Vimy Ridge

These pictures show the Canadian memorial on Vimy ridge.  It bears the names of over 11,000 names many of whom have no know graves.

Last Post at Menin Gate

All Quiet on The Western Front

Menin Gate

In 2012 Richard and I did the battlefield tour, All Quiet on the Western Front.  These pictures were taken in Ypres, it is the Menin Gate and every night at exactly 8pm they hold the last post.  We were lucky enough to witness this ceremony, the road is closed an everyone gathers beneath the gate to pay their respects.  I cried my eyes out it is such a moving ceremony, the gate has the names of  British and Common Wealth soldier that died in battles around Ypres that has no know grave.

Newark Air Museum and Cemetery

 Last Tuesday Richard and I went to Newark Air Museum.  The weather wasn't too good but that never stops us, Nature cannot give us wall to wall sunshine all the time.

It was the first time we had been out since I had the pot removed.  I still have the boot but it was a bit easier for getting around.

Saab Viggen

These pictures are of a Polish Memorial in the nearby cemetery dedicated to the brave men who fought during WW2.

It is a very moving place because as well as Polish soldiers buried here there are Common Wealth Graves.  If you want to know more have a look at Richard's blog

Ulley

 Just a few more pictures from Ulley.  We had done some shopping last week and decided to go for a walk around the reservoir.  It was a beautiful sunny day but we had gone without the proper camera as it was a last minute thing.

We saw a Heron just sat on the waters edge and a couple of kestrels flying overhead.  It won't be long now before the autumn colours start to show.

Jaden is one today

 I cannot believe Jaden is one today!!  Last Thursday Richard and I took his birthday present as we couldn't make his birthday party yesterday.  It was really nice seeing them all the family again.

He is a gorgeous little boy who is into everything.

Damflask

 A  pictures from Damflask Reservoir. It takes around 2 hours to walk around the water and it is beautiful.

The reservoir takes its name from Damflask village which stood where the reservoir embankment is today.   The village was almost entirely washed away when Dale Dike dam burst on 11th March 1864, causing the Great Sheffield Flood. Nothing was rebuilt as plans were in place prior to the flood to construct the reservoir. 

Damflask reservoir was constructed in 1867 as one of a group of reservoirs in the area built to supply both fresh drinking water and a guaranteed supply of water to the population and industries of Sheffield. It has a capacity of 1,123 million gallons and a maximum depth of 88 feet. Today it is also used by rowing and sailing clubs and for fishing.

Forest of Dean

 In October 2012 Richard and I went to the Forest of Dean for a few days.  Here are a few pictures from the forest, we were hoping to see some wild boar - we heard plenty of rustling in the trees but didn't get up close and personal with any boar - which is probably just as well.

First Day

First day back at work today after being off for 4 weeks, boy was it hard getting up at 06.15.  I traveled to and from work on the bus which was alright, the hardest part was walking up the hill but you cannot get away from them seeing as Sheffield is built on 7 of the things.  Anyway I only did 4 hours today and it was alright.

Normandy

One of the Normandy Beaches

Richards passion is war history and what he doesn't know you could write on the back on a postage stamp
 
So in 2010 Richard and I went on a Battlefield Tour to Normandy, this was the first time I had done anything like this. You couldn't really call it a holiday as the schedule is very busy

I have to say this was very heart wrenching and you would have to have a heart of stone not to feel any emotion.  To stand in the same spot as those brave men was very humbling.

Here are a few of the many pictures Richard took on the holiday.

 These pictures were taken at the American Cemetery which overlooks Omaha Beach.  Another very moving place with 9,387 American Service Men buried there, including Theodore Roosevelt Jr - son of the president.  After the creation of the cemetery his brother Quentin who had been killed in WW1 was exhumed and buried next to his brother.

 I cried my eyes out whilst walking around here and many of the other cemeteries.

These were taken at Jerusalem Cemetery, which is the smallest in Normandy.  The youngest soldier buried here is J Banks aged 16

Hospital

I had a hospital appointment today, I have never been in and out as quick.  I got there about 10.45 had the plaster removed, saw the consultant, who said use the boot and we will see you in a month's time and I was walking out the door by 11.05!!!

I am pleased I will be a bit more mobile, I just have to ease myself into my normal shoe over the next 4 week but not go a breakneck speed.

My friend Ann took me to the hospital so we went for a coffee and a catch up afterwards. 

Richard is working for the next 9 days but hopefully after that we will be out and about again.  Love you Richard thank you for looking after me the last 3 weeks, I know I have been a pain in the backside :)

National Arboretum

I was taken to the National Arboretum for mother's day a few years ago and it was a fantastic day.  Would definitely recommend a visit.

Jensen and Sully

When we had Jensen for the night we took him to the Disney shop as we had seen a Sully that we thought he might like.  As soon as we walked into the shop he saw Sully and said "I want monster" so monster he got.  He wasn't too keen on it at first because of the noises it made, but now he loves it so much so that his Mum says he won't go to nursery without it.  He tells everyone that his Nana and Grandad bought it for him, and someone very kindly bought him his own Sully dressing gown.