Family and Windsor

Lynne awoke this morning with little effect from the long flight from Australia. After taking James to pre-school on his bike, and a coffee in town, we welcomed the Fleet Bennetts in the afternoon for a good chin wag. It was nice to spend time with the family.

Merrilyn is out with friends tonight so Lynne, James, and I spent the evening in the Great Park. James rode his bike with us in tow. We visited the Copper Horse around dusk. James spent time climbing the rocks whilst Lynne took some photos of the lush spring growth on the oaks and chestnuts. Lynne described the long wet grass and vibrant growth as quite a contrast to the desperately dry conditions back in Melbourne.

Photos are here.

She's here!

After the now familiar flight from Melbourne to London, Mum has arrived in Windsor! James was so excited and upon waking this morning announced that today was a 'special day'! After meeting her at Terminal 4 and spending a brief time at home, then collecting Martin from work we had dinner and pudding (Eton Mess) and took a short walk out to the Long Walk and castle. James was keen to show Ninny his new bike. Now he is in bed and she's not far behind! I'm so so so so happy to have my Mum here again!

Royal Mail...the real thing!

Such excitement this morning! Through our door flew a letter for James postmarked with an 'ER' and 'Buckingham Palace'! It was a letter from THE QUEEN thanking James for her 'splendid' birthday card that he had made and delivered to Windsor Castle. It is signed by her Lady-in-Waiting who says that Her Majesty 'liked your card very much and thought it was kind of you to take the trouble to make it especially for her.' Wow!

Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo 2008

On Friday night we three walked down Castle Hill in the warm evening light into the private grounds of Windsor Castle. The Royal Tattoo was being held in conjunction with the Royal Windsor Horse Show so the park was alive with shops and restaurants and displays of everything horse and military related. James was looking forward to the "Soldier's Concert" and was delighted to be able to climb up on a real tank with the aid of Dad and some soldiers. After a refreshing champagne and with the floodlit castle as a backdrop we made our way to our seats one row back from the front. We had a terrific view right up close to the action and thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the soldiers, bagpipes, cavalry, tanks, bands and two international demonstrations from Malaysia and Russia. My favourite were the Kings Troop as they galloped about in complicated formations hauling gun carriages. Although pre-warned, we all jumped when the cannons were fired! Prince Edward took the salute on this occasion. The finale was marked by fireworks by which time James was tired out. We walked back up the hill to home and he was in bed soon after.

As I write this the guards are marching out of the barracks and judging by the unfamiliar music I think it must be the Malaysians!

Riding in the Great Park

It's a long weekend here in the UK. And today - Saturday - it's actually a warm day. Perfect for a ride. Packing a picnic we headed for Ranger's Gate. The spring growth is in full swing so it was lovely just walking and enjoying the park. The chestnuts are flowering and the oaks all have bright green leaves. Now that James is on his bike we can actually travel good distances quite easily. He zooms off ahead and stops - looking back impatiently. We found a lovely grassy spot near the Cumberland Lodge to enjoy our picnic; even finding time for a snooze in the sun. Perfect!

Photos are here.