Party, Party, Party...

There has been a delay in our weekly blog because we have been celebrating our 50th birthdays. 10 days ago there was Jane's birthday, followed by our tutor-group party on Saturday, our course party last night - oh and my birthday on Friday. Jane is wondering when the next party is going to be, whereas I have suddenly become allergic to chocolate cake, I now consider candles to be un-green, and I have discovered that the 'Happy Birthday' tune causes severe migraines. The Saturday party was a smart affair and I 'styled' my facial so that I had sideburns similar to Elvis in the 70's and for the first time I bought some hair gel, I couldn't find any Brylecream in the shops - have they stopped making it? The theme of last night's party was P & J, there was a judge, penguin, joker, painter etc. With Jane in the photo are Princess Jenny and 'J' cloth Deborah. P

Now a grown-up?

I realise it has taken me a very long time to actually feel that I have grown up. Today I am 50; people tell me it is the new 40, but I am not really bothered. I am just enjoying every moment of life so why should one put a tag on it?

The party started on Fri with our tutor group celebration with cake and candles and the celebration still seem to be carrying on. I still enjoy birthdays and think they are deserve a mark on the calendar. My parents are here for the weekend and have been plying me with sloe gin and weak tea to calm my excitement. In another two weeks Pete will join me and we will make a century of living. Until then he is enjoying the toyboy thing (being the younger man!) For anyone in Herts. the next 2 parties are on the 22nd and the 27th. See you there! J

Fudge Duck

During a recent visit from Adrian & Lucy we went on a walk to the local nature reserve. A time to relax and catch up with news, only to be interrupted by a loud Shhhhh! The twitchers were trying to spot a rare visitor to the UK - the Ferruginous Duck, colloquially known as a Fudge Duck. I would have told you about it earlier, but by the time we returned from the walk all that I could remember about the duck was that it began with 'F'.

My forgetfulness is probably down to all the words that are floating around in my head such as Antinomianism, Pneumatology, Tetragrammaton, Adebayor, Defoe and Rooney (an obvious sign of too much theology and 'Match of the Day') P

Day Release

After five weeks we have had our first 'day release' for good behaviour. Our friend Ian visited us to escort us and to make sure we didn't get phased by the big wide world that is beyond the college and our local village, Stanstead Abbotts. We visited Cambridge, a first for us all. Jane thought the speed of the punts was a bit tame and only wanted to go on one if there was an outboard motor - James Bond style. Cambridge is indeed a special place but you need a long weekend to see everything.
Our course is now picking up a pace, with the calender filling up with extra tasks, presentations and lessons. P