h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

This weekend I had my Dad staying with me! He came by train from Broadstairs, arriving around 16:00, and went to my Sister's to wait for me to arrive from work. She entertained and fed him, while her children played at the same time. I eventually arrived at 20:20 and spent a couple of hours there. Very pleasant, and no for a change! She did very kindly loan me a sleeping mat, so that I didn't have to sleep on an inflateable airbed...

http://www.gelert.com/.%2fproducts%2fXpedition_3%2f4_Self_Inflating_Mattress.aspx

Saturday we were up at 09:00, and Dad breakfasted while I had a and prepared supper, which was going in the slo-cooker. Chicken and chorizo in Paella rice... Mmm!

At 10:30 we left for Kew Gardens, as it was meant to be the best day, weather-wise, for photography, arriving at 10:45. Time for another while we calculated the route.

A circular route was deccided on, which would take in half of the Henry Moore exhibits before lunch, and then conclude the tour after lunch.

Good plan... Except we didn't factor in Rugrats and Pseudo-Art experts. I should imagine each sculpture took around 20 minutes to photograph, due to waiting for a clean shot. Anyway we managed it, reaching the Cafeteria at around 14:00. Had a sandwich and before setting out for the second leg... Same scenario as before, except this time we appeared to be following the slowest Moore expert in London! Finished at around 17:30 and headed home for supper and to check our photographic trophies.

After eating which, even though I say so myself, was good, I downloaded the photos, and went through them... Not that good... Too much white background, so overexposed... What a shame. We then sat and chatted, before Dad sloped off to and I stayed up to watch the rugby highlights, so a late one, but what a pleasant surprise? Then at around 02:00 there was the third world war going on outside, with 2 meatwagons and a jam sandwich parked in the street, 6 police and loads and loads of shouting. Don't know what that was about, but that was our sleep totally disrupted for the night.

Sunday started off the same, but this time we were going to the London Wetland Centre.

http://www.wwt.org.uk/centre/119/visit/wetlandcentre/.html

Arrived and had before taking a stroll around the right hand leg of the reserve, being the wild side... with plenty to see... and relatively quiet after the previous day. It was very leisurely and relaxing. Altogether I saw around 32 different birds, and was particularly pleased when I found a snipe skulking. Back to the restaurant for a sandwich and before heading off in the other direction. Photographically this was much better even though we both missed a Heron striking for a fish. I got the photo of just before his head went underwater, and Dad caught it as it came out... Just our At about 16:30 the light was too poor to really define anything, so time to head home.

Now for a dilemma! I could serve up the same supper as yesterday or do something different... Decided on the latter. Chicken in cider vinegar casserole, and very tasty it was too, even though I created it from nothing. Had to go to my local around 21:30, as My mum works there and I walk her home. After last night I was pleased I did. Again stayed up for the rugby highlights... So late to again.

Up at 09:00 so Dad could shoot home, while I went shopping then washing and ironing. Dad got home safely and as we're chatting... blow me if the police weren't at it again!!! This time some problem with school kids!

What a weekend... and very especially as up at 06:00 today for a training course in Luton... I need a holiday...

Oh! I have one next week... and I'm meeting a bunch of nutters the following weekend Yep! The London Meet! And I wouldn't have them any other way...

More fun...

I do enjoy living were I do!!! Even with the disruptions...



MMF

it sounds like a lovely weekend - although it also sounds very tiring!

It was really good, and none of the usual family either.

A real bonus!!!

And the weather was very kind. Poured with rain today!

And, although I don't like triffids I do enjoy Kew Gardens as a long walk...

A bit sterile wildlife-wise, but at least it is big enough, usually, to get away from the crowds.

I'll take you when you next visit, Sho!

MMF

Sorry about the annoyances, but glad you had a good weekend over all.

I'm actually more interested in the wetlands thing
but I'll deffo take you up on it MMF

Thanks, B'El. It was hectic, and good fun...

But the aggrevations do seem to be getting a little 'regular' at the weekends, but not usually with the in attendance though.

Hope you had a good one too.

Back on line proper tomorrow... Must get the T/G head on.

Really feels like a Sunday today, despite the training.

Mum's working tonight, so off to meet her shortly!!! Hopefully without the tonight!!!



MMF

I'll keep my fingers crossed for an undisturbed night for you.

Glad you had a good time MMF.

Nice one MMFIt's been awhile since I've spent quality time with the folks..hope to do so soon. Good job,let's hope for peace over the next few days *no*

That was one busy weekend, glad to hear it was a fun one