Hogmanay

We had the Halpin’s over at our place for Hogmanay.  Kids played away happily and we enjoyed a wee glass of wine and a magic Mexican Stew.  Happy days.  Hope we have many more nights like this in 2009!

   

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Knapps Loch for a wee walk

We all went out for a wee walk round the Knapps, a small Loch about 10 minutes from our house. Had to persuade the kids – but once we were out they enjoyed it!!  Patrick is only in a few of the photos because he ran ahead – he needs to be first!!

It has been really nice weather over the last few days – really cold but bright and frosty.  Took the new camera to give it a try.  If you are thinking Megan is looking different – she got fancy curling things for her hair.  Lookin’ good.

The hat I am wearing is my Christmas present from Michael – it is made out of grizzly bear!!

 

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Boxing Day at Maw’s

Mo and I got up sharp this morning and got the house all tidied up and back to normal.  We got everyone into the car and over to Mum and Dad’s.  We arrived at 2 o’clock and swapped presents, before going down to the Indian restaurant for our dinner.  Magic – back up the road for a few drinks and a game of Cranium.

  

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Happy Christmas Everyone

Happy Christmas everyone – hope everyone had a good time.  Our Christmas started on Christmas Eve.  We met Michael and the Halpin’s at Glasgow Cathedral for the vigil mass.  After mass we went up to see the crib and Mo gave Ella a coin and told her to light a candle for Granny Meg.  Ella started looking about and asking where she was!!  We all walked up to George Square for a go on the rides and get into the Christmas Spirit.  A Great start to the festivities.  We got home about 9 o’clock and the kids went to bed.  Michael, Mo and I had a wee glass of wine before Santa Came.  Jean and Eddie came round to our place after evening mass – about midnight.  Had another glass of wine and got to bed about 1 o’clock.

The oven came on at 6am for the huge turkey.  And we all got up at 8 to have breakfast and open the presents.  We were having Jean & Eddie, Fiona & Gordon, Laura & Craig, Siobhan and Stuart for dinner so after the presents were opened and the paper tidied up, Mo,Jean and I started getting things prepared.  Mo got me a new camera – so prepare for some more double dully photo’s in 2009.  Michael left about 2 o’clock.  He was going down to Fiona’s for dinner with Mum and Dad.  We sat down for dinner at about 3 and it was a great success!  It was so tasty and there was loads of food.  Everyone left about 10:30.

  

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Ella’s Show

Ella was a star in the nursery show – so talented!!

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Certificate Of Achievements

Megan and Patrick were awarded with Certificate Of Achievements at school assembly today.  Megan got one “In recognition of great behaviour” and Patrick got one “In recognition of good citizenship”  Only one per year was given out so they did very well.

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Megan’s Birthday

Happy Birthday Meg!!

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X-Factor - Hallelujah

Saturday night was the the X-Factor final.  It was won by Alexandra Burke and she sang her new single at the end of the show.  It is a great song – Leonard Cohen song.  There are 3 versions below, Alexandra’s, Rufus Wainwright (probably the most famous as it was in Shrek) and then the master – Leonard.  I know what one is my favourite!

Rufus Wainwright - Shrek

Leonard Cohen

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Camera Club Outing to Glasgow

Every year at the camera club we all split into different groups - portraits, wildlife, basics etc.  This year I joined the "Scapes" group, which is landscapes, seascapes, cloudscapes, cityscapes etc.  Last night we met in Glasgow to take some cityscapes.  We parked near the Science Centre.  It was a lovely night - but absolutely freezing, I could hardly feel my fingers!!

The first one is showing some part demolished tenements close to my work.  I nipped out at lunch time and took some shots - nice wallpaper!!  Sad to think that there has been a lot of Christmas Days and other memories being ripped down along with the bricks!

These are my efforts below.  (In case you don't know you can click the icon (expanding arrows) on the bottom right of the images to view full screen, then press the play button on the bottom left.  Once you are finished watching press the icon in the bottom right again to go back to here)

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December Camera Club Competition

Last night was the December Camera Club Competition.  I got "hee-haw" in the colour, didn't put anything into the digital section, but I got 5th and 2nd in the Black and White section - which I was pleased with, as there was about 30 entries.  They all get sent to an external judge, who comes to the club in early January to give his tuppence worth!!  The winner is shown above - "Dunnet Head Beach".  The 5th place, "Glencoe", is shown below.

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John O'Groats Harbour Canvas

We ordered a canvas print of my John O'Groats Harbour photo, and got it delivered on Friday.  It is nice and big (80cm x 55cm) and it looks brilliant.  The photo doesn't do it justice (a camera phone picture).

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