My dear old Mum turned 70 yesterday. Well done to her ! She spent a quiet Saturday at home with Dad on her 70th, but today her peace was disturbed when all sons, wives, and grandchildren descended on Eightlem for a few hours today to wish her many happy returns.

It was difficult to know what to give Mum for her 70th. In the end we all decided on a collection of photographs in book form, giving her a family pictorial history. Mum seemed pretty pleased with the outcome. We have been busy scanning old photo’s over that last month or so. Marks daughter Carmen put them all together into the book format.

It has been a while since we were all together, and it was great to all sit, talk, and joke. We should do it more often. Here are the three bro’s, and then their three, long suffering wives.

Justine has been recovering from a recent op… it was good to see her looking well, but we couldn’t make her laugh too much… we didn’t want to open the stitches !

Here are the grandchildren, Nikki at 20 is the oldest, and Ellie at 10, the youngest.

And some other piccies from the afternoon.

This morning Tricia paraded with the Brownies at the Remembrance Service at Winslow. I went to church at North Marston for our local Rem. Service. It always makes me think of my two Grandads, who both saw service, one in World War 1, the other in  World War 2. I thank my lucky stars I have never been required to go to war, and can only think of my Grandads with respect.

Nikki has had a mixed week. She scored three tries representing the Uni Ladies rugby team, but then her car broke down on the way back. On Friday she saw a sports doctor about her ongoing back complaint, and is pleased with the outcome. She is looking trim and fit at the moment, with all the training she has been doing, so it is important to keep up her regime, which is why it is important for her that the back holds up. It seems she could qualify for some private physio treatment through the Brit Olympic Assoc, so she will pursue that. She also has a new friend, Phil, who plays rugby for MK. They went out Friday night, and on Saturday…oh, and then when we get in this evening, out again !

Ellie bought some new boots today with her birthday money, so she was happy. Rob has been busy with his school art work.

Last Saturday night we had a halloween quiz in the village hall, this was a fundraiser to help with Nikki’s training costs for the GB Bobsleigh team. People were generous and we raised approx £400, which should cover a training session in Switzerland in early December. Here are some photo’s from the event… of course we all dressed for the occasion.

It was hard work preparing the quiz, and Tricia provided a chilli supper for 60 people which went down well. But worth it in the end.

I have been getting plenty of cycling in lately, about 60 miles this week, and 80+ last week. I must keep it up. Tricia has been doing plenty of gym work as well, and has shifted a few pounds, and feels better for it.

Oh well, off to bed for me…. busy week ahead. Nikki’s 21st next Saturday…. seemingly, never a dull moment. I have 8 days leave left to take this year… I might need some of them soon.