The Grand Duke's birthday

Monday night was the celebrations in the city for the Grand Duke's birthday. Abigail picked us up and we met Bonita at Amelia & Martins apartment, so together with their guests we trooped off to the city. We arrived at our usual spot by the palace just in time to see the army march past but unfortunately that is all we saw as the route of the procession had been changed. Emilie was most miffed as it was the first time she had been allowed to stay up to see it. Still we had a good view of the fireworks at the end of the evening. We had a good giggle at the rubbish left behind.

Fathers day

I took Lil for a walk this week while Malcolm did the ironing, resulting in this little video. Saturday I went shopping with Abigail and Bonita and Abigail bought the girls matching dresses which is something she said she would never do ha ha ha. Sunday was fathers day and Amelia and Martin popped in with some friends for coffee. Abigail came over with the children and Frankie stayed the night.

First piano exam

It was a busy day today, Emilie had her first music exam she was very nervous but thinks it went Ok we have to wait a few days for the letter. It was also Mothers day so Abigail and Amelia organised a BBQ which we had in beautiful sunshine.

Wild things

The slope at the bottom of the garden gets the full sun and so is extremely dry. I picked some poppy seeds in Kay's garden at La Rochelle last summer and thew them across the slope along with some cornflowers. I am pleased to say they are coming up very well and add a nice splash of colour. The pots are looking good too. Malcolm has been busy putting some shelves in the loft room for Romain's tools. I had some bad news this week my shoulder has another calcium deposit. The Dr couldn't believe it when he got the report "its massive "was all he could say," would you like lots of pain killers". I refused the pills but have an appointment to see a new surgeon at a different hospital. I couldn't face going back to the old one.

My dad a hero

Norman Brereton 23,10,1925-3,6,1969. I never thought of my dad as a hero he was just my dad, but 65 years after the D-Day landings I realise that is what he was. He never spoke much about what happened to him at that time just that he was based on tank landing craft. The craft was disabled and he was rescued by a ship which was torpedoed then by a destroyer which was also sunk. I think being in the oil polluted water is what caused his premature death. I was sad to see the veterans in France at all the remembrance services and think of all the years and family events my dad has missed.

Back to normal

Back to normal this week. Frankie was off school ill with hay fever, Lilie was very sick and Malcolm and I felt quite unwell too. Malcolm did get around to planting some vegetables at last, its probably a bit late but we will see what grows. Frankie has been trying to ride his bike without stabilizers ready for Center Parks in the holidays. Lilie has taken to the lap top playing games they start younger and younger.