Fun in the sun

The weather here has been beautiful and we are getting our fill of sunshine and fresh air. There was a record high of 92F on Monday followed by unseasonal lows in the 50s Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Today was very warm again and the forecast for the coming weekend is good. The new Tiki hut by the pool certainly provides some welcome shade.

We enjoy pottering around the house and yard, followed by a swim in the pool. Arthur enjoys helping out with the dogs and they lap up the extra attention. There are now 3 dogs here, Marley the puggle, Guinness and Stella who are both Rottie Cross and were both rescue puppies. Stella, the newest addition is growing fast and looks as if she will be taller than Guinness.

Last week I met Lily from school each afternoon, allowing her to come home earlier than usual from after-school care. Her school is only a short walk from the house. Then there is plenty to do .. swimming in the pool with grandad (I only swim when there is no splashing going on), artwork on the drive or in the playroom and endless games about animal shows and animal doctors.

This week Lily is on Spring Break so the fun and games have gone on all day. On Tuesday Kelly took Lily and I to the Museum which has lots of interactive exhibits.

Spring visit to Fort Lauderdale

We had a really good flight over although the low fat meal option was "interesting". The movie selection was great and I watched both The Reader and Slumdog Millionaire which more than helped pass the time. Belinda, Kelly and Lily met us from Miami airport and drove us back to their home in Fort Lauderdale. Chris and his family have been holidaying here so we had 3 days with them before they had to leave for home.

On the Wednesday Kelly took us all (well all but Belinda who had to work) out to Stiltsville so Lily and Chisato could fish. The ride out there from Fisher Island, Miami was excillarating as we went in the tender from Danadia. That certainly blew away the winter cobwebs. We had lunch when we got there and then some fishing.. Back home it was into the pool for a quick swim for Grandad and Lily.

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On Thursday we watched Chisato and Michika whilst Chris and Maki had a last visit to the shopping Malls. Arthur worked hard at Chisato's model from the Space Centre .. I don't remember him sitting on the floor with Chris and his lego. Chisato loved local park.

Chisato and Michika

We don't see the boys very often and so at every visit we marvel at how well they are doing.

Snowy winter

This year has seen us have more snow than for many years. Although we couldn't oblige Lily when she visited in December and had to resort to a trip to the city centre and artificial snow for a photo opportunity.

February started with a heavy snowfull and whilst family and friends enjoyed themselves making snowmen, igloos and snow angels we kept ourselves warm inside. Our two dogs reacted very differently; Buster not wanting to put a paw outside and Lady fussing to be out in the garden at every opportunity.

After 10 days of freezing temperatures and treacherous roads and paths we have been very glad to see the snow gradually melt away.

Christmas blessings

Although all the family could not be together we enjoyed the day with Chris, Maki and the boys and spoke on the phone to the rest of the family. One year perhaps we can all be in the same place at the same time.

After our usual morning visit to Nanny Iris we returned home to prepare the meal; Roast Chicken and all the trimmings for everyone else and plain boiled potatoes, veg and lean chicken for me. (Gallstones are no fun!) Chisato enjoyed his presents and Michika loves a cuddle with Grandad.

Then the evening was spent curled up in front of the TV, relaxing with the dogs.

Whirlwind visit

Belinda and Lily flew in last week for a whirlwind week. It was great to see them but the week went very quickly. We were joined for the weekend by Lawrence and Thierry; Thierry enjoying a long weekend with his favourite cousin. Lily was supposed to be a bridesmaid on the Saturday but after finally persuding her to get dressed she then refused to carry out her bridemsmaid duties and wanted to stay home with Thierry rather than go to the wedding party.

Lily was desperate to see snow so when none came we took her to the City Centre where there was a special photographic opportunity .... a large plastic globe complete with fake snow. She had a wonderful time playing inside with her mum and their friends, Alecia and Mark ..... and I enjoyed looking after Alecia and Mark's new baby Amelie.

Sebastian Pickard

Our nephew Liam invited us on Sunday to the christening of his son, Seb. We had a good time and enjoyed meeting Seb for the first time. He was so good and very friendly, happily being passed from guest to guest without any fuss. He has a certain mischievous look about him so I am sure he is going to be a handful but will also bring lots of joy and love to his parents.

We were so pleased to be able to take my mother, Iris with us. Here she is in St Mary's Church, Wavendon with her grandson Liam, Gemma and great-grandson Sebastian. As you can see Seb was particularly interested in Nanny Iris' hair and looks as if he is about to take the pins from her bun.