Orion Benjamin Bond

The latest addition to the family arrived on February 23rd. Here he is with various family members including Granny Bond (89 on March 2nd), who became Great Great Granny Bond a few days after, when Maxwell Dodge became father to Baden.

New Year, Buddhist style 2012

The new year was celebrated in the now traditional manner of a visit to the Buddha statue at Batsford Arboretum. Joining us this year were Simon and his younger brother, James.

There was also a visit to Grandad Bond's last resting place in Idbury, and plenty of fun, too.

Ben's graduation

Ben finished his studies at Strathmore College in Stoke on July 19th. Above are photos from the final Presentation Evening. We are not yet sure where Ben is going next, so he'll be at home in Evesham with his mum for a few weeks.

ベン君は７月１９日カレジ(Strathmore College, Stoke on Trent)を終了しました。おめでとう！これからの行方はまだ決まっていません。しばらくお母さんと一緒にEveshamにいます。

Mayumi in Japan May 2011

５月７日から５月２５日の短い間でした。

５月７日から５月２５日の短い間でした。

Ben and girlfriend

It's official - Ben has a girlfriend. Her name is Amy, and she's a day-student at the college Ben is currently attending (Strathmore) in Stoke. He went to her 21st birthday party on Saturday October 30th in Stoke. Amy's family were impressed by Ben's gentle good manners.

It certainly helped to take his mind off the sadness of the memorial service for his grandad held the day before (see previous post).

Whatever the outcome, having a real girlfriend will be an important experience for Ben.