QUIGGERS 2005

I had a bit of time on my hands, so I started this year's website on 20th August - in James Cook University Hospital having just had my throat cut and a bit of my hip stuck in my neck!!.

Hospitals sum up part of the year because Jill too had not long come out after a knee replacement and was still recovering and suffering . At the time we were not in our best condition. However, I can report that although Jill is still suffering with her knee a little, we are very much alive & kicking. I am completely recovered from my Op, although my hands are no better!

Despite the medical problems we have had an enjoyable, memorable, and extremely active year. We had many reunions with family and friends, as well as more than our fair share of holidays. At the same time we have been running an ever expanding successful electronic security business. We now operate from Penzance to Aberdeen and from Holyhead to Flamborough Head should anyone need CCTV or improvements to their alarm! (Go to www.afid.co.uk for details)

Life for Danielle has been a bit fraught. She has spent nearly a year going through a very painful and expensive separation form her "partner" (I do hate that word!) of 10 years. However, despite getting some rough treatment she has managed to maintain a stiff upper lip, and, with a bit of outside help, has come out of it smiling! She is still working as a Project Officer for Nomura Bank in Luxembourg where her many friends have given her lots of moral and physical support throughout this difficult year.

Chris doesn't appear to have any problems other than a shortage of time (like Mum & Dad), he is quietly getting on with enjoying life and developing the business empire "Team Rubber" that he and two mates set up when they left University. He even manages the occasional TV & Radio appearance as an expert in something or other! - Go to www.rubberductions.com if you need any films making, www.delib.co.uk for e-participation or www.socksforsir.com if "the washing machine" keeps losing 1/2 a pair of socks! For a look at the groups activities go to www.teamrubber.com ................

All four Quigleys spent last Christmas together in France, and are doing the same this year. It was a superb Christmas done French style - the main meal is on Christmas Eve - the only snag was that we had to break off half way through the meal (after the oysters and languositine) to go to the village church - returning later for the duck,etc. (This year we have decided to have a traditional English Christmas to save the hassle!).

Christmas day in the village was incredibly quiet after all the pre-Christmas parties so Dani, Chris and I had a photographic competition around the village ..

Monleon Magnoac gate

The Mayors office

The church from the main street

The following day we went skiing in the Pyrenees. Well at least Dani & Chris did - we watched and enjoyed the "apres ski"!

We returned to England for the New Year, but it wasn't the end of skiing for Chris and Danielle - Chris returned to our house in January for a week with half a dozen mates. (One of the villagers later commented on how tough the English were driving around in the winter in an open top car - they didn't understand that this was the only way they could all fit into Jill's cabriolet!) Chris later went to Austria whilst Danielle went off to the French Alpes - they are both becoming quite accomplished skiers and are planning more winters in Monleon.