Today is such a proud day in the Jones household. My daughter, Elizabeth, and Cindy have conquered windmill hill on the Camino and rested with triumph in Obanos after 22 km of walking for the day. YEAH!
And my son, my only son, my oldest, the one who will carry on the great Jones name has conquered the donut, 2 and a half donuts in 2 minutes to be precise. Yes, in the week of weeks here in Stromness. The week with that anyone with an ounce of class makes plans to escape the town. The week that anyone with children has been hearing about all year.
Our highlight so far has been the donut eating competition. Did I say my son entered this, in the adult classification, and won his round. That is a picture of him on the right looking like a squirrel storing up for winter (Following his fathers pre-game coaching he has about a whole donut stored in his cheeks). 
Diversion, I have been watching dads coaching their sons lately. It is actually quite serious business, no matter what the event or age. Watching pre-donut consumption coaching. Remembering a few weeks ago watching our friend James and his son Lewis. Lewis is 4. Last year at the "big race" he wasnt quite sure what a race was about and spent most of his time socializing up the field coming in a leisurely last. This year I know that Janet spent hours of coaching throughout the year. I am sure this child has had to endure viewing many races over the year. It was dad, though, that was bustling around before the game, doing that last minute, all important, Word (note the capital signifying the importance). It was also James that was about to burst with pride doting over his victorious son.
Back to "Stromness Shopping Week." Other highlights should be entering that big monstrosity of a circus tent across the street from our house (what are those cows in the field thinking?) and observing the human cannon ball (btw no animals humiliated in this circus, only people).
There will also be lots of arts and sports, fancy dress 3 legged race, daft raft race, greasy pole climbing, bingo, disco, etc. Our kids are spoiled for choice this week, we are in the middle of kid heaven.
I preached on St James and on the camino this evening, and thought of Elizabeth and Cindy...
wonder how far they have got now.
Posted by: Kathryn | July 25, 2005 at 10:35 AM
Morning from Oz. Prayed many 'lost' are found after the service yesterday. sms from the girls. midday in Azofra. I found a pilgrim hostel ticket (albergue) Azofra is 5km from Najera (14km from Ventosa). A big walk of 15km to Sto.Domingo from Azofra. Praying incessantly. love from fleur
Posted by: the blicks | July 25, 2005 at 12:21 PM