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.

Sparrow Hawk

It's times like this that I wish I had a more technical camera. This morning we watched as a Sparrow Hawk sat on our lawn and plucked the feathers from it's prey, a Collared Dove. I managed to take a few pictures through the window but could not really get close enough. Have tried cropping the picture so that there is more bird and less background. I also managed to take a short video clip. Once it had finished plucking the feathers out the Sparrow Hawk flew off with the carcass and left us a mess of feathers on the grass.