To console myself after Hengameh, Jade and Jim had left the Islands I decided to go and watch some of the sheep shearing competition that was being held. I must admit I was not expecting a high adrenalin, crowd rousing activity - but I was wrong. The speed the lads work with and the way they handled the sheep was very impressive and to imagine them doing that all day for weeks - I think I don't know what hard work is!
Also on new Years Day there is a raft race in Stanley Harbour. There were about ten entries and the military team won it (as they do most years) in a craft that looks a bit too professional to be in a raft race. Still credit to them they did put in a very fast time. We also had an entry from one of the members of the Legislative Assembly whose entry was a bath tub - last year it sank - this year it needed to be towed to the finish. A good event and a good turn out to watch it. Clearly it concludes with a BBQ at the Narrows Pub.
A few days later I had my Karate grading. This was something I had tried at Uni and then did with Jimmy when he was little and then I stopped. When I noticed that there was a Karate club in the islands I thought - why not - so joined. I am clearly the oldest person in the club and most of the members are under 14. So I did look a bit odd doing my stuff next to the little ones.
As partof the event there was also a fighting competition. My only appropriate opponenents were the two club black belts. Needless to say I lost - but I did manage to take a point off one of them - but got a sound hit on the head as my reward in the next bout.
Hengameh then persuaded me that I should come home for my birthday - I hadn't planned to come home quite so soon after they had visited but if I hadn't then I would not have seen them until April so took the opportunity. It was a lovely visit sandwiched between two long flights. I had a lovely week of seeing friends and famliy and good food and nice outings. Jade made a brilliant white chocolate birthday cake and Hengameh made profiteroles.
Thank you every one for your birthday wishes.
And to finish - a picture of a stunning Stanley sky! Happy New Year.
