Wedding Belle

As the snow retreated, slowly, very slowly, we felt the need to get out. The wind was still blowing cold, and the ground underfoot had changed from frozen to squelchy. We headed out to Queenswood, near Leominster, with Sarah and her three girls.

Harry and Izzy enjoy squelching.

Fourth attempt at taking this photo, thanks to the dog leaping at me everytime I tried.

Cool reading seat.

Last weekend we headed up to Sheffield to celebrate the marriage of my friend Angela to a lovely man called Russell. They had their nuptuals at Gretna Green with close family, then celebrated with friends and family a few days later. It was lovely to catch up. I took about a gazillion photos of their outfits and grown up kids whom I haven't see for ages. A small selection here:

Russell and Angela

Russell and Angela and their grown up family.

Angela and My Grown Up Girls

Dragged to the Alter? I think this one came willingly.

Snow Drift

Yes, I know, it's been so long that all my regular readers (both of you) have wandered off to read someone else's blog. I can't say I blame you. I've been snowed under with too much work and not enough time. Ho hum. The school I'm at originally wanted me for 6 weeks until October half term. They keep extending the contract, and now it is until May. I'm quite enjoying having a regular income, and mostly nice classes too. They didn't know who they were getting so I have no exam classes at all - Y12, Y9, Y8 and Y7 - which takes the pressure off a bit. On the other hand, I still can't cope with the work load. I just want a job that finishes when I go home.

Nick's hard work.

I didn't go in to work last Friday because of the snow. In fact, the snow has been so severe up here on our hill, that we haven't made it out of the house at all for three days. Nick spent two hours this afternoon digging out the drive to make sure we can get the cars out in the morning. 

Icicles

Snow Field

Then I took the dog for a walk to a neighbouring field, whilst the kids went off and sledged down one with sheep in. The dog leapt over a stile and disappeared up to his ears in snow. I followed him, but ended up up to my knees (literally) making post holes with every step. There is a video for the non-believers, who think I may be exaggerating.

 In the end I just stood there for a while and then took the dog home again. It means I'm about 10 miles down on this week's MoonJoggers target, but I'll make up the miles later in the year when the weather isn't so unseasonal. The spring equinox celebrations had to happen without us down in the woods in Gloucestershire. We would have needed a snow plough to get there.

Snow Field

Meanwhile I've been introducing Mel to Red Dwarf. So far he's watched season 1, 2 and 6. We've been sitting in front of the screen doubled over with laughter at it. I guess he shares my sense of humour. 

Drifts on the side of the road.

Year Eight Challenge

Bothe Donny and Mel have been told they have to "Learn something new" by about March for their Y8 Challenge. Donny has yet to decide, so I hope she picks something easy. Mel went for what he likes - cooking. He decided to learn how to cook a number of different desserts. The first one here is a banana split. 

Mel's Split:
Take one banana and halve it lengthways.

1

2

Add three scoops of vanilla ice-cream.

3

Squirt and inordinate amount of squirty cream over the top.

4

Sprinkle grated milk chocolate over that.

Eat carefully.

5

Not recommended for the faint hearted, or those on a diet.

Moon Jogging

Moon Jogging - no, that doesn't mean jostling the heavenly bodies for position. My friend Heather got involved and I thought it looked like a good idea. A whole bunch of people from all over the world have signed up and pledged to walk 1000 miles in a year. The idea being that when all those miles are added together, they will be the distance to the moon. So far, I'm off to a flying start, with just over 23 miles logged this week. To achive the 1000 miles, I need to average 20 miles/week or 3 miles/day give or take. I can see it being very hard to achieve, as it wouldn't take many missed days before you realise you have to walk 38 miles/day for the next month to get back on target. 

Lake Lugg

Will I manage it? I don't know, but there are a lot of motivational people on the site posting pictures of their 12 mile runs and whatever to make me feel like getting out there (or possibly that I've bitten off more than I can chew, depending on my mood). I do feel a lot better for having done some exercise this week though.

King Rat

Dick Whittington

We went to the panto, as every year, on NYE. It was Dick Whittington, or Puss in Boots, and it was, once again, most enjoyable. The dame was a new actor, who was particularly camp. At first I didn't know what to make of him, then he grew on me and his muddled rendition of the 12 days of Christmas was absolutely hilarious. 

Alice

Puss

The Dame

Afterwards we went for a meal, driving past the floods of the River Lugg - we renamed it Lake Lugg. I took some photos the next day when I went out to interview the Wolf Paw Tipi Villagers for Pagan Radio. The River Severn has also burst its banks and looked spectacular in Worcester. 

Lake Lugg

Lake Lugg

 

Severn Flood

Severn Flood

Donny and Mel had their 13th birthday this week. I can't believe they are getting so old. Before I know it they will be off at university doing their own thing and I won't know where the time has gone.

Nick and Eartha bringing the cakes.

 

Donny and Mel blowing out their candles