God Bless us every one

I'd like to say a big thank you for all the cards, comments, emails and calls since dad died - they were much appreciated. I'm sorry it's taken me a long time to post this, but, David and I have moved home and have only just got Broadband up and running.

Today would have been dad's birthday and the lead up to his favourite day of the year - Christmas day itself. Here's a picture of dad last year that shows just how much like a big kid he always was on Christmas morning. Heather and I took some flowers to dad's resting place outside the beautiful village Church today and we'll be thinking of him tomorrow. With everything that's happened I'm afraid that I just haven't had the chance, or spirit, to send Christmas cards this year, so apologies for that. I have received some lovely ones though and a wonderful one from our friend Joanne as well as this beautiful hanging ornament that she made with my favourite colours in mind - Heather got one too and you can see a picture on her blog. Here's a snap of Tara, mum and dad's cat, guarding the tree. We are her new mum and dad, though she and Thomas are not getting along very well....should I say Tara really, as she is very grumpy indeed! This post is something of a jumble but I did want to share a, not very good, picture of the roosting Starlings that have been flying in fascinating formation right over the house. Hard to take a decent shot of them, but there were thousands and the noise of their wings was astonishing. I feel very fortunate to have one of nature's great spectacles right on our doorstep. Well, this was just a quick sign in to show our appreciation for everyone's kind messages. I'll be having a new email address soon, so will post that on the blog of course. I'll also be posting new demonstration details for next year, so look out for those.
Meanwhile, we'd like to wish everyone a very happy, peaceful and contented Christmas and the hope that we all have a better year in 2012.