Keilyn's 1st Birthday, part 2: The London Aquarium

Wednesday 30th April

A typical early start in the Morrissey household, saw us up and giving Keilyn her presents, just before Alysha arrived at 08:00. Then it was a last-minute check, that everything was packed, before we set off for our trip to London.

Due to the strike by the RMT Union, much of the London Underground was closed or running at just over 50%, so we headed to Watford High Street station, to catch the 10:04 London Overground train to Euston. The train remained fairly empty until we got closer to our destination, when it began to fill up. We arrived at a rammed Euston station and, after Emma had taken Erin to the toilet and Alysha had bought a burger, we headed out into the warm morning sun.

We crossed Euston Road and headed down the A4200, passing Tavistock Square and Russell Square, until we reached Aldwych. From here we headed down Arundel Street, which brought us to the Victoria Embankment. Turning west, we followed the River Thames until we reached the Hungerford Bridge, where we used a lift up to the Golden Jubilee Bridge and crossed the river.





The Southbank was crammed with tourists and hundreds of school children, all dressed in high visibility vests, that were obviously on a school trip to the London Eye, or some other such attraction. We found some shade in the Jubilee Gardens, where we could rest and eat some lunch and feed Keilyn. Alysha disappeared off to get a chicken burger and chips, while Emma had a pulled pork burrito and I had a grilled steak burrito. When everyone was suitably fed and watered we then headed in to Sea Life London Aquarium.

Having booked our tickets online, we didn't have to queue, so we started our exploration without waiting.

The first thing that happened was that we had a couple of photographs taken, by a man in a lifeguard uniform. One of us all smiling and another of us all pointing at a pink starfish, painted on the wall. Informing us that these could be purchased at the exit, we followed the Shark Walk path which suddenly became a glass walkway, directly above the shark tank. We all thought that this was pretty cool, especially Erin who kept pointing down at some of the sharks and rays, that were literally a couple of inches below our feet.



The path then became 'solid' again and we were soon in a cave-like area, with various sized tanks filled with jellyfish, flatfish, octopus and many other exotic varieties. We then entered a lift, which took us down into the Atlantic Depths, where we got to see better views of the sharks (Blacktip Reef, Bowmouth, Zebra), rays (Blue Spotted, Blonde, Cow Nosed, Eagle), turtles and many species of smaller fish.







Then we were headed to the Ray Lagoon, which is a shallow glass tank that allows you to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.



Then we were on to the Rock Pool exhibits, with crabs, urchins, starfish and the like, which led you on to the Ocean Tunnel, where we were completely surrounded by the rays, turtles and sharks.







The tunnel brought us out in to the Pacific Wreck and on into Nemo's Coral Caves. At this point Erin was in her element, as she knew the names of these fish; Nemo, Dory, Gill, etc.. All this time Keilyn had been watching transfixed from her buggy, having got tired of walking.



 



Next, we were in the Seahorse Temple, where there were many species of seahorses, seadragons and other strange and unusual creatures.







Then we met a Cuban Crocodile, in the Rainforests of the World, along with Red-Bellied Piranha, Neon Tetra, Terrapins, Red-Tailed Catfish, a Freshwater Stingray, Poison Arrow Frogs and many more.



 



 



 

 

 

The next location was the Antarctic and the Penguins: Ice Adventure, where Gentoo Penguins swam and played, while everyone watched.



The Shark Reef Encounter, where we had some of the best views of the sharks yet, was the end of our journey underwater. Alysha said that she could have sat there all day, watching the sharks and rays. I have to admit that I could quite happily have sat there all day, too.



Then Alysha discovered a Hurricane Booth, which she decided to take Erin in to. Well, Erin lasted until the wind speed hit 60kph (38mph), before she left the booth, while Alysha took the full 110kph (70mph). We then passed on into the shop where we got to look at the photographs, that we had had taken earlier. There were seven photographs (two 5x7, two 6x4 and three small ones to fit in a key ring and a magnet), all packaged in a spiral-bound booklet. It included a link to download the images from the website, too. This was ours for £25. And, for a further £5, we could have another six photographs (two 5x7 and four 6x4). We bought them all.





On leaving the Aquarium, we had a bit more to eat and drink, before heading back across the Golden Jubilee Bridge, onto Northumberland Avenue, Strand, Aldwych to Kingsway, while both girls slept.



With the sun still beating down, we stopped for more refreshments a t the Russell Square Cafe, where Erin and Keilyn had a good run around.



We then headed back to Euston and caught the 17:14 London Overground, back to Watford High Street. Unlike earlier in the day, this train was rammed and we had to stand all the way back.

Once we were home my mum popped in to see the birthday girl, and to have a chat, before her and Alysha headed off home for dinner. We then got the girls sorted and off to bed, which was easy as they were both exhausted from the trip.

All-in-all it was a great birthday day out, which was enjoyed by everyone.

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Erin's 1st Birthday

Sunday 11th November, 2012.

 

Erin allowed us a tiny lie-in before she woke up proper. The it was downstairs to open her presents and have some breakfast. Sitting beside Emma, on the sofa, Erin tore into the wrapping paper, before discarding the presents in favour of the paper. Erin's present from us was a 'ball-pond; with 300 balls to fill it with. We had decided that there was no point in buying too much as Erin wouldn't be able to appreciate them at such a young age. Besides, we knew that family and friends were going to spoil her rotten, as it was her 1st birthday. So, after lunch, we prepared the house by getting the party food ready and clearing as much space as possible, for all the guests. Then, at just before 14:00, people started to arrive. Nan and Granddad. Mum and Alysha. David and Alyson. Len and EmJ. Dave and his kids, Malakye and Nevaeh. Noel and Rachel with their kids Kane, Freya and Noah. Steve Brown and finally Uncle Martin. Before too long the house was full to bursting with. Every chair was taken, so I had to grab four more from the garage, which we then had to find a space for. The kids, of which there were 7, were happy just running around or finding a place to sit on the floor, to eat quietly, while the various parents snatched a few minutes to themselves whenever they could. Considering how busy the house was, Erin coped really well with the lack of space. Each new present got given its deserved thirty-seconds of her time, before she moved on to the next one. Then there was the constant flashes from a myriad of cameras, as she made her way from one person to the next. And, considering that she had missed her afternoon nap, Erin kept going. (Much like the 'Fluffling' that Dave, Malakye and Nevaeh had bought Erin!) The house soon got to be rather warm and very noisy, especially when a 'ball-fight' broke out, between the kids. As the afternoon drew on and the light started to fade, I went out in to the back garden to set up the fireworks. While I did this, Emma gave all the kids some sparklers, making sure that they were all wrapped up as the temperature had dropped considerably throughout the day. When the last of the sparklers had been extinguished, in some water, I lit the first firework. Erin was fascinated by the flashes and whistles but, as the fireworks got bigger and louder, Erin began to get a little upset. So, after leaving some fireworks in their box, we all headed back inside to get warm again. It wasn't long after this that people started to leave and, sooner rather than later, we were left alone with Erin and a lot of clearing up to do. Assuming that Erin would pass out as soon as everyone had left, was a mistake. Erin continued to play, and eat, before finally succumbing to fatigue just after 22:00. And it was not long after that Emma and I went to bed, either.

 

I think that Erin had a great day, and I am sure that she would join me in thanking all of our family and friends for making her 1st birthday such a  special one.

 

Thank you.

Alysha's 16th Birthday

Wednesday 26th October, 2011.

It was an early start in the Morrissey household. Alysha, Emma and I were downstairs awaiting the arrival of my Mum, who had also taken the day off from work. While we waited, Alysha fed the cats and fish. We didn't have to wait too long, as Mum arrived shortly before 9, bearing croissants. Once we were all seated, Alysha began opening her presents. A handbag, money, make-up, cheques, DVD, a coat, shoes and an electronic keyboard (which we had to exchange the following day as the wrong adaptor had been placed in the box) with stand and headphones. Then it was time for Alysha to see her cake. It was one that we had had especially made by Denise Cox of 'Tapestry Cakes' in Watford. (Denise made Len's 50th birthday cake and Emma Jayne and Len's wedding cake, too.) Alysha was really impressed with it and lots of photographs were taken.Once all the wrappings had been disposed of, Alysha went upstairs to wait for her friends. One by one they began to arrive and the sound of hyper-active teenage girls, filled the house. By this time my Mum had gone into Watford, to do some shopping, and with the girls heading out, Emma and I had the house to ourselves. So we relaxed for the day. Soon, though, it was time to get ready for the evening. Alysha had returned from shopping, with her ear and tummy pierced, and had gone out to her dance class, so we waited for Mum to arrive. Just after 18:00, Mum, Emma and I got a taxi into Watford and popped into 'Molloy's' for a quick drink. (Our table at 'L'Artista' wasn't booked until 19:00, so what else we were supposed to do?!) When we had finished our drink, we headed outside and met Alysha, Charmian and Jade. (Alysha's friends who were joining us for the meal.) While we took our seats, my Mum spoke to one of the servers and handed him a carrier bag with a box in it. We then set about ordering drinks and food. I had the Calzone Misto Carne. (Folded pizza filled with meatballs, home-made slow cooked meat sauce, chicken, mushrooms, sun blushed tomatoes, mozzarella & tomato.) It was delicious but, as I have said before, if you want the best, go to 'Maurizio's' in Rickmansworth. While we ate, lots of photos were taken and laughs were had, and before we knew it all the food was gone. After the servers cleared our plates, we started to hear the clang of metal pots being bashed together in a rhythmic 'tune'. Alysha began to hide her face as they approached our table with a cake with a '16' candle on it. They placed the cake in front of Alysha and the clanging was replaced with song 'Congratulations' being played throughout the restaurant. More photos were taken, while we ate cake, before we asked for the bill. Emma and I had already said that we were paying for everyone, but my Mum still offered some money towards it. I took her offering, but returned it later that evening. We then left 'L'Artista' and the six of us got a taxi back to ours. Once home, I went into the garden to set up some fireworks, while everyone else relaxed. When I was ready, everyone stepped into the garden and we watched the display. Once the display had finished, the tenagers disappeared upstairs, while Mum, Emma and I chillaxed on the sofa, watching 'Frozen Planet', on BBC 1. When that had finished, my Mum made a move home and Charmian's Mum came to collect her. Jade would be staying over.

All-in-all a long but enjoyable day.

I hope you enjoyed it darling. XXX

Nannie's 85th

Friday 25th February, 2011.

Emma, Alysha and I got to Watford Junction to catch the 14:01 train. The train was on time and we were on our way. A few stops later and we arrived at Queens Park where we crossed the platform and got straight onto a Bakerloo Line train headed for Paddington Station. We arrived at Paddington and had to wait for nearly 20 minutes for our third train. When it arrived we made our way to our reserved seats and relaxed. Alysha was over the moon that each seat had a TV, and after she sent a £1.50 text, she had full access to the content. So, she watched 'Outnumbered', 'The Simpson's' and various other programmes, until we arrived at Bristol Parkway. Another 15 minute wait for our fourth and final train, which would take us to Torquay. We arrived at Torquay Station at 18:45 and only had to wait a few minutes before Uncle Barry and Auntie Francesca arrived to take us to the hotel.  Barry and Francesca dropped us at the Toorak hotel and then drove off to see Nannie. So, the three of us went to reception and checked in. The receptionist issued us with a room key and gave us directions to our room. Our room was on the ground floor and was spacious and clean and it contained a double bed, two single beds, TV, kettle, safe, shower and plenty of storage. The view looked toward the sea, which you could just make out. Once Alysha had picked which of the single beds she was having and things were unpacked, we headed off to find my family. Francesca had told us that they were in the Aztec Bar, so we headed back towards reception where we were given more directions. It turns out that the hotel is actually four hotels, all linked together, so that no matter what hotel you stay in, you can use all the facilities of all the hotels. So we left followed the corridor and went into the Derwent hotel and then into the Carlton where we finally found them. My cousin Katherine was sitting at a table with her husband, as was Amanda's husband Dan and Joshua and his partner Tanya. Sean and Amanda were at the bar, so the three of us queued behind them until I was recognised. It didn't take long. Hugs and introductions were soon followed by drinks. My Auntie Maureen was also with us and she was charged with keeping us behaved and sober. She did this by drinking all the wine, as did Katherine, while Joshua and I drank some Guinness. We all stayed together until the early hours, before making our way back to our rooms. 

Saturday 26th february, 2011.

Up nice and early so that we could get breakfast. A few green faces from some family members but, apart from that, a great start to the day. Since Maureen had made an itinerary of what was happening and when, it turned out that we had most of the day to do as we wanted. So, we asked Alysha what she wanted to do, to which she said she wanted to stay at the hotel and spend some time with all the new cousins and family. We agreed and left her some money for the machines and lunch, etc., and then Emma and I disappeared off into Torquay. Directly opposite our hotel is Torre Abbey, so we walked through the gardens and I took some photos, before we continued down to the beach. We then walked along the marina wall and all around the sea wall before deciding to go into 'Living coasts'. It is kind of a Zoo that had penguins, seals, Inca terns, Fish, Rays and lots more. We must have spent a good hour-or-so going round, taking pictures before we sat down for a coffee. We then headed into Torquay itself, walking up the High Street and finally finding something to eat. We then headed back to the hotel. We found Alysha in the Kids Zone iwth Katherine and her kids and then Amanda, Dan and their kids arrived and they all had a game of ten-pin-bowling. I watched some of the rugby, before we headed to our room to get ready. Once we were ready, we made our way to the bar and awaited the arrival of Nannie. Considering her apartment overlooks the hotel complex, she had no idea that we were all here, apart from Maureen, Francesca, Barry and Diedre. Once she was seated in the Buckingham Room, Uncle Doug kept coming in to take different groups to see her. Daughters first followed by Katherine and her family, Sean and his, then Me and mine, then Amanda and hers followed by Joshua and Tanya. Then finally by Roisin and Aoife. Nannie seemed genuinely happy, but she also looked very old. We then made our way to the bar, where a professional photographer was on hand to take photographs of everyone. A group shot. One of Nannie with her children. Nannie with her grand and great grand children. Nannie with Francesca and her family. Etcetera, Etcetera. Then we had a photograph taken of the five cousins together. This was, after all, the first time all five of us had been together for nearly 28 years!!! So, the first shot was us sitting nicely, before the last shot of us all with a drink in our hands. Not entirely sure that some of the family were impressed with the last shot, but it had to be done! Then it was off to dinner. Not the best timing in the world, as John and myself wanted to watch the end of the England Rugby match. Thank God, for internet on the mobile! Dinner was a set starter followed by a selection of different main courses. Then dessert which I gave to Alysha. Katherine made a speech, in which I was singled out for a few jokes, in which she also thanked Auntie Maureen for organising the entire weekend, Nannie's friend stood up to make a speech. She obviously knows my Nan very well and I was a little upset when my Dad was mentioned, as I think Nannie misses him, too. After the coffee was served we all made our way back to the bar. Barry, Sean, John and myself went out onto the patio and each had a Cuban cigar to celebrate. The beer continued to flow, until it dawned on us that Joshua and myself had drunk the hotel out of Guinness! So, we switched to lager. The bar eventually closed, but we managed to get the night porter to reopen it a little later.

Sunday 27th February, 2011.

Another early start so that we could catch breakfast and see some more green faces. After breakfast Alysha went swimming with the other kids for an hour or so, while Emma and I sat with Amanda and Dan and caught up. Then we went to see Katherine and caught up with her, before heading back to our room to pack our things. We checked out of our room at 11:00 and left our things with reception, before heading to the bar for brunch with Nannie and her friends. After a few drinks it was time for us to leave to catch a taxi to the station. Plenty of hugs, kisses and handshakes as we said our goodbyes to Nannie and my family. Then we were off. The train to Exeter arrived on time (13:56) and we were on our way. The ticket inspector checked our tickets and when he saw that we were headed to Watford, we had a nice little chat. (Turns out he is from St. Albans!) A slight delay in our connecting train to Clapham Junction but the driver made up time, so that we arrived in time for our connecting train to Watford. We finally made it home for 20:00. All in all a great weekend with family. Hopefully it won't be too long until I see them all again!

Until next time...

May it be well with you!

January, 2011

New Year Weekend

Well, New Year came and went as normal. We didn't go out New Year's Eve, although Alysha did go to a friends, so we stayed in and watched the TV and waited until midnight to watch the fireworks, which were fairly impressive this year. Then it was off to bed. Emma was up early, as she had to work, where as I don't work weekends or bank holidays, so I stayed in bed for a bit. When I did get up I went for a wander, before returning home to watch some DVD's that I had received for Christmas. (Star Trek the Original series, all remastered). After that I just chillaxed for the remainder of the day. Sunday was spent watchin gmore episodes while Emma went to work, again. That is pretty much how I spent the whole of the New Year weekend.

 

Swany's Birthday

Swany ended up going out the night before his Birthday (11th) with some friends from work. They played pool and got drunk, before he ended up in the pond in Watford High Street... twice!! I popped round to his flat on the Wednesday (12th) to see how he was. He wasn't well at all, throwing up a couple of times while I was there. Then he asked me to take him to A+E as his foot hurt, from when he had fallen in the pond. So, I took him to A+E. A quick X-ray and it was discovered that his foot was just bruised. I then helped him back to his flat, where he proceeded to throw up, again. He wouldn't stop throwing up until four in the afternoon.

 

Five Fold Kiss

Saturday 12th January saw Five Fold Kiss perform their first Saturday night at The Horns. Steve B, Len, Emma Jayne, Swany, Pete, Adam and a few others all hit the pub at about eight-thirty, and waited for the band to start. Some more friends that I had told about Five Fold Kiss turned up, too. Helen and Russell, Valentina, Jenny and Anita. What a night! The band rocked and eveybody had a fantastic time. Ofcourse, my camera was their to capture the atmosphere of the night. After the band had finished, Len, Emma Jayne, Steve B, Swany, Pete and myself all went to Modello's for some more drinks. Then we all said our goodbyes and made our merry ways home. Steve B came back to mine as it was easier than trying to get back to Northwood.

 

Sunday 23rd January

Alysha was up early as she had a dance competition to go to. This wouold be her first of the year and she was really looking forward to it. (Alysha had only found out about it the afternoon before, when Bobby, her dance instructor, told her about it). So, off she went. Emma and I decided to just chill-out for the day, so we did. When Alysha finally arrived back, she had her arms full of trophies. It turns out that Alysha got a 3rd in couples, 3rd in Line Dance, 1st in Solos and qualified for the Nationals, in October!!! How proud am I?!

 

Sunday 30th January

Alysha was up early as she had her second dance competition of the year. As it turned out it wasn't her best performance, only getting a 4th place medal, but I am still proud of her.

 

Monday 31st January

Today would have been my Dad's 60th Birthday. It was also the first day of my week off work. We didn't get up to much, just relaxed and took it easy all day, as we had plans to decorate the house for the rest of the week.

 

Until my next blog...

 

May it be well with you.

Massimo's Birthday

Sunday 31st October, 2010. Halloween (Samhain).

 

After the Saturday night, I expected a lie-in. That never really happened as I was awake early, as usual. Once I was up I went downstairs and made a coffee and waited for Steve B to get up. Emma was still in bed. When Steve B did finally surface, he didn't look too clever, so we sat and watched 'Arthur 2: On the Rocks'. Brilliant movie that we had not seen in a long time. Then Emma got up and Steve B collected his things and got ready to go. He was meant to be meeting up with some friends but all he met was his duvet, when he got home. After a spot of late lunch, Emma and I got ourselves ready to go to Zinco in Watford for Massimo's Birthday. We arrived at the restaurant at 6, where we were met by Kirsty who Emma helped put up Birthday banners and balloons. Once everyone had arrived we all ordered our meals and started to celebrate. 12 adults and 2 kids. I had the Calzone Misto Carne (Folded pizza filled with meatballs, home-made slow cooked meat sauce, chicken, mushrooms, sun blushed tomatoes, mozzarella & tomato). It was delicious but it was not the best that I have had. (If you want the best, go to Maurizio's in Rickmansworth). Once we had all eaten and finished our drinks, we settled the bill and Massimo had said 'goodbye' to some of his family and friends, we all headed over the road to 'O'Neill's'. Being a Sunday it was very quiet, so we only had the one drink before we headed down the High Street to 'Que Pasa'. Again it was quiet, but we made the most of it by having some Jager Bombs! I am not sure what was scarier, as it was Halloween I was expecting to see people in fancy dress, but I wasn't prepared for 'O'Neill's' and 'Que Pasa' to both have their Christmas Trees up. After a couple of drinks we all headed to 'Revolutions', where it was slightly busier. Best part was that all cocktails were half price! Fantastic! We stayed here until closing and Emma and I finally got a taxi home, just after midnight.

 

All in all, another great weekend.

Alysha's 15th Birthday

On Thursday October 26th, 1995 at 17:55, my daughter, Alysha Tamsin Alexandria Morrissey, was born.

She weighed 5lbs 13.5oz. It was the happiest day of my life.

 

On Tuesday October 26th, 2010. My daughter turned 15.

 

Alysha started celebrating her Birthday on Monday (25th) by going Bowling with a couple of friends (Jade and Anita). After Bowling (which Anita won) they all returned home and did girlie things in Alysha's room. Anita left and went home leaving Alysha with Jade, who was sleeping over. We ordered the girls a pizza and trimmings while Me and Emma had steak with onions, mushrooms and Tiger bread. (Beautiful). Alysha and Jade then watched a DVD, before going to sleep.

The following morning (26th), I was up as usual and was waiting for Alysha and Jade downstairs. My Mum and her friend Sue arrived just before 08:00 to drop Alysha's presents, cards and cakes off, which was the time Alysha crawled out of her pit. Then Mum and Sue went to work. Emma got up at about 08:30 and then Alysha began to open her cards and presents.

She did very well:

A JLS hoodie, a pair of Uggs, an umbrella, Pineapple clothes, some toiletries, High School Musical 3 DVD, a £15 gift voucher, a £30 cheque and about £70 in cash. And some other things.

Then it was breakfast. Croissants for Alysha, Jade and Emma, and another coffee for me.

Then the girls went and got dressed and went over to Alysha's Great Nan's to see them.

They returned a little later and said that they were going into Town. So they went.

Alysha used her new Student Card to get her nails done with a discount. They then went clothes shopping and then mooched around the shops, until coming home, just after 15:00.

My Mum popped in after work for a cup of Tea and a cake. It was while we were we talking that my Mum suggested going out for a meal. A short discussion on where to go and we were all off getting ready. Mum went home to feed Poppy (her Cat) and get changed, while we did the same.

Then, Alysha, Jade, Emma and me walked to Mums and then carried on to the 'Rising Sun'.

The 'Rising Sun' is a pub/hotel on the old site of the 'Sun Engraving Co. Ltd.'

 

The 'Sun Engraving Co. Ltd.' opened in 1919. At its peak it was the largest printing company anywhere in the world. In World War II much of the allies propaganda material, as well as all the manuals of aerial recon photographs used for the invasion of Europe, were produced there. The company also got involved in activities connected with the production of the atomic bomb. Much of the site was abandoned in 1989 after Robert Maxwell bought it and reduced the workforce, by streamlining the company. The site remained empty for a long time before redevelopment, which has resulted in a hotel, pub, flats, GP surgery, nursery, etc..

 

Anyway, we found a table and sat down to study the menu. The restaurant was busier than normal, for a Tuesday, as the 'Harvester' across the road is currently closed for refurbishment. 

Alysha and Jade ordered the Pasta Alfredo, Emma had the Pie and Cobbler, Mum had the Chicken salad and I had the mixed grill. (Steak two nights in a row!) Alysha then had a waffle with Belgian Banoffee Waffle for dessert, while Emma had a Bailey's Latte, Mum had a Liqueur coffee with Tia Maria and I had a Liqueur coffee with Jameson's. 

Once we had all finished, we made our way back to Mum's for another drink, while Alysha and Jade went back to ours to watch High School Musical 3. We stayed for about an hour before we left my Mum to go to bed, as she had work the next day. When we got home the girls were in Alysha's room watching the DVD, so we left them to it, and went to bed.

 

All in all I think Alysha had a great day.