A very
merry Christmas & prosperous 2018 to all our Friends |
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I am trying to make an early start to the annual online missive this year. Let's see if I complete on time. As is the custom Rosedale News will be on the web at www.gwsjms.me.uk/xmas17.htm. |
Holidays & Awaydays We spent a great week in Scotland in April staying with Kat, Santi and the boys at their new home in Inverness. Weather is often a problem in the Highlands but we were blessed with a great week. As well as enjoying family time we visited Dornoch with its lovely beaches and great Scotch Whisky emporium. Naturally there was a tasting and subsequent purchase.
The only problem with going up there is the 8 to 10 hour drive which we don't dare risk in winter as weather in the Cairgorms might not be so kind.
As usual we had several trips to sunny Milton Keynes visiting Chris, Debs, Mikie & Ben. August saw us take another week there looking after Holly dog while the family were away. Again we found some lovely countryside and a couple of good restaurants. The local pub in Bradwell was good too.
June saw a visit to Tenerife in the Canaries. We aim to visit each of the islands and it's now 4 down with a few more to go. We had a very pleasant stay at the Sheraton, La Caleta This was a large hotel with extensive grounds and excellent facilities. We really enjoyed our stay on the island even though it was unseasonably hot at 35C due to winds from the SaharaDesert a couple of hundred miles away. We did have a bad time getting back thoug due to airport closure caused by a Jet2 plane gouging the runway when its nose wheel collapsed. September saw a trip to Ireland staying in Enniscorthy in County Wexford. Lots of Guiness and Irish blarney.
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Debbie, Chris, Mikie & Ben |
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Both continue to lead their busy lives. Debs has recently become Treasurer to the local scout group. She protests that it is a lot of work but really she loves the challenge. They camped in France again this year after a trip up to Inverness to see Kat & family. Mikie looks forward to secondary school next year. So Chris & Debs are busy sorting out which will be the best school. He has just moved from the Cubs to become a full Scout, looks like more badges are on the way.
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Ben is growing fast and seems to have really taken to school. Janet and Graham had the priviledge to attend his grandparents afternoon at school where we were treated to a whirlwind tour. He has just been initiated into the Beavers, following in big brother's footsteps, Both boys are into swimming, Ben goes into the big pool next session and Mikie has just completed his 1/2 mile. What with swimming, Scouts and Beavers there is only one week night when they are all in. |
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Work, Hobbies, Health & Welfare Janet's hip replacement operation has proved a great success with all the pain gone and a vast improvment in mobility. Unfortunately Graham's Gall bladder op proved problematic. The anticipated 60 minute keyhole surgery took 4 hours while yje overnight hospital stay turned out to be a week. Needless to say there were complication which prevented a complete removal. The saga is ongoing. Janet is trying to give up the secretary role in the WI but surprise, surprise successors are not queuing up. She still sings with the Condate Singers and is currently involved with the Cheshire WI Choir which will be holding a Carol Concert in Chester Cathedral.
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Katherine, Santi, Ivan & Oscar Kat and family moved into their new home in Inverness in February. It is in a quiet cul de sac with view oout over the Murray Firth and Black Isle. Quite beautiful.
Kat is about 10 minutes from the hospital, Santi just a little more for his work. Oscar is able to walk to school but Ivan now has to make his own way by bus, so he feels quite grown up. He is enjoying the science and maths and has become quite an accomplished chef. He considers his mum's kitchen scales rather inadeqate! The boys longstanding wish for their own dog will be fulfilled in a few days when a a labradoodle pup - Lola- joins the familiy.
Both boys continue with their football. They are both pretty good and are in winning teams. |
Graham and Megan Continues his interests with the local secondary school which claims the top place in the Cheshire League tables. He is also busy with Probus and lodge amongst several other things. Daily 3 miles + walks continue with Megan. Not always fun on cold, dark winter mornings but the exercise is beneficial.
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By the way everyone we have decided not to post Christmas cards to the friends on email this year. We will however make a donation in lieu to one of our charities.
