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Happy New Year! It was a rather damp New Years Eve party that we had at a friend’s house this year, but the rain didn’t stop us sending up some rockets into the cold sky at midnight. Charlie managed to stay awake for them, but Emily had laid claim to one of the beds and slept through the display. If you ever play Jenga with shorts as forfeits, don’t partner Sarah. As she was driving us home I had to drink a short every time she knocked the tower over. Needless to say I started 2005 with a hangover! The weather has been mild for the most part; sleepy Lincolnshire seems to have escaped the effects of global warming that are affecting the other parts of the country. However, on the 22nd January we seemed to have the coldest start to the day in months. I’m not sure if this was coincidental, but it did clash with our winter get-together. After deicing the cars I set off to the Station to meet Tammy, Ian, Jordan and Alex while Sarah went over to the Princess Royal Sports Arena to greet the other families. It was the biggest turn-out we’ve ever had, despite the Elliot’s being pole-axed by the ‘flu. We’re hoping to meet up with them in a couple of weeks. We all (adults included!) had a great time crawling around under a parachute and playing cricket and football. I’d like to say an official “Thanks” to the coaches, Mark (former Boston Utd player), Al (Bro’) and Lewis (Luke) for giving up their time for us; they did an excellent job. Jordan showed her prowess at football and cricket, Edward was top ‘roller’ under the parachute and Molly was the sneakiest Kwik Kricketer with her batting. Despite the cold atmosphere outside, the activities warmed us all up. Two hours later we settled in at the Hammer and Pincers for a good hot meal and a couple of drinks. All the kids seemed to enjoy themselves and Gameboy, cars and colouring books meant that the grown-ups managed a fairly civilised meal and a chat. We are thinking about a Summer event, so any ideas would be welcome&ldots; we’ve had a very kind offer of ‘trampolining in the garden’ near Newark so far&ldots; we’ll send out letters etc when something gets organised, and it would be great if we could see some more ‘new’ people there too. We’re sure you’ll enjoy it; despite the occasional stiff joint we’re a fun, friendly bunch. No other updates I’m afraid, house still unsold –does anyone know the House Doctor’s number? Good news on the car front&ldots; not needed any visits to the repair shop so far this year. However, we have had to fork out £300 to a body shop for some repairs to a neighbour’s Range Rover courtesy of our 2 darling children and their splendid choice of canvas for pebble on paint drawings! School for Charlie seems OK at the moment, but we want to get his 7.5 hours of support made permanent through Statementing in case we have to move schools when we sell the house. We are psyching ourselves up for the inevitable battle with the powers that be that seem to come with any request for help from Government Departments&ldots; why do we pay our taxes? Well as there’s nothing else to report from the East Midlands, I’ll finish with one of Emily’s jokes: Q: Why did the baby kangaroo jump so high? A: ‘Cos the knob fell off the door! If you’re not roaring with laughter then you’re probably in the majority, but it was the way she told it! Cheers till next time, here’s hoping 2005 brings everyone good things! Love Simon, Sarah, Charlie and Emily |