Last couple of days in England

Friday 5th October 2012

I finally got the blog started and published last night. Remember if you want to look at a bigger picture, just click on it, then use the 'back' arrow or close the picture to return to the blog.

A very early start to the day with some pre-dawn staircase excitement in the house. Ask me and I might tell you, but no, it wasn't THAT!

We had a leisurely breakfast, and were joined for the day by young Jackson.

We then spent most of the day at the Harlequin Centre in Watford, one of the biggest shopping malls I have ever been in. Did a bit of shopping and managed to get myself separated from everybody, taking some time to find my way back to the correct carpark level and entrance before the others eventually found me.

While there I bought a webcam for Rob, and when we got home I set his computer and him up for Skype.  He can run, but he can't hide!

We had a nice drive around the area on the way home, past the Warner Brothers' Leavesden Studios and Harry Potter's World attraction. Saw a couple of Chinook helicopters flying overhead (they are real big beasts), and drove through a number of villages, Hemel Hempstead where Rob works, Kings Langley, and back home.

Fairly constant rain this afternoon, so nice to be inside.

We had a nice dinner, with Brooks and Jackson, and a quiet evening. 

 No photos today, but plenty of memories in the mental camera.

Saturday 6th October 2012

Lovely fine autumn morning.

After breakfast Rose and I walked down through Hunton Bridge and Langleybury Village, along the canal path (Grand Union Canal) and through a farm footpath to Langleybury Lane. Watched a longboat being taken through a lock, and a young family fishing in the canal with sapling rods and lines tied, baited with multicoloured worms.

Walked home past a childrens' farm, the local sports ground, and the Anglican Church.

Grand Union Canal from the bridge in the village

Plenty of canal long boats tied up

Howard at the Hunton Bridge Lock

A couple of guys bringing a boat through

Even a couple of canoeists out

Off the path up toward Langleybury Lane

Rose thought the ferns and trees reminded her of home

Home to Rob's place and a family lunch with R&V, B, and the children. Church bells were ringling this afternoon – perhaps a wedding on?

Issy at the table, Brooks, Rob

Jackson waiting for food

Vaan, Issy and Richard

Kathy, Brooks, Jackson

His Dad piled Jackson's plate!

Richard was more relaxed than he looks here!

Rose, Issy and Vaan

We all walked up the road to have a look at Vaan and Richard's house, which is half way through a loft conversion and new kitchen/dining project. That will really make their home liveable for them when it is finished.

We walked, the kids scooted up the road to Vaan and Richard's house

Ten Pin Bowlin g at Hollywood Bowl, in the Leisure Centre saw me perform to par at this my second ever attempt, to score the lowest of the group, and ensure my pins were undamaged and kept well organised! Rose did very well, although she had lane gutter sides up when she played...

Rosemary had some good shots!

Rob after his turn

Rose being congratulated after a good strike

We've just had a cup of tea after bowling, and I've pulled some pix from the camera. We all gathered around Rob's computer for him to demonstrate Skype in receiving his first 'real' video call, from Steve and Elena. Good also to see the All Blacks have just come from behind to clean up the Yarpies in the final game of the series and drive home the inaugural southern conference World Rugby Championships.

So now I am going to get this blog published, and put things away for our next post, which will be hopefully from Kiev iin a day or two.