port7 – co – uk

So I am sitting writing this at my brothers computer in Edmonton, Julie is doing some last minute panic-packing and Niamh is in the land of nod, we end our 2008 Canadian Holiday.

It has been rather good, I have managed to kick someones screen door off (I didn’t see it, honest!), cast a spell over my brothers computer so that the PSU gave up the ghost just as I started using it, he DVD player also went on the blink when we arrived. We nearly lost the camcorder, and also Niamh took her first tumble down the stairs (pride hurt more than anything).

Despite all the excitement, we have had a great time, its been good to be here with family. To let Niamh get to know her cousin’s Noah and Colby a bit more, as well as her Uncle and Aunty. This is also the longest continuous time I have spent with her, so thats a good thing too.

We spent a few days up in the mountains in Banff at the start, and spent the rest of the time in Edmonton. Where we spent most days at West Edmonton Mall, as Niamh loved the free rides at Galaxyland, and also the world waterpark there.

Anyway if anyone is interested there is a flickr photoset.

It seems my musical prodigy of a brother now has a myspace page. Check it out, he describes his music as ‘ Acoustic / Experimental / Ambient’, its all self-taught and really took us by surprise a few years back.

Just booked for a weekend in London, thought it would be a nice break.

I tried to get in at the County Hall Premier Inn, but alas that is fully booked up. But I managed to get somewhere just a bit further down the river. And it so happens that the new place is right next to Borough Market, the famous central London foodie haunt.

So having never been there before, can anyone offer any recommendations, of must-do’s?

So today Niamh decided to surprise us all by taking her first steps! She knew she had done something important as she had a huge grin on her face as she did it. She repeated it a few times afterwards just to prove it wasn’t a fluke!

I am a very proud dad!

So, still on holiday here in sunny(ish) Cornwall.

It’s been good, loved playing on the beach with Niamh. We had a great meal today at Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, a nice starter of local mackerel on potato salad, with a main of pulled pork citrus pasta. Julie and Niamh had roast lamb on lumpy mash. We also had the most delicious home made Dandelion and Burdock, as well as some homemade herbal cola.

Also did a fascinating trip yesterday to Portcurno which as well as having the most fabulous beach, it also where a whole bunch of international communication cables have come ashore since 1870. There is a great museum detailing the history of it all. It is staffed by a bunch of volunteers, many of whom trained there as old Cable & Wireless engineers, they keep a lot of the old kit working and are obviously in there element.

Made me wonder, what will I do in my retirement, help out in a museum maintaining antique computer kit?

Anyway the pictures can be found at….

picasaweb.google.com/portseven/Cornwall2007

We are considering a week or so in Brittany next year. It will be me, Julie and Niamh and we want a nice place with a pool, not to far from a beach (30 mins drive at most), and away from the madening crowds. Self-Catering probably but a nice small hotel would be nice too.

Anyone have any recommendations?

So yesterday was quite a milestone for me, my first Fathers Day. Intellectually, I know its just a load of marketing hype to drum up business for industry, but being my first one it still gave me the warm fuzzies and it was a bit special.

I got a nice bag of gifts (Socks, Ties, Chocolate, Book Voucher) from Niamh and Julie and a card that I will keep for posterities sake. I also rang my Dad and was able to wish him happy Fathers Day and him to do the same for me!

Today I saw a cracking film, it was the 20 week, ultrasound scan of Julie and my firstborn, due in October. It was the most gripping 15 minute film I have ever seen!

Well I thought I would get Niamh of to a good start in life by introducing her to Free Software. So here are some pictures of Niamh, the first time she is sitting in front of a laptop, and its running Ubuntu!

She is obviously going to be a lady of great taste and intelligence!

So Friday night in celebration of 9 years of marriage, Valentines Day & the 1st meal out together since the birth of Niamh we went out for a meal. On a reccomendation from a few people at work we went up to Andrew Nutters, we are glad we went.

I had the Black Pudding Wonton’s, Honey Glazed Goosnargh Duck & Local Lancashire Cheese’s. Julie had Butternut and Curry Cream Soup, Pork Loins with Caramelised Parsnips & Winter Fruit Crumble.

Really nice meal, and we are planning when we can go next!