Turn on the dark

December Nov« »2008

Lapland!

Ever met the big man himself? We went to Lapland, Rovaniemi, for a chance to meet Santa.

Our trip was brief but very memorable for many reasons. It started with a road trip to Birmingham airport and the Novatel for an overnight stop. The flight was scheduled for 7am so in this mad country we had to check in at 5! I had forgotten to remove my cycle repair kit from my rucksack and the 'jobs worth' on security saw fit to confiscate it including the rubber solution to mend tyres but not my pen knife - go figure!

At the other end things improved greatly and we arrived to snow everywhere. Once aboard our coach, David and his mum were off to have a quick snowball fight while we all waited on a couple of stragglers.

We did a little exploring of the hotel after the briefing from our rep. Then we changed for dinner. The hotel rooms each had a sauna but we didn't use them. It had been a long day so had an early night knowing an early start was waiting for us on the Saturday.

We were kitted up on route to our Hotel with all the gear (see photo). Once at the activity centre we had the opportunity to try out various ways of getting around in the snow. There was a mini skidoo for the youngsters. Tandem skis, snow shoes and these ski seat things. Mum and I hobbled about on the double ski things for a few minutes with much laughter and little progress. We also tried the seat thing and got much further and then I noticed the technique that was having better success with others was more of a scooter type means of propulsion rather than running.

David really enjoyed the skidoo, as you can see from the video, and had a few goes on it; including a little accident. I say little because the staff were fantastic, no fuss, just righted the skidoo and carried on. The vehicle probably never did more than 10 mph and he was on a rope minded by one of many young Finns staffing the centre (actually the dog specialists were more mature but more on them later).

The sun was never seen all day and only rose to provide some light about 10am (local time) before dropping below the horizon around 3pm. This low light wasn't a problem at all but does affect how your photographs appear. You can see the reflective strips on the clothing showing up very brightly and the flashes we going off virtually every shot.

Lapland Day 2

Next was the Huskies! First the expert gave us a driving lesson and some information about the dogs. The dogs were short haired and cannot train even then in the summer because they get too hot. I was to drive our sledge and we got the last of the teams in the line unfortunately. Being at the back meant a lot of braking as we were not allowed to overtake the team in front. One dog from our second row was very keen (see video) clip. We went once around the frozen lake with one stop in the middle of the circular trip.

The clip is not actually us but the following group using our sledge but it gives you some idea of the experience. The very keen dog is very clear.

After a great hot three course meal served by some very pleasant locals we started our journey to see you know who. First up was a short ride in a sleigh pulled by a reindeer up to the elves' little home in the forest. Here we had a sneaky look down into the work rooms (well our youngster did) and then into to see the big man himself.

That's my letter!

More photographs

Click on the thumbnails to see an enlarged version on the right hand side.

Well, what do you do after an audience with the man of the moment? Well, we wandered on to see some elves and make some little elves, and another go on the skidoo before back on the coach.

We had some time before we were off to the evening do so we enjoyed a little more frolicking in the snow and resting. The night air was a chilly -11°C. No problem our venue was blasted into a mountain (a bit like one of those military bunkers). More great food, chance for some Christmasy gift buying and a show - nice. It was a long day for the many kids but very enjoyable.

After a good night's kip and some fine breakfast there was more snow time and homeward bound. Fog in London delayed our plane an hour but the local fog was no problem. Once safely down in Blighty it was up the M6, a stop off in Stoke to pick up the turkey (thanks Karen) and onto home. What a trip.

And the work starts on preparing for that all too brief festive period. Unfortunately the wind and rain are back so maybe thoughts of a white Christmas are overly hopeful! More like floods than snow drifts.

November previous« »next

And it gets cold; even down to minus temperatures! Our local fireworks were very good. Our local hedgehog makes another appearance. The little animal regular turns up at our bird table and triggers the security light.

And it gets really cold! Is this a prelude to a white winter?

October »Nov.

And we start the count down to half term and a break. The dark dreary nights are closing in on us all here. The little ones look forward to fireworks and halloween.

We were so happy to reach half term and a short break to some warmer climbs with Grandma and Grandad. Claire even paddled in the sea but preferred sunbathing to dipping in the pool. Each to his/her own I say.

One of David's friends joined us for our halloween trip to a local hostelry for food and fun! They both happily delved in the body innards for a prize.

SeptemberAug« »Oct

School does of course bring hot sunny weather - well this is Britain. And the rain comes back. David found a large frog in our pond (it is a plastic washing up bowl in the ground. I am back on my bike getting into work and my dad's old racer loses it's pedals again so back on the heavy old mountain bike. I think a new one may be needed to get me through the winter rains and wind. The weather remains a lottery with frosts, some rain and pleasant sunshine.

The in-laws come up to visit and we all enjoy a party for the young ones. And the pink slide - wow! It is big especially when you are only six but he being waiting for weeks so down he went - scary!

AugustJul« »Sep

This summer has really been abnormal. Personally we have not had to get the humidifier out. In the garden the vegetable patch looks over grown with radishes but where are the onions, the carrots, the lettuce? The field behind us has an extra pond rather than one slightly damp depression. And the gazebo frame has been put up but very rarely has been a day to make it worth adding its canvas.

The Borders

This year brought us to the east coast again but a little further north this time. We rented a cottage in the small village of Coldingham, basic but fit for purpose. So a typical British holiday so time on the beach, visits to tourist places and some shopping. And on arrival in Eyemouth we chanced to see a few seals in the harbour.

And would the weather allow us to do on our first day; not much so we went into the metropolis of Eyemouth. It even has a museum, so in we went, and out we came. Okay we did have a look around but it was brief and the shop was more engaging than the exhibits; about the local disaster and the fishing industry.

Day two however was fine, dry and warm so okay for a visit to the famous Seabird Centre in North Berwick. A short trip in the car and we arrived in time to park in the sign posted place. A short walk into town and we were in. An enthusiastic volunteer showed us the screens showing the scenes from the remote cameras. Unfortunately the sea was too choppy for any boat trip so we adjourned to the beach after lunch and shopping in the statutory gift shop.

Alnwick

Back to overcast and slightly windy fare for our trip back across the border; marked by a lay-by that was only manned for food provision on the Scotland to England side. Most noticeable on the trip down the A1 were the signs telling us how many people had been killed on the treacherous road. We cruised down it at a steady 50mph behind an articulated lorry over taking it just in time to miss our turn and having to back track a little through the town to the popular Alnwick gardens and castle.

Straight into the world's largest tree house and a cup of tea; it was chilly and we had been in the car for an hour! Next vigourous exercise via a few trips round and round the rope bridges. The gardens were good and Claire and I enjoyed an educational excursion into the poison garden with an expert in the one hundred and one ways to kill people (you have been warned!). We also enjoyed the castle Battle axe and Broomstick tour; they filmed some of Harry Potter here.

By mid week we wanted after somewhere more local and just trolled up to St Abbs and its cute little harbour. David investigated the crags and rock pools. I scrambled down onto some rocks for pictures of the local bird life (feathered variety). Back to the cottage and no power! The whole area was out and the local pub was struggling with orders but we tried it anyway (the cottage had an electric cooker so no point trying for hot fare back there).

Edinburgh

The hottest day thus far coincided with a our trip into Edinburgh. We parked up in Dunbar and caught a train into town necessitating a walk into the shops while we awaited the train. First up, literally, was the castle decked out in full tattoo garb. The one o'clock gun caught us by uprise E had earlier estimated we would miss it so we had forgotten about it. We needed refreshments to cope with the heat and enjoyed some ices before going inside to see the museum and then the Scottish crown jewels. Later we hit Prince's street and the park for some bungey action for the littlest of us!.

Our final day in the borders and we stayed very local, Coldingham Bay. We checked it out earlier in the week. A short walk and we grabbed a spot on the beach before heading into the water. The beach is primarily a hot spot for surfers but the nearby caravan park also attracted general holiday makers. The beach side cafe provided us with drink and food. The kids on the beach were mostly engaged in building damns in the small stream or they were in the water on floats. Not a noisy place but neither could it be described as tranquil. The kids enjoyed it and it rounded the holiday off nicely.

Such typical British beach fun!

Oh! what fun we had; typical Brits on the beach. We did bury the poor lad - he loved it. And of course we built sand castles, and had ice creams, and some of us had a cup of tea.

The other two are enjoying not going to school and I get to sleep past 6:30am some days. We`re up early to get ready for school yet again. I try some walking to work for a change and see some rare sights. Over the five weeks I saw a fox, a pensioner breakfasting in his front garden and an elderly couple dancing in the lounge, cheek to cheek! I find walking is so much more enriching than a car drive and even cycling, my normal mode of transport.

JulyJun« »Aug

And the school year slowly comes to a close. Will it ever stop raining? It is not a warm summer either. No flood around here though other parts of the country aren't so lucky. We make little progress on our garden chores.

We make more trips down south, well midlands actually.

JuneMay« »July

This is a black month as again we loose a loved one, bye Vic. We all miss you. Cannot remember much else to be honest.

Weatherwise we get rain, rain and yet more rain. We did get out in time to plant some vegetables and we have picked some raspberries - sweet!

David has started learning how to spell words and can write out his full name, middle names included. Claire is off to the Oscars at school. We do not know what for yet but have dusted off my best suit for the occasion.

MayApr« »June

So we move into the hot season! No, we don't, it goes cold. At times it is worse than winter with day time temperatures down at 8°C and Siberian winds. We have built a raised vegetable bed but we are yet to get out there and plant anything. I have put some raspberries in though, and the apple and plum trees are looking good; maybe we will get some fruit this year or the birds will.

And great news for us is the occupation of our bird box by a family of blue tits. They are noisy at present as the little ones near flying their nest. Currently wood pigeons are hogging the bird table but the little ones do get a look in and have their own feeder to themselves.

David's reading is coming on as he nears the end of this school year. Claire is off to France with her school. This is not as scary as accompanying her on a shopping trip, clothes were bought.

Meet Plank

Come the Bank Holiday and we trekked off to Morecambe to enjoy a day pottering on the sands and in the beach pools with the crabs. Earlier Claire assisted me in starting the decoration of her bedroom. She has gone for a three colour scheme of China blue, a light lilac border and a vivid pink at the bottom.

AprilMar« »May

I went out the other night to see what the noise was. Sometimes the local kids get a bit boisterous with local duck population but no. It was just the ducks doing what they do in spring time on our front lawn. And we have also had the close crowded with visitors to the pond; presumably some local nature lovers. They came equipped with torches. I guess they were interested in the newts.

Update April 2007:

Wild Mutt

And now we are into Ben10. He can turn into ten alien life forms to stop evildoers. Wild mutt, here, is more animal than humanoid. He has great athletic strength and heightened sense of smell, hearing and taste. Are you keeping up?

MarchFeb« »April

And we get British summer time and a brief few days of near warmth! Certainly enough to get people around here smiling. Signs of spring are here. We have seen a newt and frogs have been around for a while. E has found frog spawn in the local pond. I found the swans too; they have moved down to the canal away from the pond on the green (this is a new estate so banish all thoughts of a quaint English village green, think more tarmac pathways, concrete decorations with some trees and grass to lighten the scene). And I have mowed the grass for the first time this year!

All here are grateful of the Easter break and look forward to a few family days out and the odd lie in so we can recover from the lost hour that children take a while to come to terms with.

Favourite toys come and go. Power Rangers have fallen from David's grace and been replaced by Ben10, a young boy that turns into alien life forms to combat evil. His parents struggle to keep up with all the new characters and plot lines.

Leaf canopy over bed

We have had a lot of cars visiting our road since an article in a local paper about Tesco building an green supermarket around here. If they are looking for that site they have the wrong spot as the old brickworks are nearer the canal. Or it could be because the English Partnership have put up a sign up near us: "Reserved for future for development" - so we can look forward to building soon. We are asking how soon? We expected it when we bought our house and we had inquired about the land behind us. Their website is, as I write, quiet on the possibility.

FebruaryJan« »Mar

So any snow this month? No. This disappoints the youngsters. Weatherwise we get yet more wind and rain. We have managed to enjoy a couple of coastal walks. First we pottered along the front at St.Annes and then went further up to see the coastal erosion in Morecambe Bay. David found some lovely starfish stuck in little pools; unfortunately muddy water prevented Claire getting any clear photos. She did get some lovely ones of beach though.

It is incredible how noisy the ducks are at night. The signets on the main pond seem to have flown off but one swan remains. I have woken numerous times in the middle of the dark hours to hear duck quacking and sheep bleating into the cold night air. Clearly they do not benefit from double glazing but their sounds do penetrate it!

January2006« »Feb

They call the wind Mariah! Well not around here I can tell you. A few more explicit phrases are in order. Serious injury and death around the country. More locally fence panels down and the bird table hits the grass side on. Go away wind!

And then it goes cold. We have started our spring cleaning with Claire up first. Sheep are in the back field and bleating at night but on the whole quieter than the cows. The lambs are well cute.

And as the month draws to an end we get the cold winter nights and the early day frosts. My old bike plays up and the pedals refuse to go around so the icy roads are the least of my problems getting to work.

Food glorious food!

There has been a recent interest in the skills of various family members at cooking Yorkshires. Fine examples are made the traditional way, no packet mixes used here. Myself, Claire and mainly E have demonstrated their talents to some aplomb.

Sheep come into the garden