Skiing - Day One on the Slopes

Everyone was more or less up around 10.00am – could easily have slept for a lot longer but needed to get going and have breakfast and get out on the slopes. But of course that couldn’t happen until we got the ski passes and our gear – all sorted eventually, always the worst part and then we were off!

There is a slope and lift right next to us so we have one trial run on the nursery slope before thinking we were ready and then went for it. Lewis stayed behind with Katie to try and teach her and we went off exploring…that could take some time…it’s clearly absolutely huge!

Went up a few lifts together and there was plenty of snow and it will definitely keep us challenged. I was worried that there would be a big lack of snow and skiing but definitely not, it’s amazing place, it really is. Quite busy but the slopes weren’t too bad actually so it wasn’t overcrowded or anything like that.

Katie was really struggling so we went back to see her and try and talk her into coming out but she was adamant that she’s not liking it and doesn’t want to do it – this is a real shame and could be awkward. We’ll try again tomorrow with her.

Went and had a drink and hot chocolate (or beer) and then got another 2 hours in and I went off on my own and did really well. Love it here, really impressed.

Back to the apartment at around 5.00pm as the slopes were closed and had a few beers and something to eat, everyone’s tired as yesterday’s travelling has caught up with us. We’ll go to the pub in a minute though and watch some football.

He’s behind you!!

Went to the Panto again this year and it was one of the best we’ve been to. The usual nonsense that is so much fun but it just seemed extra good this year.

Tash had managed to get us on the front row again this year and there was 24 of us! Only two short of completely filling the row… Ivy also came a along and she seemed to love it as well, just enthralled by what was going on and clapping along – lovely to see.

The 12 days of Xmas song was played which included a water fight so we have a few plans for next year!

What was really funny though was the main local guy (who does the 12 days song) singled out Natasha for clapping out of time to everyone else, he absolutely hammered her, we all know she’s got no rhythm but it was funny for someone to notice whilst they’re acting!! Obviously we didn’t make the most of it and tease her.

I don’t want to provide spoilers so look away now, but Aladdin wins Jasmine and they marry!

Had our team photo outside and then went over to Weatherspoon's for dinner and it was surprisingly good quality actually, I think we were all pleasantly surprised at how good it was. A few of the actors were in there afterwards so I said thanks to them for a good night and we then all made our way home

Such a good family get-together, shame Lewis was missing. Same again next year.  

Winter Wonderland

Went up to London today with Wayne, Kerry and the girls and also Zoe and the girls (and Liam). Managed to find some space around the Bayswater Road although not on it like Wayne did but got sorted for free parking and then into the Wonderland itself. It’s so huge these days, it’s just got bigger and bigger.

Massive fair and all the ‘traditional’ German market stalls offering food and drink. We just wandered round and it was good fun taking in all the sights, sounds and smells! Ate a few things here and there and had a really nice evening. Didn’t do any of the rides, as good as they looked!

It would be nice to do it and stay for longer and drink a bit and get involved with the live music and all that – perhaps another year! I cannot see how it can get any bigger, it really was so big!

Driving home was nice and easy so not too late night home.

My Xmas Party!

Night out at Milton Hill House tonight for my annual Xmas party!!

Had kids football in the morning over at Evesham – very frustrating 2-1 loss – didn’t enjoy it at all so less said about that the better.

Got sorted and made our way over to Milton for 4.15pm and most people were there in the bar already, so we joined them of course. Some of the girls went off to use the pool and sauna etc but the lads stayed and ended up with 4 or 5 pints so that was a good start to proceedings!

Quick freshen up and change of clobber and then back down to get on with the party. Nice food, same table as a few years ago and then the disco and more drinking…loads of dancing but it was a bit sudden when they just turned everything off at midnight, felt too sudden and without warning, bit of an anti-climax if I am honest, everyone (not just us) was up for it and really letting loose.

So we congregated in the bar and chatted but after about an hour we called it a night and went to bed, really good fun and it was nice because no one really overdid it so in the morning it was fine getting breakfast etc

A lovely crowd and we all get on so well with each other, look forward to the same next year!

Tax Situation–Nice Surprise

Got the tax update from Simone today and it was very pleasing indeed.

Obviously it's not much fun owing the taxman £13k but it meant I knew my financial situation and to cut a long story short I have about £16k available for my own use. Amazing bonus for the years work!!!

Tash was pleased as you would expect and immediately planned how to save and spend the money!! More than likely it will all be hidden away for a lavish holiday for our 50th birthdays and 25th wedding anniversary

Very pleased with myself and now need to go again to raise that sort of money next year as well.

To be honest though, it has been draining. But when that happens then it's worth it. Especially if you think of the monthly amount I've earned as well.

Wow!!

My Desert Island Discs!

I’ve always had this as a list of Desert Island Disks on my iPhone but I thought I would add them to this blog just as a keepsake…I’ve added some extra details to these as well. Probably could add a lot more songs to this but that’s it for now

Real Gone Kid – Deacon Blue – Saw them play at Cornbury as they started doing a reunion tour and they were brilliant, one of my favourite bands and album, love their music

Two Tribes – Frankie Goes to Hollywood - my favourite Frankie song without a doubt. Just brilliant. Fortunate enough to see it live when Trevor Horn played live at Cornbury in 2015 and the original guitarist from the song played as well. Loved it!

That's Entertainment - best Jam song ever!

Baggy Trousers – Madness - summed up school and also 2 tone music was all we could dance to at that age! Always able to dance to this music wherever and whenever it strikes up. Enjoy seeing The Inflatables play it and was fortunate enough to see Madness live in Brighton as well

With You I'm born Again – Billy Preston & Syrita - school discos – always the last song of the night and your chance to get a slow dance with one of the girls there that you had your eye on! Lovely melody and brings back those memories whenever I hear it

Jupiter from Planet Suite – Gustav Holtz – inspirational music. Reminds me of the Rugby Unon World cups but still more than that

Omen – The Prodigy - Team Taurus skipping competition that Lewis and his karate friends won. So proud to be a part of that

Too Nice To Talk To – The Beat – I just played over and over in my bedroom when a teenager. I liked my own company and would happily spend hours listening to music, reading or playing chess alone, this song was great as were some of the other Beat songs (Mirror in the Bathroom!)

Such a shame – Talk Talk - as above

Prince Charming – Adam and the Ants - first album I ever queued up to by on first day of release. Outside Music Market when it was in Covered Market. Used to spend hours in that shop spending all my pocket money on records. Loved music as a teenager

Without You – Nillson - first dance at wedding. Great day

Pet shop boys white album - can't remember first song

Book? Legend by David Gemmell. First book I bought of his and became a fan and read them all. Gutted when in Holiday Inn once reading obituaries in complimentary paper to see his name. Very really quite sad that I'd not be reading any more material by him. Odd feeling that was.

Or Magician by Raymond Feist - great story telling on an epic scale that pulled you into it and spawned so many sequels and additional spin-off stories, really good author.

Football Weekend Update

Saturday we played home match against Gloucester but at Garsington. It went well and was a very competitive match. Goal down to go 2-1 up and then find ourselves 4-2 down.

Somehow we pushed and showed great commitment and team spirit to fight back to 4-4 and with the last kick of the game our forward was brought down and a penalty (rightly) given. Will slotted home and that as it, won 5-4.

The enjoyment was taken away from me though as I'd not given a couple of players a decent run out and Tom Rolfe's dad approached me as much. I was posed off about it for the rest of the day as it was also Jack, Jonah and Naz. It's not often I put the result ahead of the players and this time it worked but it didn't feel like it was worth it in the end

Sunday we were in action in the PGA u16 cup and we played my old team Summertown stars. Wyn and James O were there and James seemed really pleased to see me, stopping short of a hug!!

The game was very one-sided as expected and we ran out 13-0 winners. The two managers were the ones that took the team over from me and the coach David still struggles to be not rude to me. Not sure what I'd done to make him dislike me so. Ah well

Coincidentally the ref was David Rundle. Funny old world isn't it??