Betwys-y-coed

On the way back from Deganwy, we stopped off at Betwys-y-coed for a walk around. We managed to buy a couple of new coats...Jack Wolfskin and really warm...

I also managed to get a good pic of the falls that run through the town. I've been playing around with SJ's SLR and I think am finally starting to get the hang of it!

 

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Deganwy

For SJ's birthday, I decided to book us a weekend away...I had a look online and came up with The Quay Hotel in Deganwy in North Wales. I wanted somewhere that was a nice hotel, with spa facilities and decent surroundings so we could explore. SJ has always liked North Wales and so I picked Deganwy, just outside Conwy.

The Quay hotel is relatively new, being part of a redevelopment of the marina in Deganwy. It's quite an extensive development but I think is in keeping with the area...

I'd actually booked us a suite and it was fantastic...if anything, it was a little too big for the furniture contained within...still a minor complaint considering...

The colours in the trees were amazing, really vivid, however I have to say that the view from our (private) garden was simply spectacular...it really couldn't be beaten...

We had a meal at a beautiful fish restaurant in Llandudno followed by a few drinks in the Queen Vic pub (not the Eastenders one)...

Simply a great weekend...definitely would go back.

 

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The Showman

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Bonfire night

For this years bonfire night, we asked some friends up from the South to our Staffordshire house. We booked tickets for everyone at Shugborough Hall fireworks display. They all arrived around midday, and we then went for a wander (with buggy) over the Chase before we got ready and went out to Shugborough. The night was freezing but the fire did manage to keep everyone warm. It was uprising just how much heat it gave off, especially considering the distance everyone was kept from it.

The fireworks went on for quite some time and I reckon they must have essential a fair amount of money on them...it was certainly worth the entrance fee...

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Blackpool redux

Our second visit to Blackpool this year...strange really, not been in years and then two visits in one year. This time we went with Jyoti and Phil and this was to attend the Feet First Charity Ball - this was the charity SJ and I did the marathon walk for earlier in the year.

It was held at the Imperial Hotel...very nice place with lots of history and character, however if I'm honest the night itself was a little disappointing. It's a shame as the charity could really make a name for itself...it's so worthwhile, but I found it "cliquey" and uninviting. I won't say that I wouldn't raise more money for it but it would be nice to get some feedback, appreciation and some general feedback. I did meet with Steve Mannion who is the main Surgeon. He was actually flying to Papua New Guinea the next day and did say if I wanted to ever accompany him, I could...maybe...maybe...

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Spider webs

Went over the Chase today and it was absolutely full of these spider webs...as far as the eye could see was covered in a glistening, shining, beautiful maze of web and water droplets...truly magical...

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My grandma, what big teeth you have...

Chief and Indi...always up for a laugh. Chief I reckon would have been a stand up comic had he been human, he has perfect comedic timing and is so funny it's untrue. There's rarely a day go by where he does not have us laughing out loud for one reason or another. Are all Malamutes like this I wonder?

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Harpenden walk

I got a bit bored following the Marathon walk and was really looking for things to take part in. SJ and I did the Harpenden walk a couple of years ago...well SJ did the run and I did the walk...

I decided to enter it again..it's only 10K so pretty straightforward in terms of distance. It was a bitterly cold day though but there were still plenty of people there.

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Back to Czech

I attended and presented at the Myslivna event in Czech Republic. This is something I did a couple of years ago, and this year, we ran this seminar again. It's in conjunction with our agents, and it takes place at the Myslivan hotel...hence the name. Myslivna is an old hunting lodge, and I guess it's seen better days, however it does have a huge amount of character.

Once again, my presentation was translated live...an odd sensation, but you do get used to it.

I also had the opportunity to have a walk around the hotel into the surrounding woods. It's been cut back a lot but you can still get he impression of Communist Generals commanding their minions into (faux) battle.

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Michael McIntyre

For SJ's Xmas present, I'd booked tickets to see Michael McIntyre at the O2. For those of you not familiar with him, go and look at YouTube for "Michael McIntyre Man Drawer". That will give you an idea of his (very funny) observational comedy...he really is hilarious.
The night didn't start that well by the Clipper we were on breaking down and us having to be dropped off at Greenwich Pier for 20 mins or so. Such a reliable service normally, however on this occasion it was not to be. We'd also booked a table at one of the Thai restaurants at the O2...in hindsight this was not a good move, as it was incredibly busy and pretty crap food. I must admit, I'd never realised how in demand O2 restaurants were...last time, we walked straight in to Gaucho's with no reservation and no problems...not a mistake we will repeat again!

McIntyre was good, but not as funny as I think he can be...a worthwhile show but I'm not sure if I'd go back...

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