A Few Ramblings…
Forty-six year old Christian happily negotiating the world with a wife and three daughters
RIP Whitney Houston – 12th February 2012
Shortly after 1am, news began to filter through of the death of the American singer and actress, Whitney Houston.
The singer of such famous songs as ‘Saving All My Love for You‘, ‘Greatest Love of All‘, ‘One Moment in Time‘ and her biggest hit ‘I Will Always Love You‘, also starred in a number of films and won 2 Emmy and 6 Grammy Awards.
Houston’s later career was marred by drug use and a turbulent marriage to the singer Bobby Brown.
Here’s how the news broke on Twitter:
Ray Mill Island – 11th February 2012
It’s been some months since Freddie and Jen last came around.
Last time they were here we enjoyed an excellent BBQ in the garden. Today, with the weather somewhat cooler than it was in September, we went for a short walk down to Ray Mill Island.
We drove down to the river and parked in the car-park just along the road from Boulter’s Lock.
The channel which flows through the lock was partially frozen, following the recent snow.
Ice on the Thames
Looking towards the lock
Judging by the lack of disturbance in the snow around the lock itself, it had been some time since the last boat passed through.
Boulter's Lock in the snow
We made our way over the bridge and the girls were pleased to see that there was still plenty of snow left on the grass. It was also surprisingly quiet.
Heading down onto the island
Ice on the water in front of the fountain
Snow on the island
Emily
Not a day for sitting out
Looking back over the island
Freddie devised a new way to improvise when there is no sledge around – fortunately Leah loved it!
Who needs a sledge?
We managed to find a few ducks to feed before heading back home to warm up by the fire.
Sarah giving out bread to feed the ducks
Feeding the ducks
Not a good day for a picnic
Holly, Rebekah, Leah and Zara
Rebekah
Emily facing a sea of white
Emily in the snow
Four girls
Hopefully the weather will be a little warmer when we plan to meet up in Bournemouth next month.
More snow! – 10th February 2012
Overnight we had another couple of inches of snow, following on from that which arrived at the weekend. Fortunately this coincided with the first of three days holiday from work.
Our holly tree in the snow
The girls’ schools were both open and we were able to make it there without too many problems – apart from a frantic return trip home to pick up Rebekah’s bag!
Holly and Emily outside Holly's classroom
Once the school run was out-of-the-way we decided to pop into town, heading through Kidwells Park to check out the snow, on the way.
Trees in Kidwells Park
Footprints in the snow
Looking across the park
Not a good day for sitting down
Rebekah's favourite blue cedar in the snow
More trees
The working day must go on
After we’d had a look in the shops, we decided to head over to Windsor.
Trees along Barry Avenue, Windsor
Road and river
Mallards in the snow
Windsor Castle in the snow and winter sunshine
Sarah and Emily outside the castle
While we were outside the castle, we heard rumours that the Changing of the Guard was due to take place imminently, so decided to hang around in the chilly air to watch.
Passing the Guildhall
Heading up to the castle
Rounding the statue of Queen Victoria
Drummers
Marching soldiers
After we had been into a few shops and enjoyed a lunch in Marks and Spencer, we decided to head home.
On the way we popped in briefly to see Grandma’s headstone, which is finally in place and also to see the daffodils in the snow.
Grandad and Grandma's headstone
Daffodils in the snow
Daffodil
It was good be able to escape from work for a day or two and made better with the unexpected treat of more snow.
Fabio Capello resigns – 8th February 2012
This evening news emerged that Fabio Capello had resigned as manager of the England football team.
Here’s how the story broke on Twitter:
A Few Ramblings... 