The Wangie

Gordon had arranged a walk today – we had planned to go up Connick Hill at Loch Lomond, but as we drove out of Milngavie, the snow came on really heavy and the road started to get a bit hairy.  We decided to have a change of plan and go up the Wangie.  Dad and Mikie and Mikie’s pal Gordon arrived and we headed up the path.

The snow was quite heavy when we started and was a bit nippy on the face, but it soon clamed down and at times the sun came out.  The snow was really deep – at one point Mikie fell into a ditch which was hidden by the snow – he was up to his waist in snow.  A lot of the time the snow was up to our knees, which for the adults was hard going – but for Craig and Patrick it must have been like constantly walking up the Hamilton mausoleums stairs!!  When we got to the Wangie it got very calm, and with all the snow it was like a scene from “Lord of the Rings” - fantastic.

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Boxing Day 2009

We all got up and watched Megan’s “Take That” DVD.  The snow came on really heavy.  Michael headed home and we got ready to go over to Jean & Eddie’s.  Everyone was congregating with all the left-overs from Christmas day.  There was a full house and another great day was had.

Christmas 2009

Happy Christmas everyone.  Hope everyone has had a great day. 
On Christmas Eve we headed through to Wishaw hospital to see Fiona & Gerry and the twins.  The traffic was a nightmare – we left Houston at 2 o’clock and never got to the hospital until 3:45!!  Visiting was supposed to finish at 4, but I think because it was Christmas, they let us in for a bit over.  I have seen Fiona better!!  She looked spaced out and knackered.  The kids were not able to get into see the twins – which they were ragin’ about.  Gerry took Mo, Michael and myself into see them – they look great, both of them are getting fed by a tube because they were not sooking very well.   They are both perfect.

We had planned to meet the Halpin’s in George Square before going to the Vigil mass, but because we were running late we went straight to church and met them there.  After mass we went to McDonalds on the way home for our dinner.

The kids got ready for bed.  Jean and Eddie came to ours at about 11.  We had a glass of wine and we got the place organised for the morning.

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The twins are here

Good news from Fiona & Gerry - text from Gerry

Hey bros + sis, u may hav heard that the twins Daisy (5'9) + Noah (5'4) were born @ 8:49 + 9:49 last nite. They doin well + r having bed + breakfast in the neo-natal unit until fiona (who isn't doin great but is stable) gets better + out of critical care. Will send photos if i get a chance but im not allowed any phones etc on the ward. Im sure mums will keep u updated. Spk soon G.

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Megan’s School Concert

We were all up at the big school last night to see Megan in her first school show.  The whole night was great.  There was a broad range of acts, from hand balls, guitar solos, big bands and the finale was the concert band.

Great night and hope to see plenty more.

Meg’s Birthday

It was Megan’s Birthday on Wednesday – Jean & Eddie, Mum & Dad, Michael and Meg’s pal Christy all came round for dinner.  Fiona, Gordon, Laura, Craig and Arnold (Laura’s boyfriend!!) came round for a while after dinner.  Good night.  Not many photos taken.

Ella’s Nativity Play

Mo and I were up at the school today to see Ella in the school nativity play.  She was part of the chorus, but managed to get a line …

“"It’s a party, and you are all welcome.”

Pause, Pause, Pause …

“… and it’s free”

It was great.  There was no photos or video allowed during the show, but we got to take a few at the end.  This is Ella with her friend Adam and the Wise Man below is Scott.

Bous a la Mar

I joined the AV (Audio Visual) workshop group this year at the camera club.  I went along to the local AV Club – Diaporama, last month and it was really interesting and learned quite a lot.  This month they were having a competition, which I decided to go along and enter.  I came in 2nd – beginners luck!! 

The main problem is coming up with something worth showing.  The winner was a short documentary about the tug boat that was lost on the Clyde 2 years ago – good photography and a great narration over the top.  There is a lot more to it than just putting photographs to music, which is exactly what I did!!

Here is my entry …

Patrick’s In the Paper Again!

One of the better pictures of Patrick made it to the paper – Thursdays Paisley Express.  Only have a picture at the moment.  Getting a copy of the article later and will update the entry.

Paisley Gazette – 9th December 2009

Patrick made it into the paper – not the best picture as far as Pat was concerned but at least he made it.

The Queen’s Baton was officially welcomed to Renfrewshire with the help of some pupils from St Fillan’s Primary School.

Ten P5 pupils took part in a St Andrews Day games heats last week that allowed them to take part in the day’s events.

They then got to be involved in a range of fun games, including tug of war and throw the welly, before they got their hands on the special baton.  Renfrewshire's Provost Celia Lawson welcomed the Queen’s Baton and its delegates, before handing it over to local 800m runner and Commonwealth Games hopeful Clair Gibson to officially start a special relay race around the historic Paisley Abbey.

Provost Celia Lawson said: “The Queen’s Baton Relay 2010 is a very prestigious event and it was an honour to welcome it to Renfrewshire.”

“It was particularly special for the young people who got the opportunity to carry the baton and I am delighted we were able to get so many youngsters involved”

Headteacher of St Fillan’s Primary School, Louise Maher, said: “The children had a fantastic time and we are delighted with their success”.

Kids Message from Santa

We got 3 emails from Santa this morning – check them out - Ella’s , Patrick’s and Megan’s

December Camera Club Results

I was first with Ella in the Black and White.  The Bullfighting one got 8th and the rest didn’t get a mention.  Really pleased with the picture of Ella – it was my favourite out of them all, but when you see it up on the wall with another 40 odd images, I am never sure how well it will do.

All the images are getting sent to an external judge, who will come in the new year to give us his opinions.

December Camera Club Entries

Here are this months competition entries …
Digital
 

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Mikie Playing the Piano

When I was making up the xscape video, I came across a video Patrick had taken round at Michael’s a few months ago.  Mikie had been practising this tune for a few weeks, and hadn’t quite got it yet, but it sounded great to me.  The skill required to play something like this is unbelievable.  I still don’t really believe that he was doing it!!  He will need to record it properly and give me a copy.  I think it is Beethoven (if not I will update)