The Big O

You just had to be there. 

It was a wonderful experience. 

We felt proud to be hosting and proud to be British.  The officials, army and volunteers were all very polite, cheerful, helpful and efficient. 

The swimming heats themselves ran smoothly (though there was no obvious lane numbering so it took us a while to work out who was where).  We were up in the gods.  It was very steep so we didn't suffer with other people's heads in the way and we were directly overlooking the pool, almost a bird's eye view.  We cheered for everyone, went mad when a Brit was in the line up and nearly had apoplexy when a member of Team GB finished in the top three.  We saw an Olympic Record being broken by Emily Seebohm of Australia in the 100m backstroke. We watched Rebecca Adlington qualify for the 400m freestyle final (she went on to win a bronze medal).

We even managed to survive the underground to get to the London Eye. 

It was one of those days I'd like to repeat all over again.

London Olympics 2012, Sun 29th July - Swimming Heats

Pride of Britain

GB probably can't afford it... but the Olympic Torch Relay is bringing us out in our thousands to cheer on deserving and inspirational people in our communities. 

Her Next Door, G10 and I watched in Haverfordwest on the 9th day; this day totalled 137.6 miles and 114 torch bearers.


Adam Goy. 
The torch is perforated by 8,000 small cut-out circles,
representing the 8,000 torch bearers.

As I write these words the Olympic flame continues travelling the length and breadth of the United Kingdom – weaving its way through over a 1,000 communities. There are overnight stops for large celebrations at 70 towns and cities.

In total 8,000 people will end up carrying the flame on its 8,000 mile, 70-day journey around the UK to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on 27th July.

And to top it off nicely, look what came in the post this morning. We're really looking forward to it now, the atmosphere in Haverfordwest yesterday has really whetted our appetite. Blow the expense, the moral of the nation is up and to be honest this will definitely make us feel proud to be British. Go Team GB.

Not long to wait...

Celebration Week (mostly).

Last week was my birthday (I'm five now, 5+0=5), I had my Welsh exam, J's birthday and Sunday it was Father's Day.  This weekend we have my Gran's 101st birthday party celebrations.  Phew.  Wonderful time with still a party to look forward to and I feel much less stressed now that my Welsh exam is over and done with.

Ahh the exam.  I really shouldn't have done a post mortem.  I was quite upbeat when I came out, but after picking over the bones with some of the other candidates, I'm now not sure I got anything right.

It was also confirmed in the week that we're off to the Olympics next year (I'm not actually in it you understand).  What a lovely 'non' birthday present.

J and I treated ourselves to a meal out on his birthday (as a joint present to ourselves).  I highly recommend The Drovers Arms at Puncheston, we found that the food was exquisite and the service sublime.  Here is a picture of my lunch... apparently they use the same supplier as Heston Blumenthal.  

Lunch - not my bouquet...

Happy 101st Birthday today Gran, hope you have your party frock and tunes ready for tomorrow.  Got my fingers firmly crossed that it'll stay dry.  Love you.  xxx