The Back Garden

Just a few shots taken is the back garden this morning. Very cold weather at the moment -5. The few days after Christmas are always a bit of an anti climax. Just trying to amuse myself .

Special visitor

My Day just got 100 times better to day at about 3 o'clock this afternoon. My friend Jean called looking radiant. Jean has been receiving extensive treatment for Cancer as it is almost completed, one more to go just after Christmas. I was so delighted to see her but even more so to see how well she is looking, her hair is starting to grow back. Jean has been a blessing to every one she comes in contact with, she has her own blog here if you would like to know more.
What a lovely surprise, thanks for dropping by Jean.

Christmas 2009

To everyone who drops in on this blog from time to time a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.
It has been a good year in many many ways and at the same time has been difficult.
When you hear the word Cancer for the first time it's a scary moment, especially when it concerns someone you love and care for, but thanks be to God Lorraine has come through her operation well and is getting better all the time. My broken leg has really changed the year for me and I got to experience a different way of life for almost half the year. I also got to spend time with Lorraine which otherwise would not have been possible.
Thankfully the leg is mended and I am back in the saddle albeit I cant jump now, but still ridding which is great.
I took the two pictures below last night as I was cleaning and checking one o my cameras. The messages on the cards are new to us. More importantly than anything else that has happened this year is the fact that we have been blessed with a beautiful grandson. Nathan is the most beautiful, contented good natured wee boy you could every wish for. Elaine has done a wonderful job, and has taken to mother hood so well. And it is magical to stand back an watch Jonathan take on all the responsibilities that come with becoming a father. Looking forward to going to see them all in the morning.
In a few days time we will be going to see Emma and John get married. looking forward to that as well.

So wherever you are, whatever you are doing this Christmas, look after the people you love and have a great time.
And please please be careful on the roads.
Its normally hard to get Bert away from the heat, yet it doesn't seem to matter when he has a bone, typical man I guess!

Ballydown carol Service 2009

This years Carol service's were held on Saturday and Sunday night. We had Solos, drama, great musicians and enthusiasm by the bucket load. The theme was Rejoice and featured some very soulful music. There were a few stars the Campbell boys did a great drama piece and Steph and Jemma made beautiful if some what dippy angels.

Pensioners Christmas Dinner 2009

It's hard to take in that it is a year since the last Pensioners Dinner. There was a mix of entertainment this year some familiar, some old favourites and some new blood. The dinner was good as usual as were the spirits of the seniors in attendance. As usual Richard made the trip up to help out. Oh and father Christmas mad an appearance as well.

Nathan Up-date

Some of you may know that Nathan was taken to hospital and has now spent three nights at Craigavon Hospital. He has a type of chest infection that is mostly affecting his breathing. The next few days are expected to be the peak of the infection and then we should see an improvement. Please continue to pray for Nathan and his mum and dad who are very tired by this stage.

The Dolly Walk

Lorraine and I have been members of a mid-week group, at Ballydown. And we have been following the progress of a young girl by the name of Charlene Barr. Charlene suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, but she stands out because her concern is not for herself but for others. Charlene has a dream to build a school in Uganda. Last night 12.12.12, December the 12 @ 12.oopm (much to late for some) a group of females walked from Dollings town around Lurgan and back to raise money for Charlene's Project. You can read more about Charlene here. Lorraine arranged for her and some few friends to do the walk, this is a quick snap of them just before they left the house. Charlene is and amazing Young girl and it was nice to actually meet her last night.

You can read more about Charlene's Project here she also has a video on Utube here And the BBC Interview here

There is also a link if you would like to make a donation, at the time of writing she has raised £28,183 40% of her target of £70,000

Strobist Sunday

I have neglected my blog a little bit of late due to other things getting in the way. To day I had the opportunit to spend some time with fellow photographers and three pretty local girls at Hillsborough Park. It was very very cold but we had some good craic.