The Judo Master

Oh all right then - Judo red belt! Luke has been going to judo for the last 4 or 5 weeks and has decided it is definitely for him. It better be, because we have just bought him this very snazzy outfit. He was throwing people all over the place on Saturday, which was very impressive, but not quite as impressive as his performance on the "island" (made of three crash mats pulled together) where all the children in his group have to try to push each other off whilst retaining their own place. Luke managed to fight of all comers until there were just him and three girls left!!

Guinea Pig News

We had a very sad time the week before last because Maggie ( the scruffy-looking one) broke her leg leaping off Joe's knee and unfortuately did not come round after the vet operated on her. We were all very upset and Lisa was very lonely, so we asked Benny from next door if he would like to come and stay and he said yes! That is him with Lisa in the picture - he is Martha's pet (Katie's friend Martha, that is).

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Benny has been with us all week and Lisa is going to go back to his place tonight to stay the week with him. They seem to have been getting on very well (nudge, nudge, wink, wink) so we are hopeful that Lisa might have some baby guineas in a couple of months' time. If one of them is a little girl we will be able to keep her so that Lisa needn't be lonely any more.

Duelling moustaches

If it looks like I am wearing make-up that is because I am! I had just come off stage after yesterday's matinee - which Elaine, Luke and Joe enjoyed very much. They visited the cast backstage and Luke was presented with his moustache by one of them. He liked it so much he wore it for the rest of the show!

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My moustache has gone now and I seem to have an enormous expanse of cold skin below my nose!

Captain Bertorelli

Well Capitano Alberto Bertorelli visited today, one and half weeks before 'Allo 'Allo opens at Melton Theatre. I think his moustache is looking particularly luxuriant and goes well with the dead chicken on 'is 'ead! We had a photo shoot this afternoon at the theatre for the Melton Times and I have heard that Friday and Saturday night are both sold out!

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We also had an introductory meeting this afternoon for the next Gasleak production - The Ragged Child - which is on in October. Luke wants to audition for a part but Joe doesn't want to join in - too much singing! I'm in two minds - I would love to do something with Luke but I will be working on my dissertation at that time, which will be due in at Christmas. We'll see. Elaine said that she would come and sing in the chorus is both the boys took part but it looks like we have been spared that now!

Photos from the show

Bradgate Park Monkeys

We had some surprise visitors arrive yesterday - the Effingpots! After a phone call in the morning when Mike said they were all a bit bored, they jumped in the car to come and be bored with Theringtones. And guess what - no more boredom!

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Mike and Pete went to the boozer last night with a couple of friends and ended up seeing a live band in the Noels Arms (and Pete ended up with a headache this morning - ouch!). Today we went to buy matching walking boots in town (for Mike and Pete) and then we all went off to Bradgate Park to play hide and seek in the ancient oaks. Wonderful day.

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Here are some more pics. Some of them are from Saturday when we went to Borough Hill while the Effingpots were en route.

Happy Birthday Elaine

Tonight we went to The Flying Childers at Kirby Bellars to celebrate Elaine's birthday. Having recently enjoyed a day at Ragdale Hall, Elaine was very pleased to receive more than enough vouchers to enjoy another day there, plus lots of beauty products as recommended by Gok Wan.

Note the short hair for all the boys! A few more pics here.

Watermead Park

A rare sunny day so we headed somewhere new to stretch our legs today. This place is right next to the Grand Union Canal as it heads into Leicester. Loads of lakes and walks (and geese). Next time we will take the bikes as there are lots of cycle tracks and plenty of space to cycle (bit windy today for it). Nice to feel the breeze in my 'tache!