We saw the new year in with Claire, Nathan, Alli and Mum. The first day of the year was quiet and uneventful.
Saturday 3rd January 2009Alexander made his very first visit to Grandma and Grandad's house at the age of 12 days and had hugs from us all. Nan Tid (94) visited and held him for a while.
Sunday 4th January 2009
Scouts New Year Walk. Brian, Ben and Beccy walked from Borstal Cricket Club around Nashenden Valley, past Starkey Castle and back along the river to the club. I joined them on the river bank and walked the last bit with them having been out rowing before then.
Friday 9th January 2009 to Sunday 11th January 2009
Ben and Beccy both went to Scout Winter Camp at Gilwell Park in temperatures of down to minus 7 and sleeping in tents! Both enjoyed it despite the cold and joined in the activities such as climbing, crafts, trampolining and shooting games. After dropping the children off on Friday, I went to Dan and Helen's for a nice dinner and a cuddle with Alexander.
Monday 12th January 2009
Went to Maidstone Film society showing of Ruby Blue with a question and answer session with its director, Jan Dunn. Film was worth a watch.
Wednesday 14th January 2009
Beccy went with her school to the David Beckham Academy where she learned about sport physiotherapy, team building and football skills. The day ended with a big tournament, Beccy's team, France, came third. Some team members were: Lauren (coach), Tom Welch, Ricky Bainbridge, Louise Kemp, Will, Scott and another Lauren.
Saturday 17th January 2009
I felt nervous even though I had support there to cheer me on all the way. Even one of my teachers from school came to watch and cheer me on! I woke up at around 8:30am. I was excited but nervous at the same time. You know how it is when you feel horrible and nervous but so very excited at the same time. I got out of bed, and straight away got changed. I went downstairs to have a nice healthy breakfast, knowing how important it was to stay healthy and energised. We got into the car to go and pick up my Granma. Everyone came to watch; Mum, Dad, Granma. Ben couldn’t come because he had tennis. We were on our way up to Mote Park and I was sitting in the back, singing along to my ipod. We eventually got there. Straight away I went searching for my friend, Jess, who was also competing. Eventually I found her. After the year 7 boy’s race, it was our turn. We walked up to start line, I was really nervous, and then we started. I ran straight to the front of the pack. But by the time I got to the bottom of the first hill I was in the middle of all the runners. Halfway round the track I managed to do something to my shoulder. It was extremely painful. I managed to do a sprint finish at the end and I went so fast my mum couldn’t even take a picture. (She couldn’t of taken one anyway because she had the camera upside down!)
Overall I came 59th out of 114 runners, which I consider quite good. Better than that I came 2nd out of the Medway runners! My friend Jess came 73rd, which is also good for a sprinter! When I finished my shoulder was so painful and I couldn’t move it. We went home and I rested it until we had to go out again to watch Ben’s tennis match.
Posted by Beccy Stroud.
I felt nervous even though I had support there to cheer me on all the way. Even one of my teachers from school came to watch and cheer me on! I woke up at around 8:30am. I was excited but nervous at the same time. You know how it is when you feel horrible and nervous but so very excited at the same time. I got out of bed, and straight away got changed. I went downstairs to have a nice healthy breakfast, knowing how important it was to stay healthy and energised. We got into the car to go and pick up my Granma. Everyone came to watch; Mum, Dad, Granma. Ben couldn’t come because he had tennis. We were on our way up to Mote Park and I was sitting in the back, singing along to my ipod. We eventually got there. Straight away I went searching for my friend, Jess, who was also competing. Eventually I found her. After the year 7 boy’s race, it was our turn. We walked up to start line, I was really nervous, and then we started. I ran straight to the front of the pack. But by the time I got to the bottom of the first hill I was in the middle of all the runners. Halfway round the track I managed to do something to my shoulder. It was extremely painful. I managed to do a sprint finish at the end and I went so fast my mum couldn’t even take a picture. (She couldn’t of taken one anyway because she had the camera upside down!)Overall I came 59th out of 114 runners, which I consider quite good. Better than that I came 2nd out of the Medway runners! My friend Jess came 73rd, which is also good for a sprinter! When I finished my shoulder was so painful and I couldn’t move it. We went home and I rested it until we had to go out again to watch Ben’s tennis match.
Posted by Beccy Stroud.
Saturday 24th January 2009
Brian and Karen went to Shirley's 50th birthday party in New Eltham. Many of Brian's shooting friends there.
Saturday 31st January 2009
Brian and Karen went to the rowing club annual dinner, the first in the new clubhouse. we had a lovely meal - salmon gravlax, beef bourgignon, cheesecake and coffee - all served hot and professionally from a kitchen with only a portable burner and electric urn. Loads of wine, good company, nice evening.
Notable events:
Ben is now helping at Gravesham tennis club as assistant to the coach and will start his coaching training soon.
Beccy has made arrangements to join Medway and Maidstone Athletics Club with a view to training in middle distance running.
Ben has been identified as gifted and talented for English and PE. Beccy has been identified as gifted and talented for Music.
Brian's business is going fine except for some competition from a new company selling and servicing Apple computers in Maidstone.
Karen has been nominated for an award for innovation in teaching (e-learning) at work.
We have so far survived three months of winter with no central heating. The log burner gets lit most, but not all, days and has so far kept the house at a reasonably comfortable temperature. The lounge gets quite warm (up to 25 deg) and the bedrooms stay between 13 and 15 deg at all times. So far, so good.
