Cornwall......Loz and Sylvia

That girl Kate Henry has to try and keep up with my holiday time. She will run out of annual leave pretty soon !!!!!! but this week in cornwall is all about spending some time with her parents and finalising our Wedding venue for next July.........a pub lunch or two and the odd game of pool at The Bullers. Marhamchurch is an idyllic Cornish village. Kate and I find the perfect venue. The Tregenna Castle Hotel overlooking St Ives.

kate and her mum sylvia discussing the wedding details

Update on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at 05:44PM by Mark Bender

On our way back from Cornwall Kate and I drop into visit Robyn and Jules. Thats code for Army style hospitality in their well loved garden. A chance to catch up and for Kate to meet dear friends of mine.

 

Portugal with Et and Anita

What a time I am having. This semi retirement suits me. Hooked up with Kate and now in Portugal with Et and Anita. The weather is fantastic. Warm and clear. Bike rides. Pool time and some enlightened conversations. The Welshman has me in stitches. Am reading with wild abandon 3 books at once.

Update on Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 05:37PM by Mark Bender

Kate and I fly back to London after a lovely holiday in Portugal. Sardines beachside with a glass of local varietal white the best meal of the summer and my bike ride with Et around the golf course and salt flats the most fun. Kate will struggle back at work next week.

My Lovely Son

The last holiday Bert and I went on was in Jackie and Garys campervan. Cold Xmas 2007 in the Lakes District.

This is the image i have of him in the Lakes District....

well rugged up

Update on Friday, July 3, 2009 at 07:55PM by Mark Bender

Yesterday I arrrived in Melbourne to cold wet winter. In my haste to leave London i packed t shirts and shorts. Forgot i was off to the most climatically challenged city........Crowded House sing "four seasons in one day" as a reminder of the Melbourne weather. I spent last night catching up with Groover and Tara. Now in the cab to pick up Bert for a week of R and R. So excited and nervous.....hope he is ok.

Update on Sunday, July 5, 2009 at 01:00PM by Mark Bender

Today was one of those for the memory banks.......Bert and I managed to get 2 tickets to see Geelong Cats v St Kilda playing at the  Etihad Stadium commonly known as the mosque. Nobody thought that we would get a ticket as it was sold out months ago. Great match. Aussie Rules at its best....but the Cats went down fighting. Perhaps their time will come. Not over til the fat lady sings and the grand final is still 3 months away.

Update on Sunday, July 5, 2009 at 01:00PM by Mark Bender

Update on Monday, July 6, 2009 at 06:58PM by Mark Bender

Bert and I have just spent the evening at Bar Movida with Groover and CK and Flo. Great food and a bottle of fine Rioja (thanks Groover). What a catch up. Thought bert would be a bit bored but he revelled in the banter. Melbourne restaurants provide excellent service and fine food. But its the company that makes the evening memorable.

Update on Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 09:00AM by Mark Bender

My sister Sue flew down from the Gold Coast today to hang with Bert and I in Melbourne. The weather hasn't picked up. We get to spend a day at Luna Park and eat cakes in the Ackland St cafes. Sue and Bert have a laugh. Any little bit of family helps.

Love you Sue xxx

Update on Friday, July 10, 2009 at 11:30AM by Mark Bender

Well this week has flown past. I am just about to get back on a plane to London after a week with Big Boy Bert. Am relaxed that he is ok, although half a world away. He is enjoying school and making friends. Still got his English accent and a constant smile on his boat race. Perhaps not playing as much sport as in london but that will come i suppose.