Well I had a good trip back from Houston. The trip all went to schedule. Apparently there was some turbulence on the flight on the way back, but I didn’t notice as I was asleep . The plane laned at 7:40 am, and I was home by 9:30. I had a couple of hours sleep, and then it was up and helping with the afternoon tea Tricia was doing at the village hall.

A busy Sunday, I got my washing done, and ironed the mountain of shirts. I then went across to Reading to see my brother Steve, who had an operation to remove his left leg at the shin. It was good to see him, and see him in good spirits, but hard to see him without his foot. We pray that he heals well, and that he gets a good fit for a prosthetic. It was then back home, where we all had a roast dinner and caught up.

I have been grateful for a short week, even though I seemed to slot into the time zone quick enough, no doubt I was jet lagged, and somewhat tired and short tempered during the week. I got through to Thursday, had a good swim in the morning, and slept well Thurdsay night, getting up at 7am on Friday morning, having a cup of tea, then going back to bed and sleeping till noon. Very unlike me, but indicative that I needed to catch up.

Nikki had decorated the dining room during the week. Nothing major, just a refresh of the paint. She did a splendid job, despite me keep poking my nose in and making comments that weren’t always well received.

After my mammoth sleep, I went out and did 20 miles on the bike. Then, Friday evening our next door neighbours, Alan and Rachel came in for a curry. On Saturday, our old friends Steve and Sarah came for the day, bringing tehir Alfie with them. We went and did a 5 mile walk in the afternoon. What with the swim and the bike ride the previous days, it was fair to say I was getting some exercise!

Easter Sunday we had a family breakfast. Tricia’s Mum and Dad, Colin and Jean, came over for lunch. I then conked out in the chair post dinner…which Nikki recorded for posterity on the camera. In the evening we went to a 60th birthday celebration…. So, Monday was a very very welcome quiet day. I watched a couple of films, including the recent version of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, which I thought was well done.

Ellie has been under the weather with a cold then a nasty cough for the last couple of weeks, and is on her second prescription of antibiotics in successive weeks. Fortunately it now seems to be clearing. Robbie has been down with a cold and bad throat as well…. so not a particularly healthy household!

A very short week this week, as I have Friday off. Tricia and I are going to Bath for the weekend with our Friends Pat & Clive, which we are looking forward to.

Some piccies…. My Texan flag flying outside the house when I got home. A couple of Vintage Cars – Model T Fords – outside the village hall, when Tricia did teas… real Laurel & Hardy cars   and a rare one of Robbie actually reading a book…. the Silmarillion. Then me asleep in the chair, and one of the walk on Saturday.

Signing off….. bed time.