Happy New Year to all

Just phoned Nic, as they have just started 2005. What a tragic end to 2004 - the mind cannot take it all in. We just thank God that none of us got caught up in it. We had a lovely drive out to Yarmouth and Freshwater today. When you see the power of the sea at Freshwater Bay you have to multiply iy by many thousands, to get any idea of the forces of nature.

Sir Matthew Pinsett and Dame Kelly Holmes sound funny now but didn't they all do well.


Happy New Year to you all in Oxord, Wales, Singapore and Provence. We have just eaten a rather tough piece of steak so maybe we will have some cheeses ans wine later (and some prawns) Mum and Dad

Snowy Singapore

Love to see the pictures of you all in the snow, I have two aerosoles so when the kids demand snow, I lock them in their bedroom and give them a soapy blizzard Singapore style.

We are almost at the new year and it's all rather dull here, still working far too hard to try and get things done to meet impending deadlines, but perhaps tonight I might open up a bottle of nice wine to wash down the remainder of the Stilton.

News all week has focused on the earthquake here in the region, so we have been rather pre-occupied. Hopefully we don't know anyone who has got caught up in the disaster, but I think we will only start to hear stories locally next week when people start to return to work in the city.

Wishing you all a very happy new year, health, love and prosperity

Love Nic, Jen, Claire & Daniel

Thankyou Mum and Dad for putting up with

the mob, and looking after us so royally!

And it was lovely to meet up with the welsh contingent too at the Bonchurch Inn on the Southern edge of the Island which comes highly recommended!

Steve Gemma and Clive, Nikki and Freya and Pam (Freya's Gran), Cathy and John and Edmund and Thomas and Kate decended upon the Bonchurch Inn and were well received and catered for with real Directors Ale (Courage) a good wine list and even a glass of milk for Edmond, and Genuine Italian pasta and fresh seafood with hardly any notice ..in fact none.
It's a proper CAMRA pub with brass and copper on the walls and that good ol' genuine English pub feel.
That's from 2 to fifty all sorted.
John is a big fan of the Undercliff and we went down to the beach there after closing time around midnight and saw a magical display of luminescence visually locked into the waves. It was like a sort of lightening or the Hollywood effect you get in movies when someone gets plugged into the mains! except it was beautiful!
Dickens wrote stuff here and this is where we all enjoyed Kates 9th Birthday ahhhh!

Mistrals and al that...

Hi all,

Fair weather journey up from Alfaz Tuesday and yesterday, but lucky the road wasn't closer to the edge or we might have ended up in the mediterranean. We were battered all the way from Valencia to Bedoin by strong winds blowing own off the Pyrenees. Today, however, the mistral had run out of breath and we had a wonderful crystal clear morning in puffy powder snow on the flanks of the Mt Ventoux. Amy was introduced for the first time to snow and had a blast - still a little shell-shocked by the temperature of the stuff but she is warm and dry now and has turned her attention to the cats who are slowly becoming better acquainted with her! Looking forward to seeing Ruth tomorrow and helping her and Julian to see in the new year with some freshly important Rioja, a leg of Andalucian ham and whatever fare is otherwise available in this neck of the woods.

Love to all

Pete, Jan and the girls.

Photos!!!! Snow!!!

safely arrived yesterday..

via Figueras chez Salvador dali. Today we all went sledging on the Ventoux at Mont Serin, -6 degrees lots of snow but under equiped or/and underclothed we returned with frozen trouser bottoms alround but it was very warm in the sunshine. First ever sledging experience for all but Peter and I. Ruth arrives home tommorrow morning so we will get something nice to celebrate the new year with. Cats initially a little scared of bouncing Amy but on the second day Oscar is already curled up on Bethany's lap.

Lots of love to you both J

Has he arrived yet

We have just been doing an RAC route planner and see that if travelling from Alf to Bed via Madrid it is over 800 miles- phew! Hope everything is OK. Steve and Gemma are just leaving, after spending a few days. Cathy went back yesterday and we will be left to eat ourselves silly, with chocolates, and cakes, and beef, and pork, and toutes les outres. Happy New Year celebrations tomorrow. Love from IOW

merrow-smith.org emails..

You can all have one for Christmas if you want. just tell me what you wanna be and what your current email address is and I will get them done (any mail sent to your merrow-smith.org address will be automatically sent on to your inbox). Will, steve, julian and patrick are already taken (thats a clue steve) if you send your self a test you will see. You pick em up as normal when you collect mail with your current settings, and you can if you want change your email address on your Outlook or mail program (don't change aything else!)and people will start to receive enmails from you@merrow-smith.org and obviously respond to that address whilst your old address will continue to function as normal, ie no need to send out any change of address. If in the future you change your ISP (internet service provider) from say freeserve to tiscali or BT or change countries - whatever I can just change the address to which your emails are directed. Just like using Yahoo or hotmail or mac.com. If you dont give your merrow-smith.org address out to any old company it is a great way of keeping a spam free address however do not write it or publish it on here!!

Hope thats clear. lots of love Julian

ps. 0 degrees at midday, general frost, lots of snow on the Ventoux, FREEZING

Emails

Blogger emails Julian? Where do we pick'em up from? and who am I?
We are all dying to know...
Meanwhile back at the ranch,
Steve and Gem and Clive joined Grandma and Granddad to pop over to Cath's for Kate's 9th birthday on the south side of the island. Lots of fun and SHREK! again and Thomas' magic to keep us entertained. In fact 2 things I never thought I'd allow myself to enjoy were really fun, first was the big green man/ogre Shrek, then second, was Karioki on the kid's Playstation, which I expect everyone knows records the horror for later humiliation and guffaws. Later, John got a bit thirsty and
Clive got kidnapped to the pub and the rest of us went along to rescue them both later. We'll have to take some pictures of the cottage at Bonchurch where Cathy and John are, as it's all quite 'Secret Garden' Victorian charm.
Today sun is shining brightly and I need to sort out a wretched cough as I'm driving myself potty with it.
For Cath Nikki and the kids it's Panto time today... oh no it isn't etc

Love and air kisses to all
Steve

Prayers

First of all, Merry Christmas to all and Happy Anniversary Hugh and Margaret. I hope that you had a good day on Sunday.... we send you all our love from here in Singapore and wishes for a peaceful year ahead.

Thank you for phoning, we had originally completely missed the news about the earthquake. Funnily enough, I woke up on Sunday morning, 8am (earthquake time) and told Nic that I had a dream about something 'going off' and that 'something bad was going to happen' that day. Nic thinks that it's sixth sense.... (more likely 'intuition'). This always happens.
Anyway, as Nic says, news is not very good from this region. At least 23,000 dead and many tens of thousands more missing. The scenes are heart-wrenching. Being so close to Indonesia and Thailand, we've had quite a lot of tourist survivors coming through Singapore with SOS International making their base here. What brought it home was that both Claire and Mary were on the exact Penang Batu Ferringhi beach at the exact time the wave struck only 10 days earlier! We really thank the Lord for looking over us but at the same time, our hearts really weep for all those ppl in Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, etc. Why is it that it is always the poorest people that are affected?

Anyway, we're safe here at the moment and we hope that all of you have a great Christmas and New Year ahead. Will be posting again soon.

Take care and with love,

Jen

Big Surf

Folks, don't panic, we are safe and well. You will all be aware of the news regarding the earthquake and tidal waves, however we have not been affected at all. I am sure we will know people who have got caught up in this whole episode especially in areas frequented by Singapore residents at this time of year. I really think our region has had it's fare share of disasters and calamities over the last 10 years, both man made and natural. Hopefully we can move on next year to a more settled environment. Claire and Mary were walking along Batu Ferringe beach in Penang one morning less than two weeks ago, so I suppose we have had a close call. Hotels we have stayed in previously have probably been destroyed or best washed out in Phuket, Langkawi and Penang. It will probably take years to build up the tourism infrastruture in these areas again. Further afield, whole communities have been wiped out, we will say a prayer for them.

On a lighter note, our turkey was spot on, targeted for about 2 pm and I was serving up a juicy bird at 1.30, accompanied by roasted garlics, onions and parsnips, roasted carrots with carraway seeds, mashed potatoes, sprouts glazed with orange zest, and over cooked cauliflower, a sumptuous gravy, cranberry sauce and a M&S Tomato and Roasted Pepper soup. Christmas pud to follow, some Australian Pinot Noir PoP and italian dessert wine I dragged back from Rome, Stilton, Aussie brie and french camenbert, (gave the Rochefort a miss this year). Family very appreciative.

Happy Christmas to you all, apologies for the lack of cards and presents etc. but really this last few weeks has been hectic, back to work today (monday). A big congratulations to Mum and Dad for another celebration, and thanks to Steve and family and Cathy and family visiting the folks during this time.

Wishing you all an exciting and prosperous new year,

Love Nic, Jen Daniel and Claire

Happy Saint Stephens Day

On the second day of Christmas pom pom pom pom palm..

We're booked on the twelve thirty boat from Portsmouth tomorrow the third day of Christmas and we shall feast on Three French Hens in a baguet with lemon mayo and proper chips! Hmmm.. Due back to mainland on the sixth day of Christmas via the noon day boat.. which should be Thursday.. Back to work for me on Friday. Tonight I'm in Milton Keynes picking up stock for the big T. See you's lot tomorah
love from Stephen (it's my day again) Merrow-Smith

Happy anniversary sweeties!

Congratulations on another year chalked up my lovelies. Perhaps we need another family gathering to celebrate? I like the idea of an annual event....

Here's one of our three to wish you well (aka school play angel).....



Love to all

Pete, Jan, Jess, Beth and Amy.

Just found this..

amongst Pete's photos, what a cracker - a year ago today. Which reminds me Happy 51st Anniversary Mum and Dad - ain't she bootiful

Hic*!@?*.....

All going swimmingly well here the kitchen is suffused with the smell of the soft chocolate cake that is nearly ready to come out of the oven.. time for another glass of fizz before we sit down and watch the second two episodes of Lady Chatterleys Lover as supplied by Santa in the guise of Mum and Dad. We had to watch two episodes last night as Ruth wouldn't go to bed till Joely Richardson got what for from Sean Bean: who should be looking after his pheasants but seems to have alot of time on his hands.

Last night was Roast breast of Mallard with Orange sauce and a gratin of Cardoons which if you can lay your hands on them are really superb, very provencal christmas speciality. Tonight is the Bresse Pigeon with a chunk of pan-fried Foie Gras, potato gratin and swiss chard, yumm yumm. I have to make the most of it as Ruth goes to Paris tommorrow and isn't back till New years Eve.

The snow seems to be creeping close so when if the clouds lift we (I) might get up there and do a little overweight skiing. Life is strangely different here when you can listen to the Archers omnibus and Desert Island Discs. Hope you all/everybody are/is having a smashing time. Lots of love J

South East Asia Earthquake

I was awake at 6am and learned of the terrible tidle waves caused by the Earthquake in Sumatra, phoned Nic to see if everything was alright but he had no knowledge of it - which was a good thing.
They are far enough away for it to have had no effect on Singapore.
Spent a lovely day in beautiful Bonchurch with Cathy and John, Edmund, Thomas and Kate, plus friends Nikky with her 2 year old daughter Freya and her mum Pam, who reminds me of Jean Mason, but only a year or two older than Cathy. Before lunch we were all knee deep in pressies - 10 people getting pressies from all of us, plus about 3 or 4 each for the children. It is difficult trying to hide a full size rugby ball. It looked like an earthquake in Hamleys.
As usual, turkey takes more time than scheduled, unlike yours Pete and it was about 3pm before we ate it, having lunched on mince pies, crisps, olives and opened a few bottles of champenoise Aussie, Italian and French fizzees. By the time the meal was on the plate we were all a bit UTW and probably did not do justice to Cathy's cooking. John and I slept it offzzzzzzzz.
Unlike the weather predictions, it was clear and sunny and the accommodation was first class, so we all had a good time - we left on a clear frosty night at about 11pm and I took it very carefully on icy roads, lightly sanded. We are off to repeat the performance today - perhaps less wine and more food, as the day is just as clear with the sun pouring through our lounge windows as I write. We hope all went well in Les Hameaux and all those goodies were neatly dispatched. Thanks for your bloggers. We are celebrating 51 year man and beast!!. Love to all. Steve and Gemma are coming tomorrow.

Good day all....good night

Well, that were a reet good day, weren' it? Got to our friend's house at eleven to start the roasties (planning on a late one thirty for two o'clock start), to find the thermostat of the oven had crashed and the bird was already done! Attempted a turning but decided better to cover it in a wet cloth and leave it out for an hour of two. Fortunately, roasties (which we boiled to soft) crisped up nicely under their flour and olive oil, and in record time too. We all sat down to a super lunch at one o'clock and as usual, over-did it. 8 hours later we got home, hoping never to see turkey, Christmas pud & brandy butter, or indeed cognac ever again. Several glasses of water and a few minutes with a good book has calmed the waters. We'll get up early to wash up yesterday's breakfast things!

Nic, how did your meal turn out? We all know a turkey dinner takes hours to prepare and minutes to eat but just to set the record straight, how quickly did your extended Singaporean family take to strip the bird to the bone? I'd love to have been there with you all - don't know if I'd have got much turkey though, eh? Still, 16lbs is no wee babbie. Roll on Hogmanay?! Get yourself a haggis, some coal, a bottle of Tallisker, an anthology of Burns poetry and introduce the family to some more wacky traditions! Lest old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind.....etc.

Thanks for all the bits and bobs Ma and Pa. I've yet to get the code-cracking juices flowing but as I'm reading the Da Vinci Code it is certainly the hot topic of the day! The girls were very pleased with their jewellery which we divided up on your behalf. I won't list what we all got now though! Suffice to say we had a really nice day and Jess has flicked a few shots with her new digital Olympus that we'll try to download tomorrow.

Goodnight all - loads of love; Pete, Jan and the girls.

ps. Congratulations Mandy and John! You chose a good day....
pps. Ruth, do you eat jambon? No doubt in my mind that Julian does.

Happy Christmas

Dad loves bluetooth meeces to pieces. Happy Christmas to everyone from Will and his magic camera-telephone

xmas greets

hello everyone. ruth here. it's christmas morning and i have a hangover already! yesterday it was a deliciously springy 13 degrees and i went a-kindling and a-berry hunting for our peasant table decorations! the neighbours stopped by for an impromptu bit of fizz and we exchanged woildly wrapped bottles. then nadine passed a huge bloc of her home made foie gras out of the window, which prompted us to start our feast, followed by oysters, coquilles st jacques, and seabass. then we had a bright and pissed moonlit walk with the kitties with the snow gleaming atop the ventoux. everything set and ready for our huge christmas day walk, but today it is very grey,cold and windy!! so it's probably a cuddle kitties, watch dvd's and small walk before more foie gras day. there is radio 4 on broad band so i even managed to listen to kings carol service. julian managed a little bit of diy so now the washing up machine is mended and we have a new tap and a phone socket in the kitchen. so ready-ish -and
looking forward to having you pete et al and do call before you leave to discuss bedding! do you have games?????? we are sorely missing them here - boggle scrabble, monopoly, cranium whatever. and yes of course we love rioja, who doesn't!
julian has given me a very exciting self porrtrait (unfinished...) for my prez which looks down and watches over us as we stuff our faces!thank you hugh and margaret so much for your very thoughtful presents which we are about to enjoy. lots of love from us four, four legged and two legges creatures. r,j,m, o xxxxx

Happy Christmas

To any bloggers - we are just off to Bonchurch to spend the day with Cathy et al. HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Just goes to show

Scully and mulder cant be all wrong and after all they are rich and famous so they should know. I am just trying to imagine Nic in the kitchen - what has he done with mary? Well, I hope everything turns out ok and that we dont read headlines of mass poisonings in Singapore. We all hope you have a wonderful time and are not invaded by that mad lot from Nic's office. I remember that from 4 years ago. Hope the Christmas bonus is worth waiting for, Nic. Love to all your family, Jen. This is the time when we think of all our family. Cathy and John and family (with a friend of Cathy's with her 2 year old and her mother) are sharing a house on the Isle of Wight, in Bonchurch and we are all having lunch there tomorrow. Steve, Gemma and Clive are coming here on Monday so we will probably all meet up for a drink or two. Don't get too excited at Christmas presents!! They are only tokens. Love to Lee and Ming and their husbands and children. To Bobby and Ivy and remember us to all who you meet. Julian and Pete are meeting up in Provence. Love to you both and to Claire and Daniel, from Mum and Dad

Is Santa all he seems?

Mulder: We're too late. It's already been here.

Scully: Mulder, I hope you know what you are doing.

Mulder: Look, Scully, just like the other homes: Douglas fir, truncated, mounted, transformed into some sort of shrine; halls decked with boughs of holly; stockings hung by thechimney, with care.

Scully: You really think someone's been here?

Mulder: Someone or some thing.

Scully: Mulder, over here--it's fruitcake.

Mulder: Don't touch it! Those things can be lethal.

Scully: It's O.K. There's a note attached: "Gonna find outwho's naughty and nice."

Mulder: It's judging them, Scully. It's making a list.

Scully: Who? What are you talking about?

Mulder: Ancient mythology tells of an obese humanoid entity who could travel at great speed in a craft powered by antlered servants. Once each year, near the winter solstice, this creature is said to descend from the heavens to reward its followers and punish its disbelievers with jagged chunks of anthracite.

Scully: But that's legend, Mulder--a story told by parents to frighten children. Surely, you don't believe it?

Mulder: Something was here tonight, Scully. Check out the bite marks on this gingerbread man. Whatever tore through this plate of cookies was massive -- and in a hurry.

Scully: It left crumbs everywhere. And look, Mulder, this milk glass has been completely drained.

Mulder: It gorged itself, Scully. It fed without remorse.

Scully: But why would they leave it milk and cookies?

Mulder: Appeasement. Tonight is the Eve, and nothing can stop its wilding.

Scully: But if this thing does exist, how did it get in? The doors and windows were locked. There's no sign of forced entry.

Mulder: Unless I miss my guess, it came through the fireplace.

Scully: Wait a minute, Mulder. If you are saying some huge creature landed on the roof and came down the chimney, you're crazy. The flue is barely six inches wide. Nothing could get through there.

Mulder: But what if it could alter its shape, move in all directions.

Scully: You mean, like a bowl full of jelly?

Mulder: Exactly. Scully, I've never told anyone this, but when I was a child my home was visited. I saw the creature. It had long white strips of fur surrounding its ruddy, misshapen head. Its bloated torso was red and white. I'll never forget the horror. I turned away, and when I looked back it had somehow taken on the facial features of my father.

Scully: Impossible.

Mulder: I know what I saw. And that night it read my mind. It brought me a Mr. Potato Head, Scully. IT KNEW I WANTED A MR. POTATO HEAD.

Scully: I'm sorry, Mulder, but you're asking me to disregard the laws of physics. You want me to believe in some supernatural being who soars across the skies and brings gifts to good little girls and boys. Listen to what you are saying. Do you understand the repercussions? If this gets out, they'll close the X-files.

Mulder: Scully, listen to me: It knows when you are sleeping. It knows when you're awake.

Scully: But we have no proof.

Mulder: Last year, on this exact date, S.E.T.I. radio telescopes detected bogeys in the airspace over twenty-seven states. The White House ordered a Condition Red.

Scully: But that was a meteor shower.

Mulder: Officially. Two days ago, eight prized Scandinavian reindeer vanished from the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Nobody - not even the zookeeper - was told about it. The government doesn't want people to know about Project Kringle. They fear that if this thing is proved to exist, then the public would stop spending half its annual income in a holiday shopping frenzy. Retail markets will collapse. Scully, they cannot let the world believe this creature lives. There's too much at stake. They'll do whatever it takes to insure another silent night.

Scully: Mulder, I -- Scully: On the roof. It sounds like . . . a clatter.

Mulder: The truth is up there. Let's see what's the matter...

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!! Our Christmas wish would be a peaceful, safer, healthier Christmas and 2005 for all of you and everyone else ahead!

Tis Christmas Eve and we're still at work.....well at least until 12:30pm (officially)!! Before I rush off to our mad and last-minute activities, we would like to thank you Hugh and Margaret for the lovely Christmas box! The kids are really excited and we've placed everything under the tree for tomorrow. Daniel can't wait though, he's already eaten a whole load of chocolate thingies from the tree (they 'dropped off' he says) and has inadvertently opened a present.

We're quite busy this Christmas, big do at my sister's home tonight and Nic's cooking Christmas lunch for the whole family tomorrow morning. Qn: How do you fit a 18lb turkey in our small refrigerator and oven! I'm under strict instructions not to nag, interfere, pressurize etc ;) Better listen to da man or else we will 'self-destruct'! hah.

Tree's looking a big brighter and fuller this year and thank God that this year (ecconomy wise) has been better for the whole world and Asia plus Singapore included. It's been a bad last few years with the Sept11th, Bali bombing, SARS and bird flu. Here's to better times ahead.....

What's everyone doing this Christmas?

Jen

Barnstormers!

Fwd: Ruby pix
Originally uploaded by ezappy.

This'ere be young Ruby, born on a Tuesday 21st day of December in the year of our Lord 2004

And they b'ain't the bankin' 'oares this lot, no no this lot be the barnstormin guitar wavin video camera totin' media'(H)oares. And here's the latest issue.
Good pair o'fists.. you gotta say, waal, the mother's from the North I believe
int she?
ha harrhh
sorry .. been listenin to Tmothy West readin LORna DoooOOne in a mixed up lancashire and cornish somerset draawl and he's got me talkin like a dam ned cut throat so he has, plus the medicinal whisky(4th glass v v good)

Who's that?

Fwd: Ruby pix
Originally uploaded by ezappy.

Now come on Mr Merrow-Smith you've to look after this one! one of the Hoares you know!
phwah phwah.. What what!
Own bank don't you know!
City type...
good eggs the lot of them!

Good!

Val, thanks for the Amaretti biscuits. We'll look forward to those with the espresso and the armagnac on Christmas day.

Julian, we've borrowed a car and will look to come up slowly on the 27th, arriving 28th or 29th I guess. I may go via Madrid to see the exhibition at the Prado if it won't make you green with envy (assuming its open between the fiestas). We won't stay past the 2nd...just a few days but the break will be very pleasant so we're already looking forward to it. I'll keep you informed of any changes we make to this skeleton itinerary.

Do you lovely people like Rioja?

New Year

Pete you would be most welcome we have no plans, Ruth is returing from Paris around lunchtime on the 31st then she is free until the 4th. I just free. You may need to bring some bedding and stuff but we can talk.

Last day of term!

From Pete (and Jan, since I'm the one doing the typing!): Thank you everybody for your birthday wishes and thanks Mum and Dad for taking me bowling!! Spent an interesting day in Benidorm and even had to deal with an emergency medical problem where we had to call the ambulance for a girl who had passed out. Long de-brief after school over a birthday beer followed by Indian take-away with the family and evening in nursing the cold that has finally got me! By the way, Ruth and Julian, what are your New Year plans? We could have the use of a nice comfortable car over that period .... need to know tommorow if poss.

Amarettis arrived today - can't thank you enough Val, you're a star. It will really make our Italian friends' day.

Just going to blob with Shrek 2 (keeping the girls company, honest), parent teachers meetings tomorrow followed by staff lunch, then ... hooray!

Love to all
Us

Happy Birthday Ruby Tuesday!

Auntie Mandy's a mummy and Uncle Steve's an Uncle again.
Previously known as 'Peanut'
Ruby was born by CS at 7.45 this morning
6 pounds Mum and baby doing well.

Shake'em up Rubes


Just like we said
We're letting you know
The brand new Snowglobe is here
You know the drill
If you want it to snow
Just shake it and give a cheer
to all the Christmas babies we know

Happy Birthday Uncle Peter

(shake him up kids)
love Gem and the Oxford gang

Just like we said
We're letting you know
The brand new Snowglobe is here
You know the drill
If you want it to snow
Just shake it and give a cheer!

absolutely..

...happy birthday you old bugger.

lots of love j

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR PETER, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR PETER, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.

Thanks

Birthday thanks from me to all. Off into benidorm with my class on a jolly outing to celebrate the last day of term. Shame the class is coming with me but a teacher's lot...

Enfin!!

the line is ready the modem's arrived, yes it works! we are on broadband for £10 squids a month... yippee. So maybe a few more posts now.

Sorry to hear about Gary Weller, as you say poor Jean does seem to suffer more than most, I still remember when Nic brought the young Gina in to meet me in the bathroom ... when I was having a bath!!!! Doh!, I still blush at the thought. As for the trip to Beijing by train that is one I always fancied, but not this Chrimbo.

Snow atop the Ventoux or at least as we are shrouded in cloud, which despite being at ground level is still raining on us and it's only 2 degrees C artside, I presume it is well covered. Might have a white Christmas. Truffles and Foie gras whoopee, here comes 13 stone.

lots of love j

Some sad news

We have just had a card and letter from Jean Weller - remember her and her two children Gina, and Gary who married Mandy White from Towersey. Gary was killed outright in March, when a Tesco lorry fell over on to his car while he was on the Abingdon Road roundabout. The driver faces prosecution next month. Apparently there was another occasion two weeks later when a Tesco lorry turned over at the same point. You may have read about it Steve. We couldn't help thinking of you in your Tesco lorry, especially in high winds. That poor woman seems to have had a life of tragedy....For those who don't know who I am talking about Jean used to be my secretary when I was Clerk of the Chinnor Parish Council.
We have had other Christmas letters; from Lorna Maskell who travelled by rail from St Petersburg to Moscow and to Beijing to see her son Ian (Pete's pal), John and Myra Bell, second cousin Sarah and husband Richard, who have a house in the Vendee, Brian and Barbara Daniels who still sing and are patrons of the Swan in HW and visited Glyndebourne. We also had a six page close typed letter from Ann Payne, who has cancer and is determined to see the whole world, if possible. Anne worked at Chinnor Schools with Mum and lives in Glynswood. This is the lovely thing about Christmas, we get a once-a-year report from old friends. Sadly Mrs Barry passed away at 21 Glimbers.

Christmas Party

We had the last of our pre-Christmas parties last night. This was a 'Lions' do at the Fern Bank Hotel in Shanklin, which we were sharing with a party of young - ish ladies from I know not where. Anyway we had good food good company and a super disco on a very crowded floor, about 12 x 12ft. Because of restrictions we ony had one glass of beer, but who needs alcho with good company. Lots of love to all Dad and Mum

Peter and Jan - Christmas card addresses

Pete, I have received a Christmas card for you from Auntie Lenny, which I am sending on to Alfaz. If you want her address, this is it;-
Mrs Lenny B Woolhouse, Prestwood Nursing Home, Wolverhampton Road, Stourbridge, Worcs. DY75AL She was so pleased to see you. Rev Linda Woolhouse is at St Marks Vicarage, Pensnett, Brierley Hill, West Midlands DY5 4JH

home at last

Hi everyone, back home at last! The first day was spent sitting in shock in blazing sunlight, like one of those moments in a fred and ginger film when they flick the lights on the set and everyone starts dancing! The second day Julian went to work and I went for a walk with the cats and on the third I had to go to Paris! My third nasty cough of the season has ensured julian and I didn’t get too close until I came back and yesterday I think I finally landed! Collecting logs, cleaning the grate, waxing the French farmhouse table, and making a hearty soup of roast pumpkin, ginger, cinnamon and sweet potato while J was out painting did the trick, and just to make me feel at home he improvised a mad apple soufflee at midnight and ate it all himself! Right now he is making a chocolate cake in preparation for friends comin for our first dinner party tomorrow. They own a very famous restaurant in Rhode Island so, although I promised a simple meal, Julian is getting very excited and creative! The festive season is indeed upon us!
Unfortunately I am working a lot (next week in Cannes, thereafter in paris – better than Bradford I suppose!) We will just be the two of us, which is the nicest thing we can imagine right now after three months apart!
happy holidays everyone, lots of love ruthxx

Hello ho ho ho hum!

Merry Run-Up to Christmas everyone.. it's Steve here.

That last posting was an email Gem sent me from work this morning and I'm pleased we're all sussed and aware of this sort of scam.
BT offer a blocking service for computer generated calls but they do charge for it!

Well now..
Unfortunately the Bullring didn't happen because on Tuesday when we were booked to go, the lady at the baker's said her delivery of flour was 3 hours late from Witney because of an accident on the A34!
And as it happened once we'd clicked on the news, there were Jags all over the carriageway between Botley and Peartree. A car transporter and a lorry collided at 4.30 am and the road was closed for a long time, so..!
We thought about leaving it for an hour but decided that it was time for plan B.

Once that area is gridlocked, it's obviously going to be a night mare heading west so the backup plan was BlueWater..

in Kent!

With a huge Marks and Spencer, a massive John Lewis with excellent ladies clothes, a House of Fraser and lots of trendy shops and bars in between, (plus being a tidy 90 minutes away at least) pretty much guaranteed we'd find something for Gemma and not be tempted to return frustrated and empty handed. O lor!

There's free parking next to he shops so you can nip back to the car with stuff and there's a plethora of snackeries and tea-and-bunneries too.
And Antonio Carluccio,
And a Jaeger!

The day went very well and after a few hours we had a shortlist and the result you'll have to wait and see! ahaha!

Meanwhile in Essex,Val and Steve Ltd have had their offer accepted on a little maison to do-up and flog on so all systems will soon be go.

Any diy tools and stuff like that going bukshee gratefully received... duly wrapped of course!
love to all Steve

Spurious phone calls

Thanks for the warning, Steve. We have had one or two but I hang up. If the phone rings and no number appears in the window, I don't answer. Our own chosen numbers have a specific ring which indicates that a family or close friend is on the other end, if not, I let them ring again or dial 1471. It is usually 'number withheld'.
Did you enjoy your visit to the Bull Ring, Steve?
Jan - Letters or parcels addressed to Pete are only addressed to the titular 'head' - You can open anything. Tell Pete not to get excited as we are cutting down this year - sorry. Postal charges restrict our gifts to diamonds and other 'lightweights' --
I should coko!
Jen-Hwei similar to Jan. Anything addressed to Nic from us can be opened but at this time of the year individual 'trash' presents may be unwrapped, so take care.

Fwd: Emails from colleagues at work about xmas scams to look out for

Begin forwarded message:

 

 
 
We have been advised of a telephone fraud currently in operation
(this
> > applies to home and/or work telephones - land lines and mobiles):
> >
> >  If you do receive one of these calls, upon answering the telephone,
> > you will hear a recorded message congratulating you on winning an
all
> > expenses trip to an exotic location. You will then be asked to press
9
> > to hear further details. If you press 9 you will be connected to a
> > premium rate line that costs approximately £20 per minute. Even if
you
> > disconnect immediately, it will remain connected for a minimum of 5
> > minutes, costing around £100. The final part of the call involves
you
> > being asked to key your postcode and house number (which has other!
> > serious consequences). After a further 2 minutes you will receive a
> > message informing you that you are not one of the lucky winners. The
> > total bill will be £260.
> >
> >  Since the calls are originating from outside the UK, BT and other
> > telephone companies are left relatively powerless to act. The only
> > safe solution is to HANG UP before the message prompts you to press
9;
> > even safer is to HANG UP on any unsolicited 'free offer' call. This
> > appears to be a variation on a theme, warnings have been sent
> > previously regarding calls made by individuals claiming to be
> > engineers conducting a test on the line and asking for 9, 0# and
text
> > messages similar to the routine described above. DO NOT DIAL 9 (OR
> > 9,0# OR 0,9#) FOR ANYONE!  BT has been contacted and confirmed the
> > details as being true.
> >
> >  There is another scam operating on Mobile Phones.
> >
> >  A Missed Call comes up. The number is 0709 020 3840. The last four
>numbers
> > may vary but certainly the first four numbers will remain the same.
If
> > you call this number back, you will be charged £50 per minute.
People
> > have complained about their phone bills, once they have realised the
> > cost of the call but apparently this is completely legal. So beware,
> > do not call  back numbers beginning with 0709.
> >
> >  Please pass this information on to your family and friends.

For the record ...

Hi all - me again! So soon, I hear you cry? Ah, well it's to do with the Amarettis again. Val, many thanks indeed - we weren't expecting a response really from outside the immediate family, so your swift assistance is greatly appreciated. Read on for postal details, if not already sent! Is there anything (other than late Christmas card!!) that you would like from Spain? We don't have your address either.

Dad/Mum, things have been arriving for Pete in the post (thanks in advance, to be kept until 21st I'm assuming), but maybe somewhere along the line our address has got slightly corrupted. For the record, here it is:

Ed. Alemania pta 1°I (meaning first floor, appartment "i" - don't put this in!!)
54 Av. Pais Valencia
Alfaz del Pi
03580 Alicante
España

Getting late and Pete needs the pc again for his work. Lots of love, goodwill, seasonal wishes etc (feeling the Christmas spirit at last), Jan xxx

Good on ya Val

Mr & Mrs P.J. Merrow-Smith
Ed Alemania, Primero Pta 1
Av Dias Vlencia,
Alfaz Del Pi, Costa Blanca
Espagne

Spain

Help - amaretti biscuits!

Howzit all? Pete and Jan here. We will be spending Christmas with some friends, a half Italian family who love all things English, including us. What we can't get is Amaretti biscuits in the wrappers that go poof and burn like fire balloons. We have all the food and trappings organised but if anyone can send us a box of Amarettis it would be great! Any offers?

Jess and Beth were in the school play tonight. All went well. Jess proved herself to be a beautiful and able dancer while Bethany played a star part as Tiddles the Cat. She too was great and there were tears in our eyes. Not a dry seat in the house, as Dad would say. I'd love to post a few photos but I just didn't take the camera. Sorry, I'll have to rely on other people who took their digitals.

I've bought the Canopus ADVC 100 which is to arrive on Thursday. This will allow me to convert my analogue videos from Africa into digital information for editing and burning to disc. This is a great Christmas project. Happy birthday me!! It'll probably take more than one Christmas, but I'll let you know how I get on so that all those who are considering similar hardware can get a review straight from this particular horse's mouth. You never know, I may even be able to post a video after a few efforts!

Love to all, Pete and Jan

Oxford News

Hello everybody Oo woo!

Recovered just about from my weekend.
Got away with the Rutter despite it being stuffed with annoying 5/8 bars and wotnot. And I was a tad late so didn't get a run through until the night then it was all over.
Off to Birmingham shopping today so more news later.

Dad, Gloria is at GU10 1NQ and it's Appin Lodge Long Hill The Sands Farnham Surrey.

Mine arrived today. When's last posting?

One of those days ..

Hi all, you know how it is sometimes, you have a series of tough days, just not quite enough sleep and suddenly you wake up just feeling low and not quite with the world ... so after I dropped the girls off at school I went back to bed for a kip - what a difference! Got up all ready for battle with my Kindermusik course, but got a few chores done first, then got sidetracked with catching up on email and the blog (not touched the pc for about a week) and here I am. We've been up to our necks with making costumes for church and school Christmas productions (J&B do theirs at the local Casa de Cultura tomorrow night, dress rehearsal this am, hence big rush), carol concerts, mince pie making, looking after friend of J whilst parents over in Germany for a week - and not a Christmas card sent yet - oh dear!!! Washing machine packed up yesterday, new one being delivered on Thursday. Choice between leaving a huge load until the weekend, or hand-washing little at a time until then. Think I'll just concentrate on the smalls and other essentials. Hope the rain stops for a while.

Have really enjoyed catching up on all your newses. We recently checked your web site, Julian, and as always, stand in awe of your work. Ruth, you must be heaving a sigh of relief now that the tour is over. We recently met some folk at Church whose son used to play cello for Glyndebourne but I don't remember the name now. Will have to check it up. Martin someone, someone Martin ... no, it's gone. Probably just before your time, don't know when you started.

Your mention of the Phantom, Dad, and other COS related items brought a flood of memories back to me. I certainly remember our battle with Masquerade!!! Do you recall that rather statuesque lady who joined us for that show I think? She was rather remarkable, with long dark hair streaked with silver. Our church did an outside carol concert last Tuesday, in the pouring rain, under cafe umbrellas, a good crowd turned out none-the-less - Pete almost got electrocuted (I think he's mentioned that already? Sorry if I repeat). Even Amy did her bit a an angel, bless her! How's the Rutter going, Steve? Christmas wouldn't be Christmas with him, or at least his carol arrangements. Can't say I know the work you're doing though. I did a stint with Aylesbury Choral Group for a while, under Julian Bigg? Brigg? (Not very good with names, am I?) and when Pete and I went to see Les Mis in London, I couldn't fully give myself to watching the fantastic production for the fact that he was the stand-in conductor that evening and I was watching him, fascinated, for much of the time!

Got to lunch now, as off to work this afternoon. Mustn't forget to contact the dentist re J's appointment on Wed - brace fitting?? My Spanish vocab with regards dentistry, at least, is improving bit by bit! Adios mis amigos! Hasta luego!

Love you all, Jan

Forgotten address

To Steve. We have received a card from Gloria and Tony and Henry. What is their address

To Pete. We have been asked to pass on a card from C. Monnery, Martello Houise, Three Gables Lane, Streatley RG8 9LJ but if we do you may not get it in time to reply.

Hi Everybody

Good morning to you all - Sunday 12th December. It is 59 years to the day since I left UK at Tilbury Docks, heading out East to relieve those who had been fightig the war in Singapore, Malaya and Burma and all stations east. What an adventure that was for an 18 year old!. No thoughts of Christmas, no thoughts of who I was leaving behind - just "What will it be like??"
Well, to bring you more up-to-date, yesterday we did go to the cinema and we did see Phantom. Have any of you seen it - or perhaps read the book. Who wrote the book? I was talking to our neighbour Reg, who said that the stage show with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman was fantastic but that is what it was on film - fantastic. The masquerade scene was so beautifully done and the underground scenes were a lot more realistic than could possibly have been portrayed on the stage. I recognised Simon Callow and Minnie Driver, but Christine was unknown to me, although she sang sweetly enough and looked good. Our Operatic Society tried to do justice to the Masquerade scene years ago and we had difficulty with the timing and the music. The Sandown Operatic Society sang many of the fabulous songs, but the words of the song at Christine's father's grave have stayed with me. Wishing you were somehow near again..................classic words from Tim Rice.
Last night we went to a Christmas concert and saw one of the York mystery plays, followed by carols and Christmassy songs. Not bad but not up to COS standards, Jan and Pete.
Steve, I put my mobile on charge and a notice came up 'Insert Sim card' - well I thought it couldn't work without one and I have never taken it out so - what? Love to you all Mum and Dad

Lovely sunny day

Everything went like clockwork on Wednesday - Ruth was right on time at the Hovercraft terminal and we went off to Old Portsmouth (near the car ferry) for a lovely fishy lunch at the American Bar. Ruth caught the 4.12 Brighton train and we went into the Gunwarfe Quais (Keys) for a look round the shops. We caught the 6pm ferry and were safely home by 7. We hope that Ruth's journey was as uneventful and the she enjoyed her evening in Brighton. Thank you for the lovely framed print Julian and Ruth, it has pride of place over our fireplace. We may move it in the light of experience. Is it a local view - presumably the long shadows mean it is evening ?? We also liked your Passing Storm - very Turner-esque. We hope your family has now been united - Mummy and Daddy, Oscar and Manon!!
We met Celia and Richard at a pub in Sandown - The Caulkeheads (the vernacular for an IOW born resident) and it is good to report that they are both coping well with their infirmities. Celia with her stroke and Richard with his heart troubles. We spent a couple of hours in the pub swapping yarns and family news. It was Uncle Peter's 79th birthday.
Yesterday we sent off parcels to Alfaz and Singapore. I hope that will improve the General Post Office's flagging profits.
Finally I write to wish your Mary, Nic a big happy birthday. She may be with the family up in Malaysia - but tell her we were thinking of her. Although it is sunny - as per title of this blog, but we are going to get to see the Phantom of the Opera in massive wide screen in Newport this morning, before Christmas overwhelms us. Love to all from Mum and Dad

don't be silly..

I will get it sent when it's dry. I would love to have me paintings decorating your house - if wanted! (feel free to send me stuff!) Hopefully I will get enough work done so that even I will have some 'round the house!!

The only thing I am subscribed to is macuser gives reviews of stuff etc. Love Firefox is so much nicer than Safari.

Kojak on Telly so must go - bet you didn't know he spoke french uh? Haven't quite figured out what he says in French when he says 'who loves y' baby'- seem to remember he said that all the time.

Ruth possibly doing 'Les Boreades' with the Musicians de louvre in the Edinburgh festival next year... Ruth who we say here.. give us a hug Oscar.

lots of love J

I stand corrected Julian

I'll get that organised with Peter then.. feel silly now having banged on about it a bit too much! What about this one though, a site that mac fiends seem to find useful?
macupdate




And I'll leave the print cash as a down payment so as to secure the painting.

Do you offer terms or would a discount for cash be acceptable?


I've only just noticed a new range of tools on the posting page..

What's Nic done about his smashed up laptop?

ooher! tempted...

shame I have no dosh.. a nice 20 inch imac with an aiport card and we could use it to feed off the ADSL... WHEN IT ARRIVES!! three week delay due to France Telecom being submerged with requets for broadband. So no Skype either.. yet. I did the stormy sky painting with you in mind Steve but it will take a while to dry.. so thats a deal unless I sell it before I send it to you. Got lots of new work but haven't put it all up yet. This is the latest big one finally finished..



larger version available on my site.

Mum and Dad havin' lunch with Ruth so they will finally pick up their Queen Mary II print which was framed in Lewes and has erstwhile bin on tour with Ruth.

Steve you have to pay for upgrade from 10.2 to Jaguar so you might want to send Pete your's or Dad's software discs on loan (I sold mine on Ebay) so I hope this system is as stable as they say!

Lots of love J

20% off today at Apple

For Apple novices who don't like their prices, there's a window open now for up to 45% discounts at ukAppleStore.. open every Wednesday at 10 am! love Steve

Steve wants to talk with you on Skype

If you are unable to see the message below, click here to view.
Or, copy http://recp.rm02.net/servlet/MailView?ms=ODMxNgS2&r=MTMwNTQyODQ3S0&j=NzkyNTY5NAS2 into your browser.
Hello.

all the fambly.

Skype me at ezappy

Download Skype
Read more about Skype

Full marks for trying Peter..

If your .MAC account is valid or even if not? (correct me if I'm wrong) but you should get Panther updated for nuffink... Apple logo top left, click on that, then second option is Software update. Viola!

Not very happy about voltage/puddle combination but .......fzzzzzzzzpop! bugr

How many did you get of Dad's carol abbrvs?

Skype

Steve, Skype need OS X vr 10.3 (Panther) or higher and as my G4 PowerBook is slightly older than yours it only has 10.2.8, so the download won't run. Never mind. Maybe if I hit the jackpot on the lottery I'll upgrade but, for the moment, there are other pressing needs for my financial attention such as Christmas and that Canopus ADVC white box I mentioned last month.

We've just come in from our church carol singing evening. It bucketed down! Despite stair rods all evening, most found some degree of shelter under restaurant umbrellas. For my sins I do all the microphone set-up and mixing. This evening, unfortunately, even the set-up was performed in the rain and the technical bits and bobs like the mixer/amp, mikes, cables, speakers and so on were pretty wet by the time I pressed the power switch. In fact the cables were all lying around in puddles and you got a faint buzz from the wires if you tried to touch anything once the juice was flowing! Still, it worked okay - nothing blew and nobody except me and the pastor's wife noticed the underlying electricity filtering through. She was a bit flustered by it, poor lass but it stopped her holding the mike to her mouth so in the end we got better balance!

I skooted back in the rain on the little 50cc Yamaha scooter that we've now got. It's quite fun but the low centre of gravity is a little tricky to get used to. Now I annoy all the English tourists by ziiiiiiiiiiiingggiiing through narrow streets at 50kph and passing up the sides of stationary traffic to jump the queues at the lights. It has two speeds...on and off. Acceleration is no stranger to this little cheeky chappy. As the automatic gear doesn't engage until the revs are high enough you do tend to launch into the traffic, but I'm slowly getting to grips with the fine points of handling its awesome power which can only be measured in bgp (break greyhound power). The girls love going on the back but tonight it was too wet. The streets were awash and I had to curtail my speed a little, especially round corners. Tomorrow is a holiday but I have some work to do as the school has an inspection on Friday. Wish us well. TTFN. Pete

The Skype's the limit

Hello Folks
it's Steve here.. with his funny vernacular writing style
with a thought for Christmas :)
If we wanted to get a bit organised saving some phone bills, we could use the 'net' to make FREE international phone calls!
How does that work then I hear you cry?

Ah oui! Qu'est ce que ce que ca?

look!


'Voice operated internet protocol' ( VOIP), is system broadband internet subscribers can use to link up to one another's computer and with a suitable microphone connected (even the built-in one on the laptops and powerbooks) these can be used as fancy telephones?

After all, what is a mobile phone if it is not a little tiny hand held computer linked up wirelessly to the normal phone network?

Well the answer is that all mobile phones and digital devices like your Freeview set-top box TVs are basically quite similar.
On all these systems, you have a computer connected to a screen connected up to other computers via telephone lines sometimes over radio waves.

With mobile phones though, one of the components is a little memory chip which belongs to the phone company used for metering calls... the sim card! Your laptop doesn't have one of those hence no charges!

BT are pooing their pants!

This is all cutting edge stuff but that makes it more exciting and at the moment the software is free.

Go to skype and get a free download, signup (for nothing) and get a user name.

You'll have guessed mine oui ou non? and give us a call!

Or email me your user name or something and lets try it!

I've used it to play cds to my mobile, and (which is a bit pointless but) the quality is superb..

If you like you can buy credits for €10 each and ring normal numbers, mobiles and so on, but for members with registered usernames, computer to computer it's all free! (if you're on broadband) if you've got a computer and you're on the phone tee hee!

audi

the 8th sounds good h and m, i am not working that day and will probably need to get into town for the evening which i can do from any station, so it's a date! my mobile number has changed to 07981 80 76 33. i will try and call you in the morning. where do i get a train from in london?
i have been wandering around london in a somewhat hungover (big friends reunion last night) daze today, feeling so homesick that i took myself to see a very good french movie called 'Look at me'- a bit close to the bone about an overweight girl who sings and whose father doesn't have time to listen to her tape and leaves during her concert to follow his own artistic muse. needless to say though, just like i did, she finds love in the shape of a very handsome and loving fellow so all was well! also bought some colston basset stilton and keynes cheddar from neal's yard dairy which is certainly up there with the cheese shop in carpentras!
i can't get my head around christmas whilst on tour so please forgive omissions....want to sit at home and make beautiful cards and wrap presents but am still living out of a suitcase.bizarre. when i get home i have to do my accounts. i must be the last person apart from julian on the planet to do them! yuk. love to all, ruthiexx

Other things

Lovely lot of blogs on this Monday. You will have to speed some if we are to see a Christmas painting, Steve, but go for it!!
Ed8 abdicated Dec 1936, made Duke of Windsor in March 37 and married WS in May 1937. They were ostracised by the Royals, virtually exiled and lived in Paris, only returning to UK on one or two special occasions. There was talk of a friendship with Hitler that would get him the Throne back if Germany won the War. Annie and Daisy were in Royal service at Hampton Court I think and on their living room wall was an enormous china plate (about 18" to 20" across) with, I seem to remember large birds - swans, igrets, cranes or herons up to their ankles in water. Must have been worth a bit.
Lovely to see such a happy occasion, Nic. It looks as if they all had a good time. Can Dan ride the bike - or is it a trike?
At our party last Friday we had to say which Christmas songs (some carols) were these. Seniors only, but juniors may also try:- GKWLO. TFN. RTRNR, ISMKSC, DDMOH, SNHN, OCAYF, FTS, HTHAS, WWUAMC, JBJBJATW, AIWFCIMTFT, WSWTF THATI OLTOB GRYMG OHN There may be more Love Dad

Princes of Wales - Potted history

It seems that history has never had much of a good word to say about the first 'heirs to the Throne' . They were the King in Waiting and could not wait - especially if their parent ruled forever like George 111, Queen Vic, QE2. They had all the riches and all the ladies but none of the Regality. In recent history the Prince of Wales (George 111 son - later to be Regent - The Regency period etc) was a bit of a lad also. - He became George 1V, but there are quite a few Fitzes about. A Fitz is reputed to be the bastard son of the POW or King - e.g. Fitzroy (King's son), Fitzherbert, etc. When Queen Vic died in ?1901 Edward (Later V11) had been a bit of a lad with the ladies - Lily Langtry etc. When King George V died in 1936 his son David (later Edward V111) wanted to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. As a divorcee she could never be Queen, so Edward V111 abdicated the throne and his brother George (later V1 and our Queen's father) became king. A constitutional impasse may occur if Prince Charles (Prince of Wales) insists on marrying Camilla P/B as she would have to divorce in order to marry Charles. If Charles insists on marrying CPB he would have to abdicate his right to the throne and William will probably be declared King. Time will tell.

I love it!

How mucha fora thees one!?

Just had a quick troll round J's pictures and I feel very guilty about not being in the studio. So then I got a call from my agent cancelling tonight's shift so tomorrow up early and get on. No excuses now come on Steve!

Good to hear from everyone. It's funny how you think oh dear no one's blogged and then you realise you've not done one yourself for a fortnight.

Here's a subject for discussion which is family related (sort of) in that Nana (Nana M-S) used to hint at dark goings on in the 30's with the royals..

(and another family connection was that Nana's next door neighbours Annie and Daisy used to be in service with them too..)

so Wallace Simpson then, who as we know married the old Duke of Windsor, but couldn't become Queen..do we know why? I didn't but then I can be a bit niave!

If the History channel is to be believed she was only having a fling with Von Ribbentrop that's all at the same time. Hitlers foreign secretary!
Are there any other bomb shells I need to know about?


A nazi spy, blimey no wonder eh?

No wonder indeed. Need a lie down now.

Party time

Sorry about the images, spent billions o dollars on a fancy camcorder only to leave it at home, Nokia to the rescue

Jens' bouncy castle and lots of praying from Claire and Mary did the trick, (Monsoon rains forecast never materialised) that's Daniel on the top r/h side of the slide, exhausted but not scared a bit


Balloons were a hit


Joshua as mentor, with fearless Dan the demolition man


Claire (out of picture) spent most of her time at the castle chasing the boys, Dan on one of his sprints


Uncle Francis singing Happy Birthday and Dan with his "not so fearless" look


Hope you can see the images through all the Yuel Tide Snow you get with these seasonal Nokia offerings.

Fab this techno stuff, white box or not, (just put that in so you can tell I've read the blogg) and Cath, hows the nashers now, Dan needs to know. Claire still has her teeth, she thought she was supposed to get new ones when she's five.

Love,

Nic, Jen, Claire and Daniel

Steve (fyeo)

I love little white boxes. What Mum wants is a LWB which would hide all the tv wires - tv, video, dvd, freeview, aerials, scart connectors etc, etc. Drives her mad. Even radios have wires - so much for wireless. She doesn't realise that Dysons also have wires and make a lot of noise. Did we tell you we have a new big white box? - washes much quieter and dries much drier. Reminds me that we are supposed to be in a paper-less society. I should say so. Now we have all got to have shredders and they also have wires. Do I gather that you have already seen j's car and have already been to Brum, Steve? Why does everybody live so far away Christmas postage takes up a major part of our income. Last year a friend of ours delivered toys for Nic's kids, but is not going home to Sg this year. You may all have to settle for dvds this year (without the packing). If you have read the Botswana Ladies detective books Jan, they would do very well for presents - we have read book 1 but not the Giraffe one yet. Who would like Bridget Jones Diary? Gosford Park? Enemy at the Gates? We also have some books and some Videos as we are getting rid of things we have read or seen on video. We are in the middle of sending Christmas cards. We should be able to do the lot on email?? One day it will happen - trust me!! Love from Dad and Mum

Return of the Audi

Hello Ruth. Read your blog this morning. Didn't want to get up but Church called and we're back. If you are still in Headington, Steve is only in Cowley. If you are playing in Wimbledon next week presumably you will be staying locally, so we could meet you on Wednesday 8th December with the car, at Clarence Pier in Southsea (it is much easier to get to than either of the ferries), at the Hovercraft terminal. We could have lunch and take you back up the A 3 to Kingston (KOT as we used to call it) and you can catch a bus to Wimbledon - or wherever, and we return to Portsmouth as we have a return ticket from the car ferry to Fishbourne (Wootton Creek) I hope this all makes sense. If not please ring us at 01983 882799 and we can sort things out better. Love from ~Hugh I was unsuccessful in my attempts to contact your mobile number (or Julian's)

last leg/log

hello merrow smithies, it's the last leg and the last log of the tour, in oxford. we have just done the last pelleas and the last flute, with three more bohemes to go in wimbledon next week, then HOME!!!! a rare and strange thought! steve we never made it to see each-other, which is a shame. sounds like you have been busy with your wirelessnesslessness (julian will be very jealous), and what happens to me towards the end of the tour is that i just about hang on to each day as it comes along, a sorrt of mobile exhaustion, but here i am in headington thinking of you.
we're all a bit fed up and pissed off with eachother. too long on the road and troo many warts and all seen and all missing family and home. many have hardly seen their children.
i'm a bit nervous about going home as Julian seems to be both very in love and content and fulfilled with the cats and in a good working rhythm, producing beautiful new paintings, which i do not want to disturb!!! but of course we are dying to see each other too. what a strange life! i know he wants wirelessnesslessness for christmas but instead he has a trip to madrid - after a week in paris- to see the el greco to picasso portrait exhibition which all say is unmissable and five stars etc...
bought xmas books in borders and wondered where you are gemma and where my er tapes are?????????would ake very good xmas watching HINT HINT????????????

hugh and margaret i am jealous of your carols, christmas is not the same without them and 'in the bleak midwinter' is not quite adequate a deux..however just being together again with julian and kitties could not be a nicer christmas prez. it has been a long haul.

pete and jan your pics and news have been great and i am so looking forward to when we next meet either here or there or the other place.

GO MANDY!!!!!

much love to all, and see you hugh and margaret next week to give back the car. is the 8th or 10th any good? these are days i do not have to perform so will be less stressed about getting back. shall we meet for lunch somewhere? let me know whicxh is better for you.

ruthx

Shampers

Checked that for you Dad..
been listening to Jim Naughtie telling the story of Glyndebourne... Hit the listen again button for a treat!
Off to work now.. byee

Hallo Every bod peeps

iss your uncle steve innit!

I've been keeping track honest.. so what's new at this end, well I've done most of my shopping and got my cards and I've organised a trip up to the new Bull Ring for the 14th with Gemma (&Clive) seeing as the retail therapy at Camberley worked so well for the Manoir. Well you see how it happened was when Fay stayed over the other evening after visiting Stan(fatherinlaw) in Thame, she got an emergency call from Jonathan up in Birmingham that his (Fay's) Polo had been smashed into at the Uni and seeing as she's going into hospital and the car's supposed to be parked up in the drive at home on the insurance we thought we better go and see (putting it mildly) and if necessary bring it back as J'd said it was drivable... well you see if J's doing his final year dissertation over Christmas and she's going to be operated on next week end and husband Pete's working up in Edinburgh and the car's in Brum you see, it was all getting out of hand.. anyway not to worry as the passenger's door was only a bit dented and the paint was intact so rather than bother with it and deprive J of his ride home for Christmas, we took the opportunity to go into town for a bite to eat instead. Well, it was like being on another planet. First the car park was well lit like Gunwharf Dad and had big spaces and all the lifts were fab and in the middle of it all is this fabulous Selfridges which is more like Tate Modern in a Bilbao Guggenheim skin. Such a pleasure to walk round it was I got hold of Gem to say we've got to go!
Still waiting for Mandy to produce.. no news yet, house move on hold until March due to awkward vendor not being able to find anywhere.
So there's that.. umm and I've turned into a wi fi bore I'm afraid. I ordered the Apple Airport Express which is a little white box you connect to your modem and printer and plug in the wall which does away with wires, using a radio connection so you can email and surf on the lap top in bed without any wires attached. Not only that but you plug in the printer to the little white box and print wirelessly from your bed like....this! ahahh!! brilliant he say's (only taken him all day to get it working). Well you see I'd also bought a wireless modem/router/firewall thing and you need to get them to talk to each other. I've tested it in the loft so I can be up there on line too and as a bonus I can get on next door's network while on the sofa and surf for free! So I'm looking at the issue of security and having a fiddle with 802.1X if that means anything a sort of encryption thing ahrekken. The next job is to connect a 250 gb hard drive to the back of the router and then load up all our video onto it so we can all access it online. First we need to get the VHS stuff into a digital format so there's plenty to occupy the old bugr!

Can't spell champers - not even chamoers

For some reason I cannot booy ip the edit for my party time. See ya

For chamorts, read champers

Its Party Time

We are just getting over two parties in two days. The first was with the Sandown Operatics at the College Restaurant at the IOW College, where the food is cooked served and presented by catering students at the College, and a reet good do it were too. Lovely champers, lovely food, beautifully cooked and we were treated like the honoured guests we were. One of our members is the Senior Lecturer in Catering at the College and he made sure that we were well treated. The second party was last night at the Sandpiper Hotel and restaurant in Freshwater Bay with the IOW Catenians, All members in the vicinity of Ryde decided to hire a mini-bus amd we were collected from outside the house at 6.30 p.m. and collected from the hotel at 11.p.m. In between we had a lovely evening weth lots of booze, lots of fun and lovely food. We all sang Carols and Christmas songs in the bus coming home and it was lovely to be able to enjoy ones self without fear of police involvement. Christmas time has started. Have fun everybody. Love from Mum and Dad

There, there, Cathy. Don't cry.

Glad it's all over, Cath. Now you will be able to enjoy your Christmas. We went over to Bonchurch and found Hadfield Cottage. It is right next door to Winterbourne House, where Charles Dickens lived for some time while he was writing Little Dorritt, I think. Turn off the main Ventnor Road at Bonchurch, follow the road down hill and there is a very tight left hand bend to East Dene, Walter Swinburne's house, now an International residential school. Turn down towards the 11th Century St. Boniface church and Winterbourne House is on the right. It is now a very large old country house with ***** accommodation It may be an hotel. You can park outside. Hadfield Cottage is right next door and as you say was the stable block. The walled courtyard in front of the cottage leads to what seems to be a very large tiled floor kitchen - I may be wrong and it could be a dining room. It looks as if the living accommodation is next to the big house as the stable part seems to be single storeyed. Looks great and we look forward to seeing inside. Steve, Gemma and Clive (perhaps Will, also) are coming here on 27th (ring a bell? Kate), Dick Wittington with a professional cast is on at the Shanklin Theatre. I will send you a page from the County Press with all the other attractions. Love from M&D

My tooth

I had the root canal done today,I cried like a baby even though it didn,t actual hurt. How embarrassing! But 9hrs later it feels'abit sore' as the man warned me it would. But its story time now so bye for now lots of love to all Cathy