The Clark Mitchells came today

We are so blessed to have lots of family closeby who give loads of support and endless pleasure - esp when times are tough.  Cristy and Paul came to visit today with Lily and Charlie

The Steinacker family came to visit

One of Phil's favourite pastimes - spending time with the family.

There is only so much time you can spend with a new baby then it's time for some serious play.  I picked up these wood offcuts from a building site nearby a couple of years ago - there are about 200 pieces.  They have provided endless hours of fun for the children since then and it's fascinating to watch how their creations with them become more sophisticated as the children get older.

Sophie May arrived today

Emily and Jeff are thrilled with the new member of their family and Noah and Maddie are delighted to have a baby sister.  Born this morning at 9.30 weighing 8lb 1 oz.  Papa Phil saw her from a distance - he's not too well at present.

Sunday lunch at Rick Stein's at Mollymook

A lovely lunch - beautiful location, great company and and good food BUT overpriced and not nearly as good as the food at his restaurants in Cornwall.

Summer holidays at Mollymook

Noah and Maddie enjoying their Christmas present from Hannah

The Steinacker family - 2 grown ups with 2 and 8/9 children

Margie and AnneMarie with grandaughter Lily

Margie with Cristy and Charlie

Dinnertime for Pelagia

I love Skpye!!! In the last week or so PPA has started solid meals and graduated to a high chair.  She is a voracious eater and seems happy with a wide range food from banana and avocado to broccoli and swede - YUM!!!  It is great to be able to watch her grow.

Charlie has arrived

Papa Phil with Charlie Clark Mitchell - 4 days old

Going home today

It'll be hard to say goodbye but it is time to go home.  We have had a wonderful summer and look forward to many more.

Off to Thursday bible study

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So grown up

Two knights in three days



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Lunch on Saturday was delicious and so beautifully laid out.  I just wished I could be a lady too - not really. 

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On Monday we had lunch with Bill Taylor and his wife, Rita - friends of Phil's from way back when Bill was Director of the Institute of Education in London



A long weekend in Dorset

<><><><><>Some great walks along the coast and the weather was very kind.  <><><>

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Durdle Door is a fascinating formation.  Andy had given us the technical description of how it was formed but you'll have to ask him for the details.

Chesil Beach- below - a strange place.  I wanted to see it after reading Ian McEwan's book - beautifully written but SOOOOOO sad

The lighthouse at Portland Bill

Gold Hill, a VERY steep little street in Shaftesbury

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More photos of Durdle coast - not having much luck with this new version of blogger - it drops the photos in all over theplace and doesn't allow me to move them easily.

After church on Sunday we went to the coast around Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.

The countryside through Dorset and  Wiltshire is just stunning - rolling hills and lots of small farms 

We stayed in another of the Go Slow B&Bs - this time it was Frampton House out in the countryside near Dorchester - really beautiful

Three days in the Lake District

We have just spent 3 beautiful days at Grange in Borrowdale on the southern tip of Derwent Water.  The days have been sunny, nights crisp and we are staying at the lovely small hotel - a return visit having stayed here back in 1999.

CatBells is the peak in this photo

A walk on top of the world - worth the climb to get there

Great views down to Derwent Water

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Borrowdale Gates

We have done 2 long walks in the past two days - a steep climb up to Cat Bells with great views across the lakes and farmland and a leisurely 5 hour even walk around Derwent Water.  I hope the photos will give you the feel of the beautiful part of the world.

Lots of families enjoy the climb

The walk down is just as challenging as the climb up but Phil managed it well.  I would liek to think i could still do it when I'm 84 but I'm unlikely to have a 62 year old to accompany me!!!

The view from our room when we wake in the morning