Turn on the dark

December Nov« »2005

Frost, cold nights and yet still rain is prevalent. We enjoy a christmas fair at the local primary school and a Santa train ride. Second time on the train for David and much enjoyed again. His cousin Steven joined him in the Lake District; the Haverthwaite and Lakeside Steam Railway - nice.

Claire impresses David by her performance in the panto and Grandma is in hospital. We have a new three piece leather suite in the lounge in the hope it will help with his eczema and I must admit it is comfortable (as was the last but the material wasn't appreciated by his skin!).

Christmas was enjoyable on the whole. No big expensive presents just some nice little thoughtful gifts. The unusual snow flurry on the day was celebrated by a snowball fight with the neighbours over the road - great! The icy conditions the next day were not so welcome slowing down our visitors journey and causing others around our country more discomfort, if not serious misery.

David is still in that happy place where he believes! His first comment on entering the living room this morning was the happy exclamation that "He ate his carrot!". And this evening he added an explanation to me that Santa had come down the chimney. I am very pleased that it snowed this year though him upstairs started us off with hail, then what looked like rain before we finally got snow, but what an ending, brilliant!

Snowballs on Christmas Day!

November »Oct next«

Fireworks get a slight notice but are more of a noise nuisance. His eczema continues to deprive us all off a full uninterrupted night of sleep. He is still wearing his wraps at night. While we had no fireworks, neighbours did and we could enjoy those before turning in.

With the festive season looming Claire is starting her rehearsals for the school Panto for the last time. She has an important line to deliver this time.

We did some exploring of our new neighbourhood. The little man insisted on bringing his tryke so inevitably at some point his parents got to carry it.

October »Sep next«

And the rain goes on... so we go off to sunny Spain for a week. A much welcome rest and David enjoyed the change, the beach and some swimming. The holiday was very welcome to all. Our resort, La Manga, is in south east Spain.

Our journey out was fine, the return one okay, though late as usual. October in Spain is warm during the day and cold at night but not too hot. True some of the other holiday makers were there to sun bathe but we were not. Okay, there was some sunbathing done but largely we enjoyed the beaches, the pool, the golf, the hills and the break.

Thanks go to my parents for taking us with them.

Playing on the private beach at La Manga

September »Aug next«

Summer is over here in Britain. We are making little use of the garden but the surrounding countryside still holds many joys. We have seen newts, frogs, swans, moor hens, rabbits and squirrels.

In the continuing fight against his eczema leads us to put lino on his bedroom floor. I say lino but it has an extensive town and road layout - endless fun!

August »Jul next«

Hot days still mean hot evenings and difficult sleep for all. David is enjoying his frequent trips with his mum down to the pond to feed the ducks. We visit two fo the local seaside towns and join my bother ans his girls for sand castles on the beach!

And the little man has his first journey on a bus as we all ride into town. Later in the month it is down to see Mummer and, some dragon hunting and fishing with Granddad.

July »Jun next«

Finally we move into our new house! It takes us several weeks to complete the unpacking and longer still to actually put things in their new homes. Really though, we all know you never fully unpack.

We enjoyed a lovely family breakfast in the new dining room as I enjoy a few days off work - nice.

And the various friends and family drop in to see the new place. Come one come all!

The young folk pose

June »May next«

Mostly spent at my parent's house. Found the joys of the Play Station EyeToy, Claire though prefers playing the Harry Potter game.

David is more enamoured with the school playground or splashing about in the local river whcih passes through the middle of the village before joing the bigger valley river.

May »Apr next«

New shoes: they always seem to need new shoes and with England being sprinkled with the occasional few hours of sunshine he now has some sandals. And because it is England it also means he is sporting his first trainers.

On a less mundane level Claire reached double figures this month and we celebrate by visiting a pub local to my parents where they serve real gravy says Gordon Ramsay because he told them how! A lovely meal out - thanks Dad.

Choosing Birthday pub treats with Grandma

April »Mar next«

And we get a break from the Dinosaurs! He has moved onto Nemo and then Peter Pan. Claire is doing well on the walking front and her creative writing is impressive. Her lilac bedroom now has a Harry Potter poster on the wall though Hermione is preferred.

Her brother meanwhile is managing well, I only have to put him in the carrier on the way back.

Thomas the Tank Engine is back - I think thanks to our trip over Easter to a Thomas the Tank Engine day out in Yorkshire. He got to meet Thomas himself! His train track and videos make regular appearances - even in his bath!

March »previous next month«

And it snows! Isn't the weather in this country wonderful. We have continued our walking and finding out the joys and difficulties. The air is very fresh but cold; except when it is raining of course.

David is a bundle of energy despite his broken sleep. We are not coping with it as well as him.

And (fanfare) Claire swam 10 metres! Very proud father here.

A royal picnic among the fells

February »previous next«

Triceratops - he says now. And are we sick of watching Disney's Dinosaur video! He can happily watch it three times a day, every day of the week. He plays on his own now.

Claire's spelling is improving. This year we plan to go walking more; serious walking involving hills. We have started to do a few smaller walks in order to build up and make sure we are sensibly prepared and equipped.

January »previous next«

He asks such lovely questions

"What's the matter daddy?"

"What did you say mummy?"

Not got the 'why' question more than once or twice so far. And he is now talking to his toys!

Claire is progressing a lot better with her Harry Potter game; the one based on Chamber of Secrets. The poor little man still has to be wrapped in special bindings every night because of his eczema.

Every day means applying fresh cream and washing the whole body wrappings. It is hard work for us but we feel for him - he has to live with it.

For mash get Smash!