My Month of July – 2018 Edition
July has been another sad and difficult month for me, for personal reasons that I won’t go into. I’ve been trying to keep myself busy to give me things to focus on, for the sake of my own sanity, so here’s a look back at some of the things I’ve been up to.
I finished my R44 type rating course. Frustratingly, I had to cancel my skills test because the CAA still hasn’t got its act together and sent me my licence (it’s 75 days and counting since I qualified, and I’m very angry and upset about this substantial delay that they have no excuse for other than “they’re really busy”). Once it arrives I’ll reschedule the test and then I can finally start using the licence that I’ve spent a massive amount of time and money training for. *rolls eyes*
With no sign of my heli licence I’ve done a bit of fixed wing flying instead. I’ve been flying a PA28 at RAF Brize Norton, where I’ve joined as a civilian member of the flying club there, and when I did my club check flight I spotted a certain group of red jets…
I also went for a flight in a C42 Ikarus microlight with Lee – a new type for my logbook.
It’s a dinky little aircraft that gets airborne very quickly. I still prefer helicopters though!
Back on the ground, this was the scene down on the river when we went boating in Stratford-upon-Avon earlier in the month.
More swans in Stratford, this time accompanied by bunting, sunset hues and the spire of the church in which William Shakespeare is buried.
I got some new glasses – what do you think? (Apologies for the dire photo)
My sister Helen came to stay and we did a spa day in Chipping Campden, which I’ll write up as a post of its own when I get the chance.
We had a look in the church, and admired the East Banqueting house from the graveyard.
We also visited Blockley, another favourite Cotswolds town/village.
Another day we went to Snowshill to see the Cotswold Lavender fields.
We had lunch at Broadway Tower, where Helen took this photo of yours truly.
Everywhere is looking so parched after this extended heatwave.
I’ve taken this photo many times – I just love the way the dry stone wall hugs the contours of the hill.
Another wonderful discovery was Giffords Circus, a traditional Cotswolds travelling circus. This definitely warrants its own post, so again, I’ll write more about that soon.
We also visited Kelmscott Manor, home of William Morris…
…and Buscot Park, a National Trust house with an interesting collection of art.
Meanwhile, I’ve been cuddling puppies…
…going for lots of walks…
…and admiring some spectacular sunsets.
I will try to blog more in August. Everything’s been so hectic that it’s been hard to find the time, but I’ve got lots of posts planned, so keep checking back and (if you like) pop your email address into the box on the top right of this page to receive an email each time I publish a new post. Until next time!