Happy anniversaries.

Exactly a year after our offer on the Priory was accepted (3rd June 2008), our Listed Building Consent application was approved. So we're getting quotes on scaffolding and we're raring to go. The first bit is the old house equivalent of getting your shoes reheeled. It seems very expensive and there's not much to show for it, aside a bit of lime plaster in between the bricks. But once we have "secured the envelope" of the building, we can start on the exciting part - the kitchen!

There have been more anniversaries this week. Our wedding anniversary, on Monday. No seven year itch, unlike last year when Quent was itching like a good 'un - but thankfully only because of the IL-2 treatment.

Neither of which match up to a Centenary event - the Sea Scout party went very well. Over 250 people from through the ages. The HQ looked like a corporate function venue with marquees and bunting, the most fantastic hog roast, a great band and clean windows. Quent had a slideshow running of photos through the ages. When we get around to putting them on some website, we'll post the link, but in the meantime, here's a taster of some of the older ones:

1930. Julie Andrews later stole this composition for a musical.

1952. I'd love to know what they are all looking at.

1954. The kids on the bank are doubled up, laughing - at the guy on the pole or the speedos on the other one?

And Oakley is working hard on his own anniversary party. He's started planning his and Quent's "join up" birthday party. As Quent put Oakley to bed the other night I heard him saying "Yes, but we don't need to decide on the food tonight, because the party isn't until January".

I vote for a hog roast.