Where did that month go?!?

Hi family,

It feels like it's been ages since I wrote an update.. and after checking the last few posts, it's been more than a month! How did that happen?! And what have we done with ourselves since then?

The last couple of weekends have seen us in 'Spring Cleaning Mode' - we've taken a car-load to the tip and 5 bin-bags full of stuff to the op-shop. I've packed up half of my wardrobe (all of the things that don't fit me right now but that I want to keep) and Bruce emptied out at least half of the shelves in the store-room and moved around some of the furniture in the lounge. *phew* Clearly, this is all part of the 'get ready for baby' preparations and we know we've got lots still to do.

Speaking of preparations, for those of you who missed the photo on hangouts, here's the bumpdate. This was from last weekend when we were out looking at prams and cot-beds (note: it's still not warm enough for t-shirts yet.. not for longer than a few minutes anyway.) :-) This week I'm having a glucose test (fingers crossed for no gestational diabetes) and I think we're almost sorted for all of the 'big' purchases - car seat, pram & cot-bed. Now it's just all of the 'little' things we need to work out (and I don't even know what they all are!). And I realise that I need to get in-shape - I've got about three months to build up my strength and flexibility. Anyone got any good links/suggestions for programmes/stretches/etc?

Work has been keeping B & I busy, as always. We've both been travelling lately, with more to come over the next month.

Easter was a welcome break - we had a lovely quiet Easter at home and then headed up to Birmingham(ish) for Phil & Sarah's wedding. Phil and B have been mates for years, so B was a Best Man. Here's a pic taken by Gwen - I'm sure you'll agree that Bruce scrubs up pretty well. :-) The wedding was lovely - religious ceremony in a little church followed by reception at a hotel in the middle of nowhere. Good food, good company and we stayed at the hotel, so I didn't have to wait for B to be finished before I could go to bed. Yay!

After the wedding we headed even further north for a short-break with Vicki and Stephen. We stayed at a lovely little flat in Gatehouse of Fleet (Southern Scotland) and spent the time exploring castles and abbey ruins, spying on the local wildlife (we saw a seal in a field!), playing games whilst it rained, and enjoying wine, cheese and chocolate! I haven't looked through my "real" photos yet, so here are a few from my phone.

Caerlaverock Castle

Feeding the red kites

Sweetheart Abbey

The coming month is looking like it's as busy as the last - I've got two weekend conferences and at least two trips to North Wales! But we've also got two bank holidays in May (yay!) and I'm planning on taking some leave (not to go anywhere, but to sleep-in and relax a little). Next weekend is May Day and there's a local festival in Radyr and Morganstown - we might even see what that's all about.

What are the rest of you up to?

Church St Chatter

Another fortnight since a post.
Apart from dancing, Clive and I had a two day trip to Swan Hill last week. Went up Wednesday as photos on FB show, stayed with Clive's sister and brother in law and had dinner at Murray Downs where we hoped to dance but it was cancelled at the last minute so no dancing. We do Rock and roll on Tuesday's. Not as much variety as ballroom but no travelling needed so we can have much earlier nights. Up to advanced group now.
I've been making felt flowers after we had a workshop at Spinners. Also starting with organising for next year's Deb Ball (need a new photographer) and that went well.
Mum bought a Nutribullet when they had a buy one get one free deal so she bought one for me as well. Yet to try it.
Managed to get Mum transferred to my doctor as she has been very unhappy with the doctor she was transferred to when her doctor retired. I've booked for a flu shot on 5th May. Have heard of several people having a reaction to it so hope any adverse reaction is short lived.
Garden is neglected but I did plant some snow peas, spinach and onions. Zucchini plants are still trying but their coordination is off so I get a batch of female flowers then a batch of male flowers but that doesn't get the fertilization happening. Also found some old marigold seeds so they went in the front just before we finally had some rain. Weather has been beautiful apart from lack of rain but is cooling down now so heater is on.
Still attempting to declutter and I have drop offs at the op shop occasionally. I also buy at op shop so just hope it at least balances out.
Dayna, I saw there is a Dance sport group at Cardiff Uni. How much is dance and how vigorous is the sport? So many dances that we can go north and not know half of the dances so not sure how I'd go in Wales but I'd be interested to see what they do.
Quiet night in tonight. First Sunday in three weeks without a dance afternoon.
Josie and family had a great time in America although Mason was sick when he had the helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon.
We have a blessing ceremony for Ryan Chatham on the 9th May (Chris and Emma)
Planning an afternoon tea here on 7th June for Mum's 90th birthday.
Look forward to news from all of the family.

Buick is sold

The Buick has been sold to Mrs Rohde's daughter and her husband. No quibble on the $10000.They are going away for several weeks so won't be collecting until May but will pay me sooner.
Might need a working bee to tidy the shed after they take it.
Possible interest in the Torana from Ted so when we get it going I'll let him know.

Other decluttering. Does anyone want the organ kept? I'll ask Denise if they're interested. If not, any ideas on getting rid of it. The op shop who would collect it are the final idea.
Also does anyone want the children's videos kept?

Working well.
I rang Len to let him know it's gone. They lost some roofing on their house last week in the storm so are busy with that.