Birthday

I celebrated my 40th in August. My birthday fell on August Bank holiday. We invited friends to a picnic at Ashton Court - an old estate that used to belong to the Smythe family - now belongs to the council and is open to the public. We had a lovely, sunny day with our friends.

My mom

An added bonus was that my parents came to Bristol for 2 weeks - we did some travelling to Bath and Wales and they were here to celebrate with me!

Roman Baths in Wales

On a barge on the Avon River, Bath

My folks - listening to an organ recital in Bath Abbey

Famous Clifton Suspension Brisge designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel

Closest "beach" - Weston Super Mare (or Super Mud!)

Victorian Pier in Clevedon

Bath Cathedral

Ashton Court

 While my parents were here, they also watched Sarah and Alexandra act in a summer theatre workshop production of The Wizz (Wizard of Oz)

Long Ashton

Well, we have found our home - for now at last. A little closer to Bristol than Backwell, in a village called Long Ashton. We are in a three-bedroom flat. Small, but enough for us for now.

It has a library, co-op (bit like a Spar) and a lovely little sweet shop the girls like to frequent called the Little Tipple - owned by an old couple, Mr and Mrs Grover. It is great as the girls can walk to the library, co-op and Tipple by themselves - freedom at last! :)

Long Ashton is the village attached to Ashton Court - the wokers from the estate used to live in the village.
The Ashton Court grounds are now open freely to the public for walks, mountain biking, picnincs, etc. It also hosts the famous Bristol Balloon Fiesta

Unusual shapes

Mass ascent

Night Glow