End of year

2016 drew to a close - an interesting and blessed year.

The 2017 blog can be found at Flying Turtino 2017

Christmas 2016

A very busy and enjoyable few days with families.  A lovely day at Jane's for Xmas Day, on Boxing Day was at home and seeing Sharon.  On Tuesday all my lot came over for lunch, fifteen folk jammed into my living room - it all worked and we had a fantastic day.  Thursday a walk with Lois, Sharon and my lovely boy over Lecky, where we met Nick and Jane, followed by a meal at the Royal William.

Burn up

Spent a great day yesterday with Jerry and Steve, burning up an enormous pile of garden rubbish and furniture at Robs.  Steve set to work with a chain saw on a fallen fruit tree, logging up at the same time. Lunch was jacket potatoes dropped into the hot embers to cook perfectly - mixed with a little salmon.  Ah, now that's how to do a garden.  Thanks chaps.

XCC in Brecon Beacons

On Sunday I came back exhausted from an awesome four days in the Brecon Beacons with a hundred and fifty guys from all over the UK.  I was part of a team of thirteen chaps from Trinity taking part in XCC (Extreme Character Challenge) a mind, body and spiritual challenge. We were exhausted, having been pushed to our physical limits over many hours, we were emotionally challenged as we listened to others testimonies, we bonded as we supported each other - it was a spiritual awakening as we searched for the meaning in our lives and the direction we want to take - serving others and not just immersed in our own lives.

The guys from Trinity were fabulous and I experienced unbelievable fellowship with the group.  It was an experience I'll carry with me, an experience I hope will change me for the better.

Three days in the lakes.

Just spent a fabulous three days in the Lake District. We drove up on Sunday Morning arriving quite late after a tortuous journey.  No worries we decanted our stuff, and Daisy's as well, at the hotel and popped over to see Jane and co (Jess, Steve, Tim and Richard) - arriving just in time for a roast dinner.

On Monday, we drove to the Langdale Valley (one of my favourite places in the Lakes) and walked up from Blea Tarn around Side Pike and then back around Blea Tarn to the car.  Fabulous - the sun shone all day and the heather was golden in the late afternoon sun.

Tuesday up and over Cat Bells with fab views looking down on Derwent water with Helvellyn pale blue in the distance.

Wednesday a quick walk from the hotel took us to Barrow and then on to the top - a fantastic walk. Walking through emerald green fields edged in rust coloured trees, just turning colour as Autumn approaches, to windy windswept up lands with views to Grisedale and beyond.

A lovely time thanks all.

Gifford Circus and all.

A fabulous weekend - On Friday a trip to FOD for a cycle ride and a picnic by the River Wye, a bit chilly but nothing a bit of Prosecco couldn't deal with. We followed this up with an evening meal at the Bear Inn, Bisley (care of Group On).

On Saturday Jane and Richard joined us for a walk over Lecky (and Daisy the dog). In the evening it was over to Cirencester to see Giffords Circus - what a fabulous show it was.  So much fun and laughs - Jane said she hadn't laughed like that for ages - it was lovely evening.

Sunday was William's last day at home before moving up to Solihull - a bit of packing to do. The remaining stuff will go up later.  William started his new job two weeks ago and is loving it, lots to learn, lots to do - this is the start of a great adventure and a new life for him.  I'm so proud of him and love him dearly - but I will miss him.  I know the future holds great happiness for us both and we'll always be there for each other.

Thanks all for a weekend full of love - God bless.

Westward Ho!

Following a forecast of 3' to 5' clean waves, me and William drove to the Ho! On arrival the wind had picked up and the sea was choppy - but no worries we gave it a go and had some fun in the water. I managed to catch a few - it was lovely to spend the day with Will.