Christmas Message 2007

Without planning it, 2007 has turned out to be a bit of a pivotal year for us. New jobs, a return to studies, finished projects and even bigger things on the way.

The year started as 2006, with me in Finland and onboard a nearly finished cruise ship as both project manager and electrically responsible for starting up Scanships systems onboard. Mrs VL began her distance learning Masters in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health. Despite my minimal time at home all the way through to early May and Mrs VLs studies, we managed to finish our office project, which has been put to good use ever since. Other than this the first 5 months of the year disappeared without any other significant events.

May turned out to be an important month career wise for both of us. I had a long and tough time in Finland and felt like I had met the brick wall, so when I recieved a phone call saying that another company was interested in me I agreed to send my CV. One thing lead to another, and before I knew it I was sitting at the table with an offer in my hand I couldn't refuse! 3 months notice here, so I began at Flowtite at the start of September. I am their first in house dedicated electrical/automation person, and it's a new position which leads to an exciting and challenging job. Flowtite deliver Glassfibre pipe technology and are involved in building and running factories all around the world, including India where I am not long since back from after a 2 week visit.

Mrs VL also had big news in May, feeling that she was in a rut in the small animal practice in Sandefjord. She had applied for a PhD at the Vet School in Oslo, at the time uncertain if she had a chance and uncertain if it was what she really wanted. During the interview she went from an "uncertainess" to a feeling that she would be dissapointed if she didn't get it. Being the clever girl that she is, she did get it and by the end of May it was all decided. She began her 4 year joint Scandanavian project studying the validity of the animal health recording systems for dairy cows. This fits brilliantly with her Masters course and despite the early start and long bus journey she is thriving with the new challange.

Early in the year we decided that we would be enjoying the Triumph, at that time nearly finished, around Europe in August. Bravely booking ferry tickets accordingly. Again, in a repeat of 2006, my summer dissapeared in the garage. This time without so much help from Mrs VL, who was buried under her heavy study load. Unlike 2006, we suceeded with the Spitfire and enjoyed nearly 2000 wonderful miles and 2 fabulous weeks driving around Europe , meeting up with old friends on the way.

And now for the BIG news, for those of you who have bothered to read this far! On returning from our European tour mid August we were faced with another and very unexpected surprise. All being well, early April 2008 will see a new arrival to the Longship household, this time with 2 legs and not 4 (or 3) as folk have become accustommed to. Just as well we managed to enjoy the Triumph in 2007, it could be a while before we can go off galavanting in a 2 seater sports car again!! Now that we've got over the initial shock we've got used to the idea and may I dare to say almost looking forward to it.

Anyway, that's enough for this year, Here's wishing you and yours a very merry christmas and all the best of luck and happiness in 2008. Hope that we get to see some of you in the course of the year!

M and A