8 Years

This year is a leap year and its hard to believe that is eight years since Jo-Anne's accident.  In some ways it just seems like yesterday, and every now and again the memories are all to vivid.

Lorraine and I have decided to go to Krakow, Poland over the last few days of the month.  While we are away we plan to visit the second world war prison camp Auswitch.  On a cold wintry February day we know that it may be a harrowing experience.  Hard as it may be we both think that it is something that we need to experience.  During the war many many innocent people lost their lives and the hands of a dangerous tyrant.  We must not forget these things lest they happen again.

Our hotel has a swimming pool so we will spend some time thawing out.  I have been keeping and eye on the weather and up until recently it has been hovering around -14C

Although it's hard not to get a little down at this time of the year.  Lorraine and I have been blessed with two wonderful grandchildren.  Nathan and Sarah are flourishing at such a rate it's just a joy to behold.  We could literally just watch them for hours.  Whilst Sarah is making brilliant progress at the walking, Nathan is stringing words together and having conversations and giving orders.

I hope to take a camera with me to Poland and hopefully grab a few interesting photos to share with you later.

All the best John and Lorraine.

Drum Major, Junior World Champion 2011

When I was young I was a drum major with the Scottish pipe band association, and even won the all Ireland championship once. This becomes very insignificant when you see the trophies won this year by Zoe McDowell, a young Banbridge girl who I had the pleasure to photograph on Friday.

Sarah's first Christmas

Sarah, christmas

Sarah and her first Christmas, doesn't she look cute.

Another test

European Pipe Band Competition at Stormont

Haven't been to a Pipe band competition in a few years so I was delighted when Lorraine said she wanted to go.  Just messing about with the camera, here are a few from the day.  Weather and atmosphere were great.

Sense & Sensibility

Since refurbishing Solitude Park, Banbridge Council have been hosting some great events.  On Friday night Lorraine, Muriel and myself went to see an outdoor version of Sense & Sensibility.  Brilliant evening, well organized and great family fun.  Well done Banbridge Council.

Icream

Bert likes his icecream.