GARDEN PREPARATION DAY

Out came the rotavator for it's annual

outing.

Also got the mower out for the first

time this year.

Things are coming together.

MODEL ARTHUR

My belated Xmas present.

Arthur has been immortalised in clay.

Absolutely delighted with the model.

Mini Arthur is pictured with real Arthur.

A BREAK IN GIBRALTAR

Almost 9 months after booking the break, our weekend

in Gibraltar arrived.

Changed travel arrangements meant we had to go via

Pompey on the ferry, as Monarch airlines

had gone bust 6 months ago.

After setting off from France on Monday, we got

their Wednesday afternoon.

There were 15 of us.

I hadn't been to the rock for 24 years.

Obviously lots of changes.

Even more built up now.

Down at the marina was a selection

of new bars and eateries.

All mixed in with a few old haunts

that have been the mainstay of Gibraltar

for decades.

Even did the tourist bit and went up to the

top of the rock in the cable car.

Last time I went to the summit, I ran up it

in 33 mins, doing a crazy race that the Navy

like to do when a ship visits.

The apes are still thriving.

The above picture at the top shows Spain 

straight ahead, Gibraltar town bottom left,

and what would be Africa far right,

apart from the dense cloud.

The less said about the flight back the better.

Diverted to Malaga, and we 

got home 24 hours late.

SNOW, OR NOT A LOT OF IT

We have been watching the snow back at home.

We had the same warning of impending doom, 

for Brittany. 

10cm of snow we were promised for Thursday night.

And as you can see..DISASTER

Luckily I had these skis I bought in Poundland's sale.

We wouldn't have got out the house without them.

Had to dig ourselves out the house.

Good to have the tools to do it.

In other words..Weather forecasters lie like Politicians.

CHICKEN SITTING

Looking after Alan and Jane's chickens

for a few days, whilst they are in Portugal.

First morning, rather chilly at -2C.

Great day to be on a scooter.

COMINGS AND GOINGS

We have both been back to the UK this past fortnight 

but for differing reasons.

I went back to see my Mum in Bournemouth, 

caught flu by the 2nd day, and

coughed and spluttered all week.

The week was finished off with a couple of

days in Pompey catching up with some 

old members of the Navy's finest branch.

Marie has gone back to Cornwall for

Aunt Gwen's funeral and a family visit.

NAVY IN THE VILLAGE

Here we are. 1st Royal Navy Association 

event of 2018. 

At the Auberge in our village.

22 people, 3 course meal with wine.

Love having lunch with everyone of these guys.