Fun and games on the way home

We had a "fun" trip home. We went via Stockport, not the most direct route from Halesowen to Bromley, to take Helena home. The M6 was one very long car park. After a couple of hours of frustration I took a side road. To cut a long story short I went through a puddle was hiding a very large pothole which took out the two off-side tyres. We had to be recovered and get tow replacement tyres so we eventually reached Stockport at 22:30 instead of the anticipated 16:30. So much for a speedy detour. I am not attempting to recover the cost of the tyres from the local council - watch this space.

Mad Dogs and Englishman

This Boxing Day we were not out in the midday sun, but rather the midday rain. We spent Christmas with our youngest son Lawrie who lives in Halesowen. On Boxing Day we went for a walk on Clent Hill. Despite th rain, cold and mud it was most enjoyable; we are a peculiar lot!

Helena and Lawrie racing to the top.

I "think" we were enjoying ourselves!

A busy few days

Our Parish Church was a 100 years old on Thursday 13 December. We celebrated with a sung Vespers presided over by Bishop Pat Lynch then on Sunday we had a High Mass celebrated by Archbishop Peter Smith.

Vespers by Candlelight

Julia made the Celebration Cake, it was excellent. Bishop Pat, with the Mayor of Bromley is cutting the cake.

 

At Mass, The Gospel being read by Deacon Duncan

Archbishop Peter giving the Homily

At the end of Mass the Archbishop gave the Benemerenti to three parishioners. Many congratulations to Joan, Frank and John.

Julia's twin sister Phil and husband Peter were alss down for the weekend for our "present exchange" so it was a rather hectic time. On Saturday we wnet to Canterbury for teh day - had an excellent pub lunch at the City Arms.

Thought for Christmas

Ilse my childhood friend once found a raspberry in the camp and carried it in her pocket all day to present to me that night on a leaf. Imagine a world in which your entire possession is one raspberry and you give it to your friend.

On the Boston Holocaust Memorial

Clean shaven again!

Much to Julia's delight!
Still I raised close to £200 including gift aid