THE CAPTAIN'S YULETIDE MESSAGE

ule is a special time, a moment of peace and reflection that transcends beliefs and means so much to so many. The world continues with its wars and the disasters continue it’s important to cherish the simple joys of life whilst the rich still seem bent on destruction for their own benefit.

So whilst the King is waffling on on the telly I get to deliver my message to the world.

2409.02 THE WEDDING

On the 19th of August my eldest daughter, Harley, was married to her long term partner, Josh. The day was the culmination of months of organisation by Harley mainly which came together for a magical and emotional day.

1707.12 FIRST BORN - TWENTY ONE

Now I know what you're all going to say, "he doesn't look old enough" but it's true. From today my eldest daughter is 21 years old. It's her birthday! 

1702.19 THE ROLLERCOASTER

When Ronan Keating sang "life is a roller-coaster" I think he could have been describing the last few days of my life. Emotionally it's been joy to traumatic and everywhere in between.

1612.24 T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE...

So we made it here. The shopping is done and all the wrapping is complete. Now it's time to sit back, relax and maybe have a beer.

As we all breathe a sigh of relief I'd like to share a little Christmas miracle with you.

1607.12 HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARLEY

I've posted before about our relationship with our eldest daughter. I last spoke to her at Christmas and she has since made it clear that she doesn't want anything to do with Morticia or me, however we have tried to make it clear she's more than welcome and this will always be her home. We have no idea if she is safe or where she's even living. People often say that she'll come around one day, I've no idea if that will ever happen, the emptiness is hard to live with.

Harley at her Prom

Today this pain is polarised. It's 20 years ago today that I first became a father and Harley was born. I wish I was part of her special day, she's not a teenager anymore and I wish I could celebrate. I wish I could be part of her life but she is an adult and she has made her choice. If she changes her mind we'll be waiting.

HAPPY 20th BIRTHDAY TO MY PRINCESS, MY FIRST BORN.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARLEY. XXX

She is never far from my thoughts.

Supplemental 17:30;
Harley visited this afternoon. It was unexpected and most welcome. It's a shame Morticia wasn't here at the time but Harley has promised to come and visit at another time. I am awash with emotion at the moment, scared to get my hopes up but still needing to be hopeful. 

1406.15 FATHERS' DAY

My Fathers' Day this year was special. Special because I got to spend it with both my daughters. I am so happy that my eldest came over. We had Sunday lunch together in our local pub then we went over to the Botanical Gardens in Sheffield.

It's been over a month since she came back into our lives, we are treading carefully at the moment and enjoying every day as it comes.

1405.19 THE PRODIGAL

With Morticia's 40th birthday now behind us what about that reunion with our eldest daughter?

Well, there's not much to tell except that we are all taking it nice and slow. She's been up to see us a number of times, we've talked and cried as we've begun getting to know her all over again. I don't know what the future holds for us, I'm not operating under any illusions. I'm taking it all at face value and enjoying having a relationship with my first born child.

That is all I can hope for for now.

1405.10 OH NO FOUR OH!

This week my wife, Morticia, turned 40. It's been a long preparation with loads of wailing and drama. Prior to the 'actual' big day we visited her mother down in St Neots. On the Sunday morning she got to pilot a light aeroplane (one of her biggest ambitions) and in the afternoon we had a little tea party. The bank holiday was my birthday, which we kept low key (I was happy for that).

The big day wasn't much to speak of, gifts were given and cards were opened. Morticia went out for lunch with a friend. I had planned to treat Morticia to a meal from her favourite restaurant (a takeaway since it was a school night). I hadn't realised that the restaurant's opening hours have changed and it no longer opens on a Tuesday. Disappointment didn't cover it but she was ok about it and suggested an alternative. We drank champagne whilst we ate our KFC.

The biggest event of the day was a text message from our eldest daughter. For those in the know, we haven't had contact with our eldest for almost 2 years so this was a big deal. It was the best present Morticia could have received.

The party, which was held at a local pub (in a private room) was an absolute success. It was well attended by family and friends, Morticia looked fabulous and to top everything our eldest daughter came. It was a sweet reunion, the first time in years the 4 of us have been together. 

And of course a party isn't a party unless I get out my legendary air guitar... 

1103.05 AFTER SHOW

My kids have been in a show this week at Rotherham Arts Centre. They are active members of Kimberworth Park Youth Theatre. Any parent who's kids do any extra out of school know the extra pressures when they do so sort of event associated with their activity. Like the big match for a footballer the play was the pinnacle of their 'season'.

Once again it was a great success and my girls did a marvellous job. Well done.

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1003.05 RETURN OF THE BHAJI

Last night I went to my favourite (and conviniently located) Indian Takeaway for bhajis. It was closed all last week and I was worried that it'd never open again. At least something has turned out right.

My eldest daughter is about to choose her options, this is a big deal and whilst I realise (from personal experience) that you can change direction at any point in your life, this decision could shape her entire life.

14:40 - I started this morning with a sniffle, now I think I have a full blown cold. This weekend promises to be fun.

0902.28 PIG

Morticia asked me this week if she could have a pet pig. I know she loves the animals and goes a little daft when she sees them in petting zoos or farms but I really wasn't expecting this. The reason behind it is that a friend of hers (who has a small-holding / good life style back garden) has a pig that has just given birth to a number of little porkers.

I guess most people would instantly dismiss the idea if their partner asked such a question, not me, I did the research for her and unfortunately there are a number of issues that would prevent us having such a pet. The main one is space, the garden is to small and would have to be turned over completely to the animal. The other main one would be the expense of securing the fencing to prevent the animal escaping.

All in all, a nice little dream but not going to be possible. Plus how could I be expected to enjoy a bacon and sausage sandwich with a pet pig looking at me?

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Harley has been suffering with severe stomach aches all week which culminated in us taking her to the hospital yesterday. It was great to be kept for 5 hours just to be told that it wasn't appendicitis and to come back if it got worse. I guess the doctors were keen to get to the golf course (it was Friday afternoon).

She seems a little better today but we are keeping a close eye on her.

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Still no sign of my bike. My last conversation with the bike shop was a couple of days ago when they were still waiting for the mech hanger. I now wish I'd purchased the parts and fitted them myself.

- Lesson learned!