A Final Resting Place

It was on the 24th October 2003 that we joined many Bristolians in watching Concorde's final flight as it swept over the city before landing at Filton in North Bristol, the British home of Concorde. She made a sweep over Bristol airport flying straight past our farm. Both of the girls were young pupils at the local primary school and clearly remember standing in the playground as she flew above the school. When I was just a little older than them I recall seeing Concorde on test flights out of Filton sweeping over Bath always recognisable by its nose. Many of us will also remember the daily 9pm boom as Concorde flew over on it's return to Heathrow.

Concorde then sat on the concrete at Filton for 14 years whilst it's future was secured. It now stands in it's own purpose built hangar and is the pride and joy of the newly founded Bristol Aerospace Museum. Yesterday we made a visit to see this wonderful icon of Bristol.

It is quite momentous to be able to walk under such a piece of machinery.

It is possible to see the plane from every angle.

We were also able to step inside, to see in the cockpit and walk up through the plane. 

We all agreed that it seemed very small inside. 

Should you be passing through North Bristol it is well worth a stop for a visit.

On into the New Year

I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. We saw the New Year in with our usual group of friends. It was touch and go as to whether we would join them as we have both had what seems to be known locally as 'The Lurgy ' basically a nasty cold and cough. The girls both decided against their New Year parties as they too were brewing the bug. 

New Year's Day found us out on our normal New Year walk. A good way to blow away the cobwebs. This year we walked up onto Felton Common where you can literally stand directly under the flight path for Bristol Airport just across the road from the start of the runway. It's a great pass time waiting for the planes.

Then watching them pass directly over head.

The airport has developed a lot in the last few years. The road has also been moved over. When I first came to live out this way there were traffic lights to stop the road traffic when a plane was landing.

Sadly more extension is planned.

Poppy also enjoyed her walk on the common and took no notice of the planes. She met quite a few other dogs which was quite a novel experience for her.

So now to my resolutions for 2018? I would certainly like to put some effort into starting blogging every day again. The perhaps to catch up on all those jobs I have been putting off. Let's see how long that lasts!

Snow Day

It was my turn last night to stay  with mum overnight. I was not sleeping in my childhood bedroom but when I opened my eyes this morning I recognised instantly the bright light shining through the curtains and that tranquil lack of sound. Snow! How exciting it was to wake to such a sight as children at an age when we didn't care about feeling  wet and cold! 

The view from the kitchen brought back that excitement.

Sadly there I was with no snow boots and no camera! Student daughter kept me in touch with snow activities back at the farm. 

The view on their return in the middle of the night from the Young Farmer's Boxing Day Boogie...

Then the next morning (or actually the same morning!) Poppy enjoying herself.

Followed by the inevitable snowman. Photo courtesy of my niece.

They know how to make the most of a little snow!

A Belated Happy Christmas

I hope you all had a very Happy Christmas. We had a lovely day. Everyone helped to make it a great day. Student daughter travelled over to keep mum company on the days leading up to Christmas and then returned to help in the kitchen. Farmer daughter decided to have a go at trussing the turkey with the help of a UTube video..

She also had her first go at carving the turkey.

We were delighted that mum was able to join us for the day.

Even Poppy had a present.

Then on the Christmas tree we had one new decoration to remind us of our trip at the beginning of the year.

Christmas In the Making

I had hardly looked at the list for the Winter Photography Scavenger Hunt list let alone started searching for them. Today I have had a quick glance and realised I have already missed an opportunity or two.

The last few days have definitely seen quite a lot of No. 9 In the Making. Some of the cooking was happening yesterday and Farmer Daughter was busy with the Christmas shortbread.

You may notice one that is the odd one out with no real connection to the season. The kiwi cutter was one of our holiday purchases and is a great reminder of our holiday at the start of this year.

You may well ask why is there a chick as well!

Escape in Time for Christmas

Today was the big day and after just over 4 weeks in hospital mum had been discharged home. She was delighted to be sat back in her own environment.

She has been well looked after at Paulton Hospital despite how busy they were a lot of the time. When I visited on Monday the Christmas celebrations were getting underway with a visit from Paulton Concert Band. Their Christmas carols were a cheerful rendition to listen to.

Thank you for everyone's messages of good wishes and concern. It was much appreciated.

Take Three Thursday : Christmas Table

I'm afraid I still don't have much time for blogging at the moment. I haven't managed to post much this week and I have had even less time to catch up on all your blogs. Please accept my apologies and I will be over to see what you are up to soon.

Today was the Lunch Club Christmas meal. We catered for just over 50 people. It seems everyone emerged from their homes for what is really good value at £5 for two courses. 

So I thought a few pictures of the tables before everyone arrived would be a good way to join Mary Lou for her Take Three Thursday.

1. The festive table ready to go.

2. The beautiful table decorations made by one talented helper.

3. One of the cards made by the children from the local school whose youngest class came along to sing.