Halloween

As its Halloween, Siv and I have decorated a couple of pumpkins to put outside the house tonight.

Its autumn...

...and the leaves are falling off the trees. Though our ornamental cherry tree in the garden is making a nice show of colour with its leaves.

Grace's Birthday

Its Grace's 16th Birthday on Tuesday, so on Sunday we got together to celebrate in advance. Grace made a cake that had 'Happy Birthday' AND 16 individual Birthday candles....quite an inferno!

Grace's Birthday Cake from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Saturday night with Fi, Grae and Harvey

We went round to see Fi, Grae and Harvey on Saturday night. We had a very relaxing evening chatting and having a few drinks while Fi and Grae made a fantastic roast dinner. Grae looked most fetching in his apron! Harvey was his usual good natured self, playing on his Nintendo and watching TV.

Harvey on the Nintendo from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Petersham hotel lunch

To celebrate Siv and Maureen's birthdays, all the family went to the Petersham hotel for lunch. We all had a very nice time and very nice food, including the Eton Mess!

Petersham hotel lunch from martin clinton on Vimeo.

Dunbar Invitational Horseshoe Tournament

On our last full day, I went with Rick and Kevin to the Dunbar Invitational Horseshoe Tournament. We arrived just in time for the final of the doubles, before Kevin and Rick had a game (Kevin just won!), and then there was the presentation ceremony. We managed a quick meatball sandwich from Rick's cousin Laurie, before heading back to Rick's house for dinner.

horseshoe tournament from martin clinton on Vimeo.

The Morning After!

The morning after the send off, there seemed to be people sleeping everywhere, but people soon came round.

Four weddings and a Funeral

We got to Philly, faced with the sad news that Liz's Mum Mary had died earlier in the week. Consequently we attended the Funeral on Friday. This now means we've been to Four Weddings and a Funeral for the Barker clan...you could almost make that a film!

Despite it being a sad occasion, everyone made the best of it to give her a good Irish send off, which of course the kids thought was VERY exciting! There was a large turnout from the whole neighbourhood (thanks for the clothes Jerry), all trying to help Liz get over things, so soon after the sad loss of her Dad.

kids in the house from martin clinton on Vimeo.

buffalo soldier from martin clinton on Vimeo.