US Road Trip

Madeleine and I are driving her car from Central Texas to Cape Canaveral, Florida, to spend Christmas with Ellie and Naomi. Last night we stopped at a rest area on the border between Louisiana and Mississippi and had MREs for dinner.

I discovered that the Pork Rib MRE tastes exactly like Compo breakfast pork sausage.

Madeleine graduates Air Force Technical School

After a long six months in the heart of Texas, Madeleine graduated from her technical school on Thursday. She was surprised and delighted when she was named as Distinguished Graduate, an hono(u)r only she and one another airman were awarded. Now she's in the real Air Force, having been in training of one kind or another since early May.

Next step is a long leave, including a working leave back at home where she will help the local Air Force recruiter for two weeks. Then on to Langley Air Force Base in Virginia for her first assignment.

Frankfurt Xmas Market...

Pete, Katka & Natalie took the ICE to Frankfurt to meet Mike and Marlene at the Weihnachtsmarkt...

Mike & the girls on the Riesenrad (Ferris Wheel to you lot...)

Natalie on the double decker carousel....

Katka choosing a kitsch candle

Joblo's fall

I'm sorry to report that GrannyJo had a fall yesterday afternoon when walking Kees in the park behind our house. Apart from being shaken up, she has also fractured a bone in her right forearm (the radius). The break is very close to the elbow and cannot be splinted effectively, so she has to keep her arm immobilised in a sling for the next six weeks or so. As her right arm is affected, life is going to be complicated for both of us for some time to come :-(>
She is still feeling the effects of the fall and the arm is causing her a deal of pain, so anything you can do to cheer her up would be appreciated.
A grand start to the Christmas holiday!

Pete in Belfast

Pete spent 10 days in Belfast, teaching in the most bombed Hotel in Europe...

Divis Street and the Divis Tower, the gateway to West Belfast

RPG Avenue off the Falls Road, not far from where Del & Dave were dragged from their motor...

Springfield Rd Police Station, not everythings changed ;) ...although the Police now bimble about unescorted and I never saw a single Sarrycan or Pig !!