Project 365 - Day 274 - 31st December 2010

Project 365 - Day 274 - 31st December 2010
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

It's New Year's Eve, so I guess a photo of a party or fireworks would be apt.... here's the pizza the girls had for lunch!

Project 365 - Day 273 - 30th December 2010 - Three Little Pigs

Project 365 - Day 273 - 30th December 2010 - Three Little Pigs
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

The kids were given some piggy money boxes by our friend Helen....

Project 365 - Day 272 - 30th December 2010 - Moors Valley Country Park

Project 365 - Day 272 - 30th December 2010 - Moors Valley Country Park
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

This morning qwe went for a walk at Moors Valley Country Park near Bournemouth...

Project 365 - Day 271 - 28th December 2010 - Mints

Project 365 - Day 271 - 28th December 2010 - Mints
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

There's always a bowl of mints in the kitchen at the inlaws....

Project 365 - Day 270 - 27th December 2010 - Blinds

Project 365 - Day 270 - 27th December 2010 - Blinds
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

Project 365 - Day 269 - 26th December 2010 - Santa's train

Project 365 - Day 269 - 26th December 2010 - Santa's train
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

We're now at Tracy's parents for a few days. This is one of their Christmas decorations....

Project 365 - Day 268 - 25th December 2010 -Christmas Pyramid

Project 365 - Day 268 - 25th December 2010 -Christmas Pyramid
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Project 365 - Day 267 - 24th December 2010 - Wrapping Presents

Project 365 - Day 267 - 24th December 2010 - Wrapping Presents
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

It's Christmas Eve... so naturally I was wrapping some presents....

Project 365 - Day 266 - 23rd December 2010 - River Derwent at Belper

Project 365 - Day 266 - 23rd December 2010 - River Derwent at Belper
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

We went to Chucklebutties in Belper to try to exhaust the kids!

Project 365 - Day 264 - 21st December 2010 - Excitement opening presents

Project 365 - Day 264 - 21st December 2010 - Excitement opening presents
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

Today was Olivia's 5th birthday - she was rather excited when she opened her presents this morning!!

Project 365 - Day 263 - 20th December 2010 - Sheep in the snow near Buxton

Project 365 - Day 263 - 20th December 2010 - Sheep in the snow
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

I went to Buxton to get a few final bits and pieces for Christmas and came back a rather scenic way through Tissington...

Project 365 - Day 262 - 19th December 2010 - Olivia's 5th Birthday Party

Project 365 - Day 262 - 19th December 2010 - Olivia's 5th Birthday Party
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

Project 365 - Day 261 - 18th December 2010 - Tim Minchin Audience

Project 365 - Day 261 - 18th December 2010 - Tim Minchin Audience
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

We went to see Tim Minchin at the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham. What a great show.

Project 365 - Day 260 - 17th December 2010 - I don't want my photo taken... even if I am in my nativity play costume

Project 365 - Day 260 - 17th December 2010 - I don't want my photo taken... even if I am in my nativity play costume
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

Martha played the part of an innkeeper in her Nursery nativity. Although we took plenty of nice photos of her through the play once it was over she really didn't want to pose in her costume....

Project 365 - Day 259 - 16th December 2010 - Party Dress

Project 365 - Day 259 - 16th December 2010 - Party Dress
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

Martha had her Christmas party at pre-school today.

Project 365 - Day 258 - 15th December 2010 - Nine Lessons and Carols

Project 365 - Day 258 - 15th December 2010 - Nine Lessons and Carols
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

Today was the annual Nine Lessons and Carols Service performed by Lady Manners School Senior Choir in Bakewell Parish Church.

Project 365 - Day 257 - 14th December 2010 - Primary School Carol Service

Project 365 - Day 257 - 14th December 2010 - Primary School Carol Service
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

All Saints' Infant School Annual Carol Service in All Saints Church, Matlock Bank, Derbyshire.

Project 365 - Day 256 - 13th December 2010 - Festive tree

Project 365 - Day 256 - 13th December 2010 - Festive tree
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

This tree is in Hall Leys Park in Matlock - illuminated for the festive season!

Project 365 - Day 255 - 12th December 2010 - Nativity scene

Project 365 - Day 255 - 12th December 2010 - Nativity scene
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

This is one of our Christmas decorations...

Project 365 - Day 254 - 11th December 2010 - Chocolate Fountain

Project 365 - Day 254 - 11th December 2010 - Chocolate Fountain
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

This weekend is the re-arranged Matlock Victorian Christmas Market. Sadly it's about half the size of normal years. The kids loved the chocolate fountain.... as always!

Project 365 - Day 253 - 10th December 2010 - Monsal Head Viaduct

Project 365 - Day 253 - 10th December 2010 - Monsal Head Viaduct
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

After a couple of weeks, the snow and ice are gradually melting but it still lingers in some areas of the Peak District.

Project 365 - Day 252 - 9th December 2010 - Music stands and drum kit

Project 365 - Day 252 - 9th December 2010 - Music stands and drum kit
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

Today was the first night of the Lady Manners School annual Christmas concerts. Over 2 nights around 400 students perform in orchestra, wind band, brass band, choirs, jazz band, etc.

Project 365 - Day 251 - 8th December 2010 - Decorating the Christmas Tree

Project 365 - Day 251 - 8th December 2010 - Decorating the Christmas Tree
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

Today we decorated our Christmas tree. Yes, a little early, but the kids loved doing it!

Project 365 - Day 250 - 7th December 2010 - Sunlight on snow

Project 365 - Day 250 - 7th December 2010 - Sunlight on snow
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

The forecast says a thaw at the end of the week. Until then we still have lots of snow!

Project 365 - Day 249 - 6th December 2010 - The River Derwent

Project 365 - Day 249 - 6th December 2010 - The River Derwent
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

Today we should have had a snow day. The paths and roads were stupidly icy. It was -18 overnight. Somehow school was open and most people got there.

Project 365 - Day 248 - 5th December 2010 - Christmas trees

Project 365 - Day 248 - 5th December 2010 - Christmas trees
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

We went to the Scotland Nurseries in Matlock (well, Tansley) to order our Christmas tree.

Project 365 - Day 247 - 4th December 2010 - Meadowhall Car Park

Project 365 - Day 247 - 4th December 2010 - Meadowhall Car Park
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

Today we went to visit Santa at meadowhall in Sheffield. The car park was still covered in snow!

Accordionist, Paris

Accordionist, Paris
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

We walked past this busker on the way to Notre Dame. He was playing his accordion on the bridge as we crossed onto the Ile de la Cite.

Project 365 - Day 246 - 3rd December 2010 - Icicles

Project 365 - Day 246 - 3rd December 2010 - Icicles
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

And the cold weather continues....

Project 365 - Day 245 - 2nd December 2010 - The view from our bedroom window

Project 365 - Day 245 - 2nd December 2010 - The view from our bedroom window
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

After days of snow, and no sign of a let up, this was the view from our bedroom window this morning.

Icicles

Icicles
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

There was half an hour of sunshine that caused a very minor thaw and these icicles. It's now snowing and refreezing!

Riber Castle in the snow 3

Riber Castle in the snow 3
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

Project 365 - Day 244 - 1st December 2010 - Snow Plough

Project 365 - Day 244 - 1st December 2010 - Snow Plough
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

The snow continues to fall and the roads around Matlock are treacherous, some impassable. It's the second snow day for most schools in the area. I've never seen snow this bad in the UK.

Bank Road is a significant road in Matlock as it leads from Crown Square to County Hall.

I do wonder whether this is too little, too late from Derbyshire County Council.

Project 365 - Day 243 - 30th November 2010 - Monopoly

Project 365 - Day 243 - 30th November 2010 - Monopoly
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

Today was a snow for all the local schools. I stayed at home with Elliot and Olivia. We watched a couple of DVDs (one of the Harry Potters and Toy Story 3) and we played Monopoly. This was the first time they had played (well, Elliot claims to have played with some different rules at school!) so it was quite interesting!

Project 365 - Day 242 - 29th November 2010 - Toffee Apple

Project 365 - Day 242 - 29th November 2010 - Toffee Apple
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

We bought some toffee apples for the kids the other day in Birmingham. I'm surprised they've not all been eaten yet!

Project 365 - Day 241- 28th November 2010 - Snowy Sunset

Project 365 - Day 241- 28th November 2010 - Snowy Sunset
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

I took Olivia to a party at the terrapins on Megdale when I noticed the sunset over Bonsall direction....

Project 365 - Day 240 - 27th November 2010 - Matlock Bank Skyline

Project 365 - Day 240 - 27th November 2010 - Matlock Bank Skyline
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

Last night it snowed. This morning I went for a walk around Matlock Bank to take some photos. This shows some of the interesting buildings as you walk along Smedley Street towards County Hall.

Project 365 - Day 239 - 25th November 2010 - Birmingham Christmas Market

Project 365 - Day 239 - 25th November 2010 - Birmingham Christmas Market
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

We went to Birmingham Christmas Market for the day - lots of lovely things to buy and lots of fantastic food stalls!

Project 365 -Day 238 - 25th November 2010 - Lunchtime Rock Concert

Project 365 -Dat 238 - 25th November 2010 - Lunchtime Rock COncert
Originally uploaded by robsteadman
We had a lunchtime rock concert at Lady Manners School today - 2 groups and a singer songwriter performing in the Old Gym....

Project 365 - Day 237 - 24th November 2010 - Ingredients and Condiments

Project 365 - Day 237 - 24th November 2010 - Ingredients and Condiments
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

These are out on our kitchen work surface...

Project 365 - Day 236 - 23rd November 2010 - Coffee Cups

Project 365 - Day 236 - 23rd November 2010 - Coffee Cups
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

Coffee cups, frother, cafetiere...

Project 365 - Day 235 - 22nd November 2010 - Chatsworth after dark.

Project 365 - Day 235 - 22nd November 2010 - Chatsworth after dark.
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

I took a detour on the way home to take this photo of Chatsworth after dark.

Project 365 - Dat 234 - 21st November 2010 - The Roundhouse, Derby

~Project 365 - Dat 234 - 21st November 2010 - The Roundhouse, Derby
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

Went to the Roundhouse in Derby for a Christmas Market - what a lovely building.

Project 365 - Day 233 - 20th November 2010 - Martha playing on the DS

Project 365 - Day 233 - 20th November 2010 - Martha playing on the DS
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

Martha's been in an odd mood today - tetchy and irritable. Playing on the DS has finally calmed her down!

Project 365 - Day 232 - 19th November 2010 - Elliot's flute

Project 365 - Day 232 - 19th November 2010 - Elliot's flute
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

Elliot is learning to play the flute. He's had half a dozen lessons and has now mastered playing both A and B! Apparently, very soon, he will start to use music and a music stand too!

Project 365 - Day 231 - 18th November 2010 - Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends

Project 365 - Day 231 - 18th November 2010 - Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

This is Elliot's collection of Thomas engines and carriages!

Project 365 - Day 230 - 17th November 2010 - Cover board

Project 365 - Day 230 - 17th November 2010 - Cover board
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

This is the board at school that shows which staff are absent and who is covering any absences!

Project 365 - Day 229 - 16th November 2010 - Dress Rehearsal

Project 365 - Day 229 - 16th November 2010 - Dress Rehearsal
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

This afternoon was the dress rehearsal of Fiddler on the Roof at Lady Manners School.

Project 365 - Day 228 - 15th November 2010 - Chopsticks

Project 365 - Day 228 - 15th November 2010 - Chopsticks
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

Tracy went to Yo! Sushi at Meadowhall today and brought me back some takeaway vegetarian sushi and these chopsticks!

Project 365 - Day 227 - 14th November 2010 - Carol Playing at Chatsworth

Project 365 - Day 227 - 14th November 2010 - Carol Playing at Chatsworth
Originally uploaded by robsteadman

Yes, it may only be 14th November but the Christmas season has been going on for a fortnight at Chatsworth House!

Today I took some students from Lady Manners School to play carols at the Christmas Market.