HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012
After the turmoil of the monetary problems of the world , I am sure that this will be mundane to most of you.
We have had an interesting year centred around tutoring of the eldest grandson for his 11+ which he sat in November. It is very difficult to get into our local grammars as there are only 120 places for boys and over 2000 sit the test. Still he has worked with me without any arguments throughout the year. So weekly sessions have limited our travelling somewhat.
We have been to the caravan frequently between March and October and the weather in Norfolk has been glorious. It is so relaxing there as you do not have to look after a garden or deal with issues in the house.
Once again we visited the USA. Atlantic City was our first stop. Not as brash as Vegas but the beaches are fabulous. We went to Trenton the home of the government of New Jersey and had a conducted tour with 17 and 18 year olds who were on a government course and had to study the working of the Senate and Representatives. They were as cynical as young people are over in the UK. We were even allowed to park in the senators spaces and no one checked our vehicle?
The following two weeks we were in upstate Pennsylvania., near Mount Pocono. The weather was stifling hot in the upper 90`s. There was even a tornado whilst we were there. About 10 miles away, roads were closed and trees downed and garage roofs blown off. We did tell them that problems often occur in the areas after we go back to the UK. They laughed. Guess where the hurricane hit?
The area was beautiful but very sparsely populated despite being only 75 miles from New York. We stayed on the banks of the Delaware River at Bushkill Falls. This is a beautiful place just off the Appalachian Trail.
We have been trying to down size but no takers at present but possibly in the New Year we might try again.
The grandchildren grow and develop at such a rate. I am sure that we did not know half of what they know at the same age?
Lara Beth is now 6years old and her dedicated wheelchair helps her but she can do very little for herself. How Richard and Becky cope I am not sure. She manages at a special school but they have to cope with her fits which appear to be increasing as stress related situations occur. Such a worry. Leah , her sister is now 4 years old and is into everything that Richard does. She loves canoeing and climbing. Richard has built a climbing wall in his back garden because she started climbing an adult wall whilst in Kielder. They turned their backs and she was over 8 feet up the wall by herself without a safety rope??? She regularly climbs on Tees side with Rick and Becky. Lottie now 2 years old is very chatty and comes to speak on Skype at every opportunity.
Elliott now nearly 11 is into his football and plays in goal for his team. He also has joined Scouts and has been away camping in November? Rather him than me. His cricket season has gone well and his all round skills have in proved following coaching in the Essex County Cricket Club nets with a coach. Jessica is now 5 and is starting to like school and has realised that there is more to it than talking to her friends. She is a sweet little girl. She has a love of books, and often sits on our knees and reads to us.
Hannah is now 7 years old and still into arty things. Her latest is to try and knit. She is doing well. She has also recently started gymnastics after swimming lessons. She has such energy. Celia and Darren are feeling the recession as he sells cars.
Alec is now one and he is a quiet boy but is gradually starting to branch out into the explorer stage that all children tackle. Emma will have to cope more on her own as Paul has started a new job with Google?? No one seems to know what this entails as he has had to go to USA for training as no one in the UK does the job at present. Have a Happy New Year.
