Ordinary fool Diary for loon, load for irony, or randy folio... http://www.ordinaryfool.com/feed/atom 2007-05-20T10:19:59+00:00 Second to none, eh? http://www.ordinaryfool.com/post/2008/12/22/second_to_none_eh 2008-12-22T10:30:29+00:00 2009-06-22T14:24:54+00:00 Mark Leicester Here is baby number two at 20 weeks. The observant will notice that the name of the hospital has changed since the twelve week scan. You'll also notice that, unlike the Whittington scans, this one is in colour. I believe things got colourful for Dorothy once she arrived in Oz. We've lived through the whirlwind as we boxed our lives into half a container, and packed ourselves onto a plane. But now, here we are on the other side. In New Zealand… not exactly Oz, but more or less next door.

]]> Here is baby number two at 20 weeks. The observant will notice that the name of the hospital has changed since the twelve week scan. You'll also notice that, unlike the Whittington scans, this one is in colour. I believe things got colourful for Dorothy once she arrived in Oz. We've lived through the whirlwind as we boxed our lives into half a container, and packed ourselves onto a plane. But now, here we are on the other side. In New Zealand… not exactly Oz, but more or less next door.

]]> Movember http://www.ordinaryfool.com/post/2008/11/23/movember 2008-11-23T23:11:43+00:00 2008-11-23T23:15:44+00:00 Mark Leicester Movember - Sponsor Me

Keep up the good work Uncle John, but are you raising money for Chestcember too?

]]> Movember - Sponsor Me

Keep up the good work Uncle John, but are you raising money for Chestcember too?

]]> Second to none http://www.ordinaryfool.com/post/2008/10/21/second_to_none 2008-10-21T19:32:01+00:00 2008-10-21T19:47:10+00:00 Mark Leicester We have a second on the way. Here is the baby at 12 weeks, deftly bouncing back those ultrasonic waves. Due date May 5th 2009.

]]> We have a second on the way. Here is the baby at 12 weeks, deftly bouncing back those ultrasonic waves. Due date May 5th 2009.

]]> The Andrea Jensen, Sardinia, September 2008 http://www.ordinaryfool.com/post/2008/09/25/the_andrea_jensen_sardinia_september_2008 2008-09-25T00:03:29+00:00 2008-09-25T00:10:54+00:00 Mark Leicester
Nicola and Ivy on the Andrea Jensen

Nicola, Ivy and I spent a week in Sardinia with Warwick, Jo and Lula. My camera didn't come out much apart from on our day aboard the Andrea Jensen: well worth considering if you find yourself at a loose end anywhere near Alghero, Sardinia. Photos on Flickr. Oh, and there are plenty more photos of the rest of the week (taken by Jo and Lula[!]) over on Baby Leicester.

]]>
Nicola and Ivy on the Andrea Jensen

Nicola, Ivy and I spent a week in Sardinia with Warwick, Jo and Lula. My camera didn't come out much apart from on our day aboard the Andrea Jensen: well worth considering if you find yourself at a loose end anywhere near Alghero, Sardinia. Photos on Flickr. Oh, and there are plenty more photos of the rest of the week (taken by Jo and Lula[!]) over on Baby Leicester.

]]> A Weekend Away, August 2008 http://www.ordinaryfool.com/post/2008/09/02/a_weekend_away_august_2008 2008-09-02T08:33:34+00:00 2008-09-02T08:46:08+00:00 Mark Leicester
Ivy at Audley End

Nicola and I took Ivy up to Audley End (swans and flowers), Kirby Hall (where Ivy looks like she owns the place), a farm near Ambergate on which Nigel and Melitta were staying (free-range hens to feed, friendly horses to pat), Wimpole Home Farm (animals behind fences, or perspex), and finally Duxford Air Museum (close up with aircraft large and small). Photos on Flickr.

]]>
Ivy at Audley End

Nicola and I took Ivy up to Audley End (swans and flowers), Kirby Hall (where Ivy looks like she owns the place), a farm near Ambergate on which Nigel and Melitta were staying (free-range hens to feed, friendly horses to pat), Wimpole Home Farm (animals behind fences, or perspex), and finally Duxford Air Museum (close up with aircraft large and small). Photos on Flickr.

]]> Ivy's First Birthday http://www.ordinaryfool.com/post/2008/05/16/ivys_first_birthday 2008-05-15T23:00:00+00:00 2008-05-25T10:48:22+00:00 Mark Leicester
Ivy's birthday cake

Today was Ivy's first birthday. The cake was a team effort. Granny [Marian] made a “deliciously moist cake with carrot, orange rind, sultanas and cultured buttermilk” (recipe). Grandma [Carol] rescued a garland of ivy from a neighbouring garden.

Thanks to everyone who came to help celebrate the occasion! As always, there are more photos on Flickr.

]]>
Ivy's birthday cake

Today was Ivy's first birthday. The cake was a team effort. Granny [Marian] made a “deliciously moist cake with carrot, orange rind, sultanas and cultured buttermilk” (recipe). Grandma [Carol] rescued a garland of ivy from a neighbouring garden.

Thanks to everyone who came to help celebrate the occasion! As always, there are more photos on Flickr.

]]> Wedding, May 2008 http://www.ordinaryfool.com/post/2008/05/13/wedding_may_2008 2008-05-13T09:59:04+00:00 2008-09-06T13:48:37+00:00 Mark Leicester
Rings

Nicola and I were married on 9 May 2008. Thanks to everyone who wished us well. There are photos on Flickr.

]]>
Rings

Nicola and I were married on 9 May 2008. Thanks to everyone who wished us well. There are photos on Flickr.

]]> Soylent Green anyone? http://www.ordinaryfool.com/post/2008/04/15/soylent_green_anyone 2008-04-15T21:33:16+00:00 2008-04-15T22:10:37+00:00 Mark Leicester
Soylent Green anyone?

It was a proud day for me as Ivy enjoyed her Dad's cooking for the first time (i.e. the first time in many attempts). Am I finally getting the hang of this?

Recipe:

  • 4 x finely chopped slivers of red pepper
  • 1 x finely chopped spring onion
  • 3 x finely chopped plum tomatoes
  • 1 x finely chopped basil leaf
  • 3 x dessert spoons of Philadelphia soft cheese
  • 3 x dessert spoons of rice
  • 0 x Soylent Green

Cook rice as normal, add chopped vegetables, stir over low heat, gradually introducing Philadelphia. Serve. Silver spoon optional.

BTW To finish the day Nicola and I watched Soylent Green. RIP Charlton Heston. More pertinent now than in 1973?

]]>
Soylent Green anyone?

It was a proud day for me as Ivy enjoyed her Dad's cooking for the first time (i.e. the first time in many attempts). Am I finally getting the hang of this?

Recipe:

  • 4 x finely chopped slivers of red pepper
  • 1 x finely chopped spring onion
  • 3 x finely chopped plum tomatoes
  • 1 x finely chopped basil leaf
  • 3 x dessert spoons of Philadelphia soft cheese
  • 3 x dessert spoons of rice
  • 0 x Soylent Green

Cook rice as normal, add chopped vegetables, stir over low heat, gradually introducing Philadelphia. Serve. Silver spoon optional.

BTW To finish the day Nicola and I watched Soylent Green. RIP Charlton Heston. More pertinent now than in 1973?

]]> Ivy laughing http://www.ordinaryfool.com/post/2007/12/16/ivy_laughing 2007-12-16T00:12:53+00:00 2007-12-16T00:13:48+00:00 Mark Leicester Apparently, me crawling about on all fours is hilarious to a 200 day old baby.

[video]

]]> Apparently, me crawling about on all fours is hilarious to a 200 day old baby.

[video]

]]> Ivy's first holiday http://www.ordinaryfool.com/post/2007/07/18/ivys_first_holiday 2007-07-18T00:42:49+00:00 2007-07-18T00:43:48+00:00 Mark Leicester
Belsay

Ivy's first holiday was up to Northumbria. A week beside Hadrian's Wall, returning via the Lake District. Joined the National Trust: a family membership of course. Lovely.

Photos here.

]]>
Belsay

Ivy's first holiday was up to Northumbria. A week beside Hadrian's Wall, returning via the Lake District. Joined the National Trust: a family membership of course. Lovely.

Photos here.

]]> Alan and Carol http://www.ordinaryfool.com/post/2007/07/01/alan_and_carol 2007-07-01T15:14:45+00:00 2007-07-01T16:07:06+00:00 Mark Leicester For the best part of the last four weeks Ivy's had the good fortune to have her grandparents to stay. Nicola's parents - Alan and Carol - have given Ivy loads of grandparent time, helping us out, and telling stories about when Nicola was small. It's been lovely to have them to stay. Safe home!

[video]

]]> For the best part of the last four weeks Ivy's had the good fortune to have her grandparents to stay. Nicola's parents - Alan and Carol - have given Ivy loads of grandparent time, helping us out, and telling stories about when Nicola was small. It's been lovely to have them to stay. Safe home!

[video]

]]> Ivy's new shawl http://www.ordinaryfool.com/post/2007/06/07/ivys_new_shawl 2007-06-07T12:36:51+00:00 2007-06-07T12:37:23+00:00 Mark Leicester
Angel Ivy

Nicola's parents are staying with us, helping out wonderfully. They came bearing many gifts for Ivy from New Zealand. Amongst the many wonderful things, was this crocheted shawl from Ivy's granny Marian. It's soft, beautiful, and will keep Ivy wrapped and warm for years to come. Thanks Mum!

]]>
Angel Ivy

Nicola's parents are staying with us, helping out wonderfully. They came bearing many gifts for Ivy from New Zealand. Amongst the many wonderful things, was this crocheted shawl from Ivy's granny Marian. It's soft, beautiful, and will keep Ivy wrapped and warm for years to come. Thanks Mum!

]]> Ivy's new quilt http://www.ordinaryfool.com/post/2007/06/01/ivys_new_quilt 2007-05-31T23:00:24+00:00 2007-05-31T23:13:40+00:00 Mark Leicester
Happy Ivy

Today we received in the mail a most fantastic gift. I know Margaret Pearson from my time conducting Schola Sacra in Wanganui, New Zealand. Wanganui was three hours drive from Wellington, where I lived. I would billet, staying overnight after each week's rehearsal with a different choir member. When it was my turn with Margaret we would often stay up into the wee small hours. One legendary night I helped Margaret clean out her wine cellar. Before you jump to conclusions, I mean 'clean out' quite literally! Sadly, most of Margaret's wine had passed its best, so we uncorked it all and poured it down the drain.

But I digress. Margaret makes quilts, fantastic quilts. Ivy is the proud recipient of a Margaret Pearson original. It'll hang on her wall above her cot, and I'm sure she'll always treasure it. Thank you so much Margaret! It's wonderful.

]]>
Happy Ivy

Today we received in the mail a most fantastic gift. I know Margaret Pearson from my time conducting Schola Sacra in Wanganui, New Zealand. Wanganui was three hours drive from Wellington, where I lived. I would billet, staying overnight after each week's rehearsal with a different choir member. When it was my turn with Margaret we would often stay up into the wee small hours. One legendary night I helped Margaret clean out her wine cellar. Before you jump to conclusions, I mean 'clean out' quite literally! Sadly, most of Margaret's wine had passed its best, so we uncorked it all and poured it down the drain.

But I digress. Margaret makes quilts, fantastic quilts. Ivy is the proud recipient of a Margaret Pearson original. It'll hang on her wall above her cot, and I'm sure she'll always treasure it. Thank you so much Margaret! It's wonderful.

]]> Ivy and Daddy http://www.ordinaryfool.com/post/2007/05/21/ivy_and_daddy 2007-05-21T22:38:33+00:00 2007-05-21T23:00:24+00:00 Mark Leicester
Ivy and Daddy

One with Daddy in it, for a change. I doubt he's shaved since I was born. I wish he would though, he scratches my face with his stubble. Anyhow, what's out that window…?

]]>
Ivy and Daddy

One with Daddy in it, for a change. I doubt he's shaved since I was born. I wish he would though, he scratches my face with his stubble. Anyhow, what's out that window…?

]]> Let them sing it for you http://www.ordinaryfool.com/post/2007/05/19/let_them_sing_it_for_you 2007-05-18T23:55:33+00:00 2007-05-20T10:19:59+00:00 Mark Leicester stumbled across Let them sing it for you today. Click here to listen to the following work of art:
We adore our gorgeous little baby. She is cute and small and oh so pretty. OK it's true sometimes she may cry, but we love our little baby.
]]> stumbled across Let them sing it for you today. Click here to listen to the following work of art:
We adore our gorgeous little baby. She is cute and small and oh so pretty. OK it's true sometimes she may cry, but we love our little baby.
]]>