Wouldn't be bothered about going again to be honest
Monday, November 14, 2022
Bob Marley Show and London Lights
Enjoyable evening - but hard to understand much of the chat as it was patois!
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Big Tour. Malaysia planning
Going well - very exciting to be planning and sorting out all the places we're going to visit
Sunday, October 16, 2022
Babysitting the boys. Theo and Ralph
Bit of a heavy head this morning. Nothing too bad though to be honest.
Up and tidied up so we were ready for the boys and Vic’s and Danny are having to work as things are tight at the pub. We don’t mind of course, they’re lovely lads and no trouble.
We knew today was going to be nice weather, which it was, so we had ideas as to how to keep them occupied. First we finished housework and the Airbnb rooms, alone we have Jacks one being used. Then we let they play in the garden and then went up the road to the park. That was nice, I sat outside the pub as I had Bess and she can’t go into the playground part with the swings and slides.
We then went to the lakes to feed the ducks. Ben Molyneux is house sitting at the top of the road so he wandered down to the lakes as well with Eimily and Jorge. Goodness they’ve grown up, hardly recognised them.
Came back to ours and got the pizza oven going to use the last of the dough and then Ben and the kids came over for an hour. It was nice.
They had plans so when they left Tash took the boys into the hottub and I tidied up, they loved it. Got them bathed and sorted and I then decided to go to the golf club to see if I could manage to swing a club or not. Tash was happy to let me drive so off I went about 4.15pm, got there and the carpark was empty, I had the whole golf course all to myself, it was great. I was a bit nervous of my hip and played within myself but it was fine, there was no pain or reaction so I went round and did 9 holes. I was tiring and aching but it confirmed that I’d be able to play so that was great.
Had an okay round, parred the 1st which I don’t think I’ve ever done and birdied the 4th, the rest of it wasn’t too good. My wedge work was appallingly bad. Came home after 9 as it was getting dark, but that was enough for me.
Had a bath to relax aching muscles and Jack got home from seeing Jodie in Bournemouth and we watched a good film. Twice we guessed how long left and I was 55 minutes and 21 minutes and got it right both times. Really funny and a bit spooky!
Busy day, busy weekend and back to work tomorrow…no doubt even busier!!
Saturday, October 15, 2022
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Tough Day
Hard day at work
Busy
Drove out and got golf membership
Hello fresh. Prawn Thai red curry
More work
Exercise for 30 mins
Monday, October 10, 2022
This week I have been mostly cooking "Hello Fresh"
Lewis sent Tash a voucher for Hello Fresh meals as an introductory offer and this week we had a delivery of the ingredients and recipes for x3 meals.
Tash used this as an excuse to get me to cook! Bit lazy if you ask me. In saying that, I really enjoyed it, they give you very good instructions and the ingredients are exact. It was quite interesting how small the rice and pasta portions were but when cooked they were more than enough for Tash and I, in fact we even had enough for me the day after one of them.
The meals were vegetarian chilli, pasta bake and beef mince with black bean and potato wedges. All of them were very tasty and yes, I did really enjoy doing it. We are going to do it again next week and have a better choice of meals. But it’s me that will do them again.
Jack's Bedroom conversion
Up bright and early today and on a mission to get things done. We’re going to change Jack’s bedroom into an Airbnb room but it needs a bit of an update. So we gave it a new coat of paint and we’ve bought new linen so it’s good to go.
I still have a bit of wood I need to sort for the skirting board but that’s it, need to take some new photos and get it advertised. We will charge a bit more for it as it’s a larger room but won’t go overboard on the cost. We will also likely not rent it out all the time as Jack will want it sometimes when he’s home.
I also set up the new Rattan furniture and that looks good.
Tash did loads of gardening and we got loads sorted. Even had her nice homemade tomato soup, sadly it’s not the tomatoes from the garden, I think those will only be good for chutney sadly. We will see, some of them are ripening.
About 4.00pm we went over to Sue’s and did some jobs and then a lovely lamb roast, it really was very tasty! Treacle pudding with custard for dessert so I was happy!! I also had three large gin and tonics, instead of lager, made the most of Tasha having to drive instead of me for once!!
Came home and still more jobs and getting ready for the working week. Charlotte has been down in Devon with GG and Ev, they look like they’ve had a fantastic time. Jack has poured fat down his sink and been blocked for 2 days!! Getting stressed with mum and her solutions. Not heard from Lewis really.
Nice day and nice weekend.
Sunday, October 02, 2022
Ikea Shopping Trip…with meatballs
Had a shit night's sleep again, keep being wide awake at 4.00pm. Woke up around 9.00am and spent the next hour doing Wordle and Quordle and wasting time on the socials. So much to catch up on, this government under Liz Truss is a fucking nightmare. Anyway, can’t be bothered with that.
Didn’t do much the rest of the morning other than working out the flights and plans for the Big Tour. It’s going to be upwards of £7k, we’re going to use the £5k from great grandma as I think travel is a good homage to her and use of her money. I hope she agrees.
Quite excited about it, we’ve got some dates and need to get it cleared with work, but pissed off that we couldn’t use the BA companion voucher, that would have reduced the cost by half. Odd we can’t.
We then went out and met Charlotte and Miles and went to IKEA in Milton Keynes, wandered round, I kept stopping. It was fine but it’s a bit dull and lacking interest for me. But for Charlotte, it gave her the chance to spend her birthday vouchers and she did well. We ended up spending £95 on god knows what!! Had meatballs for dinner of course! And bought a big bag of Daim bars so I’m happy with that!
Came home and relaxed, watched the end of a series we’re into and then had an early night.
Just realised that the trip is 4 months away, I need to be walking fit but also beach fit…that’s going to be a VERY interesting challenge. I wonder how I will do!
Saturday, October 01, 2022
Blenheim grounds walk
Felt knackered all day today. Slept on the floor in the front room when trying to do exercises, not ideal.
Bit of an odd day really, tried to sort the problems either stop cock out the front but was unsuccessful and a waste of time and didn’t get much else achieved. Much to Tasha’s criticism…no further comment. Didn’t need it though.
After nice lunch we went over to Blenheim and wandered through the grounds and got a coffee in the courtyard. I did okay, it was a lot of walking and it tired me but I keep telling myself it’s what I need to do and need to get the miles under my belt.
Came home and had a couple of Gin and Tonics and just chilled - also started looking properly into the flights for the Big Tour, need to get things in motion.
Only spent an hour or so and also bought a new set of Rattan garden furniture - that was £1k!! Mad
Watched a bit of TV and waited on the next Airbnb to arrive
Friday, September 30, 2022
Dreamgirls
Managed a full day at work today. Quite productive but again very tiring. Managing to remain disconnected from the emotion which is pleasing
Tash came home after work but not for long as she was meeting up with Sharon and Kerry to go to the theatre and watched a show called Dreamgirls, came back quite late but said it was well worth it and really enjoyable. Can’t remember the leading lady’s name but she was on the voice and Tash said she was amazing so that’s good.
I just had dinner and got the fire going after going for a walk around the village in the pouring rain. It gave me a good excuse to use my Dry Robe though! The main reason is I’ve got a fitness app and I’ve reduce the daily steps target to 4K whilst I’m doing rehab. So I forced myself to do it as it’s the second day to meet that target, didn’t need to worry, ended up about 5.5k in the end!! That’s steps, not distance!!
Tash went out so lazed in front of the fire and watched a few episodes of Narcos, got back into it very quickly, it is addictive viewing. Really enjoyed it.
A decent day I guess.
Thursday, September 29, 2022
Bit of a nothing day today
Up bright and early and got straight to work. Starting to feel the strain and what’s really odd is that I’m being asked about tasks I know absolutely nothing about, it’s like I’ve been expected to be fully up to date and have checked emails and be on top of everything whilst I was off. I’ve not even caught up with the emails and the tonne of stuff not dealt with my in absence. Mental.
Had a tough meetings, lads are getting stressed, it’s not a happy workplace. I was tired by 2.00pm to be honest, I shouldn’t even be working, I’m a fucking idiot!!
Did a full day and finished at 5.30pm and just wanted to sleep. Did some chores, like sorting the broken handle on the vans fridge door, took Bess for a walk and made it round the allotment and feel even more tired now. Waiting for Airbnb to turn up and I’m dying to go to bed.
Nice dinner, leftovers from yesterday lasagna and some cake. Got exercises done so hopefully keep that up.
Like the title says, but if a nothing day but I wanted to post a diary entry all the same.
Suppose I could comment on politics, Liz Truss is our new PM and she’s useless, as is Kwarsi Katang. He’s just done a mini-budget and completely yanked the economy, sterling is almost at parity with dollar and interest rates are going up. So as well as the energy bills crisis is that is simply disgusting the cost of living and now mortgages is going throught the roof. Pensions almost folded yesterday, it’s a bad time in Britain at the minute.
Charlotte’s 26th Birthday
Charlotte is 26 today…how does that happen?!? My kids are all grown up, I hate it. Looked through old photos of her and the kids and friends and saw them when they were about 5 & 8 and it’s so lovely, I even looked slim and fit!! Yes, I used to be…
Had a nice morning opening presents and breakfast, and throughout the day she got loads of love on social media.
Everyone was working and we then had lunch in which Tash and I took her to Jacob's Inn and Sue met us there too with Bella. Had some fizz and nice food and was very relaxed, Charlotte got some nice presents too. Back to work and then signed off around 5.45pm - I am getting back into my stride and of course, all the shit work and atmosphere is coming back. I am desperately trying to distance myself from the emotion that comes with the role - we'll see. It did affect my evening if I am honest, I kept thinking about emails and work that is building up!
Anyway, enough of that - I have to compartmentalise it and forget it, it's just a means to an end..payday!
Got the fire going because it's getting colder now we're hitting Autumn, even put the heating on for 30 mins - sacrilege!!
Mum came over and then Tez, Rua and Harvey and it was a nice evening of wine and lasagne.
More presents for Charlotte and then an earlyish night to bed.
It was a good day and she was suitably spoilt by everyone so that was lovely and she definitely deserves it, she's a good one and Tash and I are very, very proud of her.
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Physio
Started work fairly early and made time to break through the day. I’m determined to listen to my body and not overdo things with work. It’s clear that things can progress without me so I need to keep my input and the emails down as much as possible and not let others influence my working day and workload as much as I’ve allowed them to.
Anyway, Jack gave me a lift you the NOC as he was home from seeing Jodie at the weekend and was driving up to Manchester so it worked well. Sounds like he’s got a clothing business on the go now so that sounds promising already, they bought if to £8k and think they’ll have it all recouped in a couple of months already. He said he couldn’t believe how little the lad sold it to them for.
Physio was good, she was impressed with my mobility and flexibility after on two weeks since the op. Gave me more exercises and I am back in there again in a fortnight. Need to keep on pushing the exercises as it’s starting to feel better, but it was interesting how she found weak spots.
Called mum and she gave me a lift home and stayed for a coffee too.
Worked in the afternoon as normal and then clocked off around 5.00pm as I was tired.
Not much doing in the evening. Did chores and the house was bloody cold so got a fire on the go and that was nice. Early night.
Monday, September 26, 2022
Back to Work
So today I went back to work and it was okay. I’d got up to date with emails and to be honest, when you’re not working it’s surprising how few emails you actually get come in. So working appears to just generate work!!
I focused on a couple of key things that I’d been requested to work on and had a catch up with Darren etc.
I did have breaks and alternated between sitting and standing at the desk and it was okay.
Had a meeting at the local surgery to trim the sutures and reset my dressing. There was nothing to trim, the sutures were dissolvable and all that’s left is a bit of an angry looking scar, about 8 inches long…hopefully that’ll become less noticeable in time. It wasn’t painful but it was interesting to view.
Got a lot done otherwise and clocked off work on time, nice dinner (pasta with sausages that we didn’t use kn the fry up yesterday!) and then Jack and Tash went to bootcamp so I took the chance to watch the next episode of House of the Dragon. Decent.
When they were back we watched a treasure hunting film that was a bit shit but enjoyable nonsense. More a Sunday hangover film.
So now I’m coming back to normality after my time off, wonder how soon I’ll be stressing and hating everything?? I’ll give it this week!
Sunday, September 25, 2022
Hip Replacement Operation - Update
It's now two weeks since the operation, not sure where I stand in terms of how successful or not it has been, I will actually find out tomorrow as I have a visit to the physio in the morning.
I think it's been okay - it's been a rough fortnight and it has certainly caught me by surprise with how hard it's been, but at the same time there have been lots of positives.
The operation itself was successful but I apparently wouldn't open my teeth so they couldn't put any suction tubes down my throat and I was fighting them off a number of times - all in my sleep!!
They were pleased (and surprised) to be working on someone as fit and young as me - they're used to only getting the "dregs" - their words - who are morbidly obese and have heart problems etc. I was the fittest person they've had in there for about 6 months!
Anyway, the time after the op was hard, I was being sick due to one of the liquid painkiller drugs that messed me up (Oxycodone) - the worst was in the morning when I was projectile vomiting into the toilet bowl - it was mad. But also lucky I was in the toilet!!
I was moved to a ward with three other men, Ian, Michael and Robin, all in their late 70s and had been there a while and had similar operations, they were in good spirits although Michael wasn't well at all - heart problems!
Anyway, the Friday night was appalling, I was in so much pain, couldn't eat on Saturday and alternated between sleeping and listening to music.
Tash and Charlotte visited but I wasn’t in the mood, my mum also came round.
Saturday night sleep was better and Sunday was good and after physio they felt I was okay getting around.
When home I was being looked after and no one really knew how much I could or couldn’t do. I was fine getting up and down stairs but the first week I was tired. Just sleeping on the sofa and having early nights.
The seconweek I was on my own because all the family went to Katie and Oscars wedding in Cyprus. Obviously I was disappointed to be missing out but it’s the decision I made.
I was fine at home, perfectly happy in my own company. Watched tv, completely the beers puzzle, watched the wedding, and slept. Started getting my appetite back so are more and was also able to do exercises they’d given me. I did stop the painkillers for a while as I felt okay and they “blocked me up” but after a few days the pain came back so I had to use them and they made me sleepy again.
Managed to get out to walk a couple of times but again it hurt so stopped overdoing it.
I did a few jobs around the house but if you look at what I’ve done with 2 weeks off work it’s literally nothing, but then it’s not exactly been a holiday!!
So now it’s a fortnight since the op, I started back at work today, that was tough, I find looking at a screen tiring. But also sitting or standing at my desk isn’t comfortable. I’ll do what I can and increase the hours I’m doing.
Can’t say it’s good to be back, and I’ve not really been missed as my emails weren’t mental when I returned although to be fair I did tidy them up a few times last week when trying to look at what I had on my plate.
Anyway, had the dressing replaced today and I’ve a scar that’s about 8 inches long, and I’ve physio tomorrow, so will see how I do there.
Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
So Tash is home for one day and then off on another trip out, this time to London! She and Charlotte took Sue to Fortnum & Mason for afternoon tea for Sue’s birthday.
I looked after Bella when she finally arrived at our house about 90 mins late!
They had a great time and I was right to tell them to take a chance on parking because they did find on-street parking for free right next to where they needed to be in Piccadilly which was great. Only had to pay the £15.00 congestion charge. Sent some photos of their food and all pretty standard and they said it was unlimited and they had a great time.
Travelling home there were Iranian protesters and fights at Marble Arch so they were stuck in traffic for a while but they weren’t too late.
Brought me home some cakes so that was nice.
I had a quiet afternoon, slept again as I was knackered through lack of sleep at night and then I worked in the office getting things up to date. Sort of productive I guess. Went through all my Notes and also provided more ideas for my birthday and Xmas presents - they laugh but also say how useful it is for me to tell them what I want
Charlotte did say she thought it a bit sad that I was asking for coffee beans - "Why don't you just go and buy some?".
Finally watched the last episode of This Is Us - it's been enjoyable and it was sad at the end, but that's all over now thank goodness!
Saturday, September 24, 2022
Fam Home and Tucks Over
They got home around midnight and were obviously all knackered and had a lie-in in the morning, Tash did actually go to Yoga and I pottered around the house, nice and easy catching up with this still but then Tash came back and cracked the whip! All a bit irritating to have my routine messed about with, to be honest, but there we go.
Tucks sent a message earlier in the day saying he was in England so we arranged to meet up later and he come over to ours - I made a reservation for Jacob's Inn.
The rest of the day was mostly clearing up things and sleeping - I keep getting pain in my leg so back on painkillers.
Jack went off to see Jodie down in Bournemouth and I caught up on the gossip and stories from the holiday and sorted Tash's O2 account.
Andrew came over around 5.30pm (I'd had a quick snooze as I was knackered) and it was a really nice evening. I broke my month-long target to not drink lager but it was okay really - didn't have too much. Really good to catch up - chatted for ages, then went to Jacob's and had a nice dinner then back home, watched some TV and Tuck's stayed the evening in Jack's room.
Really good to see him, he's off early in the morning so will likely miss him as he's helping move things in his parent's house and then back to the States. His new house is looking very impressive and his kids, Olivia and Grace) are settling in etc.
Sounds like all is good
Friday, September 23, 2022
Home Alone Update - Last Day
So the fam are trying to come home again today, similar times but this time they are coming via Romainia!! Don’t ask. Completely mad.
I had a strange day really, did a couple of hours work for Raintree and then more diary entries but nothing for the Big Tour. Took Bess for a walk on the meadow which was nice but I am struggling here in bed this evening, in loads of pain and it won’t go away.
Didn’t really have a decent dinner, just snacks and treated myself to gin and tonics sat outside with the heater on and watching some of the England v Italy Nations game. It was very poor.
I can’t write anymore, I’m in agony. Just received a text saying they’ve landed at Gatwick and it’s 22:25pm. So they’ll be home in a couple of hours.
Night.
Jack has moved up to Manchester
So the final child has fled the nest back in August. Jack's business (Reseller2Reseller) and his partners are based in Manchester and over the last few months, he and Noah have been up there for weeks at a time which has involved staying at Lewis's house for extended periods.
That in itself has caused a bit of friction which is a crying shame but I think that's done and dusted now, quite upsetting all round the way it was handled, but I don't want to be negative on here and for this to be read as such in the future - only that it clearly was a temporary situation and family should do "anything" for each other. That's enough on that!
Anyway.. Jack's been trying VERY hard to find a place to rent for him and Noah and it's been nigh on impossible, places are gone almost as soon as they are advertised and/or there are loads of bookings.
Natasha wasn't convinced he was trying hard enough and got involved and soon was pulling her hair out as well! Even Lewis at one point too. This went on for weeks.
Anyway, just by chance a place that Jack had viewed and was unsuccessful with came back on because the residents pulled out and with a lot of hoop jumping Jack and Noah secured the contract.
So for a couple of weeks, Tash has been travelling up to Manchester with Vinnie full of beds and household items and she's helped him move in - at the time of writing this I've not been to see it yet but from the photos, it looks fine and he's happy now. It's on the outskirts of Manchester in a village/suburb and appears "safe" enough. I didn't go because of work.
On the first day of handover whilst Tash was there it was apparently very emotional, Jack was crying his eyes out as much as mum and for a few weeks following the day one move he was clearly quite homesick and was sending various messages over to us and calling etc, it's settled down now and he's more into the routine and happier up there it seems. It's quite a shock to the system for him as he didn't do Uni or anything and has only known home comforts and being looked after - very different prospect doing it all for yourself.
I think what's also helped is he now has the internet connected and I think they're using the front room as an office so it's busy there most of the day (I think with Noah playing football he was a bit lonely).
Feels like he's grown up, although that perception was shattered when he came back down and stayed a few days ahead of the wedding trip to Cyprus - he was a pain in the backside and back to his shouty self!! :-) Lol
I don't think it's going to be a permanent solution, him staying in Manchester, let alone this accommodation, but it's great he's got out an experienced it and can now make decisions going forward, the business is going well so that's all good and the correct decision.
It's made the house a whole lot quieter, and with no Charlotte now it's been a very emotional couple of months with "losing" the kids. People we speak to often say they're pleased when their kids move out - we're not like that, we love having the kids around, we LIKE our children!!
Anyway, they have to move on at some point, don't they? So as much as it's quieter, there's also more food left in the house - Jack eats so bloody much! Tash and I need to scale down our weekly shop and also when we cook remember it's only the two of us, its caught us out a few times and we've had leftovers for the following day as a result!
We will convert one of their rooms, probably Charlotte's as she's the more 'permanent' leaver, into an AirBnb room but we won't rush it so neither of them feels we've been desperate to get rid of them and change things and get money from their departure, but it makes obvious sense to use one more room as the small box room is full nearly all the time.
Anyway, sad to lose Jack but he's close to Jodie, so I think we'll be seeing them a lot as Jodie used us as a stopover the other day on her way up to Manchester from Bournemouth (stayed the night - lovely that she's that comfortable with us).
We'll definitely be going up to Manchester more now as having x2 kids up there makes it easier to catch up with them!!
We shall see what the future holds...
Thursday, September 22, 2022
Home Alone Update - One Day more!
Sort of productive day today - worked through a list of chores which included cutting back the roses (front and back), cutting the lawn, refilling the pond (after accidentally draining it!), sweeping the patio, getting the dustbins out for tomorrow, re-inflating the hot-tub and also doing some work for EdCo and Raintree - all just in the morning so was very pleasing to see things up together.
Tash told me early in the day that their flight was delayed by at least two hours but annoyingly the taxi firm wouldn't change so they were getting to the airport very early. They made the most of the last few hours by the pool and then came to the airport where I started getting additional updates on later and later departure times.
There was a post on Twitter where someone on the flight from Gatwick to Larnaca showed some idiots being kicked off the plane which eventually meant that the flight Tash and the kids are waiting for is cancelled until 5.00pm tomorrow evening - what an absolute nightmare!! At the time of typing, they're waiting for their luggage and I think they're then being put up in a hotel. What a shame.
So that was evening occupied with loads of updates from them.
The rest of the day was pretty uneventful, I started looking into the Big Tour, as I am going to call it - i.e. our trip to South East Asia, to be honest, though I am quite overwhelmed with it all, it's something we definitely need to work out together but also ask other people who've been, like Charlotte and Miles!! I am excited by it though I have to say, some of the places that we're going to get to see look amazing.
After dinner, I then watched a film and had the drama of the cancelled flights and then had an early night. Have taken a painkiller as I've had two horrible nights of interupted sleep so I am hoping tonight works out okay - fingers crossed.
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Home Alone update - diary entries
Oh goodness - I've been on a mission today - I have created so many entries to catch up with what I've not been posting and it's been enjoyable if a little time-consuming!
Luckily all the St Lucia ones were already written on my phone so it was a case of transferring them over and adding tags etc. Hopefully, keep it up - challenging target tomorrow again to add historical ones.
Got my new sim card today so spent time trying to get my number transferred over, if all goes well I've reduced my monthly cost from £35 to £6 - it's mental!
Watched the new Star Wars series, Andor, that came out today - they've released 3 episodes in one hit which makes really good sense as the first two are a little slow so watching them all in one go means you are hooked into it as opposed to giving up after ep 2! I've enjoyed it.
So that means I've got Andor, Rings of Power (Lord of the Rings) and House Of Dragon (Game of Thrones) on my playlist at the minute...all good fun.
Managed to get out for a walk this evening so as to start building up the leg muscle and fitness, also managed 90 mins of work (in the whole day!) - I did 50 mins and I was knackered and my back was hurting - next week when I plan to come back "properly" is going to be tough going.
Oh, I also managed to properly update my birthday list and even found a Xmas present for Tash! How organised am I?
Or it's just spectacular procrastination because the planning of the Asia trip is just too much for me to face!!
Home Alone update - Katie & Oscar’s Wedding
Today’s the day!
Over in Cyprus Katie and Oscar got married today and it all seemed to go off very well indeed. It was 1.00pm our time over here (they're 2hous ahead). Lewis set up a WhatsApp group and we joined the call and he shared his screen - it wasn't ideal as they were a fraction out of ear-reach but we got the gist of what was happening.
You had me, Miles, Sue and Caroline (Danny's mum) and Wendy and Graham on the call and it was nice to feel involved, although there was that obvious feeling that we were missing out by not being there - but that was all of our own choices so can't complain about that!
The "service" was over in 20 minutes, the registrar wasn't messing about..I think it's very hot of course so she didn't want it dragging on.
About 2 hours later Lewis fired up the WhatsApp call again and we witnessed the speeches - this was a lot better to listen to as they used microphones and it went well. Everyone did sincere and nice/meaningful speeches which made sense and they all went down well of course.
That was it then and they went ahead with celebrating and drinking and food and so on, I kept getting messages throughout the evening which was nice, Tash said I was being missed so that was nice to hear.
So all in all, a very successful event - and now they're married. How strange that is to think these young neices are all "grown up"!
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Home Alone update - Chinese Takeaway and wedding!
As per the title, Mum came over in the evening and brought Bess with her and she seemed excited to see me. But then she is excited to see everyone so I didn’t take it as particularly personal endorsement!! I think Mum gets bored in the week and having experienced this time off I can understand why. I need to be more understanding and accommodating to get her out and about and involved more. Anyway, it was her tray and we had a lovely Chinese takeaway from the Mayflower in Kidlington. Got just about the right amount. Mum stayed a bit longer and then made her way home and kept Bess, she loves her company and it works so very well.
I felt a bit choked when Bess went off I have to admit, she’s coming home Thursday so that’ll be nice.
A decent day today, completed the puzzle and also watched the wedding of Katie and Oscar which I’ll add to a different post so it’s more significant.
Early night today, want an early morning and try and get my energy levels and exercise up. We’ll see!!
Monday, September 19, 2022
Queen State Funeral
After 10 days of mourning the Queen's State funeral took place today and as expected it was quite the affair!
We've had 10 days of what was commonly called MournHub which obviously is a play on words but it was highlighting how companies were trying to outdo each other in their bids to "show their respect" and at times it was downright painful. Football was cancelled, and Centre Parcs was planning on kicking customers out of the site for the Monday funeral - honestly, it was ridiculous.
Anyway, the day has arrived and I was interested of course because it's a matter of history and it was done with the pomp and ceremony we're actually quite good at!
Watched from about 10.00am and it was spell-binding as the various military groups got set up and moved to Westminster Abbey, the bagpipes were especially excellent.
The process and precision of everything was impressive and it was an entertaining watch - if that's an appropriate description for a funeral?
After the ceremony in the Abbey, they walked back to Hyde Park (Welling Square) and followed the route down the Mall, past Buckingham Palace - the day was bright sunshine so the colour/spectacle was even more stark and impressive.
They then drove her to Windsor for the final service and again it was impressive, so many people lining the route as you would rightly expect.
The camera work and the words supporting the images (I was on BBC) was excellent, enjoyed it but it was quite draining and even emotional.
She'd done well, UK's longest-ruling monarch of 70 years and aged 96 - we now have King Charles, he's been desperate to step into her shoes and now he's there, not sure how much he'll add to it all to be honest but there we go.
Home Alone update - no burglars yet!
Not really doing much with the time on my hands, still tired to be honest. I’ve started the beers puzzle from the Bamptons and that’s going well. Should have it completed before the family return home.
Not much else though, watching tv a fair amount. Miles came over Saturday evening and stayed the evening. It was nice having the company and we watched Hacksaw Ridge which was an impressive true story from WW2 Japan. We had a bottle of wine each and some other drinks and in the morning I was fine but also I felt that I didn’t particularly enjoy drinking.
I can’t put my finger on it, I’ve continued with my challenge to not drink lager and I’ve stuck with that, so gin and red wine but it didn’t do anything for me. I almost feel as if I’m not bothered about drinking alcohol. I’m sure it will pass soon enough!
Sunday morning Mikes wasn’t up until 10.30am and then left immediately, I had a relaxed day, did more exercises and ate well. Tash called in the evening but the connection was rubbish and it was very frustrating. They’re all having a great time though so good for them. I keep checking Instagram to see what they’re posting and it’s not so much actually, just beach and pool and bar. I’m jealous I’m not there but it’s my choice and I don’t mind, I’m not angry or funny about it at all, of course I’d rather be there that stuck here, but I don’t begrudge them enjoying it.
Well Queen funeral today. Will watch it and see how that goes. It’s been relentless mourning and coverage on TV, I’ve not watched any of it, not because of any anti-royal feelings, nothing like that, I’m just completely ambivalent towards it all. I just don’t care that much about her or her family.
Will see how I felel whist watching it, if course I’ll watch it, it’s obviously a historical event.
Saturday, September 17, 2022
The Queen is dead, long live the King
It’s happened, Queen Elizabeth 2nd died yesterday in Balmoral, Scotland. Throughout the day there was serious speculation because all the Royal family were making their way up there.
Then around 5.00pm (when they’d all gathered) the announcement came and the world was made aware that she’d died in the afternoon. She was 96 and had just had her 70 Jubilee celebrations.
As can be expected everything has gone into meltdown with social media, tv and events like football this weekend being cancelled.
It’s sad of course and she was clearly a very influential person. The commentators on tv and radio are really going overboard and there’s only so many times you can hear people saying how they are affected by it. It feels like a “duty” to be sad. I’d prefer the opposite happens, make it a celebration of her life. But that’s just me.
Home Alone
It’s Katie and Oscar’s wedding next week in Cyprus so at 2.30pm yesterday Tash and the kids left for Gatwick and travelled over there to meet up with those already there. Things went fine and I woke up
this morning to a text from Tash saying they’d had a few hours sleep and we’re heading for the hotel as they have a boat trip organised early.
Of course I feel left out but it’s a decision I took so that I could have the operation last week so there’s no complaints from me. I hope they have a fantastic time, and I am sure that they will do.
So I just pottered around at home, sorted out a new contract for my phone which was a pain in the arse but got there in the end which is a huge saving. Need to sort Tasha’s out when she’s back from the wedding. Had a nice dinner and the trifle that I’d got Charlotte to buy me whilst watching a bit of a shit film but it was a nice evening. Mum didn’t take Bess so she kept me company.
All in all, decent day and now it’s 8.00am on a bright Saturday morning with a blank slate to decide what I wish to do. Wonder if I’ll be productive?!?
Friday, September 09, 2022
long time no hear
Such a shame that I’ve not kept this better uodated, it’s been a busy year and I’ve not got much, or any, of it recorded. Think I’ll do a big update today and then see if I can do more regular updates throughout the year. I’m up here in Manchester at Lewis’s house around 7.30am in the front room after having been up here yesterday for Emily’s birthday that Lew and Em hosted.
It was significant because Emily’s side of the family were all invited so it was our first time of meeting her parents, Kathy and Peter, plus her sisters, their husbands and kids. It went really well and was a lovely afternoon. They were all friendly and the kids were fun and it worked really well so that was pleasing for Lewis.
Tidied up when everyone left and watched a film and had a few more beers and pizza. A good day all round.
Will return to Oxford today (Sunday) as our other big news is that Charlotte and Miles will move into their new house today. Bitter sweet feeling of them getting their own place but also permanently moving out of ours. So many people say things like “bet you’re glad to push them out the door!”…I always reply that nothing could be further from the truth. We love having our kids around the house and being with them, it’s going to be so strange not having her around, and with Jack so close to moving out it’s all a bit emotional in the Dark household right now!
I’ll do more on Charlotte on another separate post later.
So Lewis is doing well up here, the house looks great, he and Em seem very close and strong, and he’s likely to progress his career further with a new job at Siemens very shortly as his top boss keeps on at him to apply for higher up vacancies. He seems keen but also knows what he doesn’t want to do which is great.
Charlotte’s work is going well, recently had bonus and pay rise and is involved in Dale Carnegie scheme so they recognise her and want her to progress. She has a mentor scheme too and he’s working with her to upgrade her role etc which she’s excited by. Doing really well. Miles is close to changing his job, now he has the house he should pack in the current cleaning role he has, it’s a mental job that I cannot imagine any sane employer would inflict on anyone. It’s mental the driving he does to Maplethorpe twice a week picking up people in Nottingham on the way up. He’s likely to move to a company that’s based in Blenheim working on pool maintenance, normal hours, on their doorstep and same money. No brainier!! Couldn’t do it sooner as wanted to get the hands on the keys and needed the stability of existing job for mortgage purposes. A new chapter for them both in every sense of the word.
And Jack? His business is absolutely booming, he’s done so well. Streetwise Sneaks is strong in Oxford and he’s also set up with guys in Manchester called Reseller 2 Resller and that business venture has gone through the roof. So much so he’s lookjng to move up to Manchester so he can get more done and be here and now. Yesterday when we drove up in the van he gave us a load of stock to drop off at the warehouse so we got to meet two of his business partners and look around the storeroom, it’s insane, there must have been upwards of £80k stock sat there. They have a number of people looking to invest in them, Jack appears to be the lead role in these discussions so it will be very interesting to see where this goes. He should have an appointment soon with a very successful businessman who’s shown interest in the company’s he needs to do a pitch. We’ll see how that goes and what transpires there. But as mentioned, he wants to move up here so is likely to be gone from our house soon. Tash is now helping with the flat search so that will move things along even more quickly!
I’m very proud of all 3 of them, they’re doing very, very well.
Hip Replacement Operation
So here I am in the hospital waiting area. I have my own cube and have been asked 101 questions. I’ve seen 2 nurses, 1 anaesthetist and the consultant who’s working on me.
I’m about an hour from the operation and getting a bit nervous, but still it doesn’t quite feel real or serious. Getting lots of messages from Tash and Charlotte saying they want to come and see me. I’m not sure I want any fuss if I’m honest. Or waste money on the carpark!
So the time changed from 7.00am and is now likely about 2.00pm, this means it’s very unlikely that I’ll be leaving for home and will sleep the night. Eh oh when he was telling me about the pain then I think it’s good that I will be here. We’ll see in 5-6 hours time I guess.
The anaesthetist was a bit off with me, he say he was really surprised that someone my age and fitness was having the operation as they normally have much more older and specialised needs. Said I was very lucky. I’m not going to complain.
So. Will
Update this later then.
Sunday, August 07, 2022
Cape Verde - After the Return Home
I'm writing this some weeks after the event so this won't be one of my usual Day1 , Day 2 type journal entries - although there is one for Day One - but that's it!
Not sure why I didn't keep a daily journal, just lazy I guess.
So we got there no problem and the Millars welcomed us and we glad to see us I think, our first night was was tight for dinner so we went there quickly and then in the main bar for some drinks but it wasn't a late one.
The hotel was the RUI Sante Maria and it was an excellent hotel, it's only about a year old and you could tell, everything was very clean and the palm trees fro example were about a third of the height they should be. The food was good, we made the most of that, and the drink was all proper drink without any need to use "local" drink - we also made the most of that.
I certainly did on the first day and got wrecked and probably completely embarrassed myself, but there you go, everyone knows what I am like, I was subdued for much of the rest of the holiday as a result! Certainly for a few days at least.
We spent most of the time relaxing, the location we chose near the poolside bar was already accommodating so we could have all 13 of us there, we also sorted it so that Laura got an adult wristband (as she was the youngest and technically excluded) so that meant all the "kids" were together and could stick together and go to the bars (even in the other hotel for Pasha!)
It was good in the poolside bar - never too busy - and I'd often wander over there for a White Russian and a bit of peace and quiet. Food and drink was a constant - even had optics in the hotel room - mad!
Definitely a 4/5 star hotel in my opinion.
So, what do record in this post as memories of the holiday?
1. Women's European Cup final took place on our first full day there and England won (I was excited on my first day and drank too early and too much - let's leave it there!)
2. Abusing kids in the talent show on the same evening - shameful booing of their lack of talent. How I wasn't kicked out or punched is anyone's guess!
3. Millar joining in on the Aqua-Aerobics...yes I have video evidence
4. Sea was a bit of a trek across the beach but it was worth it, beautiful colours - just like the Caribbean - just closer. A few decent waves now and then so that was good fun, very warm too. We couldn't do any of the sea sports sadly as it was too rough every single day.
5. Day trip out to explore the island of Cape Verde in two jeeps - great fun. Wasn't sure what to expect but we did the following:
a. Salt Mines
b. Shanty town visit where we distributed food we'd stolen from the hotel - that was an experience!
c. Saw a mirage - excellent
d. Tall hill hike over-looking the main town and airport
e. Fishing village
f. Shark Bay - that was mental!! You had crocs on and walked out into the sea up to your knees and baby sharks would be swimming between your legs - and out where it was deeper water the larger sharks about 3m long were cruising around, it was fascinating and a great experience - everyone really enjoyed that, and then..
g. Salt Lake City - not really called that, there were no Mormons visible. It's a salt mine in a volcano and you went and swam in the water there - not exactly swimming, it was so dense with salt that you literally didn't need to do anything to remain afloat, it was incredible and nothing like anything we've experienced. You imagine this is what the Dead Sea would be like - and I can see why nothing would survive. It was quite uncomfortable having that level of salt near your body and we'd had enough after 20 minutes, but absolutely 100% worth it! Oh, if you did manage to get vertical you could feel the warmth of the volcano heat coming through below you. I thought the mine/crater was all man-made, but it wasn't - it was natural - scary!
Outside of our hotel, there is nothing, Cape Verde isn't a prosperous place, they have nothing to offer other than salt production, and the town Sante Maria where we were based was run down and not somewhere we needed to visit in the evening. Not saying it wouldn't be safe, but I'd be nervous having a drink in a bar there - and I only saw one.
6. Lewis and Emily having an evening (romantic) horse ride along the beach which was good for us as we were still messing about in the sea for a sunset swim and they came back saying a turtle was on the beach so we wandered along and watched it lay two eggs - very interesting.
7. The waterpark wasn't the best - but it amused us for 30 minutes - Zoe chickened out on the slides!
8. Evening Entertainment - was pretty amateur but one night there was karaoke and Lewis ended up on stage with Laoisa, that was a laugh.
9. Pasha Nightclub - the kids went there one night, it was based in the hotel next door to ours and we were allowed in. The adults went another night and that was enough! Wasn't the best and the DJ was useless - I genuinely think I could have got that place going and done a much better job!
10. Nice restaurants - normally most evenings we'd get something from the buffet/main restaurant and as mentioned, the food really was VERY good. They cooked it fresh and in small numbers so it wasn't sat there for ages getting dry. But a couple of nights we booked and had a "proper" sit-down meal, one Italian and another Chinese. Both were nice and very enjoyable.
11. Tash and I had a pool outside our apartment - paid a little extra but it was a good idea, everyone quite enjoyed coming round and making use of it!
That's it, we left a day or so ahead of the Millars, the only drama was that we were told whilst still by the pool that the flight was 2hrs delayed so we'd be picked up later and then when there it was another 2-hour delay and we were given food vouchers. A good thing about that was that Tash put in a compensation claim (as did everyone else, even Sharon as they were delayed too) and we got £260pp back - not bad eh? That's gone straight to paying Centre Parcs in January though!!
It was a very, very good break - everyone got on so well together and it was nice that Emily and Jodie were able to come, shame Miles wasn't there - would have been great to have had a full house! Also, shame the Holdens didn't come - that would have made it even better than it already was. I think they regretted not coming, Wayne definitely - but there we are.
If asked/suggested that we do this again, I said at the time and now it's a month later I'd say yes. Being all-inclusive meant we had our own space and could do what we wished and didn't need to worry about costs etc. So yes, perfect for a big group like we were this time.
A side note, I was really ill for 3 ays following our return home - I think it was being on the alcohol and food constantly for a week and my body just wasn't used to it!
Monday, August 01, 2022
Charlotte & Miles are Homeowners!
A bittersweet situation today, they’ve moved into their new home in Wootton Charlotte has flown the nest!!
I'm updating this post quite some time after the event and they're settling down but no problem updating it now.
There were some worries and issues with the actual handover of the keys, the old gentleman (Keith?) was struggling with his health and the new place he was moving to the woman there was being awkward but in the end, all was good and they successfully got moved in.
The house needs quite a lot of work on it, mostly decorative, and they have plenty of time to do it all. They're doing all the rooms at the same time and have done the plastering and we've done painting for them and everyone has been going around and helping or visiting.
It's nice that they're only about a 17-minute drive away, and since they've moved in they've been back here a lot as a place to stay after nights out because it's a bit awkward to get to.
I went over there one day and cut all the hedges they have - made them look good if I say so myself!
We'll see how things progress over time, there's loads of potential, but like anything - you need money to make the most of the potential. For example, they can build a side extension at a later date.
Charlotte made really good use of an app called Freegle which is where people can advertise (or ask) for free stuff they no longer need and as long as you can pick it up it's yours!! She's kept asking for help to pick up tables, chairs, cupboards, fridge/freezer and pretty much anything you can think of. It's great because she can then replace it in the future as and when they wish to.
But as per the first line of the post - it's a sad day that she's left home for good now, obviously, she was away for Uni but this is more permanent. We love having the kids at home so do lose them is bittersweet because it makes our lives quieter but of course, they grow up and need to start living their own lives and become independent.
Thankfully she's not too far away so I am sure we will be around there a lot!
Saturday, July 30, 2022
Day 1 Cape Verde
Up early and everyone got ready and set off at about 9.15am. I was a bit concerned because it’s the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham at the minute. I needn’t have worried, we sailed through and were parked up no problem just over an hour later.
Zoe was following us with the girls and Lewis & Emily turned up at exactly the same time so it was perfect. A short walk later and we’re queueing up to drop off the bags and then to security. Absolutely no issues whatsoever.
Wetherspoons for food and beers and then to the gate for our 2.20pm flight. The only fly in the ointment is that we were delayed for some reason, genuinely not sure why but we took off exactly two hours late.
Now on the plane relaxing and listening to music.
This promises to be a great week I reckon. We’ll soon see!!
There's a second post created that covers the whole holiday as sadly I didn't keep a journal for this one
Friday, June 17, 2022
ABC - Lexicon of Love
As you all know this is my favourite album of all time and takes pride of place in the centre of my gallery of albums in the bar.
So when I heard that ABC were going to do a tour to mark the 40th Anniversary of the release of the album by simply playing it from start to finish live there was absolutely no way I was going to miss out on that. I'd got the tickets on the morning of release and John & Pauline were coming as well.
There was no way I wasn't going to enjoy and remember this event so when we went for a beer before the show I think I only had one - similar to the Pet Shop Boys evening.
It was brilliant - I loved every minute of it, we had good seats near the front and I was like a kid in a sweet shop, they kept laughing at me as I sat on the end of my seat straining forward to hear everything and take it all in.
They got it spot on by playing some of the music from other albums (Lexicon of Love 2 and Zillionaire) in the first half and then after the break it was the album itself, magical! Shame there was no dancing as such but the place erupted with The Look of Love and they used that as the encore as well which wasn't surprising as it went down a storm.
Such a fantastic memory, it was good as he asked the crowd if anyone was in the New Theatre when ABC played here about 40 years ago and of course, I was there then!!
Brilliant, brilliant night - loved it.
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Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Royal Ascot
So we were posh today! Very, very lucky indeed.
It was Clare Barnes 50th birthday celebration (belated) and Greg had organised for us to go to Ascot for the day in the Princess Anne enclosure - what a day it was, we were treated like Royalty!
So we went to Wooton (Didcot) to meet up and there were 10 of us in total - Miles and Lucy were meeting us there. So x2 new couples we needed to mingle and get to know and it was fine and comfortable, they were friendly enough. Had a drink of bubbly - it was early - and then the taxi arrived to take us there.
Not long and we were at the hustle and bustle of Ascot and it was great, we were in the Princess Anne enclosure and had a table to ourselves with unlimited drinks and loads of food all through the day - it was an amazing experience.
Didn't go overboard on the free drink, partly because it was midweek but more importantly neither of us wanted to show ourselves up or let Clare and Greg down - so we kept very much within control, which was a pleasant change!
Forgot to take any cash but fired up the Paddy Power app and was able to use that all day, worked a treat. I had mixed fortunes - no one in our group was a gambler so it was very much a case of guesswork but I ended up even so can't complain.
We wandered about but when the racing finished we were on a tight timeline to get the taxi and leave so we didn't stay for any after-party or music - but that was okay - we stuck my Spotify on!
After we'd dropped Clare and Greg home the taxi took us back to Oxford train station and everyone went their own ways - Charlotte came to pick us up and couldn't believe how "sober" we were.
Anyway, not all about the drink is it and we proved that, although I've mentioned it numerous times in the post!!
It was definitely a day to remember and we were so pleased and grateful to have been invited and included.
Face Book Post:
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Saturday, June 11, 2022
Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge
Tash has been training for a while with Anna Ballance to complete the Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge - I wasn't to be involved at all but unfortunately, Anna got Covid so dropped out at the last minute. Tash didn't want to delay any further because of other events and activities planned in the coming weeks so she decided to go ahead with it and I offered to drive her up and accompany her instead (obviously not n the walk itself!! I'm not mental!)
So, I left work early on the Friday and set up in the back of Vinnie with my laptop on the table and Tash drove off and for the next few hours I worked on emails etc offline - it worked really well - bit bumpy and felt a bit travel sick if the truth be told, it wasn't as comfortable and steady as if we were on the train, but it worked. When we got north of Birmingham I tried out turning my phone into a hotspot and it was brilliant - emails and access to the support website worked super smoothly. Made me start thinking that this is what we definitely need to start doing much more of - I could just as easily have been sitting at my desk at home. The only thing that would be an issue is web calls - but if I can avoid those then all is good! Anyway, something to think about for the future and having long weekends away.
Tash started to tire of the driving after a few hours, and I felt sick enough, so I drove the rest of the way up there - bloody long way. We got to the Yorkshore Dales National Park and it was beautiful, it really was, very impressed. I dropped Tash off at her "hostel" and then headed for my campsite which was about 20 mins away with Bessie. As I was unloading the van I found Tasha's walking boots - tried calling but mobile reception where she was wasn't good but got through to the hostel and they located her and yes, she did need them!! So off I went back there again, didn't mind as it wasn't too far and was another excuse to drive through the hills and countryside.
Back to the campsite and just relaxed with Bess, nice dog walking area.
Saturday was the day of the walk and Tash set off around 6.15am, I was awake of course and wished her luck (then went back to sleep!), the location of the campsite was great and I had a good view and I just sat and worked all day with the van door opening looking out - interupted work with walking Bess and eating and getting the odd update from Tash as they got phone signal on the walk - she was doing it pretty quickly and was enjoying it.
As the day wore on (around 4.00pm) I thought to myself, "I'm up here in this amazing area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and I am sat here on my laptop doing work for no additional pay and no additional thanks - what the fuck am I doing???" Yes it felt good to have got things up to date but I have so many alerts and reminders telling me that work is "never done/completed" - so I decided right then to close the laptop and get out exploring - Tash wouldn't need me until about 6.30pm.
So Bess and I went for a drive and up on the Dales and it was spectacular, loved it, parked the van, took photos and let Bess run wild - a couple of cars went passed and loads of keen cyclists - some big hills to climb which I would not have fancied! Really enjoyed it, photos don't do those sort of views justice to be honest but got some good ones.
Then after a bit we went back and travelled to the hostel to meet Tash as she walked in and completed the trek - I was too late! They'd already got in and she'd collected her stuff and that and didn't want to stay with her new friends any longer so came back to the campsite with me. She was due to stay one more night and have dinner with the hotel people but preferred my company, I guess I should be flattered.. :-) Had a nice evening and caught up on her stories of the experience, hopefully when I am sorted with a new hip then I'll be in a position to join her on these sorts of excursions as opposed to being the backup/base camp!
Next day (Sunday) we mad our way home and stopped off near Manchester and met up with Lewis is a very nice village for a coffee and cake and catch up. Then carried on home - shit traffic and it took bloody ages, but all in all a really good weekend, well worth it.
Not sure if this Facebook link will work or not - hope it does:
Saturday, May 28, 2022
Pet Shop Boys - Dreamworld Tour
I had always regretted not seeing Pet Shop Boys in concert when I was younger and vowed that I would do so when they were next touring (if ever they did tour again) and when they announced a new tour that was going to be all their "old stuff" I was delighted and we got tickets for it with John and Pauline.
That was a couple of years ago and then Covid hit and pushed it back but thankfully it finally went ahead - it's been 40 years but it was so very, very worth it
John drove, it was in Birmingham Arena on the outskirts, but that wasn't a concern for me as I wasn't going to drink anyway as I wanted to soak in all the atmosphere and remember it.
Our seats were near the back of the floor-standing area but it was fine, just pleased to be there and they put on such a great performance, even with my back aching like mad I don't think I actually sat down at all.
As promised they did play so many of their old tracks and it was wonderful, the show was such an impressive sight, I really, really enjoyed it. Loads to sing to, oh, it was just wonderful, simple as that.
When it was over we went to the hotel opposite and had a drink upstairs looking out over the venue watching everyone leaving and then after 45 mins we wandered to the car and there was no traffic at all - will have to keep that in mind for the next time we go to that venue.
Such a great night
The set list is below - a great memory
- (Stephen Sondheim cover)
- (Gwen McCrae cover)
- (Sterling Void cover)
- (Village People cover)
- Encore:
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