Skiing in Praz de Lys - 25th to 27th March

OK, so 3 months to go before we up-sticks and head off to the other side of the World - sounds like an ideal time for a skiing break in the Alps, then! Unfortunately, as the only breadwinner in the house, Maria stays at home with Sarah, whilst the male contingent of the Burns family head off to Praz de Lys in Haut Savoire for a few nights at Ant & Eve Roberts' fab appartment.

We have 2 and half days of great skiing around the village and in nearby Sommand. The weather is kind to us - dumping fresh snow as we arrive, a further covering during our second night and a wonderfully sunny afternoon in which to enjoy the powder.
Of course, being Alpine novices, we are caught out by the sunny conditions and end up with bright rosey complexions, ie sunburn!



Chris does a great job as chef des jours - with my only real task being to stack and empty the dishwasher plus make the morning cup of tea. (And of course, supply the stream of Euros to pay for everything!)


Altogether a great break. Many thanks to Ant & Eve for the use of their apartment. If it wasn't for the fact that we're going to be a long way away, I'd definitely be looking to return to this lovely part of Europe again.

Chris, however, is not so sure as he fears that there may be more to this Alpine life than he is currently comfortable with!

The end of an era - let the new one begin!

So that's life at Rolls-Royce over with!?! Thanks to my colleagues who joined me for a few drinks in the Dolphin Inn in Derby to celebrate the occassion of me leaving. Some very kind words from Ian Hill and fantastic gifts from you all - as I said on the night, exactly what I would have chosen and they will be treasured forever. A few of us carried on into the early hours in some of Derby's other fine establishments, culminating in a late night dance at Scream!

People keep asking me how I feel. I've not really had time to take it all in yet. Besides, I'm not sure whether I can rightfully declare myself unemployed until Monday. It's just an ordinary weekend at the moment.... Actually, we've headed over to the in-laws for the weekend - I'm practising living on the coast and walking along beautiful deserted beaches before breakfast!