Our walk to school

I've often noticed mounting blocks (for getting on horses) around the area on the route we take to walk to school.

It's only now that the foliage has died back enough, I was able to read this notice:

Which makes sense! I'd never thought before of the many problems the urban equestrian would have to face!

We went to Blenheim Palace for the Living Crafts for Christmas fair. Which was lovely, but too many people for any of my pictures to come out well! This is us escaping to the hospitality Lounge (which I don't think anyone else knew about!) for free drinks!
And watched some of the Christmas circus acts.


Then it was off to the Woodstock Arms for Sunday Roast dinner in front of a roaring fire!

Well, okay, it's not roaring in this picture - but it was nice and warm!
And lovely food! Check out their menu. I can personally recommend the Chantilly Dark Chocolate Cheesecake.

Phoebe competed in her first gymnastics competition! No medals, but she tried hard and really enjoyed it.

We went skating again!

It's getting to be a habit!
Also we have to get in a few sessions before the ice-skating rink closes down for maitenance work!
Guy's ready!

Phoebe's ready!
And they're off!



The only problem is that Mummy and Tabby are stuck on the side-lines.
Still, it won't be too before we're both on the ice with the rest of the family!

Winter comes on little grey feet!

The days are definitely getting shorter now. We went out for a bike ride after lunch at Grandma's and already the skies were darkening.
Not that it slows us down at all!

We are certainly having to wear more clothes, even inside!

As it was my birthday, we left sleeping children with Grandma

And went out
For a lovely Thai meal!

My birthday presents!

Mama Leopard, Baby Leopard

It's that time of year again!

The time for making spooky spiders.
And for face-painting.


And for all of our cats/Kats to snooze in the autumn sun.

The Phoebe-Bug is SIX!

And we celebrated with a trip to the ice-rink:


Some of the parents seemed to enjoy themselves more than their children!
Some skaters were more confident than others!


But everyone seemed to gain confidence by the end of our session.



And we finished with pizza and birthday cake!

Happy Birthday Phoebe!

Normal service to be resumed shortly

Sorry I've been gone so long!
Will resume normal service shortly.
In the meantime, here's some music: