Sadness

On the 25 th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy I can understand and feel the sadness of the families of the 96 people who died there. I remember watching it on my tv in my bedroom and later on the news, the scenes at train stations and coach stations in Liverpool as relatives waited to see who had or hadnt made it home.
I remember 1989 as if it was yesterday. Its hard to believe that 25 years have passed by.

You'll Never Walk Alone - Liverpool vs Man City

HAIM - If I Could Change Your Mind

Loving this pop tune....  and groovy moves in the video.

Julian

Julian, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

We had a lovely few days with Julian Keri and Matilda over the weekend. We stayed local and hopefully gave them a feel for the area.... the river and the forest and the wildlife.
It was lovely to spend time with them.
There were early mornings and early nights with Matilda... looking after a 20 month old person is a bit like camping? We visited 3 different pubs and got a bit over excited with face juggling after a few pints.... it was very funny. We hired bikes in the forest and cycled in freezing hail and occasional sunshine. We took lots of photos. We skyped with Olivia in Cambodia and Ros and Roy in Wigan..... and spoke to Auntie Angela on the telephone.
They left early yesterday for a flying visit to London before their flight to Canada.

Before they came to us they had been in Warwick meeting Julians grandma for the first time and his aunties and cousins. We discussed how we miss our cousins Gavin and Janine and being in a tribe, relatives, family and cousins .... I think being "loved ones" just about covers it x

View

View, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Cycling on the family trail

Cycling on the family trail, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Daffodils

Daffodils, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

The daffodils in the garden are putting on a good show this year. They look beautiful.

Young deer in the garden

Young deer in the garden, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

A slide of my Mum on her wedding day x

A slide of my Mum on her wedding day x, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Malvern Hills on St Davids Day

Malvern Hills on St Davids Day, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

We sadly had to cancel our trip to the Isle of Man at the weekend ... but we managed a day out on Saturday in Malvern. We took in an old bookshop and retro music shop and then climbed up onto the ridge to look at the views. It really was beautiful up there....cold when the sun went in. A lovely thing to do on St Davids Day.

Weekend

The weekend got off to a good start with a great win for Wales in the 6 Nations on Friday night. Unfortunately 12,000 miles away Wigan couldnt beat the Sydney Roosters in the World Club Challenge on Saturday morning.
We almost finished off the work on the decking in the afternoon and in the evening we went down to the village hall for a folk night, raffle and hot supper... a bargain at £8 each. Yesterday we did some jobs in the house and watched the last of the Winter Olympics.
I am monitoring the internet/Facebook closely to see how Julian Keri and Matilda are progressing with their round the world trip. They have left Australia and should now be in Cambodia with Olivia. They then move on to Berlin before they reach us in March.....and then they head to Canada for a 12 month stay.
Makes me feel like booking a trip/holiday/get a way sort of thing. Weekends just are nt long enough!!!

Goldfinch

Goldfinch, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Floods

Floods, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

So this week has been another week of bad weather.... heavy rain and floods. The River Wye was looking very big on Tuesday and there was some flooding in the village. Last night we had thunder and lightening and a power cut and this morning we had some snow.

Tube

Tube, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

A trip to London last weekend, which started off with tickets to see Bill Callahan on the Southbank, turned into a very busy but lovely visit to see 3 lots of friends, children and a dog called Reggie.
"Old friends, now scattered around London, about to be gathered up like leaves caught in a vortex of wind"
We met Rick Liz and Eva at Tate Moden for a lovely lunch and look around the gallery....we remarked how we looked clean and tidy...unlike when we meet up for the camping trip in the summer!!!! We walked over to the Southbank to meet Declan and Kate and watch Bill Callahan in concert. We will give this 5 stars.
We went back to Brixton to Kate and Declans house....Reggie and Scotch were there to greet us. On Saturday we looked around Brixton Market and later Declan made a superb mushroom and tarragon pie with mash and greens and we watched the Stone Roses documentary and Alan Partridge DVD. Declan walked us to the tube station on Sunday and we went to meet Dave and Joana and Marlene at Smithfields or is it Spittalfields? We had a quick bite to eat and then a look around Brick Lane before getting the train home.
It was great to see everyone and look around some new parts of london town.

Reggie

Reggie, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Dan Flavin

Dan Flavin, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Vivian Morgan

Last Thursday we went to the funeral for Lisa s lovely dad, Viv at Llwydcoed Crenatorium.
Viv had passed away a few weeks ago in hospital on the Isle of Man. He had been staying with Jim and Lisa on the island since before Christmas.
He was a lovely man who we had seen on and off over the years.
He was a big England Rugby Union fan even though he had lived in Glynneath for most of his life.
We are visiting the isle of Man in a few weeks and we are thinking about Lisa at this sad time.

Jeff Beck - Hi Ho Silver Lining

While we were at Ros and Roys on Sunday we went up into the attic to see the new bedroom they are putting together up there. It is going to look really nice... the window looking out onto the garden is just right. James and Matthew were excited about it all.

I couldnt help but be reminded of being up in the loft just after I moved in in 1989.... and how we all laughed with Roy as he sang High Ho Silver Lining into a microphone up there .... I have a cassette recording of this somewhere.  Roy and the Royettes.

It reminds me of Roy everytime I hear it. x

Pepper

Pepper, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

We had a lovely weekend in Manchester and Wigan...visiting everyone and meeting Pepper.... Paul and Emma s new border collie puppy. She is only a couple of months old and very cute and fluffy. Lots of photos were taken of course.
On Saturday night we went to Worsley Old Hall for a belated Christmas meal. The food was lovely and we all shared a bottle of prosecco. On Sunday we visited Ros and Roy.... Roger Mike and Catherine and the boys and Jane were there too and it was lovely to see everyone. Ros had made her amazing cheese pie....and carrot cake for desert. Wow. x

Pepper

Pepper, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Sculpture Trail

Sculpture Trail, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

We had a lovely walk around the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail last weekend... and bowl of soup in the cafe. We have managed to do a few local things during the January weekends. Despite the soggy weather its been nice to get out an about.

Kavinsky - Nightcall (Drive Original Movie Soundtrack)

I m a bit obsessed with this song at the moment.

Ferns

Ferns, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

The Stone Roses - Fools Gold

The Stone Roses - Waterfall

New Years Eve

New Years Eve, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Paul and Emma came down yesterday to welcome in the New Year with us. We had a buffet here and then a couple of drinks in the pub. We watched the Stone Roses DVD documentary "Made of Stone" and then set off 50 seconds of fireworks in the garden.
We will see them in January along with their new home and new border collie puppy.
Just after they left ...in torrential rain and wind...again!!!!.....there was an almighty crashing and rolling sort of noise outside and we looked out to see a huge landslide on the other side of the river. A dramatic start to 2014.

Nottingham

Nottingham, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

We had a lovely couple of days in Nottingham with Mark and Lou and the kids. We had tickets for the panto ...... starring David Hasselhoff as Captain Hook in Peter Pan. It was another brilliant show and we loved it. Its a lovely thing to do at Christmas.
The next day we walked over to a hotel on the university campus for breakfast and then headed home. It was lovely to see them all again. x

Collage

Collage, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

We enjoyed a quiet few days here over Christmas and a nice break from work. We spoke to Australia on the phone, skyped with Wigan and face timed with the Isle of Man....it was lovely to speak to everyone.
On Boxing Day we went out to take photos as an amazing mist appeared in the valley....and we ate too much chocolate!!!!

Christmas trifle

Christmas trifle, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Bing Crosby - Do You Hear What I Hear (1963)

Christmas card from Marlene

Christmas card from Marlene, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Anemones

Anemones, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Strange white pheasant

Strange white pheasant, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Super mist

Super mist, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

This morning brought super mist and bright sunshine.... always a great combination.

Flotsam

Flotsam, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

We drove out to The Gower yesterday.... to the beautiful Three Cliffs Bay. It was pretty much deserted.... not surprising for a Monday in December. We wanted to do something nice as we both had the day off work....and it was worth the long drive. Lovely to be on the beach...we have become woodland people more recently.

Three Cliffs

Three Cliffs, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Three Cliffs Bay. Gower

Three Cliffs Bay. Gower, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Mums old Robin decoration x

Mums old Robin decoration x, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Christmas Tree

Christmas Tree, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Bonfire

Bonfire, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

We got lots of jobs done in the garden yesterday.... pruning the grapevine and cutting down the hawthorn near the kitchen window. We also had a bonfire and burned through a big pile of cuttings on the track.
Today we bought a christmas tree from a local farm.

Margaret

On Wednesday in Cardiff, it was the funeral of my friend Margaret. I picked Gail up on the way and we joined friends and family at Margaret's local church. 

I worked with Gail and Margaret at the Dental Hospital. She came to visit us here a few times and we would sometimes meet up in Cardiff. Margaret was very kind and would send postcards from her trips and holidays.... she had extremely small handwriting which was sometimes difficult to decipher. She had been struggling with her health for a while but when I heard that she had died it was a real shock. She was 62 and had just moved into a new flat. I will remember our trip to Flat Holm Island and going to watch Acorn Antiques at the Millenium Centre and working together under stressful conditions at the hospital. x

Cheese and biscuits at Liberty s

Cheese and biscuits at Liberty s, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

I met Charlotte in London yesterday for our big day out. We started at The Royal Academy ...visiting the Australia exhibition. It was a lovely exhibition and we saw David Dimbleby in there. We walked over to Trafalgar Square and the National Portrait Gallery...and then back to Libertys for a sit down and somethimg to eat in Cafe lib. It was cheese and biscuits all the way and a glass of wine for Charlotte and a pear and apple bellini for me.... it was very nice. We finished of the day by walking over to Somerset House and watching the ice skating. It was great to meet up and to do something fun. Good team effort x

QCF

I had my first proper meeting with my QCF assessor this week.... and worked hard putting together my answers for 2 of the units. It has been a busy few weeks in work as one of my team is on sick leave.... as a result I have been sleepwalking!!!

With Ros and Roy and Roger x

With Ros and Roy and Roger, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Beautiful day

Beautiful day, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Ros and Roy and Roger came to visit last weekend and it was lovely having them here. On Saturday we went out for a lovely walk. On Sunday we went to a Vintage Fair and then onto Llanthony Abbey via lunch at The Angel in Abergavenny. I made a nice chicken and leek pie but my tiramisu didn't set properly. We played scrabble and became a bit confused over Homeland x

Walking

Walking, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Public Service Broadcasting

Public Service Broadcasting, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Public Service Broadcasting in Cardiff last week .... it was a fantastic "gig". We were stood close to the front in the small venue... and very close to the speaker system.... I was slighty deaf for the next couple of days. Worth it though. They are my new favourite thing.

Lovely deer at kitchen window

Lovely deer at kitchen window, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

RLWC 2013

Well done to the team who are behind this years Rugby League World Cup.... which is attracting lots of positive attention and big crowds to most of the games. Lets hope England can beat France in the Quarter Finals and maybe even get through to the Final.

Beautiful leaves

Beautiful leaves, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Every year I think I must pick up some of these leaves and dry them and do something creative with them.

Eating an apple

Eating an apple, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Grapefruit Moon byTom Waits

"Grapefruit moon, one star shining, shining down on me.
Heard that tune and now I m pining, cant you see.
Cause every time I hear that melody well something breaks inside
And the grapefruit moon, one star shining, cant turn back the tide."

Leaves

Leaves, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Mystery tree

Mystery tree, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Lovely stag

Lovely stag, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

This stag was very noisy last night... and back again this morning with a big group of deer in the field. Beautiful.

Declan Kate and Reggie with Tel

Declan Kate and Reggie with Tel, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Declan and Kate arrived on Friday night...after a very long journey from Llangollen and a few wrong turns and hold ups on the roads. Lovely Reggie was with them and he made himself at home quite quickly. Hes a lovely little dog.
It was good to see them and we look forward to visiting them in London in Feb.

Rugby League World Cup Opening Ceremony

Rugby League World Cup Opening Ceremony, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

It was great to be in Cardiff yesterday for the Rugby League World Cup Opening Ceremony and the England v Australia match. It was a bit disappointing that England couldnt win but we enjoyed the day and being inside the Millenium Stadium is always a treat.

He' s back !!!!

He' s back !!!!, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

So last night we had a close encounter with this beautiful stag....when he came down into our garden. We could hear him grunting and then we heard him coming down the gravel steps.... he didnt seem bothered about the camera flash....."just passing through".
It is the rut now and so exciting to see the big stags in our field.... I am hoping to get some good photos in the next few days.

Going out for a curry

Going out for a curry, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

It was lovely to go out with Charlotte and Ang on Friday night.... what a treat to have a curry with my friends.
Here we are trying to take an Instagram.... !!!!
Looks like we are planning a trip to London before Christmas....very exciting x

Ceret

Ceret, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

We really enjoyed our week in France.
We flew out of Bristol very early with Ryan Air and landed in Gerona, Spain. We picked up our hire car and got straight onto the motorway heading into France to find our accommodation.
The Gite was lovely...up a very windy mountain road and then down a very windy track. It was quite remote.
We visited lots of places during the week... our favourite places were Ceret and Collioure.... Carcassonne was worth a visit but it was very touristy.
Tel drove for hours and kilometres so we could see all these places. It was great to see all the small villages and local people and to try and speak a bit of French with them. We bought a watercolour from a local artist in Ceret for 30 euros and stood in front of a 100 year old painting in the Museum of Modern Art there....the wonderful Les Trois Arbres by Auguste Herbin. Beautiful.
The mountain scenery was spectacular wherever we went.... there was sunshine but also mist and rain and a thunderstorm with lightning ....very exciting.
On a day out in Amelie le Bains I fell over in a carpark and hurt my knees....I also crushed the cream cake I had been carrying!!! Luckily I didn't damage the camera.
We often found we needed to do some shopping but the shops were all closed in the afternoon. Things sprung back into life after about 4 pm.
We spent one day at the Gite... watching the wildlife. We didnt see the wild boar but spotted an amazing praying mantis and lots of lizards and a baby snake.
It was lovely to be away for a week. There was no TV in the gite so we listened to all our music on the I Pod and played lots of scrabble.... which was really good fun. There was a bit of Wi Fi outside the main house so we used it to update our Instagram etc.
We drove back into Spain via the Salvador Dali Museum in Figueres and flew out of Gerona back to Bristol and home. x

Collioure

Collioure, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.

Citroen DS

Citroen DS, a photo by dixon2021 on Flickr.