We have left behind the clear blue seas and skies and swapped all this for the swamps of the UK. Fortunately, Surrey is pretty much unscathed but in any case, TheO did have his water-wings. The moderate temperature here is a pleasant escape to the baking heat of Malta which has been in the 40's, this and I look like a school boy in shorts!

The little lad has been loving the change, although as blondes are more common here, I think he misses the attention from passers by who he normally greets with a wave and a “Ciao” He particularly enjoys his Grandma's garden which see's him racing around, picking fruit (too early) and attempting to climb trees.

We have all planned to be here for about three/ four weeks, after which we plan to drive back over Europe in a new(ish) car. This has to be the reason for bringing the water-wings!!



Somebody's been scrumping...

It's been a busy few days. The good lady has some family friends over and has gone into hectic entertaining mode since I refused to make Vol-Au-Vents for 20. Also, a trip back to the rain drenched homeland requires an element of planning, or so I'm told.

All of this and TheO developing a sense of humour that even I appreciate. The other night, the little lad in bed, I'm asked if I can smell burning..... Thinking it's maybe one of the youngsters pranks, I sniff round the residence. This is over quite quickly, and nothing found, not even a flammable plastic castle. The flat on the other side of the road however is not so lucky and has flames pouring out of the window. I go to investigate, awaken a few snoozing Maltesers and ensure the fire dept are on their way. "hey, Joe, Have you finished your tea?" is all I hear as they terminate the call. As the fire rages, a neighbour comments that it was the Air Conditioning that started it. I reply that perhaps they should have had it on cool. They look at me and walk away. No sense of humour.



Sadly, I forgot the Marshmallows and really long toasting fork!

TheO is progressing leaps & bounds. Vocabulary is improving with whole unintelligible phrases instead of just single words. He sings along to the Aristocrats, and I think, does indeed Want To Be A Cat. He is still, however still a WooWoo (dog) fan! Not sure if this is a good mix though!



One from the Beach!

There really is only so much you can do with a little lad in this heat. This little lad possesses very sensitive skin and these temperatures will have him 'Bien Cuit' before he knows what it means. So early mornings and late afternoons TheO is let out to play. One of his favourite places, regrettably attached to a fast-food chain, is a plastic tower with slides. A few well placed matches and I think it could take care of the entire restaurant!

With an old chum over from the UK, TheO has been spoiled. Walks out have ensured that there is an extra pair of hands to catch him as he slides down over the precipice and into the flowerbed! However, as the good lady points out, old chums visiting = hangovers! How true.



TheO ponders the placement of his incendiary device!

The last weekend of June has zipped past, alas too far away from the muddy fields of Somerset to attend the recent music festival held there. The good lady and I had attended the event back in 2005 when TheO was just a 15 week speck. It rained then too. And when we went the year before. The little lad celebrated the occasion with Poncho and 'Lightning McQueen' camping chair on the beach. No rain. No dubious toilets (not that he would need these) & no live bands. I was however fondly reminded of that long struggle to find a spot, this time weighed down with everything from multicoloured umbrellas to spare flippers!! Don't you just love the summer...



What do you mean The Who aren't coming? what kinda gig is this...

So with most of the Grandparents and some of the Godparents in attendance, TheO was introduced into the Catholic church. I hope it treats him well, if indeed he wishes to get involved. I have passed his name to the Inquisition and think he will enjoy the 'Comfy Chair'

Father Christopher Galdes conducted the baptism in English at Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Qawra. I was a little wary however when TheO was given a lit candle. A very nice present I thought as visions of The Towering Inferno raced around my mind!



Mischief in mind!!

The good lady had told me to organise a high tea at somewhere 'classy', so after the fire brigade had arrived at the church, we all escaped to the Radisson Hotel at Golden Sands. TheO had plenty of fun running around with his chums, leaving those older than 12 to knock back gallons of tea and a buffet vast enough to feed a wedding party. The waitress in the white dress was rubbish though!



The little lad manages to make a break for it...

As the day came to a close, the sun setting over the bay, TheO nesting and looking for sleep, we prepared to do the whole thing again at a different venue. The Maltese don't do things by halves, and TheO's 'Nanna & Nanoo' love to entertain. More relatives!?! I do miss the Stella you know!



The Good lady uses TheO as a comfy cushion, not expected!

TheO's appointment with higher orders approaches. More worryingly, so too are some of the relatives, venturing to sunny St Paul's Bay for a few days respite as well as a christening. This has caused an outbreak of 'in-law hysteria' which can get quite serious if left unattended. Not one for being attentive, I am trying to sort everything out 'Condoleezza Rice' stylee but know a difficult scenario when encountered. I think we need more Gin for the occasion.

So to the little lad! He now shouts 'ciao bella' to anybody who will listen, and this is followed by blowing kisses. He must get this from the good lady, as he takes so long leaving a shop with all his goodbyes! Favourite film is now Cars. He always knows the bit when Mack nearly falls asleep!!



TheO adds some 'Roo Bars' for extra Truck effect CaChow!!