Doing it His Way

Last weekend it was Mum and Dad's retirement do at Torquay Corps after 17 years as Salvation Army officers. It was a lovely small do led by close friends Alan and Caroline Read, who have had a big influence on their ministry. The hall was packed with folk from past and present corps, some of who gave moving tributes about their leadership over the years.

There was a few embarrassing moments (like the timbrels) and some in jokes which went over the heads of many in the congregation. Probably a good thing. They will never know why my mother was sent a pair of silk stockings from the Sergent Major at Tadley!

The evening ended with a duet by my parents! Now my dad singing is fine but my mum? However it summed up their ministry perfectly. They did it His Way!

(Apologies that the sound isn't great. I hope to get a better copy from someone else)

The things you get up to in a YHA

I was deleting stuff off my mobile the other day such as pictures and videos to make space when I came across this video.

A couple of years ago Kylie and I were staying in a hostel in the Yorkshire Dales. One evening we were the only ones in so we were messing around in the dining room. Kylie found a teddy and performed a beautiful and moving song with it.

Hope you enjoy!!!

Water OAP

Forget water babies, the OAP's are taking over! My mum at the age of 60 has finally learnt to swimming and she's not alone either.

After years of watching us from the poolside she bravely took the plunge and join an over 60's swimming class last year. Prior to this she was too scared to enter water, only buying a cosie a few years ago whilst on holiday so she could cool off in the pool.

Since learning her confidence has grown and the staff at the local pool have been great and very supportive even cheering her on when she completed her 20 meters length, and some were very disappointed to have missed it.

She proudly showed us her new skill at Centre Parcs. Slightly competing with Jacob (6) at who was the better swimmer. But more importantly she was able to join in the fun and do things with Jacob and Emily that she missed out on when Gary and I were their age.

My mum is now making up for it, spending most days at the pool and joining the aqua aerobics. Plus just like a child my mum has displayed her certificates on the fridge.

On enquiring at Poole leisure centre about lessons when she moved there, she was told that she would be in the advance class! Well done Super Gran!

Poole Rocks!

It's not long now until Mum and Dad retire and move to Poole.

So last weekend Mum and I went to Poole to hit the shops and select some pieces of furniture and furnishing. This also included accessories and little touches for the house. 10 hours and £4,000 later we were tired but happy.

Poole is a happening place in the summer. Tuesday nights is bike night, which my dad is looking forward to. Friday is theme & classic car night. This may sound boring to some but for Mum and Dad it's perfect. Plus there are other events such as weekly fireworks, Polo and occasional an invasion of scouts. But last weekend was Harry Paye day!

Harry Paye was a 15th century pirate who lived in Poole and regularly robbed French ships. Some French folk joined forces and attacked Poole in retaliation for Paye's stealing. The locals fought back and drove the invaders out. Apparently Paye wasn't even in town at the time.

To celebrate Paye the town hold a charity fun day every year. Everyone, and I mean everyone, dress up as pirates. I felt very out of place along the quay. Those that take part every year have invested money in good quality costumes which will last and they looked great.

There was live music and games such as tuck of war all along the quay front. The shop owners dressed their shops with skull & crossbones and other pirate stuff. Everyone seems to get involved and there is a real party atmosphere. I even spied a Captain Jack Sparrow look alike or was it Jonny Depp?

Alas I didn't have my camera and we didn't 't have the time to join in due to the shopping but i plan to go down again next year so I'm sure I'll blog about Harry Paye again!

A Father's Love

Today is Father's Day. Most people will be sending a card to their Dads with 'You're the best Dad in the world!' or 'Dad, you're my hero'. I'm never that organise but at least he did get a pressie this year. Yes, my Dad is a hero to me but I just had to share this video of a real hero.

Dick Hoyt is so devoted to his son, Rick, that he has run marathons, triathlons and has taken part in ironman competitions along with his son. Next year Dick will be 70 and they still continue to run together.

Watch the video here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z22s5DzqQdQ&feature=related. Be warned you may need tissues!

Race history
234 - Triathlons (6 Ironman distances, 7 half Ironman)
21 - Duathlons
67 - Marathons
89 - half marathons
plus small races. In total 1009 (as of September 2009)

Read the full story here, http://www.teamhoyt.com/

Nice day out ruined by unprovoked attack

South London has some hidden treasures. Such as the Wandle River which meanders through Carshalton, Morden Hall, up to Merton Abbey mills and on to Wandsworth where it joins the Thames. It's hidden amongst housing estates, over grown tow paths, industrial estates and common ground. The council has attempted to promote the river by creating a trail with sign posts and information points.

Sharon and I decided to head off from Beddington park one sunny Sunday afternoon to the half way point at Merton Abbey Mills approx 6 miles away. The path was well signed posted to begin with and there were times, due to housing, that we were unable to follow the river exact.

But the walk was interesting as it varied in so many ways. We arrived at Merton Abbey Mills, a quirky market with of lots restaurants within the old mill yard.

After some refreshments we spent some time enjoying the atmosphere and shops before heading home. Neither of us could have no what laid ahead.

We entered a wooded area and followed the path when suddenly swoosh. What was that? Just ahead of us, chirping away was a beautiful coloured bird, a Jay bird. We commented how lovely it was, the colours etc and walked on. Then swoosh! The Jay bird was again ahead of us. Was it following us? We carried on and again in swooped in on us. Feeling a little nervous we walked a little faster, turning right along the river, whilst the other path carried straight on. Well now we'll see. Swoosh. That Jay bird was still following us or was he attacking us? We speed up again and the next thing I know is the bird hitting into me, hard! I screamed and gave Sharon a fright who thought I had fallen. The Jay was attacking us! Only one thing for it... Run to open ground!

As we reached open ground we glanced back and sure enough the Jay was there looking for us. Thankfully he didn't spot us and went back into the trees.

Both of us were in shock and felt a little stupid running through the wood being chased by a bird but found the funny side. My head was fine but was a little tender.

What did we do? When we got back we looked Jays up on the Internet. Everything we read said that they are timid birds who only attack if you disturb their nests. Well we didn't see any nests and the fact that it followed us for at least a half a mile makes us think it had an alternative motive!

It may seem silly and you may want to make fun of me but I am not alone. Other people I know have been attacked in their gardens where there are no nests.

You have been warned!!!

Bucket list

Now I know that these are usually created by the old or the terminally ill but at least if I start mine now then I have more time and money to do as many as i can.

Firstly it's advisable not to create one if you have had a drink or two as you may never know why you agreed to some things.

So I blame Sara for starting me thinking about this and helping me create a list after telling me all about her's one evening on the South Bank.

It's quite a useful exercise too. It gets you thinking about life and where you want to be heading. Mine is mainly travelling so my holidays are now sorted for the next few years. There are other ones to do with achievement and then there are ones which could potentially be embarrassing.

You'll just have to watch this blog as I'm sure I'll be writing about each one as and when they happen!

Here are just some of the things that have made it so far!

1. Visit Australia
2. Walk the Inca Trail
3. Sound of Music tour
4. Visit every major city in Europe
5. Visit Iona
6. Climb all 4 peaks in UK and Ireland
7. Orient express or something similar
8. Abseil down major building
9. Learn a language
10. See New York
11. Visit Monet's House At Giverny
12. Appear on a proper stage
13. Learn to sing
14. Have a street artist do my portrait
15. Go to an Olympic event
16. Make my own Muppet (it can be done)
17. See a full eclipse
18. Catch a fish and then eat it
19. Canal trip
20. Have a proper Scandinavian and Turkish sauna in that country
21. Watch an England rugby match at Twickenham
22. Camp out at Wimbledon and have a seat at Centre Court
23. Skinny dip
24. Bungee jump
25. Get a tattoo or belly pierced or maybe even both
26. See a Shakespeare play at Stratford
27. Walk the Coast to Coast, West Highland Way, North & South Downs
28. Road trip across America
29. Vi st Glastonbury