2 weeks today

Just back from a cold walk round the historic sites of Lancaster with the boys. The oldest building in New Zealand dates back to 1840; the oldest building in Lancaster is the castle dated at c1200. We also looked at the Roman Bath House remains which were knocked down in 330 AD. At the Maritime museum Eric touched one of the slates which was on the bath roof.
We also stood under the tree that Queen Vic planted on her visit to the castle.

These remaining days sometimes feel like a scramble to do things for the last time.
Tick tock tick tock mark off another day.
School meal at Crows last night was jolly. Gemma enjoyed the music, Phil and Dave wereimpressed by the magician. Alan entertained us with his vocals.
Why do people not leave comments on these musings?
Please tell us if it is:
a) because there is nothing to comment on
b) because you cannot be bothered
c) because you don't know how to (no excuse! just click on comments at the bottom of this post)
d) because nobody reads this blog

I shall assume that if there are no comments, that d) applies.

The cottonwood tree at Sunderland point. One of only 2 that grow in Lancashire. This one is sprouting from the stump of a bigger specimen that was brought down in a gale a few years ago. 

Niall and Stuart exploring at Silverdale 

Eric and Lily, now living in Silverdale. 

Sunset from Jenny Brown's Point Silverdale 

The foot saga....

After a week with out the plaster on, my foot is slowly begining to unfuse it's self. I have manged to have a couple of trips into town . The cruthes are a god send ,and when i think , "this is ok i shall try with out them 2 ,i almost fall flat on my face.
BUT the good new is ,is that i have returned to the driving seat, as the dominate and superior driver in the family.!!!
My aim, is to be on one crutch for christmas, we shall see. As long as it stops cramping up and refusing everytime i stop and sit for more than 10 minutes......................
3 weeks and counting.............................

The last time

Lots of things we are doing recently are accompanied by thoughts of "this is the last time I'll do this before we go". The sand is running through the hourglass ever faster and it is hard to decide which things we want to do one last time. Went for a few beers at the Waterwitch last night ... for the last time ... (probably). Went up Arnside Knott ... for the last time ... last weekend. Check out the pics. That area is one place I am very fond of.

The Archers 

Woods in "winter plumage" from Arnside Knott 

10 years on, still going strong !!! 

This IS the very ship that currently is floating along with our meagre goods on board. SYDNEY EXPRESS
Acknowledgement to the person who took this photo.

Mum and Dad tell us they have got us a goat and trees for Xmas - what will NZMAF say? 

Kaitaia cake 

On the way to the party, snow over Haslingden Grane 

The Bryans wave goodbye to Mikes family 

This is a view towards Lancaster City centre from where we live. The castle is pretty old - there has been human activity on the site since before Roman times. Away in the distance is Morecambe Bay looking towards Barrow. The large red brick shed in the middle is the new cinema which has been designed to fit in with the skyline - not! It has also not opened despite having been built 2 years ago. 

Stuart gets ready for the big day 

Stuart's Birthday

Stuart is 8 tomorrow but the celebrations have started early. Matty joined him along with the inseparable brothers for a trip ten-pin bowling. Stuart managed 3 strikes , Matty got the highest score but we all enjoyed it. Why does 10 pin bowling turn normally reserved English people into strutting high-fiving inhabitants of Springfield? Who knows and really who cares?

Dad having a "Ray Mears" afternoon in the Silverdale woods. 

On top of "none tree hill", and this is Auckland in mid winter,freezing as you can see