Dave, Nicki and Tayla Horan

The Dancing Horans

2010-05-22T08:52:00.000-04:00

Sorry it has been so long - here are some pics!

2010-02-25T12:08:00.004-04:00

Time flies when you are having fun - and have 2 kids, 2 jobs and busy lives, but we are still here in Bermuda, taking strain with the winter that does not want to end, and looking forward to our Easter holiday in Costa Rica.

Summer 2009

2009-07-17T08:35:00.008-04:00

Summer is finally here...after an unusual amount of rain. Tayla is in camp, Luke has started walking, Dave is busying himself whilst on holiday and Nicki is slogging away at work.

Apart from that is is time for beach, braai, boating and as much activity as possible!

Sam and Tayla

Our big boy!!

Horseshoe Bay

Tall ships race

A night at the Newstead Hotel looking across to Hamilton

Yes...the Bounty...right out from Pirates of the Caribbean!

Tayla and Zoe out on a school trip

Camping on Darryll's Island

Proudly South African...but the Bermuda flag has to be on top so the locals say!

Our fisherman!!

Braai on Marley Beach

Granny Wills comes to Bermuda

2009-04-29T21:15:00.006-04:00

My mom visited for a very special two and a half weeks over Easter. It was a memorable time!

Camping

2009-04-29T20:43:00.005-04:00

We took the boats out to Daryll's Island for a wonderful two days of camping, potjiekos, rooi wyn (far too much) and laughter.....the kids had a ball just in case you wnated to know!

Potjie!

Stonehole photo shoot last Saturday

2009-03-31T09:04:00.008-04:00

The bur's are sore!!

We enjoyed a very interesting photo shoot with a local photographer Sacha Blackburne at Stonehole bay. Amazing light, location and a grandmother in tow!

Potjie and sushi!!

2009-03-11T20:49:00.001-04:00

First came the sushi feast with the Valentines......homemade of course!!!

Next came the potjiekos competition..........

The kids had fun too......

Bring on summer!!

My First Taste of Sand

2009-03-08T19:27:00.005-04:00

On our way home from Disney

Dad and me in Orlando

The 2 princesses!

Hi Tigger and Winnie

Luke's first dunking under to follow!

This last Saturday - yes - it is still winter!

Loving it!

The my first photo shoot

Yummmmm - sand!

Christmas in Toronto

2009-01-01T17:12:00.003-04:00

Just returned from Christmas in Toronto with my aunt and cousins. What fun! Yesterday it was -11 and with the wind chill it was -22 celsius. Home now!

More pics

2008-12-17T11:42:00.002-04:00

November 08

2008-12-01T21:39:00.004-04:00

Winter on the Rock

2008-11-17T20:45:00.002-04:00

More to be added!

The Grand Slam of Golf

2008-10-13T20:51:00.009-04:00

Hi all,

I had the priviledge of following Trevor Immelman and The Goose around Mid-Ocean Golf Club for the day...totally inspiring.

I even mamagend some biltong banter....

Enjoy the pics.....

Life carries on

2008-10-11T17:16:00.002-04:00

Tayla's painted face at her party - chaotic!
Luke sitting with Grandpa
Grandpa and Tayla at Tobacco Bay
Tayla and Grandpa on Elbow Beach
My big brother - weighing in at 7.25kgs at 2 months - we don't make them small!

More Summer and THE Bermuda Boerewors!

2008-08-20T19:50:00.001-04:00

After the disaster that was the Bok vs AB game at Newlands we (the Horans and Cranfields) decided that the only way to drown our sorrows was to make boerewors....and boy did it flow.....coil after coil - 10kgs in all!

We nurtured a beer at each stage of the recipe and even managed to lament over our dismal performance at the Olympics...talking about the recipe we made plain, garlic and a paprika and lemon seed flavour..........

On Sunday we met up with a family from PE (Weyesr) who have emigrated over here and enjoyed a few more beers in the sun....Tayla continues to love the water and Luke enjoyed his first outing!

Luke is now 2 weeks old, 9lbs 9ounces and almost 23 inches long....GROWING.....Mom is bearing the scars with regular feeds...but so far so good - although last night was testing.

It is hot!

2008-08-18T13:05:00.005-04:00

Some more pics of the little people. Both are adapting well to their new world - Mom and Dad are too - thank goodness. Tayla likes to help with everything and gets bleak if she cannot 'hold' Luke - if he is crying it means he has a number 2 in his nappy! The temperatures are still high - thank goodness for AC.

Come visit!

More!

2008-08-08T18:19:00.005-04:00

Luke Anthony Horan

2008-08-04T20:37:00.004-04:00

Born 4th August 2008 at 08:54 - 49cms long and weighing in at 8lbs10 (3.9kgs) of prime South African beef.

Before

During

After

The evidence

It is about time!

2008-07-31T14:00:00.010-04:00

Well that header sums it up - it has been far too long since our last "decent" blog and I am battling to find a good reason why it has taken so long - How about "we are having too much fun"....clearly a lie...."no time"...no one has time so that would not be fair......how about "bloody useless"...yes, that probably does it!

4 sleeps to go until we meet our "boy". Nicki is scheduled for her C section on Monday morning so with a deadline on the horizon things are falling into place - sleep, preparation and reading about new borns to remind us what we are letting ourselves in for. It must be said that Nicki has carried very differently this time around and has continued to look good! Whereas I have sympathetically put on weight. Nicki finished work on Tuesday and is enjoying this short time with only ONE.

With work gone for one it does seems that my new role will allow me very little time away from school. Gone are the days of an 8 month job - I am heading for the real world and the thought of being a full time worker. The number of issues I am having to deal with is mind blowing but also very challenging and exactly where I want to be. I am in the process of launching an appraisal structure for the entire school and researching solutions for Learning Enrichment. A busy year ahead!

Well like I said Nicki is now off for 6 months before she intends to go back on a part-time basis for another 6 months. This has meant that we need to employ a nanny to start in February..... BUT now we enter the mindfield of employment...we have just advertised and are busy awaiting applicants....if you know of any experienced Nannys out their please let us know!!

Our local hockey team ended the season unbeaten in both the league and knock-out cup. I was nominated the best defender in the league and can only think that the opposition have not worked out that they must just run around me. I also played some tennis and one cricket match, vowing never to play again after feeling muscles that have not done anything for 5 years! Nicki continued to do pilates and maintains this is what has secured her a decent figure. Tayla continues to enjoy her swimming and has started freestyle (she has no idea what crawl is - damn Americanisms) and backstroke. She attends swimming lessons and loves her time out boating. She also managed to get a part in a local ballet where she performend for about 2min as a French artiste.....her moves no doubt come from Nicki's side of the family! Tennis is on the agenda next with her birthday present - a racket.

Other sport: I got up at 04:30 each morning to watch the Boks on tour and must mention what an emotional rollercoaster it was; needless to say I woke up all the neighbours with the win over the AB's. I am loving the cricket but am waiting for a majestic Kallis century. It would be remiss of me not to mention Batwell's good form!

Parenting continues to present a number of challenges. Tayla has hit 4 and now seems to think she is 18 and ready to leave home. She TRIES to tell us what to do and gets bitterly upset when an immovable object (Mom and Dad) meets an irrepresible force (Tayla).....her sharing also leaves alot to be desired....we think the new addition will serve as some shock therapy. As a school student she is a saint and we enjoyed a rather interesting "graduation" ceremony (another Americanism) at her school. She is leaving Rise & Shine and starts at Bloomfield in September.

We celebrated Tayla's 4th birthday yesterday with a low key day..the Valentines popped around and we enjoyed a swim and some cake.....PRINCESS cake before I forget. Nicki and I decide to treat ourselfs to one last dinner out (with Miss T) before the baby.

With life once again changing in 4 days time the rest of the year is a blur. Family are over in September, November and April which will hopefully keep us sane (Family: expect to do some cooking. cleaning and babysitting!).......but there is still space for those in need of a Bermuda holiday. I have included a photo of where we live to encourage you - the turquoise double story with the garden in front. The boats and sunset remain part of our life!

Love to all of you out there...so much is happening. The Carr's return to SA soon, The Arnott's & Brouckaert's are enjoying their new arrivals .....we are awaiting another UK Hewlett......Jamo is in a new job....and so much more.....let's not forget an opportunity to get together in the future.....any ideas where? Hi to all of you at KCS,Parktown...in London....South Africa, Canada - you are in our thoughts!

And one final thing; Tayla has a "boyfriend".....a South African boy called Jacques Boonstra who happens to be our Doctors' son...I have vetted the family....chatted to the young man and demanded LABOLA.

Dave, Nicki and Tayla

The many moods of Miss Tayla

2008-05-04T14:34:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone

This time I will write - for as long as I have some peace and quiet! Not long. Last weekend saw Dave and I going off to Cambridge Beaches, one of the more exclusive hotels on the island for a night away. Tayla spent a night away with the Valentines and was absolutely fine believe it or not - no tears! We had a really relaxing time and spent some time in the spa. It was unfortunately quite windy, so no beach time this time around.
Madam is preparing for her ballet recital debut on Friday. We had a dress rehearssal yesterday and Mom had to tie her hair back with no stray pieces. Quite difficult I have to say. We will be the proud parents in Row 3 on Friday! I will be very surprised if she gets onto the stage at all. Her group are French Artistes!
Baby is growing incredibly - not sure whether it is as a result of Mom's diet or a big baby! Due date is about 11th August. All madam wants to make sure about is that her birthday is before the baby comes.

Mexico and NY

2008-04-06T10:46:00.004-04:00

South Africa and Australia for some!

2008-01-14T21:28:00.001-04:00

Well, this blog starts some five weeks ago when Nicki and Tayla left for South Africa on holiday. Yes, that meant it left me at home on my own waiting for term to end. Believe it or not I get far less holiday in Bermuda than I did in the UK - some 20 days fewer!!! I was left to tend for myself whilst the girls sunned themselves on the Umdloti beach.

I followed them the following weekend and spent an enjoyable night with Matt and Kerry Arnott in Joburg. Matt displayed some far improved braaing skills (than I remember from the last braai) cooking a fine piece of meat. It was great to catch up with Johnny B, Dyl and his "new" lady Laura. We did spend a large part of the evening having a rather loud rant about sport, children, Jacob Zuma and friends around the world. Of course we have to have a toast to Jamo & Bridg, Nathan & Kimbo, Ryan & Sarah, Scott & Sam.....you get my drift!!

I joined Nicki and Tayla in Umdloti and we spent a fairly relaxing time on the beach and around the pool. It was great that Tayla could spend time with Jadon, Josh, Joshua, Jarrod and Molly. With so many J's the poor girl is still getting to grips with exactly who is who - you should have heard the parents!! Christmas was a family affair with Carol down from Joburg, Ian and Liz down from the bush (Nelspruit) and Billy's family in Umhlanga. All in all a good time and far too short. I did manage to reinact the World Cup final day with Ian enjoying probably the same amount of beers.

We all the headed down to PE into the family home along with the Joburg Horan's. Mike and Mom gave up the marital bedroom for us and the sanity of space. Bren, Hayles, Joshua and Molly terrorised downstairs. A packed week saw us keep the kids entertained with walks on the beach, swims, movies, painting, football and a variety of games you would never admit YOUR kids played!! Our stay include a special night out at "Kleinrivier Wilderness"; Mike and Brad's bush retreat and probably the most relaxing wilderness farm in Africa. If you are in the Eastern Cape I would thoroughly recommend a few nights at the Black Eagle tented camp. Check out the website http://www.kleinrivier.co.za/. The slow buring camp fire and a hot cup of tea really warms the soul and reminds one why Africa has such a pull. The week culminated in the "7's" party - Mom's 70th, Mike's 77th and their 7th year of knowing each other. A wonderful reunion of friends and family took place in Walmer with Thommo strumming his best tunes and leaving far too early in the morning after discussing how to hit a drive across the line and over the top - I say no more!!

We were also fortunate to catch up with the Caveney clan at "The Links", St Francis Bay for a relaxing afternoon of great conversation. It was then back to Bermuda after an early morning beer at Neil Thompson's bar. A much needed beer as Nicki headed to Sydney and Tayla and I trekked back home. Yes, 38 hours door to door did test my patience, father skills, teaching skills, diplomacy, cleanliness etc, etc. It was with much relief that we arrived home on Sunday ready for school and work the next day.What fun!

Nicki's trip to Oz was delayed by a day in Joburg (say no more!) and she spent a night with her mom. In Sydney she stayed with James, Bridg & Sean Law and thoroughly enjoyed catching up and seeing the big city in action.
We are now back together and, to our relief, back in routine. Work has started with a bang with change and opportunity for both of us looming on the horizon.

We hope this finds you all well and we wish you a prosperous New Year. We miss you all and hope that we will be able to catch up at some point at 2008. Our door is open for a visit at any time.

Until next time!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-16T18:09:00.000-04:00

Hi all,

Nicki and Tayla have arrived in South Africa today after 20 hours of traveling and I am home alone this week - suppers should be interesting as there are NO food delivery services in Bermuda. I fly out on Friday and arrive in Umdloti on Sunday morning spending Saturday night with "The Arnott". Hopefully the Liverpool loss will be long forgotten - sorry Jamo!!

It has been a very busy end to 2007 as can be seen by the "Sushi night" that has remained the focus of our blog for three weeks. I received a phone call from Dubai and was confronted about this serious breech of blogging etiquette by one Nathan Carr - and you know that no one messes with Nath!

Just to ensure that Nicki has a chance of saying something in this blog here is her Christmas letter to all our friends.

"I cannot believe that the year has almost past and that we have been in Bermuda for 16 months - hectic. I constantly hear others saying that their kids grow up so fast, but man, they are right!

Dave continues to steam ahead at Warwick. Other teachers come and ask me how I manage to cope with all his energy, but I guess when you are passionate about something then it is easy to have that level of energy. His Training and Development portfolio at school has had to fit in with a pretty heavy timetable as well as being Super Dad. Dave has been holoding the fort for the last week while I have been in the UK and Luxembourg. As many of you know, he made his international hockey debut at the age of 35 as the captain of the Bermuda team (we won't mention the fact that he got sent off the field this last weekend - but it was all the ref's fault!). The team's tournament was on the Isle of Man so he managed to see Basil and Penny there.

The sad part of the year was that my grandfather passed away. We all take great comfort from the fact that he is now with Gran and much more comfortable than he was at the end.

Madam Tayla is just like her Dad - lots of attitude and way too much energy! Our pastor at church told us that kids have the most amount of energy at the age of 4 (so we are still on the up). She is VERY into Cinderella, Belle, Snow White etc. Ballet lessons are still popular and I am happy she is enjoying them as I think they will help her foot in the longer term. School is going well for her, they are even giving the kids Spanish lessons (and Dave and I learn at the same time!), although I must say that our Afrikaans comes in handy now and again when we have to have a 'private' conversation.

For the most part I am fine. Work is a little challenging whilst they recruit a new Finance Director, and I am juggling a few balls and waiting for one to fall.

We are still very happy in Bermuda and it continues to suit our lifestyle. In some ways it is really limited (shopping), but the way of life and the secuity we have more than makes up for it. Depending on the jobs, we will probably stay a while. It can only ever be temporary as we are not able to buy a home there as expats. They are leading up to election and there is quite a bit of racial tension (which is interesting after having lived in SA and left to escape all that).

Christmas will be in Durban and then PE.

Love to you all and keep sending news."

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. We look forward to seeing many of you next year and, if you feel moved to visit "the rock", know that our door is open to you.

Love

The Horans

Sushi night!

2007-11-22T20:11:00.000-04:00

I attended a Sushi course with Grant Valentine two months ago and we promised our wives they could test the fare at some stage. The evening did coincided with the World Rugby Classic final (retired international rugby players), in which South Africa played and beat the All Blacks, so my absence from jeering at the chokers must have been for good reason. Have a look at the photo below - no - it was not bought, but "rolled" by theses artistic hands.........a really great evening was had by all and we ate enough sushi to feed a small Japanese army.

Nicki is in London and Luxemborg on business this week so it is home alone for Talya and I - take aways, DVD's might be on order!!

Speak soon.

Disney for 3 year olds

2007-11-06T21:23:00.000-04:00

Apologies for the delay in updating the blog. It has been a challenging - and of course stimulating, couple of months. Dave has been trying to concentrate on finishing his Masters assignment (as well as concentrate on the rugby), and I have had to take on extra tasks at work. Most evenings are much like this one, get home, dinner, bath and put Tayla to bed, and then we head for out 'puters (as Tayla calls them) and do another couple of hours work. Not very exciting, but needs to be done.

Last week we were joined by the Fosters in Orlando. We stayed in a villa which was very central and had all we needed including a pool. We managed to visit Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney MGM and of course Sea World. All highlights. Tayla's highlight was having lunch in Cinderella's castle and seeing all the characters including Snow White and Sleeping Beauty - wow! She, of course, had to wear her special Cinderella dress (blue of course), and thought she was beautiful. She was so excited she could not eat.

Less enchanting were the characters with masks on, they were fine to look at from a distance, but not good to have a photo with. Some of the shows also caused many tears as there was real rain in the theatre, or the Lion King show that was just too noisy. But at the same time she had absolutely no fear of the roller coasters - I was more scared than she was.

We had a lovely week, although I would not say it was relaxing, it was certainly fun. The highlight was of course seeing the Fosters, Chris and Tayla get along like a house on fire and there is rarely need for adult intervention.

Now we are home for a little while, although I have 2 business trips to the UK in November. Tayla and I fly to SA mid-December for a well earned break where I plan on putting my feet up and letting the grandparents make up for lost time.

Madam has started ballet (on a Saturday morning at 9am!). I have to say she does love it. She also takes Spanish at school (Dave and I are learning at the same time). The kids these days have so many opportunities - we got to learn Afrikaans - how relevant is that!

We promise to keep you all updated.

World Champs

2007-10-22T19:13:00.000-04:00

Sorry, for not updating for so long....it has been a very busy September...and October. We are off to Disney on Saturday and promise to fill in all the gaps on our return.

As for the Boks, we had a fantastic bash here with about 20 South Africans...and just to make sure.....

HE WAS OUT!!

Our new Bok supporter!!

The end of the Summer Holidays

2007-08-31T15:29:00.001-04:00

The summer has ended and Dave has had to return to work – all very sad as I was getting quite into the routine of having a stay at home Dad. He is very handy although he is constantly telling me how busy he is and all the things he has to do.

Kevin and Kate became part of the family for about 10 days in August. It was amazing how they slotted in so easily. I am now trying to get Kev a job over here. Tayla adopted Katie as her best friend and poor Katie could do nothing without little madam. We had some great nights out too, sampling some delicious food and enjoying the Dave Bootle’s excellent tunes. I am sure that was not us dancing on the chairs – my my – the youth of today!

Dave is off to the Isle of Man next week for his hockey tournament. Formal gear is pink Bermuda shorts, blue tie and navy blazer, complete with long socks! They have been training pretty hard although I am not sure whether the captain is the fittest member of the team. They went for a run on the beach the other night and all the other guys came back, except Dave! Needless to day he was just behind them and Tayla was very happy to see her Daddy.
This weekend is a long weekend in Bermuda – Monday is a holiday, so we are hanging around here. I feel like I need a holiday even though the rest of my family have had a lovely long one. Our next trip is to Orlando in October for half term – Mickey Mouse here we come.

Tayla is good – she has gone back to sleeping well at night, and sometimes comes to my room in the middle of the night. When I say, "What is the matter?" she replies, "Mommy, I just wanted to see you!" As you can imagine, with that she promptly climbs into our bed and goes back to sleep. Thank goodness for King size beds.

The Fosters and a "raft-up"

2007-08-08T09:40:00.000-04:00

APOLOGIES: TECHNICAL PROBLEMS HAVE DELAYED THE POSTING OF THESE PHOTOGRAPHS!

Since Tayla's birthday we have enjoyed a rather entertaining "raft-up" experience with the Bermuda Hockey players and a very special week with Pete, Jean, Chris and Michelle Foster.

A "raft-up" occurs when two or more boats moor against each other. This time we had eight and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. One then sits on a "noodle" with beer in hand for as long as possible. Tayla thoroughly enjoyed the attention and spent about three hours in the water. All this in the name of team building.......me thinks the Captain is doing a great job!

The Fosters then arrived after what can only be described as a shockingly poor flight. The words "never fly ZOOM" are very close to being branded all over the internet. Never-the-less it was fantastic to see them again and spend quality time together. We spent the week dodging the rain (a rather unwelcomed sight at this time of the year) and getting in as many child friendly activities as possible. The aquarium, dolphins, a day out on the boat, several beaches and one or two quite evenings (with sleeping children). Chris and Tayla took a couple of days to get to know each other and then played like brother and sister. Tayla did however teach Chris the word "NO".........mmmmmm these naughty 3 yr olds! The standards are slipping.

I am now madly trying to get some of my masters done - hence my procrastination at doing this blog - until Kevin and Kate Gillett arrive tomorrow.

Jobson's cove.

A day out on the boat.

Views from the Gibbs Hill lighthouse, behind our house.

Happy Birthday Tayla

2007-07-29T19:41:00.000-04:00

Well all the excitement came to fruition on Saturday when 12 young lasses and some more tired moms and dads took to the Horan residence for 3 hours of face painting, playing and eating cake (and drumsticks and salad - and hedgehogs and teeth). All in all it was a great success.
We managed to get away with the Barbie cake (she even quite liked it), as for the last month all she has wanted is a batman cake! So tomorrow morning I have a Superman for her (I could not find a single Batman in the whole of Bermuda!)

Madam has been thrilled with all the pressies she has received. Somehow she managed to remember exactly which one was from whom, just by the wrapping paper.

Pete and Jean arrive tonight and I hope their say is better than their flight over here (delayed by 4 hours). Tomorrow night we will probably just head down to our local for a pizza and then get these little monkeys to sleep.

All well otherwise. We did a raft up today with all Dave's hockey mates - I think there were 7 boats all linked together which was great fun. They ar ebusy preparing their drinking arms for their tour to the Isle of Man.

Visitors - Ottawa - The Robertson's wedding - The Mussett's and holiday!!

2007-07-20T12:46:00.001-04:00

Well, I am now 3 weeks into my holiday and thoroughly enjoying the break.

Lisa and Lee-Anne were our first visitors of the summer and they seemed to take very quicky to island life. Both took to the scooter, with varying success, and made full use of their time here, visiting most of the sights. It can be reported that the Devils Hole attraction is possible the worst" in the world".

It was then off to Ottawa for Keith & Pam Roberston's wedding. We found Ottawa a very pleasant city - clean, efficient, friendly and very importantly full of shops. The wedding took place on a beautiful maple leaf farm just outside the city and although the weather was varied the evening was a great success. It was also good to catch up with Old Rhodents - Gus Robertson and Jon James. The following day we were treated to a traditional Canadian BBQ with moose meat being the attraction on the fire.....there was much talk about which country had the best meat. It must be said both are outstanding.

On the Sunday we caught up with Steve, Alex and Elizabeth Mussett over lunch - with Pierre Nel and family in attendance. It was great to spend some time with an old friend......

I have spent the subsequent weeks pottering around at home catching up on admin and enjoying the good weather - a large number of nerrands. Tayla has been attending swimming lessons most days and is now loving the water. I have bought a "punt" - a small boat to get out to the larger boat - and am putting my fibreglassing skills to the test repairing a crack.
Hockey training continues, the Tri-Nations ends dismally and a wet test in London is on the telly.

The Foster's arrive next week and Tayla's much anticipated "Princess" party is looming on the horizon - oh the stress!!

Boston, Beach, Braai and Beautiful weather!!

2007-06-24T14:20:00.000-04:00

Well, quite a game yesterday; a deserved All Black win but the World Cup should be good.

The last three weeks have been very busy and as a result the blog seems to have the last priority on our list......hopefully this is a good one!!

Last Friday I collected Tayla from school and headed into town to run a few nerrands (Nicki - errands). On my way home I popped into Nicki's work to say "hi" and we ended up trying the Sushi happy hour at the restaurant next door - appropriately called Harbour Front. The photo below is of Tayla making good use of her chopstix while enjoying shrimp tempura.

On Saturday morning Tayla went for her swimming lesson.....on her own. Mom sat on the side and watched.

Then is was off to her school's graduation. Yes, that is the correct word. The class above her (the 4yr olds) graduated in gowns and all. Very American, but Tayla sung beautifully in the choir and pretended she was water (so many talents, sigh; but then again I am not sure how you "act" as water). We have witnessed a huge change in her over the past six months and this was one tremendous example - no tears, only smiles!!!

The Dickinsons' then joined us for a braai and a spin on the boat. We moored up at Paradise Lakes (not really lakes but a grouping of islands) and swam off the boat for an hour. A couple or sea turtles even enjoyed Nicki's banana muffins which had fallen overboard.

Finally, it was back home for some further entertainment - see below.

Going back a week (Fathers Day); Nicki and Tayla treated me to a brunch at the Waterlot Inn down the road. After a tasty brunch Tayla fed the fish and loved their response!! A nightmare day followed as both Nicki and I wondered if we had failed the parenting exam - enough said - this family has no issues!!

Nicki assisted in arranging the Fidelity family day last Saturday. Bouncing castle, face painting etc was the order of the day. Unlike the Batman birthday party Tayla asked for a more ladylike magical horse on her cheek.

We are experiencing fantastic weather at the moment and these two shots were taken by Nicki early yesterday morning - sunrise from our veranda looking west over Jew's Bay.

A huge highlight for us, two weeks ago, was a long weekend in Boston. What a great city - a mixture of the best of London and New York. Clean, small, efficient, friendly and exciting; we loved our stay. It was also very child friendly and we were able to find loads to do with T.

The aquarium was on the agenda. Full of real penguins (Happy Feet) and ONE not so real one!!

Note the smile.

Supper outside Funiele Hall - shopping and small traders.

The Valentines joined us and we shared a few good laughs.

Seal's being fed outside the aquarium - stop being so serious!

The penguins were a highlight.

And then the amazing Childrens Museum. Here Tayla tries her hand at TV - she is about to be stood on by some animated foot.

She then played in the soap room where there were many different ways of making bubbles! A wall in this case.The major highlight of the weekend was not the shopping (Nicki) but the Duck Tour. An 80min tour of the city in a WW2 amphibious vehicle. Where you are taken both on land and in the river on a most entertaining trip.
If you look carefully you can see Corinna and Clara in the reflection, as well as our mad driver "Captain ???" - just forgotton his name, but he was a mad Red Sox fan and even got married with "THE" trophy (if you follow baseball it was the trophy that broke the curse - now look that up on Google!)
Boston common was an interesting interlude. We visited the park and the frog pond only to find the pond empty and the park full of members of the Gay Pride regiment.....if you catch my drfit!

Lisa and Lee-Anne arrive today and we are looking forward to a full house.

I am Batman

2007-06-04T12:47:00.001-04:00

I want to be Batman - the words of my daughter, who went to the party in her pretty white frock. A parent can only lead their daughter so far, and then she is at the mercy of circumstances, and in this case it is all the boys she is at school with.

Anyway, they had a great time, and it all washed off and she returned to her angelic self!!!!

The weather was beginning to get back to normal this weekend. Saturday was superb, Sunday less so. Nevertheless we still headed down to the beach. Madam has become so much more confident in the water which is a great relief. She is actually quite brave, perhaps a little too much so, but when she gets into the deep water she knows to kick and splash!

Swimming lessons are going well and she has just started the big girl classes where they go in with the instructor. Mom just hung back.

The Bermudian accent is well and truly there now, to the extent she has started calling me Mama, and real Bermudian thing.
My darling husband, as chilled as ever!

Tayla giving a call to her grandparents who live in Africa!
Now she may look like Mom, but that cheeky face definitely comes from Dad!

They were robbed!!

2007-05-26T12:04:00.000-04:00

Photographic evidence that Steve Walsh missed a Bulls player playing the ball on the ground. Not long after this incident, Bryan Habana scored "that" try!

BUT what a game!!

AND let's not forget to mention that the Boks ran in some great tries today.

Find Madeleine: Surely this girl must be found!!

2007-05-18T20:47:00.000-04:00

Check out the website: www.findmadeleine.com for all the details on this tragic abduction and let's help find her.

May Madness

2007-05-14T21:04:00.000-04:00

May has brought with it some great weather and a very busy but exciting social schedule. That is not even including the impending Super 14 final (after many years of trying and so much pain....I can only imagine what Nathan will have to say!), the FA cup final and the rugby tests vs England. It does warrant some comment along the lines of......things are looking good in the land of Bok rugby let's just hope the administrators can keep things together until the World Cup. Kind words I thought.

Another exciting addition in Bermuda has been a low cost airline flying out of Gatwick. We are eagerly anticipating visits from Lisa & Lee-anne, the Fosters and then Kevin & Kate (who are now in New Zealand in search of a Super 14 final now taking place in SA). Check out the link on the left.

Well the beach has returned as a favourite location with Miss T slowly getting used to the waves again. What waves?

OK...some small waves. Tayla (in the middle) with Hannah, Clara, Corrina and Dad.

Our little lady has, much against my wishes, taken to some girlie things....I have tried to keep her mind focused on puzzles, cards, sport, bikes but it seems certain things have to happen. Here mom and Tayla are painting their nails. I believe that this is a ritual that all moms do with their daughters!! The baseball bat is already behind the front door.

May madness has also brought great boating weather. Last saturday morning we were out on the water at 7am and moored up at Paradise lakes (a set of about 10 islands) for breakfast and then headed back for swimming lessons at 9:30......a wonderful start ot the day. Miss T has taken to driving and enjoys some time behind the wheel.
Dad on the other hand would rather be driven!! Energy and enthusiasm finally returned earlier in the month and I found some time to finally build "the fence" that I talked up about 6 months ago. Well, here it is below in all its glory. Believe me it was far more work than anticipated and showed up my lack of "real" DIY skills and poor acquisition of "real" equipment.The fence has, however, allowed us to leave Tayla free to run around or ride her bike without fear of her disappearing down the road and into the sea. We did however catch her showing us how to exit her wendy house in case of fire. Note the elegant head down position fire roll.

May brought Miss T a new favourite toy....she now tells us how much she loves her mom and dad and ...wait for it.....her bike. NO ONE ELSE is allowed to touch it.

Finally the photos below are from an impromtu "shoot" this evening. They show Tayla and Nicki's "shark" face and her impressive ballet skills on top of dad.

Yes, scary is'nt it (or for those in the UK: innit)!!!

This is the first official photograph that Tayla has taken....we think she got lucky....but she tells us it takes years of practice. The kids of today. Soon she will want her own cell phone!!

We hope you are all well!!

Go the Sharks, Man Utd and the Bokke!!

Mommy is getting old!

2007-05-06T20:13:00.000-04:00

Busy week this week, lots of activities and events. Saturday afternoon was Carrie's thirtieth birthday party which was great fun. All the kids kept themselves occupied with the jumping castle while the parents savoured the superb food and the champagne flowed.
Daddy bought Tayla a smaller bike. She tells me, "Mommy, I love my bike." She is pretty good in it. Swimming lessons are going well too - a huge improvement on the last term in the UK which was very stressful.
This is what happens if you play too hard!
Sunday was Mommy's birthday - great excitement. The cake was especially for Tayla as she would not understand what a birthday would be without candles. The very long countdown to hers has now begun!

We went to the Reefs for lunch - buffet with a chocolate fountain! Guess where madam went!
Then the kids (and parents) came over for cake and champagne. Here are Tayla's friends, Hannah, Jodi, Amy, Clara and Tayla tucking into some cake!

Tayla loves painting - but you have to keep watching all the time!

Tayla's first sports day.

2007-04-22T19:30:00.000-04:00

Well, last Friday Tayla experienced the intensity and cutthroat world of professional sport - Athletics day.....needless to say the preparation was considerable. Days of carbo loading (Marmite toast?), hours of mental preparation (Now don't be shy Tayla!!) and much committment to training (Stand on the line...ready....on your marks....get set....go). Mom and Dad took the day off and were given special tickets, in the front row, by our star athlete. She put us up in the best 5 star hotel and we dined at only the classiest restaurants......what a wonderful young lady and all in two years.

So dawned the day! The pre-race hype was lived up to and Tayla managed a first place in the bucket and ball race, and the hoop, sunglasses and hat sprint event. Second places in the egg and spoon contest, 30m sprint and Thomas the Tank engine push off......Dad had to keep his overly competitive wife in check by asking her to stand at the finish to guide our star athlete. All in all a fun day.

UNTIL Mom had to run and Dad had to sprint. The results will be broadcast on Sky Sports and Supersport next Sunday night. We will keep you guessing. These two photographs will be appearing in the Hello magazine but for special friends the sneak preview is below. Note the COOL mom in sunglasses and dad racing in stylish pink, white and blue!

It was then onto the Bermuda Agricultural Show where all sorts of animals, displays and action events were on show. Literally the entire island comes to a stand still for this three day event. We got school off on Friday and I must say it was very worthwhile seeing. Tayla loved the animals and all the horse show items. Dad's "hockey" (I use this word lightly - when you see that photo you will understand) team made it into the National Tug-of-War final and tugged for $1500 against the National Parks team. After a valiant effort we were soundly put to sleep.

Dad is second from the back!!

I thought I would upload a few other pics from our recent trip to South Africa just to remind everyone how beautiful the Kruger National Park is....and how fortunate one can be to get so close to animal and the outdoors.

This is going to be a big week in so much as South Africa play those Aussies on Wednesday, the Super 14 nears its climax and work has one or two interesting developments. More on them later. I am hesitant to comment on the cricket but if it is anything like the previous games against those fantastically gifted and wonderfully nice men graced with such sportsmanship it should be close.

Finally, if anyone has seen the person pictured below please tell him we miss him and would love to hear from him!!

Learning to Drive all Over Again

2007-04-16T19:15:00.000-04:00

Well after 3 months of owning a boat, I have finally had a ride on the boat. We had a slight glimpse of summer this weekend with beautiful weather on Sunday.

Dave scored a hat-trick playing hockey and his team managed to win the league (he also managed to give a 'friend' of his, playing on the opposing team, 3 stitches!)

For all those of you that are interested, the Grand Slam of Golf is being played here in October - all welcome. Give me a shout if you want details.

Cheap tickets from London www.flyzoom.com.

Come and visit - we have to share this piece of paradise. It is funny how when I went to the beach on Saturday, it took my breath away all over again.

Tour of SA 2007

2007-04-10T11:48:00.000-04:00

We are all very relieved to be back home, sleeping in our own beds and recovering from the jet lag!

The Horans had a great trip. We arrived in Jo'burg (to be greeted by a traffic jam at Gilloolys!), and headed for Mom's and a visit to Mike, the only dentist we trust. Then we had a wonderful catch up with everyone at Bren and Hayley's place on the Saturday. It is quite frightening to see how these Rhodents are multiplying and producing the most beautiful offspring (pity about the parents!). Sunday we had a wonderful lunch with the Caveney crew (to increase to 5 on th 16th April).

After tearing around Jo'burg we headed down to Dullstroom to the most perfect spot - see www.elandsvalley.co.za. Mike and Willma joined us there along with the other Horan clan. It is superb for kids with a tree house, toy boxes, books etc. The staff could not have been more amazing making us freshly baked bread and bringing Dave champagne for his birthday. Dad and Liz also joined us for a night and helped us sing Happy Birthday to Dave 'just one more time'. I am not sure how many times we blew the candles out either but Josh and Tayla had much more fun than all of us put together. The 2 of them got along really well which was great - may it continue in the years haead.

The down to Kaapsehoop for Dad and Liz's wedding which was great. A wonderful time to catch up with many old family friends - nobody has aged at all! I think we all had a really great party and Dad and Liz had a great time.

After this much awaited wedding, we head to the Kruger for 2 nights and then back to Nellies for 4 more nights, spending time with family and friends along the way. We were pretty lucky in the park, only really missing the leapards and cheetahs.

We are all home now and dying for the summer to join us, it is seaking through slowly, but I want it to shine!

Keep in touch and come and visit.

Mom in India

2007-03-20T15:42:00.000-04:00

It has been a long week for a very homesick mommy! I left for the UK last Sunday, headed to the UK for 2 days of work, and then flew into Delhi last Wednesday. The time difference with Bermuda is 9.5 hours - as a result I suffered from major jet lag, awake all night, falling asleep at about 4am and then waking up at 6:30am for work.

Delhi is the same as it was before - crazy! There is no such a thing as road rage, but there is also no such a things as obeying the rules of the road. Believe it or not I was quite relaxed and decided that the only way to enjoy this was to sit back and watch.

From a work perspective it was very productive, I found the guys out here really eager to learn and to share information. The last time I was here in 2002 there were 50 people in the office and there are now over 1000!

On the weekend Will (my colleague) and I went to Jaipur. Saturday was spent shopping - carpets etc. and then to the spa for massages et al. Sunday we did some sight seeing including an elephant ride.

I am currently sitting at Delhi airport having conned my way into the BA lounge - just joking, I just asked! I will see Dave and Tayla on Thursday morning, and man I alive, I have missed them. Miss T has not been very forthcoming in chatting to me on the phone.

Dave has been doing a superb job holding down the fort at home - a dad of note, but we always knew that.

We head to SA on Thursday evening for 2 weeks including Dad's wedding which I am very excited about. Tayla is due to be a flower girl, but how that will work I am not too sure. Perhaps a little bribery at the end of the aisle may help. She can get very shy so may need some Dutch courage - Rescue drops!

Bye for now.

Dave's International Hockey Debut

2007-03-08T21:23:00.000-04:00

Dave played hockey for Bermuda - they lost to the US 2-0 and then lost to Mexico 5-2 in their warm up and warm down games for the Pan Am games. Adam, Dave's colleague and friend from Warwick was the star goalie.

Next pic of Miss T with her big mates, Matthew and Eddie.

Last pic is of Amy Dickinson - gorgeous if you ask me!

A visit to Tayla's school

2007-03-01T20:23:00.000-04:00

I took the morning off on Wednesday to spend the day at Tayla's school. It was great fun and we read lots of stories, had circle time, made pear puppies and played outside. Little Miss T was telling everyone that this as her mommy - hilarious! She is very happy there although the boys out number the girls 5:2 - it is a man's world!

London in a flash!!

2007-02-19T21:07:00.000-04:00

Well 4 days in Lonodn flew by!!

I successfully negotiated the flight with Tayla (on my own) and joined Nicki during her working week. It was a worthwhile few days full of friends, more friends and some very important shopping. We caught up with the Galloways and Atkins on the Thursday night, Dylan on Friday over lunch, the Hewletts, Smiths and Taskers on Saturday and the Fosters on Sunday.

Tayla's highlight was Teagan's party on Saturday afternoon and sleeping in a room with her two friends. I was also able to spend some time a KCS and it felt as though I never left. A few hours in the Crooked Billett settled my nerves and I can vouch that it is still one of the great watering holes in south-west London - I could still be there!

Nicki was fortunate to spend a few more days in Wimbledon and caught up with the Dixons, our NCT group, Emma, Lisa and Debs.......No doubt a large amount of important conversation took place.

Here are a few pics from the carbon footprint trip.

Ryan, Sarah and Caitlyn Hewlett

Ryan and Dylan

Pete and Christopher Foster (kissing my daughter - the baseball bat is by the door!)

Dave and Nicky Tasker - although I am not sure what is in the glass!

Neal and Julie Smith - and part of the rather large TV added to their lounge!

Thanks for the hospitality.

Teagan's 3rd birthday party - did they jol!

I like to Move it Move it

2007-02-09T20:35:00.000-04:00

These are some pics of Miss T praticing her dance moves! Mrs Grimes is her dancing teacher and they have this twice a week at school. I think she has her Dad's boogying genes! Other pics are of the foul weather we have been having, wind, wind and more wind!

Biltong and a boat

2007-02-06T20:42:00.000-04:00

Well South Africa did eventually beat Pakistan 2-1 and even England managed to beat the Aussies down under since my last post. There is so much sport on at the moment I have struggled to focus. Superbowl Sunday, yes the other type of oval-balled sport, hit Bermuda last weekend with far too many complaining of sore heads on Monday morning. The game lasts so long most people resort to drinking out or sheer boredom!

The biltong was an added incentive to watch rugby this weekend (cracking Cheethas vs Stormers game) and our supplies were flattened within a couple of hours. The plans are already in motion to make some more. The photos below are proof WE actually made it!!

The other bit of exciting news is that we have bought a powerboat with the hope of taking advantage of the vast water surrounding us. Hopefully not investigating the waters of the TRIANGLE. My first task has been to learn how to drive the thing, moor it, clean it, refuel it and the list grows. My vocabulary now includes cleats, impellors, bildge pumps and swing moorings. Say no more. The more people I can take out the better so get over here!!

For those that know their boats here it is.

Nicki leaves for London on business this Saturday night and then Tayla is in my complete care until I land in London on Thursday morning. The nursery school's headteacher was quite surprised when I told her this and even asked if I was sure I could cope. I told her Tayla will be singing campfire songs in no time and have complete knowledge of how to cook marshmellows on the braai. Scurvey did spring to mind but I do believe priates last inhabited Bermuda 100 years ago. London here we come!!

Bermuda in a gale

2007-01-31T12:11:00.000-04:00

Long time and no news! Sorry, we are back into the normal swing of things, and as we know, life carries on. Miss T is making choc chip cookies at school today - what skills they learn these days - in my day they would never have children anywhere near in case of mess! Tomorrow they are off to the library.

Last Friday was slightly manic. Gale force winds kept blowing. It was grandparents day at Tayla's school so I went off there in the morning (in the car as Dave did not want me on the bike - I definitely would have been blown over). Tayla did not cry this time (nor stick her fingers in her nose!), so that all went very nicely. No sooner had I got back to school than I got a call from Dave and Tayla's school to say they were closing as a result of the severe winds. So off I trekked again - all the way back, and then home. It was pretty ugly outside and some of the hurricane shutters came down. Quite a few boats sank as a result - not a good sign when we have just jointly bought one.

Sunday the Cranfields invited us around for a gorgeous roast dinner and a little biltong making. Having never done this myself, it was very interesting and we are looking forward to some samples. The wine flowed - as it does, and Ryan was followed around by Tayla all afternoon.

We are all off to the UK next week (me on the 10th and husband and child on the 14th). I have had a little crisis about leaving my child, but she is in good hands! The bit that I am not looking forward to is the trip to UK and India in March - yuk!

The Middle of Winter in Bermuda

2007-01-14T20:22:00.000-04:00

Dave is now the leading goal scorer on the island - wow! We watched him score yet another goal yesterday so that they could win their game 3-1 - fine effort! He is not competitive or anything.

We had loads of fun this weekend. A trip to the aquarium, a very late (early) dinner with the Cranfields, and then a walk from Warwick Long Bay to Horseshoe Bay (not very far). The sea weed is a big problem at the moment as you can see, but it did not stop the sun from shining on us and Tayla taking her clothes off.

Enjoy the pics, and Osama has been spotted in Bermuda.

London here we come!!

2007-01-13T13:24:00.000-04:00

Our latest news is that we will be visiting London for a cheeky visit in February. For our friends in the UK Nicki arrives on Sunday the 11th, staying at Cannizaro House in Wimbledon, and will be working for the week. Tayla and I arrive on Thursday the 15th and we all fly back on Sunday the 18th.

So hopefully we will be able to catch up with everyone!!

One a seperate note I was incorrect in my prediction of a drawn series against the Indians so this time I am boldy going for a South Africa 1-0 series win over Pakistan. Hopefully our bowlers will come to the party again. It is almost time for the Super 14 or is it the Super 9 without the All Blacks? I will have a go at a few predictions in the near future.

The weather has turned here. We enjoyed our second fire and a bottle of Foster's Meerlust last night.

So back to work.....

Bye bye Granny - nosey, nosey

2007-01-02T21:04:00.000-04:00

Granny left this evening after a great fortnight of being together with Christmas, New year, free baby sitting and an awesome time all thrown in. It is a long trek home, one which I don't envy, but which we have to do in a couple of months time.

Tayla has discovered how to do somersaults - interesting, as she does not know where she is going to land. She still thinks it is the middle of summer and wants to wear her ballerina dresses!

What fun we had, and how quickly the time went.

Thanks - we all had a ball!

Happy New Year for 2007

2006-12-31T18:01:00.000-04:00

We hope you have a good one - wherever you are!!

Christmas, Shane Warne, India and family!!

2006-12-26T20:57:00.000-04:00

You might be wondering just what the hell is going on here. To ease your interest I have taken the liberty of using my time ,while on holiday, to put together a real rant! Whilst I type England are busy making some sort of a fight on day 2 of the fourth test. Warnie will return later in this blog.

Christmas was a huge surprise for Tayla. She had mistakenly left out a plate of tasty biscuits and one beer (only one!!) below the chimney for Father Christmas and duly found it all consumed. She knew something was afoot but could not quite work it out..

She sure found out when she heard a knock on the front door and opened it to find her present (see pic below). It is slightly too big for her and at this stage too intimidating so she enjoys pushing it and playing with the bell.
We followed the present opening session with an "expat" tradition on the island. Champers and salmon sandwiches on Elbow beach. We were probably to the first to arrive thanks to our daughter and this proved to be a good thing. By 11 o'clock there were about 1000 people on the beach. If the government ever wanted to get rid of the foreigners this would be the place to do it. It was fantastically festive with people dressing up and enjoying the hot weather.

Tayla did her usual......took her clothes off and headed for the sea. She must have learnt this from her mother or possibly some other dangerous Rhodent.
After the session of bubbly on the beach we headed for Christmas lunch at the Southampton Princess Hotel. We decided that without help from Thandi or Nellie....cleaning up was not an option; so a stylish eat-as-much-as-you-can (if this can be stylish) feast was a brainwave....not mine, but Nicki's. Yes, you might reflect on this being slightly unusual but it was the chocolate fountain that sold it for her. Needless to say Tayla enjoyed it....

The day ended with an uncharacteristic afternoon sleep...I cannot remember one since Tayla was born, but then again I am never prone to exaggeration.

I did manage to get some focus after the lengthy day to watch the first day of the Fourth Ashes test and if I digress slightly to say goodbye to one Shane Warne then so be it - as a South African supporter he has probably tormented me more often than I care to remember. I can still feel Daryll Cullinan's pain as though it was yesterday - and for him it probably is. I will be glad to see his back shortly, but not before he dishes out further psychological damage on the Poms.

Today we spent much of the time with Carol containing an overexcited daughter. A trip to St George ended with a heavy thunderstorm and a brief stop at the Fort.

Tayla did get a chance to drive our car and then fell fast asleep on the way home - much to our relief!

Carol is with us until the 2nd January and with the odd game of golf booked it is pretty much down to getting things ready for the new year.

Onto cricket.... Bren was telling me that Kingers (Greg King) is smarting after the Indians performence in the first test - and rightfully so. After watching part the first day at Kingsmead and using this blog as the Carr family does, I am going to enter the prediction stakes with a punt at a 1-1 drawn series. I am not able to see us take 40 wickets in the two remaining tests to ensure the series win. Unless, of course, Bobby Skinstad has signed for the Proteas and not the Sharks (I would like to get both Hewletts take on this?). With this in mind, I did for a moment imagine Cavers captaining Border in the 2007 Currie Cup, Ryan Hewlett putting his flag up to ensure a Selborne win next year, Brendan Horan opening the bowling for the Gauteng Lions/Cubs....just pinched myself....still can't believe that comebacks like this are possible. Surely Adam Huckle still has a chance? Time will tell!

Talking about time. I am going to have mine cut out next year. Bath University must have made some sort of administrative error in accepting me for a Masters in Education Management. The bonus of this course is that there are no exams, so I fancy myself in taking the shortest route possible. However, it does feel quite refreshing to have a student number again and get an invite to freshers week. How many of you can say that....

I see Symonds is getting things going for the Aussies...till next time.

Merry Christmas to all our friends!!

2006-12-25T18:07:00.000-04:00

We hope you have a blessed and relaxing day.

With all our love.

Christmas with the Fossils

2006-12-22T12:11:00.000-04:00

Last Friday we were invited to attend Tayla's Christmas concert at school. I took the day off work and Dave got off school. Some of the older Moms said that we should not sit in the front row and the kids get upset, so we sat in the 2nd row.

Tayla was led in by the teachers and sat down. She promptly put both her fingers in both her nostrils. After sitting like that for 2 minutes, she spotted us and then burst into floods of tears. She recovered towards the end and managed to sit for the Happy Birthday to Jesus bit. We were told it will get better next year. The photo is next to her best friends, Matthew and Edward (twins) who she loves.

We have had a great time in the last week with Di flying in on Saturday and Mom on Sunday after a very long flight around the world - this place is a hard to get to from SA. Fossil Snr managed to get a coach from Heathrow to Gatwick all on her own, which is very good! Monday and Tuesday were beautiful days so we headed down to the beach - just the girls. Miss T is loving all the attention, and gets quite excited about it all. It is much more exciting having people other than Mom and Dad around.

Dave broke up from school on Tuesday too after a fiercely fought football game against the boys (which they wone 3-2). He is still stiff! We've been around town and to see the dolphins and just generally seeing Bermuda. I have been at work the last 2 days, and I think we have a half day today, so I'll be heading home soon.

Tayla now completely understands the concept of presents and Christmas, and sings Happy Birthday to Jesus all the time which is lovely to watch. She has been quite feisty of late, but I am putting it down to a molar coming out and all the Christmas excitement. It does take it out of you.

Pete and Jean had a little girl, Michelle, yesterday in the UK. She was a tiny thing at 4.11kgs - ha ha! We wish them all the best.

Dave scores a hat trick

2006-12-14T14:16:00.000-04:00

Dave is making his presence felt on the hockey front!

http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061213/SPORT/112130226

Bermuda Boat Parade

2006-12-09T20:35:00.000-04:00

Christmas is not a small thing in Bermuda. You can definitely feel the North American influence here and the houses are being decorated and people are pulling out all the stops. Part of the Bermuda celebrations are the Christmas Parade down the main streets, and then the Boat Parade. There are various categories that people can compete in and they do a circuit around the main areas. As you can imagine, Miss Tayla loved it, and she waved at all the Father Christmas's as they went past (I am not too sure how to explain that one!).

It is downhill to Christmas now and most of my shopping is done (it helps when there are only 4 of us for Xmas!). I hosted a lunch for all the Finance folk at work here today. Dave had a hockey game and scored 3 goals (and also got sent off!), so they won their game 3-2.

Tayla has had a bit of a cold and I seem to have caught it, but I am hoping that we have nipped it in the bud early enough.

Not much news other than that, Xmas parties have happened, and I managed to win a travel voucher for $750 - what a bonus.

Christmas is nearly here

2006-11-27T12:13:00.000-04:00

What a fantastic time we have had this weekend. The weather was amazing – for this time of year, I cannot quite comprehend that it is still 25 degrees and it is nearly Xmas. Miss T was long overdue for a haircut, so Dave bribed her with an ice cream and she managed to sit still for a little while. I really like it shorter. She refuses to put clips etc into her hair so we really did not have much choice.

On Saturday we went to the local Farmers Market – so nice to be able to get fresh organic chickens and fish and some lovely local veg. We then managed to watch the rugby – great win – at last! After that we headed down onto the beach where my daughter stripped off all her clothes and had a little swim. As you do in Bermuda, we met a friend of hers from school and they ran backwards and forwards – good to tire her out before dinner. Dave and I had a lovely dinner out with the Valentines at Lido. We bought these dine around vouchers which s $120 for 3 three course dinners. So we used them at one of the nicer restaurants and had quite a late night. Somehow there was a slight dryness at the back of my throat the next morning, but we were up and about at 6:30!

Sunday we went to Church – one that we have been to a number of times which we are quite enjoying. Tayla went to the Sunday school and was quite happy there (after the initial tears). Last night we headed to the Xmas Parade (nothing to write home about). The drum majorettes were all over 50 and the Glamorous Granny was riding with her tiara at the back of a convertible beetle! You have got to put it all in context!

Back at work this week. The great news is that Di is coming to visit from Toronto when Mom is here so it will be lovely to see her again. I just hope the weather stays as nice as it has been. The other news is that Dave has been accepted from his Masters at Bath University so we need to sort all that out. Love from Bermuda

Daddy is riding Mommy's bike

2006-11-20T21:26:00.000-04:00

As you can see the new bike has arrived - big hit with Miss T. At some point I will have to get her a helmet - just joking. She likes having a little spin with Dad though. Believe it or not they often have problems with kids falling asleep at the back of the bike and the parent does not know.

The other pics is of T's friend, Kwami who came to play on Saturday. They played so nicely together.

The potty training is going okay - except for the poohs. We went to watch Dave play hockey yesterday and she did 2 in her pants while we were there - no fun at all! I would much rather have been on the field.

Sleeping late - we can't remember how!

2006-11-14T20:28:00.000-04:00

Monday was a holiday here in recognition of Remembrance Day. A great weekend for potty training. Owing to the wonderful weather an early morning trip down to the beach before breakfast was the order of the day.

Dad was explaining what all the little things on the beach were.

Tayla was spoilt and got a new kitchen. It has kept her busy for hours! A great investment! Second hand of course.

Tayla's school went to the fire department a little while back. She loved the hat, but did not love the firemen that dressed up as a dog. She was very upset for most of the trip! She feels the same way about the Gumbies! I think it is anything with a mask.

Winter in Bermuda

2006-11-13T21:22:00.000-04:00

I can't believe we have been here for over 3 months already. In some ways it feels like we have been here for a year, and yet in others I feel we arrived yesterday. We always thank God for people that make a real effort to get to know us, and we have some people here that have done that. I work with Corinna, and she and Grant have been a great help to both of us. Their daughters, Hannah and Clara, are Tayla's mates as T is in the middle of them age-wise. Then Craig and Caroline have been great, as well as people we have met through work.

We have not yet settled at a new Church. For the last 2 weeks we have been to the same one, which we are enjoying, but some of the things take a little getting used to. Time will tell whether we settle.

Big news, we have been potty training Tayla this weekend. She has done really well and I was even brave enough to take her to the shops with me without a nappy (but with a dry pair of pants in my bag). The trick will be to see how she goes at nursery tomorrow and for the rest of the week.

Some more exciting news is that my new bike arrived on Thursday. Very impressive - a Liberty 125CC - much more powerful than my rental scooter which I was needing to go full throttle on up the hills.

There has also been a baby boom amongst the friends. Brig and James had a little boy, Sean. Ang and Fonz had a little girl, Georgina and Jen and Sikes had a little girl, Kirsten. Wow!

We are spending Christmas here. My mom is coming over on the 17th and is with us until after new year and we will probably just have a really relaxing time.

As you can imagine, the winters in Bermuda are quite mild. This morning we were on the beach at 7am and went for a lovely walk. I will post some pics when I am home (am baby sitting at the moment!).

Would love to hear all your news. We miss your friends in London big time and hop you will ALL come and visit.

Canada calling

2006-10-31T13:31:00.000-04:00

We spent last week with Di and Adi in Toronto. It was great to see them again - I have not seen Di since 1999 and Adi since 1994! Crazy - and he has grown really tall - he is almost as tall as Dave. We had a really good time with Di and she did so much for us. She has a lovely home in Downtown and we stayed in Mandy’s room as she is away at university in Halifax. Adi is really tall, taller than Di and is a fantastic guy. He is at his final year at school doing the IB and heads off to university next summer. Tayla absolutely adored him. When we went down to Niagara she kept asking where Adi was and that she wanted to show him her new shoes (ones that sparkle!). While we were there, he was asked to model for the girls school fashion show and played in the jazz band.

Di is also so well. She works a lot from home finding homes for clients and keeps very busy with demanding clients. I managed to gather a whole lot of her hand-me-downs which was wonderful as we are the same height.

Di’s home was close to the subway so we could just hop on there if we wanted. It was rather chilly compared to Bermuda – about 5 deg Celsius. We begged, borrowed and stole some warm clothes, but all managed to come down with a cold. I think I should have reimbursed her for all the tissues we used.
We were also able to get an appointment at the Hospital for Sick Kids which was wonderful. The head of the unit said that Tayla’s feet were great and she should continue to use her booties as long as we can. Based on photos I sent to Dr Ponseti, he said that she should stop wearing her boots in three or four months time, so we will just have to see how it goes. Good news though on both fronts.
WE stayed in Niagara for a couple of nights too. It is a beautiful part of the country and, being the end of autumn, we were able to see all the fantastic colours of the trees. We did some wine tasting, some shopping in the US (just across the border) and a trip to the butterfly farm.
We got back yesterday lunchtime (with a new bread maker and slow cooker). Now life is back to normal. Next weekend is a long weekend (Monday, 13th is a holiday) so that is our potty training weekend – HELP! Tayla is well and her vocabulary and sentences increase daily. It is fantastic to watch! Mom and dad think she is very clever!

Trip on the Aristocat

2006-10-15T20:07:00.000-04:00

This week was a busy one; especially Tayla's! On Thursday the nursery school went on a motorised train ride past lots of farm animals, the beach etc. Then on Friday they went on a bus and ferry ride. As you can tell they are busy doing transportation at school at the moment. This week they are going on a trip to the airport. I pretty much think she know what one of those look like poor child.

They currently have a film festival on in Bermuda and on Saturday morning there were Kindertoons - an hour of 5 minute short films - great for the little ones. She was a little unsure of the darkness and all the people clapping, but she came back and told Dad all about it. Then in the afternoon we went on a catamaran trip - an hour ride out, then lots of snorkelling, then back again. We managed to get some great shots of our house. Today the Valentines popped over for a braai - nice to be able to do that again.

The weather has started to cool a little - it is not as humid anymore but the days are really warm. It is between 21 and 27 degrees C - not bad!! The days are shorter and it is dark by about 7ish.

This week will a busy one. We are off to Toronto to see Di on Sunday (for a week) but first have to face a week at work. Will keep you posted!

Sunset in Bermuda

2006-10-08T06:55:00.000-04:00

Well we are getting through the boxes slowly. There are still no bikes and we have not heard back from the shippers - how bizarre. The weeks are full and by the end of the week we are all exhausted. It has been quite a rainy weekend - on Friday evening it really came down, but it always leaves things clearer.

Tayla and I popped down to the beach for half an hour last night and were met with the most spectacular pinks skies - wow! I happened to take the camera for some reason, and thank goodness I did. As usual, T ended taking all her clothes off and we came back full of sand.

More unpacking today as we are determined to finish everything by the end of today - hence why I am procrastinating doing this.

Miss T has rediscovered all her long lost toys and books - lots of reading in the evenings now and no TV which is great.

The invasion of the boxes!

2006-10-01T20:09:00.000-04:00

Well on Friday afternoon our stuff eventually arrived - most of it anyway - the rest is being delivered tomorrow morning - at "about 9am". We have been unpacking boxes ever since - most of which I have enjoyed - but cannot fathom where we gathered so much stuff! As a result we come to end of the day exhausted, and sometimes a little cranky. It got so bad yesterday afternoon that we baled out and went to the beach.

Funnily enough there was a touch rugby tournament on. So we watched a little and then headed home and out for dinner for Mom and Dad! We know that Bermuda is a small place when we go to a restaurant and there is a lady that I work with sitting right behind me! The baby sitting circle is working nicely.

Tayla's eye is going through all the different shades of blue as she recovers from her fall. She is now officially saying Ja - lekker man! Oh yes, and she is a whizz on her tricycle - great to watch.

Dave has a casual hockey game tonight - and did he sweat! It is still very humid.

Better go - be good!

Happy Snaps

2006-09-26T18:53:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone

Sunday was the most perfect day here in Bermuda. We were on the beach at 9am - and it was an awesome day. Not much to complain about.

Tayla is at the stage where she enjoys jumping on the bed. She has already picked up the Bermudian accent with a very round sounding "i". I don't know what she is going to end up like - but it amuses us in the mean time - and there is nothing we can do about it. We are encouraging the use of "Ja" - but I don't think it is going to work!

Dave has been playing golf - hence T and I have time for a photo shoot.

Good news - our stuff is in Bermuda - it has not yet cleared customs, but I am hoping that by the weekend we will have it!

The caption to this could be - where oh where have my parents taken me now! Tayla has been asking to go in the aeroplane - she is having withdrawal symptoms after 2 months of not being on a plane - so we have booked to go to Toronto to see Di, my aunt for a week - very exciting as I have not seen her for about 12 years.

Waiting for the ship!

2006-09-20T19:44:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone, Nicki here. This is a pic of our car, also known as Toaster! It is a nifty little Daihatsu Extol which is no longer made. It has a small engine, and, as with everything in Bermuda, cost too much. We paid more for this than what we made selling the Golf and the Audi. All cars on the island hold their value quite well, so let's hope this one does too. For all you pending visitors, it has 7 seats, so you can hop in as you won't be able to hire your own car!

There are bikes and bikes everywhere. My new one is currently on order - a Piaggio Liberty 125 CC. As with alot of things there is no stock so I have to order it and it arrives mid-October - they say! My drive to work is 5.4kms and this morning it took me 40 minutes - crazy - I was wishing for some water wheels as I could see the office but could not get there! Anyway, I will just have to try and leave earlier tomorrow!

Miss T and I at the town of St George - a lovely day out and very English!

Over

2006-09-18T21:44:00.000-04:00

Well, we survived the Hurricane with no real damage. We do consider ourselves fortunate considering 25000 people lost electricity for up to 5 days. Ours had gone down 4 times in the previous 5 days so we thought it inevitable, but the big man upstairs had other ideas. Those without electricity did find it very frustrating.

School was back in session on Tuesday even though all the Government schools and departments were closed. Nicki took off a half-day and I returned home early to look after the little madam.

The photo above is taken from the Gibbs lighthouse just above our house about 12 hours before the storm reached the island. Tayla did find our to her horror that she could not stand in the strong winds!!

After the storm the wind changed direction and took a good few hours to blow out, and then it was time to clean up and take down all the protection on the house.

As I type I see that hurricane Helene is now heading our way......hopefull to miss this tiny dot.

We got some good news today that the container holding our household goods has been located and searched by US customs and should be on its way here this weekend - we will not be holding our breath but do look forward to an emense present opening session. The other bit of major news is that we both passed our practical bike tests. I gave myself little chance and even put my feet down twice! Till next time.

Photos of Tayla

2006-09-10T16:15:00.000-04:00

Hurricane Florence

2006-09-10T13:10:00.000-04:00

Now that we know how to update this webpage we will aim to do so more regularly.

On to Hurricane Florence which has been bearing down on us for the past week. Preparations have been accelerating at quite a pace with a variety of lists on what to do being sent around. Basic preparations include, filling up all baths, ensuring one has enough dry food and clean water for a week, stocking up on candles, matches and the very necessary supplies of red wine (the locals say it helps with killing time and...killing the brain). Yesterday we boarded up the house and ensured that a couple of windows are left open to equalise the pressure when the hurricane passes over.

According to the "experts" it will miss us by about 100 nautical miles, which for those of you who might not know (like us), is pretty much a direct hit. You can click on the weather link on the left and track to storm if you so wish.

We spent much of Saturday "buttoning down the hatches", and I can now sympathise with those people who you always see on CNN nailing on bits of timber as the wind picks up - mostly American if I remember correctly.

Most of the windows have special metal storm blinds, but some windows and doors cannot take them and then wooden sheets are then fitted. My DIY skills were sorely shown up by Dave Sutton our dedicated landlord and regular marine (I have some competition to my last boy scout mantle!).

All offices and schools are closed tomorrow and the Government does expect the power to go down for up to three days, so if you do not hear from us presume that no news is good news.

Till next time!!

Life in Bermuda

2006-08-28T15:45:00.000-04:00

Welcome to our webpage!

We arrived in Bermuda on the 4th August. We spent 2 weeks in a one bed apartment and then moved into our very sparsely furnished house 2 weeks later. Our shipment from the UK is missing in action - apparently arrived in Newark on the 22nd August, held by US customs, and now who knows. The view on the left is taken from our house and is of Jews bay, Southampton.