North West England, UK - September 2010

After Tor we headed down to the North West, home of all football! Steve snapped some Formby photos of his teenage stamping ground. So a few pictures of pubs then... and spent a happy few days with his parents (updating their bathroom for them - he just can't stop with the DIY!). Took a brief rest to meet Phil and Trish. Linda did some serious shoe shopping with Kathleen, far more satisfying!

We also whizzed off to Chester to meet up with some very old friends Sue and Chris who live in Jersey but came up north to see us - great evening - we miss our Jersey visits!

After that we split up for a few days, Linda headed off to Stafford where she spent her troublesome teenage years and met up with old partner in crime Helen. Lovely day spent with handsome dog 'Mr Hector Percival' and oh so cute hubby Brian (have I got that the right way round???). Anyway to stop any confusion it's Hector in the photo!!!

Some quality time also spent by Linda with her da, in deep pusuit of the answer to Liverpools performance problems and dads obsession with 'ding dong' food! Time was all too short and we had to start our journey homeward far too soon.....

Off to Edinburgh Shopping, UK - September 2010

After 2 years in New Zealand it was time for a trip back to the mothership (or as we now call it 'the real world'). This first requires a hop and pint in Auckland Airport, then an overnight to Shanghai, then (via Londinium) 2 further flights later we arrive in Edinburgh Scotland.

We are in Edinburgh for the great scenery, fabulous shopping and of course our special friend Tor. Steve's priority is of course a real pub with real 'proper' beer and, well, frankly to then 'shop' for 2 days which he does in superb fashion and soon fills both his suitcase and stomach up.

Great couple of days getting over the jetlag, relaxing with good food and drink and catching up on all the goss.

Another Day In The Life Of - September 2010

It has been winter here in New Zealand and we have been getting on with refurbishing our house and staying out of the rain. It has been wet. Very wet. However, in the last week or two the sun has started to reappear and in true Wellington tradition goes from pants to fantastic. We've also had the house changes signed off (although DIY side unfinished) by the council. Bugger DIY then. So we thought another round of 'in the life of' may entertain.

Up early Saturday morning as we have shopping to do. House is looking bright and shinny in the sun. You can see the new post box I made this week. The old one decided that it had had enough rain and fell to pieces. This new one is hard wood (left over floor boards) so should last!. Off down the hill in the car, the CBD starts just off in the distance to the left. parked along the waterfront near Te Papa (Museum) and popped in their for some presents for people. Next off across the road which has some nice arty farty shops. Had a coffee in a art shop. Linda stocking up on things we don't needs.

Next moved the car (which I have tried to show in photos moving around) to the CBD as this is where Linda needs to get her hair cut. Popped under the Old Bank Archade to show Linda the old boat under the shop where you can still see the hull under the glass floor. Continuing, while Linda is in getting her hair done Steve wanders off and becomes a tourist. Watches the Old Bank Clock open (not seen this before as you have to actually look up). Wandered back to the car taking photos of some of the multitude of arty things that scatted the streets. As the car needs moving after 2 hours, popped back home for some beans on toast.

Back into town again to collect Linda who seems to have aquired more bags of things we don't need. Beer at St John's Bar as that is nice and sunny in late afternoon. Then had a short walk along the waterfront and our day is done.

Hope you enjoyed our day !