Mum

Monday we went to visit my mum for a couple of days, she is quite keen on flying over for a visit to see everyone. Wednesday we had dinner with Frank & Christine which is always a pleasure. Thursday it was coffee with David who will be coming to see us in June. Then the last shopping trip and return home to Luxembourg.

Christmas 2006?

Linda & Keith invited us all to Sunday lunch so we set off in two cars. Aaron & Anna were returning home and we were staying the night and then going up to visit my mum before returning to Southend. We took an hour longer than the others because we took a short cut! Oli & Kati also joined us and it was so wonderful to see the change in Oli, from November when he could barely talk to being back to his usual chatty self. Colin also came bearing Christmas gifts from 2006 and much to the hilarity of us all we had chocolates out of date by 18 months. After eating and drinking too much Linda dragged us around the lake, after which we needed another drink.........

Bernoulli's theorem

We shouldnt have asked once a teacher always a teacher!

This is Bernoulli's theorem in its simplest form: When the speed of a fluid increases the pressure decreases.

Or why there is a hole in the teapot spout.

Around Rome

Apologies for so many photos but it was very difficult to choose the best. My favorite one is of the sun dial dome. Malcolm went into the police box for a photo but we didn't see the new box near by and a very cross police man watching him. We had also seen lots of security men who looked very serious and then Berlusconi came driving by.

Coliseum & Pantheon

The Coliseum was much larger than I expected. I found it quite frightening and all to easy to imagine what went on there......

The Forum

This was my favourite part of Rome I could have stayed here all day.

The Vatican

A trip to the Vatican was a must as Pam & Richard had not been there on their previous visit. Richard booked a guided tour

on the net before we left and we all thoroughly enjoyed it.

Famous sights

Of course we had to do the tourist bits of Rome the Spanish steps Trevi Fountain and the Jewish quarter.

Rome

Monday we were so excited it was off to Rome with Pam & Richard. Aaron kindly drove us to the airport. It was our first visit to Italy and we were not sure if it would live up to expectations but our hotel was wonderful (The Empire Palace) The weather was great after the first day. The food and drink were plentiful & the company excellent so what more could we have wished for?

Malcolm soon had a new nick name "5maps Malcolm" can you see why?

Mr & Mrs Phillips

We were excited to be off back to England to see Aaron and Anna for the first time since they were married. It was fish & chips for dinner as part of their wedding celebrations. Saturday was a shopping day for me and a rest for Malcolm. Sunday night we had drinks at the Angel with Angela June & Phil poor Paul was ill and couldn't make it.

Malcolms early birthday

For Malcolm's millennium birthday I bought him a pocket watch. He loved it very much but it has slowly been falling apart. I promised him a new one for his 60th birthday but have had to buy it early (very early)as the old one finally died.

Birthdays

This week was Romain and Emilie's birthdays we wont say how old Rom was but Emilie was 8. She wanted to have a raclett dinner on her birthday and a party at the play centre for her friends which will be on Saturday.

Grandad tries to nap

Much to Emilie and Franks annoyance Grandad like to have an occasional nap. Its getting very hard these days as Lilie is extremely noisy...........

Lilie's first visit to McDonalds

Lilie is growing up so fast she had her first taste of McDonalds this week. We called in for lunch after a trip to the shops. She had the bun off the top of Frank's fish burger. Not as tasty as her usual dinner at home.

The sun peeped out

Goodness on Saturday the Sun came out and Malcolm got the grass cut. On Sunday it popped out again and I managed to plant some polyanthus in the pots. Even it has to be said sat on the door step with a glass of wine before the SNOW came back. Malcolm has been experimenting with Indian cooking he made a wonderful chicken tikka and onion bread for dinner.

Martins birthday dinner

Martin & Amelia were in Bali when it was Martins birthday so we all went out for dinner at the Mousel canteen. The food was excellent as ever and Lillie was keen to try the beer stein.