Just back from a Monday to Friday break in Madrid with friends. Have to say we were extremely fortunate weather wise; although a little on the chilly side most days were bright and sunny, perfect for wandering around a major city and general sightseeing. On the first afternoon, initially disappointed with our first impressions of the city, but that soon changed when we dug a little deeper and learned that to see Madrid architecture at its best you had to forget about ground level.
General
Kelly + Victor at the Riverside
Exceptionally, out on a Sunday evening last night (13th March) to the Riverside in Woodbridge to see a screening of Kelly + Victor, followed by a Q&A with the film’s director Kieran Evans. These “Riverside nights” have been put together and curated by Neil McGlone, who is friend and was a work colleague of Denise’s, but who is also a local film advisor and researcher. A nice innovation, I hope they’re a success.
Memoirs, Colchester (5th March, 2016)
Finally got to try Memoirs in Colchester with friends after a couple of previous attempts were cancelled through illness. Stunning building, previously the Old Library and part of the Town Hall, it’s now a lovely looking restaurant and cocktail bar – superb vaulted ceilings, period architecture and ornate artwork. Excellent food and lovely atmosphere, slightly let down by staff who were clearly still learning the finer …
Aldeburgh Long Weekend
Just back from a three night stay at the Wentworth Hotel in Aldeburgh for Denise’s birthday. This is something we did last year and we enjoyed it so much we decided to repeat it. Another excellent stay, lovely food and comfortable country house feel. Managed to get in a couple of reasonable walks as the weather was a little better than 2015, which made us …
A Rambling We Shall Go – 2016
After a disappointing “attendance record” in 2015, I hope to make much more of an effort this year and get to far more Ramblers hikes than I did last year. Having said that, I’ve started off badly by missing the one yesterday in the Iken area. Denise did manage to get along and was rewarded with an appearance on Anglia TV – much to her …
A Monday Relaxation
Our second visit to Clarice House on Monday for a spa day, courtesy of Scott and Ginnette. On this occasion, had the full body massage, a facial and both a manicure and pedicure – new man or what! In fairness would probably skip the ‘cures’ in future and squeeze in a few more lengths in the pool. Notice however that I wouldn’t say no to …
Sunderland Christmas 2015
Another kind invite from Scott and Ginnette saw us spend Christmas in Sunderland. Lovely surprise to see two new additions to the family, two lovely rescue kittens called Billy and Bob – look as though they will be a handful but seem to absolutely love being around people. As usual, plenty of food, drink, games and, this year, no Boxing Day home game for the …
Replaced En-Suite Bombshell
News to shock the establishment to the core and undoubtedly frighten the horses. The Redandwhite Rag’s residence has undergone some improvement in the shape of a completely new en-suite bathroom. This would be of major news import if, of course, there weren’t one or two other things going on in the wider world at the moment. But, for an admittedly very small number indeed, this was a …
Last Minute Sunderland trip – August Bank Holiday
A flying visit to Sunderland for Denise on Bank Holiday weekend, to be at the official opening of the new Keel Square and the Propeller monument structure. Inspired by Sunderland’s shipbuilding and industrial heritage, the maritime-themed art feature is set to be a new focal point for the city and will host a number of events in the future. The Propellers of the City sculpture …
Continuing Care – Part 2
When we got back from Japan, we had a letter waiting for us outlining the result of the Independent Review Panel that we attended in Leeds back in March. I may have remarked at the time that it had taken over two years and a lot of hard work (and much detailed analysis from Denise) and frustration to get to the IRP and challenge the Clinical Commissioning Group’s decision that my mother did not have a primary health need.
Back on Track?
After a couple of months without any serious rambling (multiple bouts of flu and cold etc. have kept us away), popped up to Snape yesterday for a fairly gentle ramble along the river Alde to Iken. Always plenty of wildlife to see along the river (should have taken the camera) and although we didn’t spot any seals on this occasion we were rewarded with a variety of birdlife. …
Leeds – Business and Pleasure!
Just back from a three night stay in Leeds. Based around a visit to the Department of Health in Quarry House (see below), we at least managed to get a look around the City Centre, fit in a play and film and have a couple of decent evening meals to kill the pain!