Phoebus

On our way back from Hannah's graduation we called in to Calypso Campers to talk to them about converting our van into a camper.
They had examples of their work in the workshops so we could see what they did and we were able to discuss layout options with John, the owner.
Suffice to say it will cost more than we originally thought! But we have now paid a deposit and booked the van in for the work to be done after Hannah and Dan's wedding.
It will be great to have the work done and to be able to camp in the van properly.
We were asked what the van was called- when we tentatively said 'Buttercup' we were told that a T4 is a masculine kind of van. So we have decided on 'Phoebus'.Not sure that everyone likes it but I think we'll get used to it! The name came to mind because of a quotation from 'Romeo and Juliet'
Gallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds,
Towards Phoebus' lodging: such a wagoner
As Phaëthon would whip you to the west,
And bring in cloudy night immediately.

(Phoebus had a fiery chariot which his son Phaeton borrowed with disastrous results!)

Lovely weather!

The sun has been shining down on us for the last few days. Not sure that it will last until the Guides' fundraiser in the Avenue Gardens on Tuesday! Lyn R. and I are helping at lunchtime whie Julia and Naomi do their stint.
Friday saw us at the Flavel with a few of the Top of The Town kids to watch Prince Caspian- very enjoyable, although not sure about the kiss at the end!!!
Both Lydia and Julia took advantage of half price tickets and went to Billy Smart's Circus which was visiting Dartmouth.
Talking of visits- I am writing this as I await Phil and Julia's return from Totnes with our friends Richard and Sam.We met them in the Philippines when we had a day at the Bee Farm while figuring out what to do next. They live in North Dakota. If we make our epic trip to the US next year we might go and visit them.
Next year sounds like a good time to visit Mum and take in some US history- if Lydia goes off to do A levels we will have a couple of years of restrictions on our holiday timings. We will have to wait and see- the van conversion is going to cost more than we thought, so we might not have enough money for a trip next year.

Our daughter the graduate!

We drove up to Portsmouth on the 16th July to attend Hannah's graduation ceremony.
It was a lovely sunny day and we felt very proud!
We went out for a curry in the evening with Hannah and Dan,and Jonathan and Becky.
We also saw Hannah and Dan's flat which is very nice. Dan is living there at the moment and Hannah is lodging with Helen Marshall, but they will both be there once they are married- with the rats Emily and Poppy!

Back Home!

We had a lovely week in the Lake District- which was true to form, and very wet!!
Saying that we had two lovely dry walks, Walla Crag and Castle Crag.
I discovered that my boots were too small and so we spent a lot of time in Cotswold Camping and ended up with a new pair of boots. I am also the proud owner of a new daysack, all ready for our next expedition. Although I have still got to try out the boots in the house before deciding whether to keep them for good.
While at the campsite I picked up my new kayak- a bit more of a challenge than the ones I am used to, but very comfortable.
We had a great weekend with Phil's Mum in her new house. We had tea with Hazel- and saw Ben (the pilot), Katy and her children called in on Sunday afternoon- next time we see all these folks will be at Hannah and Dan's wedding.

Phil's blog

Phil now has a blog! Watsonatsea will no longer be updated so Phil is going to blog instead!
He will probably have more photos than me- until I get my camera!!

Tony

Tony was back in church on sunday and looks to be making a good recovery from his operation- thanks be to God!

Getting ready for holiday!

We are off on saturday to the Lake District, taking the canoes with us. My new canoe should be waiting for us at the campsite1 I'm looking forward to trying it out.
We had a trip to Plymouth a couple of weeks ago and bought new spray decks etc.
Phil and I took Julia out for a paddle at Dittisham yesterday- Phil forgot his camera
so no pictures! I have made a request for my own camera for Christmas! That way I can put more pictures on the blog.
Hannah and Dan D. have found a flat on the seafront at Southsea, Dan hopes to move in quite soon but Hannah will stay with Helen Marshall until the wedding.
The sun is shining and it is quite hard to focus on academic stuff!Lydia has nearly finished Maths and RE- once we get back from camping she can get stuck into revision.
I have lots of ideas for Julia , hopefully will put them into practice come September.