Diary Post that was in my notes–nothing much to add…

1. Diary over Xmas and NY - 2017!!
   1. Hosting neighbours
   2. Xmas Day hosting
   3. Boxing Day hosting
   4. NYE at Cardiff

Xmas celebrating in earnest

Great day yesterday. Got a few things sorted in the morning and then I took Jack to a trial for what we thought was Carterton but was actually the GPS JPL side. He impressed, I was really pleased with, and for, him. He did shine out and was noticed by their main coach so they’re keen to get him on board with is really pleasing for all of us. He did look off the pace though because he’s not been training with any sort of intensity but he will soon get match sharp again. Hopefully today at Woodstock he’ll get a full run out – we shall see.

It completely over-ran so we got home as quick as we could and then me, Jack, Tash and Nathan went down to Eastleigh to meet with Wendy and all the families. I drove a bit fast and we experienced a bit of road-rage from a chap in front of us who thought I was going to undercut him – all very sill and dangerous, I wasn’t, he was being a first class prick! Anyway, got to the Beefeater in the end and it was a lovely meal. Graham was working so wasn’t there but he made a surprise 10 mins visit that was lovely, but there was Mark, Danni and Herbie and then also Mark, Svetlina and the kids, there was also Simon from Tasha’s work who was there. We all got on well and it was really lovely just to sit and catch up. Was there a couple of hours and then made a move home – they’re all staying at Wendy’s so that will be great for her – she’ll love that!

Drove home – without incident this time, sat at home for a few minutes and then me, Mum and Lewis went round to the White Hart where they had carols and that was a great evening. Some good singing, not by me of course and it was so busy. We stayed round by the fire and were with Nicky and Matt Henderson and we had a good laugh. Drank far more than we should have done but it was hard no to! Not too sure what time we left, it was quite late, I then had a couple more beers at home but fell asleep on the sofa, as did Lewis. We tried to watch Peaky Blinders but I can’t remember any of it so will need to start again!

So, a really good day…first of many this Xmas I hope!

Another Xmas, another Xmas cake!

Charlotte and Mum work together to decorate the Xmas cake every year and this year was no different. They did a really good effort and were rightly pleased with their effort. Although I was looking at it from the wrong angle so thought it was balloons! Only when it was turned around did I realise it was baubles!

Top class!

Quarry Rovers on Tour–1982?

Love this photo so much

Panto fun

The annual trip to the panto took place this evening and it was the usual and expected event. There was over 20 of us this year I think and it was good fun. Andy Collins was the person involved and it didn’t let down. The only shame about it was that we were right at the very back of the stalls so we weren’t as involved as normal – we need to get the tickets sooner and be at the front!!

Anyway had a meal in spoons before we went in and that was nice

Same again next year!

Dark Xmas Party & YouTube Night

We hosted friends and neighbours this evening and it was a real success. So it was mostly friends that we made via the kids going to school and then also people from the village. Loads turned up and it wasn’t a quiet night, people let their hair down and the drinks were flowing, Wayne, Kerry and Sharon Millar (and the kids) all came as well.

Really enjoyed it and late in the evening Pete and Katherine Casey also arrived, Katherine was steaming drunk so that was amusing

Everyone left around midnight but I’d not finished my evening so I decided on a YouTube night and carried on drinking and partying on my own with my headphones on…sad maybe but I loved it. Then Lewis came in from clubbing at about 4.00am so we carried on and videoed it etc – I think we gave up about 6.00am! Hungover Sunday but worth it!!

I also posted an update on Twitter – loads on there!

Quarry Rovers Boys – Cup Winners 1981

Not 100% certain of the year but we were all young! This appeared on Facebook the other day and it brought back such fond memories. Very lucky to have played at a good level, really fortunate

Back Row - L/R - Raheem Hayat, Ellis Spearpoint, Richard Mellis, me, Andrew Gardiner, Maurice East, John (Speedy) Icot
Front Row - L/R - Glen Anthony, Matthew Elbro, David McGrath, Martin Harris, Anthony Penge & Wayne Holden

English Cricket disappointment in Australia

“It’s the hope that kills you!”

Never a truer sentence uttered! I’ve been keeping up with the Ashes Series in Australia and it was the second series today and – Day 5 and England had the faintest glimmer of hope so I set the alarm for 3.30am to watch the match because this time it’s on BT Sport and not Sky so I’ve been able to watch loads of it so far. Quite quickly I wished I’d not set the alarm…that familiar batting collapse happened and by 5.00am it was all over so I went back to bed and had a couple more hours sleep.

I seriously think this could be a 5-0 whitewash this time, we don’t have the penetration from the bowlers and in two matches none of our batsmen has yet made a century. It won’t stop me from continuing to push my body to early morning watching or even midnight slots (when it’s not a day/night match).

Anyway, we will see…

Night out with the Caseys

Went out this evening and caught up with Katharine and Pete Casey and had a really nice evening. Had a couple of beers whilst waiting for the taxi and then collected them and went to the new Westgate centre to the Alchemist restaurant and bar and was really impressed. Big queue but we had a reservation so straight into the bar and they made these great cocktails. The signature thing being that they used dry ice which meant steaming/smoking or bubbling concoctions – it was very good!

Had a really good meal and loads to catch with them about, and then more cocktails afterwards, sat in the bar bit at the end I saw Jermaine Ferreira and said Hi and then we made our way home and got a taxi back

It was a really nice evening – both Tash and I were a bit tipsy it must be admitted!!

A Close Shave!!

I have probably mentioned this before but before my 49th birthday Tash and I sat and made a list of 50 things to do before I am 50 years old – although I’ve only managed to get to 40 so far so still 10 more to add to the list!

Today I was able to tick one of the #50Things off which was a proper cut throat shave at a barbers

I was really looking forward to the experience, it’s something that Lewis had paid for my birthday and I took my time booking the right place which was Youngmans down the High Street. I didn’t shave for a week before today and even dressed up quite smart. I dropped the car off at Tash’s work and then made my way down there and Craig was the person dealing with me. I was having the Youngmans luxury experience so I got my hair cut, washed, face scrubbed and creamed and then the shave with the cut throat razor. I didn’t take a photo as it would have been odd but I really enjoyed it all – except for having to talk all the way through!! No nicks or cuts etc and then that was it done – I was there for 1hr and 45mins.

I went back to Tash’s work and sat there for a bit and it was then that I realised the shave wasn’t as close as I would have expected or indeed as close as I could manage with my own blades, I have to admit to being a little underwhelmed by that side of it. I don’t want to let on and I almost want to try another barber to see if this is normal, but it’s now 5.00pm and I feel as though I need to have another shave to tidy things up, bit sad really!

Anyway, I’ve ticked off the event on my list so that’s good – one down!!

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