Summer Fun & Frivolity

The Von-Trap Family at the start of Summer (Sorry I mean the Sanderson Family)

SUMMER FUN & FRIVOLITY

Well it's a while since the last update so what has been going on? The influx of visitors to hit Barmouth was very noticeable this year and the level of callers coming into the office was huge. The idea of playing more golf was hit on the head by the level of enquiries in the office and the new instructions that came flooding on.

After the foot and mouth restrictions earlier in the year it was encouraging for most local traders to see all the visitors flock to Barmouth and area, with some camp sites displaying "site full" signs for the first time in a few years. I think it safe to say now the "locals" have come out of hiding and are to be seen in Barmouth again.

So what do Estate Agents do during the summer? Alison went to Australia for a month touring some of the vast country and sampling no doubt some of the local "grog". This was a trip planned a few years ago to celebrate some milestone birthday, I shall not disclose the number! It would be ungallant of me! The impression was one of wonderment and the scale of things difficult to imagine. The Rainforest particularly impressive and memorable.

Andy on the other hand wanted to seek the elusive "tubes" on the Cornish coast as he set about surfing. Reports came in that there was a rookie surf bum sporting a "wispy goatie" just mellowing out with a "tinnie" in hand just muttering "man look at the sun set, out of this world – wicked!". From sources close to home I have heard he mastered the act of standing up pretty well and his favorite music is now the theme from "Hawaii 5 O"!

As for the office Jane and I were working flat out with many 11 hour days to keep up with the new instructions and enquiries, so much for me hoping to get down to the golf course and getting the handicap down. There is talk of joining a local leisure club for the winter months, well when you are a finely honed athlete, the body is like a temple, trouble is mine was condemned years ago!

Holidays were on the horizon with the prospect of going to visit friends in Cyprus for a couple of weeks, I have now booked this and look forward to going later this month. It will be tough but I expect it will be on the beach, reading, some mellow music and one or two brandy sours! With the recent acts of terrorism in America the flight is not exactly being looked forward to. An horrific act carried out by so far an unnamed group. Why? Our thoughts go out to all those who have contacts, friends and relations out there at this terrible time.

Down to The Bistro

To celebrate the end to the frenetic summer activity we all went to The Bistro in Barmouth for a quiet meal.

I was told we were fairly raucous, but were not in danger of being kicked out or the police being called out! The meal was most enjoyable, with a good variety of local produce used in imaginative ways with the type of menu where you can narrow it down to about 3 dishes until under pressure from the waitress to make a firm decision!

It was then a case of down to the Last Inn for a final nightcap or two!

ONLY HOLDING THE DRINKS - HONEST

The thing I remember was asking about the England v Germany score and been told they won 5-1 to our disbelief. "The boys done good".

With the taxi arriving at 10.30pm mutiny reared it’s head and it was sent away to request a later pick up time!

Eventually - all back to the Sanderson’s pile, for more wine, I vaguely remember some pringles, some red wine and dancing.

Party or Steady on ?

At about 3am I passed out, well I was tired and really just fell asleep.

Golf was played on Sunday. When faced with the prospect of gardening, decorating or golf, it was a difficult choice!. I was happy, 36pts and a blob, at least I took the money and enjoyed the game! Funny how you can relax more when you win! The bug has bitten again or is it that I have time to play now, 31 pts after 13 holes Saturday(15^th Sep) and 34 pts in the Sunday sweep.

We are all cheered when we have some feedback to our Web site and hope you all enjoy reading it. Your comments are appreciated and if you have got anything constructive to say please let us know.

SO HOW DID ANDY COPE WITH THE KIDS WITH ALISON AWAY FOR 5 WEEKS?

Well, here are loads of photos of what Andy and the children got up to this summer.
BEWARE, those who are of a weak disposition may be shocked!!!

The first weekend after Alison left for her travels! the children were packed off to their Grandma's....Mother in Laws are marvelous.

Andy bombed down to the South (Surbiton in fact!) for Crispin & Sue's birthday party and a surprise meeting up with old friends.

Andy and his old school mates at a party in London... Who said they don't look a day over 40?

Next weekend was family weekend, WITHOUT Mum. Dad and children headed for the hills and an afternoon at "The Waterhole" at Cwm Nantcol.

A swimming trip to the local Pool!
With Andy and his children (Andy is the one on the left!)

Brrr...rr..rrr.....

Perhaps rather too damp to set up home here!

BEWARE! THE FOLLOWING SHOTS ARE RATHER SCARY

'HE-MAN'
Grrrr......

Next weekend Uncle Julian and Lorraine come to visit and provide moral support
Staying With The Extended Family!

Usual Saturday night Barbeque antics commenced.

But as darkness fell

What was in the Wine Andy?

'Hmmm.....'

And you thought kids can't fly!!

CHILL OUT TIME....The proof is here. Andy finally out drunk Jools.

'Andy - The privileged one!'

A special day out thanks to Asserta Homes and GMW who provide our office computer software and arrange our internet advertising.

This was a really great day, all in the name of business with the directors of GMW and some of their other lucky customers.

The day was spent sailing a 60ft BT Global Challenge yacht out of Southampton.

Andy takes the helm. Was everyone else really looking that concerned?

(I think the office administrator should also go next time!!)

After 2 weeks surfing on the beaches of Cornwall the next big event was

follow the hyperlink on the logo above for race details

Getting Ready before dawn in Llanberis with local sports personality extraordinaire, Paula Jeffs.
Paula finished 1st Welsh Woman in her age group and 2nd British woman in her age group...don't even try to imagine how hard she has been training for the last 9 months.

Spot the Boss!

I thinks Andy must have a stunt double.

look at that speed blur Is it, or isn't it? Charlie with the Arsenal hat,
Alison by him and Bern Andy's Dad also in red coat.

Zoom.....100 metres to the finish

So after 6 great weeks with the children on summer holidays and Mum back from Australia, Dad had done his best. The council didn't have to take them into care after all and it was back to school for George, Grace & Charlie. At least they were looking keen to go.

Grace (left), George (middle) and

Charlie (right) looking especially excited - off to his first day at Tywyn High School.