Stormy Day on Koh Rang Yi

We gambled on the dodgy looking weather yesterday and headed to Koh Rang Yi island for the day.  We lost the gamble and shortly after we arrived the weather rolled in.  Our long tale boat was coming back in three hours to pick us at, so we had a fun afternoon chatting under shelter.  Jessica and Jimmy had told me when they arrived that they were not keen on boats in Thailand after the recent tragedy of a boat capsizing killing almost 40 people.  I assured them this would be different but nope when the boat finally made it to us the weather was so bad I was not sure we would make it off the island (which was kinda funny as we had just been talking about Gilligan's Island).  But we did finally make it back to land, there was a point we had to stop and anchor to bail out water but we made it!

We actually had the best day out.  It wasn't the usual boring sunny glorious day at the beach, instead a real event.

Best BBQ Ever

I was a 24 hour flight away and I still know that I missed the best BBQ possibly ever.  One it was all vegetarian so already we are off to a good start but two it was thrown by some of my fathers best friends in honour of Luis flying through Toronto.  When I called to say hello he could not wait to tell me what a fantastic day he was having, how lovey all the food was and how nice the family are that are now living in my Dad's house.  I am just so pleased and know that my father would have been so happy to bring everyone together.

 Luis and Colleen, Dad loved Colleen tremendously, they spoke on the phone very night.

 Willy, the veggie BBQ pro

 The new family!

 Marlene and Colleen

Luis visiting the house, he said the house was just the same.  I am just so thrilled he went, I am so lucky to have him!

Lola, Jess and Jimmy

I arrived back yesterday afternoon to a crazy clean house (thanks to pet sitters) and a very excited Lola.  I think she was almost shocked to see me and ran circles around me until she remembered she was a little pissed off at me.   Then last night Jessica and Jimmy flew in just adding to my wonderful summer holiday.  

 Breakfast this morning

 Happy happy Lola, chasing crabs and being with Mum

 A lovely first day of my two week holiday in Asia.  Now just need my other L to arrive and everything will be perfect.

Bruton

Bruton is actually the place that the famous 'B' speech was made by Dad on his 70th birthday, it also happens to be one of my favourite places in the world.  It is full of some of my favourite people and some of my favourite places to be with a glass of wine in my hand.  I had a fleeting two day visit but crammed in loads as per usual.

 Pennie and me at The Chapel

 A little snap of the Highstreet

 The Sun Inn pub garden one of my favourite spots

 Me and Vince

 Ladies dinner at Matt's Kitchen.  Matt's treat and as always fabulous!

 Lunching with Matt

 A little tea at On the Brook, a new Bruton place that I loved!

Now getting ready to fly back home tomorrow.  What a wonderful holiday I have had, with so many special people.  I have had a great time catching up with everyone but now ready to go back home and my L's!

Bristol to Bournemouth

On Sunday we went to the Bristol Harbour Festival, a hard cycle there and back, but I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge.  Another glorious day and nice day out.

On Monday in keeping up with the 'B' vacation me and my sister added a new B, Bournemouth to see our cousin Nick, his boyfriend Sam and the beach.  We had a short day on the beach and then went to get ready for dinner with Nick and Sam.  We love Sam, what a great guy and we could not be happier for Nicholas.The weather has just gotten better and better, now there is a heat wave warning, yippppee.

We had a great evening and now off to the beach for another glorious day :)

B is for Bristol

My favourite city by far in the UK is Bristol, so it is very handy that is where my sister in her family decided to settle down.  The weather is still fantastic, it is actually been so brilliant here that everyone is now complaining (not my family) that it is too hot and they want rain.  I arrived yesterday to a street BBQ and then a night of walks, food and catching up.

Today we awoke to a stunning day and they showed off their green (which is now a brown) and the beautiful river walks near by.

 Freda drinking my Aunty Amanda's coke

 Finally met The Dude.  Love this guy, never seen a dog so in love with his ball.

 A lovely walk, and now having some lunch and then heading to the Harbour Front Festival.