Returning for the 1st of July annual ceremony

We were booked on the 4am ferry so knew we would be tired at the end of our journey.

We set off around 9pm which is a lot better for traffic...the artics seem to do the same.

Not too bad for road works just one detour. One stop at the services and onto the ferry which as usual was on time.

Once on the ferry a lolt of people settled down to sleep only one or two chose beer over tea/coffee. News papers bought and it wasn't long before we were asleep.

It's very hot in France today, once we arrived at Brian and Linda's we unpacked and caught up on much needed sleep. I was able to doze in the car so Vin needed the sleep more than i did.

We are in the caravan which we enjoy and always book in the summer.

Tonight it's down to the Poppy resteraunt with George and Sheila....until then we are feeling hot and lazy so just enjoying the sun and a chat with Linda under the gazebo.


Thought for today:-

"People who enjoy what they are doing invariably do it well."

Joe Gibbs. Author.

France

It's that time of year again..... the 1st July remembrance ceremony. We are a day later than we intended setting off. It's the first time we have been beaten by being tired. A good nights sleep was worth it... still lots to do but we will be on our way shortly.

Again i am hoping to keep my blog up to date, maybe on an almost daily basis so fingers crossed this time i succeed

We are due on the ferry at 4am. I will be returning alone this time so i am taking a few good books for the return journey. Because we are going earlier than we need i will also have the opportunity to chill and read before the final work on the crater begins. I love reading and consider it a luxury. Both Libby and Casey love books. Libby has finished her school books before she arrives home. And Casey now turns the pages with care and remembers what she is shown.


Thought for today:-

"In our lives, change is unavoidable, loss is unavoidable. In the adaptability and ease with which we experience change lie our happiness and freedom."

The Buddha [c 563-c 483 BC], India.

Libby and Casey

On our return i had arranged to have Libby and Casey to stay. Libby came first on the Friday so we could do more grown up things.

Libby was seven on the 29Th of May so of course needs a different kind of attention to Casey.

First of all we made a thank you card for Paul and Jody...you can imagine the glitter and jewels....there was also snow white [Jody] and Ben ten [Paul} I am not sure Paul noticed that one!!

Libby then enjoyed feeding the cats and dogs as well as buying new ones on happy pets [face book].

Our next venture was out in the garden, Libby planted new seeds in her pot, which are starting to grow along with the ones she planted with Vin in smaller pots.

Then it was back to the computer to find information on rabbits for her homework.

Once bathed and fed it was time for Britain's got talent final and a cuddle before bed.

Gymnastics was our first visit on Saturday morning before picking up Casey.

Once back at ours it was time for dinner followed by playing in the garden. The garden is in big need of attention but still fun to play in especially on the swing seat.

The dolls and pooh bear [Jades] were out and so were the books, pens and pencils. Both love to read so once they had had a long play in the bath we settled down to read.

Libbys reading is very good and Casey very good at remembering what she sees. She can count to twelve and knows lots of animals and nursery rhymes. So bedtime stories and cuddles before bed are easy and enjoyable. In fact i woke to them reading aloud in their bedroom.

Deal

Deal in Kent is one of our favourite place to stay. Vin's dad was stationed there when he was in the marines.

We have stayed there many times over the past few years braking our journeys to France and Belguim.

Our accomadation has varied but more recently...the past four years we have mainly stayed at the Malvern where we are always made very welcome....which is the norm in Deal.

The B&b has over thirty different breakfasts to offer from full english to vegatarian, slimmers and breakfasts that are eaten around the world.

Old Blighty

At the bottom of the road that leads to the crater there is a tea shop called the Old Blighty. The shop has been open approx three years.

The Old Blighty is handy for us 'workers' at lunch time. It is owned by Alison and John who make everyone very welcome.

Fricourt

Two flame throwers and dugouts were unearthed at Fricourt next to what were the German lines.

We arrived on the final day of the dig when they were about to fill it all in.

Tony Robinson from Time Team was amongst a large group of people working there.

Bbq's

Working party weekend

Our working party weekend at Lochnagar went well. Most of our friends who help on the crater were there.

The crater is looking very good. The work wasn't as hard because we are now using strimmers which means the brambles struggle to grow.

I worked inside the crater, so whilst in there took quite a few photographs from inside.

Socially once again our time was in demand. The first night we were invited out for a meal but had travelled through the night so had to decline for the fear of falling asleep and appearing rude. Instead we are booked at the poppy restaurant when we arrive back for the July 1st ceremony.

The following three nights we had been invited to three barbeque's. Each of which we enjoyed and were all very different.

To break our journey home we stayed two nights in Deal where we spoilt ourselves shopping and relaxed.