture of the colour and pagaentry in mono---grrrr.

Next was a short walk into St James Park to have our picnic and take more pics in mono until realisation dawned.

Not having too much of a plan for the day we did decide to walk to St Paul's Cathedral and take advantage of a 2 for 1 offer to gain entrance. Voucher completed, money handed over.."that offer expired at end of March, sir". No way was I going to pay for two full priced tickets so we retraced our steps and stopped at Somerset House for a coffee---no Starbucks or Cafe Nero for us.

The courtyard at Somerset House was a sun trap and has water fountains that alternate in height. Young children seemed to thoroughly enjoy running through and around the water and balancing balls at the top of the water spouts.

Refreshed with the boost of caffeine we headed back to St James Park for an ice cream, more pics and to enjoy the green grass, the colourful flowers, the blue sky and prepare for our journey home.

A good day with one regret---had to either get the 16.02 train home or wait until the 20.02. Cheap tickets have their benefits but also their downside.

In my mind I am planning the next trip :) Enjoy the pics...colour and mono ;)

Lent---41

2011-04-18T20:16:00.001+01:00

On leave from work this week so it was down to allotment to plant out tomatoes, cucumber plants and red onions (all grown from seed).

Back home it was time to pot out brocolli, brussel sprouts and more cucumber plants.

In the afternoon I went out to Emsworth (same as yesterday) and walked firstly to Emsworth and then retraced steps and then headed to Warblington Church. There is also the sole remaining turret of Warblington Castle where Queen Elizabeth I reputably stayed in 1586. The Castle was damaged/destroyed during the Civil War.

Sadly, I couldn't gain access as it appears now to be privately owned. Didn't stop me taken some pictures though :)

Lent---40

2011-04-17T19:07:00.000+01:00

So, the 40th day of Lent and still a week to Easter. Have I mis-counted or have I kept going through every Sunday whereas the purist allows Lent to be broken on the Sabbath?

Today we had lunch with good friends at "The Home of the Sausage" and then went for a very pleasant walk from Emsworth to Langstone along the tidal path.

Such beautiful weather, scenery and company.

Enjoy the pictures.

Lent---39

2011-04-16T17:25:00.000+01:00

Usual lay in then off the the allotment armed with sweet corn, climbing and dwarf beans to put in. Decided to give plot one last rotavate before putting plants in.

On getting home I put fennel plants into pots to help them get established before we transplant to the plot.

In the afternoon, we went for a walk along part of Southsea seafront. Sadly, the weather was notlike last weekend with it's bright sunshine and blue sky. Today we had sea mist and a coldness to the breeze. The walk lasted about 50 minutes which was sufficient.

Tomorrow will bring another walk and this time with friends.

Lent---38

2011-04-15T19:37:00.000+01:00

Last day at work before Easter and my being let loose on FB again.

Today at work was a day of tying up loose ends ready for Auditors to review our restatement of last years accounts under IFRS. It has been a challenge and steep learning curve but here's hoping all is well. I will find out when I return to work.

The department is relocating to another floor at work so I was also spending time packing files and books into crates. Labelling everything that moves to ensure it ends up in right place needed to be done too.

On my first day back to work it will be a case of packing boxes, dealing with unread emails and hit ground running to continue with closing down this year's accounts.

In the meantime, it is relax and relaxation time plus getting out and enjoying the time off.

Lent---37

2011-04-14T19:46:00.000+01:00

Not long now.

Soon be Easter.

Soon be the end of this self-inlflecited abstinence from FB.

But even sooner, I will be on leave from work. One more day in fact :)

Happy days

Lent---36

2011-04-13T20:22:00.000+01:00

Well---Portsmouth lost 3-0 last evening so happiness wasn't a by-product of the result. The match was a farce and at times had more laughs than an Alan Ayckbourn bedroom farce.

Today, the weather was overcast, cold and windy. Such a change from last weekend.

For the first time since last Tuesday I took train home ratehr than cycling. Tiredness caused my mind to think that I couldnlt be bothered to continue with the fitness fad.

I have nothing earth shatteringly profound to comment on today so I am logging off now.

Lent---35

2011-04-12T18:42:00.000+01:00

Another day, another cycle ride home. Gotta love the sunshine and a wind that is not against me.

I found this article today

On a quick read through I tick 5 boxes---guess that means I am half happy.

Off to see Portsmouth FC play this evening. Of course, when we win there will be a surge of happiness and euphoric joy. Maybe it should be number 11 on the list

Lent---34

2011-04-11T21:36:00.000+01:00

Today was a day of achievements.

1 - developed a spreadsheet model to be used to appraisal new build schemes at work calculating NPV of various options. This doesn't seem to have been an approach used before.
2 - cycled home in record time 28 mins 42 seconds. Average speed 15.6 mph. OK, the following wind helped and not having to stop at any red traffic lights was a bonus but hey, why not celebrate!
3 - went out for meal with "friend" with whom there has been little or no contact over last couple of years. We went to Yo Sushi for their £2.30 each dish deal. Good value and because rice soon makes you feel full up, their was little temptation to pig out.

Lent---33

2011-04-10T19:29:00.000+01:00

Seems I wasn't disturbed last night with grandkiddies waking up :)

So it was off to Church and re-unite kiddies with their parents. Tis nice being able to look after them but equally nice to be able to hand them back.

Post-Church it was a quick visit to B&Q to get some charcoal so we could cook and eat al fresco. But before stone-age man could light the fire he spent time sowing more seeds: swede, butternut squash and rocket.

Having bought quick lite charcoal for the BBQ I soon discovered it did "what it said on the tin". It may have been cheaper to grill the burgers and sausages but one thing is for sure, BBQ-ed food tastes much better.

To round off the lovely day, I took trip to allotment to water the growing crops: onions, garlic adn fruit bushes.

BTW----a phone call has been made to one of the previously mentioned "friends" and an evening out to local sushi restaurant is lined up for tomorrow.

Lent---32

2011-04-09T21:52:00.000+01:00

The sun was out, the sky was blue and now I'm here writing about today. Rats, that doesn't rhyme.

Having woken at 6.48 on a Saturday morning!!!!! Why did I do that? I got up and started potting some tomato plants, chilli and Spanish peppers, onions, cucumber plants and broccoli.

Then down to allotment to strim and trim the plot borders. Then back home to prepare meeting fiends from Scumhampton.

Lunch was taken at a "all you can eat" Chinese Buffet in Gunwharf. I challenged their 14 year old son to "who can get through most plates" competition---I won :)

Then it was time to re-relocate and go for a short walk along seafront and head for a coffee.

This evening we ahev the two grandkiddies for a sleep over as their mummy and daddy are at a wedding reception.

It was good fun reading to young Amy, hearing her demonstrate animal noises and her encouraging me to count the number of mice on the page.

Here's to a continuous night's sleep :)

Lent---31

2011-04-08T19:45:00.000+01:00

What a glorious day. Blue skies, bright sunshine and jolly pleasant it is too.

I took half-day flexi today: cycled home (32 mins), ate lunch at allotment, cut grass in garden and driveway, went to pub for farewell drinks with an ex-colleague.

Disappointed for him that only 5 turned up over hour and half and no one from his last department turned up.

Catching up on news/gossip, I am so glad that I moved on to new job with a different authority 16 months ago. Seems that the wheels of decision making still run slow----so nothing changes. The poor staff left behind :(

Looking forward to this coming weekend. Potting out plants that I have grown from seed, out for Chinese buffet lunch with freinds and then having grandkiddies for sleepover on Saturday evening and then maybe. just maybe, a BBQ on Sunday.

Lent---30

2011-04-07T18:50:00.000+01:00

First some good news----well good news for me----I cycled home in 29 min 19 secs. My first sub 30 minute cycle ride home of the year..and I feel good :) (Average speed 15+mph)

Men and friendships:

I used to have a very good friend who let me down and deserted me in my hour of greatest need. Now, there is no contact, no swapping of birthday or Christmas cards. Obliterated from my life and vice versa it seems.

I used to have another friend who was pretty close. I realised over time that it was always me that did the telephoning and suggesting we go out. So I stopped ringing. He didn't make contact with me for over 18 months, so I guess he not that bothered. We still do swap birthday and Christmas cards and presents.

Years ago, I had what can only be called a friend who was more like or even greater than a brother. He turned his back on all friends by virtue of life style choices he made and chose not to make contact with anyone from his "past".

Through FB, we re-established contact, met up ,which was great, as it was as if the absent 12 years had never happened. I am going up to bonny Scotland to spend a long weekend with him in May which I am looking forward to with much excitement and anticipation. We don't swap birthday or Christmas cards and presents but do send the obligatory one line greetings on FB.

Where am I going with this? I don't know!!

Does friendship require effort or is it something that should happen naturally?

Do we take people for granted and thus make no effort?

I have learned that true friendship is two way. A one way friendship I don't think is really what can be called friendship. We could be delusional in thinking that the other person sees themselves as our friend.

So, for all those with a list of friends on FB counted in the dozens, hundreds and thousands, are you really a true friend to them all? Is it an ego trip on your part
having so many "friends". Are you prepared to make an effort to develop a true friendship? If not, perhaps the list on FB should perhaps be re-styled "Acquaintances list". (or is it a case of being noisy to see what they are up to?)

As for me, I am going to make an effort with one of the "friends" referred to above very soon. Am guessing I should accept him for who he is, not give up on him as others did to me, show him that I really care.

Here's to friendship and more sub 30 minute rides

Lent---29

2011-04-06T18:31:00.000+01:00

After yesterday's wind and rain and generally dismal weather, today was in stark contrast with blue skies, a gentle breeze and temperatures touching 18 C.

To take advantage of the weather, I had my lunch in the Sensory Garden close to work. Beautifully tended flower beds but rather close to a road that spoils what could be a very peaceful and pleasant place to pause and reflect.

I also left work at a time earlier than normal and cycled home. The wind/breeze was against me most of the way resulting in my time rising to 35 minutes.

Do men value friendships? and if so, how do they express it?

I will touch on this subject tomorrow

Lent---28

2011-04-05T18:46:00.000+01:00

Another day, another dollar.

Do you ever have those days where you think at the start of it what work you will be doing and then at the end of it realise that most of what you have done and achieved was not planned at the start? Well for me, today was like that.

One gets a sense of achievement for having reacted to circumstances during the day and completed most of the tasks in hand.

Having cycled home yesterday with a following wind, I did not yield to temptation in doing same again today. Let the train take the strain :)

Lent---27

2011-04-05T18:41:00.001+01:00

My youngest daughter is undertaking a missions trip to Zimbabwe later this year and needs to raise £2000.

Both she and us have contacted lots of friends, many of whom have very kindly donated monies to the cause.

Yesterday, my daughter learned that someone had made a very generous anonymous gift. We so much want to thank the giver for the generosity and in some ways it is most frustratubg not knowing who to thank. I do, however, understand the anonymity as I too have given to causes of friends without letting them know it was me that helped. There is a certain pleasure in doing that but also the Bible tells us to do out good works in secret.

With a strong follwoing wine, I decided to cycle home. Despite touching 22 mph at times, the 7.53 miles journey still took 33.23 minutes---over the ideal 30 minute barrier. Good exercise though that is helping me in my weight loss challenge.

Lent---26

2011-04-05T18:35:00.000+01:00

Mothering Sunday - - - went to see my lovely mother-in-law in early afternoon. Tehre was so much traffic on the roads I reckon that eveyr mand and his mum was out!. Despite my MIL's dementia, she still loves Thornton's chocolates. Ever so pleased I was on hand to help her eat some.

Later in the afternoon, we had eldest daughter and her crew round for a rather belated Sunday lunch. Beef burgers and chips---especially for the grandkiddies. yum yum.

Seems I am often thinking about food :)

Lent---25

2011-04-02T21:43:00.000+01:00

Wow---two weeks to go. This is easy, although there have been a few little "shall I"'s?

This morning I went to allotment to do some weeding. One thing I have learned over the years is to tackle the weeds as soon as they appear becau if you leave them, not only do they take over, but they are harder to get rid of later.

In our conservatory, I have a good supply of carrots, tomatoes, leeks, brocolli, lettuce, cucumber, climbing beans, dwarf beans, chilli peppers, spanish sweet peppers and onions coming along nicely. GOod be a good year for produce :)

In the afternoon, it was a trip to a charity shop and tip to get rid of some junk that has accumulated in our home for far too long.

So much energy exerted today resulted in me having a snooze in conservatory late afternoon ;)

Been a bit naughty today in having some pork scratchlings :) it's a man thing!

Lent---24

2011-04-01T21:57:00.000+01:00

Happy New Year to all my accountancy colleagues and friends. Now the fun starts at work closing down 2010-11 accounts.

Being April Fools Day, I successfully executed two tricks at work - one the simple of of pointing out to someone wearing slip-on shoes that their lacesa re undone and another being somewhat more technical in nature.

By boss is responsible for treasury management and ensuring that our bank account does not go overdrawn--particularly on 31st March as, what ever the balance is on this date, will be stated in our published accounts. She was so careful yesterday.

Well today I altered the bank summary papers to show we were overdrawn.

After a few minutes of her puzzling over the situation, chatting to a colleague and being totally mystified, especially as she checked the bank balnce last evening from home, I confessed to the April Fool.

She called me a b**&""d, swung her arm at me and saw the funny side of it :)

The phrase "hook, line and sinker" comes to mind.

Lent---23

2011-03-31T18:48:00.000+01:00

Big achievement today - negotiation skills tested and utilised to good effect. Have managed to get a key speaker to attend an event I am co-organising to attend for free? Result :)

Very strong wind today so with it being a westerly I decided to cycle home (3rd time this year) 34.27 mins, 7.61 miles, average speed 13.2mph. The wind was of benefit for the first 4 miles and definately not as I turned south. Still, it's exercise for the muscles and the lungs.

Now time for a curry :)

Lent---22

2011-03-30T18:49:00.000+01:00

Big realisation today that I have been qualified longer than the time I spent studying.

Time seems to have gone so quickly compared with the years of head in books.

I am so grateful to God for bringing me to this place.

Lent---21

2011-03-29T19:33:00.000+01:00

It's all downhill now :)

The most irritating thing about this challenge is that I receive posts when certain people post and yet, through self imposed restriction, I am unable to post a reply.

3 days to the New Year---financial year that is. This is when my work kicks up a gear or two as I assist in closing the authority's accounts and publish the Statement of Account.

This year has a double dose of challenge as this is the first year we produce the accounts in accord with IFRS rather than UK GAAP. Here's hoping the auditors agree with our re-statement of 09-10 accounts.

Lent---20

2011-03-28T20:06:00.000+01:00

Half way through :)

There are times when I just want to log into FB but know that I can't/mustn't.

Today I had one of those moments when I received a text from my youngest daughter referring to a post she had made on her wall that "she can do no right, is not allowed an opinion or a sense of humour." Without knowing the details seems she has had a "fun" day at the office.

We are taught that, as Christians, we should be like our Father in heaven. God must be really pleased when he sees His children take on board His attributes.

I guess I found out a bit of how God feels as it seems my daughter has similar character to me....poor girl! lol

Lent---19

2011-03-27T18:47:00.000+01:00

My 100th post. Chatting to a FB fiend this morning I learn that he has been reading my blogs. I better be careful over what I write now I know that someone actually reads my ramblings. I wonder if he recognises any of the people/characters I have surreptiously mention...hmmmm (Comments would be welcomed)

Today is the start of British Summertime and, like last year, I was on car park duty at Church having to be there for 8.45 or was it really 7.45?

Still, with the weather being good, sunny with a little cloud, I was able to wear a polo shirt (short sleeves) and sunglasses. Has summer really arrived before the end of March?

Most weeks we have people arriving 45 minutes or so late for our second service (start time 11.15) and this week was no exception, except some were an hour late because they didn't know the clocks had moved. How do people not know?

Being "summer", we ate lunch sitting in the garden. Eldest daughter has suggested they come round next Sunday (Mother's Day) for a BBQ!!! Would be nice if she invited us round their gaff.

In the afternoon, I went for what is becoming a regular trek down to Milton and then back along the foreshore....total length 3.45 miles with a time of 58 minutes. I really must take it more leisurely and enjoy the walk rather than treat it as a route march and aim for a quicker time---either way it is much needed exercise.

Right---enough rambling for today---off to complete the Census.

Lent--18

2011-03-26T17:35:00.000Z

After a lovely evening yesterday I awake to another sunny (ish) day. Not hot, but very pleasant to be at the allotment doing some weeding.

On returning home it was time to mow the lawn for first time this year and also to put more seeds into trays: courgettes, cucumbers and yet more parsnips - as sadly, earlier parsnip seeds have not germinated.

The washing machine needed some attention as it is telling us it is not working. So, take the filter out and observe the layers of limescale. Having cleaned the filter, it wouldn't slot back in. So, bending a fork I embarked upon minutes of hacking away and trying to retrieve fragments which once dislodged fell out of reach of my phalanges. Success was achieved and we can continue using the faithful machine.

Later, we went for a walk of just over 3.6 mile along the foreshore at Langstone Harbour. A nice walk.

So to this evening-----clocks go forward---losing an hours sleep :( but it is a sign that summer is not far away :)

Lent---17

2011-03-25T19:08:00.001Z

Little news today.

No life changing decisions.

Left work at 4.

Out for meal this evening

Life goes on.

Lent---16

2011-03-24T20:10:00.003Z

Today up early for 7.20 train to Londinium attending a conference on the reform of housing finance.

Dull? Not when you are a bean counter.

Actually, I learned some invaluable information that will surely help me in my work.

Listened to two Rachmaninov piano concertoes on way up - his No2 and No 3. On way back Shakatak.

Two different styles but both interesting to listen to.

So now in the evening , earplugs are in again---listening to the Rachmaninov-esque Warsaw Concerto by Richard Addinsell played by Patrik Jablonski.

Back in my teens, a neughbour of mine told me he would consider me a good pianist if I could play the Warsaw Concerto. Guess I am not good :(

Lent---15

2011-03-23T19:27:00.002Z

Received another reply to the text I sent yesterday---so that's one less fiend who at moment qualifies for deletion.

Work today was spent trying to create 09/10 MiRS as a comparator for for 10/11 in this year's Statement of Accounts.

This is a new note taking its inspiration from the WGA Reserves tab and the SMGFB.

Confused? I was too.

But after a time spent doing a number jigsaw (my boss's words) I succeeded in completing the statement :) Happy days.

With that I left work 30 mins earlier---o the joys of flexitime. Who needs to be paid overtime?

Off to Old London Town tomorrow for yet another conference.

Lent---14

2011-03-22T19:57:00.003Z

Another sunny day and warm enough for the thinner fluorescent cycling jacket.

Cycled home again but having set the iMapMyRide on my phone, on getting home I note that it didn't register my distance---grrrrr.

The journey did take 32 mins 55 secs which is a slight improvement on yesterday's time of 34 mins 6 secs.

Decided to send a few texts to FB fiends today----most have replied...some may be busy...some may not bother to reply.It will be latter that may get deleted when I return to FB. Is it a measure of friendship by judging if people engage in communication?

If so, then assessing the number of fiends I do not make contact with shows me that I do not truly value them.

Time to reassess maybe

Lent---day thirteen

2011-03-21T21:15:00.002Z

A glorious sunny day :)

A new week - a new list of tasks to do at work :{

A mind blowing thought - where does the universe end? Or does it? And if it does, what's on the outside?

Lent---day twelve

2011-03-20T15:07:00.004Z

This journey has not long passed the quarter of the way mark......it's a long way, becoming a wee bit of a struggle wondering on what I am missing out on and the inability to see what FB fiends are doing and saying. But hey, the addiction needs dealing with.

Do you often think you can see clearly and understand fully what you see?

Maybe, all things are not as they seem.......guess the lesson is:

don't jump to conclusions, each coin has two sides.

Clink the link below:

Perception

Lent---day eleven

2011-03-19T21:02:00.002Z

Gorgeous sunny day :)

Today I had set aside to put this year's spuds into the allotment. But before that had to buy petrol for my rotovator which, wonder of wonders, started first time.

So having "ploughed" the plot, in went 42 seed potatoes.

Back at home, I decided to hack away at the ivy over growing from next door----that felt better.

Confession time - -- -I missing logging onto FB----will I last till Easter?

Church Notices

2011-03-18T21:06:00.000Z

The following have all genuinely appeared in church bulletins!

* Next weekend's Fasting & Prayer Conference in Whitby includes all meals.

* Sunday morning sermon: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' Sunday evening sermon: 'Searching for Jesus.'

* Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale; it is a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

* Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.

* Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

* Miss Charlene Mason sang, 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

* For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

* Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.

* Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

* At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.

* Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

* Scouts are saving aluminium cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

* Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.

* The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.

* Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.

* The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

* This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn sing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

* The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.

* Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.

* The school drama group will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church hall on Friday at 7PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

* Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

Lent---day ten

2011-03-18T18:41:00.002Z

A few weeks ago I sent a friend invite on FB to an ex-work colleague whom I haven't seen for many years---probably about 16-18 years in fact.

Well today, I get an advice that he has accepted my friend invite but as I am in this period of abstinence I will not be able to chat to him :(

Shall I break the "fast" or stick at it?

Lent---day nine

2011-03-16T21:25:00.003Z

The following paragraphs have been taken from an MSN page listing 15 reasons why one should quit FB

Let's get one thing straight - the number of Facebook friends you have is not directly proportionate to your popularity in the real world. In fact there's plenty of evidence to suggest it may well be the opposite.

The sun is shining, you're on an exotic beach somewhere and you've forked out all your hard-earned cash to get away from it all. Why then, pray tell, would you be checking Facebook from your phone?

It should go without saying - when you're with your friends, your mind should not be on Facebook. So if you're finding yourself getting a nervous tic when you've been away from Facebook for more than a few hours, it's definitely time for a break.

Guilty as charged

Lent---day eight

2011-03-16T18:29:00.004Z

And on the 7th day, God rested. There is a point of view that during Lent that one can avoid abstinence on the Sabbath. Well, I am going to continue on through.

I am receiving messages from friends because they see my Twitter posts appearing on FB and claim I am cheating. The challenge is and will continue to be - I will onto sign onto FB.

Lent---day seven

2011-03-14T19:23:00.006Z

It is a Biblical principle that you reap what you sow. The secularist may call it karma.

Years ago when I used to lead worship in Church, I used to comment (at home) about those that would just stand there and look miserable.

Well----drum roll please----I am now one of those people.

Music is subjective---different genres appeal to different people, it is a generational thing.

My ear and musical ability tend to cause me to pull faces and utter sighs if I hear a wrong note/chord/overly loud music/mis-pronounced words and read poor grammar.

That is why I am one of those that stand with a glum face when in Church hearing loud music with no clarity of sound.

Sadly, it doesn't help me to "engage" in worship. So, whereas in the past the elderly people put up with/suffered my leading/and were patient with me, I recognise the need to be the same those those leading in my Church.

Not that everything I did was perfect and right, but I see people making the same mistakes/having the same drive as I. Could they learn from my experience? Would it be right to "share" with them? Would it be seen as helpful or Kevin just expressing his opinion---again?

Lent---day six

2011-03-14T18:46:00.002Z

Being someone who displays traits of Aspegers it is an annoyance to me when people make up words to emphasize a point to support their philosophy e.g. followship. Ever heard of it before? No, neither have I.

So, what shall I do? Contact the person concerned and challenge their use of english or just ignore it?

Being a person who expresses his opinion when things annoy him, not only concerning words, or the misuse of existing ones, or the apparent cult of personality, or the not helping those dear to me, it is apparent that some people are fed up with my commenting on FB/Twitter et al about the same. To these people I am an orange peg.

After a discussion with my significant other who helps me try to understand why I am like I am, and why others are like they are I thought about making the following post to Twitter:

To some, I am apparently a blue peg,
To others, I am an orange peg - - -get over it!

but was advised not to.

So am now thinking posting:

Orange pegs need to be understood - not judged.

This statement is directed to me as well as to others---kind of a "physician heal thyself" scenario.

So here's to trying to understand why some people insist on creating new words - nouveaulexicon.

Lent---day five

2011-03-13T12:56:00.003Z

Up earlier today (for a Sunday) to go to the first service at Church...9.15 start! Oh what an effort to rollout of bed.

Guest speaker today was Derek Smith from Kings Church (being a pedant, is there an apostrophe missing?) Interesting preach on coloured pegs:

Red - bad moments in life
Green - good moments in life
Blue - people God sends along to have around to help
Orange - those people that are an annoyance and hindrance.

Caused me to think,

Who would I ring at a time when I needed some Godly Advice? (blue peg)
Am I an orange peg to some?

I have deleted some "friends" from FB who are not blue pegs to me but also some for whom I may be an orange peg.

It's interesting at this time of abstinence from Facebook that I have learned there are people who do understand and accept me for being the opinionated person that I am, these are the ones that still make contact with me. Others, who perhaps don't understand me and see me as an orange peg, have made no contact and maybe have even deleted me from their lists.

At present time, I find myself getting frustrated and annoyed by the behaviour and apparent attitudes of others. So much so that I am feeling low and despondent. Am I carrying someone else's monkey? Am I concerning myself with things I don't need to concern myself with? Am I mis-interpreting situations? Do I need to "get a life"?

This last week, I was offered a couple of tickets to go and see my home town football team play. All "friends" I thought about taking are either season ticket holders anyway or were invloved in a conference at Church. Sitting in the ground all alone, I then remembered someone with whom I have had very little contact with over the last couple of years and yet lives less than half a mile from my home.

Maybe it's time to re-establish regular contact and accept him for who and how he is just as others accept me the same way.

So what else have I learned in this first week of Lent?

I have come to see that FB is a means to communicate with friends in a cheap-no-effort-blasé kind of way. It’s easy to post on my wall and hope people notice and commenty and then to post one liners on others’ walls wondering if they will read and reply. It has shown me that there are other means e.g. messenger-see someone online and engage in conversation, send a text, pick up phone and ring someone up.

Facebook is lazy. Facebook can be used as a force for good, (catching up with friends from years back) but often through misunderstanding has the opposite effect. Friendship takes effort. Facebook is easy.

Maybe it's time for me to make an effort.

Lent---day four

2011-03-12T18:23:00.002Z

Been an odd day today. Slept through to about 9.30 other than being disturbed when Lauren went out early. Have felt very tired and for an unknown reason very low.

Went to the allotment and tidied the netting over the fruit bushes and replaced some red onions that had been disturbed. Next week I shall have to rotovate the ground and get potatoes in.

I had been given a ticket by my son-in-law to go and see Portsmouth play Middlesborough in the afternoon. I didn't feel liek going and don;t like going by myself. But I did go a walked the 1 1/2 miles to the ground and sat in the upper south section---good view but the quality of language from neighbouring supporters was somewhat choice. That didn't add to the enjoyment of a drab 0-0 result :(

Today, I have thought about logging onto FB "just to see who is around" but have stayed clear. Only one friend has logged onto MSN so far today although that may change as we enter the evening hours. I do hope so.

Lauren has been at the Empower Conference yesterday evening and today, so with her being out of the house this evening we shall be having fish for tea :) Cod with peas and spuds.....luvverly.

Am I going cold turkey?

Lent---day three

2011-03-11T19:20:00.004Z

I read today that giving up Social Networking is number 9 on the most popular things people give up for Lent. Chocolate being number one and alcohol being number two.

Facebook is sooooooo last year! I must say that I have found not accessing FB very easy and not much of a challenge.

So, should I now venture to not logging into MSN Messenger and Twitter?

Would people be willing to sponsor me £1 for every day that I do not log onto my laptop and access Messenger and Twitter, to help raise money for Lauren to go to Zimbabwe with Overland Missions this coming August?

For those who are reading this on FB thinking I have cheated, I have not logged onto FB to post this but have linked to FB from my blog.

Lent---day two

2011-03-10T19:08:00.002Z

Wow----two days in and I am not missing Facebook. Of course I am still getting texts and emails when people post on my wall, but I have resisted the temptation to log in a reply/comment.

In fact, there is no temptation! :)

Bit of news - I cycled home from work today for the first time this year. The fact that there was a strong following wind for most of the trip had no bearing on my decision----yeah right ;)

Lent---day one.

2011-03-09T20:09:00.002Z

Lent is the time of year when people "gve up something for Lent."

So, other than giving up chocolate (which I have cut back on anyway) or red wine (of which I have so few bottles left) I have decided to avoid logging onto Facebook.

Why Facebook? Well, I have the FB application on my iPhone which is on 24/7 and I am logged into FB whenever my laptop is turned on which is generally every evening

In order to show a high degree of self-control and prove that I am not addicted to FB I ahve decided to avoid FB for 40 days of Lent.

Many friends are of the opinion that I will not last more than 12 hours. Well, being the obstinate, stubborn and determined person that I am---I will succeed.

At the end of this day, I have succeeded so far---here's to another 39!

Time flies

2011-03-06T14:50:00.003Z

Sitting here on a quiet Sunday afternoon surfing I thought, let's look at my blog. So I did and shock horror----it hasn't been updated since before last Christmas!!!! Where has time gone?

And so it came to pass at the start of the second week of the third month of the 53rd year of the life of Kevin that he began to reflect on life since the last post.

Christmas came and went, another New Year was seen in at KND, another birthday was celebrated/remembered, this year's summer vacation has been booked (Switzerland again-where else?), many courses and seminars have been attended for work and a long weekend away been booked for May to spend with my long standing friend Brian.

How does one "become" gay or has one always been that way? Is it a life-style choice or part of of one's DNA? Knowing the truth of God's word and choosing a life-style that is contrary to that---is that brave or foolish? Why and how?

So looking forward it

Hopefully, my next post will not be so long in coming

Looking back

2010-12-24T13:57:00.002Z

Yesterday - 23rd - was my last working day of 2010. The completion of my first year at FBC. Looking back over the last 12 months and considering all that has happened, I can summise it all by saying I am one truly blessed man.

I am so grateful for:
my job
my wife
my kids
my grand kiddies
my friends
my home
my half a thumb
my good health (confirmed again today by hospital)

Jehovah Jireh

This is the day . . .

2010-12-18T13:30:00.002Z

of our Christmas Spectacular. Months of planning. Features organised. Rehearsals attended. VIP guests invited. Publicity printed and dispersed. So much activity.

And we awake to snow. What if the weather gets worse? The Brass Band may not be able to make the journey! Other performers may become snow bound! People may decide to stay at home in the warm rather than venture out in the cold and traverse the icy pavements and roads!

Time to panic or time to chill (like the weather) ?

Do we pray that the weather will improve? That God will over rule nature...well he does have form in that area.

Do we accept that what will be will be?

Well as I write, the sky is blue. The sun is out. Here's to a good evening :)

One year on

2010-12-16T22:10:00.002Z

Tomorrow, Friday 17th, is the one year anniversary of me leaving PCC and moving to my new role in Fareham BC. So to celebrate, I am going to meet up with my old colleagues as they have their Christmas meal.

I have truly enjoyed my new role with its many challenges, learning opportunities and realising the significance of the role. I have the pleasure of working with a great bunch of people. It has been thrilling to learn that Emma (my immediate colleague) was invited to one of the sister congregations of my Church by a mutual Facebook friend and that she became a Christian on her first visit. She is now attending our weekly Bible College and is growing in her faith. PTL.

On inviting another close working colleague to our Christmas Spectacular, I learn that she and hubby used to go to Church but on moving to an area where there is no Church they ceased in their attendance. PTL she is coming to celebrate Christmas with us. Praying that she will start Church again in New Year.

At this year's Christmas Spectacular, instead of leading the Choir, I will be co-hosting the many Civic dignatories who have been invited to attend. An excellent opportunity for our city leaders to hear the Gospel of the Christ Child whom we celebrate.

So as I come to end of 2010; it is a time for reflection and thankfulness, and a time for looking to the future knowing that it is in His hands.

2010-11-13T22:20:00.001Z

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2010-10-23T00:33:00.001+01:00

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2010-10-22T11:50:00.001+01:00

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Trafalgar Day

2010-10-21T13:50:00.004+01:00

Today - 21st October - is Trafalgar Day when we in UK remember Admiral Lord Nelson's fleet defeating the combined fleets fo France and Spain and what is affectionally known as The Battle of Trafalgar.

My hometown, Portsmouth, has in its dockyard; Nelson's flagship HMS Victory together with a school named after the great man, a monument paid for by his loyal crew, a statue close to where he took his last steps on English soil.

Hope you enjoy looking at the pictures.

2010-10-21T13:45:00.001+01:00

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2010-10-20T17:39:00.001+01:00

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2010-10-15T18:18:00.001+01:00

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2010-10-14T16:09:00.001+01:00

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Arfer

2010-10-05T17:32:00.004+01:00

On getting results of the biopsy that I have again got Acreal Lentiginous Melanoma, the consultants decided to a partial amputation of my right hand thumb.

Being right hand dominant and a pianist, time will tell how I am affected in playing the piano. Not being a proper typist, I am not too hindered in using keyboard on laptop as I am a two fingered typist.

I haven't been able to see the handy work of the surgeon as the heavily padded bandage does not come off for another week. I have been advised though that it will look like Frankenthumb initially. Maybe, just maybe, I will post a pic ;)

2010-09-04T13:59:00.001+01:00

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2010-08-31T18:56:00.001+01:00

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This year since last time

2010-08-30T16:54:00.016+01:00

Still enjoying my new job. Very challenging...lots to learn...lots to remember.

Been on holiday to Interlaken again (4th year on the trot) and had a weekend away in Basingstoke visiting Oxford and Odiham.

Been told by doctors that my cancer has returned---now waiting to hear what they are going to do about it and when. Guess I will have to get used to day time TV again---groan.

Enjoy the snaps.

Been told that.........

2010-04-05T21:35:00.006+01:00

I haven't posted here for a while and on checking...it's true, I haven't ;)

So what's happened? Been in new role for three months so have decided to take one week's leave to recharge ready for the close down of year-end accounts. There has been so much to read and learn, trying to get to grips with IFRS and wondering how I will understand how to restate the 0910 accounts when I am learning how to state 0910 under UK GAAP!

On the football front, Portsmouth FC have become the first Premiew League team to enter administration and have 9 points deducted. This has almost confirmed our relegation. Despite the lack of money, the firesale of star players, etc we have reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup for the second season in three. The semi final is against Tottenham Hotspur managed by an ex-manager and several ex-Pompey players just to add to the spice of the situation.

In England, we have a saying: March winds, April showers bring forth, May flowers. Well the weather this year to date has been awful. Snow in January, seemingly endless rain, veyr little sunshine. Today, Easter Monday we ahve had a dry day, sunshine but strong southerly winds....just right for a bracing walk along the seafront in Portsmouth.

Well that's it for now - - happy reading and surfing...fire up the Quattro!

A new year, a new year and another year older

2010-02-06T18:19:00.003Z

We saw the New Year in with good friends Nigel, Judith and Josh. Nigel used to be a boss of mine in another career and we became friends. As is our practice we celebrated at Kitsch N D'Or who did the most awesome 6 course meal for the princely sum of £35 which included a glass of champagne.

The year was barely a week old when we had real snow. This caused traffic chaos and over the next few days some roads were barely passable with the snow having turned to thick ice. All long gone now and we look forward to warmer days.

Having counted down the weeks, days and even seconds to my leaving previous employment I now realise I have now completed 4 weeks in my new job. Certainly time doeth fly by.

FBC seems a very good place to work...people very welcoming....a good bunch to work with.....the bike and train journey to and from is not bad.....the field of work has presented a steep learning curve.....opportunity to read up on technical aspects of accounting and advise senior management.....life is good :)

Last weekend was my 51st birthday. I spent it with those near and dear to me (other than youngest who is still away at Uni) and of course it involved food. On the Saturday, Joy & I went to an "all you can eat" Indian restuarant in Fareham - "Cafe Tusk". On the Sunday we went to Kitsch N D'Or again with our eldest and her crew. It is nice to be on first name terms with the owners and as usual the quality and quantity of food was first class. Here's some pictures -- enjoy. (to follow)

And now the time has come for us to . . .

2009-12-26T17:44:00.004Z

draw the final curtain? I hope not, but it is soon time to draw the curtain on the present decade and open one on the new. Looking back over the last 10 years I have had so many life changing experiences and I can concur with the Bible in Roms 8 v 28---"all things work together for good to those that love God and are called according to His purpose."

I embarked on a new career in late 1999 qualified in 2006 and start a new significant job in Jan 2010.

I had cancer removed in 2006 and am still free from it :)

I now two gorgeous grand-daughters and still have two very beautiful daughters :)

I have caught up again with many friends from my past through the services of Facebook and FriendsReunited....Brian, Brendan, Steve, Pauline and Gareth , and Viv.

I have made many new friends through the same sources.... Bob and Bill in USA, Allan in Oz and soon to be Taz, Chris and Ray in Devon, Ang & Baz in Suffolk

It truly is a small world when you compare friend's friends lists and see connections.

One thing I have learned is that I am a person of many opinions (aka self-opinionated) and am learning that not everyone shares them with me despite me sharing them with them! ;)

Age is teaching me that when I was young I was not as sensitive and understanding towards to those who were my elders. Now I am an elder to those younger than me, I can see me as I was in them as they are. We shall see if I can pass one the benefit of my experience to them before they perhaps have similar regrets that I may have.... tee hee.

So as we draw the noughties to a close, it remains for me to say thank you to all those who have had an impact upon my life-----"thank you"---here's to the "teenies?"

Three days left and I have been naughty

2009-12-15T22:06:00.003Z

Time is running out, the seconds are counting down and I am left with:

one full working day at PCC
one day in London
and then the final day.

This week is full of meals out:

Pizza Hut on Monday
Kitsch N D'Or on Tuesday & Wednesday
Lunch supplied at seminar on Thursday
Team Christmas meal on Friday

All of the above has meant that our grocery bill was lower as I am not needing to eat when I get home in the evenings. Although this evening I have just eaten a whole bar of chocolate---how bad is that?

AIM TO PERFECTION - SETTLE FOR EXCELLENCE

2009-12-05T19:49:00.002Z

Four weeks to go

2009-11-21T11:31:00.002Z

Right now, some of you are counting down to Christmas and are thinking that I have got my sums wrong (far be it for an accountant to do that!)

No--"four weeks to go" is the time left for me at my current place of work. I joined the authority 10 years ago as an unqualified finance assistant having decided to embark on a new career in accountancy.

Having completed the AAT exams in one year and then obtaining first time passes with CIMA finishing in 2006 I am leaving to join another authority as their Corporate Accountant.

I am been through a range of emotions since applying for that role----the nerves of the interview---wondering if I really want the job----if they offer it will I accept-----accepting and thinking wow------accepted and thinking oh oh ---------resigning and thinking gosh------wanting to remain committed and professional as I plan for my departure-----feeling anxious about the future role----will they like me---will they accept me------will I settle in-----will I pass the probation period--------will I cope------can I learn all I need to-------saying good bye to colleagues I have got to know some which I can call friends------so many emotions.

I am grateful for all the opportunities that have been given me over the last 10 years but it is now time to move on to pastures new. So for SM & SP who appointed me in the beginning, for JF in supporting me during a tough time, for HT & PP for providing honest feedback and providing help and guidance...I am most grateful.

It is not a case of the grass being greener in the new authority - - - -but I will be!

A day on the Orient Express

2009-10-25T21:56:00.005Z

For my 50th birthday, my wife gave me a voucher for a trip on the Orient Express. That was 9 months ago duriung which time we did our best to save up so that she could come with me!

So today was our day. So much fine food, wine and champers. Luxurious and worth every penny (pound).

At last!

2009-10-18T19:57:00.003+01:00

Having sought promotion with my current employer for some time I recently applied for a job with a neighbouring authority. I have my dear friend and colleague Paul to thank for advising me that there was a post available.

So the application was completed and I was delighted to be called for an interview on Thursday.

For those that know me, I am one of these people that "what you see, is what you get" applies. There is no pretence with me.....I have a tendancy to put in throw-away comments trying to find something funny in any situation. Not always appropriate especially in interview situations, but hey! that's me.

So it was with great surprise on Friday I received a phone call offering me the position. Gobsmacked or what? Pleasantly surprised! In shock--definately.

My team are genuinely pleased for me-----Paul is gutted that we won't be working together again------and despite our early differences, the girls will also miss me :)

So with two month's notice to serve----it is time to ensure my job is up-to-date, ensure I leave a positive impression and encourage lots of people to contribute to my leaving present :)

In case any colleagues are reading this, I would like a really nice and expensive bottle of fine red wine......tee hee

Thank you

Holiday 09

2009-08-28T21:33:00.008+01:00

For the third year running we holidayed at Hotel Goldey, Interlaken. Maybe it's a sign of old age or being a tad traditional that we again visited this gem of a hotel by the banks of the River Aare that flows outside and looks towards the Jungfrau. We have learned that we are not the only people to revisit as again this year we met Keith & Barabara from Nr Blackpool---what a character he is! It is worth going back to meet them again.

We have established a good rapport with Monika the Head Waitress whose standard of English is improving year on year. I take great pleasure in winding her up ;)

Barbara the Head Receptionist greeted us a valued customers remembering us from the previous two year's visits.

Ah--the laptop-----I am on my 3rd lappy in 3 years---I do not have much success in keeping them alive. Even this new one of one month has caused me grief this week------firstly, it failed to operate iTunes properly, then said that I was not properly protected with McAfee, then failed to complete the start up process----I was just about to take it back to the suppliers--Novatech----when a call to their technical support proved most worthwhile. Solution----F8---computer repair----select keyboard layout----log in----revert to a ststem restore point----et voila!!!! All is well with the world---or at least my lappy for a while.

This summer my local football team--Pompey--have lived a roller-caoster ride. The owner wanted to sell---the prospectove buyer was not laying cash on the table---our star players were being sold to reduce debt---no new players were coming in-But rest assured the deal was completed this week and now we have bought half a team in 3 days----PFC would not be PFC if life went smoothly.

Good morning, this is GOD.

2009-05-29T22:42:00.002+01:00

Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help. If you encounter a situation you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFGTD (Something For God To Do) box. It will be addressed in MY TIME, not yours.

Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it nor remove it. Holding on or removal will delay the resolution of your problem. If it is a situation you think you are capable of handling, please consult me in prayer to be sure that it is the proper resolution. Because I do not sleep, nor do I slumber, there is no need for you to lose any sleep. Please rest my child.

If you need to contact me, I am only a prayer away. My prayer line is open 24 hours of your day. I love you and will always be with you wherever you may go. As with all good things, pass my message on.

A day in the life of . . . .

2009-03-02T18:40:00.018Z

I don't know why.

2009-02-08T20:04:00.003Z

Following on form my previous post, this last Saturday we had the privilege of having Ken Burton come to our Church to run a Gospel Workshop.

It is so true that the ability to sing "true" Gospel can only come from the experience of knowing Jesus as Saviour. It comes from a soul that is connected to Heaven rather than from a head knowledge of singing and playing a technique.

In my informative teenage years, I listened to and played the music of Andrae Crouch. This afternoon, I contacted my dear friends Google and YouTube and came across some videos of AC singing and playing from his experience.

I don't know why, Jesus loved me.
I don't know why, He cared.
I don't know why, He sacrificed His life
Oh, but I'm glad, I'm glad He did.

Where would I be if Jesus didn't love me?
Where would I be, if Jesus didn't care?
Where would I be if he hadn't sacrificed His life?
Oh, but I'm glad, I'm glad He did
So glad He did, so glad He did.

He left His mighty throne in Glory,
To bring to us redemption's story,
Then He died but He rose again just for you and me
Oh and I am glad, I'm glad He did.

I don't know why, Jesus loved me.
I don't know why, He cared.
I don't know why, He sacrificed His life,
Oh, but I'm glad, I'm glad He did.
So glad He did, so glad He did.

Through revisiting the music of my youth (I hit 50 last week) I am gaining inspiration for moving on with FC:the Choir. Maybe it's a sign of old age in looking back, but I am so grateful for those who input into my life and led me to knowing Jesus.

His eye is on the sparrow

2009-01-17T16:38:00.008Z

Having been asked to form a choir for our Church Christmas Spectacular (www.family-church.org.uk) I decided that it should have a Gospel feel. Such was the response from those that joined in, we are considering progressing the choir to be a permanent feature rather than one that gets resurrected at Christmas time.

I have since been researching, listening to and attending Gospel choir workshops to enable me to bring the choir on. Browsing through "YouTube", I came across several versions of an old hymn being sung. I don't know how many of the singers know God as their Heavenly Father and Jesus, His Son, as Saviour, but to this of us that do, these words speak of personal experience and knowledge of His love for us.

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy.
I sing because I'm free.
His eye is on the sparrow.
And I know He watches me.

With thanks to Civilla D Martin (words) Sister Act, Lauryn Hill, Tanya Blount and above all my Heavenly Father.

A walk in the woods

2008-10-31T19:42:00.012Z

Another visit to the Basingstoke Canal

2008-10-27T20:17:00.019Z

Return to Interlaken

2008-08-03T02:21:00.017+01:00

Although I have been back from Switzerland for 7 days, on my return I discovered that my laptop was malfunctioning. So after sending it to a repairer I get it back today resulting in this evening being spent downloading and uploading photographs......enjoy.

This was for me perhaps my best holiday so far. I did tandem-paragliding and white water rafting. The feelings of anxiety before the rafting were expected but once we were in the water and on our way the feeling of exhilaration was unbelievable...definately an activity for next year.

We also found a tobaggan run that was probably for kids but we were big kids for the afternoon....that was so cool and again a definate activity for next year---woooooooo.

We met some fellows Brits whilst away, Keith and Barbara from Blackpool and David and Lesley from Weston-Super-Mare. There was no swapping of addresses...snail or email...such brief encounters.

Visiting the Hotel Goldey for the second year running we soon discovered other people revisit the hotel...maybe we are geting old and set in our ways. Keith and Barbara are in their 15th year of visiting!!!! Yes I do want to go again next year because there were things we didn't get to do this year and besides... I like the place :)

Recognising that we are not the fittest people in the world we decided not to go walking up mountains. So in our ignorance decided to walk down from Kleinne Scheigge to Grindelwald...oh boy...what a mistake. We were warned that when walking downhill you use different muscles but we either didn't believe or understand the warning. After walking for over two hours Joy started walking backwards as her legs, knees and muscles were aching. Still the views were beautiful.

Here's to next year.

Time marches on .........................................

2008-06-23T20:18:00.004+01:00

here we are, the 23rd of June wondering where this year is going. They say time flies when you are enjoying yourself or that is passes quicker with age.

This is my second summer of not having to revise and take exams ........ woo hoo! :) so to keep my mind active, thanks to my dear friend Chris who lent me The Innocent Man, rather than reading books only when I go away on holiday I have been reading John Grisham books that I have not read before. Of his list of excellent novels I have managed to secure one of the first copies of "Playing for Pizza" at our local library.

I can thoroughly recommend: Slipping Christmas, The Painted House (I fought back tears at the end) The Chamber (is legalised killing lawful?) The Appeal (with money you can buy anything) and so my list goes on and on.

I still continue to be on secondment at work...it's only 11 months since I was appointed and still the powers that me can't seem to come to a decision that not only affects my position but also that of a colleague. On the plus side...I am gaining experience that will add to the CV...on the down side......I cannot see one :) Any experience is good!

In five weeks time I shall be relaxing in Switzerland. Before then I shall be welcoming my youngest daughter back from her first year away at University, celebrating 27 years of marriage to Joy, celebrating my grand-daughter's third birthday, harvesting summer produce from my allotment (is eating cherries from my cherry tree as I type this ....yum yum), completing 12 months in my role at work...... oh and planning what I would like to do whilst on holiday.

Last year we did tandem hang-gliding. For someone who does not have a head for heights this was a major achievement. This year we want to try tandem para-gliding and if I can persuade Joy, we shall be doing white water rafting too...all this on top of trotti-biking down mountains and a bit of walking. Did I mention relaxing in Switzerland? Of course I did! So we shall be taking train trips up mountains, taking gondola rides up and down mountains, lounging on top deck of cruisers across the lakes, resting outside our hotel listening to the clear blue waters rush by with a book in one hand and drink in another.

Ah bliss! May the next five weeks fly by and the succeeding 10 days go so slow.

Easter 2008

2008-03-24T20:08:00.015Z

This year we travelled down to Devon and whilst we stayed in a Hotel http://www.accorhotels.com/accorhotels/fichehotel/gb/mer/6624/fiche_hotel.shtml

we did meet up with and spend time with a good friend whom I first met on the web. http://christinechapmansworld.blogspot.com/

I first met Chris whilst playing backgammon whilst msn operated the "zone". When that closed we maintained contact and now enjoy games found in Facebook whilst also playing Reversi. Chris is a scrabble player of some note and tests my knowledge of the inglish language. When it comes to Scramble he/she who thinks quickest wins!

Chris and my wife Joy were at the same university in the 70s training to be teachers. We discovered that they stayed in same halls of residence even though Chris was one year ahead. Tis indeed a small world.

Chris and her hubby Ray took us on a good walk along cliffs where I was able to take some shots of the stunning scenery.

For two couples who have not met before, we got on fabulously well. We were treated to a good meal in their home and could have chatted "till the cows came home"---except the cows didn't appear. But before then, we were taken for a walk along the cliffs near Sidmouth to Ladram Bay and back! Coming from Portsmouth which is an island with level ground (the higest point is a bridge over the railway), a walk up and down hills helped me discover muscles not known before and lungs that need some further exercise.

A more sedate walk around Sidmouth followed from where I was able to take more photographs. The geology is most unique in this area with its differing colours of sandstone. This is part of the Jurassic coast and further eastwards it is possible to see fossils of dinosaurs from a former age...and that doesn't include the local residents!!!!!!

On Easter Sunday we took a drive to Dunsford Wood and took a walk alongside the River Teign a most picturesque area full of wild daffodils. The cutest bit was when we came across a family of three generations out for a walk. Whilst the baby of the family was being carried the young girl aged about 3 was at the back of the pack with her father finding painted eggs that had mysteriously been placed along the route at the base of trees. Was a wonderful sight to see, a family out together enjoying the Easter weekend and taking part in a past time that has brought pleasure to many a young family May the magic continue for this little girl and her younger brother/sister.

I will add to this post as time proceeds but in the meantime---enjoy the photos.

Sunset over the city

2008-02-18T19:18:00.002Z

Had the most glorious sunset this evening so I rushed upstairs with camera and clicked away---hope you enjoy. Thank you for stopping by.

Yet more things to be grateful for

2008-02-06T16:37:00.002Z

73 - Flexi time

74 - The power of answered prayer

75 - The growing maturity of my kids

76 - The internet

77 - God's provision

78 - Technology

79 - Seedtime & harvest

80 - A happy working environment

81 - Messenger

82 - Texting

83 - Email (except junk mail)

84 - Music to play

85 - Music to listen to

86 - Pancakes!

87 - Sunsets

88 - Days off work!

89 - Digital picture frames----they make my pics look better

90 - Peace

91 - Quietness

92 - Water

93 - Forgiveness

94 - New friendships

95 - A helpful boss

96 - The opportunity to learn from mistakes

97 - New knowledge

98 - My garden and allotment

99 - My bed

100 - The future and beyond

More things to be grateful for

2008-01-14T18:53:00.001Z

51 - Good health

52 - Food to eat

53 - Another car passing its MOT!

54 - Being asked to help

55 - Being able to help

56 - The reducing mortgage!

57 - Friends who play Scrabble---it keeps my brain cells ticking over

58 - 2008 and what it has in store for me :-)

59 - For eyes that see

60 - For ears that hear

61 - Deadlines met

62 - Friends that share

63 - Gifts received

64 - Being able to have breakfast out

65 - Generosity of a good friend

66 - Another Pompey win! :-)

67 - For food in the cupboard

68 - Prayers answered

69 - Compliments of my work from my boss

70 - Heat in our home

71 - Food in the cupboard

72 - Another birthday, another year

An attitude of gratitude.

2007-11-24T18:45:00.000Z

This could take a long time and involve a lot of brain searching, but this is the start.

1 - Friends

2 - Family

3 - Life

4 - Love

5 - My work

6 - My work colleagues

7 - My faith

8 - Today

9 - Yesterday

10 - Tomorrow

11 - My home

12 - The internet

13 - Google!!

14 - My wife

15 - My kids

16 - Both of them!

17 - Andy Elmes and his teaching

18 - My allotment

19 - Mama

20 - Life's experiences

21 - The low times

22 - The high times

23 - My grand-daughter who has just come for a hug

24 - For the pound in my pocket

25 - My neighbours

26 - Good health

27 - Red wine!!!

28 - Shrek - for making me laugh

29 - Deep pan pizza

30 - God's Grace

31 - Noise - -because it means I have people around me

32 - Quietness - so that I can feel still again!

33 - Chocolate

34 - Days off

35 - The crunch of autumn leaves under foot

36 - Deadlines met

37 - Support of colleagues

38 - The happiness of my youngest

39 - The smile of my grand-daughter

40 - My warm house

41 - A car that passed its MOT again

42 - God's provision

43 - Cooking

44 - Excel!

45 - A safe journey

46 - Learning opportunities

47 - A lift home

48 - The crispness of frosty grass

49 - Abundant life

50 - My recliner armchair!

A weekend in Basingstoke!!!!!!

2007-10-22T15:09:00.000+01:00

For those of you who know Basingstoke, you will be amazed to hear that we like going there for the occasional weekend break. For those of you who don't know Basingstoke...it is basically a concrete jungle just off the M3 in southern England.

Now the reason for going there--------during our stay in Easter this year we discovered the restored Basingstoke Canal that runs from Greywell in Hampshire to Woodham in Surrey ---seeing the plants and trees blossoming and budding in Spring we thought we would visit again in Autumn.

http://www.basingstoke-canal.co.uk/index.htm

On Saturday we took a walk from the Fox & Hounds pub in Fleet to the George Hotel in Odiham---very beautiful with the winter sun shining through the trees--lots of photos taken-----and muscles that have not been used for a longtime being put through their paces....seeing as the round trip is about 19 miles!!!!

For Sunday, we decided to walk from the Fox & Hounds in an easterly direction towards Farnborough---only managed four miles as legs ached too much.

Today we are back home.but as it is half-term week and I too am on leave from work I am sure we will find more things to do and explore.

A day to celebrate

2007-10-07T17:44:00.000+01:00

Coupled with the 5th being my wife's birthday, it was also the occasion of my eldest daughter graduating from University. The day was warm and sunny....seemingly most unseasonable for an October day....more sun this week than we have had all summer (or so it seems)

Hannah completed her degree whilst also bringing up baby Ria. Full credit to her for achieving a 2:1 and being a good mummy.

Thankfully I have a digital camera as I took over 120 photographs----in the pre-diggy days I would have been limited to taking 36 and having to wait to see the quality of the shots.

Whoever invented digi-cams---thankyou!

It is with sadness

2007-09-22T11:42:00.000+01:00

At work I have been covering for someone who has been on long-term sick leave. After two and a half months away, he started back this week on a phased basis but on failing to appear on Wednesday or Thursday, the team were concerned. Our line and HR managers went round to his house, where upon arriving they called the police who entered the house and found his body. It seems he took his own life.

Such a tragedy and waste of a life.

Hindsight being a wonderful thing---the team have reflected on this weekend and are convinced that he had planned the event coming into work for just two days to finalise some personal arrangements.

What drives someone to the place where they think there is no other solution but to end their life?

What does one do in those final moments before taking that irretrievable step?

How does one feel when you know you are not going to see friends and family again...carrying that awful secret away with you as you smile and say "goodbye, see you tomorrow!"

All those years at college studying does not prepare you for the feeling of emptiness and void that exists when you know there is no turning back of the clock....to think "if only I did this...if only I did that......what were my last words to him?....could I, should I have spotted something was wrong when I was with him?"

So for us that remain, we are left dealing with our own emotions, comforting one another and passing through a period of grieving.

Life goes on----but for one, it doesn't.

RIP Dave

Another stage in life

2007-09-18T19:42:00.000+01:00

Sunday saw us taking youngest daughter to University. Day one of year one of her three year course.

Travelling on a Sunday, silly me thought the M25 would be reasonably free traffic and no road works....how foolish. Road widening south of the Dartford crossing was unexpected. ...grrr. The A12 saw us join a trail of motorbikes who were heading east for a rally somewhere---hundreds of them---talk about dangerous driving--oops riding--swerving in and out of the traffic.

We arrived at the halls of residence which are very nice. Lauren, who expected me to load the car with her luggage at home was soon in action grabbing bags and rushing up to the fourth floor and her new home.

Once she had put everything in place and introduced herself to the girl next door---she no longer wanted/needed her parents around and it was time for us to say our goodbyes.

We then met up with friends I had made through playing online backgammon---enjoying a nice meal at Cafe Rouge. Being Joy's first time of meeting Baz & Ang...we all got on very well.....here's to meeting them again.

Why do I not like interviews?

2007-08-28T18:28:00.000+01:00

Another job interview....another unsuccessful one :-(

Time to look elsewhere? Ask for exposure to wider experience where I am?

Please advise

Well . . .. . that was it!

2007-08-07T20:14:00.001+01:00

http://www.interlaken.ch/index.php?id=53&L=3
This was fun! http://www.grindelwald.com/summer-uk.php?frameset=1
This was relaxation!
http://switzerland.isyours.com/e/guide/berner_oberland/thun.html

This was our Hotel ---well recommended as a peaceful location --- 5 minutes walk from the town centre http://www.goldey.ch/sites/e/index.php

Contact Bernie for the best hang-gliding experience! http://www.hangglidinginterlaken.com/

Tuesday---time to travel home. Just as well because weather forecast for rest of week in Interlaken is rain.

We trundled off to railway station wearing water-proof coat and leggings stopping off at Coop Pronto for Foccacia bread to eat at lunch time and get cheap bars for Swiss chocolate for pressies. I did read on someone else's blog that the Coop Interlaken is best and cheapest place to buy Swiss choccy---they weren't wrong. So if you are from work and have eaten the pressies I got for you-----I didn't spend a fortune on you!!!! But as they say---it's the thought that counts---even if it was an after thought- - -lol

Our faith in the Swiss rail system was shattered today---our train was 7 minutes late in leaving Inetrlaken Ost. We should have boarded it at Interlaken West but knowing that the previous train was running late we travelled back to Interlaken Ost to meet our train.

As we travelled posh this week we went in first class top deck of train with panoramic view....it was good and well worth the extra expense.

Arriving at Zurich Flughafen we went again to the lost & found luggage desk to reclaim ChFr300 for their losing our luggage. They did allow us to view the store of unclaimed luggage they are holding but sadly ours was not there.

I tried to get a free upgrade with Swiss Air for trip home but they would only give me upgrade if I paid ChFR250!!!---fat chance. I reckon once on the plane they only had about 5 in business class---what would it have cost them to allow me to sit there!

Landing in Heathrow we were pleased to see our new suitcase on the carousel---it is possible not to lose luggage!! We then went to baggage enquiries in the hope they had details of our cases' whereabouts. On telling them that the case had my medication which had my name on it, the kind lady did a further search on the computer (that was linked to a dot matrix printer that rattled on its stand----lol---do they still exist?????) and lo and behold she said---"I think we have it".....for luggage not claimed within 5 days it gets stored in something called "the old cage"...and there it was---all intact and nothing missing.

I know there has been a lot of bad press about British Airways and baggage handling------they had nowt to do with ours----Swiss Air somehow managed to egt my case onto Alitalia!!!! How mad is that?????

A big thank you to Celtic Private Hire 0800 0325 472 http://www.celtic-privatehire.co.uk/ info@celtic-privatehire.co.uk who gave us a good price and good return journey to and from Heathrow. Drinks and magazines available and dvd player for rear seat passengers. Available for airport trips, theatre trips, shopping trips to London-----give them a call!

We had resigned ourselves to not seeing our luggage again---so having had a really good and most excellent holiday, to get our case bag at the end was a real bonus.

My only disappointment is that I did not have my digital slr to take loads of pictures whilst away.

So next year the camera is going as hand luggage!!!!

2007-08-06T20:51:00.000+01:00

That was the day that was

2007-08-06T20:28:00.000+01:00

Monday---plan for today was----pressie shopping, cruise on Brienerzee to Brienz and back (without getting off) and then para-gliding to round off this most amazing holiday.

Ok----so we did some quick shopping---mainly new shorts for me to be paid for by Swissair seeing as they lost my luggage 9 days ago! Hot sunny day so just right for sitting up top sun deck for first class passengers (we have been posh this week!).....trip lasted just over 3 hours----finished off film in disposable camera.

Having disembarked we power walked back to hotel and then to photographers to hand in two cameras for developing. Hiked it back to meeting place for para-gliding. There we met family from Solihull. The pilots then chatted ot us and advised that because the wind was strong up the mountain we would not be able to para-glide-----we could end up in Austria!!!!! It must have been bad for the chaps to turn down chance of earning ChFr150 each!!!!!

Whilst it would have been nice to end holiday para-gliding, it did mean I saved myself ChFr300. So whilst waiting to collect pictures we did more pressie shopping and then again sat at Cafe Schuh and each had two half-litres of local brew. Swiss TV were in Interlaken today doing a live program about local traditions and customs. The unkind person would say people were dressed in fancy-dress whereas others would call it national costume.

Hope you enjoy the pictures. Now. who would like to join us next year for a holiday in Interlaken? Please leave a comment!!!!!

Today I have been mostly . .. . . .

2007-08-05T21:01:00.001+01:00

going up and down mountains in cable cars (gondolas) and trains.

The views are awesome---pictures cannot always portray how you feel actually being there.

Hoping to come back next year.

Tomorrow we shall be cruising on a lake and then para-gliding.

Who's miserable?

2007-08-04T17:08:00.000+01:00

Friday------enjoyed the scooter ride down from Bort to Grindelwald so much we decided to do it again. So, took cable car up to First first---lol---had a bowl of rosti and then descended to Bort to collect scooter. Took pics of Joy with silly helmet on!

On reaching bottom we took mountain train to Grund and then took another cable car to Mannlichen (got off half way up cos someone thought we had reached the top!) and on reaching summit took big cable car (I am sure there is a proper name for them)--this one took lots of passengers----down to Wengen. Pretty little village/town wiht better class of souvenir shops. Bought the obligatory swiss chocolate cake from the local bakerei.

Caught mountain train back to Launtenbraun and then "normal" train back to Interlaken Ost.

Was another memorable day.

Saturday---we saw that Les Miserables was being performed in Thun so we rushed breakfast and got train to Thun. Not having any idea where the theatre would be we spotted some people with LM tickets and followed them. The theatre is a temporary construction on the Lake facing towards the mountains. Glorious view and a hot day----sun cream was a must. Although the musical was sung in German, the music was in English. It had to be because having played in LM last year I recognised it!

The ticket we bought for the journey was for one-way by train and return on boat....first class of course because this week we is posh. This enabled us ot sit on sun deck on boat on loungers. Boat crossing was in excess of two hours----superb, neat, awesome, wicked!!

Two full days left for this holiday---we are already planning "shall we come again next year" because there is so much to do and see, 10 days this year is not enough time.

Woo hooo!

2007-08-02T21:45:00.000+01:00

Today we had very heavy rain and thunder. But so as not to spoil our day, Joy went to the lauderette to have some of our limited clothing supply washed and ironed!!! For the princely sum of ChFr25 we had some old lady do it for us---what a nice lady!

We decided that as we had purchased a 6 day unlimited rail pass up the mountains we would visit Grindelwald. This we did----thankfully we had our water-proofs on as it tipped down with rain. This I think lead to many people staying indoors---except the Japanese who seem to be everywhere. And it is true---they do stand in the most awkward of places to take photographs---blocking doorways---standing in the middle of pavements and roads....hush my mouth if I mention Nagasaki or Hiroshima.

We found a cable car station for which our rail pass included the cost of taking a trip up the mountain. Again, with little people (oops---not a reference to the Japanese but the fact there were not many people around) there was no queuing....woo hoo.

On reaching top of mountain we by chance met the couple I sat next to on plane coming over last Saturday who by coincidence also happen to live just about 8 miles from us back home----small world eh?!

On the way down the mountain it was possible to hire a flat-bed scooter to ride back to Grindelwald. This I did---pics to be posted later. Joy thought she would be reaching the bottom before me so she planned to do some window-shopping and then meet me at a predetermind place.

Despite the mountain roads being very wet and the rain water running across the road, the ride down was spectacular----especially when I met a Land Rover coming up the road! He had to stop...tee hee. Tearing round corners letting go of the brakes and free-wheeling at goodness knows what speed was amazing. On reaching the bottom and taking scooter to the cable car station, who should I meet? but Joy who arrived after me---tee hee---so no window-shopping for her!

After dinner this evening, I borrowed from the hotel a bicycle and took a brief ride out of town....first real bit of exercise this week---need to do more exercise as despite one waitress telling me that calories do not exist on holiday---I think she is lying----I needs to do more.

Once that was out of the way, we got chatting to two families---one from Ipswich---who were taking about the imigrant population there, and another family from near to Luton who also have cosmopolitan neighbourhoods. I was invited to play "cheat" with them---and despite my best endeavours I didn't win---grrrr----reckon I ought to stick with backgammon.

So here endeth the latest episode---more to follow tomorrow....bet you can't wait!!!!

A scorcher but also cold!

2007-08-01T06:51:00.000+01:00

Wrong date listed for picture below but couldn't add more than one pic to a previous blog!

Cold---because we went to top of Jungfraulch--the tallest mountain in Europe. Took three trains anf not surprisingly the two trains up the mountain were so so so slow...it was tedious. But once there, the view was awesome or "neat as the yanks would say---so I started to say "wicked".

Scorcher--cos when we got back down to Interlaken---it was 79 deg--a lot more than 3 deg on the mountain. I tried to be "hard" by just wearing a polo shirt on moutain but did succumb to putting on sweater top.

Pics of today will be posted here once we get film processed onto a cd-rom.

Today is Swiss National day---lots of fireworks, free drinks and celebrations--it will be a late night tonight ;-)

Before dinner I availed myslef of three glasses of wine...and then at the table managaed to knock gblass of fruit juice over that reached Joy's blouse!...guess we will have to buy another tomorrow.

2007-07-31T22:01:00.000+01:00

Wow-----awesome------what a feeling . . . .

2007-07-31T21:42:00.000+01:00

it is wanting to be sick having done a stall on a hang-glider above Interlaken. . . .lol

The trip was superb---great views------following a buzzard tracking the thermals------looking towards the Eiger and Jungfrau....then over Lake Thun...the pilot offered me the experience of a few tricks in the air including a wing-over aka loop-the loop!---but after one stall I declined.

Joy flew even higher than me and was involved in more tricks---she wants to do it again!

This afternoon was spent in more tranquil and peaceful surroundings up Harder Kulm with views towards the mountain range (which we shall be visiting tomorrow) whilst having a drink and finishing my book "The Last Juror--by John Grisham".

Had email reply from swissport who now advise they have no confirmation that our luggage actually left Heathrow. I am NOT impressed. So a further email was sent to the Vice President asking for answers to direct questions...the saga continues but thankfully...life goes on.

So tomorrow, it's onwards and upwards---literally but this time in a less than exhilarating mode of transport!

The saga continues

2007-07-30T16:52:00.000+01:00

Woke up and logged onto laptop to check status of our luggage...it is getting tedious reading "TRACING CONTINUES. PLEASE CHECK BACK LATER."

Weather today was forecast, and was indeed, raining--well at leaast in the morning. Having checked wording of travel insurance we can claim £75 each for purchase of emergency essentials. So it was off into Interlaken for clothes shopping...you know--the essentials ;-) and new trousers and shirts/tops. It really was tedious trapsing round the shops---what a way to spend the holiday and the holiday money----grrrr!!!!!

We should have been hang-gliding also today but the operator (Bernie) rang to say it was too cold! Weather tomorrow is to be sunny---so we will be flying with the birds tomorrow instead.

Joy isn't that keen to do white water rafting---although it is one of the cheaper activities to do here Ch Fr 99 compared with Ch Fr 185 for hang-gliding and Ch Fr 150 for para-gliding. Train fares are not cheap despite having a half-fare travel card.

We have discovered that in a nearby town , Thun, there is an open-air production of "Les Miserables" being performed. Having checked the website, tickets for evening performances are selling very quickly......so we are hoping to take in a Saturday morning matinee this coming weekend. Despite the production being done in german, I will be more interested in the music considering I was privileged enough to play in a production of it last year....here's hoping the weather is fine!

Joy has told me off for being rude to the german speaking contingent over here. Apparently when I am stretching my calf muscles whilst walking it appears I am imitating the germans soldiers and their goose steps! How can she possibly think I am taking the mickey when all I am doing is stretching my muscles---lol

More later . . . . .

PS----btw---the picture is view out of our room

PPS----plz send me emails--I want something to read----contact me on msngr---I want to chat