Its quite a thing for me when people put themselves out to make something happen and then really enjoy it.
It has been a cold and difficult start to the year with the snow, long forgotten now, and then dissertations, driving tests and teacher training interviews, at least for me.
It has been hard to progress, certainly on the outside. Steve, Jo and Jenny have been doing the necessary maintenance though and the lorry is ready for its MOT, the buses are more or less up together, Steve has made new brake blocks for the Rover and we tested her out yesterday. The horses have been groomed and driven as often as possible and they were shod in the snow, which maybe wasnt such a good idea as we lost three of their shoes as their hooves thawed and they had to be refitted.
Barbara Trotman was 50 (should I say that?) So she and her family and friends decided to brave a cold Februrary day and we explored Ringwood.
It was a good day, we made the day for at least two people we were told, and everyone enjoyed themselves. For me that is what it is all about.
All the other things this week have been important, very important in some cases. They allow me to carry on towards an independent life post single parenthood.
Surprisingly though, even to me, the most important and rewarding challenge this week was the trip. I love what we do and sharing it with people who are keen and brave enough to dare the unknown is something very special.
I am looking forward to more time to concentrate on the boys now and Keyhaven and Milford on Sea are our next destination. I imagine balmy days driving by the sea. It is a beautiful place, but lots of work to let people know we are there and get things set up is required before those balmy days may become a reality.
We took some videos of the day, a double-decker driver's eye view of Ringwood and the surrounding countryside:
Saturday 28th February 2009 - Braving the cold