Ibiza 2009

This is the two of us on holiday this year in Ibiza. We stayed in the resort of Es Cana and thoroughly enjoyed the break although it was a tad too humid at times.

It was our first proper foray abroad although Julia went to Italy some years ago with her Nan & Grandad by coach so it was the first time flying for her.

We would definitely go back but when it was a little cooler, July & August are the hottest months there and although we went in search of some sunshine, it really was OTT for most of the daytime.

Art in Action

This one of two installations Julia produced for her college's Art in Action exhibition held at Chatham's Historic Dockyard at the beginning of July.

This piece is called "A Message Within" and is based on the poem Dulce Et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen.

Her other piece was entitled "The Last Flight" and consisted of planes made from drinks bottles and suspended from hoops. The planes were interspersed with poppies and crosses.

Julia put in so much effort into each piece and I am very proud of her work.

Julia's First Car

Having passed her driving test on Monday 1st June 2009, Julia is now the proud owner of a Rover Cityrover Select. Here she is sitting in the drivers seat before she drove us to the Texas Moon on Saturday evening. (Yes I know she hasn't yet removed the steering lock!)

She is so chuffed to finally have her own set of wheels which will give her the freedom to come and go as she pleases without having to rely on lifts or public transport.

She's already spent the weekend driving around town, taking me along to the Dockside Outlet for some retail therapy and using to car to transport home some heavy bits and pieces for her latest art project.

Ninth Tattoo

This here is my ninth tattoo, just done by the great Ray Hunt, formerly of Medway Tattoo but now setting up on his own. It's obviously in Latin and means Time Flees, something that strikes a chord with me as I get older.

The smaller letters are more shaded than black and will lighten up somewhat as the tattoo heals. It took approx. 2hrs to complete and is healing well so far.

Nan Alice (1910-2009)

This wonderful lady here is my Nan Alice who passed away on Monday 23rd March. She was a very special lady who played a very big part in my childhood. We had regular Sundays, days out, holidays away and she was my partner in crime when I wanted to ride on the fairground rides as my Dad and Mum didn't like the rides at all. We usually had at least two go's especially on the scenic railways which is an old fashioned name for rollercoaster.

She will be sorely missed.

In memory of Pauline Cooper - my Step-sister

Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other
That we are still
Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way you always used
Put no difference into your tone
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed
At the little jokes we always enjoyed together
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was
Let it be spoken without effort
Without the ghost of a shadow in it
Life means all that it ever meant
It is the same as it ever was
There is absolute unbroken continuity
What is death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind
Because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you for an interval
Somewhere very near
Just around the corner
All is well.
Nothing is past; nothing is lost
One brief moment and all will be as it was before
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!

Latest Tattoos

Hi, there peeps, talk about long time no speak? Here is a latest photo of my tattoo collection so far. They are still looking awesome and as you will see there have been a few new additions to the collection since my last blog entry. The chest piece is the most recent, was done over the Xmas break but then because the lines are so fine, had to be touched-up again after Xmas when I was back at work, so a bit of a pain but these things can't be helped. It's looking pretty good now although I've yet to get it checked out again. It's at last stopped itching, I have found Piriton is the most effective thing for that in case anyone is interested ;-)

I have several more ideas in the pipeline as usual and another booked for the Easter break, this time with Ray Hunt from Medway Tattoo. The Eeyore and chest piece were courtesy of Martin, also from Medway Tattoo.