Christmas in Essex

DSC_1522, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

We came, we saw, we ate and drank more or less continuously. We met Santa on the little train at Audley End, we exchanged gifts, we played in the park. We saw Thumbelina at the Junction in Cambridge, we went running, we took Matty the dog for a walk. All very jolly and festive.

Changing Rooms

IMG_0762, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

We've been in this house over 5 years, so it was time to give Louis' room a bit of a makeover. We took out the big built-in wardrobe, gave it a lick of paint and a new carpet, moved the internet kit to the loft, and (last but by no means least) built up some shiny new IKEA furniture. Seems a shame to move all his stuff back in, it makes the place look so untidy... We also went to Pizza Express to say Merry Christmas to Paula & Dave before heading off to Essex for Crimbletide.

Happy Birthday to the BT Choir

BTDIVANDINC 041, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

It's been almost exactly a year since we started the choir at work, and as luck would have it we had a gig at the Scottish Parliament (something about MSPs and BT CSR blah blah blah) so we all donned the black and red (and the antlers) to entertain the troops. It was fine. Alex didn't turn up. Afterwards, we went to Hanam's, a rather splendid middle-eastern restaurant nearby(ish) and "entertained" the diners by singing over dinner. It was excruciating but brilliant.

A Walk In The Woods

A Walk In The Woods, a set on Flickr.

Sometimes what you're looking for is right on your doorstep. We went for a wander in Davidsons Mains Park, just a short stroll through the woods but we found lots to explore - including a Louis-sized hollow stump - and plenty of leaves to get buried in. See if you can spot the eye! Also the library, a roulade and a funny hat.

Autumn Ketchup

IMG_5257, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

It's been a while - the ol' MacBook died while being upgraded to Mavericks, and it's taken this long (what with my hectic schedule and all) to get it - and all the data - back. Here's a selection of snaps to bring us up to date, including halloween, Helen's new bike, cakes, sunny days and a firework show.

Gutted Haddie

IMG_5159, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

This weekend, while Holly's away at Brownie Camp, we spent a bit of quality time with Louis, and took him up Arthur's Seat. We approached from the west, and in the spirit of adventure and taking the path less trodden headed up the gutted haddie. The lower section is now a stone staircase, but leaving the path gives an easy scramble up a well-worn gully to the summit. Louis loved it, and was leaping from boulder to boulder at the summit and all the way down again. We also spotted Grandma Pat's flat from the top.

Byte Night

Finally, the night we in the choir had been preparing for for six months arrived on 4th October. It was our first "proper" performance outside BT, and the occasion was Byte Night, an annual event where geeks and nerds the IT industry sleep out to raise funds for Action for Children, a charity for homeless kids. To prepare the hapless bit-wranglers brave souls for the forthcoming ordeal, they were treated to slap-up meal and an evening of entertainments hosted by none other than Fred MacAulay. Among those entertainments were - you guessed it - a couple of sets from the BT Scotland Choir (that's us, though I'm not sure what our official name is). We ran through most of our repertoire in the bar while people were arriving and registering, and then sang Run to accompany a tear-jerking video that would send the sleepers out into the night suitably inspired. The whole thing was a massive hoot, but I opted out of the lying-on-the-ground part and sloped off home to my lovely warm bed. I didn't get any pictures, but by the miracle of social media I can share some images and "reaction" here:



Alastair Rennie ‏@alastairrennie 4 Oct
Bt choir giving up their time to entertain us :-) cars snow patrol its beautiful #edbytenight #ByteNight pic.twitter.com/5OkjD1peXc

Perceptive Partners ‏@perceptivecomms 4 Oct
Great Beach Boys rendition by BT Choir at #ByteNight #Scotland pic.twitter.com/LZAEI3iDge

Action for Children ‏@aslongasittakes 4 Oct
Guests at #ByteNight #Scotland will be treated to a performance from BT Scotland choir. Here they are warming up! pic.twitter.com/2nlSfUJ0cr

Another Brick In The Wall

DSC_1497, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

Last weekend was our much-anticipated trip to Legoland. We took the kids out of school (cue stern letter from the beak) and benefitted enormously from the almost complete absence of queues. The whole thing was a hoot, we stayed in the Legoland hotel, which even looks like it's made of Lego, and had two whole days on the various rides and attractions. I think we covered most of it! Much of it is theme park stuff with the Lego theme bolted on, but there are also opportunities to actually play with Lego, and Miniland is just that - selected world scenes rendered in Lego. Holly's favourite was the Jolly Rocker, Louis' was the S.Q.U.I.D Surfer, and Helen and I thoroughly enjoyed the Viking River Splash. Highly recommended.

Never Mind The Trossachs

DSC_1100, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

A long-standing invitation from the Stirlings to visit them at their caravan by Loch Voil finally came to fruition this weekend. It's a beautifully isolated spot, with no electricity, no tarmac roads and no mobile coverage, yet only an hour and a bit from home. There's nothing to do but explore the woods, swim in the loch, and swing from trees. And drink, of course.

Earth Calling Back

More photos from Holly's Tuesday afternoon outings with Earth Calling Wildlife Club.

Meet The (New) Teacher

IMG_0486, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

If it's September, it must be time for Meet The Teacher. Louis has Ms. Underwearwood this year, and we had a brief tour of the classroom along with the usual start-of-year spiel. Here's some of Louis' artwork spotted on the walls.

Just Joshing

DSC_1064, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

On Edinburgh's September holiday - how come nobody else takes it, by the way? - we took Holly's chum Josh to Glentress. It was a hoot, with the usual Skills Loop / Green Loop / Berm Baby Berm combination proving as compelling as ever.

Good As Gold

DSC_0798, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

So the Mater and Pater have been married for 50 years. That's a long time, and quite a thing. Such a thing, in fact, that the Millar clan gathered en masse in Dumfries and Galloway to mark the occasion. We wandered in Mabie forest, dined Mediterranean in Dumfries, visited Sweetheart Abbey, and braved the squalls on the Solway shoreline. all very nice. Fifty years though, that means I must be almost... d'oh!

Earth Calling

After school on Tuesdays, Holly goes to the Earth Calling Wildlife Club. Each week they visit a different locale, and investigate the flora and fauna lurking just out of view and under their feet. Holly, as you might expect, loves it. Here's the first batch of pictures.

Grey Skyride

DSC_0714, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

Skyride is a free closed-roads mass participation ride to encourage folks to get out on their bikes. It started in London with huge numbers of closed city-centre roads, and consequently huge numbers of riders. The Edinburgh ride, in typical half-arsed parsimonious fashion, uses roads that would have been closed anyway, or at least have no impact if they are. Closed, that is.

That said, it's still a grand day out. The loop round Arthur's Seat is undertaken anticlockwise, and the climb up past the Commie is a bit of a grind, especially if you're a six year old boy on a single-gear bike carrying a bit of a cold. It's all worth it coming round the bend though, south and east Edinburgh and the Forth are spread out before you, and you get a stonking descent back to the event "village" by Holyrood Palace. Such was the pace of progress this year that I didn't manage to get any pictures of the actual cycling.

We met up with the Earnshaws, and our little peloton was strung out all the way round the route.

There's plenty of other stuff to do too. Sky Procycling were there, and (when we left at least) I was at the top of the 500m sprint leaderboard. Edinburgh Leisure were there, with throwing and jumping games, and tug-of-war. British Cycling athletes were there, signing helmets, bibs and oranges.

Also very much present - and fittingly for a Scottish September - were grey clouds, and occasional showers. It also seemed a bit quieter, a bit more subdued, a bit smaller than last year. So we went home.

Angry (but tasty) Birds

DSC_0561, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

First day home, and Holly keeps the post-holiday sadness at bay by making cupcakes and decorating them as Angry Birds. Yum.

Homeward Bound

IMG_0408, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

We had a late flight on the way home, so were able to spend the day by the municipal pool in Gironella. It's a magnificent 50m affair, with smaller pools for the little ones, ample grass and shade for lounging, and - yes! - a bar. By the time we got on the plane, even Holly was tired enough to zonk out during the flight.

The Stars Are Out Tonight

IMG_0375, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

The Michelin stars, that is. We visited a Michelin-starred restaurant, Els Casals, which included a tour of the farm where they grew their own pigs, hens and vegetables and made their own sausages. After Cava and nibbles on the terrace, we sat down to a seven (I think) course meal. The kids had their own menu and thoroughly enjoyed it, but were more than willing to try our dishes too. They also got to drink Coca-Cola and stay up *really* late!

Down At The Reservoir

DSC_0542, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

All week long - and on Google Maps beforehand - we'd seen this huge reservoir, the Pantà de la Baells. It was an astonishing shade of turquoise, and just begged to be jumped into, but we couldn't find a way to get to it, until we found a wee place among the trees that hired out boats of various shapes and sizes. We promptly took out a wee motor boat and - suitably emboldened - a pedalo. The water, it transpired, was much warmer than the river, but still cool and clear and a joy to swim in. Splashing around in deep, fresh water surrounded by mountains and overlooked by a hot sun in a blue sky has to qualify as one of my favourite things. So we went back the next day too.

We Walk The Highwire

IMG_0326, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

Up the mountains, there's a wee town called Saldes which is loomed over by the mighty twin peaks of Pedraforca. Across the valley, high up in the trees, there's Parc Aventura, a Go-Ape style wire-walking place. We headed up there on a series of alarmingly steep and narrow roads (me taking the scenic route again), got harnessed up, and set about it. Louis was a little on the short side, but Spanish health & safety pragmatism kicked in, and he was allowed to do it anyway. Afterwards, we returned to a café in Saldes for tapas and beer, delightfully served in frozen glasses. Mmmmmm.

Kids' Klub

DSC_0506, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

As the oldest kiddie in the group, and ably assisted by Leo, Holly decided to run a "kids' club" for the youngies. It was based in her bedroom (she lucked out and had one to herself) but the highlight of the week's activities was the "disco" on the terrace. There was dancing, bambinoccino, pin the tail on the giraffe (because it was too hard to draw a donkey) and pass the parcel, all planned and executed by Holly and Leo. To cap it all, the whole affair was bathed in pre-bedtime "golden hour" light.

Wade In The Water Children

DSC_0418, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

After all that culture, we returned to the usual routine of jumping into water. And what a spot we found! Another medieval bridge, this time leading to the chapel of Sant Quirze de Pedret, crossing a narrow and fast-flowing channel which fed a deep and inviting pool. Jumping and swimming opportunities abounded, but we didn't bargain on the water temperature. It was, not to put to fine a point on it, bl***y freezing. Which was fine by me, but a bit much for the wee ones. Luckily there was a ford a few metres downstream where they could splash and frolic in relative comfort. There aren't too many pictures of actual jumping because I did most of it...

Tren Del Ciment

DSC_0292, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

Yes, you translated that right - it's the cement train! Bizarre as it may sound, it seems that "back in the day" noted Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (he of the Sagrada Familia and other Barcelonian gems) visited with some cement magnate or other, and thanked him for his hospitality by designing a wee garden up in the mountains near the cement factory. So this became our "cultural" visit for the week, relying on the wee train that still runs up to the factory/museum/garden to pique the interest of the kiddies. And it was a lovely day out, ending as ever with ice cream and beer. The garden is contemporaneous with Park Güell, and indeed shares some of that park's feel, if somewhat smaller and more rustic.

Settling In, Part II

DSC_0263, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

Our first full day in Casa Barbats was marked mostly by splashing around in the pool, as if we hadn't spent most of the previous week devising new and exciting ways to get into a body of water. We also firmly established the principle of barbecuing our food and eating outdoors on the patio, from which (during the day at least) glorious views were to be had.

Midnight Swim

Midnight Swim a video by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

After a long and sweaty day travelling across Catalonia (via the "scenic" route) to Gironella in the Berguedà region, we took a dip in the pool of our "week two" house. Much later, after the others had arrived and the wee ones had gone to bed, Holly took a dip by herself and did a wee water dance.

Goodbye Capmany

IMG_0284, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

All too soon, the week was over and it was time to say goodbye to Capmany. We elected to spend the day chilling by the town's municipal pool (where they thoughtfully provide cerveza, helados and bocadillos) where Louis and Holly spent some not inconsiderable time perfecting their flips into the water. Excitingly, we were asked to leave the water as an electrical storm threatened to rumble overhead. And then we were allowed back in again. Then we ate out in our local restaurant, which was authentically Spanish and family run, and also empty.

Roses

DSC_0178, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

We visited Roses, another wee town on the Costa Brava, this time to visit the Aqua Brava water park. It had slides, a wave pool, a pirate ship, a 4m jumping pool, a leisurely stream for drifting on an inner tube, and much more besides. But I didn't take any pictures of that. Instead, we had beer and ice cream on the seafront, and I took pictures of that instead.

En Bicicleta

IMG_0256, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

In an attempt to stay in some kind of fitness in the face of daily ice cream and beer, I tried running but managed to pull a muscle on my first outing. Luckily, the house had a collection of clunky old mountain bikes, from which I managed to cobble together a steed upon which to explore the locale. I found a dolmen (but not a menhir, sorry Obelix), bike (and walking) paths criss-crossing the area, and tempting dirt trails heading off into the distance in every direction...

Banyoles

DSC_0136, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

We returned to the lovely lakeside town of Banyoles, only to discover that - for some unknown reason - the lovely cafe where you could simultaneously drink beer and swim (or supervise swimming children) was closed for refurbishment. We lunched at the Club de Natacio (or something) and then took ourselves to the public swimming spot for a splash in the lake. I refer you to my previous comments on mountains and bodies of cool water. Ahhhh...

Llança

DSC_0081, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

We had a day out in Llança, a pretty little former fishing town on the Costa Brava. The beer and ice cream routine was duly initiated, and the costa was indeed brava - I'm a sucker for a the ol' mountains and water combo. The sheltered little beach allowed us to do a little bit of pseudo-snorkelling with our goggles on, and we spotted fish of various shapes and sizes, sea urchins, anemones and a starfish.

Settling In

IMG_0238, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

We arrived at Can Llobet in Capmany - a small and decidedly Spanish village near the French border - late on Friday night, and spent our first full day doing first-day stuff - food shopping, checking out the spa, the local cafe and swimming pool, beheading a chicken and sampling the local wine. You know the kind of thing. Highlight of the day - at least as far as the kids were concerned - was undoubtedly the chicken, and the hands-on dissection thereof. Holly especially enjoyed poking her finger up its windpipe and out its beak, to peals of laughter from Louis.

Just Open Up And Sing

IMG_0221, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

The BT Scotland Choir and I had our first "proper" gig at the BT AGM this week, we sang our entire repertoire (admittedly only half a dozen songs or so) about three times to modest numbers of shareholders. Applause was sporadic at best, but we got glowing reviews and were mentioned in BT dispatches afterwards.

Zoo Freebies

IMG_0200, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

While Helen was visiting the Queen with Grandma Pat, the kids and I popped up Corstorphine hill, there to climb trees, slide down muddy banks and spot zoo animals for free. The latter was an unexpected success, and we spotted zebras, antelopes, ostriches, monkeys and even some entry-fee-paying hominids. The kids walked miles without even realising it, and got completely filthy along the way (but in a good way).

Dunbar The Bay

IMG_0179, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

My turn to have a day off work (woo hoo!) and entertain four children (help!) while they're off school. As it turned out, we were down to three as Eloise was poorly, and the weather was kind so we were able to be outdoors. We took ourselves to Dunbar (officially the sunniest place in Scotland) and did some rock-pooling, went swimming in their lovely pool (waves, flumes and all) and reminisced about the old outdoor pool. That might have been just me. We popped along to the John Muir Country Park for a picnic lunch, only to discover that they have a splendid new adventure playground where we set up our now-inevitable slackline, and Holly did some amazing pole-shimmying and ropework while the boys gave it a bit of Star Wars action on the rolling mounds. After a short stroll through the salt marsh to the stunning Belhaven Bay, we concluded the day with an ice cream at Luca's. A fab day out, and a vast improvement on working for a living.

Extended Birthday

IMG_0143, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

Phew! What a busy weekend! We had a gym party for Holly on the Saturday, a family barbecue for Holly and Grandma on Sunday (complete with more slacklining), presents on Monday morning for Holly's birthday (can she really be nine?) and Pizza Express for dinner on Monday evening. No further explanation necessary, I think, but Scott has more pictures of the family thing here.

Zoo Nights

IMG_4754, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

Edinburgh Zoo holds these rather splendid adults-only evening sessions, fundraisers I think, where grownups can go along and hear about the work they do, meet the animals, and generally mill about with no weans in tow. Helen and Paula went along, supped down some Champagne, and Helen took this rather fabulous picture of trees reflected in the penguin pool.

Slackers

IMG_0102, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

Our new *thing* is slacklining. It's basically tightrope walking, but on a wide, springy ribbon rather than a wire. I ordered up a proper one, but in the meantime found out how to - literally - lash one up. I used it to amuse the kids one rainy day we had Eloise for a play date, and they were going a bit stir crazy. We did a bit of fishing too, and - as tradition dictates - caught nothing.

Father's Day Out

DSC_9751, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

I was awoken this morning - at a very civilised hour - by Holly, bearing pancakes she'd made herself, closely followed by Louis bearing a card he'd made himself, starting with the words "Dear Fraser Millar..." Louis told me I could do anything I wanted as it was Father's Day, so we went to Glentress. Helen had a prior engagement with Paula at the Scotsman Spa, so we took Dave along for encouragement. It was a lovely jaunt, the usual skills loop / green loop / blue descent back to the café combination, with me riding back up to get the car. Louis is quick and gung ho as you'd expect, but so is Holly when she puts her mind to it. They both tried new things, acquired new skills, and worked hard on the uphills. A very rewarding outing for a proud dad!

Gala Day

DSC_9675, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

As befits its status as a formerly autonomous village, Davidsons Mains has an annual Gala Day, during which the "king" and "queen" and their "court" are paraded down the main street. They're selected on the basis of long-term family residency, an uncomfortable and anachronistic blend of nepotism, inbreeding and primogeniture. Notwithstanding all that though, the Gala itself had rides, candyfloss, hot dogs, falconry, pony rides, beat the goalie, face painting and a stage presenting what appeared to consist primarily of prepubescent girls performing inappropriately sexualised dance routines. There were one or two significant highlights though; Lewis Kennedy, a 14-year-old kid who sang - very well - one cover and one of his own songs, accompanying himself on (picked) guitar and generally outclassing everyone else on stage. And praise be! La Favorita are opening a branch in the former Blackhall Lounge. The local eateries are expanding! Holly hooked up with Julia S from school, they had a lovely time wandering around autonomously, dabbling with games of chance and sticky confections. Louis ran into a few of his chums too, enjoying light saber duels with Fraser, Digby and Kieran. It was a lovely afternoon out, which we toasted with our new poison of choice - Cava and Chambord. Delicious!

Citius, Altius, Fortius

DSC_9635, a photo by Fraser Millar on Flickr.

Two weeks on, and it's Holly's turn for a sports day. The weather wasn't quite as glorious as for Louis', but pleasant enough, and it didn't rain! The older kids compete in house groups rather than classes, so there were all shapes and sizes in Holly's team. She looked tiny! But she set about the various events with gusto, and did her house (Silverknowes) proud.