Grampian Motorcycle Convention

At the end of the season I like, when possible, to attend the Grampian Motorcycle Convention.  This is where a load of bikers can get together and see some stunts and other attractions at the local transport museum on a Sunday afternoon.

A big thanks to Ian (and Jane) for helping as I was able to get along and see a good part of what went on.

I don't know how these guys manage the jump.  They leap from one ramp on to another ramp that is mounted onto the back of a lorry.

I just wish I could have gone on my own motorbike,  but getting pushed around in a wheelchair for the afternoon was nearly as much fun. 

30th Anniversary

Well - 

That was a quick thirty years!

Yesterday was the anniversary of Jane and I meeting on the English Summer Bank Holiday... 30 years ago.  This is a rare image because Jane really does NOT like having her picture on the internet.  In those days I rode a small Kawasaki... I wonder what happened to that little bike?

This image was actually from one year AFTER we met but it does show how I dressed - in a wax cotton "Belstaff" jacket.

Yesterday we were able to get out for a lovely meal that I really enjoyed.  Hopefully after a mere 30 years Jane did too!  Only joking - we had a good time.

The last couple a days have been shakey - both literally and metaphorically so we hope that things settle down somewhat.

Cricket outing - Saturday August 21st 2010

Thanks to John Bevan for organising an outing to see some cricket.  It was good to get out into the sunshine and enjoy some male company.

A visit to Doonies Farm

Doonies farm is a very modest little farm right close to the city of Aberdeen.  It used to be owned by the Council but has just been taken over by a family who say they want to expand and make something of the rather old fashioned site which needs a refresh.

The weather was nice but because it's up high over the sea even on a warm day we soon felt cool and were glad we took our fleece coats.  (Imagine that all my Cypriot friends - suffering in the August heat.).

A visit to Drum Castle

Drum Castle

Drum Castle is a castle near Drumoak in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. For centuries it was the seat of the chief of Clan Irvine.  The place-name Drum is derived from Gaelic druim, 'ridge'.

We had a lovely couple of hours browsing in the House itself and also in the Garden.  I was taken by the First edition of the Daily Express that is available in the study room - I noted the address and later confirmend that this is a first edition.  I like old newspapers so this appealed to me.

We got just the right time for a stroll in the garden with sunshine aiding our gentle perambulation.

The original 13th century tower of Drum Castle has been suggested as the work of medieval architect Richard Cementarius, who built the Bridge of Don in Old Aberdeen. It is believed to be one of the three oldest tower houses in Scotland (and notably unaltered). A large wing was added in 1619 by the 9th laird, further alterations were made during the Victorian era.

The castle and its grounds were granted to William de Irwyn in 1325 by Robert the Bruce, and remained in the possession of Clan Irvine until 1975. William de Irwyn (of the Irvings of Bonshaw clan) was armour bearer/secretary (and neighbor) to King Robert the Bruce. Drum played a role in the Covenanting Rebellion (as did nearby Muchalls Castle leading to its being attacked and sacked three times.

The castle is surrounded by late 18th century gardens, including a rose garden and arboretum containing trees from all regions of the 18th century British Empire.

Finished my model Ferrari

It's taken me months and months but I recently finally finished the plastic model car kit that I bought.

Just thought you migh like to see some snaps.

It was very difficult to get a good finish and was rather frustrating - but anyway, I was glad I gave it a go.

Health update...

Hi all -

Just to say that the last few days have not been good - I have been troubled with nausea.

We thought there was a chance I would get re-admitted to Roxburghe House, the local palliative care unit.  But I am pleased to say that the doctors have come up with something else to try that will enable me to stay at home.

We will let you know if there is more to tell.

Your prayers are appreciated,

Steve & Jane W.

Aboyne Games 2010 short video

We were able to get out to see a couple of hours of the Highland Show at Aboyne.  I put together a short video featuring the Pipe bands as they marched around the parade ground.

It's not been a brilliant week so it was glad that we made it out to the show - even if it was just for a short while.

Free ipads but only 5 left NOT A GIMMICK

Hi

I have 5 free iPads to give away, first come first served.

I already gave one to my mate Dave have a look and see for yourself

Pictured below

Matthew chapter 6

Do Not Worry
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]?

28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Stonehaven harbour

Today we visited a local town called Stonehaven. The weather was very warm and we were able to sit outside a pub and enjoy a drink in the sunshine. There were even people sunbathing on the sandy part of the harbour which is very unusual.

My Mummy bought me this Tee Shirt

I think it's great so I wanted to share it with you!

Just in case you can't read the legend it says "Mummy's brave little Soldier" and on the back are my initials. COOL.

More pictures from a lovely day out....

Taking a glider flight

So, the day was so nice that we called at the Aboyne Gliding club.  I have been over before but what with one thing and another I never got round to actually taking the flight.

Glider take off

A Deeside day out

Today I felt really well, in contrast to the rest of the week.  So we went out for a drive up Royal Deeside.  We wanted to visit a little gallery that had a couple of nice paintings that Jane liked.  The ride out in our new car was very pleaseant - the weather was neither too hot nor too cold.

What is the box at the side of the road?  Well, it's something that would have been seen often years ago in the UK but I suppose they are now very rare.  The full story of the AA box is at  AA Box 472 

Down by the river the water was running still and deep and every now and again a big fish would fly out of the water and land with a big splash.  This is always irritating because it's always just simply impossible to photograph the fish in mid air.

As you can see the mood was fairly light-hearted down by the river.

Where is my head?

This moorhen seems to have lost its head?!  We took this in a local park.  It made me laugh.

The first house I ever lived in:

View Larger Map

Selling a computer accessory no longer needed

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300449563513&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT 

Swimming Shaun the Sheep

Just to continue in the rich vein of UTTER randomness that is my blog - today I am featuring a special gift sent to me by my mother.

This is a plastic model of the famous Shaun the Sheep character.  He has been moulded to have a shark fin on his back and flippers on his feet.

Thanks Mum.  (!)

Video is featured in Full HD below, for your delight and delectation - specifically at the request of my Mum.

The start of a new life

On 15th July 2007 Jane and I took Flight TCX222K from Birmingham (BHX)  to  Larnaca (LCA). Departed: 08:10       Arrived: 14:50. 

This was to start our new life as Missionaries working for BMS World Mission on secondment to SAT-7 Christian TV in Nicosia.  What an exciting prospect!  What a challenge!

How would this adventure turn out?

A glorious day out in the Scottish sunshine

 

Actually our little trip out to the Willows animal rescue centre was a good one and the rain held off after we had reached the place.  Yes, I took the picture of the peacock - it was the first time (I think) that I have seen one displaying like that.  There were a few worried looking ducks about the place I can tell you.

3D Motorbike puzzle

My sister and her husband bought me a model motorbike back in May for my birthday.  It turns out that this was really more like a 3D puzzle than a model motorbike and it was VERY hard.  It took a fair few hours to put together.

What do you think?