The Winning Team

Now I am not usually one to brag but several members of our family have been lucky winners lately, myself included.

My prize was won via Pam's blog: http://craigpam.blogspot.com/ - Life with our Lad". For those not aware of it the competition prize was Pam's copy of "Wife in the North" which she had enjoyed so much she felt she would like to give it as a prize in a competition - "If you wrote a book, what would be the title" . So I entered and thanks to Pam's little 2 year old son, my name was drawn as the winner. Meanwhile, 'Wifey' had contacted Pam to say that she would send a new, signed copy to the winner and Pam could keep her own copy. My thanks to Pam and to 'Wifey'.

But the first of our family winners was Jacob (7 year old grandson in Australia) who won cinema tickets for the family in a painting competition at school. Second, Leah (8 year old grandaughter in New Zealand) who was awarded a Blue Badge at school for being such a good role model. Next was Emma (10 year old grandaughter just down the road) who entered a competition to write a bedtime story and, although not actually the overall winner, as one of 10 finalists was invited to London for the final. She had a lovely day and won, amongst other things, a bed! So we're very thrilled for her and proud of all of them, of course.

As if all of this was not enough Bob is to receive a civic award. This was made public locally a few weeks ago and the award will be presented at the Annual Civic Service this coming Sunday. The announcement read "the award is a recognition of Bob's efforts as the driving force behind the promotion of tourism within the district".

We are very pleased for him. He is very pleased, although as he said, he has never looked for it. Over the last 30 years he has committed himself wholeheartedly to this task and enjoys it thoroughly. It is well deserved - well done Bob

Getting Organised

Have just realised that we are now in the second week of August and I am going to have to make 'to do' lists to keep myself organised. We have a few events between now and the end of the month and once into September I shan't have a lot of spare time before I start jet-setting (so to speak).

We are at a party tonight and it is 2nd son's 40th birthday celebrations next week. The following weekend we have a civic event to attend on Bob's behalf, more of which nearer the time. In between there are the usual routines (including blogging!) plus I have to see to my eldery mum's needs several times a week.

In the second week in September I have promised to be in Stratford upon Avon to help 2nd daughter with taking and meeting her little girl to and from school and will be returning home on 13th September. And on 17th September mum and I fly to Australia to visit 1st son and his family. As well as this I have to pack my case (twice), help mum to pack her case and leave the freezer packed (for Bob).

I have undertaken to make and ice a 70th birthday cake for a friend's mum and that will have to be ready to deliver a couple of days before I fly off. The cake is already made and is lying in a darkened room until it is time to get ready for the party. I will be making sugar flowers for it, probably roses and lilies but haven't begun them yet. That is a job to start this afternoon.

So to keep my mind clear, it is time for lists.

Has anyone seen my pad and pen ............ ?