Emma’s got a bit bored of “In the Night Garden” so we’ve been watching “Wallace & Gromit” and “Shaun the Sheep” after tea. Emma, the Cheeky monkey, always says “Dada” when Wallace or the farmer first appear on the screen, I mean, I don’t look like either of them do I? How cheeky!! Continue reading

It was a chilly -6 c when I left for work this morning. This cold snap is meant to be with us for a couple of weeks. But, I’m glad its cold, I like a bit of proper weather, rather than  just cloudy, boring, grey dull days. Bring it on! Continue reading

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Went to the Corkys for New Years eve and played “Your in the Movies” on their X-box. Using a small camera the xbox records you playing and acting in a series of action games which get you pulling faces, laughing manically, running or something equally silly. It then slots your video into a short film Continue reading

Elbow The Seldom Seen Kid Without doubt the best album of the year by far. I’m off to see them again in the new year and I’ve also applied for tickets to see them play with the BBC Concert Orchestra. But, its extremely unlikely I’ll get those as there’s only 75 pairs. Track off the Continue reading

My top five films of 2008. 1. The Dark Knight Easily the best film of the year 2. Gone Baby Gone Great story based on a Dennis Lehane novel 3. Into the Wild Written and Directed by Sean Penn and based on the life of Christopher McCandless. Incidentally, have you seen the trailer for “Milk” Continue reading

Bit political I know, but I never agreed with Browns bright idea of borrowing to fund the drop in VAT which doesn’t look like it was such a good idea after all, as people start to pay off debts rather than spending it as he hoped. looks like the government could be saddled with a Continue reading

A group of us met up at Colchester zoo today, it was freezing! The kids had a lovely time though and saw the giraffes, lots of monkeys and and a great close up of the lion. Kx Continue reading

While Al’s been over for Christmas we have arranged to cycle the “Lon Las Cymru” over four days just before Easter. This route is the Welsh National cycle route and runs the length of Wales from Chepstow to Holyhead but we are going to finish in Bangor as its easier for getting the train. So, Continue reading

Had a really nice day today, we went for a walk across the golf course and through the woods to Colne Engaine… which Emma really enjoyed… I finished off the trifle… And Emma played with her new toys. She loves this one, its a music box which plays a waltz and its got dancing ballerinas Continue reading

Had a lovely Xmas day, K cooked a stunning Dinner, it was really gorgeous. We all had a right good time particularly the kids who just had so many presents. Thanks to everyone for coming and thanks to Mads and Trevor for staying behind and doing even more washing up! Yummy dinner mum! This was Continue reading

Had a nice day at my folks today, a pre Christmas get together for us and mums brothers and sister. (yummy afters!) Emma is nearly walking now, she takes a couple of shaky steps on her own but hasn’t quite got her confidence yet. I reckon she’ll be off soon though. more emma pics  Continue reading

Great trailer for “X-men-origins: Wolverine” This is a prequel to the X-men trilogy and focuses on Wolverine pre-xmen. Looks very good but its not out until May! Continue reading

For the first time in the twelve years that we have lived here we went to the village carol service tonight. It was very good, some of the shops and restaurants were dishing out mulled wine and goodies and there was a Santa trail for the kids and at 7.30 we all met at the Continue reading

After bathing Emma tonight, she was standing next to the bath and as I lent over her shoulder to do her jarmies up, she kissed me on the cheek. How sweet is that? Continue reading

Had a go at making some muffins yesterday, they are banana and blueberry, two of Emmas’ favourite foods, and she loves them. Recipe on BBC goodfood site. Continue reading

My friend Lindsay is a bit of a dab hand at arty stuff and she has made us this fabulous Christmas card. Its a lino cut of a drawing of her house, she always makes her xmas cards and it means so much more to get a handmade card. Thanks Lins!! Continue reading

Did you sit your 11 plus at primary school? I sat it and I seem to remember passing it but not being allowed to go to Grammar school due to my class record (oopps!) whether that’s right or not I’m not sure, perhaps I was a thickie in denial! You can have a go at Continue reading

today really frosty and clear so we headed down to Mersea for a walk and a bit of a picnic. More piccies Continue reading

This is one of my favourite books from Emma’s collection. I love reading it to her, its a story of a boy who one day finds a penguin on his doorstep. The boy decides the penguin must be lost and tries to return him. But no one seems to be missing a penguin. So the Continue reading

Really like the new single “Dog Days”. Continue reading

Brian Eno believes that singing is the key to a long life: “Singing aloud leaves you with a sense of levity and contentedness. And then there are what I would call “civilizational benefits.” When you sing with a group of people, you learn how to subsume yourself into a group consciousness because a capella singing Continue reading

Georgie, Liz’s daughter, wrote this great farewell to Harumi , a Japanese girl who has been staying with them for nearly a year. Continue reading

Emma’s birthday was back on the 16th but due to our computer disaster I’ve only just got round to getting the photos up. We all had a lovely time, can’t believe she’s one already. More piccies Continue reading

Ghost Town was released in 1981 and was number one for three weeks. I remember absolutley loving the track and the video and still do now. It also brings back strong memories of getting off with Sally Cook at a house party – a night to remember!! 😉 Continue reading