Blog Update

Working backwards - We had a tap out on the drums Steve - we couldn't find a Herald!!
I haven't yet tried to speed up my Broadband, but when it isn't broken don't try to fix it. Thanks for all your help last week - you have made a hit with Cathy's chidren. They think you can do everything (or anything), We were all thrilled with your birthday present to Cathy and Thomas of 2 hours in the Night Elm. We chugged out of Ryde harbour and passed under the bows of the biggest container ship you ever saw and our little MV was tossed about like a cork. We went round to Wootton Creek and right up the creek without a paddle as far as the Sloop. John wanted to hop off for a pint! The trip back was more sedate but when John asked Tony (the boatman) to turn off the engine, he did so and rocked the still boat until the kids were shouting for mercy. When the boat is not underway it is tossed about on the waves and Tony assisted by rocking from side to side! We arrived back in Ryde having enjoyed every minute of the trip.
Cathy and family have now left the IOW and what should have been the return trip on the Friday 0730 ferry from East Cowes was altered to the Saturday ferry as they were all having such a good time. However they left here at 0710 to catch the ferry and we were all sorry that they had to leave - we all had a super time. Mum has washed all the sheets and I cleaned up so as we were up very early in the morning we went to bed tired and slept right through until 0700 this morning. I had spent Sat morning selling tickets for a draw of cuddly toys at the Steam Show in Havenstreet, but my heart was not in it and I came home at 1.30pm, after watching the drive past of all the ancient Austin cars and the many veteran motor bikes, with a gaggle of up to date fatboy Harleys just for fun.. Today the Island is full of Vespas and similar scooter bikes - they say there is over a thousand on the Island. - I hope they don't challenge the Harleys! Cathy rang up to tell us that had arrived home about three having lunched in the lovely little town of Kington. (or was it Knighton)

We hope the girls enjoyed their camp in Anglesey, Pete and Jan - good to see them all looking so happy. What a funny Postal service which cannot deliver to the address on the packet - this also happenened in Singapore. I think we will have to stop sending presents and ask partners etc to buy a present of their own choosing!! How is the cricket Pete? The national team seems to be improving - I hope they can score enough to win the Trent Bridge test.

Lovely to see a resumption of the Postcards, Julian - you are a master at painting apples and peaches. I hope you both enjoyed being together again. Austria is such a lovely country.
I see you are getting new disciples. Uncle Richard's daughter-in-law is a new welcome reader of the blogger - she thinks your paintings are brilliant. Welcome to Eddie and Theresa. Sadly Auntie Celia is in hospital after another stroke. We have been to see her a couple of times, but thankfully the second visit was a much happier one than the first, where she seemed to be very distant, with very swollen legs. Daughter Theresa (the other one) is considering selling her house up in Manchester and coming to live nearer to her parents on the Island. Her children Tara and Jason have now left home and she lives in a modern 4 bedroomed house, so why not?

How is life on the equator, Nic. We are getting some good weather on the IOW, althought the rest of the country has had some flooding - Thankfully not forest fires as in Portugal. We send you all our love and hope to be writing again soon. Love from Mum and Dad