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| The family sharing a drink at our Ruby Wedding Celebrations in October. From left to right - Andrew (son), Becky (daughter-in-law), Janette (niece), Margaret (sister-in-law), Esther (daughter), Margaret (long-suffering wife), Roger (me) |
In January we greeted our first grandchild, Matthew Robert, born on January 16th in Geneva (La Tour hospital). Andrew and Becky are both delighted with their new arrival and we have paid several visits to see them and help out where we can. We have recently learnt that they are expecting their second child in May 2014. Hopefully I can assist with the search for a bigger house to accommodate the growing family. I fly off to Geneva on my own (without a grown up) on December 4th and soon after returning, we will both travel to Budapest with Esther for Christmas to join Andrew, Becky, Matthew and meet with Becky’s family.
In terms of Roger’s church work, it has been a fruitful but difficult year. I decided to stand down at the end of November in order to concentrate on family matters and pursue new interests. Having held my post for over 10 years I feel the need to explore new avenues.
Margaret is still working at Holme Lodge after 22½ years and has just learnt that she is entitled to a sabbatical which hopefully will enable us to be with Andrew and family when the new baby arrives.
Our church commitments continue although I wait to see how my involvement will pan out in the light of my standing down.
We enjoyed a short summer break in Norfolk and would like to go back for more. I nearly lost my iPad when I carelessly left it on the Wells to Walsingham narrow gauge train. Fortunately someone handed it in.
Andrew continues to work at the UN in Geneva under much pressure. Becky is trying to complete her PhD along with her motherhood duties. Esther is still working at Rangemaster in Long Eaton.
In October, we were delighted when the whole family joined us for our Ruby Wedding celebrations. Esther, in particular, made many arrangements and we celebrated at a local pavilion with a barn dance and a surprise performance of Sonny and Cher’s ‘I got you babe’ by Margaret and myself, suitably dressed for the occasion. It is a throw-back to our younger days. Thank you to all our family, friends and neighbours who came and made it such a memorable occasion.
We now look to see what delights await us in 2014.
We wish you all every blessing for Christmas and the New Year.
Roger and Margaret xxxxx
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Photos of my recent trip to Challex
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| Matthew at breakfast |
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| The frost which gave such a picturesque scene |
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| Yvoire on the southern shores of Lake Geneva. You can see Mont Blanc in the background. |
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| Sunrise over Challex |
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| Challex - just over the border from Geneva. Andrew and his family live here at the moment but are searching for a bigger place in time for the arrival of the new baby. |
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| A short bus ride from Challex to La Plaine and then this excellent train service takes you smoothly into Geneva |
© Roger G Johnson 2013 
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