UK Letter Home December 2001

Greetings All

With the end of the year creeping up, I am guessing that this will be this year's final episode of UK Bound. So, what have we done since our last letter? Humm.

Well, I am not sure if we told you, but we have almost completed our Open Water scuba class. We did our first open water swim on Sunday. I and a slight cold and couldn't equalize (my right ear didn't take to the increased pressure) so I had to abort my dive. Kim was having a little better luck underwater, chasing the odd crayfish and hermit crab. Mmmm tasty. It's amazing how much weight you need to "allow you to sink". You have to wear about 40lbs each, plus tanks plus other kit. Kim got down to about 10 meters, and I only sank to about 6 meters. Stooopid ear.

The other hobby we have been pursuing is skiing. We are on the larger bunny hill, which is about 40 meters high, and you can get going pretty quick. There's one old guy (70ish) who is taking the course so he can go skiing with his daughter. She's so cute - straight down the hill, no fear. Maybe that will be us in a month or two. We are hoping to go to Glencoe (north about 4 hrs) for a week and attack the hills. Then maybe next year, over to the Alps.

We are currently packing for our trip to Cyprus. We still don't have our tix yet, and we leave in 8 hours. They will hopefully be at the airport. I checked the weather report, and I think it will be from 2-15C. Not smashing, but no snow to worry about. It will be nice to get away. Work has really been a pain, so any getaway will be a relief.

Since we are going away before Christmas, we accidentally opened our Christmas presents (hey, the wrapping was ripped, so it had to be opened) ;-) Kim received a falcon handling lesson and I received some driving lessons at the local race track. Jack and Solo received some cute pillows (thanks Lia), kitty treats, and some nip. They're currently sleeping it off.

We are slowly working on this and that around the house. When we get back, I will install some more insulation in the attic and in the floors. We are just taking it one project at a time. By spring the house should be nice and toasty.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hogmany!

Brian and Kim