Snowdon...what a climb!!!

Hi
Well, I had a great week-end with my friends Denis and Steve. It was all over too soon and I could have happily stayed there for keeps...the place where they live is the kind of place my dreams are made of...sigh.

On Saturday night we had a lovely meal and caught up on the last few years and then on Sunday Denis and me decided to walk up Snowdon, which is the highest mountain in England and Wales...I did make the journey many years ago and I certainly knew I had done it when I/we reached the summit!!!!

I think we covered approx 15 miles altogether and it took us about 6 hours, but we did stop for a packed lunch and a rest or twenty. It was a struggle in parts but the views from the summit make it all worth while.

So here are some of the pics of our mammoth walk. There's walking and then there is serious walking!!!! Ha.

The first two pics are of firstly me, and then Denis at the summit.

There is a picture of a train on the Snowdon mountain railway...another way of getting to the top (tempting too).

The last picture is of Denis and Steve's place. It's called ''Pen-y-Ceunant'', an 18th century Welsh cottage situated on Snowdon and has been converted into tea rooms.

I am looking forward to my next visit, very much so.

Smiles.

Heading for the hills...

Tomorrow I am heading for the hills to stay with friends of mine, Denis and Steve. They live on Mount Snowdon where Steve has his own business in the form of a cafe.

The last time I stayed with them they lived elsewhere, although that too was in the middle of nowhere...ha. Not that I'm complaining...if I had a choice, I'd be ''away from it all'' too.

I am taking Fizz with me and she is going to have a playmate called Jasper, Denis and Steve's dog.

The weather forecast is for rain, rain and more rain...but it will be nice to just sit and talk and catch up on the last few years.

They have always been good friends of mine and I remember once, when I was having a really bad time in my life, they came to my rescue. They appeared like two rays of sunshine when I was in a very dark place. I will always remember that.

Denis and me have many happy memories of our teenage years and it was Denis who first taught me to drive, when I was only 14 sshhhhh. I can remember him shouting at me a lot and then apologising profusely...ha.

Here are some pics taken during a week-end we spent in the city of Manchester in England. These were taken in the Science and Industry Museum if I remember correctly. I am not 100% sure what year these were taken but I will find out...ha.

Picture one is of Steve and me.
Picture two is of Steve, me and their friend Neil.
Picture three is of Denis (on the left), me and Steve. Note how short my hair is...eeww.

My daughter Becky flies off to Spain in a few hours with my friend Angela and her children and my eldest, Nicola arrives next week with her beau Shaun, to spend a week here...so I am going to make the most of my time away...and maybe...relax a little.


Hope you all have great week-ends...

Smiles.

Happy July 4th

Happy July 4th to Richie, Pris, James and Kai and any other US citizens who happen to pass by.

I remember spending this special day with Richie when I first flew to the US.
We sat under the stars on a very warm July 4th evening watching the fireworks...it was so lovely.

I've posted this flag, which flies outside one of Richie's neighbour's homes.

I took this pic in March just gone when we had all the snow...ha.

I hope you all enjoy your day, whatever you are doing to celebrate.

Smiles.

Balloon Burst!!!

Well, even though Becky is no longer at the school, I agreed to once again do the balloon burst stall at this year's Summer Fair...

It took all day yesterday to blow up 200 balloons (with the help of Berenice) and a rather useless balloon pump. (Must invest in a better one for next time).

Then we had the problem of transporting them to the school field.

No worries...Claire and kids to the rescue in her people carrier. It was fun going up the street with all the balloons and watching the faces of the passers-by...ha.

My Mum took the money and gave out the prizes whilst I ensured the kids didn't hurt themselves with the balloon-popping pin.

The idea is to pop the balloon and a ticket falls out with a message on it saying ''you have won a prize'' etc. I put all the paper messages in the balloons before I blew them up...phew.

It all went great and here are a few pics of the day.

Smiles.