A first for Trudy.........

After seeing photographs of Grace holding and petting her chickens, Trudy said she had never held a chicken before. Quickly remedied, seen here holding Dorris, one of Emma, Nick and Joe's chickens. One to cross off your "things to do" list Trudy....

3 generations, Nanna, George, and Emma.

More whistle lessons.....these taken in Texas, with our friend Philip giving some moral support

As usual, it ends in great laughter.

The "Big Kids" and the "Little Kids" come to say "Bye"

A few years ago, in Texas, Trudy tried to teach me to whistle with my hands, but to no avail. She had another go with my grandchildren and me again this week, still no joy.............

Trudy got out her new "Bagpipe thingy" and I got my spoons out. As you can see Grace put her fingers in her ear's.

Our Girls, Genette and George, getting stuck into the deserts

Jane does enjoy having the family round her

Al the grand sons, Nick Joe amd Edward

And the Grandaughters, Emma and Grace.

All for last Lunch.......

Emma wanted to play her violin for Trudy & Alan, she played for Judy's birthday when they stayed with us.

After lunch we just sat round talking.

The Tall Ships in Gloucester

Link to Home - Tall Ships

It took us 2 1/2 hours to do the 55 miles to get to see the "Tall Ship's". The first 39 miles went fine but due to an accident on the M5, we had to go on the A38, which took us through small villages. When we finaly got to Gloucester there were so many people, all with the same idea as we had for a nice day out.

It was good to see lots of people in period costume walking about, and talking to every one. This lady was trying to sell us "pies" for half-a-crown.

The docks have all these old wharehouses around them. It must have been a very busy place back then.

Trudy almost got herself arrested, he told her he had to keep these "colonials" under control.

There were a few old cars to keep the boys happy.

A barge in dry dock.

We got talking to a couple who have been spending there summers for the last 15 years on their barge. The one they have now they had custome built in 2008. As we were about to walk off when they asked us if we would like to look around the barge. Alan so wanted to look in one, and I must admite I did too. Alan & Jean welcomed us into their home, and as you can see below, it was wonderful and coszy in side.

Trudy's Birthday

National Trust | Baddesley Clinton

Only found out if was Trudys birthday a few day before, so no time to make a cake, but had a nice day out.

Alan in one of the Priest Holes.

Got some plants for the garden.

A day around the Cotswolds

Broadway Tower.

Bourton On The Water.

A village Pub.........

This beer goes right through me!!!!!!!! Alan find a Loo...again.

Not sure what this is ???? maybe you know Phil????????

BBQ at Jim & Val's

Jim and Val had a few friends round the Sunday after Emma's wedding. So much good food and we all got to sit outside.

Trudy got to meet some of my English girlfriends.

Jim and Alan had a beer or two......

Rankin Tour's in Stratford-upon-Avon

Alan & Trudy outside Shakespeare's House.

That same weekend was the annual "Bull Dog Bash". So lots of bikes around. Not sure what he keeps in the coffin???????

Like Lee, when he was staying with us, Alan too wanted to hire a barge and go on the canals.

Sorry boys, Trudy & I are staying on land......

In the Theatre. Now we know what to do with all the odd gloves we have.

Mark & Chris, Lee & Judy had a photo op here. So we told Alan & Trudy it was their turn.

After Trudy asked these two "Bobby's" for a photo, about 10 Japanese tourist came round the corner and did the same. The 2 police officers could not get away, sorry boys......

Cream teas......Has turned into a 'Must Do' on Rankins Tours.....never had so many .............