The stuff of life

Today we learned of the arrival of Elsie Annice Haygarth, our new niece. Congratulations Dave, Kate and Lils. Savour the moment folks, 'cause news does not get better than this....

Gran and Grandma visits

For the last two weeks we have had Gran and then Grandma to stay - enjoying some pleasant spring weather (at last). Both were on good form, with Gran helping nurse Helen through chickenpox and Grandma watching the UEFA football with the boys. Here are some pictures - includes on of Grandma taking a penalty!

France '98 and other memories

Anne and Andy
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

During the Summer of '98, Andy Gregory was a lodger in Anne's house as an undergraduate doing a summer project with me at North Wyke. 10 years on and 3 children and a PhD later, Andy visited us recently and it was great to see him - we recalled watching the world cup on balmy summer evenings - happy days. Let's make sure it is less than 10 years until the next get together....

A hot day out

As if we needed telling.....
Originally uploaded by Phil Haygarth

Last weekend I dragged my carcus around the tortuous 100 mile Dartmoor Classic cycle ride. It was a great day out, shared with companions Roger Ebner (my new-found training partner this spring) and Richard, long term boogie-bike friend, and co-rider from last year. In contract to last year's rain, it was a baking hot day (my computer registered 32 degrees C) and the route this time was varied from last year, with the infamous Dartmeet climb coming after 80 plus miles. It took me over 8 hours, in part reflecting the harder route and heat, but also my diminished training schedule this spring. The great weather made it especially pleasurable though, and I hunkered down and did it, ignoring the pain best I could. I had a great support crew, who intercepted us after Okehampton (35 miles) and at the top of Dartmeet (some lovely 'big hugs' from Helen as I stopped at the side of the road). For those interested in stats my official time was 8.15 (including all the necessary cramp stops), and my bike computer says I did 102 miles in 7 hours 24, at an average speed of 13.8 mph and I burned 5400 calories and nearly 600 g of fat (judging my slow time I need to burn some more)!! Here are some snaps that Anne took.....

Helen's answer 'phone message......

A couple of weeks ago I got this answer 'phone message from my daughter, describing what has been a step change in her lifestyle. Apart from the significance of this for the family budget, and the relief on Anne and I after 8 years of continuous nappies, the message is also very cute because she so evidently does not quite get the answer 'phone concept.....

End of the season for Matthew

Last weekend Matthew celebrated his last game for Okehampton with a try (one of many he hasdelivered this season) at the Ivyvridge rugby tournament. At the end of the day the coach Greame Horn gave Matt a certificate and a photograph - thanks Greame. For more details see here. Also, a full weblog reporting on the whole season can be viewed here. Well done Matthew on a great season, we are so proud of you. Dad