Hosting BBQ Night

A normal day at work, though definitely getting busier now as people are coming back from their holidays and the schools will soon be starting again.

We were hosting tonight — Tash had invited Cathy and Anna over, along with their partners, Steve and John. The plan was a BBQ, but of course, it was absolutely pouring down with rain for most of the afternoon. I was out there in the wet trying to get everything sorted, but luckily the rain eventually eased off, and we managed to spend the whole evening outside as planned.

Everyone arrived around 6:00pm and the atmosphere was lovely — plenty of drinks, chatting, and laughter. I get on really well with Steve, but I haven’t spent much time around John before. What became very noticeable, though, was just how much he takes over conversations. He has a habit of sharing his wisdom and opinions at full volume and pretty much bulldozing through whatever anyone else is saying.

It did get a bit irritating at times, especially when I was trying to chat with Steve in the bar about music and a few other things, but eventually, we just rolled with it and didn’t let it spoil the night.

I was on BBQ duty, and I think I did a decent job — the food went down well, everyone seemed happy, and the evening flowed along nicely. Before we knew it, it was 10:30pm, and people started heading off.

Once everyone had gone, Tash and I curled up on the outside sofa, listened to music, and had a few more drinks together. After tidying up a bit, Tash headed to bed — but I… didn’t!

I stayed out in the bar, playing music — switching between vinyl and my phone — and just carried on drinking into the early hours. No laptop, no work, just music and a good buzz. Ended up staying up until around 5:30am, finally dragging myself upstairs and collapsing into bed at about 6:00am.

A very good night — one of those evenings where everything just flowed. I’ll definitely pay for it tomorrow, but it was worth it.

Latitude 2025

So, this is added after attending Latitude this year - what an fantastic weekend, did so very much in such a short space of time.

On Wednesday we finished work and got John and Pauline, packed the van - very full - and then set off for Southwold by about 5.00pm. Traffic wasn't too bad and we were making good progress and even stopped for a Maccy D's!

Arrived at the grounds around 9.15pm and it was busy then but we had a good spot, spread ourselves out and unpacked and got sorted, all good. Then had a few beers and off to bed.

Next day wasn't the best weather but I did a fry up and then the skies opened, it wasn't torrential but just persistent rain. We still went to Southwold as planned but had to do it by taxi because the bus service wasn't running. Walked around for a bit and I got two t-shirts from the Vantastic shop which was good and then we had a couple of beers in the Nelson, John almost got us on a brewery tour but there wasn't time so we set off for the Harbour Inn as recommended by mum.

Got there, bit of a long walk and a couple of wee-stops and had more drinks and some food. Traffic wasn't good but managed to sort another taxi that was a lot more money and when we got close it was clear the traffic wasn't moving and why he was reluctant to get us. No problem, we jumped out and walked half a mile to the entrance past all the frustrated drivers in the queue - it just wasn't moving! Found out later that it was taking 4-6 hours to get in because of the rain and mud concerns - terrible.

Just made our decision to miss the traffic and get in on Wednesday all the more sensible!

The field was filling up and we went for a walk to the main gates for the festival and walked around - exactly the same set up as last year to be fair. Watched a bit of music and a bit of comedy, nothing major though as it all starts tomorrow. Had a few more drinks and then back for the evening.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday were just a whirlwind of music, drink and food. We were quite sensible with the drink, especially Saturday evening because that was the "big one"

But Friday was great - Scouting for Girls, "Stop Making Sense", Basement Jaxx, Feeder and Sting and then Club de Fromage. Really enjoyed it and I got to see what I wanted to see - got to the front for Stop Making Sense and Feeder so I was happy with that. Saturday in afternoon we saw Example, Clean Bandit, Kaiser Chiefs and then FatBoySlim - he did a 2 hour slot and it was relentless - absolutely brilliant - I was shattered. Very busy and got a bit heated sometimes because of getting pissed off with people pushing past you - but just had to block them out!

After all that time stood up on Saturday we were exhausted and just wanted to go back to bed, I found it had to walk if I am honest, I'd overdone it dancing and bouncing!!

Sunday was more subdued with the music but not the alcohol, we went for it bigtime and all got quite drunk! Alison Moyet was good and so were snow Patrol and it was good wandering around the woods to see what was on. There was also the Women's Euro Cup final - England v Spain and they had a big screen with it on and thousands were on the hillside watching - great spectacle that was and then they went and won it on penalties which was the icing on the cake!

Monday morning we were all hanging a bit, got sorted and took everything down and I drove us home - Maccy D's on the way back - Tash throwing up of course!

Got home and sorted - washing on and unpacked etc etc

A really brilliant weekend and I think we plan to do it again next year, we really should do because it's the 20th Anniversary so hopefully they'll pull out all the stops and get the big guns in but then, they will find it hard to beat Fat Boy Slim, he really was excellent and it was nice hearing people buzzing about it and not realising what he was like because it was the first time they'd seen him - shows how lucky we are for the times that we've seen him.

Buzzing still!

Such a great weekend

I've done a post about Father's Day - but the weekend itself was brilliant too

Thursday night we had Mum over for dinner - just the four of us, that was nice and enjoyable as usual

Friday night we did a BBQ, I went and got Simon from Headington, Sue came over as did Zoe and Niamh - it was a lovely evening. Lots of reminiscing, food was good and the drink was flowing! After everyone left around 10.00pm, Tash and I stayed up later and relaxed and carried on drinking - making the most of the lovely evening weather.

Saturday we went out to Birmingham and met with Lewis and Emily and looked at baby things in Mamas and Papas - fuck me it's expensive! Such a rip off, over £1,000 for a pram - mad. We didn't get one but we did offer to contribute £700.00 which I think is incredibly generous...I hope they agree.

Had a Nando's - which again I felt was under-whelming - and then over to Ikea which was fun as always and we bought some bits and pieces. Said our goodbyes, it was a nice time spent with them, and then Tash drove us home as I was knackered and wanted to sleep - which I did.

Got home and sorted and ready and Jack ran us down to the Cowley Road and we met up with the Millars and Holdens in the Cowley Retreat and then went for a meal in Antep Kitchen - that was excellent and really good food.

Had a few drinks and then went to The Library for a few more, Jason and Sharon had Kate pick them up and we stayed on for another two drinks before getting our own taxis home.

Back here in Wolvercote I went into the DSB and Tash came for a bit and I had the taste for it and stayed on for a YouTube night. I got absolutely wasted, stayed up until it was light in the morning, I don't remember much else to be honest - but who cares, I had a great time!!

I'll suffer for it no doubt, not because Tash will be funny with me, she won't be, just my body and health suffering...

Jack's Birthday weekend

Jack was 24 this weekend - how old is that??

Jodie was down all weekend which was really nice and made it special for him.

Tash and I went out for a meal on Friday night with Clare and Greg, we met at The Store and went in their rooftop bar for a drink (non-alcoholic for me!) and then went to Quod for a great meal. Felt a bit awkward not having a decent drink but I was disciplined and kept to only a glass of wine. We did got for a pint next door at my suggestion and it was a really nice evening.

Even though we started around 5.00pm we still didn't get home until after 11.00pm.

Saturday was Jack's birthday, he went out for a run and then we got up and going, he didn't know what we were doing.

Stopped at Jeremy Clarkson's pub (Jack, Jodie, Tash, Me, Charl and Miles) - 10.55am and people were queued at the door for 11.00am opening! We explored and sat out in the sunshine of the garden and had tea and pasty which was so good. 

We then told Jack what we were doing and we had a bit of time to kill (Jack was hungry too!) so we stopped in Burford, that was very busy, and then carried on our way to North Leach for our "Scenic Sauna". Great little set up and location with loads to do there but we were there for the sauna and were not disappointed - other than it would have been good to be there for an hour longer - 55 mins was just a bit quick.

We relaxed and used the sauna and the cold plunge pools - I wimped out on those - the wind was cold enough for me! But fair play to all the others - they went for it! When our time was up we had coffee and cake and it was nice and relaxing.

After a bit it was time to go home - Jack and Jodie were going out in the evening for a meal (and a few of his friends were surprising him) and I had this long run I needed to do.

So we went back home and I slept for 40 mins and had a bit to it (not enough!) and then I set off for my 20 mile run. I originally was planning to do the Ring Road but as it was 5.00pm I thought I didn't want to do a part of it in the dark so I decided on 3.5 laps of the Wolvercote/Cutteslowe/St Giles triangle.

I did okay for the first 8-10 miles but it was hard and then it only got harder still. I didn't have enough water or gels and I'd not eaten enough food in the day so I was lacking energy. Charl and Miles drove past and so did big Thommo and tooted. I slowed down of course and soon I was struggling with 14 min miles, at 18 I tried to throw up, retching the lot but I had nothing to give. Tash then turned up and I was jogging at her walking pace so I think just walked and then by First Turn Jack drove past going home to get changed and stopped and I had to get a lift home - 19.67miles! Big let down!!

I keep telling myself that with proper prep and food/fuelling I will do a lot better so we'll see. I did get a few niggles and stopped a couple of times to stretch or wee, but that was only a couple of mins in total so not bad.

Bath at home for 45mins and then bed - didn't sleep a wink though!

Sunday I was up and okay to be honest, Jack went out for a run and we pottered around and then Tash walked Bess to Summertown but Jodie's not in good shape with her leg so I drove her there and we met with Jack in one of the coffee shops which was nice and relaxed. 

Back home we got all the food ready for his "party" with the family all coming round from 2.00pm onwards, sadly the rain spoilt it a bit and we were inside and out - more outside in the end so that was good. I did have a few bottles of Corona (about 4) but for 7 weeks now I've drunk very little alcohol!

Party went well and it was great having people over and we had a nice time and slowly they all left.

Didn't really do anything in the evening when it was just the four of us left, started watching a film but I was wiped out so went to bed about 9.30pm.

A good weekend - only two weeks now until this marathon

What is interesting though is that it is completely dominating all our conversations - literally 100%! I'll be glad when we have something different to talk about. We're talking about the accommodation, where to see people, what food, what driving, what to do afterwards, what runs we have left...and so on!  

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"!

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

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Birthday Weekend - day 1!

 Up early for golf - Wayne, John Hawkins - good round

Bath

Walk round Burford - mum, sweets, beer, coffe

Meal at home, um, family, Sue, presents, drinking, Who am i?

Stayed up instead of bed - too noisy in front room - out to bar. On my own - absolutely loved it, 3.00am finish... 

Xmas Family gathering that never happened

This weekend was supposed to be a big family gathering with everything (Bicester crowd and us) but because of Covid restrictions it wasn’t possible

But Lewis and Emily still came down as planed and we made a nice weekend of it all

They got here about 8.30pm on Friday, Miles was around and we had a few drinks watching TV and relaxing and catching up – was really nice

Didn’t get up too early Saturday but had nice brunch and went and got the Xmas tree from Carl’s shop and then went down to town. Debenhams is in big trouble and could be closing so I wanted to see if there were any bargains to snap up – found jumpers v cheap so got one! Wandered round town more and then went to the Wetherspoon’s by the castle and had dinner and a few drinks.

Back home and Mum came round and we went out for a walk and then back for coffees and then back on the beers and Miles making dinner, a vegetarian prawn curry which went down very well. Zoe turned up and we played Logo game and proceeded to get very drunk indeed. Tash was out cold, Charlotte and Zoe were crashing into things and breaking glasses, Lewis and Emily collapsed asleep of just me and Miles pushing on until about 3.00am when we had to give up eventually!

Great night

Everyone knackered next day – Tash not well at all, no surprise, they’d finished a whole bottle of vodka! Tidying up, sort of, in the morning but really just settled down to watch TV. Made a fry-up and then went to Sue’s and back home for dinner, Salmon this time that Lewis and Emily made, very nice and they then left at 6.00pm

We also decorated the tree

Watched a film and then a new series called the queens gambit – really enjoying it

So a lovely but boozy weekend. Loved it!

My Birthday

Lewis came down for my birthday weekend and he brought his new girlfriend, Emily, down with him. She seemed very nice and got involved with the family so that was a bonus. They seem happy together. Early days and all that but it was nice to see Lewis relaxed and happy

Weekend went really well – got spoilt.

Went to the golf driving range in the morning to test my new clubs, waited for a while but got in eventually and then went into town in the afternoon to The Varsity Club and had a few beers and nibbles and then to the Crown. Really nice

Back home, meal and Mum came over and then into the bar for cocktail making. Zoe also came over which was nice

It turned out as you’d expect – drunken and partying but it was such a good end to a lovely day. Enjoyed it loads

Relaxed day on Sunday – heavy heads. Meal and walks at home before Lewis and Emily left and then watched a couple of films

Charlotte’s 24th Birthday Party

On Monday there is a new enforced restriction of only 6 people allowed to meet up – so Charlotte very cleverly brought forward her Birthday party plans to today instead of in a fortnight’s time. Tash went out to Yoga in the morning and then she and Charlotte went to town for birthday shopping and then Bicester for Katie’s baby shower, so I was left to my own devices which was nice.

Got loads of jobs sorted to make the bar and garden etc all look good ahead of the party this evening. Then worked on trying to mend the leaking with the shower and then went out to collect Mum and go to Didcot for Jack’s FA Cup match.

They played Wootton Bassett and they were a tough side. Jack was left back and the winger got past him nearly all the time – Didcot looked very shaky and lacking ability and confidence. After a close game they ended up losing 2-1 and getting knocked out of the cup. I got a bit frustrated so need to reign that in, pissed off watching it though and think this is going to be a very long and quite painful season. Jack wasn’t pleased but he’s got to prove himself and improve on his defending and positioning to avoid being replaced.

We didn’t stay after the game and I dropped Mum home straight after and went back to ours. A few people were there already and gradually they all turned up – only about 10 people I think but it was enough and it was really enjoyable. Tash and I stayed involved the whole time and after the BBQ food we went inside the bar and had the usual sort of evening of drinking, singing and dancing so it was good fun.

A couple of scares when Freddie was behind the bar and knocked everything flying – a few broken glasses!

We left them to it around midnight (I think) and went off to bed – a nice end to the day

I was quite drunk if the truth be told!

Sue’s Birthday Garden Party

I worked on the beer bottle top table in the morning and poured on the resin, it was hard work! There were still some gaps at the side and I spent an hour or more lying on the floor with black tape trying to seal all the holes and dripping resin. Made me very nervous and anxious as I didn’t want it to drain.

After about an hour or so it seems to stop and looking at the resin itself it looked okay as far as I could tell in terms of clearness – we’ll see.

That took the whole morning and we then went to Sue’s for her birthday celebration garden party – Charlotte and Miles drove us over there and it was nice enough afternoon.

Tash got very drunk but the rest of the family were steady and seemed to have places to go to and left around 6.30pm (ish). We stayed and then made our way to town to get the bus and Tash was getting more and more lairy and loud, it was probably a mistake to go to another pub and then also to find Emily. But we did and had a drink with her as well.

Got the bus fine at 9.15pm and Zoe was great and picked us up from 5 Mile Drive and got us home

Nice enough day and evening but the family are all a bit odd. Everyone wanted to be elsewhere so we were alone and also Sue apparently is tempted to buy a puppy – madness!

Fat Boy Slim DJ Rave set over Zoom

Bit of a lazy day today, pottering around and not doing too much. Decided to then get things sorted for camping next week so was lugging stuff from the sheds to the living room and cleaning things and sorting them out. Productive.

In the afternoon I tried the car again and no luck whatsoever, just wouldn’t start. Tried all sorts of ideas from the internet but nothing worked. John came round and had some ideas but still no luck but appreciated the help.

So I was a bit fed up and distracted now and watched some of the England v West Indies cricket and started drinking.

Got things ready for the evening as FatBoySlim and Idris Elba were doing a DJ set from 8.00pm so I was all set at 7.00pm! Tash wasn’t interested so started watching Game of Thrones from Season 1 – Episode 1 and I stayed in the bar. I got a bit drunk!

The music was great and I texted John and invited him up and sure as anything he was up with some beers and we got wasted. The rave session was brilliant and we had a good time and then after that just YouTubed music and comedy sketches etc. Game up around 2.00pm I think, probably later, I was very drunk!

Collapsed on the sofa and then made it to bed at 4.30am…heavy head in the morning!!

Charlotte partying in the bar

Bit of a heavy head this morning but okay – Tash wasn’t cross – think she’s got used to me doing this!

Pottered around in the morning after a lie-in and it wasn’t the nicest weather so we stayed home and did jobs around the house/garden for the rest of the day.

Worked on a puzzle of the London Underground that Pauline has lent us and that took up our time and focus!

In the evening Charlotte had friends round and they were out in the bar all night…literally.

We watched some TV and went to bed around 11.00pm but the noise from outside got too much, I had to go down twice because they kept leaving the bar door open – and at 3.00am that’s not good. Charlotte got a bit stroppy with me at 3.30am but she was steaming drunk so I just accepted it and they left at 4.00am. There was no need for them to go, that’s not what I was asking them to do, only to keep the door closed, but they had a great time

In the morning I found that they’d drunk the bar dry, Vodka and Gin completely gone, little bit annoyed because I’d only just topped those up and it’s likely I will have to buy the bottles again. Charlotte said she will but we’ll see. In saying that, it’s worth it for them to have a great evening and love the bar and it creates a lasting memory for them – so what’s £14.00 bottles of spirits in that context??

So not much sleep really but there we go. A nice day and evening

Tasha’s Birthday Weekend – Home made pizza and First Dates virtual Gin tasting

Another day of trying to sort things out at the last minute for Tasha’s birthday – I am useless I really am

Worked in the morning and then out to the shops to get flowers and drink and a few other things.

Sorted more of the video out in the afternoon and got things sorted. I think we’re there for a good weekend.

Tash was out all day, Jack had taken her to Sue’s and then round the houses to see the other relatives and they were gone all day from 11.30am until about 4.30pm – when she got home it was very clear that she was drunk and had been very emotional all day and loads of crying and even arguing with Sue. It made for a very awkward atmosphere.

I went out and got the pizza oven going and we just got on with things and tried to relax/calm Tash down and eventually it worked – especially after we told her what the evening activity was!

And that activity was virtual Gin Tasting session with Chase Brewery and the main barman in the Channel 4 series called First Dates, Merlin.

John and Pauline Bampton had organised it for us.

So we had the pizzas and then got ready and were in the bar using the laptop and Charlotte/Lewis were the other side taking photos and drinking as well.

It was really good, loved it. Loads of gins to try and Tash got a shout out at the end for her birthday. I recorded the session so we can go back to it at a later date!

We then started more drinking and getting music on and it was a great evening, Tash fell asleep which was fine, we carried on!

Charlotte got Miles and then Lewis was asleep – he’d drunk nearly a bottle of Southern Comfort I’d just bought…

So we then watched loads of musical type videos and it was a really good evening. Gave up in the end around 3.00pm!

I was still getting videos sent to me so I didn’t finish editing the final take until going to bed…fingers crossed it’s okay

A good start to the weekend I think.

New Year’s Eve

Got things sorted for the skiing trip and pottered about the house during the day.

Went to the Millar’s in the evening, Wayne and Kerry picked us up because Sharon really wanted Tash to have a drink!

It was just me & Tash, Wayne & Kerry and Jason & Sharon. Laura and a friend of hers were there for some of the evening as well.

We drank and talked and soon played a couple of games that was fun. The first one called Linkie was really enjoyable, worked in couples and had to answer x4 questions and then work out the connection (link). We won, it was very close and went down to the last card, it was quite challenging but at the same time not overly hard that it wasn’t fun.

We then played ‘Bad People’ and that was a good laugh, you have cards that provide a statement and you have to determine who best fits that card – I was getting quite a lot of them…worst one was who’s put on weight since getting married – unanimous pointing at me! Didn’t like that…truth hurts…

Midnight came and went and we had a sing song and stayed until about 2.00am and then got a lift home.

Really lovely evening that we all enjoyed and thankfully didn’t overdo it with the long drive ahead of me on New Year’s Day!

An end to a very eventful year, as always, we wonder what’s in store in the new year…we shall see soon enough!

Dark Side Bar Opening

The Dark Side Bar officially opened today!

I had a practise run a couple of weeks ago where I stayed up all night and got absolutely hammered but this time other people were invited!!

From about 3.00pm onwards we invited people to come over – it was nice, there was a steady trickle through and everyone was really impressed with the bar set up and we all crowded into it. Drinks were flowing and it was a great afternoon and evening.

As per usual we overdid it and stayed up until about midnight and got steaming drunk – including getting out the smoke machine and strobe lights.

A good start to life with the new bar – realised there are a few things we need to add to it but as things stand and as a beginning all is good so far. Looking forward to getting more use out of it over time!!

Weekend fun; Emily’s Birthday & TOAD tour

Friday night:

Emily’s Birthday party in Bicester at the bowls club, we decided to get the train, quite a few of us, including John & Pauline and Zoe at her kids. The venue was right next door to the train station so that was a bonus and the drinks were really cheap, didn’t dance, just drank! Nothing much else to report really, a nice evening and then we got the train home which wasn’t too late – I think it was about 11.00pm, we were all steaming drunk though! Walked home from the train station and home to bed!!

Saturday:

Fry up in the morning to clear the head and the stomachs ready for our gin tour in the afternoon. Me, Tash, Lewis, Charlotte, Miles & Mum went to TOAD (The Oxford Artisan Distillery) that is opposite Cheney school. Really good tour, enjoyable and the lad running it was very personable, had a lot of shots as well – bit tipsy by the time we’d finished the tour! Stayed for a bit then Charlotte and Miles went off with Mum to drop her home and me Tash and Lewis when shopping into Oxford. The TOAD people were great and we were able to get a minibus ride into the centre of town. Did some shopping but we weren’t in the mood so soon stopped for something to eat at the Wetherspoons, a couple more beers and then home to watch films and relax. A really nice day – sadly Jack didn’t play today

Sunday:

Very relaxed and slow day – went to see Derek and then over to Sue’s for something to eat. Lewis’s house-mates turned up and he gave them a lift home to Manchester and we watched some TV and then came home – nothing too exciting!

Bluebell Woods & Vicky’s 50th Party

Bit of a slow start in the morning initially and then worked in the garden and around the house

In the afternoon we took the dogs for a walk in the Bluebell woods and that was a good decision, they were in full bloom and looked great. Nice walk, although I was struggling to get around to be honest, my back is hurting!

Back home in the afternoon and we crashed out and fell asleep in the afternoon, sat outside in the sun we were knackered.

Went up to the White Hart in the evening because it was Vicky’s 50th birthday celebrations,  John Bampton was there and we joined him and saw loads of old faces. Caught up with Matty Timberlake (Scatty) and that was really nice to see him. It as a really good night, enjoyed it loads, got quite drunk…again and then wandered home about midnight I think…probably a bit later

Vicky enjoyed it though so that’s the main thing

Woodstock Social Club disco…first and last time!

Worked from home today and had a good chat with Jack about his focus and school work and we tried working on Pomodoros throughout the day and it appeared to work for him, I think he enjoyed the focus but was also surprised when he’d completed so few

Went out with Katherine and Pete Casey this evening to Woodstock, it was some charity disco function that was organised, Charlotte took us to the Woodstock Arms and we met with Sarah and Darren who are their friends, Sarah (Hazell) is the one I know from school days and there were a couple of other women there as well, one of which went out with Mark Gee and knew Tosh and loads of other lads from my football days so that was interesting speaking with her. Had a couple of drinks and then went over to what can only be described as a social club, it was quite rough (for anywhere let alone Woodstock) and we were dressed up quite smart of got a lot of looks and attention as we walked in! Anyway, only one thing to do…drink!

I must admit I got quite drunk, I wasn’t overly bothered about dancing but it was a laugh and we had a good time until right at the end of the night, some woman they all knew who was a bit of a pain was talking to us and her boyfriend/husband was stood close behind Tasha and her face dropped. She came over to me and said this guy was really feeling up her bum! He came back and did it again and she was looking straight at me pulling faces pleasing for help, not much I could do so kept quiet and watched. He then for some unknown reason walked round the group to me and held out his hand to shake my hand, I kept my hand in my pocket and looked at his hand and then looked him in the eye and said ”No thanks”.

He asked “What?” and held out his hand again

I replied, “I’m not shaking your hand, I saw exactly what you were doing with my wife!”

He then walked away as quickly as possible – I was shaking!! I hate confrontation and he was a big chap. We joked about it in the car home (Dan came and picked us up) but it wasn’t a nice experience. We had to drop Pete off before us as I think he was the worse for wear with the drink he’d consumed, we were fine expect I had terrible hiccups when I got in and in the morning I was knackered with quite a heavy hangover. But an amusing night with a story to tell!!

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