New Tough Camera

Have spent nearly all last weekend researching a new camera and it finally arrived today so I’ve been having a play to see what it’s like. I really wanted a tiny one with powerful zoom lens, but I wanted it to be a tough and water proof camera and these therefore aren’t as small as they could be. So I went for a tough camera instead and I’m actually quite pleased that it’s not as big as I feared it would be.

I tested it in the pond which was odd to do and it was fine, the fish stayed away so I didn’t get a decent image of them but outside of the water the quality of the pictures appears to be excellent and I am pleased with what I have bought.

It has some features like super slo-mo video which is a bit of fun and Charlotte/Tash have played with that already!

Hopefully it will continue to please me as a purchase, we will see how it is after proper use in the water and skiing and being dropped!

Very busy family weekend…

What a weekend we had – so much done!

Friday Night we met up with Kathryn and Pete in Summertown and went to the Oxford Kitchen restaurant. We had a lovely evening and it was really pleasant and the food was excellent but there was a catch…the total bill for the 4 of us was £236.00!! A little bit taken aback I must admit, even though we’d had a view of the prices etc. Didn’t ruin the evening but made it a bit of a dampener to be honest! It was great food but it wasn’t worth that much money! Ah well…

Next day we were up and at the world and did all sorts of jobs, going to do a car boot on Sunday so went through the office area and cleared out all the items we didn’t need/want any more. Didn’t seem to have a great deal but it made some space in the office anyway so that was good.

Charlotte then called Rose and the four of us (Tash!) got the canoe and went down the river a little way and had a picnic sat in the middle of the river. It was nice and relaxing and it was fun listening to Charlotte & Rose gossiping. We didn’t go too far as Rose had to be back for work but it was a couple of hours nicely spent.

Walked Bella in the afternoon and got her to go in the river. She’s a lovely dog and knows when we arrive we’re going to take her out for a walk so she gets so very excited!

In the evening I looked for a new camera and we then went to Rye St Anthony school to pick Jack up who’d been there all day with Ben Millwood. When I got there his Dad, Martin, was chatty but also the mum is Karen Winston I’m sure. There were also two lads from Marston Saints days remembering me from Cold Arbour so that was a coincidence. Jack had a great time and we had a beer with them

Sunday we were off to the Kassam for a car boot sale, got a decent pitch and put our stuff out and watched as people went by. It does make you appreciate the life you’ve made for yourself whether by means or luck, some of the people walking past do seem from another planet. That’s not meant in a snobby fashion, it’s just interesting to see people from a different walk of life and wondering how they get by. We sold a lot of the items we had available and it was a constant stream all morning and we made £70.00 profit. Not bad for stuff we were ready to throw away.

We did go to the bottle & clothes bank to leave items we didn’t want and threw away some other stuff but a couple of jars we kept for the kids kitchen at Uni!

In the afternoon I bought the waterproof camera I wanted and also organised my train and hotel for the next two days as I will be staying in London. We had a BBQ in the afternoon and Miles & his brother came round so that was nice for Charlotte and Jack. We played a couple of games and then Tash, Lewis & I were alone so we played Crib (Tash won and I only taught her yesterday how to play!!)

Got an early night as I need to be up at 5.30am tomorrow

A very nice and relaxed weekend, even if we have spent a lot of money!!

Ladies of Leisure

Tash had a half day today so I went to London with Edustaff once again and did the training and it went went well. Got home and did some more work to keep up to date with things and then went out to get Tash from Kathy Bergel’s. They’d been drinking and relaxing since 1.00pm and to be fair weren’t as drunk as I would have expected!

Steve was there so I was a man to keep him company although I don’t think I was very good at that to be honest!

He did the BBQ and they have a lovely house and garden, I didn’t expect the garden to be so fantastic – amazing. Had a nice evening in the end and stayed a lot later than I anticipated but it was fine

Gave Anna Ballance a lift home and all went well.

Last session this week for TED

Back to London today to run through a training session for the Compliance Users of TED and it went along a similar theme to the others this week where it was positively received but lots of change requests

Really quite tired out now, it's been a full-on week with traveling and catching up in the evenings, late nights and early mornings and it's not it as I am in London again on Monday/Tuesday with Edustaff. Not complaining as it's great to have so much work lined up.

TED Training

Well, it’s day 3 and I am in Birmingham today knowing I have to be in London tomorrow. Been busy week so far with London full-on on Monday and Bristol yesterday. I got home and crashed out for an hour fully asleep. I am training clients on using the new TED interface system and it’s gone fairly well so far. Had a really awkward couple in the first group and the rest of the sessions have been really positive otherwise.

More work next week for them but I am trying to get up to date in the evenings as I am not answering any emails at all throughout the day. I think that the guys are pleased with the work I am putting in so that’s rewarding.

Need to keep tabs of what’s being requested and I must admit I am a little nervous as I am the face that they all now know as the person for ensuing this system works…great!!

Well, train is almost here so best get going!

Boat trip down the Thames

Grandma has been getting upset about me agreeing to take her on a boat trip down the river and then out for a meal but because I didn’t turn up she thinks she’s done something wrong to upset us! Aside from the fact I knew absolutely nothing about this I still felt guilty. Anyway, we agreed we would do it today and we would pick Grandma up (only Tash and I as the kids were all out) and meet Mum and Derek down at the Boat place

Picked her up and she was very confused. Said we were taking her for the boat trip and she then thought it was Waitrose. Difficult to cope with, I don’t know how mum does it every day – so patient and such a shame it really is.

Met Mum and Derek down at Salters and then found out we couldn’t get the boat we intended to. The chap took a booking for 4.30pm and we went to the Folly and had a drink to while away some time.

The trip was excellent and with the weather being so gorgeous it was a very pleasant time. Back all too soon so we went to the Folly cafe and got a coffee and some cake. Very nice indeed – we live in a great City!

Took Grandma home, picking up Charlotte and Rose on the way back as they’d just arrived from Westfield's shopping in London and Grandma said, ‘Oh, I don’t want to be home’ when we got there and she then did all she could to make us stay longer like sorting out the TV and her food and so on. Such a shame, felt really sorry for her when we left.

Dropped the kids off and then went to the Plough and met Wayne & Kerry fro a drink as there was an event in Wolvercote (isn’t there always?) and their girls had worked all day. Nice to see them

Went home and off to bed at 9.20pm as early day tomorrow for the TED training in London. Not much fun setting the alarm clock for 5.30am!!

A lovely day all told – bit of a hangover in the morning but getting used to these now!

Thames Boat Trip VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Another Party hosted at the Darks

Spent the day sorting out the house and buying food and drink for the BBQ at ours in the afternoon

The Holdens and the Millars all came and it was good fun. No kids though only Laura because they were all busy or away – very odd.

Had a great load of food and loads of drink…loads of drink!! Got absolutely rip-roaring drunk, even smoking right at the very end of the night

Such a good laugh, can’t think of anything more to say about it if the truth be told!!

x2 Darks visiting the Big Smoke

Off to London today, sat on the train typing this out. Seeing Hodder Education for some SPIRIT Data Mining training, bit concerned as the example scenarios Victoria gave me to run through are hard to find in all their data…hopefully wing it!

Jack is also in London today for an activity day at school, he’s going to Tate Modern, Globe Theatre and St Pauls – a bit more cultured and interesting compared to my day!

Tash is coming home tonight, everyone panicking now to get the house tidied up – that’s for Lewis and Charlotte to sort out now! Miles stayed over last night, they’re getting close together which is nice.

Work is busy at the minute, so much on my place, today is 17th July and including my holiday I don’t have a free day until start of September, it’s good and I’m bringing in a lot of money but it’s hard work, just hope it continues. Next week is going to be interesting as it’s the launch of the TED system for Edustaff. Just hope I can impress enough with them so as to be taken on in a role more than just training, will approach them to request that

Training session was interesting, got it done but wasn’t the best one I’ve ever done!!

Parking fine rescinded

Last week I went to Peters Books in Birmingham and forgot to set my RingGo Parking session until 11.30am. When I got back to the car in the evening sure enough I had a parking ticket on it issued at 11.15am – what bad luck!

I sent a bit of a begging email to appeal the situation saying that I didn’t have a battery for the phone and proved I’d paid etc and they would then write back to advise of being successful or unsuccessful in appealing.

Couldn’t believe it this afternoon after finishing work at Raintree that I had a letter advising me that they’ve dropped the charges. I was gob-smacked, that was £60.00! I immediately when online and thanked them!

Really didn’t expect that money back – cheered me up no end

A Nothing Day really

Worked from home and found it tough going to get things done. Made a great spagheti bolognaise and everyone loved it! I have my own recipe which seems to be working well so that’s one thing I am good at.

Tash sent a couple of messages to say she’s enjoying herself – rubbing it in a bit really!

Took Charlotte to work and she’s now gone to the cinema for a 9.00pm show so I am up late working so I can pick her up later. Not ideal as I am knackered but there you go, that’s what I seem to do all the time now!

Saw Mum as she took Jack to karate and she’s fine so that was nice to catch up for 45 minutes

Busy days ahead of me so best crack on!

Lewis back home from Uni

After work today at Birmingham I drove up to Huddersfield to collect Lewis following him having to go back up there to do re-sits and also move into his new accommodation. Journey up from Brum wasn’t too bad and I had a tour of the place, perfectly adequate and it’s next door to his mates so they will have such a great time.

Journey home was nice as we chatted near enough all the way back. Charlotte had Miles around again (getting quite serious it seems as they’re always together!) and Lewis gave him a lift home, I was pleased as I’d been driving for near enough 5 hours non-stop

Nice to have him home. Off to bed after sending Tash an update

Not sure what he’s going to do with his course though. He’s been speaking to people up there and I think he’s struggling. Not got the same drive and energy that Charlotte has, bit of a shame really. We shall see.

Race for Life 2014

Charlotte and Natasha did their annual Race for Life today and did well. Both did the course in about 225-30 minutes so they were proud of that. There were so many people there this year it was incredible. Saw a few people we know – Wayne & Kerry, Jim & Trish Austin, Andy & Paula Thomas.

Didn’t stay long afterwards as Tash had to get off for the plane to go to France

Race for Life 2014 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Tash off to France

That’s it then, this is one of the last blog entries you will ever see from me, Tash went to France today with Lucie and another woman and won’t be back until Thursday night…we’re going to starve to death!

She’s using a villa owned by Claire from work and she says it’s beautiful there, so she’ll be relaxing and drinking nice wine and food.

Good for her – she deserves it!

Wedding Anniversary

21 years married…wow!

Flowers and chocolates in the morning and a normal day for us

Met with Tash in Walton Street in the afternoon after work and we went to the Brasserie Blanc for a celebratory meal. Had a glass of wine on the street front and then went in for our meal. The food was lovely and we had a nice time

Came home and it was only about 8.00pm so had a drink and relaxed.

Very enjoyable and look forward to many more years together

Charlotte made a nice homemade card for us!!

Cherwell Sports Award Evening

I took Jack to the above and it was an enjoyable evening. I sat with Rob Wilkinson and chatted and Jack was involved a couple of times to receive team awards for Football and Basketball. I should have taken a photo as he was dressed up smart with a tie, bless him!

His Basketball team won the team of the Year for the boys in his age group so he got more recognition

Enjoyed it and was proud of him

Brazil Humiliated by Germans

Tonight was unbelievable, it really was. Brazil, the football team, have not been good throughout this World Cup but they’ve made it through to the Semi Finals and played against Germany. The problem we’ve had with them is that they’ve believed they’re destined to win the cup and their players are not very likeable, especially David Luis who has recently become the most expensive defender in the world – PSG have paid £50million for him.

Before each game he prays and they all sing the National Anthem and cry before and after the match – it’s become unbearable!

So, for once in my life I really, REALLY strongly supported the Germans for this match. It started well and both teams when for it and then Germany scored, Luis losing his man at a corner and out of position (a recurring theme – he’s a crap defender!!)

I cheered the house down, 10 mins later another German goal, and then another…within 30 minutes the score was 5-0, it was incredible. Twitter went mental and everyone was speechless but at the same time, absolutely loving the demolition being handed out to Brazil. Schadenfreude at its most literal!!

The second half was a bit quieter and the scoreline finished 7-1. What a night and history in the making, about 5 records made in that one game. Loved it!!!

Oxford 100 Mile Bike Ride

So today I took part in the above and it’s not something I really would want to do again in a hurry to be honest!!

Tash dropped me down to Oxpens at 8.00am where Andy Leach, Kevin Leach, Kenny Clarke and a couple of other lads were waiting for me. They looked the part and we set off. By the time we got to Botley I was struggling, and told them to continue without me. They didn’t need to be told a second time and I was then left on my own to get on with it.

The course was hard, so many hills and coming down the hills didn’t seem to be as long as the length going up them! I used the stops that were set up and managed to catch up with the lads a few times but after 60 miles that was it and I didn’t see them again.

Tash met me at 75 miles for something to eat and then I continued on my way.

I finished in the end at 7.00pm, the timings system had been packed up and closed but I was more interested and proud to finish the course. I have to admit I was so very, very tired. I could hardly move at the end of the route but I’ve done it!

Oxford 100 Mile Bike Ride VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Wimbledon 2014

We had ticked for the Ladies Final on Centre Court this year.

Bit of a problem getting there as we set out and got to Wheatley when Tash realised she’d left the tickets at home, the traffic was a nightmare and it took us an hour to get home! So we had a tense time getting to Wimbledon and after parking we got to our seats 10 minutes before the final was due to start – a stress we could have done without!

The final was a let down, no idea who the women were but it was so one-sided, she completely outgunned her.

The Ladies doubles final was the same, I was getting frustrated with it because it’s not good quality when it’s like that. We had a wander around Wimbledon, there was a lot of rain which didn’t affect us because of the roof being over but it eased up and people there for other matches got to see some tennis as well

Went back for the Men’s Doubles Final and within 3 games we saw better quality in the rallies and matches than we saw in either of the women’s games. It was so close and we reluctantly left at four sets because we’d have been home so late otherwise. Found out the Bryan brothers had been beaten on the way home – bit of a shock

Really nice day in the end, glad we went.

Wimbledon 2014 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Charlotte & NTU, BBQ & Grandma…

I took the day off today to take Charlotte to the Nottingham Trent University Open Day.

Easy trip up there, 2 hours, and we wandered around and managed to get everything we planned to do…done. She’s very focussed and is determined to be able to do Psychology there. She’s excited by all the activities & clubs that are possible and is confused as to why Lewis has done so little. She’s certainly very keen to get as much out of life as possible, it was very refreshing spending time with her and listening to her.

We liked the tutor, the location, the accommodation and everything about it. We will likely look at other places as well to give her a good idea of what’s available but I think the grades would enable her to get into this one and I think that would be good for her.

A nice day.

Mum and Grandma came over in the evening for a BBQ which didn’t get going at all well, very odd. I’ve not had problems with a barbie for years not lighting. Got there in the end and it was very nice indeed! Grandma is getting more and more frail, physically and mentally (she is 94!) but it’s a shame for someone who’s managed so well. She forgets things and worries a lot. Her eyes and hearing are shot as well!

The sad thing at the minute is that she’s convinced that Tash and I said we’d take her out for a meal and boat trip a couple of weeks ago and when we didn’t turn up she thought that she’d upset us! We knew nothing about it, nothing was even mentioned so no idea where this idea came from. So she’s brought it up again this evening and is apologising like mad saying she’s so sorry and she’d never say anything whatsoever to upset me and Tash – I thought she was going to cry, it was heart-breaking. She repeated it about 4 times throughout the evening, that’s what it’s like now. Anyway, we said we’d organise something and get her on a boat trip asap!!