Family Fun...

Jamie and Gia visited us recently and gave me a lovely National Geographic coffee table book. We caught up and played a couple of games until Barbara and Deb joined us for a Chinese inspired dinner that included our steamed buns. We also managed to get them all to play Sushi Go Party before Barbara took Deb home again. The next day the rest of us had a leisurely start and a pleasant walk to the train station where we said our goodbyes.

Birthday Treats...

For my birthday this year, Sue spoilt me rotten. On the Saturday we visit Two Temple Place where there was a Jazz exhibition called Rhythm & Reaction in a fabulous building that is not normally open to the public, then we went on to the National Gallery before going to the matinee of Young Frankenstein, and finishing up with a few drinks at the Savoy American Bar. On Sunday we had the godsons and their parents over and we played a couple of games I had bought them at Christmas – Charly and Virulence– both were hits with the group.

Uncle Tony...

Sue’s Uncle Tony lost his battle with cancer in January and we attended his funeral which was packed out with friends, family, and business colleagues all coming to pay their respects. It was a very moving day. 

Whilst the cat's away...

Sue, Deb, Carole and Blonde Deb visit Marrakech for Blondie’s 50^th birthday where they stayed at the Eden Andalou Hotel. Whilst they ventured out into the town and the markets, and took a drive up into the Atlas Mountains, I had the boys around and we played a variety of games (whilst the cat’s away…).

Old Wood...

Marc had another visit with us in January and we played a few games, with Sue stuffing us at Ticket to Ride. We also took a drive out into the countryside and ended up visiting a 4000-year-old Yew Tree at Crowhurst. 

Fun with Friends...

Marc & Heather & Elise came over from Sweden and stayed with us for a few days over the Christmas/New Year period whilst they visited friends and family. We kept them busy but managed to get out to play in the park and to feed carrots to the donkeys. Another semi-regular event is a walk and talk with friends and colleagues old and new. This time we were at Dinton Pastures Country Park near Reading where we walked around the ponds together (Marc played with Elise in the fabulous play area) and later we went on to have a meal at a pub called the Jolly Farmers in Hurst.

 New Year’s Eve was spent at home with Whittenburys and Harrison-Dinniss clans. We had a convivial time eating a lovely meal, chatting and consuming a few drinks that culminated in watching Jools Holland’s Hootenanny.

On New Year’s Day, we went for a walk in Banstead Woods where they have a new Narnia Trail (a wood carving artist has created large sculptures out of dead trees, and other wood products, that represent things from the children’s books). We went on over the muddy and slippery paths (unfortunately Marc had a couple of tumbles) until we got to the Ramblers Rest where we recovered.

Christmas by the sea...

Christmas and Boxing Day was spent at Seaford at Chris & Lynne’s home that had been decorated in style and where the provided a fabulous spread. We were joined by Barbara and Debs and had a merry old time. On Boxing Day, we had a brisk walk along the cliffs until a squall forced us into a pub seeking shelter. 

Furlong Road Residents and Supporters...

We have a semi-regular gathering of Furlong Road Residents and Supporters, and before Christmas this was in Dorking (our local curry house having shut down), at the Mirch Mahal where we have lovely food and enjoyed the company. 

Period Festivities...

To get some fresh air we went and visited Polesden Lacey where they decorate the house up in a Christmas style in keeping with the period of the building. There is much festivities and even a ‘reindeer’ drawn carriage ride for the kids (horses wearing antlers and red noses).

Festive Tunes...

A regular event that heralds the festive season is the carol singing arranged by my Uncle Terry in a neighbour’s house at Tring. It is always well attended by talented musical friends and enthusiastic amateurs all in good voice and humour.  

Celebrations...

Some time back now we visited Jamie and Gia in London when her mum was over. We went with Barbara and Deb and had a pleasant time together.

For Debbie’s latest birthday we went to the Railway Tavern near where she lives, and where many of her friends meet. There was a DJ set up in one corner playing Northern Soul classics and the place was heaving with people enjoying themselves. 

Relocation, relocation, relocation...

Late last year I relocated to an office in Horsham as our management has been insisting on us office workers being physically in the office every day, even if we have previously agreed to work from home a couple days a week. Considering we are a global company technology company, all have laptops and mobile skype communications, have bosses and colleagues in various locations across the globe, it seems to be an issue of trust, or the lack thereof. So, I have arranged to work from one of our group company offices closer to home even though it has no direct relationship to the work or business I do. The journey now is half the time and distance and avoids motorways and the town is quite pleasant (there is even a board game shop there).