Feb 23: Illness

It's been waiting in the wings a while. A sore throat and a bit of tiredness. When I came to London 15 years ago I said 2 things: "I don't do feelings" and "I don't do ill". I was shown very quickly that I was wrong on the first one. It's taken a bit longer to concede to the other.

I could go on about how I've had to spend all day in bed and then had to change the sheets because of the hazard warning on our bedroom. I won't though, because you don't want to hear it. Instead I'll be grateful that I have a loving wife (who is also poorly) to look after me and that really, my health is pretty good.

I'm just not very good at being ill.

Feb 22: Building

Last year, we were really lucky to move house and move nearer to work and church and friends and schools. It's not a completed masterpiece yet though so I've spent most of today with an angle grinder and lots of small bits of tiles. It's very satisfying work, and I'll be sure to invite you round one P has grouted it all...

Feb 21: Wifey

I should have posted this 4 days ago when it was our wedding anniversary. Unfortunately the picture was out of focus and I thought it was only worth doing properly.

Priscilla & I have been married 11 years. 11 years of adventure and fun. 4 properties, 4 cars, one van, 8 canoes, 4 bikes, several fish, 2 rabbits and a whole lot of mileage going out and doing things mainly outdoors.

We've not done much foreign travel and whole load of other things but we wouldn't have it any other way. We don't go out for dinner because we eat well at home, we have loads of friends to share our love and 2 little kiddies to keep it all real.

Happy wedding anniversary - love you forever.

Feb 20: Little People

I can remember life before Jen was born. There was a lot more freedom. There was less purpose though. I am more aware of myself and who I am now that I have charge of two little people to look after. They help you to keep in touch with reality. They help you to loose your inhibitions and not worry about what others think. They can really help you to find Joy and help you to live life to the full, knowing that their little life will grow and blossom as you feed it.

She really has been the glue over these last few years and I will be forever grateful - thanks Jen.

Feb 19: Back in action..

There is a lot of love in the world. A few people have been sad that nothing new has appeared here the last couple of days. I've been tired. Lots of work and little play.

Today I drove 150 miles in strong side winds, packed up the last of Mum and Dad's belongings into my car and then spent most of this evening putting them in the loft. I'll sort it all out later when I have more energy and time to sift through and appreciate a lifetime of stuff.

So bare with me - we'll get to Feb 29 eventually.

Feb 18: more rest (maybe)

Here I am, having spent a long Saturday with the children all content and happy because I get to spend 2 hours watching the World Track Cycling at the London Olympic Velodrome, a couple of miles away in Stratford.

The olympics is going to cause chaos here. Traffic will be awful, people will be stressed, deliveries and post will be terrible, none of us will want to do any work and there will be maximum disruption.

But on the other hand, I'll be spurred on by amazing athletes to push myself. To live life to the max and do my very best in all I do. And afterwards, appreciate all the venues that the olympics will leave behind. I'm already making the most of the Olympic canoeing centre, I hope to take advantage of more of it as it becomes available.

Feb 17: Buddies

Everyone needs buddies. The idea that you can get through life and all that it throws at us without friends and support of others is crazy. Friends will be there when you are having struggles, and they will be there to celebrate the good moments too.