but we are organising a family fun day and hogroast in the commercial on sunday the 27th august
in aid of Tregwyr infant school
so if anyone is thinking of coming home on bank holiday weekend (claire and steve i`ll let you off )
please come down and stuff yourselves stupid (apparently calories don`t count if it`s for charity :o)
claire and steve speak to you both soon
hope you are both well
Andrew
Rachel
Greetings lovely people !
Good to see you've updated the pics. Not jealous at all !!!
Since I have now entered the world of the non-workers, I now have time to actually look at things at leisure - so feel free to keep updating the site !
Maternity leave world is brilliant. You get to do sod all every day, and sleep whenever you fancy, and no-one comments on it. Brilliant ! Although, my knowldege on all things suitable for the 0-3 month old little people variety is expanding dramtically. Went to buy a pram on Sunday - it was hillarious. I couldn't decide if the woman in the shop was looking at me with pity or sheer disbelief that someone so pregnant could know so little !!
Also, as a word of warning - I've learnt this week, that making jokes to midwives you have never met before, may not be appropriate ! I met my midwife earlier this week, and she asked if I had any specific thoughts on drugs during labour. When I replied by asking her if introveniuos heroin was available - she was not overly impressed !!
Although, I am finding some things quite entertaining....In Sainsbury's last week a lady asked me how long I had left to go...so I told her, I wasn't pregnant, just had a severe case of trapped wind ! Keeping a straight face was hard, but seeing the sheer emaressment on her face was completely worth it !!
I can tell that I have too much time on my hands by looking at the small things that entertain me ! To be honest, I don't think it's the actual maternity leave part that gives me time, I think it is the lack of sleep making me slightly delerious ! I'm only managing to clock up about 3-4 hours a night (someone told me that apparently it's the body's way of preparing you for the first few months of motherhod - however, I'd like to advise that person that I'm sure it's not something I want to practise for ! I'll learn that one as I go along if that's OK !) Surely it would be better for the body to have a break in advance !?!?!? Anyway, enough of my watermelon carrying antics.
Still no news on the house to report - although I'm hoping for an update on Monday. Trying to move house and have a child at the same time is proving marginally challenging if I'm honest ! But hey ho....I've never been a fan of doing things the easy way !! Take care both, and I'll hopefully speak to you over the weekend.
Love, Raqs xxxx
Claire & Steve
It seems we have been invaded by a random but possibly very lovely lady called Sue. If you are reading this Sue, many thanks for your message and for taking the time to look at our website detailing our travels so far - we enjoyed reading about your trip but we have no idea who you are! If we have met you along the way on our travels then we do apologise for not remembering your name.
Sue Blankson
Recently come back from Exploring in Devon ( South West Coast) Challaborough to Ayemore Cove. Not via the coastal path, but via the bottom of the cliffs. It was great! The sea was coming back in, but that was my motivator for getting over the 'bolders' - to get to where we needed to get to. I lost all my nails on my one hand, but it was worth it, and got into some awkward positions as I climbed up to climb back down again. It was scary though (for a novice in skimpy teashire on a hot day - no water etc). Came across a beautilful cave, and two beaches that you could normally get to by boat 'Rib'. Very hot day - 18th July '06 onwards... great for cooling down in the shallow cave water. Best thing I have ever done!
Also went to Salcombe one day, then Darmouth (mind you after trecking to Start Point Lighthouse that day, we looked like street Urchins in such a 'posh place'), South Sands. Totnes another day, Blackpool Sand (the shingles were a disappointment), and then Plymouth - Mount Batten Breaker water was a discovery...
Briefly visited Avon Estuary to go across the Tidal path. We actually one year trawelled our way across that over rocks etc to get to the tidal path from Bigbury Bay - gluttons for punishment.
Ayemore Cove, and the next beach (and the secret beach (with the cave - never remember that name - Wembury?) are my favourties), Fantastic. Love the place!
Last year we walked from Hope Cove along the Coastal Path to 2 miles from South Sands (Salcombe). It was raining and getting dark, so we had to make our way back to Hope and then back to Challaborough (Bigbury). So this year 06 we made our way to Salcombe by Car..
In April 06 we went to Newton ferris - lovely or what. Sunny day as well
Well that's my news.
Will be back there in Sept - I hope and again in October to close the Caravan down. Who knows I will win the lottery and move there - hope so!
Sue Blankson 3.8.06
Terri & Mac
Dear Lena & William
Hope you have arrived safely and are enjoying your holiday. Will be in contact wen you are back in U.K.
Love
Terri & Mac xx
Liz T And Gang
Hya Claire and Steve
Well have eventually got back to having time to look at your fab pics, I cant beleive where you have been had an update from andrew the other day when he collected the Avon catalogue! bethan spends loads on it.... he said you were thinking of staying in NZ for a while wow you lucky things I hope you really enjoy,,,, will have to get my act together to come out and see you .... haven't quite made my millions yet ...gggg.... The kitchen is eventually finished so it is really nice to cook and Burn! food in my new oven ... Emrys was home for a few days but has now flown off to South Afrcia to buy a flat with his girlfriend just outside Cape ?Town so another place to go for hols ,,, lucky me... Sarena is completing on her house tomorrow so good old mum will be doing all the moving in for her until she is back in Sptember, hope it goes okay for her.
Carry on enjoying yourselves and I really love all the photos you look so happy and what an experience
Take care
love Liz and gang xx
Claire & Steve
Hiya everyone in the scorching heat of the UK and elsewhere in the world. It has been ages since we posted anything at all but basically we are still in NZ and having a fantastic time. Steve has a job starting in a few weeks which pays well for out here and has lots of lovely perks including a laptop and broadband connection meaning that internet access will be a lot easier. I am working also so that is why the site hasn't been updated for what seems like an eternity now. I am sending a group email out after this to everyone but in the meantime all you need to know I guess is that we are both well, really enjoying living here and seeing other parts of the south island and have no immediate plans to leave! Also, want to say a big congratulations to Andy and Laura in Bristol who have a new addition to their family in the form of baby George, and we are sending all our best wishes to them as he was born a little bit early but doing better according to last reports. Mum Brown and William are coming in a few weeks - so getting very excited about that although the cold might be a bit of a shock after your present heatwave. A big hoorah also that the Pettifer parents are booked on a flight to Oz for new year....mum, expect a list of things to bring with you from home!!!
Mum (Wales)
Dear Claire and Steve - Australia in no longer a dream it is now reality, flights have been booked and we shall see you for New Years Eve at Sydney Harbour for the fireworks. My Australia guide book is now going to be read and re-read as I try to imagine the adventure ahead. As well as seeing you both which of course is the reason for coming, it is also exciting thinking of seeing Oz, and Hong Kong on the way home.
Lots of love Mum xxxx
Mum (Wales)
Claire and Steven, I have just arrived home and I am now on my trusty puter. I have to put the record straight - Granny is not walking around with a mouse on her head much to Ffion's amusement. I have not lost the plot completely just a spelling hiccup I am pleased to report she had a colour MOUSSE put on her hair. Love and kisses again Mum xxxxx
Mum(Wales)
Hello Claire and Steven Sorry about the previous attempts I am down Fairwood Terrace babysitting using the laptop for the first time to write to you and I am ashamed to say I have had to have help from a 6 year old to get me on your site and type this message. My trusty old puter may be slow and old but I know her well and can use it without Ffion's help!!!! Oh well here goes with some news. We are cooking here in a heat way the last 24 hours have seen thunder and lightning which at midnight was quite spectacular. In work today it was over 31 degrees we could hardly work it was draining all your energy to just pick up a glass of water. I think it will be this hot when I meet you in Oz maybe even hotter I am really looking forward to it. I have been reading my Oz book and there is so much I would like to see but time will be limited so I need to know your plans. Air fares vary a lot but because it will be so close to the festive season they will still be higher than normal. I am thinking that you will be starting your exploring from Sydney so I am looking to book flights either to there or to your next destination, I want to watch the sunset over Sydney Harbour sipping a cocktail so if you have already left there I will have to backtrack at the end of the trip and then fly out from Sydney. Can you email me with your ideas of what you think we will have time to do together so I know which airport to fly to. I plan to come for 3 weeks bearing in mind 2 days will be lost travelling. It is only 2 weeks until Ceri, Granny and me go to Lille and Bruge for our weekend, we are looking forward to it, Granny has had her hair permed and a colour mouse put on it she is looking very smart. Her garden is looking lovely our hard work has paid off and Granny is thrilled with the outcome. Flowers and shrubs are blooming and there is lots of colour from the summer bedding plants. I went and got her a little hardwood table so she is eating her breakfast and lunch outside. Ffion and Josef are looking forward to Lego Land I think they are excited because they are going with Lynsey and Helen and sleeping in a hotel with a swimming pool. I am sure they will be spoilt rotten. Well I had better get these two off to bed before Andrew gets back It is strange to think you are just about to wake up to enjoy another fun filled day. NZ sounds great you are having a great time and it will be lovely when Lena and William arrive to share some exploring with you. Lots of love Mum xxxx. Oh and Ffion and Josef sends kisses as well xxxxxxxxxxxx