2012 Xmas 2013 Missive 2014

To: Andy Kilpatrick

Subject: Xmas Ellipsoid

 

Hi folks.

 

Yes, it's that time again: here's another exciting Summary of The Year email from The Kilpatricks of Old Enfield Town (handy for the M25 and A10).

 

Life Events / Achievements

- Ellie. Has just turned 14: OMG, LOL. She is taking over running of the household, and has plans for world domination, once she's straightened her hair. Started the oboe this year - got grade I distinction immediately; Grade 6 on Flute; Grade 5 piano; Grade Something Dancing; generally brilliant, fab, etc.

- Josh (12). Got his Grade 4 piano, Grade 4 violin, Grade 4 theory, Grade 4 Nintendo. We've entered him into the United Nations "Most Silly Noises Made By A Boy In One Year" competition. Expecting Grade 4.

- Barbara. Did an Exam (Certificate in Information Systems Auditing).

- Andy. I ran my first ever 10km in 59m57s - a triumph of pacing - and am now Resting. Plus some half decent horn playing when awake and not distracted by fellow players of a female persuasion.

- The Dog. Only ran away once - looked suitably guilty. Some rubbish barking.

 

School vs. The Kilpatricks

- Usual selection of letters from Ashmole school saying how wonderful kids are / how good the school is / why everyone should do more homework / "sorry, we ran out of turkey at the Christmas lunch" / health & safety gone mad /rwho is this Michael Gove person anyway.

 

Work vs. The Kilpatricks

- Andy @ Metaswitch: We are now "The Brains of The New Global Network". Glowing orange "Frankenstein's laboratory" sparks light up our moodily rugged black-and-white features.. Fabtastic.

- Barbara @ MediaOcean: Occasional shopping trips to New York.

 

Nuclear Family holidays:

- La Gomera. Lovely hiking - see FaveLaGomera2013

- Scotland. Strangely midge-free. Except when I stopped to take a photo of everyone cycling up a hill and got bitten 40 times in one minute. Met up with (Uncle) Peter + Louise in Edinburgh, which was nice.

 

Nuclear Fission holidays:

- Gorges du Tarn, France: Barbara + Ellie went on a Guides trip - Barbara as Token French Speaker. Which came in handy when the gendarmerie were called to sort out a noisy guides-singing-ASBO-type situation.

- Amsterdam. I went to stay with my old mate Olly in his bachelor pad. Which contained many gadgets, but not much tidiness. Many museums were perused - but it was so hot & sunny in town that assorted bikini-clad ladies smiled and waved at me as I walked past them. Twice.

- Swindon. Yes, really. Josh went to PGL for a week near the Jewel of the M4.

 

Other Top Experiences of 2013:

- Best Movie: Gravity. Sandra Bullock's personal trainer clearly deservers an Oscar.

- Best TV: We only watch junk. And Doctor Who.

- Best Restaurant: The Greenhouse (except for the bill).

- Best musical experiences: Turangalîla (as always) / Josh jumping out of his seat when the loud organ bit started in Saint-Saëns at the Royal Albert Hall.

- Best Star Wars Actor In A Play Wot We Saw: James "I am your father" Earl Jones.

 

Well, that's it folks! Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

 

Love,

Andy, Barbara, Ellie & Josh

 

 

P.S. (Warning: utterly rubbish maths joke) Why "ellipsoid"? No focus!