Not long...

It's getting closer - I'm now into the final 2 weeks before leaving for France, and it suddenly seems very real. I've done most of the dull things - buying insurance, extra pants and a new laptop battery. I even went and bought some new ski boots. After turning my back on skiing for the last 10 years, I've really enjoyed getting back into it - which is just as well, considering that I'll be spending 5 days a week skiing with guests for the next 5 months!

Life back at my parents hasn't been too dull - I've started frequenting the Bewicke Arms again. For those that don't know, this is the pub that I pretty much grew up in (it's only 50 metres from home!), so I've effectively re-inserted myself into my life circa 1991!

I have done a few more interesting things of late: back in early October the pre-sales team took our annual pilgrimage, this time to Tallinn, capital city (in fact the only city) of Estonia.
A great time was had by all - suffice to say that "what goes on tour, stays on tour", although I'll definitely be heading back there and to Helsinki when I can.

More recently I completed my "Competent Crew" training on the Solent - great fun, and pretty interesting weather (force 7/8 winds on one day), as well as being an excuse to visit as many pubs as possible in Cowes, Lymington and Hamble.
I can definitely see what Woz sees in this sailing business, and if all goes to plan, I'll be doing quite a bit more after the ski season finishes.

I've also been to see my beautiful niece, Emma, at my sisters place in Anglesey. At 3 years old, Emma hasn't quite grasped the fact that I'll be away until the spring, and is convinced that I'll be back on "Tuesday"...