The First Post

Just set this up with grand plans to keep the geographically (and, in some cases, mentally) spaced out family in touch with the kids' daily development and demolition, my stuttering athletic ressurection, Anna's news and hopefully the imminent construction of our family home.

I'm just about over ther dreadful lurgy that flattened me for the best part of a week. It struck on the final day of a camping trip to N. Ireland with Hamish. We get together with Joe and Jack Anderson once-a-year, and this year it was in the Mournes. Cracking trip in lovely weather. Will upload some photos shortly.

Other things going on at the moment: Running back on track this year after several years ticking over. Heading out to France at the end of July for a 6-day, 200km race in the Alps, around GR54. The following week, we're all heading out to cousin Jenny's cottage on the edge of the Pyranees for a week.

Before either of these, though, we'll hear whether we've managed to bag the derelict farm steading we've had our eye on for over a year. It's our dream plot, with 7 acres of grazing and 4 acres of woodland. Closing date is July 25th.

As I write, Ellie's on her way back from a fortnight in Florida with Terry and Sabah. Sounds in good fettle, despite the heat and the late nights. It'll be just grand to have her back.

Oscar has just run in from the garden, naked, and proclaimed "we're not doing anything, Dad", before running out again. I rather think I should go and check what he and Toby are up to!