I've been very busy lately with rehearsals for our upcoming performance for the work Xmas party ('tis truly going to be amazing!), but after rehearsals on Thursday I stayed the night at Sarah's. the next day we embarked on a journey across the country via road with non-working satnav to visit Patty once again. We did very well, only getting lost once (albeit for almost an hour!) eventually arriving at Patty's around 4.30.
A very cold and windy weekend, but lots of great birdwatching on the estuaries nearby, including our first sightings ever of avocet! All too quickly it was over, rounding off with a lovely lunch including the best ever hat chocolates, eve.! We had a thoroughly enjoyable time and thank him immensely for his hospitality!
Getting back was slightly less easy - the traffic on that circular carpark (M25) was appalling as ever, and continued onto parts of the M4, resulting in me getting back home around 8.45pm - a grand total of 7 hours. Not fun at all, but thank you to Sarah for providing the music and singing that kept us both sane!
We had our first proper rehearsal, including singing and dancing to Neil's amazing Powerpoint presentation - just so funny, it will be videoed and hopefully put on YouTube for the world's enjoyment!
Friday, November 23, 2007
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Weddings!
It's been a busy couple of months. The back end of September was my Uni friend Lil's wedding to Tom in Exeter - a lovely day, and good to see Anna again.
Then on the 12th of Oct we set off for our trip to Oz under the pretence of my half-sister's wedding. We had a day stopover in Singapore on the way there, to help alleviate the jetlag, where we visited a jewellery shop (£250 ring - whoops) and then wandered the streets (which are bedecked with rainforest trees and with the back ground noise of cicadas!) to the Botanic Gardens. This contained a section of rainforest, which was amazing, and also the Orchid Garden, which was beautiful. Difficult to take it all in in 100% humidity and 30+ degrees!
We then arrived in Sydney at 5am, picked up the motorhome, got supplies, then pottered around the National Park (Lane Cove River) next to our campsite - first peek at cockatoos and lorikeets! By night, the site also had the obligatory posums, as well as bandicoots.
The mornings were heralded by kookaburras and noisy miner birds. After that we headed off to the Blue Mountains - a sort of forested Grand Canyon, with tremendous views.
Our final day in the area was spent in the city itself, seeing all the sites, and freezing as the temperature had dropped by at least 10 degrees since yesterday.
Our next stop was Newcastle, to visit friends of the family, some of whom took us around the Hunter Valley the next morning, where we saw our first kangaroo.The wine was also very good - we only made it to one vineyard, as we sampled the wines there for over an hour!
Continuing on, we made it to Nambucca Heads for the night.
The following morning we retraced our steps for a brief stop off at Cape Byron for fabulous views of Byron Bay - on one side we had bottlenose dolphins playing in the surf. On the other, quite far out, we could see the enormous flippers of humpbacks splashing down into the water.
Our next stop was Dorrigo National Park - beautiful sub-tropical rainforest, with lots of birdsong, and again great views.
We spent the night in Brunswick Heads, next to the pretty Simpson River, with pelicans, egrets and ibis.
En route to Brisbane, we detoured to Tamborine NP - more lovely rainforest, dominated more by palms, with trickles of water that in the wet season would be spectacular waterfalls and more wonderful views across the plains, including views of bush fires.
The sat nav took us on a strange route to the campsite at Redcliffe, on the other side of Brisbane, but we got there nonetheless! The next morning we hurried down to the jetty for our trip to see humpback whales in Moreton Bay. Amazing views of the islands, which are basically huge sand dunes, and then the whales were upon us - a mother and a calf travelling (i.e. not breaching), but great views. We then saw another whale a bit further off, before catching up with the same pair later on, who were then breaching some distance in front of us (hence no pictures, plus by this time I had spent so much time looking through the view finder with my 300mm lense, I was not in the best of health!). Heading back, we stopped off at a turtle breeding ground, where they would be seen in the 5m deep water, but who refused to come up - apparently they can only hold their breath for 5mins, but these managed for at least 15!! Our journey back was unremarkable, except for the dolphins travelling along with us for a short while.
The next day we flew to Cairns, picked up the hire car, found the apartment then headed off to Tom's (the groom) parents rented house for the evening - the first of the parties. A great evening, but too much alcohol perhaps consumed by some members of the family (not me)...
Despite the late night and hangovers, we managed to depart for Mossman Gorge at a decent hour - this was proper tropical rainforest, with huge butterflies of the brightest blues to be seen in abundance, and clear waters strewn with picturesque boulders.
That evening was the wedding, which we were almost late for - we were just about going to make it when we encountered a couple, one of which had fallen and gashed her knee badly - the firstaider had to be fetched, which involved myself dashing down the street in my finery, avoiding the sprinklers (drought, what drought??). All was well, and the wedding on the road verge opposite the hotel (but also next to the beach) was great, and the reception after even better - great food and the cheesiest music to be found!
After a leisurely morning to recover from the previous night, we departed for Cairns, where were were to catch the boat to Green Island. This beautiful coral cay was to be the closest we were to come to the Barrier reef proper - snorkelling here was amazing, with humongous clams, brain corals and rays, with the nibbling of parrot fish on coral very audible. Just amazing, and capped off by a meal with Tom, Eleanor and my uncle Tim, ending at Tom's parents - another late night!
We just about had time to visit Kuranda the next day, before we had to catch our flight to Brisbane and then to home. Our method of transport to Kuranda was cable car, and we were able to get amazing views of rainforest as far as the eye could see. The town itself was very quaint, and after a quick walk by the river looking for crocs (none seen, though perhaps a suspect log), we headed back the way we had come.
The flights back to Singapore were ok, and we arrived at 5am again - by the time we got to the hotel, it was still too early for our rooms to be ready. So we dozed in the foyer for a couple of hours, before having another breakfast and then heading off to the island of Sentosa, again via cable car. This was very touristy, but there was a rainforest walk, which was quite nice, and we pottered round the 200 year old fort for a while, before we collapsed for lunch - this was the hottest and most humid we had encountered. We managed to find the main reason for coming here - the long-tailed macaques, which were very cute indeed. We then braved the metro back to the city, where we went on a short river cruise, before staggering back for food and bed.
The last leg of the journey back home was relatively uneventful, and we got back to the house at 10pm, ready for work the next day! A great trip, and I cannot wait to go back in 2009 with Hayley to explore more!
Then on the 12th of Oct we set off for our trip to Oz under the pretence of my half-sister's wedding. We had a day stopover in Singapore on the way there, to help alleviate the jetlag, where we visited a jewellery shop (£250 ring - whoops) and then wandered the streets (which are bedecked with rainforest trees and with the back ground noise of cicadas!) to the Botanic Gardens. This contained a section of rainforest, which was amazing, and also the Orchid Garden, which was beautiful. Difficult to take it all in in 100% humidity and 30+ degrees!
We then arrived in Sydney at 5am, picked up the motorhome, got supplies, then pottered around the National Park (Lane Cove River) next to our campsite - first peek at cockatoos and lorikeets! By night, the site also had the obligatory posums, as well as bandicoots.
The mornings were heralded by kookaburras and noisy miner birds. After that we headed off to the Blue Mountains - a sort of forested Grand Canyon, with tremendous views.
Our final day in the area was spent in the city itself, seeing all the sites, and freezing as the temperature had dropped by at least 10 degrees since yesterday.
Our next stop was Newcastle, to visit friends of the family, some of whom took us around the Hunter Valley the next morning, where we saw our first kangaroo.The wine was also very good - we only made it to one vineyard, as we sampled the wines there for over an hour!
Continuing on, we made it to Nambucca Heads for the night.
The following morning we retraced our steps for a brief stop off at Cape Byron for fabulous views of Byron Bay - on one side we had bottlenose dolphins playing in the surf. On the other, quite far out, we could see the enormous flippers of humpbacks splashing down into the water.
Our next stop was Dorrigo National Park - beautiful sub-tropical rainforest, with lots of birdsong, and again great views.
We spent the night in Brunswick Heads, next to the pretty Simpson River, with pelicans, egrets and ibis.
En route to Brisbane, we detoured to Tamborine NP - more lovely rainforest, dominated more by palms, with trickles of water that in the wet season would be spectacular waterfalls and more wonderful views across the plains, including views of bush fires.
The sat nav took us on a strange route to the campsite at Redcliffe, on the other side of Brisbane, but we got there nonetheless! The next morning we hurried down to the jetty for our trip to see humpback whales in Moreton Bay. Amazing views of the islands, which are basically huge sand dunes, and then the whales were upon us - a mother and a calf travelling (i.e. not breaching), but great views. We then saw another whale a bit further off, before catching up with the same pair later on, who were then breaching some distance in front of us (hence no pictures, plus by this time I had spent so much time looking through the view finder with my 300mm lense, I was not in the best of health!). Heading back, we stopped off at a turtle breeding ground, where they would be seen in the 5m deep water, but who refused to come up - apparently they can only hold their breath for 5mins, but these managed for at least 15!! Our journey back was unremarkable, except for the dolphins travelling along with us for a short while.
The next day we flew to Cairns, picked up the hire car, found the apartment then headed off to Tom's (the groom) parents rented house for the evening - the first of the parties. A great evening, but too much alcohol perhaps consumed by some members of the family (not me)...
Despite the late night and hangovers, we managed to depart for Mossman Gorge at a decent hour - this was proper tropical rainforest, with huge butterflies of the brightest blues to be seen in abundance, and clear waters strewn with picturesque boulders.
That evening was the wedding, which we were almost late for - we were just about going to make it when we encountered a couple, one of which had fallen and gashed her knee badly - the firstaider had to be fetched, which involved myself dashing down the street in my finery, avoiding the sprinklers (drought, what drought??). All was well, and the wedding on the road verge opposite the hotel (but also next to the beach) was great, and the reception after even better - great food and the cheesiest music to be found!
After a leisurely morning to recover from the previous night, we departed for Cairns, where were were to catch the boat to Green Island. This beautiful coral cay was to be the closest we were to come to the Barrier reef proper - snorkelling here was amazing, with humongous clams, brain corals and rays, with the nibbling of parrot fish on coral very audible. Just amazing, and capped off by a meal with Tom, Eleanor and my uncle Tim, ending at Tom's parents - another late night!
We just about had time to visit Kuranda the next day, before we had to catch our flight to Brisbane and then to home. Our method of transport to Kuranda was cable car, and we were able to get amazing views of rainforest as far as the eye could see. The town itself was very quaint, and after a quick walk by the river looking for crocs (none seen, though perhaps a suspect log), we headed back the way we had come.
The flights back to Singapore were ok, and we arrived at 5am again - by the time we got to the hotel, it was still too early for our rooms to be ready. So we dozed in the foyer for a couple of hours, before having another breakfast and then heading off to the island of Sentosa, again via cable car. This was very touristy, but there was a rainforest walk, which was quite nice, and we pottered round the 200 year old fort for a while, before we collapsed for lunch - this was the hottest and most humid we had encountered. We managed to find the main reason for coming here - the long-tailed macaques, which were very cute indeed. We then braved the metro back to the city, where we went on a short river cruise, before staggering back for food and bed.
The last leg of the journey back home was relatively uneventful, and we got back to the house at 10pm, ready for work the next day! A great trip, and I cannot wait to go back in 2009 with Hayley to explore more!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Party!
My fantasy-themed party seemed to go very well last night, with everyone making the effort to dress up/travel large distances to come (furthest = Pembrokeshire!).
Few people could probably speak this morning due to last night's supreme Karaoke efforts - but, alas, the DVD I ordered for it will probably arrive tomorrow- how annoying!
Best team effort for costume: Hayley as the Tardis (paint mixed especially, and hand crafted by Sam!)
Some pics:
Few people could probably speak this morning due to last night's supreme Karaoke efforts - but, alas, the DVD I ordered for it will probably arrive tomorrow- how annoying!
Best team effort for costume: Hayley as the Tardis (paint mixed especially, and hand crafted by Sam!)
Some pics:
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Exciting things
Well, not really that exciting. Perhaps just exciting comparatively to my life at the moment.
So, I finished the painting for my half-sister's wedding present. It's now framed, and looks really good, so I am very pleased!
Three and a half weeks until we're off to Oz - now that is exciting!
Oh yes, and this Saturday we're having a fantasy party (i.e. wizards and witches etc) featuring lots of Karaoke, which I hear people are looking forward to (well, they won't be able to hear at all afterwards!).
And Claire, as I know you read this blog a fair bit - coming on Saturday?
And finally, we're all looking forward to Lil's wedding next week - soon to be Mrs Williams!
So, I finished the painting for my half-sister's wedding present. It's now framed, and looks really good, so I am very pleased!
Three and a half weeks until we're off to Oz - now that is exciting!
Oh yes, and this Saturday we're having a fantasy party (i.e. wizards and witches etc) featuring lots of Karaoke, which I hear people are looking forward to (well, they won't be able to hear at all afterwards!).
And Claire, as I know you read this blog a fair bit - coming on Saturday?
And finally, we're all looking forward to Lil's wedding next week - soon to be Mrs Williams!
Sunday, September 02, 2007
For those of you not on Facebook and wanting to see some pics...
...here are pics of various people in various costumes from various parties
As requested!
From my Monty Python party (People's Front of Judea/Judean People's Front; Dead parrot; migrating coconut)
From the St Cuthbert's Welsh themed party (Me as a Shepherd/ also the costume worn for the MP party as a woman attending the stoning; Sarah as a daffodil)
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Ultra-quick update, as absolutely nothing of any interest has happened
Yes, the title says it all.
Work keeps plodding along - Westbury Bypass Public inquiry now means we have to prepare a 'Statement of Case' - i.e. more work for me! Plus the normal amount of planning work as well.
Anyway, other than that:
I've been making use of the good weather most lunchtime sand playing tennis with a select bunch of workmates (this sentence does not apply to recent days when the weather has been BAD!!).
Completed another painting, and tried to edit my website, to find out that it was broken and I had to start all over again - which means I need more comments on my guestbook please!
Getting ready for the upcoming weddings (Lil's and Eleanor's) - very exciting!
Oh, and this Saturday night Jo and Andrew are coming back, so another night out in Salisbury is on the cards.
That is the sum total of 'exciting' events past and present.You may now carry on with your lives.
Work keeps plodding along - Westbury Bypass Public inquiry now means we have to prepare a 'Statement of Case' - i.e. more work for me! Plus the normal amount of planning work as well.
Anyway, other than that:
I've been making use of the good weather most lunchtime sand playing tennis with a select bunch of workmates (this sentence does not apply to recent days when the weather has been BAD!!).
Completed another painting, and tried to edit my website, to find out that it was broken and I had to start all over again - which means I need more comments on my guestbook please!
Getting ready for the upcoming weddings (Lil's and Eleanor's) - very exciting!
Oh, and this Saturday night Jo and Andrew are coming back, so another night out in Salisbury is on the cards.
That is the sum total of 'exciting' events past and present.You may now carry on with your lives.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
"Good 'ere innit?"
...to steal the title on a postcard from Essex!
Yes, Sarah and I have just got back from a weekend away in this delightful land visiting Pat (ecologist who used to work for the Trust), and I think it can safely be said that we all had a thoroughly spiffing time (wot wot - bit of an in joke... never mind).
Saturday saw us on a boat trip around Walton on the Naze, with brilliant close up views of both common and grey seals - very cute, and alas, very photogenic (many photos were taken). We also saw a hobby eating a beetle, and some little terns, as well as numerous little brown jobbies (waders of some description - turnstones and oystercatchers mostly). The afternoon was then spent at Clacton-on-Sea, taking in the 'delights' of the pier, including crazy golf, dodgems and candy floss!
On Sunday, Beth and her boyfriend Colin came and met us for a whole day fossil hunting - very productive in that I not only found numerous shark teeth, gastropods and bivalves, but a late neolithic/early bronze age scraper, and a (badly worn) Megalodon tooth (20m long shark!) - they only find 10 of the latter a year, and no one has ever found one on this fossil trip before! I am to be featured on their website, and in their newsletter, and it was quite amusing, because he phoned back to the 'base' (i.e. the carpark) to tell his colleagues, and news soon spread, with me being accosted at several points to display the 'amazing' find (I'm sensing a bit of 'Emperor's new clothes' syndrome here...).
But now back to work, with nothing of any particular consequence to look forward to this week. The joy is palpable.
Yes, Sarah and I have just got back from a weekend away in this delightful land visiting Pat (ecologist who used to work for the Trust), and I think it can safely be said that we all had a thoroughly spiffing time (wot wot - bit of an in joke... never mind).
Saturday saw us on a boat trip around Walton on the Naze, with brilliant close up views of both common and grey seals - very cute, and alas, very photogenic (many photos were taken). We also saw a hobby eating a beetle, and some little terns, as well as numerous little brown jobbies (waders of some description - turnstones and oystercatchers mostly). The afternoon was then spent at Clacton-on-Sea, taking in the 'delights' of the pier, including crazy golf, dodgems and candy floss!
On Sunday, Beth and her boyfriend Colin came and met us for a whole day fossil hunting - very productive in that I not only found numerous shark teeth, gastropods and bivalves, but a late neolithic/early bronze age scraper, and a (badly worn) Megalodon tooth (20m long shark!) - they only find 10 of the latter a year, and no one has ever found one on this fossil trip before! I am to be featured on their website, and in their newsletter, and it was quite amusing, because he phoned back to the 'base' (i.e. the carpark) to tell his colleagues, and news soon spread, with me being accosted at several points to display the 'amazing' find (I'm sensing a bit of 'Emperor's new clothes' syndrome here...).
But now back to work, with nothing of any particular consequence to look forward to this week. The joy is palpable.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
I am surprised I can still talk
So much has happened in the intervening period!
So last week I spent time trying to find a car - and succeeded! Bright red Peugeot 206, which I'm quite pleased with actually. So that's one thing sorted. Of course, my claim has still not been resolved, and they've done nothing about my complaint, so I shall have to go higher up now - i.e. the Ombudsman. It's never easy is it?
Apart from that, work has been going rather slowly, much to the annoyance of colleagues etc.
Oh, but the Bypass has been called in for a Public Inquiry, which means months and months of that damned application. Should be great fun, I expect.
Saturday was Tim (my friend Sarah's housemate)'s 30th, which was an excellent excuse for a party at St Cuthbert's again! The Singstar DVD arrived just in time, so once again it was several hours of karaoke for me, followed by dancing to some really cool music played on Tim's friend's decks. We eventually got to bed at 4am. I am still knackered. But it was good because Hannah (their ex-housemate) had driven all the way back from North Wales for it, and even Bill and Tony turned up, though Bill politely declined the Karaoke. You will see that Tony did not. Oh dear.
So it will soon be the weekend, as I have meetings the next three days (involving one in the field - gasp!) and then Sarah and I are off to Essex to visit Pat (who used to work at the Trust), which I'm really looking forward to - badger watching and fossil hunting are among the interesting things lined up for us!
So last week I spent time trying to find a car - and succeeded! Bright red Peugeot 206, which I'm quite pleased with actually. So that's one thing sorted. Of course, my claim has still not been resolved, and they've done nothing about my complaint, so I shall have to go higher up now - i.e. the Ombudsman. It's never easy is it?
Apart from that, work has been going rather slowly, much to the annoyance of colleagues etc.
Oh, but the Bypass has been called in for a Public Inquiry, which means months and months of that damned application. Should be great fun, I expect.
Saturday was Tim (my friend Sarah's housemate)'s 30th, which was an excellent excuse for a party at St Cuthbert's again! The Singstar DVD arrived just in time, so once again it was several hours of karaoke for me, followed by dancing to some really cool music played on Tim's friend's decks. We eventually got to bed at 4am. I am still knackered. But it was good because Hannah (their ex-housemate) had driven all the way back from North Wales for it, and even Bill and Tony turned up, though Bill politely declined the Karaoke. You will see that Tony did not. Oh dear.
So it will soon be the weekend, as I have meetings the next three days (involving one in the field - gasp!) and then Sarah and I are off to Essex to visit Pat (who used to work at the Trust), which I'm really looking forward to - badger watching and fossil hunting are among the interesting things lined up for us!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
And so the drama drags on....
It has been confirmed: my car is a write-off. Slightly annoying.
Luckily, I can use my brother's car for the next week at least, so I have a bit more time before I am completely stuck and either have to work at home/resort to public transport (to Devizes? A joke).
So apart from that this week saw my brother's birthday on Monday (the best ever Chinese meal EVER), Larmer Tree on Wednesday, and a work 'do' last night. Oh, and Harry potter on Thursday.
Larmer Tree was brilliant, as ever - Jools is a genius. Unfortunately, he was supported by a FOLK band - I HATE folk music. The thing is, they were really good singers and musicians, they just sang about stupid things. Like the foot and mouth crisis. Yes......
Last night was interesting, it being the first social event my boss has attended - the standard of conversation dipped precariously low, with him trading rude comments with Purgle. I think even Purgle was surprised! It was a good night though, which is the main thing.
Right, this weekend is officially Mission: Findacar. Grrrr
Luckily, I can use my brother's car for the next week at least, so I have a bit more time before I am completely stuck and either have to work at home/resort to public transport (to Devizes? A joke).
So apart from that this week saw my brother's birthday on Monday (the best ever Chinese meal EVER), Larmer Tree on Wednesday, and a work 'do' last night. Oh, and Harry potter on Thursday.
Larmer Tree was brilliant, as ever - Jools is a genius. Unfortunately, he was supported by a FOLK band - I HATE folk music. The thing is, they were really good singers and musicians, they just sang about stupid things. Like the foot and mouth crisis. Yes......
Last night was interesting, it being the first social event my boss has attended - the standard of conversation dipped precariously low, with him trading rude comments with Purgle. I think even Purgle was surprised! It was a good night though, which is the main thing.
Right, this weekend is officially Mission: Findacar. Grrrr
Saturday, June 30, 2007
A week to end all weeks - read on....
OMG - I am just so ANNOYED with this week - have I got any planning work done? Answer - extremely little.
The reasons for this are:
two conferences to attend (one in Bristol, the other in Swindon where I was doing a workshop for 80 people in total - see later)
The Monday morning 'incident'
This is the main reason for my frustration.
I was almost at the office on Monday morning, in the queue for the roundabout in Devizes, when some CRETINOUS girl drives into the back of me. Quite violently. And shunts me into the car in front (though I had my brakes on so no visible damage to this car).
The excuse: "I was late for work, looked up and saw your car": Rubbish. I now have a cracked rear bumper panel, dented boot, cracked rear number plate and dented bonnet. And for those of you with Swiftcover, I would strongly suggest you switch to someone else. It states on the website that someone will contact me within 4 working hours. Being at a conference all day in Swindon, and running two workshops, I did try and check my phone regularly - no messages. Then, driving back, they call me. When I get home, they have closed for the day. Humph. Finally, through communication via email, and a phone call this morning, my car is now going to be picked up sometime, and I have just collected the hire car.
And, at last, I have managed to report the incident to the police. The reasons for this are: I experienced a tiny amount of neck pain (I did see the Doctor, so no worries), which is reportable, and the CRETINOUS girl said she was driving someone else's car and "might not be insured" - all I need. But my insurers looked her up on the online database and got her details from there - though she flatly refused to give me any details about the car owner or the insurance company. So, I phoned up the police - go and make a statement - Salisbury Police station closes at 4pm. Devizes police station - after my conferences when there was no chance whatsoever to report it - closed on Fridays. So I have only just managed it. Phew.
So, besides from that palaver, yes, my workshops did go very well on Wednesday at the conference we organised about the NERC Biodiversity Duty (for those who don't know - look it up!). There was some moaning that there was not enough time for them to create their sustainable development in the time available, though most people seemed to have lots of fun, which is the main thing - my special thanks to Rachel from NE for letting me nick her idea!
Final point of GREAT interest - found out I'm a semi-finalist in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year (see Facebook and/or Flickr for more info) - though the winners have already been decided, I am well chuffed that at my first attempt with a proper camera I have got this far - who knows how far next year???!!!! Whoohoo!
So a spark of happiness in an otherwise stressful week!
The reasons for this are:
two conferences to attend (one in Bristol, the other in Swindon where I was doing a workshop for 80 people in total - see later)
The Monday morning 'incident'
This is the main reason for my frustration.
I was almost at the office on Monday morning, in the queue for the roundabout in Devizes, when some CRETINOUS girl drives into the back of me. Quite violently. And shunts me into the car in front (though I had my brakes on so no visible damage to this car).
The excuse: "I was late for work, looked up and saw your car": Rubbish. I now have a cracked rear bumper panel, dented boot, cracked rear number plate and dented bonnet. And for those of you with Swiftcover, I would strongly suggest you switch to someone else. It states on the website that someone will contact me within 4 working hours. Being at a conference all day in Swindon, and running two workshops, I did try and check my phone regularly - no messages. Then, driving back, they call me. When I get home, they have closed for the day. Humph. Finally, through communication via email, and a phone call this morning, my car is now going to be picked up sometime, and I have just collected the hire car.
And, at last, I have managed to report the incident to the police. The reasons for this are: I experienced a tiny amount of neck pain (I did see the Doctor, so no worries), which is reportable, and the CRETINOUS girl said she was driving someone else's car and "might not be insured" - all I need. But my insurers looked her up on the online database and got her details from there - though she flatly refused to give me any details about the car owner or the insurance company. So, I phoned up the police - go and make a statement - Salisbury Police station closes at 4pm. Devizes police station - after my conferences when there was no chance whatsoever to report it - closed on Fridays. So I have only just managed it. Phew.
So, besides from that palaver, yes, my workshops did go very well on Wednesday at the conference we organised about the NERC Biodiversity Duty (for those who don't know - look it up!). There was some moaning that there was not enough time for them to create their sustainable development in the time available, though most people seemed to have lots of fun, which is the main thing - my special thanks to Rachel from NE for letting me nick her idea!
Final point of GREAT interest - found out I'm a semi-finalist in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year (see Facebook and/or Flickr for more info) - though the winners have already been decided, I am well chuffed that at my first attempt with a proper camera I have got this far - who knows how far next year???!!!! Whoohoo!
So a spark of happiness in an otherwise stressful week!
Friday, June 22, 2007
"That's what comes of going away for three weeks"
Those were the words of my boss when I got back to work to a massive pile of applications! So, this week has been very quick and jam-packed with work (though I did go out and about in Swindon today, of which I have to thank said boss).
It was worth it though, as Italy was brilliant. We started off in Florence (2 hours queuing for the Uffizi art gallery - quite nice though nothing spectacular; beautiful buildings) then to Abruzzo National Park for lots of walking (lots of wildflowers including lizard orchids, and beautiful mountain views. We then spent four days in Rome (when Stephanie flew in - all went well thankfully), seeing all the sites, before we set off for Sorrento in the Bay of Naples. There we visited Capri (totally beautiful) and saw the relatives (really nice to meet them - we got on really well - excellent English Claudia!). We then went back around the bay to Herculaneum and Pompeii, which were just so amazing and complete - you really could imagine moving in! We went back via the mediaeval town of Castell'Arquato for a lovely meal amidst thousands of swifts before going back over the Alps via the Mont Blanc Tunnel and Chamonix.
Too many pics to sort through now, still trying to identify what we saw spp wise, but here are a few of my favourites!
Dependent on whatever order Blogger decides to show them, pics are of: various views from Capri, semi-wild wolf in Abruzzo, Abruzzo views + butterflies, Pompeii and Herculaneum; Spanish Steps, Circus Maximus and Pantheon in Rome; Ponte Vecchio views in Florence and Villa D'Este fountain in Tivoli, just outside Rome
It was worth it though, as Italy was brilliant. We started off in Florence (2 hours queuing for the Uffizi art gallery - quite nice though nothing spectacular; beautiful buildings) then to Abruzzo National Park for lots of walking (lots of wildflowers including lizard orchids, and beautiful mountain views. We then spent four days in Rome (when Stephanie flew in - all went well thankfully), seeing all the sites, before we set off for Sorrento in the Bay of Naples. There we visited Capri (totally beautiful) and saw the relatives (really nice to meet them - we got on really well - excellent English Claudia!). We then went back around the bay to Herculaneum and Pompeii, which were just so amazing and complete - you really could imagine moving in! We went back via the mediaeval town of Castell'Arquato for a lovely meal amidst thousands of swifts before going back over the Alps via the Mont Blanc Tunnel and Chamonix.
Too many pics to sort through now, still trying to identify what we saw spp wise, but here are a few of my favourites!
Dependent on whatever order Blogger decides to show them, pics are of: various views from Capri, semi-wild wolf in Abruzzo, Abruzzo views + butterflies, Pompeii and Herculaneum; Spanish Steps, Circus Maximus and Pantheon in Rome; Ponte Vecchio views in Florence and Villa D'Este fountain in Tivoli, just outside Rome
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