ECLIPSE

Was really looking forward to the eclipse, but it was just a stinking day, with heavy cloud.

Took these pictures 10 minutes apart on top of the roof of the Celtic, but you can see nothing.

It went a bit darker, and colder, and that was it.

SOUTH ATLANTIC MEDAL

Today was the France Nord Royal Navy 

Association AGM at the 13 Assiettes, Pontaubault.

A great day for me as I was presented with my 

South Atlantic medal by Ray Yeowell,

a survivor of "The Yangtzee Incident"

on

HMS Amethyst in 1949.

I was on HMS Southampton during the Falklands Campaign,

and we arrived shortly after the ceasefire, or should I

say, Victory over the Argentinians.

The qualification period for the medal was extended

to 21st October 1982, hence my award.

I was down south for 5 months in defence watches

on the Southampton. 8 hours on, 8 hours off.

Although we never saw action, we were involved in much clearing up, and the securing of the exclusion zone.

With a few scares of air attack in between.

I share the honour of this medal with my fellow

shipmates.

But most of all with my best run ashore oppo, Brian "Jock" Malcolm who died on HMS Glamorgan,

and remains on patrol.

ST PATRICK's DINNER

We went to St Patrick's bar in Dinan to attend

a St Patrick's dinner on Saturday night.

Potato and leek soup.

Steak and ale pie.

Bailey's cheesecake.

A bit overpriced at 25 euros, but a decent enough 

night with good blues night with Rob and the band.

JOYS OF SPRING

Great that the hunt season has finished.

Always having to keep a sharp eye

on the dogs for half cut Frenchmen

with shot guns.

Now the countryside is our own again for

good long walks

ANCESTORS

Found out what happened to Great, great, great, great Uncle Nick.

He was a bad'un and was executed at Bodmin Prison.

MARIE BACK IN THE UK

Marie went back to Cornwall for her father's (Eric)

80th's birthday.

A good celebration with Sunday lunch at the Ship in Par.

Now, deepest darkest Cornwall is a strange place where local Royal Marines breast feed children.

Birthday Boy Eric enjoying the party.

During the week Marie went to Bodmin Jail where the past caught up on her.

VISITOR

This chap has been keeping me and the dogs awake at night.

Obviously squaking out for a mate, he is 

at his loudest from 9pm till 4am.

Who needs an alarm clock?