On Topper d'world

Greg ripping across the start line in about fifteen knots, watch him go...!

Exmoor Camping Trip

The Summer's here and we decided to have  a few days camping to get the summer holidays off to a good start!

Mum has not finished work yet so the kids and I got some training in at an old haunt on Exmoor.

Lots of cycling, general havoc and wild living was had....

 

Our campsite was at Pool Bridge just at the top of Horner Woods, it's a lovely place to camp with a river running through and quiet woods to get lost it. And although it's hilly getting out if there, it is also a great place to ride from...

This is part of the climb up onto Dunkery Beacon, quite a tough ride off road for many, but not for a girl like 7 yr old Mipp...!

Sailing pics

A few photos taken of the Brown clan on the water at Calshot during the New Members day which we hosted recently to help get newly joined folk familiar with the sailing.

Above me helming an RS Vision, below Caroline crewing with Andy on a Hobie Cat, and below that me helming again in the Vision...

Movin' on up!

Greg with Taikiko on their last day at Waterside Primary School, before heading off to Noadswood. Both said they were  really looking forward to the new school, and it will certainly be strange with just Miranda there from now on...

Found this one tucked away in a folder from a few months ago, and thought it was too nice to let go.

Taken on Shore Road as he hides in the bushes from someone, Greg is poised to strike!

After picking Miranda up from school we headed for home,  and had he not emerged from his exit at this particular moment I would have forgotten about him. I made a joke of it and he laughed and said very funny, as though I would never have forgotten him...!

And how could I?

Straight line

Not exactly a lazy weekend but a fun one. Had a good bike ride yesterday over the forest stopping at the Royal Oak in Fritham for lunch, about 50 miles cross country.

Today I did the first race with Greg in the Feva, which was his first finish of the year - so well done!

Then afterwards I had my first solo outing in a Laser which was fun! Need a faster boat now...

And finally, this made me laugh earlier ...

Not bad for a bloke who fell off his bike a mile into his biggest race. 

Me and my Girl

Well this one is taken by Greg, that much is sure now! I have processed it in a Bruce Weber sort of way in keeping with the laid back vibe of the photograph. I think you have passed the test Greg!

Sports Day at waterside Primary

There has been lots of excitement building in the house over the last few days as Sports Day has approached. Greg has been giving Mipp coaching on all aspects of running in the spring!

In the event it was Miranda that won her running race and Greg had to content himself with beating his arch enemy (and dearest friend) Taikiko in the throwing competition! Running he will have to work on just yet.

Great fun was had by all, and I am including a podium shot for his amusement!

Return Match

Same camera, same lens but this time it's me on the controls. Although the model is in slightly better nick...
 
We've been down to the park this evening as Greg and Miranda wanted to practice running for Sports Day tomorrow. I gave Mip a headstart as she usually looses, but today she went like a rocket and beat Greg by miles. He was really upset because I had made it unfair for him, although to be fair she went like blazes...

Portrait Session

Been trying to teach the kids to take more portraits and I can't now recall if this was Greg or  Miranda's, portrait of me.

Not the easiest of subjects especially as I hector them with instructions along the way. The focus is almost spot on and the lighting is quite good...

Expect more.

That was the day that was.

I took this photo at the park just before we had our appointment at Southampton General Hospital with the Spinal Consultant having had an earlier diagnosis of Scoliosis for Lewis; we were all tense to say the least as it could have a major impact on Lewis' life.

After another series of X-Rays and examinations by the Consultant and we were given the news that he's got some minor growth abnormalities, but is essentially he's all clear... Can't say how relieved we all are.

My Turn

Photo of me and Fordy just before we pulled anchor at Newtown Creek. Clear blue skies and a leisurely start but not much wind for the return leg...lots of boats out on the water.

Getting ready for Sailing

Lewis looking very relaxed in anticipation of the Summer Holidays - time to do a bit of practice on the water!

I do believe this is my third consecutive photograph of Lewis... wehay!

Brotherly Love

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket, save it for a rainy day.

Had a nice array of Meze in the garden as the sun went down. the kids were on form but now they are in bed.... and I am listening to Kyle Eastwood.

Happy daze

The Saints come Marching In

An event was organised at Southampton Football Club this evening to celebrate the sporting achievements of the people who represent Noadswood School, and Lewis was invited for his role as Captain of the Year 10 Rugby Team. It was good to see so much positive comment about the contribution and reward from working with sporty people by the staff, and the pride they have in working together. Well done Tiger, and well done also for your sailing achievements, which did not count towards this evening's criteria.

Taylor Swift

Mipp has been practicing for a performance in school with a few other girls. I found this writing in her daybook on the kitchen table, and I recognised the words as the words of a song which has been playing on Capital Radio - mainly because I used to sing them to Miranda

"I knew you were trouble when you walked in....!"

Through the looking glass

I asked Popsie what she had done whilst we were waiting for Greg to come out of his classroom. The usual dismissive reply told me that she was not going to reciprocate.

Suddenly she remembered that she had something to show me, so off we went to look at the writing she's been doing with Mr Harris and Mrs Lewis...