Steaming through Wales

Barb has been planning this steam trip through north Wales for several months before our anniversary.  We were hoping for sunny weather in order to see the top of Snowdon Mountain but you don't always get what you want. We did take several train rides through Snowdonia Park, two on steam trains and were rewarded with lovely views of the green foothills littered with sheep and flowing with rushing streams. We were again by the sea which is always thrilling to me even without the 30 to 40 mph winds to help you stand up straight. Here are a few of the scenes ...

Cuthbert's Island

We went on Pilgrimage with the Treehouse staff and students this past week to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Barbara and I remember visiting once back in 2002 when the Africa Mercy was being refit in Newcastle, UK. The weather was amazingly sunny and mild so we had wonderful day trips and pictures of the North Sea, wildlife and livestock. We stayed in a guesthouse for pilgrims named Marygate House where they host you and feed you for whatever you can pay. One night we walked across the tidal plain as pilgrims have been doing for centuries. Studying the Celtic Christians, we visited ancient sites and took time to wait on the Lord and pray together. It was a special week for our group and a soothing pause after being robbed at home.

Back from Zurich to a Surprise!

I had a wonderful weekend in Zurich taking lots of pictures of the Alps and enjoying the sunny meadows in the mountains after visiting a friend of Betsy's and speaking at a church conference. The problem is that a few days after returning to Luton someone broke into our house while we were sleeping and stole my computer! So I lost about two months of pictures and files along with all our dvds and an Mp3 player. I did have a backup, but lost pictures of Titus' first birthday and our family reunion in Denton and the stunning pictures of the Alps! I did manage to salvage some files from sent emails and some pictures from blogs here and there so all is not lost. I bought a Mac to replace the noisy HP but I am not at all convinced that it is an improvement...

Wisley

Barb loves tulips

Wisley Gardens are just West of London and not far to drive if the traffic is light. The forecast was bright for Tuesday so we headed out. The fruit trees were just coming on and the camellias were just finishing. The late blooming daffodil exhibition in the glass house was really worth the trip!

Jumpin Jaimie

We had a jumpin good time visiting Bryan and Jaimie in Denton for Titus' first birthday!

Happiness

When I was at University (ancient history) I saw a poster that said "Happiness is not a destination it is a mode of travel". Here is another happiness quote from Barb's perspective.

Snowy Palm Sunday

After Palm Sunday Service at our church Barb and I headed out to see the winter wonderland. The trees are white with clinging snow, the fields are white and the side roads are drifting with dunes. We went to one of our favorite places for soup and Stilton mushrooms and got a fireside seat. I had the privilege of stoking the fire. (this is not the one but similar)