Saturday 25 December 2010

Christmas Pressies

Hamish loves Christmas! From the moment I start wrapping presents he is trying his hardest to get at them and rip them open. His main present was a new wax coat as his old one is just a tad too small for him. We were going to get him the same again but couldn't find it and so got this very smart one instead ...

There's a flap under his tummy and so I can't wait for a wet muddy day to see how much cleaner he'll stay! He had a selection of treats and a few soft toys as well ...

By late morning the expensive one was already in the bin as he'd chewed it to pieces! The cheap ones that I'd found in charity shops were lovingly taken to bed and are immaculate! I gave Mike a satnav ...

I think I must have had a senior moment as I've always said that a satnav in one of our vehicles would mean divorce! I love navigating when we're out and about as I've had a fascination with maps since schooldays. I just love reading them and finding out of the way places to visit. We do get caught sometimes though when we try to drive through large towns and cities in the RV hence the satnav. Pam and Lesley (Mikes' sister) came over for Christmas lunch and then we watched the ballet Cinderella in the afternoon. Pam gave us membership to English Heritage so we're really looking forward to the spring and visiting all the local places as well as the rest of the country.

Saturday 18 December 2010

Pendennis Castle

Earlier this week we received a call from Mike and Sharon our MX-5 area co-ordinators asking if we'd like to be on a small committee and go on a site visit to Pendennis Castle as they were hoping that the Club would accept it as a location for the Spring Rally 2012. Naturally we said yes!

We all met up and drove in a small convoy of four cars to the Castle to meet Loraine Matthews who is the Hospitality and Events Manager. We entered via the disabled entrance ...

and found ourselves in front of the Barracks building which is huge ...

This was all new to us as we'd never visited before - it was on our 'to do' list for when we get our English Heritage membership. Loraine took us in and we all sat around a large table where we discussed things like how many toilets would be needed and how the parking would work. Then she showed us which rooms we would have access to and gave us a guided tour of the part that the general public get to see. It was all very interesting and we really must come back next summer ...

Lorraine then had to disappear as she had a wedding booked for 1.30pm and she had to set it up in the castle. We were told we could go anywhere we liked! It was a beautiful morning and so we wandered over to the castle passing the cannons etc on the way ...

We went inside and up a winding staircase which brought us out on the roof with a fantastic view ...

All the MX-5's would be parked on the grass - what a sight that would be!

We then climbed higher still until we were on the level from where the flag is flown ...

Back through the door ...

down to the bottom again and into the room where the wedding would be. It looked so pretty ...

It was then time to make our way back to the cars but not before we had a look around the shop which is in the old storehouse ...

We were just about to say our farewells when a Search and Rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose flew round us on its daily trip ...

The vote was a unanimous thumbs up for the site and now it's up to Mike and Sharon to put our ideas to the National Committee and hope that they like what they see. Fingers crossed!

Friday 17 December 2010

Surprise Parcel!

We have received a fantastic John Lewis Christmas hamper from the owners of a neighbouring house. They don't live in Cornwall and we keep an eye on their place for them when they're not here. Thank you so much Pete, Jackie, Katie and Lucy it was such a kind thought and you are very naughty! See you all after Christmas.

Sunday 12 December 2010

Internet Problems

I've been very quiet of late I know but my pc has been driving me mad as the internet keeps dropping out. Apparently it's all due to the superfast broadband which BT are working on in our area and is supposed to be ready for March next year. I just hope that our bit is sorted soon because I don't think I'll survive til then!!

We've had loads of snow which was very pretty but it was followed by frosts like I've never seen before in Cornwall. Taking Hamish for his walk in the evening on a skating rink wasn't very easy.

Last Saturday the Harbour Association had its Christmas Dinner at the Waterfront Inn ...

We left before the karaoke began so the highlight of the evening for us was the snail racing!!

The village is beginning to get decorated now for Christmas ...

and on Wednesday this week we've got the annual singing of carols outside the Arms.