Grade 2 lateral knee ligament damage which has resulted in some pretty strong pain relief, a slightly embarrassing swagger especially when descending stairs, and pins and needles in my heal which has lasted already 4 continuous days!

The girlfriend and I have for several years considered ‘investing’ in a camper van, although we’re doing pretty well at continually putting it off. The closest we’ve got so far is buying a new-shape VW Bettle, three or four years ago now!

We’re a step closer we feel at least, as we’re hopefully going to be hiring one over a coming weekend to see how we enjoy the experience, and are both pretty excited. And to make things easier, Vintage Wandering camper van hire (their split screen pictured)are located at the other end of the village.

What I’m keen to do next however, is visit one of the many VW shows, up and down the country, to get a feel for what type of camper would be best for us. I’m sure Jessie for example, would prefer to sit up front with us, so I need to find out which models have the 3-person bench in the cab!

So, which events to go for;

• Big Bang (big-bang.co.uk) - Santa Pod, Wellingborough (27 April)
• Standford Hall (6th May)
• Run to the Sun – Newquay, Cornwall (1 June)
• Deva Dub Show – Shrewsbury Showground (8 June)
• Camper Jam – Weston Park, Shorpshire (6 July)
• Bug Jam (bugjam.com) – Santa Pod, Wellingborough (20 July)
• V-Dub Island – Isle of Wight (2 August)
• Whitenoise – Norfolk Showground (3 August)
• Brighton Breeze (6 October)
• Dud Freeze II – Bingley Hall, Stafford (4 November)

Both Jessica and Natalie have enjoyed their lessons, and can ski, we’ve had several picnics up the hill, a few nice evenings out, a roaring open fire and some great company.

Roll on next year!

I test drove one of these today, and loved every minute of it. It was smooth on acceleration if you wanted it to be, but stuck you back in the seat nicely if you pressed a little harder. The 6th gear I guess would save a few fuel-miles on the motorway and would take some getting used to!

I’ve always loved the look of these cars from most angles, maybe the rear isn’t the most beautiful car I’ve ever seen if I had to be critical. I much prefer the models from 06 onwards, the front looks more seamless and robust

The biggest surprise was how cosy it felt on the inside; dark because of the rear pillars and smaller window, and much smaller in the back than the A3 feels. And with it only being 4 seats, I do wonder if its suitable for our purpose!

PS – Was really happy with the customer services too from the team at Audi Cambridge, Babraham Road branch, thanks for your help!

PPS – Joe Tearle has also put me off buying one of these, thinks I’d look silly by the sounds of it?!@?

On January 19, 2012, the snow industry lost an icon. Sarah Burke, freeskiing pioneer, six-time X Games gold medalist, beloved wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend passed away.

Sarah was truly a legendary athlete, role model and an inspiration. She was everything so many of us aspire to be.

Female athletes everywhere owe a debt of gratitude to Sarah’s passionate trailblazing efforts over the last 15 years. As the first competitive female freeskier, she successfully lobbied the Winter X Games to include women in freeskiing events on equal standing. It is because of Sarah’s efforts that female winter athletes are some of the only athletes in the world to receive equal prize purses to that of men.

Sarah brought worldwide recognition and validation to the sport she so loved. Every ski athlete chosen to represent his or her country at the 2014 Sochi Olympics will feel her influence. Without her, the sport of freeskiing would not be included.

For more information visit Wikepedia or Sarah’s memorial Facebook page.

RIP

Its stylish caffés and shops offer authentic Italian food and a larder of regional specialities and products. The shops sell products from all over Italy, including pasta from Puglia, capers from Calabria and olive oil from Sicily.

Their packaging is what I’m highlighting with this post, its always beautifully crafted and authentic in its look and feel. Discuss!

“We are passionate about what we do, from the restaurant floor to the selection of each product we sell. For us, packaging is a reflection of what we are about: ‘Italianess, authenticity, quality and uniqueness,” says Carluccio’s Raquel Pirola.