Today we had a family lunch and get together with our cousin Moya from Australia. Gina and I were joined by my brother Simon, his sons Scott & Alex, plus my cousins David, Zara and Daniel.
You can see a short movie of our reunion on the family podcast.
Today Gina and I visited Hatfield House, Hertfordshire. We took the opportunity of a reasonably sunny day, to walk around both the west and east gardens, before viewing the world famous home itself. (This was where way back in 1558, Queen Elizabeth I was given the news that she had inherited the throne of England). After a spot of outdoor lunch at the restaurant, we also went for a 15 minute ride on a horse (called Josh) and carriage around part of the estate.
Taking a self-portrait, with the west wing in the background.
It is with much sadness and deep regret, that I report the passing away late last evening our dearly beloved uncle Louis (Lou) Lee. He had suffered for a number of years from bad health, but never let it get him down. He will always remain a great inspiration to us all, and will be really missed by all those who had the honour and privilege of knowing him.
Today Gina and I went for a day trip to the Savill Garden, part of Windsor Great Park. We had a very interesting time, viewing all the different types of gardens displayed. There is a very useful visitor centre, with a restaurant and amenities, which made it much easier to enjoy the whole day.
Here we are standing next to one of the flower beds.
Today we had a really full and most enjoyable day out at Greenwich. First, we decided to take the scenic route, and went to Tower Pier, next to the Tower of London, and then took the “Thames Clipper”, a fast hydrofoil type boat to Greenwich. There we visited the naval museum, the Royal Observatory (with the world famous longitude 0 degrees time line), and then the Queens House which houses a maginificent collection of art galleries, dating from Tudor right up to modern times.
(Picture: Gina & I standing infront of statue of General James Wolfe, Royal Observatory)
We then returned by the “Clipper” to Tower Pier, and after a leisurely walk around the surrounding area, finished off a great day by eating outside a restaurant in St. Katherine’s Docks, with its’ nautical views.
Today Gina & I had a wonderful day out, visiting both historical Windsor and Eaton. After a delicious English scone tea, we also walked in the Great park, and finished off a lovely day with a trip on a ferris wheel, which gave us some really fantastic aerial views of the surrounding castle and area. (You can see the shadow of the wheel in the foreground).
This afternoon, my brother Simon and his two sons Scott & Alex came over for tea. We were joined by our eldest son Marc (James unfortunately could not make it), and we all went to play some football in the park, and then some gentle “work-out” on the outdoor gym.
Gina & I have just returned from a lovely “buscation” in Seville, Spain (i.e. half work, half holiday).
Here we are enjoying a post seminar dinner with my colleagues from many countries around the world, from the U.S.A. & Canada in the west, to Poland & Russia in the east.