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Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} Well week 3 blog is going to be a bit different. You see Dad had planned to upload it on Sunday evening but unfortunately he had a hypo. So what? I hear you saying – well he had been keeping a daily blog on the PC for the whole week and it was really going well until Sunday night. Unfortunately after his hypo all that was left of his week’s blog was a word document with the letter V!!! I have no idea how he managed to do it but he had lost the whole week’s blog! So here am I trying to remember all the fabulous places we have been and this is my best effort. Sunday 7th August. This was packing up day in Aix en Provence. We went into Aix in the morning and found a couple of markets (a flower & plant mkt and a craft mkt). We walked around these and Dad bought a small Cactus to add to his collection, as a souvenir of Aix. In the afternoon we went back to the caravan site and took down the awning which was now dry. The weather for the day was forecast to be showery but we never had a shower all day.
Monday 8th August. This was moving day. Dad had pushed his sugar up the night before so he could drive. He drove all the way because it was very windy and Mum wasn’t confident. When we arrived we realised we had made a big mistake! Le Bacarès was just like Burnham-on-Sea. Now don’t get me wrong – Burnham-on-Sea is very nice to some people; it is just NOT our cup of tea and Dad realised we were stuck here for 10 days. The initial welcome left a lot to be desired as well. We were kept waiting for ages because they only had one person on reception in the busiest time of day! First we were told to move the caravan to a specific place which Dad did. Then Security came and said he couldn’t leave it there! That was red rag to a bull and Dad exploded (in English, of course!). Well they eventually got sorted and we were on our pitch which was a quiet pitch as requested. Then Mum & Dad had to put the awning up by themselves in strong winds which led to a specific type of challenge! Well eventually they got it up and we came out into the awning to view our new location. To add insult to injury, the wifi wasn’t working mon evening – probably because the dopey girl on reception had turned the router off when she went home! Tuesday 9th August. We woke to a fine sunny and warm day but still with a strong wind. Mum & Dad had a shower so we were late going out and we popped down the local supermarket and then went to Le Bacarès old port. It was actually quite nice by the old port with loads of expensive looking yachts and Motor Cruisers moored there. We went back to the caravan for lunch and then went to a nearby village called Canet en Rousillon. This was a lovely old Catalan village with a nice church, some parts of the old town wall and, of course, a bar! After a quick drink we drove on down the coast to Argeles sur Mer which was just as horrible as where we stayed; Collioure which was just like an old Cornish fishing village – quaint but absolutely nowhere to park!; and Port Vendres. Port Vendres was a bit like another Cornish town with a bigger harbour with lots of expensive boats in it! We got parked here and then had a stroll around the harbour and the local church before settling down for another Beer! Wednesday 10th August. This was Perpignan Day! We found a good Park & Ride and took the bus into the city centre. Perpignan is a lovely old town with loads of history. We got a map from the Office de Tourisme and managed to get around most of it seeing numerous historic sites and churches. Late in the afternoon we found a bar where Dad really felt in need of a large Beer and, for once, actually got a half litre! He really enjoyed that and then we got the bus back to the car and went home. Thursday 11th August. We started this day after our usual breakfast of French Bread and cheeses, by going shopping to the local Carrefour. Mum actually went in while Dad stayed in the car with me and Syd. Then we headed north towards the Pyrenees and went to a village called Vinca. Here we had a drink and then found a nice cool park to have our lunch in. After lunch we went on to Prades which is a nice town with a very good tourist map which “sold up” every building there including most of the schools!. However, it did have an absolutely beautiful church which we really enjoyed looking around before making a hasty retreat as a coffin was brought in for a funeral service. Then we sat in a cool bar outside overlooking the Mairie and the Church. Finally after a couple of beers we headed home. Friday 12th August. This was our day of the Mountains when we went deep into the Pyrenees on Le Petit Train Jaune (the little yellow train) – actually a tourist train which was very expensive but did take in some stunning scenery and very steep climbs. We actually travelled to our destination of Fort Romeu in an open coach with wooden benches and Mum found it quite ironic that we had paid so much for our tickets in such a basic coach! I should point out that we actually chose to sit in the open coaches and had we sat inside with less of a view, we would have had more comfortable seats. On arrival in Fort Romeu we took the Navette (shuttle bus) through the town some 5km away and up to a Hermitage beyond which had shelters signalling the 12 stations of the cross and at the top, the most incredible views possible in every direction of the Pyrenees. After we left Fort Romeu we went back on the train, through the highest railway station in France not served by rack and pinion trains and then back to our starting point near Villefranche de Conflent. We then drove into the village itself which sits within a completely intact town wall and was a beautiful village. WE liked it so much and spent so much time there that we decided to have our evening meal out and return home very late for me and Syd who were promised a lie-in Sat morning! Saturday 13th August. We were indeed given a long lie-in made even longer by Mum & Dad going off for a shower! When we eventually left we went straight to Banyuls-sur-Mer which is the first place south of Port Vendres which we visited Tuesday. Banyuls-sur-Mer is built on a small headland and benefits by having a small beach on the north side and a larger beach on the south side. Being much smaller, the north side is much less commercialised – just our sort of place!We grabbed a parking place on the way through so went to the edge of the beach to have our lunch. It was a lovely spot for a lunch break. After lunch we drove to the southern, more commercialised part but didn’t stop until we had left the town, climbed up a little and could take a photograph looking down on the town. Then we moved onto to Cerbère, Cerbère is a lovely totally uncommercialised place – right up our street! One thing we did notice and so too did Kenny & Sydney, was that there was a different language being spoken here. Yes, we were very near to the Spanish Border and there were a lot of Spaniards about. Dad can cope quite well in French with all the questions he gets asked about Me & Syd but, Dad does NOT speak any Spanish. It was quite amazing though to see him get by with a bit of French, a bit of English and a lot of sign language he was able to cope with most questions (though we don’t know if the Spaniards actually understood, do we?!!), The railway is very important to this town and not only did it have a big station, it also had a huge goods yard as well! We, of course, found a bar run by a very amicable Spaniard who made me & Syd very very welcome and even brought out flaked almonds and a dish of water for us. Syd jumped straight in to the flaked almonds but I wasn’t keen – I mean it was something new and just because Syd ate it…..Syd eats anything!!! After we left here we drove the long and tortuous route across the border into Spain. The road was incredibly bendy with some tortuous bends but we did eventually get to the border. It had all the border crossing offices in the road with Stop signs but there was no-one around and several of the windows had been broken! We stopped on the border and me, Syd and Dad had our photo taken under the European Stars sign marked Espana (like we have for most of the countries we visited last year). After the photostop we went down into Portbou which is the first settlement over the border. Dad was pleased to be in Spain, if for no other reason than, he could order una Coke Light et una Cerveza Pressioni por favour! Dad was even more pleased when he actually got a pint glass and the bill was less than it would have been with a small beer in France. Yes, the bar prices were much cheaper in Spain than in France! After our drinks we climbed the hill to the local church as Spanish churches are often very beautiful but on this occasion it was closed. When we got back to the car we left Spain behind and retraced our steps back home! Sunday 31st July. Today our parrents got up early as we had a long way to go. By 10:00 we had left the site and were on our way to Montpelier - one of the largest cities in the Langudoc-Rousillion area of France. Dad had wanted to go to Montpelier for a while but strangely, he didn't know why he wanted to go there!!! Anyway, we arrived at lunch time and found a good free parking space in the shade so we stayed at the car and had Lunch. After lunch we went to a nearby Bar as several of our parrents needed the Loo! After the bar we visited the Jardin des Plantes of the University of Montpelier. The university are restoring the gardens to their former glory from the C18th. Then we went to St Peter's Cathedral which stands out with 2 impressive gothic towers. Unfortunately the cathedral was closed so we couldn't see inside. After the Cathedral we went to the Arc de Triomphe. This was an impressive archway built in the 1700's. Nearby was the Parc Peyrou. We vwalked through this park and had superb views over the city of Montpelier. At the end was the famous 14 km aquaduct with its arches built on arches which used to carry Fresh Water to the City. Then we walked down the main shopping street full of expensive boutiques - Dad said Sunday was the best day for this! On the way back to the car we found a small supermarket open and bought Ice Creams. Once again, I was slow to cotton on but Syd went straight into our Dad's Ice Cream - again, Naughty but nice!!!
On the way back Dad realised that the 1st week-end before the big August shut-down was definitely not the best day to travel so far on the motorways. We had several Bouchon (Queues), mainly at theGares de Peages (Toll booths). When we got home it was just about Tea Time so we made perfect timing! Monday 1st August. Today our parrents got up more leisurely!!! They had to go shopping so they left me and Syd in our cages in the bedroom where it was cool - we were really glad! They came back moaning about lack of service and a 30 min queue for the checkout but soon got us out and it was lunchtime. After lunch we took a drive to a couple of Provencal Towns and Villages:- Lambesc and then St Cannet. On the way back Stacey found a field of going over Sunflowers so picked some to finish drying and to take back for the Fids at home! We all know Sunflower seeds aren't good for us but once or twice a year can't do that much harm! After that, they found a Brocante which we visited. They had an indoor aviary of Budgies there! Tuesday 2nd August. Today Dad and Adam had a cold shower as there was no hot water. Dad wasn't very happty at all! (Well now he knows how we feel every night!!!). When we went out we went to Arles. Arles is a place dating from Roman times and it has an old Roman Amphitheatre which has (obviously) been well restored over the years. We weren't allowed inside without paying to see a show that we didn't want to see so had to make do with exterior views but the double layer galleried floors still survive and it looked really impressive. There were lots of old Churches and other really old buildings with historic interest. We visited most of the town including the Roman ("Antique") theatre which is like an incomplete amphitheatre in that it is not fully circular. Some of the roads were VERY narrow which worried Adam quite a lot as he was driving Dad's car! When we left Arles we went to Martigues which is a place at the entrance to the Berre Etang. It is situated at the narrow junction between the Etang and the sea and also has its oldest part on an island in the narrow sea channel. It was a really nice place; reminiscent of Venice in places. You'll never guess what we did there! OK, you're right - we found a bar!!! When we got back Dad found another shower block on site and had his warm shower! Wednesday. Today dawned quite cloudy so we were hopeful of a cooler day but alas, no! Today reached 32. Syd coped fine (as she always does!) but I needed lots of shade and spraying. Our parrents sprayed us both together and Sydney is beginning to realise that it is quite a good feeling and a good way of cooling down. We went to Avignon today. Avignon is a very old town that is completely encircled by a town wall which has been fully restored. It has the Palais des Papes (the Palace of Popes) which is where the Popes used to reside before the Vatican. It was quite hard to imagine Avignon as being a historic Vatican! Because of the narrow roads there was loads of shade for us which was just as well. We spent quite a bit of time in bars cooling off and we all also shared Ice Creams!!! We shared Dad & Stacey's Coconut ice cream today - it was yummee! After we left Avignon and the River Rhone, we went to Pont du Gard which is an old Roman bridge which is actually 3 sets of spans on top of each other! This was a wonderfully restored bridge which the locals have stitched up the tourists a treat! It is impossible to park anywhere near without using the designated car park which costs €15 per car and inhabitants! Dad thought it was very dear but we soooo wanted to see the bridge(s) that we had to pay the €15!!! We were late back and, despite promising Sydney he wouldn't spray her again; he sprayed us both with Plume Spray (the rotten Sod, Syd said, but I enjoyed it! Thursday 4th August. Today we went into Aix en Provence on the Park & Ride. Today there were 2 markets in Aix:- the normal (clothes) market and the Craft & Antique and Food market. The first was very disappointing but the second was brilliant. After a few drinks at our favourite bar in Aix we went back to the car where we found a shady spot and had lunch. After lunch we went to Salon de Provence. On the way we stopped at the Roqueflavour Aqueduct. This was again a series of 3 aqueducts built on top of each other and, to be blunt was as ggod as yesterday's but without the €15 charge!!! As we arrived in Salon we were very disappointed. It had been recommended to us but on the way in our parrents thought it was awful. Having got into the town and turned a corner, the real charm of Salon became evident.It is famous for its Clock Tower, its Chateau and its Gardens and all 3 were well worth the visit! We did, of course, finish in a bar where we could all sit in the shade! When we got home, Adam & Stacey kindly washed the car. Friday 5th August we went to a coastal village called Cassis. Cassis is a really lovely village. It was market day today which gave more interest but caused a problem for parking. We eventually found a car park with a disabled space in it which had been half taken by another car in typically French style parking part in the disabled space and part on the garden adjoining it; but with Dad, Stacey, Me and Syd getting out first, Adam managed to get the car parked. First we looked around the market and then Dad realised it was after 12 noon so thought he'd have a beer! We found a nice cheap place right on the edge of the market. Afterwards we went back to the car for lunch. We found a seat in the shade in the car park right next to a lamppost with a Cigale (Cicade) sat on it who continued to "shout" all through lunch.After lunch we went to look around the Harbour and saw the Chateau which is now privately owned. Dad said he wasn't surprised as it was in a wonderful location overlooking the harbour. Our parrents thought it ought to be a 5-star hotel! Then we went to a viewing place where you could look down over the harbour and then back to the harbourside for, yes you've guessed it, another Beer. If Dad get's hot, he gets a Beer but if me and Syd get hot, all we get is a spray (which Sydney doesn't like - although she is getting much better!). Then we went to see one of the Calanques. It was certainly a spectacular rocky cliff on both sides with the sea entering a narrow channel down below but Dad said Cornwall was just as good! On the way home we stopped to buy some fruit and veg and then came on home after a great day out! Saturday 6th August. Today dawned a bit cloudy which was quite good for Adam & Stacey as they were flying home from Marseille. On the way to the airport we had a heavy shower but luckily that was the only one and it brightened up after lunch. Having dropped Adam & Stacey at the Airport, Mum & Dad took us 2 fids to L'Estaque again as it was market day. They had a look around the market and then went for a Beer at a "local" Bar. It was very busy with Locals and the prices were suitably cheap as well and they made us feel very welcome by keep bringing us peanuts for Me & Sydney! After our drinks (Oh! You noticed the subtle way I added and "s" to drink, did you?!!!), we went over to the public Petangue courts and watched a couple playing Petangue while we had our Lunch. Unfortunately, due to Adam's driving earlier, the flask had fallen out of the picnic bag and it fell out of the back of the car and smashed! Mum reckons she will get a new glass liner for it when we get home; Dad isn't convinced!!! After lunch we went to see the harbour and saw 2 large cruise ships in dock. Then we had yet another drink at the same bar (yes, and peanuts too!) and then me and Syd were put in our travel cage and we went off to Carrefour for our shopping. We stocked up on food so we didn't have to go shopping straight away at the next site (on Monday). Now, talk about closing the stable door after the horse has bolted! For the last fortnight, Dad has been asked for his Carte Fidelitee whenever he went to Carrefour but hasn't had one. Now when he goes to Perpignan he is hoping to shop in E L'Eclerc which he prefers BUT, today, AFTER finishing his shopping he applied for a Carte Fidelitee!!! So, he is now happy in the knowledge that IF hye can't find a L'eClerc for the next fortnight he will be able to earn points on his currently zero points Carrefour card instead of on his preferred L'eClerc card!!! What a plonker!!! Well this evening is still very warm but Sydney and I are tired after our long day out so are sleeping soundly!!! Week 1 started on Saturday 23rd July when we left home in the morning for Portsmouth. As usual, our parrents got us there much too early so we went to Southsea Sea Front for a walk. Dad got me & Sydney out of the caravan and we were soooo excited we didn't stop talking for over an hour. We had lunch at Southsea and then it was back in the caravan for Syd and Me ready for the afternoon crossing to Caen in Normandy. We arrived at about 21:30 and drove a short distance to a service area where we spent the night.
Sunday 24th was a long day for me and Syd. We drove about 750 kms to our 1st site near Lyon. We were only stopping 1 night so Dad didn't set up the awning. We had tea and then went to the bar. Syd and I were so excited to be out of the caravan we didn't stop talking again and soon had a large group of children assembled around us! While we were at the bar children kept coming up wanting to hold us but Adam kept saying that we were tired but after a while a sweet little dutch girl came and asked in Dutch, which we didn't understand so Adam suggested German which she didn't understand so then he suggested English and she spoke good English so Dad tried to put Sydney on her shoulder but Mum was worried so Dad let her hold me instead. Monday morning was a late-ish get up and after breakfast we headed off on the last 3 hours of our journey to the South of France. By lunchtime we had driven 1025 kms and spent €80 in Motorwat tolls!!! We arrived at the site in Aix en Provence just after lunch. We unhitched the caravan and parked it and then Dad & Stacey went shopping for food while Mum and Adam put the awning up and got everything else set up. When Dad & Stacey got back we had some tea and then went for an explore around the site ending up in the bar, of course! We stayed there all evening until bedtime. Tuesday 26th dawned hot and sunny. As we had had 3 days of travelling we drove the short distance to the Park & Ride for Aix. We paid €2 to park and all 4 adults got a ticket to use on any of the Aix buses for the whole day. We went into town, found the Tourist Information Office and got some info and a map of Aix. A friend of Adam's who had spent her year abroad in Aix suggested we took the Noddy Train trip which we did. It gave us a good overview and in the afternoon we re-visited some of the places when we had more time. Aix is twinned with Bath and is very similar, not only in size but of the stone it was constructed from and it even has a warm Spa like Bath. Wednesday dawned with heavy Thunderstorms so we got up late and then went to Carrefour for some more shopping. Me and Syd stayed in our travel cage in the car. By the time they had finished it had stopped raining and turned very nice so we all went back to the Caravan for lunch. After lunch we went to Pertuis which was a town in the foothills of the mountains. It was an interesting town and we got a walk from the tourist information office and followed this for 45 minutes. On the way back we drove through Venelles and returned home. Thursday 28th was the day Adam had arranged for his friend Harriott to show us around Marseille as she now lives there. We met Harriott at her flat in Estaque and walked down to a very pretty harbour with loads of yachts. It really is a lovely suburb of Marseille. Then we got the bus and tram into the City Centre and then caught another bus up to the Cathedral which is on top of a hill from which you can get lovely views all over Marseille. The Cathedral Bassilica is absolutely beautiful and then we walked around the outside admiring the views. Then we went back down to the centre where we found a bakery and bought some French Sandwiches for lunch which we had sat on the grass in a square by a fountain. After lunch we took another bus to a small seaside village/suburb called, Vallon des Auffes. This was a really pretty little fishing village that has been swallowed up by Marseille but the good thing was it hasn't been commercialised. We found a small bar by the harbour and enjoyed a drink in the sun (and shade). Then we went to catch a bus back into the centre. The first 2 didn't have any room but we eventually caught the third bus which took us all the way to the centre. Then we went to the old town but on the way stopped for ice creams! Now me and Sydney just love ice cream. We know it isn't very good for us but we just love it so much - especially Sydney!!! We haven#t had ice cream for ages so I was a bit slow to cotton on but Syd was straight in there!!! I think Dad would rather one of the others shared with me so he only had to share with one of us! After Ice Creams we went to the Old Town. It was a bit disappointing until we got to "Le Charitee" which was built hundreds of years ago to provide for the poor and homeless and has now been fully restored to a superb galleried building. Then we got the bus back to Estaque where Harriott went home and we found a restaurant on the sea front for Dinner. After Dinner we went back to Aix, very late and very tired but having had an absolutely brilliant day!!! Friday was Peter Mayle Day. We went to Cadenet, Lourmarin, Vaugines and Menerbes. Now Cadenet is nothing to do with Peter Mayle other than it is a nice Provencal town/village. We had a walk around the town and we were in the main square when this lady called us over to a bar. We were a bit puzzled but then we heard her mention Peroquet D'Amazonica and thought she just recognised me and Syd. That was until Dad took us over.....and then we saw in a large open topped cage, a Mealy Amazon. Her husband was with the bird and he told me he was 22 years old (that's as old as Max - reeeeeeally old!!!). I made Ammazon noises at it and it back but it didn't speak (not that I would have understood as it would have spoken French!), so neither did I - well I didn't want to show off! Dad really liked the Amazon - said it reminded him of Ollie back at home. Then we went on to Lourmarin which was the second place in the Provence that Peter Mayle lived. It had a chateau but Dad decided €6 each was too much so we walked to the village and had a wander around and another coffee! It was actually a very nice village and totally uncommercialised. Then we went to Vaugine which is where Peter Mayle lives now. This was a sleepy little village with the one and only bar not opening until 17:00 so we sat in the shade and had our flasks of coffee. Finally we went to Menerbes which is where Peter Mayle wrote "A Year in Provence". The village has clearly gained immensely from the fame of Peter Mayle and the associated money! It had all new paving;l the shops were like Parisian Boutiques and bars were very few and far between. We did eventually find one with a lovely terrace overlooking some stunning scenery and a Burman Cat - a bit like Boots and, like Boots, he was afraid of us! We had a wonderful day visiting typical Provencal towns and villages but Menerbes was very disappointing, sio Dad said. Saturday 30th we went to pick up Harriot and Hannah at Estaquwe. We then went along the coast to the West of Marseille visiting places like Carry le Rouet (for coffee) and Sausset les Pins where we had lunch. Then we went along to the Parc Nationelle de Camargue which is a marshland famous for unforgiving Mosquitoes so we stayed in the car. While in the Parc we went to L'Etang de Baccares where we saw wild Flamingoes. The Flamingoes weren't pink like in zoos - more a grey colour but everyone enjoyed seeing them and we all even got out of the car and risked the mosquitoes. Then we went back across the Car Ferry (which, beleive it or not is French for Car Ferry!!!), to Istres where we stopped for coffee (or Beer!) and Dad decided he would like to come back here. Well we came back after another great day ouit and this ends week 1. Watch out for week 2 soon!!! Well last week-end our parrents went to Stoke and came back with Joza. Joza already has her own page on this site. We haven't met her yet as she is in quarantine in the lounge until her Chlamydia result comes back on Tuesday. It should have been back last Thursday but good old Royal Mail took 2 days to deliver the sample and it missed the deadline! Still, all being well we will all meet Joza on Tuesday evening! Apparently she is a Blue-fronted Amazon who is reluctant to step up but is gradually learning! Well, what do you expect - she is a woman!!! Well, we think she is!!! Later in the week we should have her sexing results back and then we will know for sure!
On Thursday, Dad, and Adam took me and Sydney to Lacock. It wasn't really our turn but we had to use the bus so we ended up going. It was a lovely sunny afternoon and we sat in the Apple Orchard in Lacock Abbey eating....no, not apples but Custard Creams!!! Sydney was a bit wasteful and left some crumbs for the wild birds but I am a little more careful with my food and don't waste it - especially Custard Creams! Dad & Adam were checking on the pubs and found the Red Lion served Fosters at a perfect temperature for a warm July afternoon!!! This afternoon Dad was going to take Jasper & Ollie out but he's not feeling too good so he decided not to. Hopefully they can go out tomorrow. Well next week is a getting ready week. On Saturday we head of to Southern France - that's Mum, Dad, Adam, Stacey, Sydney & me! Dad says there shouldn't be much rain down there so we should go out everyday - yippee! Meantime, I'd best think about packing!!! Yesterday our Parrents took me and Sydney to the Calne Country Music Festival. I went a couple of years ago and enjoyed it a lot. We didn't go last year as we were near Lyon in France on our European Tour. I had been telling Sydney how good the Festival was all week and she finally got to find out all for herself. We arrived before 11:00 and had 11 hours of continual Country Music, until 22:00 when our parrents took us home as we were missing our sleep (well, you can't sleep with all that loud music going on and anyway, we wanted to listen!!!). The bands we saw were:- Smokey Mountain Boys, Snake Oil, Dave Montana, The Hanks, Bear Faced Country, and Jeff Gallant Band. Near the beginning, the generator ran out of diesel so all the power went off but, not to be beaten, Smokey Mountain Boys, unplugged their instruments, left their mics and walked up to the audience and played totally acoustically for 2 songs! We were sat right at the front and it was just as if they were singing to Sydney and me! During the day we nibbled (Dad calls it Grazing) on Carrot sticks, French Beans, Celery, Cucumber, and of course, Biscuits! We also tried Cherries for the first time ever. Dad says they are good for gout but I don't think me or Sydney get gout but he said they were still good for us. Having tried them we both decided we liked them and wanted some more. During the lunchtime they had a shooting competition but it didn't bother Sydney and me - we just stayed to watch the music! There were several stalls there selling mainly Country & Western clothing or food but Dad found a Country & Western Toy stall and looked for some small stetsons for me and Syd so we could have our own Stetsons but he couldn't find any! Hmmm, I quite fancy a Stetson too!!! Below are the bands we saw and listened to:- Jasper, Kenny & Ollie at Lacock Well on last Monday Dad was going to take me & Sydney on the bus to Swindon but a few very heavy showers put paid to that! Tuesday was much better so Dad took Me & Sydney into town on the bus. We went to Blackbridge where we had our lunch over the River Avon watching the canoists. Then after lunch we went to Calne where we saw the old Canal before catching the buses back home again. On Wednesday it was Stacey's half day so Dad & Stacey took Ollie, Jasper and me to Lacock. We had a walk around the village and Jasper kept asking everyone if they were "you alright?" Ollie kept saying Hello to Dad but very quietly and I was my usual self and tended only to talk to the women! Ollie wore his new harness instead of Tahla's and his harness is black. Now our parrents will know which one to take for which bird! After having our coffee and biscuits in the grounds to Lacock Abbey we went across the road to the Red Lion where Dad and Stacey had a pint (Dad's pint was Lager and Stacey's, Orange Juice). On Thursday it was Adam's birthday so Dad took him to the canalside pub at Bathampton. They took me & Sydney with them and we shared their lunch at the pub. I shared Adam's chips (OK Naughty but nice!!!) and Sydney shared Dad's peas. Afterwards we went into Bath where we both spoke to loads of people and then we caught the bus home with the nice lady driver who used to have a parrot herself. Although it was nice on Friday, Mum had a hospital appointment in Swindon and, of course, we couldn't go. But....tomorrow is the first day of Calne Country Music Festival. Now I have been before but not Sydney as we were both in Europe last year but, although he hasn't said anything, I hope they will take me and Sydney for 11 hours of Country Music!!! We'll have to see! Today our parrents took Ollie on the bus to Swindon. Dad was going to take me & Sydney but at the last minute decided to try to take Ollie. Apparently he was very well behaved except that he discovered our Dad's shoulder (where Sydney likes to sit!). He went on a total of 4 buses, had a picnic and went to the shops! Dad say's he had a good time but I haven't met him yet. Ollie's blood results came back today. There were a few borderline readings but nothing too sinister. Apparently his Uric Acid was a bit high which might lead to gout in the future so Dad is going to get him some cherries which are good at lowering Uric Acid. Also it said he might benefit from a bird light but as soon as he comes into the birdroom he will have one so no real worries. Still to come are his Chlamidia and DNA sexing results - watch this space!!! Today our parrents started Ollie's harness training. Dad has updated Ollie's page with a picture and full details. He made a prmosing start and I am looking forward to going out with him in the future.
After that our parrents took me, Phoebe and Sydney to Lacock. Dad prefers to have Phoebe on his shoulder because she is a bit heavy to be carried on his hand for the whole afternoon! Unfortunately she wanted the same shoulder a Sydney - the right one, and they weren't prepared to share. They were each tried on his left shoulder but both wanted to go to the right shoulder where the other one was. In the end Sydney drew the short straw and ment to Mum but because Sydney once bit her face Mum wont allow he on her shoulder. When we first arrived and walked through the village I was very talkative saying Hello to everyone I met. My parrents say I only usually say Hello when I want something and this was no exception - I wanted Sydney with me! Still it wasn't going to happen and both me and Sydney eventually settled down. While in Lacock we went to see our friends, the ladies at Lacock Abbey as we went around the grounds. We sat in the orchard for coffee and biscuits but by then Sydney was getting tired and niggly (well she had missed her siesta!) so rather than visiting the pub for a drink we went home instead. Mum promised Dad a beer at home but all she gave him was a bovril (hahahaha). It was a lovely warm and sunny afternoon and Dad said he wished he'd put his shorts on instead of his Jeans. He should be like us fids and just have one outfit on all the time (except for Phoebe who likes going topless ;-) so had to have her vest on to stop the sunburn!). Today is our Dad's birthday and he and Adam are going to Leicestershire to see a Mealey Amazon called Ollie. Dad says that he will only get Ollie if he is confident he will get on with him but secretly I reckon two of them went and three will be coming back! Dad loves Amazons (so me and Sydney must be doing something right!!!) and there isn't a Mealy in our flock.
Well they are back now and guess what? I was right! There are three of them!!! Ollie is currently in a quarantine cage in the lounge - just in case! Tomorrow he will be having a blood test to test for illness and also having one of those microchip thingies put in his breast (personally the only chips I like are those that come with fish!!!), but I have one as well as do all of us Fids. I know Dad is really happy he got Ollie but aparently he wants another Amazon and then the bird room will be full so no more Fids! I haven't met Ollie yet but I am looking forward to it. Apparently his is bigger than me but, like me, he is not a bully! I will keep you posted on Ollie's future developments so keep an eye on my blog! |
Author:- Phoebe (on behalf of David Vickery)This will not be a daily blog but just a record of anything out of the ordinary for the family members. Archives
October 2016
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