An enjoyable afternoon

Well that's the taster session done then - a 2 hour trial to see if I want to go on the sailing course - and I do!. It was most enjoyable, particularly as the wind was quite lively and gusting on Saturday afternoon. We came very close to capsizing the boat a few times but managed to stay reasonably dry, unlike some of the other novices. Something to remember for the next time - you have to jump out of the boat when you land it and wearing trainers, even though they are old is not a good idea (very wet and squidgy). The boat we used was a Wayfarer, bigger than some of the boats but still a little cramped

Although I really didn't seem to do much apart from a little bit of tacking, it was quite tiring. I don't know how I will feel after 4 hours tuition (for 6 weeks) Got rather sunburnt too.

Sunday was more relaxing, visiting the outlaws and more importantly buying some more bits for my long running trailer project which I can now continue with. Pictures to follow.

Still one day's holiday left too it's nice having these bank holidays...

Weekend Mini Break

Thought that we would treat ourselves to a weekend away and so we opted for 4 days in Rome. We fly out from Bristol on the 15th of July (just after our wedding anniversary) and we are staying in the centre of the city. There will be lots to do I reackon which is just what we like!! Feels like another memory card coming on - I think

Ahoy me Hearties

Did a spot of sailing today at Durleigh Resevoir. They had an open day where you went out with an experienced sailor for about 30mins or so. The boat that I was in was a Wayfarer which is a family sized boat but still not big at all. It was great but it did remind me of the time I first learnt to ride a car/motorbike, where you discover that you really need a spare arm to do everything that you need to do. I have always wanted to have a go and especially so since we came to live closer to the sea ( I have no intention of going on the sea in a small boat though)

There was a further offer for a two hour taster session on the 28th of May so I have booked up for that and it should be great fun I reackon. I'll keep you posted

A Busy Weekend

It seems as though we have only just arrived back from our weekend away, but already it's Thursday night. We travelled down to Padstow (or Padstein as the locals call it) for a few days. The highlight of the weekend was a visit to one of Rick Steins many establishments - the Seafood restaurant for a pretty special meal. It was my treat to Carol for working so hard over the past academic year at college. We did some walking and took loads of piccies - some of which may soon appear on the web site.

Then it was turn for my treat by going to see Kate Rusby in concert in the small village of Breacon. She was fantastic and so were the small but select band that she had with her - including her hubby John McCusker. Decided to stay over on the night of the concert then back to work on Wednesday.

She's playing at Colston hall in November so I will be looking at getting tickets for that one too.

The weekend is approaching but I think it wil be a bit more subdued than last week - enjoyed it though...

First Day Back in Arup

Well that's the first day over, which I spent at the Cardiff Office. It's only been a year since I left so many of the things are familiar to me anyway, although I have been caught out a couple of times today. Everyone seems very welcoming and friendly which is encouraging. Wednesday it's on to Bristol and I get kitted up with my phone and laptop - it's suprising how lost you feel when you are used to carrying a mobile and suddenly you don't have one, no matter, soon resolved.

I made the best of my Bank Holiday too by taking the Dog on a good long walk around St Thomas's head and Sand Bay. We even managed to avoid the poor weather by making an early start. Typical Bank Holiday weather though I suppose.

Fingers crossed for Carol who has the unenviable task of taking three (yes three) exams this week Wed,Thurs,Fri. She will need a break this weekend and that is just what I have in mind - but I can't tell you where yet as she may read this and it is supposed to be a suprise!