Thursday 30 August 2007

The New Business.... continued


Well we're now nearly into September and it's been almost a month since we went it alone with the new business.  Things are progressing well with plenty of stuff coming up over the next 2-3 months.  It's nice to have P at home more now that he's not working such long hours and the kids are loving it too. Look's like from next week though, he'll be pretty much working full time again for a while, but we're not complaining.  Plenty of admin work for me to do and I'll also be starting my NEBOSH qual towards the end of September too.  The prospect of returning to education is slightly daunting though Confused

Monday 16 July 2007

Camping nr Symonds Yat


P, myself and the kids all headed off to Coleford nr Symonds Yat at the weekend on our very first camping trip.  We had a fabulous time despite the awful weather on Friday night and Sunday morning.  Along with the 4 of us there was also 5 other adults, 5 kids and Arthur the dog :-) camping in other tents.


We arrived Friday night about 8 ish and then endeavoured to erect the tent in torrential rain.  The water dripped off us by the time the tent was up but our clothes soon dried the next day in the lovely sunshine.  Saturday morning Jo was in charge of bacon sandwiches and then we all headed off on a long walk to Symonds Yat.  Once there, the kids went across the river on the foot ferry and then returned to us for drinks before the trek back to camp.  It was hard work for some of the kids but I think they enjoyed it all the same.


We barbe'd Saturday night and then chilled out after the long long walk.  Plenty of beer and wine was had by all and we really can't wait for the next camping trip now.  Just hoping for a little more dry weather next time as I've spent all of today getting the tent dry!





























Friday 13 July 2007

The New Business!


Hi all


Well things are now starting to get off the ground with Paul's new business.  We've been busily clearing the front room ready to create the new office and I've been hard at work creating the new website.


The business is Progressive Safety Solutions - www.progressivesafetysolutions.co.uk - let us know what you think!


There's still a lot to add to it but at least it's available now for prospective new business.


He's still plodding away serving the last couple of weeks of his notice period and he really is counting the days now!



Monday 2 July 2007

Choir rehearsals

Rehearsals for October's concert are coming along superbly now.  We have 4 new choir members - Jo, Yvonne, Madeleine and Liz.  It's great to have some new blood in the choir, especially as the next concert is a celebration for our 20 yr anniversary.

Still 4 new songs to learn but I'm sure they'll master them in time.

P's Job!


Just to let you all know - P's resigned from his job!  Shocker or what?

It's something we've been mulling over for a while now and he finally made the decision early last week.  He's decided to go it alone and set up his own company, continuing the work he's doing at the moment as a Health & Safety Trainer/Consultant.

It's all a little scary at the moment thinking ahead to when he's notice period's up but we know he's done the right thing.  Will keep you updated on his progress. Keep your fingers crossed for us

Friday 22 June 2007

The kids first holiday abroad!


We've just returned from our 2nd trip this year to Puerto Pollensa.  God!  Isn't the weather pants back here!

The kids and ourselves had the most fantastic time and the weather out there in Majorca was superb.  Think the hottest day was probably Sunday which was 34c and unfortunately we chose that day to trek around Alcudia and Pollenca (Old Town)!  Probably not the wisest thing to be doing in those conditions but we enjoyed it all the same.  Had a slight detour as we left Alcudia - we departed the town in the wrong direction and started on a drive along the coast.  Unfortunately though the road then started to climb and wind up into the mountains.  I was having kittens but said "ooh just keep going we'll get to a turning eventually!" hmmmmmm.  It didn't quite turn out that way as when we'd reached almost the highest point we found that it was a dead end!  We had to come all the way back down the winding roads but now on the outside nearest the steep drop!  I closed my eyes for most of it and if it hadn't been such a long way I'd have quite cheerfully got out and walked!  The kids thought this was all highly amusing, especially the thought of a puddle on my seat at the end of the journey


We spent most of our holiday on the beach and even though it was June it wasn't crowded at all.  We all went in the sea - yes, including me! Can you believe it???!  It's only taken me 31 years but at last I've been in the sea to swim.  I have the photo's to prove it!

We ate out loads and went back to Bony's to visit Jose and Pablo.  The kids thought they were both great and couldn't wait to return each time to collect more sweets from them!


We upgraded to a larger apartment this time and it was great.  Ground floor right next to the pool.  It had 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and even a dishwasher and washing machine.  There was also a rather large and unwanted spider on the 1st day of our holiday that paul removed once and upon it's return was quite swiftly flushed down the toilet!  I know you shouldn't but I really do hate the blighters.


I felt much easier on the plane this time and the kids were fine too.  'A' had some pain in her ears upon landing in Majorca which caused a few tears but neither of us felt much at all on our return.  Sam actually said, that the plane was one of the best parts of the holiday.


We really can't wait to go back.  We just need to decide now whether it's Majorca or somewhere new next year.  The way the weather is here at the moment we might move there permanently



































































Race for Life - Sandwell Valley 2007


Well folks, have completed the Race for Life for a 2nd year running.  Not a huge accomplishment I know, but at least it means my months of training weren't in vain.  It was a extremely hot day again this year and my gps cut out half way round so probably not my best time ever but P reckon's I was in the top 100 finishers or if not then just outside.  That's fairly acceptable to me as there were about 3000 entrants.


Have decided to change my training technique though for the next few months so that I'm able to increase my distance and stamina.  I thought I'd get our hols out of the way tho first and then embark on my new schedule. I've entered another 5k (the Hydro Active Challenge) in Sepember but my ultimate aim is to also be able to complete a 10k before the end of the year.  I'll let you know how my progress is going.













Monday 7 May 2007

Puerto Pollensa, Majorca


Just returned from a fab 6 days in Puerto Pollensa, Majorca. It was our first time here but sooooo pleased we'll be returning in 5 wks, it was beautiful.  Left here on Weds 25th April from Birmingham and can you believe it - I got frisked again!  Only visited Birmingham Airport twice and on both occasions have been frisked, I must have that kind of face


Arrived in PP around 6pm and the weather was breezy but sunny.  Had a stroll down to the beach and visited the nearest bar for a spot of tea.


We stopped at the Apartments Don Miguel which we were a little concerned about due to a few bad reviews we'd seen, but too be honest the apartment was great! Basic, but clean and tidy and in a great position overlooking the pool.  The staff were friendly too as were the other holiday makers stopping at the resort.  P attempted the pool a few times but I only ventured in on the last day - OMG was it cold!


We sampled a few drinking establishments while we were there RAF and Palms to name a couple.  But the place we spent most of our time was 'Bony's Tea Shop' in the church square.  It didn't seem to matter what time of the day or evening we went here it was always busy - a testiment to the fantastic 'Jose' who ran the place and he's ultra friendly staff, namely 'Pablo'! Jose is such a character, he has several catchphrases which include "people, people", "don't panic, don't panic", "people..... viva espana!".  He also throws handfuls of sweets out into the square for any passing kids to go collect. Pablo was extremely friendly and helped P no end with his attempts at Spanish even though we could tell he found my efforts highly amusing.  On our last night at Bony's I decided to have one of their "large spirits".  P had asked Jose previously, who decides on the measures?  Jose's reply was simply "if I like you, you get a very large measure".  Upon asking for a Southern Comfort with just ice I was bought something resembling a brandy glass which was then 3 quarters filled with SC!  All that for 4.90 euros which I believe to be about £3.50.  Needless to say I don't remember much about the 20 minute walk back to the apartment that night


On Sunday night we re-visited 'Palms' and I took part in the karaoke night they had on.  P was most disappointed that there were no Depeche Mode songs listed, so refused to get up and sing!  A great night had by all and had a lengthy chat with the Ex pat owners of Palms about life in PP.  Quite an eye opener!  Also chatted with another great chap but can't remember the name of the cafe.  It turned out he wasn't spanish, he was actually Moroccan but could speak 7 languages.  We bumped into him a couple more times whilst walking around PP and he always recognised us and said 'hola!'.


Puerto Pollensa itself was lovely.  Beautiful beaches and lovely clear, calm sea.  We had 3 sunny days and 2 dull/rainy days while we were there but this didn't stop us having a great time.  The marina area is great too with plenty of places to eat, drink, chill out along the way.  If you're ever heading out to PP check out the lovely 'Pine Walk' along the beach and also the fantastic sand sculptures by the marina.


We left PP on Tues lunchtime and headed out to the Airport by transfer.  Really didn't want to leave and can't wait to head back out there to the Don Miguel in just 5 weeks.  This will be the kids first holiday abroad and we really can't wait and neither can they!  As for the flying..... still don't like the take off - at all, but everything else was ok and as with Tenerife - still have the bug for overseas travel. :-)