Tuesday 24 July 2007

Flooding at Combe Bridge

The River rushes over Combe BridgeWe were quite fortunate with the flooding Long Hanborough. We were cut off for a while but never really had any problems. No power cuts or water being shut off like in Tewksbury.

Still, you didn't have to go far to experience the effects of the flooding. Eynsham was hit and the A40 had fish swimming over it at one point. Oxford is still waiting to find out it the water is going to be receding any time soon - or if it's going to be going further up.

I am still able to work from home (yar-boo!), but I am not sure when I will be able to drive in. Gloucester is still hit pretty badly as far as I can tell.

One difficulty is finding out how the floods are effecting routes. I know all about the surrounding area as the local radio has been brilliant and I can view the national situation. But I'm having trouble finding out if the route I use via Cheltenham and Gloucester is passable.

I am amazed at the commitment and effort put in by the emergency services and other service organizations. Including the councils, the hospitals, the road recovery agencies. Everyone who can be doing something is doing it. 

It's a shame that there are still so many selfish idiots out there moving closed road signs and endangering live wherever they can. 

Still it looks as though the majority of the populus  are helping rather than hindering.

Will be interesting to see if this calms the housing market a little.

University Museum stairs

20070713055.jpgI love this shot of Elias playing on the stairs at the University Museum. Always forget to post when I've added some more pics to Flickr.

Off to see the floods

Nikki and Joy enter the wheat field

Wednesday 11 July 2007

Elias's take on working

Elias said to me this morning in a very business-like tone: "Daddy, I love you, but you keep going away."

I tried to get more out of him on this, but the conversation kept meandering over to the subject of playing on the computer or Wii.

Both cute and disturbing.

Tuesday 10 July 2007

Marky's Star Wars Party

Had a great time on Saturday the birthday party of my Bro-in-law. We were shattered and presumed that we'd need to leave early, but still wanted to put in moral support.

When we turned up we were greeted by the Sith Lord, Darth Vader himself. Though when he started laughing I got the distinct impression that it was just someone dressed up. But I quickly pushed the thought to the back of my mind when I saw that the garden was full of Star Wars creatures and a few Jedi Poo-Doo into the bargain.

We had unfortunately not dressed ourselves in SW-like outfits but the food and company was good. I really enjoyed meeting Mark's family and friends again. It's always good to see that someone you love has built a network of strong and genuine relationships around them.

Happy 30th Mark. Here's wishing you a good 3o more (maybe a couple more on that!)