Another win…but also a loss

Jack’s team were up against Crowmarsh Orange on Sunday, they’ve struggled a bit and we’re playing well if you forget the Milton match, so I was quietly confident of a good result but at the same time a little nervous that they might shock us in the same way that we’re shocking other teams at the minute.

So the match started and to be fair it was pretty even, we were pushing but they had a couple of players who attacked well and caused us problems down the middle of the park. Then out of one of their corners we broke and Max played Jack through on the half-way line on the right wing and he went the whole length of the half, cut across two defenders and the keeper and slotted into an empty net. It was a very, very good goal – I was really pleased for him. He just then stood in front of our parents with his hand out by his side as if to say, ‘What did you think of that?’ – funny character.

We saw that through to half-time and we then conceded a goal which made it 1-1 and that seemed to kick the team into life and we scored two quick goals from Max after Jack and James played good through balls and then Max got a hat-trick. They scored with a minute to go to make a final score of 4-2. It was a lot more comfortable than that and we should have had quite a few more but for their goalie making some great saves.

What’s so pleasing is that we’re playing well as a team at the minute and putting good passes together and creating chances. All the players are trying to do their job and defensively we’re getting a bit better. Matthew is playing very well as a left-back, his timing and distribution and reading of the game is fantastic to watch. I am certainly going to find it hard to pick my player of the year this year as all of them are doing well.

So that was a pleasure and I was really proud of them.

I then took Lewis to his match and he was against Quarry from top of the A-League in the cup, we knew it would be a hard match and we wouldn’t win but we wanted to give them a good game. Unfortunately we only have 11 players so had little options, we played with 5 in the middle and for the first 35 minutes worked so damned hard and kept them at bay. Although some wayward finishing meant we were lucky to be in the match. We went 1-0 up against the run of play and then with 10 minutes left they scored 3 goals and the game was over then. I was pleased with Lewis, he played well and is growing up well. Unfortunately David wanted to get Thabelo in the game so we took Lewis off because he needs to go to karate and that was a mistake. The shape of the team was gone and we folded and started shipping in crap goals which shouldn’t have happened. No idea what the final score was but when Lewis and I left it was around 8-1.

It’s a shame really because Lewis is a decent left-back and he’s suffering because of his work which is annoying having to leave early. Ah well.

So I am in the office again this week, it’s getting quite hard and a bit of a strain at home because it feels like I am never there at the minute. When I am home we’re flat out with all the jobs needing doing, or taking the kids around or the football. No idea how the week will go, there’s so much on my plate at the minute, it’s so hard to know where to turn next.

I updated my LinkedIn account the other night and when I listed my responsibilities it was then it struck home just how much I am trying to cram into a week, far too much, but I don’t know how to reduce it. I’ll persevere but something has to give for certain. Well, I can talk about it and type it here but that’s not going to get the work done is it??? Best sign off and get on with getting an early night…

Long overdue update…

It’s been so busy lately, mostly work-related, so I have been quiet in terms of updating the blog. Work has been manic, I am in charge of looking after the running of the Support team which has been hard work for anyone but Darren has been on holiday as well so it’s been doubly hard work. Two weeks running I’ve done over 60 hours in the week which has been crazy.

Anyway, don’t want to dwell on that…

Nice weekend in the main. I actually worked all day on Saturday so as to try and get up to date with things – seemed to go okay. Went out in the evening with Nikki and Gaz and their friends Ted and Kay who were really lovely and we had a good time. Bit drunk on only 4 Peroni’s..too strong for me so I think that’s the end of me drinking those!

Didn’t have the expected hangover in the morning and we were then over to Goring Robins for the under 11’s and we had a good morning. Incredibly strong wind straight down the pitch and we were good value to go in at half-time 0-0 when there were chances at both ends. I geed the lads up at half-time as I really felt we were better than the other team and sure enough we went into a 3-0 leads and looked comfortable. Jack had a decent game but was quiet by his standards, Goring scored with 10 minutes left but we were in control and did well to get another win to push us up to fifth in the league.

Tash didn’t want to stay in during the afternoon, as me, her and Jack went out much against his will.

We headed for Shotover but I had in mind to go to Quarry rec and my old stomping ground, it was lovely to wander around and tell Jack of things I used to do as a kid whilst playing there. He then wanted to get a ball out so instead of going to Shotover we crossed the road to the Quarry park and then he and I played basketball for a while. He’s competitive and it was good fun to play him.

Once finished we went over to Yarnton Nurseries and looked round there, bumped into Lewis’s girlfriend Kathryn and her family walking round as well and had a brief chat and then treated ourselves to a coffee that lasted literally 3 minutes, bit pointless that was! We were looking at standard Bay trees as we’re thinking of getting two for the side of the front door. Bloody expensive though, we then bought a couple on the internet later…still expensive!

Over to Sue’s as usual for a roast dinner which was lovely and then in the evening worked with Lewis on his PE homework, he’s editing the videos and even after 10 minutes made some good inroads into it with his imagination. Fingers crossed he’ll get it right.

In other news…heard on the radio that Gary Speed had killed himself this morning which is such an incredible shock to all and sundry. What’s amazing is that he was turning things around with managing Wales and had such a good playing career and looked to be heading to great things, married with two boys and then does this. He actually hanged himself which makes it even sadder to me. So many people in and around football are all shocked, there was no apparent pressure or problems or gossip that was heaped upon him. Odd. R.I.P.

Another weekend flies by…

Finding it tough going at the minute as working so hard during the week and then the weekend is flat out as well. This weekend was no different…

Stayed up too late catching up with TV programmes on Friday night, Misfits is back on so watched that and then also the last in the Series of Idiot Abroad 2 which has been really good fun to watch. It’s a shame it’s finished.

On Saturday I seemed to spend the whole bloody day working on Lewis’s Xbox because it’s not working, and by the time I finished on it around 6.00pm it definitely wasn’t working, completely cocked it up!

We were due to go out with Nikki, Gaz, Tiffany and Paul but Nikki was ill so the evening was called off! That was a shame.

On Sunday I just worked in the morning on the bikes that Lewis and Charlotte seem intent of puncturing every time they go out, I don’t get it. I fixed 5 punctures in Charlotte’s bike alone, absolute pain in the backside. I think I’ve finished hers but got up this morning and Lewis’s had gone down – talk about frustrating!

Aside from that we had another exciting match with Jack’s team – we played against Harwell & Hendred who are currently third over at their place and after last weekend’s match I was hopeful of a good performance which in the first half didn’t materialise. We were shocking and it was no surprise when we were losing 2-0 but going forward we looked dangerous and Hendred looked vulnerable and Jack got a great goal from way outside the box as their keeper came out too far all the time and he simply chipped him from all of 30 yards, they scored another so we came in at half-time losing 1-3.

I had a bit of a go at the team, all very controlled, but said I was disappointed and we might as well go home if they weren’t prepared to try. That appeared to do the trick because it was a different tea, in the second half and we really played some good football and slowly started scoring. Hendred had no reply to our play and James Other scored, then again, then Pierce and finally James scored a good header without any reply and we won 5-3 in the end. It was incredible and made me very proud – they’re doing well and some of the link up play they managed was great to watch.

Match report: http://www.hhyfc.info/html/u11_profile.html

I then made it across the road to watch Lewis play football as they were also playing Harwell & Hendred – coincidence eh? – Jane and Mark were there and both Mark and I had a bit of banter shouting across the pitch to put each other off which was a laugh. The team did well and Hendred are a touch team to play so it was no surprise that it ended up in a 2-2 draw. Unfortunately Elias fell and broke his wrist which puts him out of action for a few weeks – shame because he’s such a talent and carries us along, we’ll miss him in the run up to Xmas.

Anyway, early night, Charlotte woke us up around midnight throwing up everywhere, God knows what was wrong with her and she had the day off school because of it.

He’s done it again…

Reading this blog you’d think I only have one child, and I am afraid this post is about him once more, but I make no apologies, he deserves it today. My Summertown u11s played against Abingdon today in the cup and for once I had a full side to choose from so was in a good mood and excited at the prospect of seeing what they could do.

Sure enough, inside 10 minutes we were losing 2-0, it was then I took a player off, made 2 positional changes and within 2 minutes we were level. Pierce’s dad next to me was laughing at the ‘tactical genius’ – I think of it more as pure, blind luck but there you go! We then went 3-2 before leading right on the break 4-3. Second half was a bit more controlled and Jack eventually got the two goals that we needed to make the match comfortable for us to win 6-3 in the end – an absolutely fantastic result and exciting match.

The reason I am talking about Jack is that he scored 4 goals and set 1 up for Max, he was outstanding, but then so were all the lads, we’re definitely not a one-man team as we defended so well. It’s just that he’s a livewire up front and scores goals. His third one was unbelievable, receiving the ball on the halfway line with his back to goal he turned two players, ran down the left side and from the corner of the box drilled it in the far corner – exceptional play.

What was really pleasing was after the match I was chatting with mum and she said that the Abingdon parents were talking about Jack as a threat and a great player before the match even started – not a bad reputation to have – and they were unsurprisingly raving about him afterwards as well, as do their management team which is always nice to hear.

Anyway, that was a great morning of football and it made me very, very proud indeed, not just in Jack but the rest of the team as well.

Updated Facebook and the like and then he came down from his bath with his t-shirt on and his hair quiffed…idiot!

Rest of the day was okay, although trying to fix Charlotte’s bike was a nightmare. Not sure how she’s done it but had three punctures I needed to fix and it was so hard to get the tyre off. It paid off in the morning as the bloody thing had gone down again, I could have cried!

I am writing this on Monday in the hotel and it’s very quiet at home because Jack has gone to Woodlands for the week. We saw him off from the school in the morning and they were all full of it and raring to go. That’s going to be some weekend in a class with so many boys who all have quite a character about them. IN saying that, I’d still love to have gone along as a helper, that would be great fun I am sure.

Got a text in the morning saying that they’d arrived safe and sound so that was pleasing. Looking forward to hearing updates from the school…I am sure he’ll be in his element.

Interesting attitude & Schools County Match

Driving Jack to the School County match against Bristol this morning we were chatting about players and football and then I asked him whether he’d like to play for a club like Horspath that are so strong and would win everything. His response was very interesting indeed..

“No definitely not, what would be the point? If it’s all too easy then the medals and success doesn’t mean anything at all. I like to have a challenge. If the team is too good then it’s not a challenge and if the team is rubbish then it’s no fun. We have it right at Summertown as we have good games and bad games but we’re improving all the time.”

I was surprised, really pleased, but still surprised by such an attitude in a 10 year old, talk about having the right sentiment.

We went to the match against a team from Bristol, played at home, and similar to the game last time when we played against Dacorum we were very much the underdogs. The Bristol team were sharp and passed the ball around well and looked well in control. Jack was once again playing against a very good right midfielder as once again he played left midfield. He had a tough time of it first half and against the run of play Oxford scored to go 1-0 up. Defended really well but were under constant pressure and it was no surprise when the other team equalised.

Second half was similar, Oxford scored with a long range free-kick and then defended resolutely, but Oxford did get more into the game and could have had a couple of break-aways. Jack really had a couple of decent spells so that was a big relief and pleasing to see when he went on some runs and did the right thing. I was proud of that, he also helped defend as well – as they all did!

Time ticked down and we were under a lot of pressure but the boys kept Bristol out and held on until the final whistle. Huge cheer from the boys – after only 3 games they’re becoming mates that’s for certain and it was good to chat with the parents as well. Even though I was linesman this week!

So all in all, a good morning…

Emotional? Me? Never…

I think I must just be tired, I have done 8 hours driving in total today – I have been up to Manchester to carry out an hour’s training with Collins that didn’t go very well to be honest. So that was 3 hours there and back. I was planning on going straight to the office but went home instead to experience some of the Halloween excitement and Trick or Treating – it was madness, so many people coming and knocking on the door. It didn’t take too long for the sweets to run out!

I then decided to come down to the office which is another 2 hour drive and was listening to some podcasts – listened to Vidal Sassoon and John Peel on Desert island disks and both were really good, very interesting and Sassoon was fascinating. Such a rich life and attitude he has.

Anyway, I then put on Jupiter from the Planets Suite and started filling up and crying! No idea what that was about…! Something just stirred and tears were streaming down my face.

See what you think – only need to listed to the first 3 minutes:

http://youtu.be/mfHnZOSyri8

Ian Rundle’s Funeral

It was with great regret that I heard last week of Ian Rundle passing away in hospital, I wasn’t aware that he was ill and I think it was a bit of a shock that the operation, and subsequent illness, took his life.

Ian was the manager to give me my first chance of men’s football when he selected me to play for Oxford City first team when I was only 17. He was a quiet and dry character but he was the one that I had huge amount of respect for, he reminded me very much of Derek in that praise wasn’t quick in forthcoming so any sort of praise or a simple ‘well done’ was a pleasing thing to hear.

Ian came back on the committee when I was in my second spell at City and it was always him that I would try and get recognition from regardless of who was my manager or other committee members, and I like to think that as I got closer to my retirement I got more respect from Ian for my playing abilities. He was also a firm supporter for the Veterans team so that was good to have him come along and cast his critical eye over us old ones every now and then!

The funeral took place at the Crematorium on Thursday 27th October and unsurprisingly it was packed out. I have never been to the crematorium and they have had to have car park attendants there. I didn’t actually get in and stayed outside with many others – a good few hundred and so many faces that I recognised, so many ex-footballers.

John Maskell made a good speech and it was interesting to hear Ian’s life story, the respect afforded him from Wycombe Wanderers was fantastic and there was good representation from them.

We then went back to City club and that was packed, had a couple of drinks with the intention of going home to work again but in the end decided to stay the rest of the night with the lads who were getting absolutely steaming drunk. I’d decided quite early not to drink so after a couple of pints I stuck to coffee and coke. Then quite a few of them wanted to go to town as we went to the Living Room – which was ironic – as it was  very dead in there, Thursday night definitely wasn’t party night! A few of the lads had a laugh though and eventually I did have enough so I took Wayne, Paul and Millar home – Wayne was absolutely hanging and I am sure all three of them would be delicate the next morning…sure enough….I was right!

It was a shame that it was a funeral that brought together so many old friends and faces but sadly that will be the case now, I am sure there will be more funerals than weddings to attend!

You would like to think that for your own funeral you’d get the sort of send off as Ian got today, maybe I will and maybe I won’t – I won’t really be there to know though will I?

Some of the people there included: Dale Thorne, Nick Dawson, Shaun Bradbury, Andy Leach, Phil Simpson, Eddie Inness, Rob Tutton, Justin Merrett, Mike Ford, Bob Pratley, Andy Lyne, Andy Sinnott, Jason Millar, Wayne Holden, Paul Holden, Terry Merriman, Tommy Moxon and even Mick Woodley. He didn’t look well at all.

My Birthday Weekend & Bruno Mars

Had a really good birthday which we dragged out over the weekend.

On Saturday, Mum took us out to 10 pin bowling at The Kassam and then we went next door to Frankie & Benny’s which was really nice, we had a good time. Lewis won the bowling but he had the barriers up so being a competitive Dad I couldn’t accept that he beat me! He also brought along his current girlfriend, Katherine, who’s really nice so we’ll have to see how long this lasts! Hopefully for a while as she’s intelligent and attractive..

Had a cake and candles and people singing for me which is a bit embarrassing as I am 43!!!

Mum & Derek then came back to our house after dinner and we vegged out in front of the TV and had cheese etc. Nice evening. She gave me some money which I spent on Sunday on a printer that we desperately needed and some choccies and a book.

Next day we had a normal Sunday, Jack’s football in the morning which as he won so that helped to make the day more enjoyable and then over to Sue’s in the afternoon and tidied up some of the garden for her. Had a cake and candles and Sue got me a lovely Gucci aftershave which smells fantastic, rally pleased with it.

Finally on the Monday, 24th, the kids and Tash are on half-term but I had to work and I have so much on my plate to deal with at the minute so wasn’t relaxed at all but we had our usual family in bed present giving and that was lovely. Charlotte got me some great new socks and Thornton’s toffee (she knows my favourites), very posh John Rocha ones, the boys got me Lynx smellies and a DVD and Tash gave me my watch that I knew we’d got from the States and also a Abercrombie jumper from the States that I had completely forgotten about so that was a lovely surprise!

We had a big fry-up and I then had a shit day’s work and got things done but signed off at 4.00pm as we then all went to London for a concert as part of my birthday. We went to the Brixton O2 Academy to see Bruno Mars. I must admit I wasn’t overly excited about seeing him, it was very much for the kids and for Jack especially as he’s not been to a proper concert and he also loves the Lazy Song so much. The warm-up act was a girl called Skyler Grey and she was great, I will be looking to download her album. We then had a wait until about 9.10pm until Bruno came on and he gave a brilliantly fun and energetic performance that was really, really enjoyable. He played to the crowd but didn’t seem arrogant or anything and I am so glad that we went. Jack, Charlotte and Lewis loved it and had a great time too so that was pleasing.

We left at the end obviously, found the car okay and got home around 12.20am so quite a late one but well worth the effort and a lovely birthday. Early start in the morning with work as Jason is picking me up at 7.15am to go into the office for a hard week full of hassles. Ah well…

I must admit I was nervous about being in Brixton because of it’s history and the riots that I obviously knew about, but as Nikki said to Tash, it’s very much like the Cowley Road. Not certain how that relates but she was right, it was very, very similar indeed.

So another year gone and another year closer to my death…hopefully I have plenty more years to come and share with the family, who knows, but that’s what I wished for when cutting the cake!

Jack’s County Schools Match & Summertown

Another good weekend of football for Jack, again making me very proud of him in his football achievements. On Saturday he played against Dacorum over towards Hemel Hempstead who are used to winning and had some very good players indeed, and after initially being over-run we got a break-away goal and throughout the rest of the game they held on and won the match. It was equally exciting and frustrating as the ref wasn’t the most honest!

Jack did well, he was played at left midfield and was against an incredibly good player but by the second half he’d got used to it and coped well. I found it hard to keep quiet and wanted to encourage the boys as much as possible but I was just another interfering Dad! What was nice is that chatting to some of the other days a lot of the boys will be going to Cherwell school next year so Jack will have made friends with lads he’ll be seeing next year.

On Sunday for Summertown we played at home to Ardington, I was down to 11 players and was a bit fed up that I didn’t have enough to make a decent match of things. In saying that Ardington struggled and we looked really sharp and we looked like we’d romp home. How little I know!!

I kept fairly quiet throughout the match because I wouldn’t have been heard over their coach who was constantly shouting at his team for the whole game, quite hard to deal with that I must admit. Anyway, they went a goal up and it looked like we’d lose a game we didn’t deserve to lose. The Max scored a fortuitous goal before Jack then got two quick strikes that he’s getting good at. They then got a last goal right at the death but it wasn’t a problem as I knew there wasn’t enough time left and we won 3-2 so that was really, really pleasing.

I found out afterwards that some chap of one of the parents that I’d not met before was very complimentary of my coaching style so that was a nice thing to hear. Not often you get positive comments like that.

But more importantly was Jack’s performance, I was really pleased with him, he’s a talent.

Jack & a great footballing weekend

A good weekend for Jack…he had trials for the Oxford Schools County squad on Saturday at Cheney School but didn’t get too much playing time or action which was frustrating and I felt he could have done better.

Driving home in the car we had quite a heated discussion because he was disappointed with me not telling him he’d done well. I hadn’t realised I hadn’t, I also hadn’t realised he was quite so touchy about praise and felt that I was critical of him.

So I had an insight into this thinking briefly. It shocked me as I thought I was always so supportive of him.

Next day on Sunday he played for Summertown against AFC Brightwell and he was superb. We won 6-2, he set up two goals and scored four! Two of his goals were exceptional, and his celebration for the last one was classic ‘Cantona’, he just stood there which his arms out by his waist as if to say, “What do you think of that then?” – brilliant.

So I made a point of telling him ‘Well done’ after that performance.

Today the school received an email from the Coach in charge of selecting the Schools County side and Jack was included. I was surprised after he’d not had a chance to shine so they obviously saw something. He phoned me whilst I was at work and he was bubbling and clearly thrilled to pieces to be selected. It was announced in assembly so he was Top Dog today.

Made me smile when he asked over the phone, “So Dad, do you have something to say to me?”

Yes Jack, “WELL DONE”!

Boston Trip

Had the best of times over in the States this last week (Wednesday to Sunday) and went a bit mad. We got swept up in the eating, drinking and socialising that Andrew does on a daily basis. We were obviously there for him to try and support him during the week he should have been getting married and I hope that we played our part with him.

Got there on Wednesday around 6.00pm and got the subway to his road and walked along just in time to find everyone else turning up, stayed up late drinking with all the family, about 21 people in the end which as we were five hours behind it meant we stayed up until about 6.00am (1.00am their time!) – this was the story of things to come and 1.00am was an early night!

We experienced quite a bit of the social scene, bars and restaurants all the time, it was great fun. Tash lasted really well which surprised me greatly, I was certainly expecting a few hangovers the amount she was knocking back.

We did manage a bit of shopping, and even during that we overspent in a big way – managed to justify some of it by saying it was for my birthday – nice new Fossil watch. I did stop short at a £150.00 Robert Graham shirt, it was gorgeous, but Tash said it was ‘too gay!’. It bloody well wasn’t, just priced out. I will certainly be checking out EBay for one though!

We went around Boston for a couple of walks, made it to Cheers bar and just enjoyed the City, it’s a great place.

So, the wedding didn’t take place but it was a good experience and we made some friends with all the family that we didn’t know very well and also one of Tuck’s work colleagues, a chap called Gerry who I’d actually met 2 years ago in Cardiff at the work’s Xmas party that I very much gate-crashed…

It was odd without the kids, but at the same time it did Tash and I some good to be together, will definitely try and organise something else for the two of us to get away from it all.

Came home on the Sunday morning, was up and out the apartment around 6.00am having not gone to bed before 2.00am and then a 6 hour flight home but that was quick.Back to Oxford by 10.00pm so quite a long day.

It’s amazing how small the world is though, to be so far removed from life but only a matter of hours away, incredible really.

Charlotte’s Birthday

Diary for 28th September – written on the plane to Boston.

Charlottes birthday today, 15! Presents in the morning which she was pleased with and then went downstairs and she had a bike. Big surprise as that's a Xmas present in our house!! Off she went to school and we got text updates throughout the day as to how things were going including all her French class singing to her. Hope she had a great day.

Sadly we're not there to share it as we're off to the States for Andrew's non-wedding. Jessica is coming over to housesit with them, they'll have a great laugh I am sure. Not sure Jess really needs to be there but she's excited to be so it won't hurt and it seems more responsible on our part to have someone that bit older there I guess.

Got to the airport fine and I am typing this over the Atlantic cramped up on a bloody tiny plane. We were definitely spoilt with BA as there is no video or free beer...not too certain which I miss most! Going to be knackered though. Bed at 4am, up at 7am and then about 2 hours sleep on plane. Boston are 5 hours behind so when we have a drink at 9.30pm with tucks it will be 2am for us.

Not certain what to expect this weekend, food, beers, shopping, walking and sight seeing I am guessing. Will be odd without the kids and just me and Tash. Looking forward to it though, had to write that as she's looking over my shoulder. :-)

Anyway, have had a fairly productive flight, have created a load of lists for when we return to UK to start working through ranging from getting a front door to decorating to reading more books and downloading a music album. Going to be busy!!!

Sat waiting for luggage, been about 20 mins...where is it??? Oh. Here we go, conveyor belt moving.

The wedding that isn’t…

Off to Boston in the morning to see Tucks and go through what would have been his wedding. Really sad state of affairs and he’s so pissed off about it, can’t blame him of course.

Still up and it’s 3.53am, but have managed to blitz so much work before signing off. Not ideal but I will feel better for having offloaded so much of it.

Nice evening tonight as it’s Charlotte’s birthday in the morning, shame we’re going to be away but went to the Harvester this evening and spoilt her

Set the alarm clock..

I can hardly type…8 pints later I am ready for bed…interesting night with Jason but I am knackered!

First games of the season for Lewis & Jack

Busy weekend that’s for sure, have been working a lot of it, had John and Pauline round and I had a bit too much to drink so ruined things when they’d left with Tash which was a sour point that’s for certain.

Anyway…Jack had his first 11-a-side proper match today at home to Rotherfield Utd, yes I don’t know where that is either! They’d played last week and drawn 2-2 so were not going to be mugs and after our performance with Comets last week I must admit I was a little bit anxious.

The lads were nervous before the match but once we started they did fine. In fact they did more than fine, they had a good game, it was open and Rotherfield were a decent side but were the same standard as us so it was pretty even. Our defenders played well and Jack was looking lively up front but he wasn’t have as much joy as I hoped as they had a quick defender that we couldn’t get past.

Anyway, Jack scored a lovely break-away goal, running from the halfway line from Hal’s through ball and then slotted it home into the far corner. As the match went on into the second half then Rotherfield got stronger, but both teams had chances to score but couldn’t find that final touch. Eventually, with seconds to go we didn’t clear a corner properly and they scored to level the scores and before we could even get the ball out of the net the ref blew the whistle. Frustrating to lose the points right at the death but it was a fair result really.

Everyone enjoyed it and hopefully we can improve on things

Quick lunch break and then it was Lewis’s team to play Cholsey who are always sharp. After last week’s thrashing that the hands of the u18’s and the hap-hazard approach we have to games I was very nervous about this game. Thankfully that concern was quickly brushed aside as we played the best football I have ever seen us play, as a team they were awesome and worked so damned hard it was incredible.

Having a couple of new players with such talent such as Myles and Elias is always going to help but there was a real hard working team ethic today from every single player, it made me really proud of them. It was a very close first half in which we edged it at half-time 3-1 but the second half we destroyed them and the final score was 8-1. They did miss a penalty and had a chance cleared off the line but at the other end we carved them wide open and Thabelo missed so many chances it could have been double-figures.

So all in all a good day’s football really.

Caught up with Mum, she’s just got home from Norfolk for the week and had a great time and was chatting loads.

Had dinner at Sue’s afterwards and then did some chores at home before leaving at 9.00pm to come to Kent and the Encore Hotel for the night. Unfortunately there was a crash on the M25 which closed it off it was that serious which meant a few times of simply sat in the dark with the engine off. So my 2 hours journey took about 3.5 hours in the end – not good as I wanted to do some work in the hotel to carry out some final testing.

Hopefully this week I will get to bed at some better hours than last week because of my work load. Tues, Wed, Thurs I didn’t go to bed before 2.30am and on Friday night I finished working at 3.40am – ridiculous and unsustainable.

In saying that, it’s not 00.35am so I had better sign off now as I have Hodder coming in tomorrow for training, should be fun….

City Veterans back in action

Started the new season on Wednesday and played against Wantage. We have a very strong side again with some teams folding, Kidlington one of them, and their best players wanting to join us. It was good to see some new faces in the changing room but all the old ones from last season too.

I was really worried about playing as I have been struggling with my back lately and also have done no fitness work for about 8 weeks but actually I felt okay and had a good game. Went on a couple of my runs and enjoyed myself.

We have a game every week now for a few weeks which is good as it builds up the fitness.

New kit as well because Steve Tavinor who got badly injured has received some compensation and wanted to thank us for the support we gave him so that was a really good touch from him.

Jack’s first 11-a-side match

We had our first 11-a-side match on Sunday for Jack’s team now that they have become u11’s. It was only a friendly against the Comets but it was still important for them to get used to the differences of playing and also the offside rule. They did well, it was very congested and they will need a lot more coaching but it was encouraging.

What was really pleasing is how quickly Jack adapted to it, he appeared to be quicker than everyone and was certainly really sharp and scored a good variety of goals. We drew 4-4 in the end and Jack scored all 4!! He missed an open goal and a penalty so could have had a hat-full. I seriously think he could score 50 goals this season, that will be phenomenal if he managed that. We’ll have to wait and see.

Lewis had a friendly against the Summertown u18s and got thumped, the less said about that the better. Seriously lacking any sort of fitness which we will have to address.

A new student arrived, she’s called Bella, is from Switzerland and should be with us until Xmas. Seems nice enough so hopefully she’ll stay. That will help with the various expenses we have on our plate at the minute

On Saturday night we went over to Jason Millar’s as it was his birthday celebration and that was nice, James & Melissa were there as were Wayne & Kerry and the girls and Paul & Pauline. Went over to Didcot club to watch Man U stuff Bolton 5-0, all over after 25 minutes, they’re too good at the minute and we ended up have 5 pints in a very short space of time, James drinks too quickly for me! I was very drunk by the end of the night but I think I was okay…

Have been at King’s Lynn today with work to see Learning Resources and Pandora Books, finished a bit early so went to the beach (Brancaster) and then Mum called to say they were at the holiday cottage they’re staying at this week with Grandma, Sue & Roger and Sue & Simon. It was nice to see where they were staying and see them all, I only stayed an hour and then left for a the 3 hour drive to the hotel as I am staying down in Rochester tonight. I think they were pleased I went and saw them.

Curry at the hotel on arrival, needed it but didn’t need it if you know what I mean. I am so very overweight at the minute, but I simply can’t be bothered to work to get rid of it. We have a Veteran’s match on Wednesday and I really think I am going to injure myself. Bit worried about it, but not so worried that I have bothered to do anything about it. Shame really. Not sure what’s wrong with me. Work seems to be affecting me at the minute which I need to fight against.

Not looking forward to being in the office tomorrow, it’s going to be a long day!

St Giles Fair

Every year the families of Oxford get to attend the biggest fair you’ll ever see in St Giles. Fantastic event and well attended and dates back to Victorian Times, although what they’d make of the rides these days is anyone’s guess. I haven’t been for a few years and won’t be going this year but Lewis is there now and Charlotte had been down there earlier in the day. Jack is going with William tomorrow so he’s looking forward to that.

Having just come back from Florida I am not certain the fairground rides will thrill enough but it’s a good experience and you see so many people from Oxford

So, today was another very busy day but thankfully it wasn’t as stressful as it could have been, loads of changes and emails from OUP again but I had to focus on the Capstone upgrade that I am conducting over the next two days. It was pleasing to get some closure on nearly all the points they raised but this evening when kicking off the build for the databases I experienced loads more issues which I was able to sort out – am I starting to learn something?!?!

I got my timesheet emailed through this morning for last week and my 37.5hr week turned into 73hrs instead. I was shocked and even though this week will be busy I am definitely not doing that sort of time of work again for a very long time – that’s just mad if you ask me.

It’s been quiet around the house today, just me working and the kids have been out, or reading. Tash has been at work and got back late and went bowling as well so not see much of her.

Another weekend over..

Tired this evening writing this, was about to go to bed but I want to try and keep on top of things with this diary, get into a habit and all that.

So, the saga with OUP continued…I was up and out at 9.00am down to their offices, Tash dropped me off and Lewis cycled down so he has the flexibility to come and go as he pleased – Taurus training and all that. Got in and I was really impressed, he was positive and confident and organised and thrived. It was a side of him that I haven’t really seen and I was very proud of him.

So whilst he was organising things I was Skyping with Darren and then testing his fixes and we got it all sorted by about 10.30am so then Lewis and I could get on with him setting up all the syncs and then passing over to me to sort out the testing. Charlotte came down at 11.30am and Lewis showed the ropes and she too was identical, really business-like, I was doubly bowled over and proud, she was really good as well.

We had a break at 2.00pm and went to the Jericho Cafe and had a nice meal and then back into it and she wanted to carry on with me doing it and we eventually got completed at 6.00pm.

Will say it again, they both really, really impressed me. Jason was pleased with our work and said I could take everyone out for a meal, couldn’t take him up on it this weekend but will try to later.

So home and something to eat and then it was round to Kay and Gordon’s for the bi-annual piss up a their place. All the usual suspects were there and it was a really enjoyable evening. Both Tash and I were pretty drunk, I’ve not had a drink for what seems like ages. Nothing much to report but home around 2.30am and spent much of today struggling with a heavy head.

However, there was football training at 9.30am so I was up for that and it went well. 9 lads there and they look good. Hopefully we’ll have a good season.

Home and lounging around, went round to Sue’s for dinner and I sorted her bathroom door with a new handle as she got locked in the other week and needed rescuing!

That’s it I think, quite worried about the coming week with the OUP upgrade and also the Capstone one to deal with, I can see a few more late nights ahead of me!!!

I’ve gotta feeling…

…this weekend is going to be painful as hell.

Moaning once more, not good, or interesting to read. It’s now 1.00am and I have been working since 8.30am on this OUP project either in their offices or at home, still not sorted and found more problems this evening which I can’t deal with but Darren and Guy I hope will tomorrow. Lewis and I will be going into OUP offices tomorrow to carry out the work that I was hoping to do today in terms of syncing all 90 laptops that we’d installed databases on.

Jason has given me £50 to give to whichever child helps me with the work so Lewis and Charlotte were fighting over it! It’s going to be along day though as I can’t see it being completed in less than 10 hours.

I’ll be so glad once this is all completed.

Not much else to report really. Just Charlotte and I in the house as Tash went out with Pauline Bampton for a drink, Lewis shut himself away upstairs and Jack stayed the night at William’s house.

Celebrity Big Brother is on at the minute and Charlotte is completely hooked. I sat working in the front room for a while and it was on and Jedward have been quite entertaining throughout and I’d be surprised if they don’t win it actually. It’s poor quality TV, that’s the problem!

Right, 1.06am, might get a beer and forget about work for a bit before going to bed…wishful thinking

Macbeth and shit day at work

What a day…

Was at Philip Allan in the morning doing Communigator training and it went fine. Intelligent people who picked up what I was covering really quickly so it was a pleasure to be involved in that and away from the hassles of other work going on. Although I was dipping in and out of emails when possible to see what was going on whilst I was away. As suspected, it wasn’t good reading.

Went home after PAU session and caught up with things and planned for the Raintree Offline upgrade I need to run next week and then worked with Guy/Paul to get updates for OUP conference call. Nothing I want to talk about on here so let’s leave it there shall we?!?!?

I had to finish at 5.00pm today because of going over to Stratford-Upon-Avon to see Macbeth at the RSC. I really wasn’t in the mood, so stressed with this OUP crap that I was miserable company for Tash, Charlotte and Jack which is a shame, I really need to find a way to switch off from it all and not take it so personally. But then I have always known I am like that but never been able to detach myself from the emotion and responsibility.

Anyway, got to Stratford and parked up and went to the new(ish) RSC theatre which I think is a year old now and it was fantastic. Really, really impressive. That was just on the outside! Within they have basically mocked up what the Globe would have been liked 300 years ago, or however long it was in Shakespeare’s time and it feels so good to be within it.

Whether I was distracted because of work, or tired or whatever, I don’t know but I found it tough going to begin with. Luckily Tash had printed off a detailed synopsis which meant having read it we were able to piece together the scenes and what was happening. The dialogue is a pain to be honest and that’s why I perhaps can’t get enthused over Shakespeare. In saying that I got into it and enjoyed the performances and it was an unusual adaptation – would still be better in current English if you ask me…call me a Philistine should you wish…just saying!

Anyway, enjoyed it in the end and drove home and then worked this evening from 11.30pm until now – it’s 2.00am. Not good, tired and pissed off, not a good combination for working tomorrow. Going to go into the OUP offices to sort out the mess which I think will be covered simply by syncing, but it’s 90 laptops…bugger!

I think I could well be working in their offices on Saturday as well.

On top of that I also got the Summertown Stars season up and running in terms of organising training sessions this week, haven’t focussed on that at all, we’re going to struggle I reckon this year. Players dropping out and others not being reliable. Who’d be a football manager eh?

Busy again..

Second day at OUP today doing the installations and seeing people. Has gone okay and thankfully the two temps working with me are on the ball and could deal with lots of the queries once shown. Typically, nearing the end of the pile we said how well it was going and then hit a purple patch of failures…nightmare! Mostly sorted and should be possible for John to finish them tomorrow. Just as well as I am out with another client training Communigator and Data Mining, thankfully only up the road in Deddington.

Came home and collapsed, it’s been hard work and as expected I then received an email from someone who’s testing the install and everything was wrong! That was hard to take, and very frustrating, it can be reversed but when you’ve been working your nuts off and it appears for no good reason then it’s a little disappointing to put it mildly. Something to sort out tomorrow then!

Everyone was in a good mood at home, Jack had William round and they were on the PC all night, they’re asleep on the sofa now as William is staying over the night. Jack made me laugh as he warned William that he (Jack) needs to get up at 7.00am to do his paper-round so is he(William) sure that he wants to stay the night?

Charlotte and Jack are delivering the Oxford Mail every day for this week only as they’re covering the usual lad’s Summer Holiday – it’s not good money but they do have anything else coming in so need anything that can come their way. Especially with St Giles Fair coming to town next week.

Lewis is off to a party tomorrow night with his girlfriend, Georgia, hopefully. She’s let him down a few times recently so it’s not definite that he’ll go I suspect. It does mean that there is a ticket free for me to go with the family to Stratford tomorrow to watch Macbeth. Haven’t seen that since I was at school, and even then that was at the Young Vic and was a modern adaptation of the play. Looking forward to it as it’s one of his better ones I reckon.

Finally, today is Transfer Deadline Day – it’s the day in the year when gossips and rumour-mongers have a field day texting into the BBC website all sorts of crap. It’s a bi-yearly event that grips everyone, but I must admit I forgot about it until getting home and then decided that the best thing to do is simply wait until the morning so that the actual transfers that took place can be reported – saves a lot of wasted time.

Anyway, another busy day tomorrow so best get to bed…

Lewis Exam Results, Bank Holiday & Work

Have been flat out with work at the minute so still haven’t got round to updating this blog with my holiday diary, it’s going to go all over the place when I do upload it. Ah well.

Have been installing databases all day today at OUP, went okay and got about 40 completed but it’s tough work when there is so many variables…admin privileges, passwords not provided, syncing not working, etc. It did mean that all the work I did yesterday, which was a Bank Holiday by the way, was worth it otherwise this really would have been a calamity. It was disappointing that I did have to work and I won’t say that I did. In the back of my mind though is the thought that it would have all been pointless as there is something that’s not going to be right and complained about next week when it’s released.

Aside from that weekend was nice. We treated Lewis to a night out for doing well in his exams, 4 A’s and the rest B’s so that was pleasing and they were all in his subjects that he wants to do for A-Levels so great result. We went to The Trout as the kids have been complaining we’ve lived in Wolvercote for 12 years and they’ve never been there. Lovely meal and a really nice evening with them all – they’re good fun.

We also went down to Canford Cliffs on Sunday for the day, took Brendan and again had a good time. Rained after a couple of hours of getting there which meant we gave up on the beach idea and wandered over to Bournemouth, got some chips and went back again and home.

Managed to squeeze Brendan into a wetsuit and he had a go and body-boarding – he did well.

Something odd happened when we parked, Charlotte opened the door and the window simply shattered, no hard pressure, or extremes of temperature. So that was hassle that we could have done without and it was just after we’d been saying that money-wise we were almost up straight and Florida hadn’t wiped us out…not good timing!

So, back to OUP tomorrow to complete the rest of the installations and deal with the problems that the changes Guy and I made have caused…

Florida Holiday – Day 17 - Friday 19th August 2011

Last Day..

We had the re-scheduled snorkelling to go to in the morning so we packed up the last of our things in the morning, checked out from the hotel and made our way over to the harbour.

The weather looked pretty good and there were a few people waiting, bang on time the captain came out and gave us the chat that we didn’t want to hear…we’d heard earlier in the week about jelly fish causing problems with previous excursions and sure enough, the captain told us they were out in force and we could cancel if we wanted to. He couldn’t confirm if there’d be loads or none and it was our choice. Out of 21 people waiting everyone agreed to go for it and see what happened

So we got our snorkelling gear…goggles, breathing tube and flippers and clambered aboard the catamaran that was going to take us out to the reef. Got there in about 45 minutes, other boats were there, just in the middle of nowhere at ‘Coffins Reef’ – sure enough, Purple Jellies were everywhere and floating past the boat. Everyone was wary of getting off and eventually a young German lad went for it and most other people soon followed suit.

I was about 5th into the water and once away from the jellies near us it was clear and no problem at all and Jack followed me and swam round me and then Lewis, Mum and Charlotte came in. Charlotte wasn’t keen, not surprised as it was rough out there and the constant worry of the jellies wasn’t too far away.

It was all worth it though, soon there were yellow fish everywhere and the views were brilliant, managed to get some photos which hopefully will come out okay. Slowly the see started getting rougher and it wasn’t long before we realised a squall was coming in. I was getting used to the breathing gear (it’s not easy) and accepting the odd mouthful (or lungful) of salt water but soon the jellies were closing in again and it was time to get out.

I’d got stung a couple of times but admittedly it wasn’t too bad and with vinegar sprayed on me it was okay. The captains (Freddie & Jason) turned the boat around and got us on the move just as the squall started to catch us up, we outrun it but the view from the back of the boat was impressive as you could see the line of the rain, quite scary but exhilarating all the same

I must admit the diving was brilliant and Jack and I loved it, I’d certainly have liked to have stayed longer and explored further but there wasn’t the time and it was right that we’d cut it short, but I will look to do that again and perhaps still look to do the scuba diving as well. We’ll see.

Anyway, got showered off back at the harbour and then jumped in the car and headed home to Miami, stopping at Florida City for the shopping outlet and got some more clothes. The rain all the way for 90 minutes of driving was like nothing we’ve experienced all holiday, really hard to drive in but we made it to Miami in the end and had the best burger I’ve ever had at an Italian restaurant and then onwards to Miami airport. Managed to run the petrol down to 14 miles in the tank…not bad?

Nothing to report from the airport, pretty boring and then on our flight at 9.00pm – watched two films, Paul and Battle: Los Angeles (Paul was funny, the other was crap really!)

So, arrived in Heathrow at 10.00am (BST) and I only had about 2 hours sleep but met up with Sue and then I drove us home.

No need to go on about settling back into things here in Oxford, just to reiterate again what a brilliant time we had, it really has been a holiday to remember, we’d loved all of it. Quite a bonus in fact this evening as Tash went through the Credit Card statement to find that the exchange rate has been quite favourable to us, so our calculations in restaurants and shops has worked our better that expected. Not by much but enough to be pleasantly surprised.

Florida Holiday – Day 16 - Thursday 18th August 2011

Quietest day of the holiday.

After breakfast we spent the time swimming and then wandered across to the harbour for our snorkelling trip but when we got there the guys said that a storm was coming in and they’d have to cancel the trip. Really disappointing, but they said we could go tomorrow morning instead. Not ideal because of it being our last day and leaving but I agreed…wasn’t too sure how Tash would take that!

Anyway, we decided to take it easier and stayed by the pool

More swimming, drink, food, dark swimming, thunder storm, packing

Florida Holiday - Day 15 – Wednesday 17th August 2011

Dolphin Research Centre

So this is what the kids were waiting for…swimming with dolphins in the morning.

We were given an intro and talk and then split into groups – we were all together with a trainer and the dolphin called Tina (no idea what the trainer’s name was!!!)

The area we were doing all this looked out across the bay so it felt quite open and in the wild compared to many others that are set up and very restrictive. Again this was Tasha’s idea so that it felt more natural and less staged.

We were then in the front lagoon and the dolphin was told what to do and we’d then be able to stroke its back, have a kiss, shake hands, imitate with it (splashing, blowing raspberry, dancing, laughing) and then the dorsal pull which you swam out and it would then come alongside and pull you along, finishing on instructions such as telling it to swim on its head, whistle, do a somersault, pretend to be a shark and even an alligator.

Everyone loved it, and it was very, very good – a very memorable experience indeed. Didn’t feel rushed and had plenty of time doing it all.

We were then able to walk around the centre, it was pretty big, and see other demonstrations or trainers at work, it was very interesting and informative and 3 hours passed by really quickly.

Back to the house for some lunch and then to the pool for a couple of hours – I slept!

Back to the house again to get ready and we then drove 90 minutes to Key West – the furthest West point of the Keys and Southernmost point of the States (I think). It meant driving over the iconic 7 mile bridge which I had been looking forward to and lots of other bridges along the way, it made me feel like I was in a film. I was James Bond and had a beautiful Bond Girl by my side, that’s when Tash would nudge me to open my eyes and concentrate on the road!

We parked up in Key West and walked around, and it most definitely wasn’t what I was expecting at all.

I thought it would be a quiet backward place but it was a hustling, bustling seaside town, loads of bars and nightlife – would be a great party place. I suppose it was the Key’s equivalent of Blackpool – slightly classier I suspect but it just looked a fantastic party place.

We had a nice meal in a hidden away restaurant and then had a quick look around the harbour and then back in the car to come home in the pitch darkness.

I’ve said it lots of times before in this diary during this holiday but another fantastic day.

Florida Holiday - Day 14 – Tuesday 16th August 2011

Drove from Florida City through the Keys down to Marathon – fantastic views on a single highway. Took a long time but worth it. We got a little anxious as we drove along because it wasn’t the nicest areas we drove through in that it seemed to be a bit old-fashioned and not up to date so we were wondering what the hotel would be like when we got to it. Blimey, we didn’t need to worry about that at all…

The Hotel was spectacular, 5*, Charlotte did extremely well to book this one back in Oxford!! We lounged around and played by the pool and wandered round the complex to get a feel for things, it was really, really nice after having seen some of the Keys and thinking how rough most of it looked. Big relief!

We booked a snorkelling session for a couple of days time and left the pool around 5.30pm to get ready to go out. We were not within the hotel itself hiring our own house within the grounds which was really special as well

We went out and had a simple meal in the harbour area and went back to the hotel and they were still swimming there which surprised us – we were slightly under the impression that would be frowned upon. Not at all. We didn’t go in and had an early night instead.

In saying that, before going to bed I got a crap email from Tucks saying that his planned wedding had been called off – I later found out after speaking to him that it’s more her than him that called it off. Such a shame, he’s really pissed off.

Florida Holiday - Day 13 - Monday 15th August 2011

Leaving Fort Myers Beach today to go off and explore the Everglades, decided on the ‘fast route’ but took ages because of trying to find somewhere to get pancake breakfast. Somehow, here in the middle of America we couldn’t find a pancake house…not impressive!

Anyway, eventually we got past Naples and into Cypress National Park and then on to Everglades City, we decided not to go into the City and after consulting Customer Information worked out the best options for the rest of the day.

First off was to go on an Air Boat ride and we went with Jungle Erv’s and were escorted by Captain Dan! We saw a baby alligator immediately and then he took us deep into the Everglade Mangrove swamps zooming around, carrying out sharp turns and looking out for more alligators and wild-life. Luckily we had headphone protectors which were imperative as the noise was simply deafening. We stopped at one point where there was a large Alligator and we all got off the boat to take some photos and then Captain Dan cast a net and caught 8 fish just like that – fed them to the alligator which was impressive.

We then travelled round further and saw more ‘gators and vultures, the hour passed by really quickly but again it was another great experience.

We then got some dinner at Subway, a first for Tash and the family…I had to lead the way and got some funny looks from them for knowing the process ‘like a pro’!

7 miles down the road we took a turning and travelled along a dirt track – every couple of hundred yards there were alligators just lying in the water by the side of the road, stopped and took some photos of course, but couldn’t believe how close we were getting to them – didn’t actually get out of the car though…we’re not that brave!

Travelled further on and stopped a couple more times at Information Centres and saw more before deciding we’d seen enough and time to get going and find our hotel in Florida City. One thing about the road we were on, Highway 41, was just how straight it was, one of the stretches must have been about 20 miles straight – incredible. Also had a bit of a panic as there was simply nothing on the road and my petrol was low, luckily got $20 in the tank at an Indian Reservation…phew!

Anyway we got to Homestead in good time, only problem was that our hotel was in Florida City and not Homestead! Fortunately the two towns are almost joined so it wasn’t so much of a problem really.

There was an almighty thunder storm as we unloaded the car, it chucked it down and the thunder & lightening above us was incredible – quite scary in fact.

Once unpacked, we decided on cheap and cheerful and went to Denny’s for dinner, which we all like anyway.

Another great day, can’t believe it’s almost over, but we have 3 days relaxing by the beach ahead of us along with snorkelling and swimming with dolphins and whatever else we can think of doing by the beach! Should be fun!!!

Florida Holiday

Having the best time ever here in Florida - have manage to write a diary that I will upload with photos once completed...so watch this space!

Florida Holiday - Day 12 – Sunday 14th August 2011

Got up a little later than we have before, and decided early on to not go on a cruise but to have a relaxing day by the beach. First stop, MacDonald's, for a healthy breakfast!

Across the road we went to the beach and it was fantastic, the sand was just like powder, very white and the sea was really warm. We set up on some beds and under an umbrella and then relaxed…

We were on a private beach that was linked to a hotel so we were very guarded when drinking or eating but we eventually got caught out and were told we had to ‘lose the cool bag’, so back to the hotel to have lunch and then we went to the beach again and hired a jet ski for an hour. I took Lewis and Jack out and it was brilliant, we went so fast. It seemed fast anyway but the fastest we managed was only about 30mph, but it was still exhilarating.

After 15mins we swapped over so that Lewis could have a go at driving, slow to begin with and then he started getting more confident and opened the throttle…not the best idea as he lost a bit of control and we were all thrown head-first into the water at 30mph. Lewis hurt himself on his leg (and has struggled to walk all night since!), Jack and I tumbled over each other and swallowed loads of water and were shocked by the impact of hitting the water so hard. Jack is watching me type this up tonight and is telling me to type that I punched him in the head as I flew past him in the ‘crash’!

I took over driving thereafter and we continued to zoom up and down the beach along with quite a few other jet skis all thrill-seeking as well.

After 30mins we came ashore to swap over so that Tash and Charlotte could have a go – Tash didn’t want to drive so I stayed on, I was really surprised (and pleased) when they wanted to go at the same speeds that us boys had been travelling at. Tash wasn’t so sure, but Charlotte was loving it – we didn’t crash!

We swapped drivers after a while so Tash could have a go but it wasn’t a success really as she was very nervous with the power at her hands and we hardly moved an inch, so it wasn’t long before we swapped back over and I took control again to see out the rest of the hour’s hire.

Everyone really enjoyed it, so fast and so much adrenaline pumping as a result.

We then relaxed more for the next couple of hours before coming back to the hotel to shower and change and then go back over to Sanibel Island to catch the sunset. We parked up the car by the beach and then walked along it to get a good angle to see the sunset but to also pick up shells. The place is famous for shelling and no surprise, they were everywhere! Everyone got some really nice ones so there are a few souvenirs to take home in the suitcases.

It was all very idyllic with the low setting sun, white sands and clear Mexico Gulf sea.

Walking back to the car along the beach we noticed what looked like buoy in the water which on closer inspection with the binoculars (as it was dusk) we could see that it was actually the head of a sea lion, and it was so close to the shore, literally only about 20m away. It just sat there bobbing in the water watching us.

We decided to have dinner close to our hotel so that we could get some more insect spray as we’d all got bitten in the short walk from the beach to the car-park which wasn’t much fun which also implies that it’s going to be very painful for us tomorrow in the Everglades…not looking forward to that too much if I am honest now!

We were tempted by the same place we went to yesterday but decided to go a bit further on to a grill and pizza place and we ordered an 18inch pizza – when it came it was bloody huge…but between us we were all hungry and it was all gone, including the additional salad and garlic bread that Tash ordered!

Once that was paid for we then went next door for ice cream, I am sure we didn’t need it but all the same I have a small Rainbow Sherbert ice cream, Jack had mint choc chip and Charlotte went for an original Moose Trax – all of them were lovely. Although walking back I was able to eat half of Jack’s as he had to run on ahead to the hotel as he was bursting for a wee…once done he announced that it “was the best wee he’s had!”.

That was our night over, full up and feeling quite sick!

Poor Lewis is not in a good state, his leg is causing him a lot of pain, hopefully it will be better in the morning.

Florida Holiday Day 11 – Saturday 13th Aug 2012

Leaving Orlando today, packed up fairly quickly in the morning and were out of the house by 9.45am – stopped by one of the ticket selling places and sold our tickets for $5 each, probably ripped off something chronic but it’s not something we expected so that was acceptable.

Drove down the highway (not the Interstate) towards Fort Myers for the next two nights of our holiday. It was a long drive as it wasn’t the motorway and it took us through loads of towns along the way. The sights were really interesting so I was pleased we’d done that as there would have been loads we’d have missed. It was very much old, run down trailer parks all the way. Very different to what we’d been used to but also very much the ‘typical’ portrayal of Southern America.

There is so much land as well – huge.

Finally made it down to Fort Myers, didn’t stop and went straight over the Causeway and some cool bridges onto Sanibel Island, we continued through Sanibel up to Captiva – all very exclusive and rich buildings along the road. Fantasy Island, I later looked on the internet and some of the houses being sold were upwards of £5.9 million – hardly a surprise when you look at them!

Tash had read about guided kayak tours so this is what we were looking for and found the first one and stopped – we initially enquired about hiring the kayaks ourselves and then decided on paying extra and getting a tour. There wasn’t one available for 2 hours so we sat in the hotel pool area and had a swim and a snooze and then at 3.45pm met up with a couple and went out into the channel kayaking. The couple we were with weren’t much fun and we didn’t see much of them, the woman was scared silly – but they were just left to their own devices really and it didn’t affect us at all.

As soon as we were out we saw Manatees in the water, so close, bit scary to think of these things that close but we were save and then we moved across to a small island that was Mangrove tree (and swamp) and skirted round it before finding a channel to go through the middle of it. First of all it was Hurricane Bowl and then a small channel in single file, twisting and turning very slowly and stopping to pick up water snakes and see the crabs and shellfish – quite amazing really.

Outside of that we were back in the open water, miles from where we’d started and we went out further to try and find more manatees and even a dolphin. All around us fish were jumping out of the water, couldn’t get used to that sight at all, they were cleaning their gills from feeding along the bottom of the river bed. We started on our way back and then saw 3 manatees close by which we followed for a bit before leaving them alone – sadly no dolphins spotted.

We then went back to the Mangrove Island and picked out living shells and even star-fish which Jack was good at finding, really interesting, all the kids were loving it. That was that and we made our way back after about 2.15hrs – time and money REALLY well spent.

We had a quick drive around the rest of Captiva and then back through Sanibel, across the Causeway to Fort Myers beach where we found our hotel. Not sure if it could be called a hotel but it was very bright, lit up and good fun. Dumped our stuff, showered and then walked to the town as we’re really close – found a great bar immediately so decided to stop there for dinner. It was very popular and it was easy to see why, the food was fantastic. We all had fish and chips – loads of it and really tasty. Couple of beers but I could easily have had a few more…

Everyone tired through, so walked across the pier and then back to hotel and bed.

A really fantastic day, the drive was longer than I wanted because I didn’t go along the motorway but the kayaking was just out of this world and will be a fantastic memory for the kids, really pleased we did it.

Florida Holiday-Day 10 – Friday 12th August 2011

Lazy morning today, didn’t get up until 9.30am. We decided to spend our last day going through Universal once more, there was still loads there we’d not really explored following the aborted attempt on our first day with Jack being sick!

The first part of the day we spent going through all the rides we’d not managed yet which was Mummy, Disaster (that’s when Jack was sick on the woman!) and the 3rd time of trying to get in there and then Terminator 3D – how good was that? Incredible! It was nice to be able to wander around and take our time without any rush or hassle to try and fit everything in as we only needed to see half of it all.

So we got to lunchtime and where better to have that than in the car-park where it’s air-conditioned in our car…are we sensible or just careful with our money?!?! It makes the kids laugh anyway…

Back over to Islands of Adventure as Tash wanted to go through Jurassic Park and we were pleased that she insisted on doing so as it was really good fun, the water flume in here was brilliant, and didn’t get too wet this time! We did a few other things in this area and then made our way to the Harry Potter area again and treated ourselves to a Butter Beer which didn’t last long so we got another! Very, very nice!

After all that we made our way home and got a pre-cooked chicken from Wal-Mart which meant chicken sarnies all round, very nice and filling, a quite shower down and then back out on the road.

We didn’t get back to Universal until about 8.00pm, there was quite a queue for the Rock It Roller coaster but that was fantastic. Huge great ride and Jack was allowed on it. So this was his biggest ride he’d ever been on and he was at the front…he was in his element so it was pleasing that he’d finally got to experience a Big One!

We managed to catch the end of the Park Show and Firework display and then the Park shut but there was still 30 mins in Islands of Adventure so we managed another go on the Hulk ride – that is a bit tasty as well.

We had a few more fizzy drinks and then wandered along the City Walk which is a really lively part of the area and is outside of the main parks that people can go to bars and clubs and such like. Jack got himself a ‘Thing One’ fleecy top so he was pleased with that and we then started walking home. Along the conveyor belt Tash mentioned something about ‘Sea World’ and then a man said something like ‘What did you say about Sea World?’ as if starting an argument…me and the kids walked on laughing our heads off and left Tash to it…they had a good ole chat I am sure.

We then took a detour in the car and drove along International Drive and saw some of the sights of the place – incredible hotels and buildings. There were the Upside Down House and the Wonky House – both really impressive. Saw them briefly and then carried on driving, not before stopping at the huge McDonalds there, the building was literally a box of fries and we treated ourselves to some huge (and very thick) shakes, very nice indeed.

We finally got home just after midnight. What a great day and what a really enjoyable week. We pushed ourselves quite hard and made the most of it and we’ve had a great time experiencing all the rides and experiences but I think we’re all ready to move on now. A week was enough, I don’t think I, or any of the family, would want to do a whole fortnight of that as a main holiday, not when there is so much more to see. And we’re going to see it…

Florida Holiday - Day 9 – Thursday 11th August 2011

Aquatica…

Earlier in the week we swapped our days around so we could visit Aquatica on a sunny day, and boy was today sunny? In the shade for most of the day it was touching 95 degrees…and not a drop of rain at all!

This is a newer water theme park than the original Wet ‘n’ Wild one and it really was pretty impressive, very family friendly and fantastic set up. We made our way to the ‘beach’ and stayed there as our base for the day and took it in turns to rest, look after the cameras or whatever. Well, Tash spent most of the time there, I was out and about with the kids most of the time.

As you’d expect there were loads of flumes, and chutes and rapids and all sorts to keep you busy. The favourite was probably the rapids to be honest, you simply strapped on a life-jacket and let the currents take you round. It seemed a strange thing that the life jackets were there for that exact purpose and not what you’d normally use them for!

Another good part of the park was the way they had an aquarium with dolphins in it and one of the flume pipes would run straight through the middle of it. You were lucky if you went through the flume at the same time as a dolphin nearby but as another set up rapids went by the side of it with a huge side glass wall.

We stayed there the whole day, unsurprisingly got burnt, and then made our way home for a clean up and pizza.

At 6.30pm we then set out for Sea World to see the evening shows that they perform, unfortunately the sea lions one was packed out so we were turned away, but stopped off at the ‘Pets Ahoy’ one which normally we would have given a wide berth but we were glad we went, the cats, dogs, birds (all strays) were so well trained and what they were doing was brilliant.

The big selling point at Sea World is the Killer Whale called Shamu, everything is driven by this whale and the main evening show was Shamu Rocks. We made our way to the stadium and it was good, but…it was a good show but it was pretty much the same as the day-time show, just more glitzy because of the effect of the lighting show. Still, as expected, it was impressive.

After the show there was still time to look through the shark tunnel, then Tash and Jack went off to get him a couple of souvenirs with his money whilst Lewis, Charlotte and I had time to get a go on the Manta ride (Jack was too small for it) and got two goes on it in the dark – that was brilliant.

We had time to view the firework display across the water and that was fantastic, really special and no holds barred. We hadn’t found Tash & Jack to view the show with them but we caught up with them as the park closed and we made our way home.

The end of another long, tiring, but thrilling day.

Florida Holiday - Day 8 – Wednesday 10th August 2011

Universal Studios & Disney today

Up late today, everyone was really tired out from the night before, didn’t get up and about until 8.30am. It was raining in the morning so we didn’t rush and decide to to change our plans. Originally we were going to go Aquatica but decided to go where we could stay inside so first thing in the morning we made our way to the Shopping Mall on Millennium Drive and straight to Bloomingdales.

Tash being her organised self had looked up that this store was here before even leaving England with the intention of getting Tucks his wedding present from this shop…so straight upstairs to the Wedding planning office and get hold of the wedding list. Managed to find something, got it ordered and then because it was still raining had more of a walk around and Charlotte was pleased to find a Hollister!

At last the rain seemed to ease up, so we decided to make our way to Universal to make up for the time that we lost when Jack was sick. I was keen to go on the Jaws ride, it’s been one of those rides that were first set up and I’ve heard the stories of what it would be like and it was one of the few rides I was really looking forward to. Even the build up to the ride was good fun and it didn’t disappoint, I had a feeling I knew which side the shark would appear on and I made sure that Jack was sat on that side of the boat…I was right and he jumped a mile when it appeared!

After that we went through the other rides such as MiB, Twister, the Fear Factor show, the Simpsons ride and then just by chance to a Horror make-up show which was really interesting and good fun. There was still more to do, but we decided to make a move and make our way home for a rest. Stopped at the supermarket, washed, showered and then out quickly to Downtown Disney – not to go to the park as we didn’t have tickets for it but for the nightlife on the outside of it.

Quite an atmosphere, loads going on as you’d expect and good fun. So, what for dinner? Cheap and cheerful not for us tonight…decided to treat ourselves and the kids to Planet Hollywood…what a place that was!

Wandered around all the memorabilia across three different floors, so much to see, so much authentic material, really interesting. Did that for about half and hour whilst we waited and the kids took loads of photos and we were then called to our table and within 3 minutes of sitting down we then had the panic of Jack’s camera missing. We all went rushing round the place and very fortunately someone had handed it in – Jack changed from being very upset to very relieved in the space of 10 seconds! It wouldn’t have been the end of the world but it would have put a dampener on the evening so it was pleasing that was avoided..

So we treated ourselves to whatever we wanted on the menu and it was great food. There was a DJ who was accepting requests and Jack was up and down the whole time, even making a request for Brendan’s birthday! All a good laugh and a great experience.

Afterwards we had another longer walk through Disney Downtown, so much to take in (liked the dinosaur themed restaurant) and then got home at midnight.

Another very long day, not so sure how we’re keeping going at this pace…!

Florida Holiday - Day 7 – Tuesday 9th August 2011

Busch Gardens today, a little bit wet, but not from waterparks!

Up nice and early and went to this huge Mall in Orlando so that we could go to the Abercrombie shop for Charlotte, she was desperate to get some clothes from there and was successful, but then so was Jack and Lewis! In saying that we got there too early so had to wait around for a while in the knowledge that we had a good 90 minute drive ahead of us. We then got distracted by the Jack Wills shop and more importantly (!) the Aeropostale shop – we love this one as the clothes are the type we like but very, very cheap. It was no surprise that we ended up leaving for Busch Gardens a lot later than planned!

I mentioned getting wet, today the rain descended on Orlando, and it simply did not stop. From the first thing in the morning and all the way through the day it was just drizzling it was absolutely chucking it down, not pleasant! The drive to Busch went without incident and the park was open but none of the rides were running, it was too dangerous with the lightening etc. even after the mini-train trip from the car park to the main entrance we then waited as it was torrential. The kids loved it though!

So we were there, what could we do??? First plan, run to the safari train ride, that was due at one of the stations in 10 mins, got there, wet, and waited…waited some more….waited even more….watching the lightning and flooding to then be told even the safari train was cancelled. This was getting a little desperate.

Nearby there were various enclosures under shelter so we darted in and out of those, leaping over puddles and being quite unsuccessful in trying to keep dry to look at the various caged animals or bats and the animal hospital which was really interesting…visiting the Gorilla enclosure was hilarious, one mischievous minor was teasing, and very much annoying, the adult male and the fights and clouts going on was really quite a show. But the little one kept returning, simply throwing more straw and dust at the adult to wind him up. Very entertaining!

Managed to go to a couple of the shows that were on, one of which being a Cirque show, not quite Cirque du Soleil but along that theme and that was brilliant, not so brilliant was a pirate 4D one which was just simply desperate. That was more or less the last straw by then, we were wet, cold and thoroughly depressed by that last show and it being about 5.00pm decided enough was enough…so we walked out of that theatre with every intention of going home…only to be greeted by no rain and the clackety clack of roller-coaster tracks…the rides were ON!!!

Other people had clearly had the same demoralised attitude as us and had gone home, meaning the park was near enough empty, which meant for us ‘die-hards’ there were fantastic looking roller-coasters and no queues…theme park heaven! We rushed round as many as we could as the park announced they were going to close earlier than usual, we still managed all of them and most times we didn’t even have to get off to have another go… Because of the time constraint we were quite literally running from one ride to the next – these were some of the best out of all the ones we’d visited so far this break.

The best was saved until last, it was a ‘Cheetah’ ride and was brilliant and we were the last ride of the day on it – and Jack was allowed too so that was doubly-pleasing. It was a shame that the park did close that bit earlier but we were so glad we stuck it out and got the rides in the end.

On the way home we found a lovely Italian restaurant to stop into and once seated soon realised that we’d not picked the cheapest one in town…both Tash and I backed off from going the full hog and let the kids have what they wanted. Jack making us smile each time checking that the cokes were definitely ‘free refills’ – we still can’t quite get used to that concept!

Long drive home, but uneventful. An interesting day, not ruined by the weather, and in view of the great weather and lack of rain so far on this holiday it wasn’t something to really complain about. Hopefully not too many more days like it though!

Florida Holiday - Day 6 – Monday 8th August 2011

Universal Studios – All Day

Up early and out the house by 8.30am this morning, determined to make the most of the day and get to the Theme Park before the queues all start…fat chance! Today was the turn of the Universal Studios (Islands of Adventures) – very popular at the minute because of the new addition of the Harry Potter World, so we made our way straight there…oh dear…very busy already at 8.45am – in fact it was packed out!

We joined up the queue for the main ride, the one that Lewis, Charlotte and I went on the night before and went straight in, however, this time it was slightly longer that we needed to wait. It probably didn’t help that every ten minutes we were saying how much quicker it was the night before! Anyway, it meant that we had plenty of time to take in all the setting and the scenery – very, very impressive. It was like actually being at Hogwarts, they really had the place down perfectly. We were there waiting for an hour and it was damned hot, but worth the wait and the ride itself was quality.

We went on a couple of more rides after that then wandered round the ‘village’ that was resplendent with snow covered houses, all the shops and everything that is in the Harry Potter world. Unbelievably expensive! Well, probably not so unbelievable…$10.00 for a chocolate frog, I think that tells you all you need to know!

What else? Watched the SinBAD show – bloody awful…Poseidon’s Fury – bloody brilliant. The special effects on that one were amazing and then wandered round Dr Seuss World. For us that isn’t so engrained in our childhoods as it would be for American’s but it was recognisable as Cat in the Hat and all that. Good fun there.

So, lunchtime, what to do? Spoilt for choice with all the options, but we’d made our own sandwiches and walked back to the car-park, turned on the air-conditioning and had our lunch in the multi-story…not quite sure how many other people would do that!

Back to the park after that refresh and cool down for the Spiderman and Dr Doom rides and then onto watch the Tony Hawks skateboard show which was brilliant. Loads of fantastic stunts, very impressive.

So, God knows how hot it was, but the chance to go on a water ride was too good to miss, however, we went on the Popeye/Bluto ride which wasn’t a case of getting damp, or splashed, but literally drenched. I have never been on a water ride where I have got so wet. Every part of my clothes, possessions, even underwear completed soaked! As were all of us, very funny. So, next to this was the log flume and it made perfect sense to go over to that and complete the ride whilst still soaked…

We were about to leave at 6.00pm and were walking past the huge great Hulk ride and the sign said it was only a 5 minute wait so straight onto that! Absolutely fantastic!

So on the way home we decided to stop off at the Designer Village and without any shred of pride were walking round all the shops in our damp, wet clothes. It was actually freezing because of the air-conditioning! Anyway, managed to find some stuff for the boys, and Lewis was very pleased as he found the boots he had his mind on before we even set out for the States.

Started making our way home at 10.15pm and realised we’d not eaten since lunch in the afternoon so on Highway 192 we pulled over in a Denys Restaurant and it was such a clichéd/authentic US restaurant – exactly what you imagine them to be. So we had burgers and unlimited refills of course!

All in all, a fantastic day, very full on…same again tomorrow!

Florida Holiday - Day 5 – Sunday 7th August 2011

Up nice and early today as we were heading for Sea World and wanted to get on the main ride before all the queues started. The big question was “Is Jack okay?” – he appeared to be back to some normality and wanted to eat and drink so that was a bug relief all round

So out of the house by 8.20am, it didn’t help that I took the wrong turning and we put an extra 20 minutes on the trip driving into Epcot!

Worthwhile doing though as we got to the start of the queue for Manta – Jack was too small so had to sit out and understandably so, it was brilliant and a bit too hard for him. Tash and I did the parent exchange so Lewis and Charlotte did well out of that as they got on twice in quick succession.

We then wandered round the park, stopping for the Dolphin show at the Blue Horizon – that really was pretty special, everyone loved it. Sea World was very impressive and without going into too much detail we saw Manatees, Alligators, Polar Bears, Walruses, Whales, Dolphins (and baby dolphins) and loads of other water-based animals that I can’t remember.

Went on the log flume – didn’t get wet, got completely and utterly soaked, it was like someone had tipped a bucket of water over us – lucky the weather was 43 degrees!

The main attraction at the place is a huge killer whale called ‘Shamu’ and we made it with seconds to spare to watch the show with him as the star attraction. There are rows of seats along the front of the aquarium that are designated as Soaking seats and that’s exactly what they were, the whales were simply encouraged to splash and soak anyone and everyone. All good fun.

We decided to move on around 2.30pm and as planned went to Wet ‘n’ Wild which is a water park with tubes and flumes that we were able to go on. Tash stayed to look after the bags and then the 4 of us went on all sorts for the next two hours. Nothing too scary but all great fun to sit of 4 people rides and go down the rapids and that. All around the park you could see the other flumes to go on, along with large queues – but that wasn’t to put us off.

I swapped over with Tash and had a snooze for an hour whilst they went on loads of other things, finally they woke me and dared me to go on the one seriously scary flume – the Bomb Drop – in which you go in a tube and the floor gives way and you slide down a 70ft drop – I didn’t see any of it as my eyes were tightly shut!

Just as we were about to leave an almightly storm came in and it bucketed it down with rain, the kids loved that and went into the pool in the rain.

Came home for showers and were in and out within 30mins to go to all you can eat Pizza at CiCi’s – great value and lovely pizza. Seeing what some people there were eating was quite incredible, we were full on all the stuff we ate but for them that would have been a starter.

We were rushing as we wanted to get to the shops but that was a bad plan, it’s Sunday today and as we drove to the Outlet Centre (which we lost anyway) Tash said “Oh, it shuts at 9.00pm” having just read her brochure, the time was 9.05pm – so u-turn and to bed!