Birthday weekend

We really enjoyed having Roy and Julie over for Dan's birthday weekend. On the Saturday we all headed out to Calke Abbey just outside of Derby.After a freezing picnic in the courtyard, Roy and Julie took Amy and Dan and I explored the house. The place was a complete time-warp. Everything and I mean EVERYTHING had been kept in the same position as it had been found in the mid 80's when the National Trust took on ownership of the property. We enjoyed seeing nic nacs and junk mixed with absolute gems.

  

This shower reminds me of the solar powered one Dan helped dad make at Bel-air

A typical day...

Here are just a few images from the last couple of weeks. I just thought I'd give you an idea of what Amy gets up to on a typical day at the moment.

Uncle Joe comes to visit

 Joe was over in England for a week sitting an exam with the Open University. Julie and Joe drove over to pick up Amy and I and we went up to Knottingly to see Grandma and Grandad. We had a lovely meal at the Hungry Fox. Amy enjoyed eating lots of chips and Grandad's icecdream sundae.

  She likes to sit in the driving seat

 A lovely new toy from Grandma

 Back in Derby we headed to the park

Amy had a lovely time with Joe. Thanks Joe and Stayci for the lovely clothes and teddy, Amy absolutely loves her South Africa Tshirt! We are really looking forward to spending Christmas with you!

Castleton Field Trip

Earlier in the month Dan, Amy and I went on a geologyical fieldtrip with my WEA group to Castleton.  It's one of the classic places for geology students to go as there are lots of mines, (Blue John) fossils in the limestones, basalt lavas, giant landslides messing up the old A625, caves and of cause beautiful scenery. We had a lovely day despite it being very VERY windy on Windy Knoll.

 Our little tellytubby

 Amy and Gerry (course leader)

 Gerry explain limestone reef formation

 Cave Dale

Arran

So I finally got around to uploading images of Arran. We can hardly believe we had a full week of fantastic sunshine, what a week! Arran was spectacular. We enjoyed our lovely cottage, the views, the walks, but not so much the midges (they went for Fraser over us... he must have tasty blood). It was great spending time with Isobelle and Fraser. Dominic was so lovely, Amy loved spending time with him too.

Caladonian Ferry just about to arrive in Brodick

Little waterfall near our cottage

I can't tell if Amy thinks this is a cigar or a flake

Our fisherman's cottage left of Dan

Drummadoon

He's so cute!

Despite feeling sick on the buses I just loved the views

Babies paddling pool

On our beach

View of Whiting Bay from Giants Graves

Giants Grave

Sunshine and sea!

We took a trip to the Holy Isle for Amy's 1st Birthday

Not too impressed by rock climbing

Tropical island in the sun!

Cake and jelly picnic by the sea

Heading to the hills worrying the cloud won't lift

Chir Mhor

Going down the other side view towards Goat Fell

Worker's camp to fix the paths

Glen Rosa with Chir Mhor in background

Picnic in the shade of Lochranza Castle

For all you geologists out there, Hutton's unconformity

Quick paddle in the gorgeously clear water

Going home :(

Back in Glasgow, Queen's Park Glasshouse