Carrots

This weekend, we endured the five hour drive up to my mums' house in North Yorkshire. It was nice to be in the countryside, and the weather was generally OK. Whilst there, we drove around the countryside looking for things to do, and came across the Wensleydale Country Show, where we looked at some tractors, cattle, a couple of steam engines and a few burger vans. There was also a tent full of giant vegetables, surrounded by some very proud pensioners wearing country style clothing and holding walking sticks. Oscar was very impressed by the display of big carrots. If you look carefully at the second picture, you can see the carrot he grew at school.

Sleeping With Fat Eric

There are a few problems associated with Camping, but in my opinion the worst of them is to do with getting a decent nights sleep. Firstly, there is the endless babbling drivel emanating from the pissed-up delinquents in the tent next to you, (use earplugs), and secondly the fact that you wake up in agony as a result of sleeping on an inferior bed. I have however, found the solution, in the form of a pair of Alpkit Fat Airic Self Inflating Mattresses. It's a cross between a foam mat and an inflatable air bed, and is absolutely bloody brilliant. You unroll it, open the valves, then go and have a pint. When you get back, the mattress has self inflated about halfway. You then add a few puffs to top up to your desired firmness and close the valves. I did a lot of googling and this one seems to be the best because it can inflate to 7cm thick, is rectangular (not tapered) and no where near as expensive as 'Thermorest'. We got 2 for £80, and I've just tried one out. It is possibly more comfortable than my own bed, which has a very tired Ikea mattress on it. Perhaps I'll camp out tonight because I will be more comfy, and won't have to listen to my delinquent kids in the next bedroom.

Boats and Stuff

On Friday morning, we piled a load of stuff into our old taxi and blasted down to Bath with the intention of doing a bit of last-minute camping. All the campsites were fully booked, but, as it turns out, the Mother in Law was sailing gently up the river Avon towards us. After a quick detour and some button pressing on my iphone, we found ourselves piling on board a narrowboat for what turned out to be a highly enjoyable weekend. It was great fun going through the locks, most of which seem to be alongside a pub. A narrow boat is just under 7 feet wide and under 72 feet long (so it can fit in a lock), which means things can get a little cramped with 4 adults and 2 farty kids.

Sheppey

Some friends of ours have got a hut next to the beach on the Isle Of Sheppey. We've just spent a couple of days down there, mucking about on the beach. Sheppey is actually a bit pikey, but apart from that, it was jolly nice. The beach is sandy, the pubs are cheap, and its only 2 hours in the car to get there.

The Horror

When I caught the advert for this on the telly, my head instantly turned away, as if I had just witnessed some sort of gruesome car accident. But then, like the pathetic rubber-necker that I am, I slowly turned back, allowing the mixture of disbelief and revulsion to ovewhelm my senses, revelling in the gory details, soaking in the depraved neon packaging... I am genuinely horrified.

Weddings

A mate of mine decided last year to go travelling around the world, but accidentally fell in love and got married to a Bolivian girl. Anyway, they had 3 weddings, one in Bolivia, one in the registry office, and another in the english countryside. We only made it along to the last one, which was very romantic. It seems that all Bolivian people can sing and play the guitar. I drank far too much and woke up next to the bonfire in the pissing rain at 6 in the morning.

Scary

Don't know about you, but I reckon the kids are running the wrong way.

Broadstairs

On Wednesday the sun came out in a very big way, so Alison decided that we were all going to the beach. I have never been to Broadstairs, but I can tell you now that despite being very crowded, it is bloody nice - a classic english beach, lots of sand and fat people, and when the tide goes out there's loads of weed and rock pools to explore in search of crabs and stuff.

Fast Cars

If you are even remotely petrol headed, you should grab your cheque book and book yourself in for one of the driving days at Goodwood Race track. I spent a glorious afternoon belting around the course in an AC Cobra, Porsche 911 RallySport, Formula 2000, Alfa GT, Mini Cooper S... Fantastic fun and thoroughly recommended.

Wood Fairy

And here's one of Ellie pretending to be a wood fairy.

2 Finger Ninja Crazy Pinch

Ok, after a few months on Facebook, I am ready to return to Blogging.. To start with, heres a picture of Oscar practising his favourite 'Double Handed Two Finger Ninja Crazy Pinch Technique', which is capable of rendering his sister completely hysterical almost instantly.