Wonder of the World

This year we had a pre-Christmas family get-together as Graham will be on holiday in South America. He is visiting a friend in Chili and then going on to walk part of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. Sophia was presented with a light up globe to see where he was going.

More Fireworks

Last Saturday I attended an event in Congleton Town Hall 'Young Artists of the Year', as my granddaughter Victoria had an entry submitted from her school. We were very proud when her painting of the theme of 'Fireworks' was chosen as winner in her age group. In fact both grandmothers disgraced themselves by cheering!

This is the 11th year of this competition organised and sponsored by Dane Rotary Club, Siemens and Weavercraft at the Victoria Mill Arts (VMA) centre.

Graham's Graduation

This week I was a very proud Mum as it was Graham's Graduation at Manchester University. He is now Doctor of Philosophy and can officially use his title of Dr Graham Squires. However we shall still call him 'Gray'! His PhD was a 3 year study of the regeneration of housing communities in Manchester and he graduated from the School of Environment and Development.

After all this hard work he has been successful in getting a lectureship at the University of the West of England (EWE) in Bristol. So he is now in pastures new down south. I am looking forward to visiting him in August. It's a good excuse for another train journey.

Family outing

Last Saturday 28 March was the 7th anniversary of Tony's departure from this earth. We had our annual pilgrimage to his memorial gate and seat near Leek. As usual the weather was very cold but we managed to make the ascent and take photos before it rained. In fact this year we had a flurry of hail stones before we bid a retreat to the warmth of The Abbey pub and a superb meal together.

Jamie, Tracy, Graham, Allison, Simon, Sophia and Victoria

More Christmas Fun

Ron (Tracy's Dad) always brings Santa to join us for the day after he has entertained his customers in his 'Bargain Booze' shop. Then he goes back to his loft for his well earned rest until next year. And you always thought he came from Lapland!

Christmas Fun

Thought I would like to share some of our fun on Christmas Day. My elder son Jamie (on right) is cook- in- charge with his trusty assistant ( posh name sous chef!) younger son Graham. This was taken before the chestnuts started exploding in the oven! After all the excitment the meal was as superb as ever. The cooking 'genes' come their Dad who always did Christmas dinner. My role is one of clearing up afterwards - I know my place!

Christmas Eve Festivities

Grandparents, parents and children - 3 generations sitting down together to enjoy Christmas Eve festivities at New Life Church. A good mix of religious and secular with carols and Christmas songs washed down with mulled wine!