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Owen Peter Hopkins - our new arrival!

Owen Peter Hopkins - our new arrival!

Brightlingsea Marsh Nature Reserve

Colchester’s Dutch Quarter is one of my favourite parts of my adopted hometown. The quaint little buildings, nestled amongst the tiny and twisting streets of the North Hill; the vast expanse of castle park to the east - if it wasn’t for the fact that there’s not much room for car parking, I think I’d love to live here.

When my wife and I were looking to buy round here, we studied some of the Dutch Quarter properties online - we were struck by the beauty of the period features: the fireplaces and chimney stacks, the outer stylings.

But the needs of a modern family perhaps exceeded the pitfalls of these older homes in this part of Colchester - the need for ample parking, room for expansion for a growing brood, et cetera.

But one day… you never know.

How awesome - pick n mix stationery at Staples!

How awesome - pick n mix stationery at Staples!

It’s not looking much like outdoorsy weather in Colchester today. I need the sunshine so I can get the decking cleaned and painted and the lawn mowed!

It’s not looking much like outdoorsy weather in Colchester today. I need the sunshine so I can get the decking cleaned and painted and the lawn mowed!

What causes bananas to spontaneously peel?

What causes bananas to spontaneously peel?

Lush: lunch at work today is salad plus cous cous plus cherry tomatoes. Total cost: about 80p. Brilliant.

Lush: lunch at work today is salad plus cous cous plus cherry tomatoes. Total cost: about 80p. Brilliant.

Perfect: carrot cake, coffee and tabletop game Tantrix. Shame I’m in Braintree, and it’s raining.

Perfect: carrot cake, coffee and tabletop game Tantrix. Shame I’m in Braintree, and it’s raining.

One of the more unusual sights on London’s South Bank this afternoon - amongst the usual array of street artists and a festival of chocolate - was a man building sand sculptures.

One of the more unusual sights on London’s South Bank this afternoon - amongst the usual array of street artists and a festival of chocolate - was a man building sand sculptures.

I’m not sure this photo does the beautiful Colchester sunset justice. By far the nicest I’ve seen since moving in 2008.

I’m not sure this photo does the beautiful Colchester sunset justice. By far the nicest I’ve seen since moving in 2008.