An eventful weekend

This weekend saw some interesting developments in the household. Oldest daughter Fliss moved back in for a short while. Temporary accommodation she calls it (halfway house). It's been a while since I tried to get two rooms full of belongings into one, but we managed it. Going to be an interesting couple of months as the wife and I adjust to having some-one living with us. No midnight forays downstairs wearing just a smile, got to put a dressing gown on now. Told Fliss that if I forget she has two choices, scream and run back to her bedroom  or point and laugh hysterically, lol.

This weekend saw a trip to the castle for a game of football with the grandsons. What a laugh, haven't done so much running about in ages.

Did try riding Sam's bike but it was a little small and Sam pushing didn't help.

We also tried to get mummy involved in the football, don't think it worked to well as she kept miss-kicking.

All in all it was a fun weekend and hopefully there will be many more to come. Upside of it all is that Fliss is a keen cyclist so it looks as if the bikes will be brought out of the garage, dusted off and used again. Been a year or two since they were out some might even get a bit of weight loss as well.

Birthday & Anniversary BBQ

Yesterday was a momentous occasion in the Jones household, 28 years of marriage and 65yrs of age. just had to celebrate, so we had a BBQ. Invited family and friends and got down to some serious fun. Thank you Cat for your superb anniversary cake and thank you Steve for the birthday cake, oh, and the bottle of port. We still have to finish that off shortly.

Thanks to everyone for the superb gifts that you brought, they will be enjoyed, some quickly, others that give lasting memories, such as the photo's and inscribed glasses, for many years to come.

The camera was left on the table for anyone to use, so having deleted all the "bad" pics, I have included a few so that you can judge for yourself how much fun we had. The few "little people" that were present behaved impeccably and nanna & grancha had huge fun bathing and reading stories to the two smallest. How I wish with all my heart that Logan didn't live so far away.

Mind you, I did have some really significant people come, Big brother Pete, little brother Dai and their respective partners Emma & Sue. Youngest son Steve and two daughters Fliss & Su with their partners, Nic, Steve and David. Not forgetting the grandchildren Josh, Sam and Logan. Lots of other people present, David's parents, Martin (bro in law) Taylor, Tracy and Riley, Rod and Maureen and a few more I've probably forgotten.

The BBQ went down a treat, along with lots of beer, wine, coffee and tea plus the usual coke and lemonade. Marlene's chicken and chorizo paella was scrumptious, just not enough of it. It was the kind of day that you wished could go on and on and on.

Earlier in the day, while the children were there and alcohol consumption was strictly limited I had a bit of fun with a couple of budding motorcyclists.

Oh, I nearly forgot, there was some absolutely cracking 60's and 70's music being played. Memories, so many, anyway I hope you enjoy the pics.

Celebrations

Tuesday saw my 65th Birthday come and go with the minimal of fuss. Just a small celebration in the afternoon with two of my grandsons and then a small dinner in the evening with daughter No1 and daughter 2 + partner. Tomorrow sees the main celebration because it also happens to be our 28th wedding anniversary and so we have a few friends and family to celebrate with us. BBQ in the afternoon so we can include the children and then a more adult get together in the evening. Should be a lot of fun as some of the guests we haven't seen in quite some time. My older and younger brother are coming up from the west country with their respective partners so chance to catch up on the family gossip. Will post a few pics tomorrow. So that's it for today.

Ice Bucket Challenge

I suspect that the majority of you will know of the current craze. Participating in the Ice Bucket challenge for charity. Initially aimed at supporting McMillan Cancer nurses it has grown and grown and now people are basically doing for all sorts. Who cares as long a charity benefits. Anyway I thought I would post my attempt for you to laugh at or enjoy. Ably helped by my wife, daughter and grandsons, here it is.

Wreath of Respect

It's been a long time since I last posted on here. Got lazy I suppose. However, have now been persuaded to start up again. So here is the first of many new posts. Last Friday, the wife and I took part in a motorcycle ride for something called the Wreath of Respect. This was a specially confirmed bronze wreath of poppies (by the Royal British Legion) which also incorporated a horseshoe as its centre. The wreath started its journey at the National Aboretum Memorial Wall and then travelled on the backs of motorcycles across the UK. Visiting cathedrals and military establishments as well as many small towns and cities. I was fortunate to be invited to take part in part of the route from Portsmouth to Tidworth. This will always remain special in my memory. I have taken part in other rides, notably the Ride of Respect from Brize Norton to Carterton and the biggest one of all, the Ride of Respect. This takes place on the first Saturday in October and involves thousands of bikers and their families, plus many others who gather to respect all that have fallen for their country since the world wars. They congregate at the National Memorial Wall. This October will see my 2nd visit, accompanied by my wife. Just six weeks to go. I will post details of the journey and pics after the event.

Anyone who wishes to know more about the two previous rides can visit the websites. They are enlightening and thought provoking.  Wreath of Respect https://www.facebook.com/groups/1494875074058274/?fref=ts

Ride of Respect   http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/about-us/calendar-of-events/fundraising/ride-of-respect


Comments welcomed.

See you soon.

A New Year and New Start

So, 2013 brought many things, a new grandchild from Kate but he lives in Derby and we rarely see him. Shame really because we would really like to get to know him. Daughter Su found a new partner and is happier than I have seen her for a long time. They are currently looking for a new house and new car, oh, the joys of youth.

Busy in the house with decorating and building a walk-in wardrobe for the wife and more to come this year plus some outside work.

Bought a new motorbike in May (although after the accident I said that was it) but Marlene persuaded me that we had so much fun. Participated in the Ride to the Wall at the National Aboretum and that was simply awesome. Booked up for it again this year and also the Ride of Respect. Hopefully we shall have lots of sun so that we can get out and about on the bike.

In August the Jones's all got together to celebrate brother Pete's 5th birthday, first time in 25 years that all the brothers and sisters were together + many other family members

Yes, 2014 is shaping up to be a definitive year for all in the family.