Eco Blog 8 - Reduce Junk Mail

There are ways to reduce or eliminate junk mail to your door that not a lot of poeple know about.

These people have 5 simple steps
http://www.wasteawareunwantedmail.org.uk/

1. Write to the sender. Templates provided at the above.

2. By registering with the Mailing Preference Service.
http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/mpsr/

3. By emailing the royal mail, more info here.
http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm/content1?catId=400126&mediaId=500081

4. Opt out of the edited version of the electorat role
http://www.electoralcommission.gov.uk/your-vote/access.cfm

5. Use online services. Banks, etc. can give online bank statements instead of the stupid paper ones.

Jail Birds

Savvy and cousin Jess mock the prison guards as they make their escape.

Local Dad Crosses First At Mega Dumyat

Dobbo takes Gold in the World Mega Dumyat Championships - a wild descent from the top of Dumyat, including a sprint start, down to the Sherrifmuir road, along the reservoir, and into Mine Woods.

Four of the Stirling club's fastest lads were neck'n neck before the final Mine Woods finish but Dobson wanted it more and pulled ahead and crossed the line in a record 17 minutes. Putting Gloria and Hector aside for the race, with T-Rex out of commission, it was a new yet-to-be named bike that gave the Bridge of Allan world class racer the edge. Commenting on his performance, Dob said,

"I'd really like to thank my gorgeous babe wife, Ashley Howard. I have been preparing for this race for months and the tactics were key heading into the wind and through the gates, but I couldn't have done it without my family".

Extremely proud of her father, the lovely and cute 14 month old Savannah Skye added, "Uh-oh, gaaaaaaaaaaaaa, Uh oh, daddy, haaaaaaaaaaaaaa, happpa happa happa".

The next Mega Dumyat will take place in June 2009.

Note - Our camera is bust. These photos have been stolen from other Dobbo classic races and rides. The broken camera also explains why there are no pics to share from the lovely Ty-Man visit.

Fort William - World Cup Specialists

We were spoiled with the VIP treatment at the latest leg of the cross country and downhill moutain bike world cup (thank you Stuart!). And we were treated to some lovely sunshine too. We even had a breeze at our campsite so were able to bbq outside at night with no threat of midgies.

The little one did well on the bike ride from our site to the racing...getting more and more comfortable with her helmet and the need for speed.

2 Brits in the top 3 for the men's downhill. A British woman won the women's downhill. Very exciting.

Other updates re Savvy:
New name - the alley cat. She's pretty scruffy and scrawny.
Likes to pinch fat. A wee pudge at the trouser belt line is not safe. A bit motivating when it comes to chocolate consumption.
Made it through the MMR...quite cranky for a couple of weeks was our alley cat.
LOVES to do "speeding bullet" up into her mom and dad's arms.
Knows how to shout "daddy" and uses "bobby" for mom.
Loads of destroying. Quietly sat one night and mushed a batch of strawberries one by one. A pricey habit.
Also likes to grab at lips, noses, and eyes when upset. Wear your face mask for your visit Uncle Ty-man!

Balmedie Beach

Back in February, the Scottish Swimming AGM was held in Aberdeen. We managed some free time for a walk along the beach in Balmedie just north of Aberdeen. A lovely sunset and some very beautiful dunes.