Torch lit tales

Records, as any one who knows the Browns will testify, are in our blood. A recent visit to my parents found us rifling through my parents collection as we chatted about classical music in general and string quartets in particular.

The above record caught my father's attention, and he was off reminiscing about the trip to Greece  when the bus driver played a recording by this woman. They managed to find the LP and bring it back with them, and played it many times that I am aware of.

Such is the power of music; when our memories fail us on simple yet important things, music will not.

Peek a boo!

Popsie in Purple

From Saturday afternoon when we fed the animals and put them to bed at Barry's farm. We were there early and were able to take Domino for a walk first. Miranda especially enjoys doing this and Barry is always glad of the help; she often says she'd like to be a vet, which is why we are reading the James Herriott books!

Pizzaman

On the weekend Miranda seemed to think we could finda pizza van on the beach, just like at Hayling Island. They haven't forgiven us for having a nice time when we were at a recent training event at HISC, the wood fired pizza which was situated conveniently close toa decent chip shop.

Lewis when discussing business studies with the man discovered there were several other franchises across the country - stands to reason they would be just waiting to be found by a hungry Mipmop.

Not many takeaway vans have fresh basil and olive oil to hand...

Lola

This photo of Miranda's pen-pal and cousin Lola will hopefully inspire her to write a letter or a blog post for her... only time will tell!

Thirsty Work

Not long after he'd got home from school and discovered that he'd have to ask my permission to go back out again, he remembered some good news ... "I've got something for you Dad, a present!"

It's a night light; a project involving making an object in Design Technology at school. It has moulded and cnc machined plastic, electronics and applied vinyl graphics as well as an edge lit blade with engraved graphic of a dinghy

...just in case I wake up and need relief in the night!

Starcross Steamer

90 boats entered for the Exe Sails Starcross Steamer Pursuit Race on Sunday.... "The premier winter event in the South West - sailed on the beautiful Exe Estuary"

 Last year's photo here

Chance Encounter

On the beach at Scotts Bay next to the Pink House, we happened to meet a couple on their first date. So we borrowed one of their dogs, and Meredith took a photo of us, and I reciprocated by taking their portrait. In the background you can just see the Worms Head.

Here we are in 2009 

No Man is an Island

We've been doing this, as a family for more than forty years now, and it's one of life's essential pleasures for me. Almost as soon as I get to my parents' house, the suggestion of going for walk on the beach follows.

I only had time for a brief visit but on Sunday the weather was perfect, and we walked across Scott's Bay and around the headland giving us fab views across to the Worm's Head and Rhossili on the Gower.

We managed to persuade Dad to climb onto the rock, which was fun as he's a little unsteady on uneven surfaces now - but we all like a challenge!

Team Aquaholic 29er

It's not every day I get a phone call praising my action photography so I'll mark it by posting another picture of the boys, steaming along, spinnaker blazing! Greg holding on tight as Lewis applies as much power as he can.

We need a new set of sails for the 29er, so if there's any enterprising souls out there who'd like to sponsor them before they become famous, now is your chance. The boys will advertise your business tastefully on their sails or the hull and you'll become a very important part of Team Aquaholic.

#aquaholic29er

Running Club

She's designed posters, made badges, written rules and managed to rope various kids in school to join her running club. Tonight she tells me that Mr S if offering to help set up a course for her. What an organiser she is!

LTSC Perishers

 Lewis and Greg leading the charge on the start line at LTSC on Sunday. Photo by Beverley at LPB Aerial Imagery captures the drama nicely of a congested river... Often there's as many as 40 boats on the startline.

HISC

Startline action shot from yesterday, with extra drama provided by the cloudscape which brought hail and chilly winds to Hayling. Six o' clock start and the boys were active until we were writing up notes on the learns form the day at nine o clock in the evening. You can't ask for more than that in terms of commitment can you.

Today the boys have been at LTSC, racing again, but the winds were hideous. They met some squad 29ers from Pwllheli who after doing what we did, had to drive back to the Lleyn peninsula - that is commitment (as Lewi pointed out to me!)

Hayling Island SC

Spent the day at HISC again today, as Lewis had been able to arrange a day's training with some other 29ers. A very productive session was had for them, and I was in the training boat learning myself and seeing them in action. As the photos download I like the look of this one which captures a dreamy moment (for me at least)

Awesome sunset whilst we ate wood fired pizza and chips from the wagon on the beach... The Best! So good I didn't even need a beer to wash it down, which is just as well as my eyes were closing by the time we departed...

Sailing at Lymington tomorrow, the last of the Perishers series...

Old Harry rocks..!

A moment of gay abandon on the beach at Studland. It would be nice to get down here early one morning and see the warm sunshine light up those rocks, I figure I could easily spend a whole day in the dunes, lunch at the Pig etc. Now where's my diary.

The Pill Box

Greg rose to the challenge of getting inside, Miranda demonstrated her ease with which to make an excuse.

Old's Harry's Tonka Toy

Walked from the chain ferry down to Old Harry's Rocks today across the dunes. This was coffee break time at the cafe on the beach, having just had a conversation with a family about Tonka toys. Check out the sunshine; it's sunnier down South! February is consistently one of my fave months of the year...

29er The most fun you can have when wearing Speedos

Just in case you are wondering why the boys want to do this every weekend...

By popular demand... here's Gregory!

 

This is one of two pieces that Greg will be playing at his next music competition. This is Valse, a Hungarian waltz, and the other will be Malaguena.

Early Birds

OK so I should have used a flash, but just look at the sunrise. Sailing - we are go!