USA - Kayaking in Lake Mead - July 2016
Another fabulous daytrip saw us picked up early and driven out to the Hoover Dam where we got in the water - you can see the dam in the background of the first few pics. For those who are interested, Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam on the border between the states of Nevada and Arizona. Constructed in the 1930s by a six-company conglomerate, it was completed 2 years earlier than scheduled, but at a cost of more than 100 lives. The dam’s generators provide power for the states of Nevada, Arizona and California. It is also a major tourist attraction visited by almost one million people a year. From the dam it was a 7-hour Kayak down the river! I loved it; however, Shanhong tired early and didn’t enjoy the last few hours at all.
Gallery 1 (26 pics)
USA - Riding in Red Rock - July 2016
Taking a daytrip from Las Vegas, we headed out to Red Rock at the edge of the desert, for a sunset ride with barbecue. What a fantastic experience it was too - mounting up for a trek through the scruff land as day turned to night. It ended with perhaps the best food of the whole trip – absolutely scrummy steak, potato and salad with beans etc – and huge portions too – this plate is after Shanhong had already stolen half!. This was probably my favourite trip from Las Vegas.
Gallery 1 (24 pics)
MWS Cruise - USA - July 2016
We enjoy our cruises, so the chance to go on a Michael W Smith cruise in the Caribbean was simply not to be missed. There are a series of USA 2016 reports for the details - but here are some quick pics - concerts, and food!
Gallery 1 (54 pics)
Last trip with Mum - Shropshire - June 2016
We had a great summer in the UK, meeting a niece and seeing the family. The main purpose of the trip was simply to spend some time with mum, particularly as she had unfortunately moved into a nursing home. She did love her days out, and so, given the season, we went to one of the rose gardens nearby.
Gallery 1 (22 pics)
As you can see, it's a beautiful place when the flowers are in bloom. It was an indication of mum's dementia however, that having spent a good few hours there, when we returned two days later, mum was convinced she had never been before. Little were we to know these would be our last photos with mum as she passed away just a few weeks afterwards.
Spinal Surgery - April 2016
Unfortunately, in April, my back went again - a recurring problem, but unfortunately one that seemed to be happening more frequently. When it didn’t recover as quickly as usual, it was time to see a specialist. X-rays and MRI’s later revealed a slipped disk from years ago, that was now completely dead and impinging on a nerve. I booked the op to take out the dead disk, put in a spacer, and bolt two bits together and was in hospital for two nights. Unfortunately, a complication (leaking spinal fluid) meant I had to go back in – but I am pleased to say Singapore hospitals are good, insurance paid (over $70000), and my back is doing well! If you want to see what I had done, you can watch this video! http://www.spinehealth.com/video/spine-fusion-surgery-video .
It worked - in July I was kayaking for a full day, horseback riding, and did the longest zip-line over water in the world!
I did end up back in hospital in October 2016 though - a kidney stone blocking entry into my kidney! All sorted now - Singapore does have a great healthcare system, and my job comes with good health insurance.
Gallery 1 (8 pics)
CNY in Beihai - 2016
After Christmas, it was back to Beihai for Chinese New Year and a chance to catch up with Shanhong's side of the family. Of course, also a time to have some great food!
Gallery 1 (23 pics)
Christmas in UK - 2015
Christmas saw us back in the UK - a time to visit mum, catch up with family news and visit some new places. The pics here were all taken over the Christmas holiday.
Gallery 1 (21 pics)
Grace Revolution - Singapore - Oct 2015
People who know us, know we attend New Creation Church in Singapore. The main Pastor is Joseph Prince, who is well known internationally, taking the message of Grace worldwide through his books and broadcast ministry. His latest book, Grace Revolution, was released today and we were able to get a copy signed by the man himself!
It took a long queue, for a very short time signing, but Teddy is happy to have his booked signed!
On the Canals - July, 2015
Ever looking for new experiences, both for Shanhong's mum and dad - and their 'taste of England' but also for Shanhong, we rented a narrowboat for three nights and headed off down the canals! It was quite an experience to get through all the locks - but all worked well, and I, for one, had fun (I'm not sure about the others!).
Gallery 1 (46 pics)
Ironbridge, Telford - June 2015
Shanhong's mum and dad came to visit us in the UK for the summer, so we had a few trips to different places - you can read more in the UK 2010 reports elsewhere on this site. However, one of the daytrips was to Ironbridge, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution where the world’s first iron bridge was erected in 1779. Very close to the Bridge is the Victorian Village which is a replica of what life was like in Victorian times. Shanhong's mum and dad were fascinated by all the Victorian machinery, as they had had similar experiences in their own industrial past in China! Enjoy the pics :-)
Gallery 1 (22 pics)
