Nothing better than a dry home

Nothing better than coming home from camping, filling the washing basket, putting the camping kit away and being dry again. I have taken being dry for granted, never again. The day started early as the weather was meant to start raining at 9am. The tents were dried and down by 9am and like clockwork, the rain started at 9am and just didn't stop. Brekkie and then we hit the road. The doggies wanted to leave, they just stood at the car door for ages while we packed up. I think they are fair weather campers, so is Ali.

A day with Winston at Blenheim Palace

What a night, the drips from the tent roof were resfreshing but I've discovered a must have for all camping trips, a hot water bottle. I think I could have auctioned it for a very high price. The day started as a campers dream, dry and sunny. Leisurely morning with the number one camping chef, papa, cooking all of our breakfasts.

I've been wanting to go to Blenheim Palace for quite a while and today was the day. Only 30 minutes from the campsite to the delight of Blenheim, acestoral home of Winston Churchill, who I discovered is actually called Winston Spencer Churchill. The palace is absolutely huge. We started with a tour of the state rooms, and the room where Winston was born. The guide was fantastic, explaining the history of the rooms and tapestries.

We walked through the gardens and fountains, had a pitstop for a drink and then went to find the Temple of Diana on the lakeside, where Winston proposed to Clementine. We then took a minature train to the pleasure garden, with hedge maze and adventure playground. We avoided that bit, instead we went into the butterfly garden.

On the way back, we visited Churchills grave, where many of his relatives are also buried. Well worth a visit. It had a wreath from RAF Brize Norton.

Back to our 'temporary homes', the whole campsite was filled with the smell of BBQ, and we added to it.

Soggy camping and dancing with travelling Brownie

What a weekend to go camping! I checked the weather every day, hoping the threat of gales and downpours would change...but no. Instead, we travelled to Bo Peep in the pouring rain and it didn't stop until 3am in the morning. Motorhome up, then team work to get mine, Jo and Chris and Hayden's tent up. All in the pouring rain. Spirits weren't dampened though with a bit of dancing with travelling brownie. However, a waterproof coat, waterproof trousers and tent couldn't withstand the downpour. Welcome to British camping.

Bristol - Shaun hunting

The Shauns are back in Bristol and I discovered a great time to visit them, 7am in the morning. Nobody is around to get in your pictures!

Wendy visits St Neots

What a fantasticly British day. We met our friend Wendy from Australia, who we met in Antarctica! Wendy travelled to St Neots to visit us. We had a full day exploring Cambridge planned. We first visited the Round Church and the traditional sweet shop for a very small 50p mix up! We then went for afternoon tea at Harriets, a lovely vintage tea room. It was gorgeous, lovely sandwiches and scones and dainty cakes on top. We couldn't actually finish it.

Then onto punting around the backs, with a student from Cambridge university. It's a must when you visit Cambridge. Back home via the Kings College, the market and old buildings. It was so lovely to see Wendy again, can't wait for the next time.

Bristol Pride - Team Nando's

It's been a while since I went to Bristol Pride, so it was time to do another. We had envisaged walking in the parade with the girls but instead they visited a secondary school so Chris, Mum and I danced through the centre of Bristol with the Nando's samba band. We waved Nando's flags, gave our Nando's stickers and even made a Nando's chant! In castle park, we met the girls and walked around the stalls for the freebies, made a kite and went on the bouncy castle. A lovely family event.

A very special visit to HMS St Albans

What an honour. I was invited to a reception and capability demonstration on HMS St Albans. Unfortunely it coincided with the tube strike so we were all encouraged to arrive by boat, so I did. The boat definitly beats the tube, it's more pricey but much better than being squeezed in the tube. I boarded HMS St Albans after going through lots and lots of armed security. Up the walkway and then I was greeted by 6 people saluting me! I didn't know what to do, so instead said a nervous giggle 'hello'.

The reception was in a marquee on the deck. We heard about the Royal Navy and the hosts were second to none. All were so so attentive. Even to the point that everyone was escorted to the group, then introduced to the Cammander and then paired up with others to speak to them! We had a tour of the ship, had a talk about the guns, saw a mock operation, went up and down the very steep ladders in a cocktail dress! and then saw the marines do a capability demonstration of catching criminals.

I'm so amazed by the Royal Navy, I absolutely love it. The work they do is astonishing.

Helene's ordination

We have never been to an ordination service before so was absolutely thrilled to be invited to Helene's ordination at Ely Cathedral. A stunning setting for a great day.