Geocaching

So what is Geocaching?
Simply, it’s a world wide treasure hunt where ”cachers” use billions of dollars of satellite technology to hunt for plastic boxes hidden by other cachers in interesting or unusual places. Although this dichotomy amuses us, we’ve discovered and explored some amazing places through geocaching and it’s all for free! Treasure containers come in various sizes from large Tupperware type boxes to magnetic key safes or small canisters so they can be hidden anywhere . All you need is a GPS, access to the geocaching website to find and log cache locations and finds and a sense of fun and adventure.

Illuminating Hadrian's Wall

Our family live close to Hadrian’s Wall and for the last 25 years or so, it’s been a major feature in our outdoor lives. Being enthusiastic but unsophisticated Roman historians, it’s a favourite destination for dog walks, a great location to share with our visitors and an excellent source of geocaches. So it’s with enormous delight that our family has been chosen to be part of an exciting and innovative event that will see lighted beacons along the length of the wall on the evening of 13 March. It’s going to be a joyful celebration of a wonderful, historic landmark

Shrove Tuesday

It’s Shrove Tuesday tomorrow and secretly, I’m planning to maximise the labours of the bevy of teenage girls who will descend for pancakes, girly chat and music. I’m far from being house proud so the house is in its usual state of semi-cleanliness. But once pancake making is over the kitchen at least should be cleaner, as the girls remove the inevitable grease and food debris that arises from frying batter. I need to ensure there’s plenty of grease busting cleanser and warn the neighbours to wear ear plugs as all the activities will be carried out at full shriek

Dancing on Wheels

I have just been watching the first episode of Dancing On Wheels on iplayer and I have to say I’m hooked. For what I imagine is a low budget production, it’s very professional, entertaining and thought provoking. That Brian Fortuna is the creator of the show may have something to do with my enthusiasm but in all objectivity, it’s compelling. It features wheelchair users partnered with celebrities who are competing to represent the UK in the European Dance Championships. It isn’t patronising: it’s energising, moving and celebrates dance in a positive way. I can’t wait to see the partnerships develop.

The laughter of a child

I spent a delightful half hour playing peek-a-boo with a little girl on the train yesterday. She was about 18 months old and just awakening to the joys of the world around her.  Many other travellers resisted her efforts to attract attention; ignoring her gurgles and shouts or actually indicated disapproval by shooting fierce looks across to her mother, who was entertaining her daughter.  Personally, I think there’s nothing more attractive than the laughter of a child and was more than happy to indulge her.  It’s a pity so many others have lost that ability to appreciate simple but priceless joy

Technology

Tele and video conferencing is a lifeline for family and friends separated by geography and is certainly efficient in reducing travelling time and carbon footprints from a work perspective. So why am I left feeling frustrated and inadequate after an hour using dodgy IT? I suspect it’s because I struggle to assess when to make interventions or gauge the non verbal messages so evident in face to face meetings. But this communication method is the future so I need to make it work for me. I’ll just have to upgrade my social networking profile to become more intuitive and competent!