Opera house
Family @ the harbour
Me and my Uncle David @ Sydney harbour bridgeWednesday, August 27, 2008
Aussie Rules!
WOW..What a mad but wonderful few days. We met up with family in Sydney on Saturday and did the tourist thing. We met with my uncle David, auntie Pauline cousins Kay & Tony and some of their kids; quite an outing. What a beautiful city. We went up the Centerpoint tower for the fantastic 360 degree view of the city, visited the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. In the afternoon we took the ferry to Manley and I paddled in the Pacific (which was freezing!!!). The weather on Saturday was quite cold and breezy. Things warmed up as the day progressed and by the evening we were able to eat out (open air in winter!) in China town . Thanks Aussie family for a great day.One amazing thing that happened in Sydney was bumping into someone we know on the Opera House steps. A fellow Kip McGrath franchisee who runs Milton Keynes just happened to be on holiday in Sydney (not at our conference). What are the chances of that?
On Sunday morning we met James Fokkens (Amy’s fiancé)at the fantastic Hillsong Church in Sydney. We went to the first of their four Sunday services and needless to say their massive auditorium was packed. Darlene led worship (she wrote the famous song ‘Shout to the Lord’). This is church on a mega scale, very exciting and dynamic. It was great to be actually their as I’m doing my Phd on them!
After church a car was sent for us to take us up the cost to Newcastle (about 100 miles) where Kip Mc Grath’s head office is based. Newcastle is on the coast, great beaches and big blue skies. Monday and Tuesday were spent in meetings but today (Wednesday) we spent the whole day wine tasting in the famous Hunter Valley. There are so many beautiful vineyards here and the weather has picked up; it been 22 C for the last two days. 22C in winter?? WOW. Needless to say all the Aussies are in coats, hats and scarfs. As well as vineyards we visited a smelly cheese shop, chocolate emporium and loads of touristy shops.The jet lag has been harder to get over than we thought, we keep waking up in the dead of night and being hungry at ‘odd’ times. By the time we have got all this we’ll be heading home.
Well, thanks for checking in on me.
God Bless - Dave
On Sunday morning we met James Fokkens (Amy’s fiancé)at the fantastic Hillsong Church in Sydney. We went to the first of their four Sunday services and needless to say their massive auditorium was packed. Darlene led worship (she wrote the famous song ‘Shout to the Lord’). This is church on a mega scale, very exciting and dynamic. It was great to be actually their as I’m doing my Phd on them!
After church a car was sent for us to take us up the cost to Newcastle (about 100 miles) where Kip Mc Grath’s head office is based. Newcastle is on the coast, great beaches and big blue skies. Monday and Tuesday were spent in meetings but today (Wednesday) we spent the whole day wine tasting in the famous Hunter Valley. There are so many beautiful vineyards here and the weather has picked up; it been 22 C for the last two days. 22C in winter?? WOW. Needless to say all the Aussies are in coats, hats and scarfs. As well as vineyards we visited a smelly cheese shop, chocolate emporium and loads of touristy shops.The jet lag has been harder to get over than we thought, we keep waking up in the dead of night and being hungry at ‘odd’ times. By the time we have got all this we’ll be heading home.
Well, thanks for checking in on me.
God Bless - Dave
Friday, August 22, 2008
G'Day From darling Harbour, Sydney
G'day All
Made it to Sydney, left Heathrow @ 12.30 pm Thursday, arrived in Sydney at 7.30 pm on Friday. Friday had 6 hours of daylight as we arrived in Singapore 12 hours after leaving Heathrow (should have been 12.30 am our time) but it was 7.30 in the morning on Friday. All very confusing!! You find yourself being woken up by perky (and always slightly camp - why is that???) cabin crew for 'breakfast' at 1.00 am in the morning!!! However - wonderful hotel, great views over the harbour; thanks Kip Mc Grath. Saw loads of great movies on the way. We are meeting family for a tour of the city tomorrow, viusting Hillsong on sunday and then heading up to Newcastle for our training.
Promise to keep you all informed and in the loop!
God Bless
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Home Again!
Hi Guys, We're home again; we left the cottage @ 6.00 am this morning and got back home at 5.00 pm this evening. We had a great holiday, truly resting, great weather (confounding the forecasters) and it was fantastic to share it with our friends.
On Sunday we headed to Concarneau for the Festival 'Filet Bleau '. The Bretons are very proud of their Celtic heritage and celebrate it with style. The flag I've shown here is the Breton one which you see everywhere. The festival is a party of all things Celtic, bagpipes, dancing and grub! We watched the parade and then headed to a hotel we'd booked for the night so we could watch the late night fireworks at 11.00 pm. Great night!
We've now got one day to pack for Aussie; we leave at 6.00 am on Thursday and we are getting quite excited now!
My health continues to be fantastic, no problems at all and it has been great to be off all drugs now for two months.
Next blog will be from Sydney!
God Bless
Dave xxx
Thursday, August 14, 2008
The Sun Has Got It's Hat On!!
Hello All,
Well, we are confounding the forecast day after day. We go on line, it says ‘rain’, the sun still shines – it’s been beautiful (not boiling) but lots of sun and fresh air. We’ve been seeing our mates Nick & Sarah most days and enjoying some ‘pool time’ with them at their camp site – great slides! We’ve also been able to get a top up of Alfie time! Tonight we are joining them for a big family nosh up in Pont Aven.
Our friends Kam & Darshan have been with us for the last two days, it’s been brill to have guests we’ve been to Pont Aven with them and to the beach at Port Manech; taught Kam the delights of Rummikub last night – stupid addictive game! They’ve headed off to Calais this morning, hope they make their 7.30 pm ferry, it’s about 600 miles up the coast from here.
Needless to say that, as always, we are having a great holiday. It is particularly special this year after such a tough six months, we just love this place a real ‘home from home’.
Health is 100% perfect. No problems, issues, swallowing difficulties or pain – fantastic! Can’t believe I’m going to have to put my ‘well feeling’ body through chemo again in September but I suppose I must. I’ve stuck to my diet, no alcohol, meat or caffeine now for two weeks. Don’t miss them either (much!!!). Nut roast anyone??
It is great to have all three children with us, catching up on quality time with our Amy-Lou now she’s back from Aussie after two years. The air is thick with wedding plans and excitement regarding James Fokkens arriving in a few weeks time for the wedding – I’m going to be a father-in-law; hope I’m a good one!
We are getting excited about Aussie, especially our day out in Sydney which is planned for a week on Saturday with my cousins showing us the sites. Teresa is bracing herself for a 24 hour flight as she not a good flyer; fortunately she’s not joined me on the wagon so a double gin and tonic and two Prozac should do the job!
We are really missing all our Church friends – we won’t be around for another three Sundays and are getting worship withdrawal symptoms; our first Sunday back is September 6th and I’m preaching then.
Well the bathroom is now free for the first time (@ 11.10 am - bathroom hogging girlies) so it’s my turn and blogging must end!
See ya all
God Bless
Dave xxx
Well, we are confounding the forecast day after day. We go on line, it says ‘rain’, the sun still shines – it’s been beautiful (not boiling) but lots of sun and fresh air. We’ve been seeing our mates Nick & Sarah most days and enjoying some ‘pool time’ with them at their camp site – great slides! We’ve also been able to get a top up of Alfie time! Tonight we are joining them for a big family nosh up in Pont Aven.
Our friends Kam & Darshan have been with us for the last two days, it’s been brill to have guests we’ve been to Pont Aven with them and to the beach at Port Manech; taught Kam the delights of Rummikub last night – stupid addictive game! They’ve headed off to Calais this morning, hope they make their 7.30 pm ferry, it’s about 600 miles up the coast from here.
Needless to say that, as always, we are having a great holiday. It is particularly special this year after such a tough six months, we just love this place a real ‘home from home’.
Health is 100% perfect. No problems, issues, swallowing difficulties or pain – fantastic! Can’t believe I’m going to have to put my ‘well feeling’ body through chemo again in September but I suppose I must. I’ve stuck to my diet, no alcohol, meat or caffeine now for two weeks. Don’t miss them either (much!!!). Nut roast anyone??
It is great to have all three children with us, catching up on quality time with our Amy-Lou now she’s back from Aussie after two years. The air is thick with wedding plans and excitement regarding James Fokkens arriving in a few weeks time for the wedding – I’m going to be a father-in-law; hope I’m a good one!
We are getting excited about Aussie, especially our day out in Sydney which is planned for a week on Saturday with my cousins showing us the sites. Teresa is bracing herself for a 24 hour flight as she not a good flyer; fortunately she’s not joined me on the wagon so a double gin and tonic and two Prozac should do the job!
We are really missing all our Church friends – we won’t be around for another three Sundays and are getting worship withdrawal symptoms; our first Sunday back is September 6th and I’m preaching then.
Well the bathroom is now free for the first time (@ 11.10 am - bathroom hogging girlies) so it’s my turn and blogging must end!
See ya all
God Bless
Dave xxx
Saturday, August 9, 2008
SUN!
Hiya
The weather has picked up , Nick & Saran Hearn arrived on Thursday (it must be their influence), we put their tent up in advance of their arrival. We were assisted by a very bossy German guy on the next plot who insisted he knew best and sort to take complete control. Em....... Any how the tent’s up, they arrived and we shared a lovely evening meal together under canvas. We re-visited them yesterday and had a fantastic hot, sunny day by the campsite pool. It’s great to have them here, they are such good friends. We seeing our friend Kam next week. He and his son Darshan are touring friends and spending night with us on Tuesday. John and Amanda Stamp may be paying us a visit too; this is brill - we love showing off our beloved Brittany!
We get home on Tuesday 19th, have one day at home on Wednesday 20th and then head off to Aussie on Thursday 21st! We’re having a few days in Sydney and then spending the rest of the time in Kip McGrath training in Newcastle (up the coast). It will be the winter but the weather can’t be worse than this summer can it? I spoke to my cousin Tony who lives in Sydney and he (along with my cousin Kay & Auntie & Uncle) are going to show us around Sydney in a day (if that’s possible)! Really looking forward to seeing it all finally and especially if someone else is picking up the ‘tab’. Thanks Kip McGrath.
Today we are off to the beach and to hang out with the beautiful people in Carnac (we slip in, under the radar) as the sun is shining again. A quick trip to the local market beckons first where James has found a stall that sells second hand PS2 games (you know James and his video games.
Must fly, the market beckons!
Luv Dave xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The weather has picked up , Nick & Saran Hearn arrived on Thursday (it must be their influence), we put their tent up in advance of their arrival. We were assisted by a very bossy German guy on the next plot who insisted he knew best and sort to take complete control. Em....... Any how the tent’s up, they arrived and we shared a lovely evening meal together under canvas. We re-visited them yesterday and had a fantastic hot, sunny day by the campsite pool. It’s great to have them here, they are such good friends. We seeing our friend Kam next week. He and his son Darshan are touring friends and spending night with us on Tuesday. John and Amanda Stamp may be paying us a visit too; this is brill - we love showing off our beloved Brittany!
We get home on Tuesday 19th, have one day at home on Wednesday 20th and then head off to Aussie on Thursday 21st! We’re having a few days in Sydney and then spending the rest of the time in Kip McGrath training in Newcastle (up the coast). It will be the winter but the weather can’t be worse than this summer can it? I spoke to my cousin Tony who lives in Sydney and he (along with my cousin Kay & Auntie & Uncle) are going to show us around Sydney in a day (if that’s possible)! Really looking forward to seeing it all finally and especially if someone else is picking up the ‘tab’. Thanks Kip McGrath.
Today we are off to the beach and to hang out with the beautiful people in Carnac (we slip in, under the radar) as the sun is shining again. A quick trip to the local market beckons first where James has found a stall that sells second hand PS2 games (you know James and his video games.
Must fly, the market beckons!
Luv Dave xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Rain, Sofas and No Soya
Hiya all
Well there’s rain, heavy rain, torrential rain, monsoon and Breton rain. As you can gather it rained all day Sunday; from dawn to dust! So, DIY beckoned, a bit of painting, some trim around an ugly cable and then, the amazing ceiling. The lounge has an old (original I think) planked ceiling that we’d always assumed was meant to be dark brown. After twenty buckets of dirty black water and half a gallon of bleach we revealed a perfect cherry coloured varnished ceiling which has transformed the room; not a bad afternoon’s work!
Monday dawned (and stayed) beautiful! First off we went to a local furniture shop to buy a long overdue new sofa. We’d furnished the place with all our old stuff originally and the ancient two seater was looking a little sorrow for itself. After this we had lunch on the Ville Close in Concarneau before spending an afternoon on the beautiful beach at Pont de Trevignon near Tregunc. Needless to say I’m a little red despite the lotion, they told me the chemo makes you more sensitive to the sun; they weren’t wrong! In the evening I gardened to prepare for Amy’s arrival – she flew in 3.00 pm. on Tuesday.
Wednesday we sent to Pont Aven jewelry hunting for the wedding (bridesmaids need matching stuff I'm told??) James and I don't understand!
Nick & Sarah arrive today, we've brought their tent and are off to put it up for them in advance of their arrival later this afternoon. We are looking forward to seeing them!
The diet continues to go well, not missing meat at all but craving cheese and can’t find soya cheese anywhere locally! Health is 100%, no swallowing problems, no reflux, no pain – Praise God!
Forecast is improving for next week which will be good news for Nick & Sarah who arrive on Thursday.
See ya
Dave xxxx
Well there’s rain, heavy rain, torrential rain, monsoon and Breton rain. As you can gather it rained all day Sunday; from dawn to dust! So, DIY beckoned, a bit of painting, some trim around an ugly cable and then, the amazing ceiling. The lounge has an old (original I think) planked ceiling that we’d always assumed was meant to be dark brown. After twenty buckets of dirty black water and half a gallon of bleach we revealed a perfect cherry coloured varnished ceiling which has transformed the room; not a bad afternoon’s work!
Monday dawned (and stayed) beautiful! First off we went to a local furniture shop to buy a long overdue new sofa. We’d furnished the place with all our old stuff originally and the ancient two seater was looking a little sorrow for itself. After this we had lunch on the Ville Close in Concarneau before spending an afternoon on the beautiful beach at Pont de Trevignon near Tregunc. Needless to say I’m a little red despite the lotion, they told me the chemo makes you more sensitive to the sun; they weren’t wrong! In the evening I gardened to prepare for Amy’s arrival – she flew in 3.00 pm. on Tuesday.
Wednesday we sent to Pont Aven jewelry hunting for the wedding (bridesmaids need matching stuff I'm told??) James and I don't understand!
Nick & Sarah arrive today, we've brought their tent and are off to put it up for them in advance of their arrival later this afternoon. We are looking forward to seeing them!
The diet continues to go well, not missing meat at all but craving cheese and can’t find soya cheese anywhere locally! Health is 100%, no swallowing problems, no reflux, no pain – Praise God!
Forecast is improving for next week which will be good news for Nick & Sarah who arrive on Thursday.
See ya
Dave xxxx
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Rain, Sun & Alfresco Dinner!
Hi Troops
Well today started wet and we hit the local market in Scaer for a top-up on veggies, organic stuff – aren’t we being good? After lunch the weather cheered up and we headed down to Concarneau, parked at Sable Blanc and walked into town. We visited the little sailor's chapel, lit a candle again for my ongoing healing and prayed. We walked down to the Ville Close and, although we know the town inside out we did the touristy thing and caught the little sightseers train. By the time we got back to the tour starting point the sun was out so we decided to stay in Concarneau and have an Al Fresco dinner. The walk back to the car was lovely, we watched some local kids playing ‘dodge the waves’ on the prom; it was a really high tide today.
It’s been another great day and to top it all we were able to ‘liberate’ enough firewood from the local forest for a free fire tonight – how cool (or hot) is that?
Still keeping off the booze, drinking loads of carrot juice and eating absolutely nothing with a face.
I'm feeling really well but not looking forward to two further rounds of chemo in September but I'll go for it!
See ya
Dave
Well today started wet and we hit the local market in Scaer for a top-up on veggies, organic stuff – aren’t we being good? After lunch the weather cheered up and we headed down to Concarneau, parked at Sable Blanc and walked into town. We visited the little sailor's chapel, lit a candle again for my ongoing healing and prayed. We walked down to the Ville Close and, although we know the town inside out we did the touristy thing and caught the little sightseers train. By the time we got back to the tour starting point the sun was out so we decided to stay in Concarneau and have an Al Fresco dinner. The walk back to the car was lovely, we watched some local kids playing ‘dodge the waves’ on the prom; it was a really high tide today.
It’s been another great day and to top it all we were able to ‘liberate’ enough firewood from the local forest for a free fire tonight – how cool (or hot) is that?
Still keeping off the booze, drinking loads of carrot juice and eating absolutely nothing with a face.
I'm feeling really well but not looking forward to two further rounds of chemo in September but I'll go for it!
See ya
Dave
Friday, August 1, 2008
No Faces, Booze or Coffee....................
Hi Guys
Don’t die of shock but nearly daily blogging; impressive or what? We’re still having a great holiday, we’re relaxed, and apart from the weather, (which is mixed) everything’s just perfect! Today we went down to Concarneau and got an hour on the beach between showers, Carys and James were in the sea again.
As always we are seeing loads of DVDs so far we’ve watched:
Don’t die of shock but nearly daily blogging; impressive or what? We’re still having a great holiday, we’re relaxed, and apart from the weather, (which is mixed) everything’s just perfect! Today we went down to Concarneau and got an hour on the beach between showers, Carys and James were in the sea again.
As always we are seeing loads of DVDs so far we’ve watched:
- Rat Race – brill, very funny
- Die Hard 4 – Bruce in a sweaty vest (just for Teresa)
- National Treasure – it’s all the Mason’s fault (but then we knew that beloved brethren didn’t we?)
I've done a few DIY jobs, hung up a picture or two and a mirror, done some gardening and a bit of painting. Nothing too strenuous.
Also we’re embarking on a healthy eating regime called the ‘Hallelujah Diet’ – eating biblically – don’t laugh! The main rules are you can’t eat anything with a face (meat, fish, dairy – vegetarian basically) and no caffeine or alcohol. Now the meat and the caffeine are one thing but no booze???? 24 hours in the cravings aren’t too bad. Honest. Really they’re not, dribble, dribble..........
Much as I love all you in my wonderful blogging community please resist the temptation to tell me I’m nuts – I confess; I am but I’m grown up too (ish), all at least Florence is.
Love ya. See ya.
Dave
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