Jack – Cup Final Match Winner!

We went down to Oxford City and went in the side entrance and got away with not having to pay £15.00 to watch!! Oxford City we’re playing Chinnor in the County Cup Final and it was a tight affair. They were very direct and had big lads but we had the pace to match them. Jack was up front and he was a handful throughout. Playing good first time balls or dribbling- each time he was making the right decision.

There were few chances throughout but he did have one great run from his half right to the 6 yard box but didn’t make the decision to shoot or pass, it was neither unfortunately. The second half was similar and it was getting feisty but then Jack received the ball on the edge of the box, shaped to shoot and threw a dummy that fooled two defenders, he then cut inside, opened his body up and just calmly passed the ball into the back of the net, it was a very good goal and I was pleased as punch to see him score it.

The game kept going backwards and forwards and he was causing them problems constantly.

Here’s his goal that I’ve watched time and time again…!

Vic & Danny’s Wedding

Tomorrow is the day that the Vic & Danny tie the knot. Everyone is pretty excited for it so that’s pleasing, should be a good day. We’re filling up hip flasks which is a bit sad but there you go!

I wonder how it will all go, I am sure it will be fine but there’s been various dramas for this wedding and also the relationship – so I will keep my video camera handy in case anything kicks off and is decent to record!

I am joking of course, I am sure it will be a brilliant day with not hitches – fingers crossed!

Where’s the tree gone?

So when we worked on our garden to add the new shed and make the new area we chopped down the trees inside our boundary. Today I looked out the back and one of the trees in the Mill site was removed – I rushed round to the site and went straight in (contravening all Health & Safety regs) and tried to speak with the relevant foreman to find out what the hell was going on. They were removing the trees to make way for drainage and it was only us affected. Really quite pissed off because it means when the houses are built they will be able to see straight down into our area – we will have no privacy at all. Wankers!

Working in the garden again

Was up and awake early and down to the bottom of the garden and the stump was still smouldering but still loads of it left so I decided to get an axe and have a go with that. Popped down to Wickes and got one and that made a huge difference but it was hard work, I have splintered all the wood and now it’s in a position to try and chainsaw it, we will see.

The rest of the day I completely emptied the stable and there is tons of stuff. I was very harsh with a lot of it and made the trip to the dump with a full car, but we were still left with so much to squeeze into the sheds. I left Tash do most of that and she did brilliantly. I worked on my tools etc and somehow, I don’t know how, we got all we wanted to in the two sheds. Very full but it’s done now and we can get Barry to come round and start on his work for the conversion of the stable into my office…exciting!

This again took us all day. Watched some TV in the evening and a new student, Michelle, from Switzerland arrived. She seems very shy and nervous but I am sure she will soon settle in and be fine, she’s with us for quite a while.

So a good weekend’s work all in all – as the photos below show!

Working in the Garden – Burn Baby Burn

Woke up with a big hangover today, not at all sure what happened last night, just drank myself stupid and woke up having spilt a bottle of beer on the sofa. Went to bed and hardly stirred when Tash left and woke up at about 10.00am. Not good – need to address my drinking “problem”. It might well be a proper problem and I don’t recognise it as such. Anyway, enough of the psycho-analysis!
When I finally got out of bed I watched a bit of TV and then got working in the garden. Wasn’t really in the mood but the list of jobs from Tash was as long as my arm…to save you reading much more…I didn’t do very well.

Sorted out the shed at last and then set fire to this bloody tree stump, and that genuinely took me all day, I had to keep the fire burning and then digging away the charred wood for new wood to be exposed and burn, it was thankless and a horrible job because the smoke just followed me around, really pissed me off. I had some breaks throughout the day of course but I didn’t get to do much else, it was so hard.

I did start on the stable garage and moved some shelving down to the shed but I am really concerned about how all the crap in there is going to get into the shed.
Anyway, stinking of smoke and not feeling on top of the world I gave up about 6.45pm when it was dark and made Jack some dinner.
Tash cam home and didn’t say too much..she was tired from being down with Chrissie in Exeter all day with Lucie so she’d had a nice time

Building a new shed…

Set the alarm for early this morning but was already awake with the intention of working out the in the garden and I was up and out, more snarky comments so I just took myself out to the shed and worked on that all morning…it was bloody hard work and took me ages to get anything done. The instructions weren’t the best and it was a bit of a nightmare. In fact, to cut a long story short I actually ended up getting it added the wrong way around which mean the roof bearing bars were too short. I had to go to Wickes to get some new wood that would reach! I then had the hard work of getting behind the shed to work on the roof…it’s at the stage now that I need to finish the sides which I will do on Monday or Tuesday, I ran out of time and energy in the end!

Jack had a football match for Oxford City in the afternoon and we went along and watched a bit of it, we had the student leaving and Sue coming over for dinner so we had to be back at a decent time meaning we watched about 30 minutes. They were playing Cumnor in an important match that could affect them winning the league, we left at 2-1 to City and Jack was doing okay up front, when he got home he said they’d won 3-2 in the end and he’s scored the third goal which he’s pleased with as there was skill on the edge of the box and he then rifled it into the top corner – so he was pleased about that!

Sue came over about 5.00pm and I stopped working on the shed around 6.00pm, I was shattered. Tash and Sue had already opened the bubbly so I had some of that and a new bottle was later opened! Dinner was lovely and we then sat chatting – it got a bit heated because Sue is adamant that she wants to sell the house and move to Bicester, but we can’t see the reason behind doing so and think it’s a huge mistake. I am keeping quiet to be honest, it’s upsetting Tash because she knows that Sue (and Bella) won’t get the support from the Bicester-based families that we give. We won’t be doing the Nando’s meals and all that, we do the boring side like taking Bella out and things around the house. This doesn’t get seen and it’s winding Tash up and also I think making her sad that her Mum is so keen to go running off to be closer to her other sisters after all the work she’s done for her. Selling the house is not the problem, it’s where she’s going to move once sold!

After Sue left, we sat and watched a new series on TV – called Cheat – which was good fun and had a few more drinks, I opened the flavoured Vodka but it was just nice – not a drinking session.

So the end of another eventful and enjoyable weekend, work early tomorrow as it’s off to Birmingham with Peters Books

Tash to see Lewis in Manchester & Charlotte in Nottingham

Tash was up bright and early as she was going to Manchester to see Lewis and was taking Zoe so I wasn’t going to go. She left about 9.00am and I just sat in bed reading Twitter and watching videos – just wasting time. I had a long list of jobs but only really got one sorted which was sorting through the footballs and I’ve now decided to get rid of all my kit but the rest of the morning I just pottered around and played my records and didn’t achieve much at all. Had some lunch and then went to Jack’s football, we stopped at the garden centre first to get some compost and then I went at sat in the bar at the clubhouse and had a couple of beers watching the rugby and reading articles on my laptop. Had a chat with a few parents from Ardley (Gilo and Waz) and then when the game started I was outside watching because Jack was starting.

Unfortunately the wind was blowing a gale and it made for difficult playing conditions, the game was fairly even and Jack was doing okay but it was hard for him to get involved and it was frustrating to watch, Wayne Holden also came along to watch so he and I stood together chatting and then at half time went inside for a drink. Second half started and after only about 5 minutes Ardley scored a wonder goal from about 7 yards (wind-assisted!) and Jack was substituted – that didn’t make any sense at all and pissed me off. It did mean we didn’t need to go back outside anymore and had another pint instead! The game finished 2-0, Ardley could easily have scored more, Abingdon are a poor side sadly and it frustrates me that Jack doesn’t get more minutes playing – I am sure it’s because they see him as the young player and don’t yet trust him. Waited for him to get changed and we left pretty quickly once he’d had some food and went back home. I drank a few more beers in the evening and just sat watching the rugby and a film and didn’t do anything else – very lazy! Went to bed at 10.00pm!

I lack any sort of enthusiasm to do anything at the minute, I think I am spending far too much time on social media so need to address that but also too much drinking as well which isn’t doing me any favours. Tash had a nice time with Lewis in Manchester and that was successful and she then also took a detour to Nottingham to see Charlotte as she lost her phone last night whilst out and very, very drunk. Really disappointing that’s happened, not good at all. We had a spare iPhone so Tash was taking that to her. When Tash got in around 10.45pm she made some snarky remark but I wasn’t in the mood to argue so ignored her, turned over and went back to sleep!

Mum over for dinner

I worked at Raintree today having changed my days around for the holiday and training I did on Thursday and it was a nice day there. Got a lot done but it was quiet there, I think there were 6 people including myself! Left early as usual and home to help with the meal as Mum and that coming over in the evening.

I must admit I was tired and not too talkative but we had a nice time and the meal was good, Tash did a new chicken one and it went down well. Grandma’s hearing was better today so she was engaged more in the conversations so that was pleasing and they were gone by about 9.45pm. Jack and I stayed up to watch a film and I then watched another after he went to bed so went up myself about 2.00am!

Homeward bound from Morocco

The alarm went at 4.20am, up and quick shower, last packing and downstairs for 4.45am. Surprisingly, and with relief the taxi was waiting for us and we were off straight away. The hotel is only a 15 minutes drive so that was nice and quick. Through passport control and immigration with no issues and then found somewhere for coffee and croissant and then waited around killing time. Flight boarding was on time and we were off at 7.20am – just over a three hour flight and we slept the first half but then listened to music for the last hour or so which was enjoyable.

No hassles and then we’re in Stanstead, again through customs and passport control and collecting our bags really quickly, got the coach and I was driving us home. The girls fell asleep and then we were home and saying our goodbyes. We had a great time and we all loved it, I’d happily go with them again for another break if it’s suggested.

Tash dived straight into housework, I was less keen to do work but I got some done as I have training sessions planned for Thursday.

Sorted a few things out, Charlotte came home so we caught up with things – she has an interview tomorrow which is why she’s down here again. I was tired so ended up going to bed around 9.30pm for once.

A great break, wish I didn’t have to work!!

Black Box

So today we have a black box fitted on Tasha’s car! The man came round and it didn’t take long.

The reason being that Jack has had so many prangs since he passed that the insurance was mentally high and we couldn’t afford it, so the only option was to get a box fitted and that reduced it to something like £500pa now. Hopefully that means that the driving standards of all in the car will improve now…we’ll see. I think we’re able to monitor it online or on an app now, so that will be interesting

A bit of a pain in the backside though and not something we need, but if it’s going to make Jack a more responsible driver then it will be a good thing!!

Derek’s 80th Birthday Celebrations

Derek was 80 this weekend, quite a milestone!

Friday – worked in the morning and then Jack, Charlotte, Miles and I went down to Tasha’s work, left the car and walked down to Gloucester Green, Derek and Mum were waiting and he was quite surprised to see us there. He had no idea where he was going to who with, so we told him and I think he was looking forward to it. The coach came and we settled down and chatted, I was getting a bit anxious about the time as I understood the Shard to be quite officious with their bookings and when the traffic got bad at London we got off a couple of stops early (Westfield) and used the Tube. We got there with minutes to spare and all was fine, there wouldn’t have been a problem…but you just never know! We were taken to our table and the view from the restaurant was stunning. It is very much an upmarket place and we were fortunate to have a set meal offer and decent choice. Ordered drinks and food and just enjoyed everyone’s company and it was lovely. Food was great and the service and we took loads of photos, it was excellent and would recommend to people.

I ended up paying the bill, £345.00, didn’t quite expect it to be that much and I paid it all…bit taken aback, especially as at the minute work isn’t exactly booming for me right now, I kept quiet though.

We left there and fancied a couple of drinks so we walked round the corner to Borough Market and found a pub and got seats and stayed there for a couple of pints, Derek appeared to be getting tired so we got the Tube back to Victoria and Miles and I went and got some beers for the coach journey home. That was enjoyable, we got quite drunk! Mum and Derek got out at Headington and we continued into town and Jack drove us home.

A really lovely evening and we had a great time.

Sunday – Lewis and I went to The Britannia in Headington and Lewis was struggling big time, kept throwing up on the walk up Line Walk – light weight!! When we got to the pub it was Mum, Derek, Louise and Molly. We ordered and that took a long time to be delivered but it was fine and it was a nice atmosphere chatting and catching up. Tash wasn’t there because they’d taken Zoe on a spa day for her birthday but it was fine. Derek seemed to enjoy himself and he said how much he’d enjoyed the meal on Friday so I think that went down well. Had a full Sunday Roast and Treacle pudding and that was it, time to leave. Said our goodbye’s and they wandered off towards home and we went back down Line Walk to retrieve the car. It was nice that we went and we enjoyed it.

Got home and Lewis just crashed out on the sofa and I watched TV! He left about 5.00pm to go back up north and Tash was home about 6.30pm – they’d had a nice time so a decent weekend all in all.

I think we’d helped Derek celebrate his 80th in style  

Fatboy Slim

Dropped Tash off to work this morning so the cars were all at home and then went shopping to Aldi and that was surprisingly pleasant because it was early and not many customers in the shop!

Went home and worked but didn’t get a huge amount of work done during the day because of the concert in the evening. On Twitter there were quite a few videos of the show last night at Wembley and it looked great, so

I was working but half watching other music videos and the like. Got stuff done but also distracted!

Had some food and then got things sorted and went and picked up Tash around 3.30pm. Miles arrived on time as well and we drove to London, took just over 2 hours because of the traffic but we weren’t far behind John and Pauline and we dumped our stuff in the room and were down in the bar! Went across the road for some food and then a taxi to the venue

Loads of space and we just had a few drinks there and then the acts came on, even as early at 7.50pm we were dancing – the DJ was Hannah Wants, she’s local and she was good. Then the main event at 9.20pm with Fatboy Slim coming on, and wow, it was amazing! Didn’t stop dancing at all, absolute banging tunes and videos and lights and fireworks. It was everything that I wanted it to be and more. It was so good. Got some videos and they’re good, we were right at the very front and it was no hassle, loads of space and we were dancing away. Loved it. Buzzing now writing about it! Would definitely go and see him again if the chance arose.

We left the venue and went across the road to a bar and had more drinks – there was a great atmosphere in here and we had a laugh, bit of dancing and saw a fight so all good fun! Got a taxi home but took a detour to McDonalds for a drive through and then back to the hotel to crash out

The following days I check social media and there are some great videos from the night – loved it

Meal down the Cowley Road and nice weekend

Not much to update this diary on to be honest, feels a bit of a routine at the minute, I think it’s the usual come-down from Xmas and being flat throughout January and can’t be bothered to do much. But this was a nice weekend in that we went out with Wayne and Kerry on Friday night down the Cowley Road, started at Be At One and had some good cocktails, best one being a Jaiger-Mega Drive – lovely! We then went down the road to the Syrian Restaurant, the Walnut Tree. Starters were lovely but the main meal less so, I had a stew which was okay – a tagine? – but I’d not be in a hurry to return there. We then walked back towards the plain and went in the bar we went to with Charlotte and Miles and that was really relaxed and nice and we had quite a few pints in there.

Jack picked us up about 12.30am and dropped Wayne and Kerry home before taking us home but not before a detour to the kebab van for him!

Saturday I felt slow and ponderous nearly all day, a cross between the drink and the food I think, Tash was the same! There was no football because of the snow we’d had yesterday so I worked in the garden and Jack helped me with building our new log store, looks okay and we’re pleased with it, also cleared a path for the trees being chopped down later this week by Merlin, that’ll be a sad sight! Walked the dog and our student left whilst we were out which was a shame as I think she wanted to say goodbye to us, she’d enjoyed her stay, Mica from Argentina. Jack still had football training and when that finished we met him in town and we did some shopping for the wedding, I got some new shoes, not for the wedding but I needed some new black shoes which was pleasing, and we got Jack a shirt etc. I ended up with a tie but it cost £45.00 – I was shocked! I was surprised we were even looking at the £27.00 ties so when this ringed up for that much I was speechless, far too much however nice it looks.

Back home I watched the second half of Ireland v England in the first game of the 6 Nations rugby and we won so that was pleasing. Had a nice dinner and then Tash spent the evening doing her puzzle and we watch House of Cards and other things on TV, a nice evening.

Next morning I helped Jack with his applications for apprenticeships, that was tough going and we took the dogs for a walk over Shotover, still some snow around so it was a nice picturesque visit, back home we had nice dinner, did more with Jack’s work and then watched a film and more TV again with a couple of bottles of wine.

So a nice weekend in the end

January almost over

Can’t believe this is my first post of the year – welcome to 2019!

January as usual has been a pretty slow month all round with work and life which is why I’ve been so quiet I guess. Sat on the train to Birmingham right now without internet so typing this up made sense! The main thing to comment on really is that I have joined a gym, yep, you heard me right!

Natasha’s gym at the Holiday Inn closed down so they were re-directed to the Jury Inn at the top of our road and we got a joint membership, I’ve been a number of times now and I think it’s helping me, no obvious signs of improvement to be honest but I quite enjoy going up there and it’s making me a little more conscious of what I am eating, hopefully in a few weeks time I will be a bit more toned…we shall see!

Xmas and New Year has come and gone once more and now we’re planning for the year(s) ahead. So we have the following lined up:

• Marrakesh with John and Pauline
• Italy with Gareth and Nikki
• Crete – just our family
• Dubai – just our family

The Dubai one is a secret! I feel guilty that we haven’t included Mum this time but it was a case that the cost went up substantially per person, very odd so we had to make a decision because money is a bit tight, I don’t have too much work on my plate so I am a bit anxious about commitments.

In saying that, Tash is wanting to plan for her 50th which is next year…!

We’ve got other things lined up as well including Victoria’s wedding, Tears for Fears concert, FatBoySlim concert and Pete Tong Ibiza Classics concert (Manchester – December) – should be great fun, can’t wait! And we will still try and get tickets for Glastonbury when they’re released again in April.

So that’s a recap, Jack’s football is hard work, he’s broken into the first team at Abingdon Utd but they don’t seem to trust him enough to play him regularly so he’s getting frustrated. He’s had two unconditional offers from Universities even though he says he doesn’t want to go at all and I think he’s very distracted and not working hard enough on A-Level revision, so that’s causing a lot of friction in the house!

Charlotte was home most of January because of term time but she’s back at Uni now in her last term!

Lewis is working hard with his job, under-staffed it seems, don’t hear much from him which is a shame.

They all keep in touch better with Mum and not me, I need to be more pushy and involved though so it works both ways

Oh, and finally, Donald Trump is still President in the US and is an utter fuckwit, I really don’t know how he’s accepted there for so long, it really is a concern!

Another Xmas Weekend Completed

A decent weekend again…it’s getting to be a regular occurrence!

Friday I was up a little late because of being out last night with Jason, nothing to worry about, just tired and couldn’t be bothered with working. Did have a few calls and training to do but it was fine. In the afternoon I travelled out to Witney to meet up with a woman I’d been recommended to try out for my back problems. It wasn’t a chiropractor as such and was more of an intense massage and exercises for afterwards. It was fine but I am not 100% certain how well she has fixed my issues. I will carry on doing the exercises that were recommended and see if that helps otherwise I might go and see Chris. When I got home we had a nice dinner and then we had a lazy evening sat in front of the TV and we watched the Bruce Lee film Enter the Dragon say that was one of the films that have been ticked off the list that we need to complete .

So on Saturday I got jobs done in the morning and took the dogs out for a walk etc etc. We had Jack's football in the afternoon, he was with the first team again and was on the bench to start with. I kept watching out the window and unfortunately he didn't actually get to run out so it was a bit of a waste of time however he was told that he would start and play the game on Tuesday night say that was one bonus. Whilst I was at football I took the opportunity to work on the quiz and that went well – I got the music round sorted!

Went home and got changed and then Tash and I went out to the White Hart where we met with Nikki Henderson and Matt Todd and proceeded to get quite drunk together – the night flew by and it was late quickly, we left about midnight I reckon where both women had a bottle of wine each – Matt and I were fine…the girls less so!

Next morning Tash was struggling and was being sick – a pattern that lasted all day! I worked downstairs on the quiz and other chores that needed doing including cleaning out my office ready for people coming over during Xmas and so on. We then made a trip out to Wallingford to put the holly on the graves (Tash was sick in a bag and the layby on the way there!!) and we stopped at the cemetery for grandad as well, always a sad occasion and we all miss them a great deal.

In the early evening we then went over to Bicester, just me, Tash and Jack as it was Danny’s 30th birthday and Victoria had organised a surprise birthday meal for him, we were there in good time so ahead of him coming in and there was family from both sides there and about 16 of us – he was pleased and it was a nice evening. Had a couple of beers and the food was really good – loads of it as well! Chatted to his brother and girlfriend and that was nice as they’ve travelled – well the brother more so and it was interesting

Came home and watched some TV before going to bed and getting an early-ish night.

Charlotte was at Miles, she’s now back in Oxford for Xmas period, she was having a party at their house yesterday and it lasted all night, so I can imagine how tired she is.

Again, a nice weekend

Xmas Drinks and Catch Up

Went out this evening into town and met up with Jason, Chris, Allan Smith and Pete Roberts for a few drinks ahead of Xmas celebrations. I met with Pete in the Four Candles on George St and we caught on a few things work-related and chatted and then Allan Smith walked in. I’ve not seen him for about a year and I was shocked by his appearance – he’s lost loads of weight, it transpired he lost about 7 stone. It was a process that is akin to hypnotism I later found out where the cravings for certain foods is taken away. I thought he’d been seriously ill and was careful not to say anything initially, I think it’s too much weight to have lost but I think he’s comfortable with it and happy so that’s great.

Jason turned up with Chris who I like and we had a few drinks and chatted nonsense etc and it was a nice and relaxed evening. We left there and went to O’Neill’s and it was more of the same, got some food etc and about 10.00pm Jason and Chris had to get their train, Allan had already left as he had an early start in the morning and Pete left with JG so I had one more pint and made my way home as well. I was under very strict orders not to ruin the evening as she was out on her works party as well.

Her and Jack came home not too long after me actually and all was fine.

Good to catch up with Jason as usual – it’s been ages since we’ve seen each other, I think about 6 months!

Xmas Weekend with the kids…oh no it wasn’t…

What a great weekend we have had.

Charlotte has been down here since Wednesday so that’s been lovely and on Saturday, Lewis came down and was here about 10.00am. So we had a nice cooked breakfast and then put the tree up with all of them plus Miles and that was enjoyable as always. Got the usual photos. In the afternoon we just relaxed and then went out for a dog walk but Lewis was going to meet with Dan and Liam to go to London so we popped into the White Hart for a beer and I dropped him at the train station and then in the afternoon Tash and Charlotte watched a Xmas film whilst I worked on the Family Xmas Quiz that Paul and I are doing this year. Was pleased with my progress as I did a couple yesterday as well so it’s moving forwards.

Charlotte went over to Miles’ house as it was Ozzie’s birthday and Jack went out with his mates so Tash and I just sat in and had a few drinks, she went to bed and I was a bit drunk and stayed up on the sofa watching MOTD and then a film and then YouTube!! Lewis came in about 1.00am and we carried out, Jack came in at 3.00am and was absolutely pissed as anything, Tash then came down because of the noise and it was really amusing, He was talking so much shit, all the “I love you” and happy drunkenness. He then went upstairs and threw up! I carried out drinking and fell asleep on the sofa at about 5.00am in the end!

Woke up about 10.00am and wasn’t too bad, and Tash wasn’t cross so that was a relief! Pottered around in the morning and did another couple of dog walks and got things sorted for the following week and then made our way to Aylesbury, took a detour to Old Marston because my poster frames had been delivered there instead of my house so picked those up and then went to the pub opposite the theatre, we were in loads of time so it was nice to relax and not be hurried. Jack was wiped out…bless him!

The panto this year was Peter Pan and we were right at the front again so that was pleasing, it wasn’t quite as good this year for some reason, I personally don’t like Peter Pan as a story anyway but it was enjoyable of course and the guy Andy who is always there did his usual 12 days of Xmas that went down a storm, so many people (including us) brought their own water pistols and even toilet rolls – clearly regulars! It was mental when the water pistols came out, he was soaking!

Photo outside and then home…had nice cheese and biscuits and watched the final of I’m a Celebrity and Harry Redknapp won, I don’t think was a shock and then all went off to bed around 11.00pm – aha, but not before I’d bought tickets to see Pete Tong and the orchestra for Ibiza Classics in Manchester next December!

A long but really enjoyable weekend – great to have the kids all here

Failing eye-sight

Bit pissed off to be honest, just lately I have found it harder to focus on text when close up whether it’s hand-writing or on instructions. Arms length it’s fine but anything closer I am struggling with. Tash told me to try on some £1.00 specs she got from the pound shop and the difference was remarkable, so clear and in focus. Took them off, and fuzzy as fuck again!

So it looks like I am becoming long-sighted (just Googled it to make sure I got the correct definition!) so might have to get some reading glasses. I am not going to use the £1.00 ones as I wouldn’t trust those not to be damaging my eyes at the same time.

I’ve always been luckily with my eyes so I guess I shouldn’t complain but it’s another sign of creepy old age…I am fifty you know…

Derek Retirement

Worked in Birmingham today at Peters Books and on the way into work collected my new camera. It’s basic but I hope it’s what I need/want and it can deliver. So I was a bit distracted with that throughout the day!

Normal day’s work with Peters and then home on the train but just outside Banbury we came to a halt and we were told there was a broken down freight train and they couldn’t move it, so we sat there for 1hr and 20mins until they finally got it sorted and moved. So instead of meeting at the Turnpike at 7.30pm as planned I managed to get there for 8.00pm and my meal wasn’t too far behind! It was nice as there was obviously Mum and Derek but also us, including Jack and Sue and Simon. The food was okay and it was nice to be catching up on things.

Derek didn’t really say a lot to be honest, but we kept trying to involve him in conversations and that.

Anyway, paid and left and it was a nice evening. Tried my camera and that seemed to be okay!

Weekend round-up

A lot done and achieved this weekend starting with working in London on Friday for Hodder at their offices with the Assessment Team there. It was a good session though and they were the best of the people I’ve been working with for the training carried out. Finished and left their offices around 4.00pm and fancied a beer so had a couple of pints in the Marylebone station itself for once and then got the train home. Got on the wrong train initially but luckily heard the announcement and changed pretty quick – had about 90 seconds to spare…oops!

Home and changed ready to go out and we picked up Katherine and Pete from theirs and make our way into town for a meal at Mowgli. We had some drinks in Victor’s and then had a really nice meal, loved it and then back to Victor’s afterwards for more drinks and some dancing…was a really enjoyable night. Taxi home and then walked down from First Turn as they had to go and pick up Lily as she was having taxi problems.

Saturday had a bit of a lie-in and then blitzed so many jobs! Icicle lights up on the front of the house and all other lights inside the house, kitchen etc all sorted. My drinking photos all arrived, they’re so good, really pleased with them so I was laying them out and sorting through them, my Star Wars Blueprint posters also arrived so that was good! More chores out in the garden, fixing the shower, porch light fixed, did really well. Took Bess and Bella on a massive long walk on the meadow and then back for something to eat and we even bought our Xmas tree from Carl’s shop and got that home ready for next week when the kids are all down.

Tash and I then went out to watch Jack’s football, we got there at half-time to avoid paying and he wasn’t on and when we watched the match it was soon clear the other side were better than Abingdon and they were soon 2 and 3 nil down. Jack came on and he was put into centre midfield and he did well. He went on one run which should have ended up with a goal but the forward messed it up – Jack really made an impact and should be pleased with himself even though he got 20 minutes and they lost 4-0.

He told us later that his manager praised him in front of everyone and pointed him out as the only one to come out of the game with any credit and also the other team’s manager praised him and said he should have been on the pitch sooner! So he was pleased about that. And to be honest, he’s absolutely right.

Tash and I went to Tesco on the way back to get some bits and pieces we needed and then home and our new student arrived, she’s with us for a week and seems nice enough, had dinner and then watched TV in the evening.

Sunday, Tash finally went through the Japan book I made, I think she liked it but did think it was a lot of writing – whereas I was downstairs and working on the drinking images, I’ve put them in one of the maxi poster frames I have (will get a new one for Iron Man!) and after a bit of trial and error and a lot of patience I got it sorted and it looks absolutely brilliant – I am so pleased with it. Shared it on social media and loads of people thought it a good idea. You can see below!

We worked on jobs again and I also went out to check out the camera I want to buy and decided on one which I then ordered on Argos and will pick up tomorrow in Birmingham. Got a picture frame delivered for the movies scratch poster I got for my birthday and also sorted out drinks for Xmas and then we got a fire going and Tash wrapped presents, nice dinner and went through x2 bottles of wine whilst watching The Gangs of New York

That was it – loads done and very productive indeed.

Jack & Abingdon Utd 1st Team Involvement…again

Jack went training today and he was asked to train with the first team, when he got home he then got a text from Steve the manager saying that he’s in the squad for Saturday and would be getting a lot of minutes so he was pleased about that. Really delighted for him, hope it works out, hope he gets paid as well as he will be over the moon – not sure if they do get paid at that level or not but we will see on Saturday now!

Hopefully they’ll put him in left midfield which is where he should be, surprised they’ve chucked him on up front, but anywhere is better than the bench!!

Matilda for Ivy’s birthday

I dropped Tash off to work early in the morning and then back home to do some work of my own before getting ready and then picking up Ivy from Sue’s and then making our way back to Tash’s work to collect her and then we drove off to London. The traffic was fine until we got into Central London of course and then things went pear-shaped! My windscreen wipers would not stop working, it was so odd, whatever I did I couldn’t turn them off. We sat in loads of jams but eventually I was able to drop them off near to the theatre and they walked on whilst I managed to find somewhere to park near to Blackfriars for my meeting with Janice and Gabrielle, but I had to leave my car parked with the damned wipers still working away so I was really worried about the battery running out.

The meeting was a waste of time and I was done in under an hour, back to the car and the wipers were still going!! I drove around for a bit and ended up in Shoreditch again, such a coincidence to be there a few days after having been there so recently. Went round in circles and eventually got a bit of grudging help from a mechanic who pointed out where the fuses were and sure enough I managed to turn the bloody wipers off!

I then went back towards Drury Lane and found somewhere to park and went and got a coffee and cookie whilst working and waiting for the show to finish. Tash had taken Ivy to see Matilda for her 4th birthday and the show today included Miles’s brother Ozzie. I wandered down to meet them and Tash said it was good and we saw Oz by the stage door before going back to the car and making our way home.

Stopped at McDonalds of course for healthy food…and then back to Bicester to drop Ivy off and then home

She appeared to enjoy the trip and experience – let’s hope so.

Jack & Abingdon Utd 1st Team

Jack went training last Thursday for the u23’s but it had been cancelled so he trained with the first team instead as he was there, Saturday morning he got a call saying that he’d impressed in training and was requested to join up with the first team for their match that afternoon, he didn’t get on but it was a good experience for him.

I am typing this on Tuesday sat in the Abingdon bar waiting for the match to start as he’s been asked to be involved again this evening. Again I doubt that he will get a run out but I’d like to be here if he does. I won’t sign off this pot until the end of the match in case he gets on…fingers crossed.

So I was watching from the clubhouse and worked whilst witnessing all the match – Abingdon were 3-0 middle of the second half and Jack was then brought on. They put him up front and he did okay, didn’t get much of a sniff but looked dangerous and busy. At the final whistle all his team-mates were congratulating him so he’s been accepted

Very proud of him, pleased he’s done it. Hopefully they will keep him involved but we will have to wait and see

This was on the website before the match…

End of a nice weekend

Up and out of bed early and pottered around in the garden and cut some wood with the chain saw and in the evening burned everything I’d cut in the morning!!

Didn’t get up to much else really, Tash took Charlotte into town to get some more Xmas presents for her and I stayed home and worked through things I wanted to tick off – sad things like sorting out the PlayStation 2 games for Xmas, Singstar and Buzz!! Looked for a few things for presents of my own but didn’t order them, will wait to see what sort of budget we have. Got a fair amount done and then the girls were home and the four of us (Jack) had a really nice roast dinner.

Took Charlotte back to Bicester Village North and said our farewells and she went back to Uni seemingly a lot happier with things now.

Back home, we watched more dramas that we like, Jack went off to Max’s house as it was his 18th and we ended up in front of the fire with red wine in had and eventually had an early night because we’d eaten early and with the dark nights now it feels so much later than it is

A nice weekend and we think Charlotte is okay and back on track now – she needed to be home for a bit and it’s helped we’re certain

Drinking Images Compiled & Ordered

Didn’t get up until about 10.00am as we’d not got in from last night until about 2.00am, Tash was going out with her family to Milton Keynes so got sorted and was off. Charlotte and I sat at the dining room table, her working and me working on the drinking photos I have been taking all year round. I spent ages on them, the hardest thing was trying to get the best offer for printing them at a reasonable price and the size I wanted and the text I wanted in the polaroid footer of the image.

I settles for something in the end and proceeded to import the photos and then add the captions – it was really enjoyable, I can’t believe we did so much this last year. I had certainly done the right thing with the naming convention of the photos as I’d created and then saved them. I loved setting it up – so I worked through it all and it’s now ordered so hopefully get those in a few days time, probably the same time as the photobook!

Now I need to find a frame for them – that’s going to be just as hard to get sorted I suspect.

I feel I want another challenge now as my list of 50 Things is slowly being whittled away.

I pottered around in the afternoon and took the dogs for a walk and got a fire up and running and made dinner – we had chicken korma – not as nice as last night’s but it was good though. Mum came home and we didn’t do too much really, dinner with Tash, Charlotte, Jack and Miles and then Jack took C&M out to meet friends and we sat in watching TV or sorting things out for Xmas shopping etc.

Caught up on a couple of episodes of the dramas we’re working through but a nice chilled and relaxed evening

Jack the Ripper Tour in London

Worked at Banbury today running a training session with team from Hodder and it went okay, loads of questions but they seemed happy at the end of it so I think I did my job okay! I ran out of there at the end as I needed to get home as soon as I could and I managed to get back at the time I wanted and Charlotte dropped me and Mum at the Park and Ride near Wayne and Kerry’s and we met them and jumped on the x90 to London for a night out. Slept on the way there and made our way to Aldgate in East London and found the meeting place we needed to be at for 7.20pm, we were an hour early so went in a pub that was just like we expected for the Jack the Ripper scene.

So yes, we were on the Jack the Ripper tour that Wayne & Kerry got me for my birthday and we had a great tour guide but the first thing was that there were about 30 people or more on our tour, then you walked past another group of people and then another and across the road was yet another group of tourists on the same tour, it was amazing that so many people were all getting these trips around. It was fascinating and we learned loads from the experience, really enjoyed it. It’s so strange to think he’s so famous for what he did and yet he “only” killed 5 women and was “working” for 3 months in 1888, incredible.

What was amusing is that in the pub when we were waiting I checked Google Maps and said that we were quite near the area that we were going to stay in after the darts, Shoreditch, and sure enough – we actually walked past our hotel – really please as we’re in a great area. There was a road we walked along called Brick Lane which was so lively with bars and places to eat, can’t believe we’re so close to it. The tour was enjoyable like I said and when it finished we made our way back to Brick Lane and more or less went in the first curry house we came across – had a really good meal, really enjoyed it. A few more beers and we’d got the taste for it but instead of staying in the area we made our way back to Victoria station in case we missed the last trains or anything and “intended” to have a drink and then get a later bus, I knew that wasn’t going to happen and it didn’t happen, we stayed by the bus stop and got the 12.01 bus home – that was fine, we were tired.

Journey home was uneventful and in fact we just all slept, Wayne and Kerry got out at their stop and we carried on into the centre of town, Tash contacted Jack and he came and picked us up and gave us a lift home as he was still out so that handy.

A great evening, we get on very well with Wayne and Kerry – would recommend people going on the trip and visiting the area that’s for sure.

Japan Book sorted…at last

So having only just completed the USA book a few weeks ago I have to work on the Japan one and I was under a deadline because of wanting to get the best deal possible from Blurb but also needing to get it done before Xmas. So I’ve been working my bollocks off for weeks on this and over the last couple of days it’s been full on – took me about 4 hours or more last night and a couple more today again but finally it’s completed, uploaded and ordered!

We can view it from this link: http://www.blurb.co.uk/books/9084041-the-dark-family-japan-holiday-2018 

I am actually really pleased with it, there was so much to show and it’s huge but it’s done now and the discount I got from Blurb was 50% because of the Black Friday offer and it was absolutely brilliant because it brought down the cost of two books to £57.00 including the postage…phew!

So that’s one thing off my list of things to do and it’s a great thing to have sorted.

Such good memories in the book as well – mum and Tash will be delighted with it.

Charlotte a bit stressed out..

Charlotte came home from Uni today to recharge her batteries, she’s been up against things a bit the last few days at Uni and her home and was getting tired and stressed so she came home for a few days and is going back to Uni at the weekend, probably Sunday. I am updating this a couple of days later and it’s been the right thing for her to do and she’s a lot more relaxed and back to normal now, I think too many things had got to her and she needed to “run away” from it all and get her head straight at home near us and of course Miles! Whatever works.

She does have a lot on her plate and she’s had a night out to forget, then a tutor who’s a bit of an arsehole and a boiler next to her room that’s making a din and she’s unable to sleep so anyway, all#s well at the minute for her now.

This year is going to fly by – she’ll be at her graduation in no time!

Hangovers all round!

Tash woke up early this morning and kept going to the bathroom to be sick – not a great sound to hear first thin in the morning but there you go! I felt okay but just heavy-headed, not ill. We stayed in bed and dragged out leaving until the last minute and checked out about midday! Walked down to Charlotte’s house and it was quiet and everyone was just feeling lazy and some were being ill so we just chilled on the sofa and literally did nothing. Charlotte put on a film so we watched Limitless which seemed to go on for ages and Tash just slept though! We ordered some KFC via Deliveroo and that went down well!

We started to make a move when the film finished and we said our goodbyes etc. Drive home was uneventful, I didn’t feel tired or in difficulty at all and it was a good run home again, dropped Miles home and got back to ours – nothing happening so we crashed out and relaxed in front of the tv and did nothing whatsoever for the rest of the evening

Early night to bed and another successful and enjoyable weekend.

Student night out in Nottingham

Up nice and early today and got things sorted in the morning, Miles arrived in good time, sorted Jack and then got on the road for Nottingham – Lewis was leaving Manchester around the same time so we looked on course to all be there at the same time – perfect. The run up there was uneventful, in fact it was pretty quick to be honest. Stopped at McDonalds to get some breakfast and then were there at Charlotte’s house. Sat in the kitchen catching up with her and her house-mates that we know and planning how the evening would work out. Lewis arrived and we then walked into town. On the way was out hotel so we dropped our bags in there, once we were given the correct room and then continued into the shopping areas of Nottingham. Wandered round and it wasn’t overly successful but I think we got some ideas and some presents for the kids – that’s what Tash really wanted to pin down this afternoon so I think that worked.

People were getting hungry so we went to Pizza Express in amongst an area of the town centre I like, some great looking bars and Indie shops – meal was nice and we had a couple of drinks and then went from there to do some more shopping which was more successful and we then made our way to the Xmas Fair/Market they’d got set up. They’d done a ski lodge and it was great, we went upstairs and got a drink and then looked out over the balcony at all the shoppers and the snow machine kept blasting out the ‘snow’ and it was really enjoyable. We only stayed for a pint and then more shopping and made our way back to hotel and agreed meet up times and they all carried out home.

Just got ready in the hotel, Tash had a sleep and I watched TV and then we jumped on a tram for one stop before walking down to their house and we sat in the kitchen listening to music and drinking…we then went in the front room and got Ring of Fire going. It’s a card drinking game and it was enjoyable – the drinks were definitely flowing now and we were all getting a bit drunk. About 10.30pm we left and got a tram into town, quite a big crowd of us went and we all got in the same pub and the other parents that were taking there kids out were there too so that was nice. I went and got a round and for some reason did it for everyone - £65.00! Oops…although to be fair I didn’t have to get another drink all night..!

Stayed in this bar for a while chatting with the kids and parents and then made our way to the Bier Keller that was planned – got in with no issues and it was quite an eye-opener, no one was on the ground, all of them were on the benches singing and dancing to the DJ. We found a space and climbed aboard and joined in of course. That went on for the rest of the night and we stayed until closing time. Staggered out and went to get some food and find a taxi for us all.

Witnessed quite a nasty fight which I didn’t help by shouting “Fight! Fight! Fight!”…made me laugh anyway!! Taxi got us back to the hotel – can’t remember much and then crashed out fast asleep!

A really enjoyable day and night – I think everyone else had a good time as well and it was great to spend time with everyone

Still working up North..

Hard work today, I was at a clients to go through x3 sessions introducing the Logical Office solution to users and when I walked in it was clear there were ‘problems’! Basically there was a lady completely opposed to the introduction of the system and they’d been arguing about it before/during my arrival at the offices – she was in the first session I ran and made it very difficult instead, so argumentative and over-bearing, it ruined the session for any normal users. It then kicked off again whilst people were coming in for the second session with her and other partners of the business, I just kept quiet of course, it wasn’t my argument but it made for a very difficult atmosphere all day.

Yet the guy I was working with that organised it all, Richard, was great, really nice bloke who I think would be a good laugh down the pub and a day/night out – felt sorry for him

Anyway, all done and dusted by about 3.45pm and I was out of there and on the road home, but I was knackered so I did stop for about 90 minutes and slept deeply about 25miles north of Nottingham so I didn’t actually get home until 8.15pm – nice dinner and a catch up with Tash, problems in the Bull family sadly and then watched a couple of dramas to keep up with things and then to bed.

Another early start tomorrow as off to Birmingham and Peters Books…I need a rest!

Long day in York

Working up North today and typing this from a hotel between Leeds and Pudsey – yes there is such a place! Nice enough hotel, all workmen in the restaurant and I had a couple of double-gin and tonics and scampi and chips. Ready for bed shortly, I am knackered.

Was up and out the house by 7.00am this morning and the run up to York was excellent so I was at the Designer Outlet roundabout by 10.15am and I wasn’t meeting anyone until 12.00pm so went into the Outlet centre. I could have spent quite a lot but didn’t, however, I found the white Ted Baker shirt I liked in my size at an absolute steal – £40.00 plus an additional 30% off – wasn’t going to turn that down!!

Actual work was fine – the manager I was meeting for the first intro session was quite hard to work with and the training with the Marketing team was fine as well. The new system we’re trying to release isn’t very intuitive and experienced Data Mining users are finding it hard work, I really need to find a solution or training delivery that’s going to make this easier for them. It was a really long day, we started at 1.30, 15 mins break and through to 5.00pm – v tired

Then hour drive to the hotel – traffic was painful but got here in one piece!

Might have an early night now as it will be a long day tomorrow no doubt.

Booked Marrakech

So one of the 50 things on my larder door was to go to Marrakech and this is now ticked off as being organised. We mentioned it to John and Pauline Bampton a couple of weeks ago and they were up for it. We wanted to get it booked so we followed up with them a couple of days ago and they said yes definitely, sure enough, Pauline has now booked it for 4 days in March. Should be good fun and we’re going for quite a long time so should really experience the most from it.

Tasha is delighted to have had someone book it for her instead of her having to do all the work!

How exciting!!

Doncaster again

Worked in Doncaster today with the Hodder Northern team reps and it went okay. Got there just in time and unexpectedly it went on and on so I stayed on late and did a lot more than planned, but that was good and it seemed that everyone was happy with the end result before I left. What was good was the train I got was a non-stop one and I was able to get loads done. not so good on the way back because I didn’t have a reserved seat and it was so busy, but also was sat opposite someone from an insurance agency and they just talked throughout the hour that I was with them until they got off at Derby!

Got home at a decent hour although I’d been up since 5.00am so was knackered. Had a couple of beers in the evening and a Baileys but it was good to get the work done – I like travelling.

Queen film

Pottered around in the morning, quite heavy heads but nothing too serious, in the afternoon we worked on all the jobs we wanted to get done and had dinner. We had a target time to complete everything by and we met it and it meant we could get changed and go to the Vue near the Kassam stadium and watch the Queen show called Bohemian Rhapsody which was mostly about Freddie Mercury. We took Jack with us and we all really enjoyed it, I loved it – brought back so many memories of a time that I was young when it focused on Live Aid in 1985.

Interestingly the film has had mixed reviews, but those of us not too concerned about 100% facts and more the things that he did and achieved and the music they played it was a great film and worth going to watch.

Back home afterwards and to bed after watching a bit more TV!

Black Eyed Peas

Got up late this morning and had quite a hangover, last night was great fun and unexpected to be quite so bad! Worked in the garden cutting back trees and sorting out the pond so it was productive in the end. Couldn’t be bothered to do too much to be honest

In the afternoon we got ready and then set out for Milton Keynes, me Tash, Charlotte & Jack went off to seeing the Black Eyed Peas. We got there in good time and parked up near the venue and went looking for somewhere to have a drink, we settled on Frankie & Benny’s because it was the only place that had a normal bar and then we queued up and eventually John & Pauline Bampton came along as did the Holdens – all of them!

We then made our way to the venue and having queued to get in the queue for the bar was about 7 deep and we couldn’t be arsed to wait so in fact we didn’t have another drink all night!

The girl group on as the warm up act were pretty good and then the main event took place and it was actually brilliant, really enjoyed it. Shame that Fergie wasn’t there but they had a replacement and she was very talented and involved and confident so it worked.

Loads of their classics and it got the place going, they were on for 90 minutes and more and it was entertaining.

Finished on a couple of banging tunes and then the night was over – no problems getting away and out of the car-park, very well organised and home with no issues whatsoever

A really good end to the weekend!

My 50th Birthday trip to the States – Boston bound–Day One

Flight was great.

Drinks were flowing – kept getting topped up or helping ourselves – didn’t once not have a drink in my hand for the whole flight there.

Magnum ice cream at the end

Banging music. Loved it!!!

Bit tipsy

Quite a wait at the passport control and then Tucks picked us up

Back to his house pretending to be sober but drank more and had a great catch up

Should be a good weekend

Jack Personal Statement

It feels so strange having to go through all this again with Jack this time now, thankfully we were able to crib from Lewis and Charlotte’s statements and make something from those but in Jack’s favour. I’ve been putting off going through it but Tash was hassling me so tonight I did one of blitzes on it and it had more red ink than black typing! He took it all on board and made most of the changes but he’s not very diligent in checking what he’d done so I need to work on him about that.

Let’s see what his teachers say when he takes it to school tomorrow!

Apart from that, busy day with work, got a lot done and loads more is coming through so I am happy to have the work and the money coming in, should be a good month I hope!

The GSM fallout from their upgrade continues and Logical Office seem oblivious to customer service, the IT guys are so casual with it all – it really surprises me, well it’s up to them but I’d be busting my balls to getting some of these issues resolved but they don’t appear too bothered by the client chasing them. Anyway, will follow it up tomorrow and see if things are better for them

Weekend round up – Oxford Half Marathon, Canal Boat, Glastonbury tickets

Nice weekend which started on Friday when John and Pauline came round for a catch up and drinks, they were here from about 7.00pm onwards and it was really nice and relaxed evening. I had worked late and it was a full on day so I was knackered but that was fine and we got the fire going and had nibbles and drinks. Didn’t stop talking all night, loads to catch up on as we’d not seen them for ages. It was also a chance for us to plan for the Sunday morning military operation of trying to get Glastonbury tickets…

Saturday morning had a bit of a heavy head and when I eventually got up Tash was already on one of her missions to make everyone ashamed of how she gets done! She went out and only as she was walking out the door did she admit she was off to get a facial! Alright for some! It was raining, not hard, but I then went out into the garden and set about chopping back some of the trees, made good in-roads to some of them actually and it looked good. The tree out the front that we have lights in and the horrible hedge that I hate I squared off so it looked nicer.

We had a nice coffee and then went out towards The Rock of Gibraltar pub because Nikki and Gareth had hired a canal boat for their 30th anniversary and were travelling around and would be at this pub at lunchtime, on the way we stopped by Kidlington and I got my hair cut as I’d missed Annie in the week. Pub was nice and they were set up to spend the day there – they were not moving anywhere as a result of the weather, which was drizzling at best! Well they were happy. We had a couple of drinks and some food and stayed for about 90 minutes and then made our way home.

Made a fire again and relaxed in the evening, Tash made a nice curry and we watched TV.

Sunday was the Oxford Half Marathon, I was entered into it but I just couldn’t face it, I’ve done no training whatsoever and I am out of shape and actually injured, my back is really causing me a lot of grief at the minute, so Jack took my place and went off with Mum to do the run. I wandered down the road to John and Pauline’s and we set up with laptops and PCs ready for the 9.00am opening of the ticket office. Sadly it went tits up as per usual with these things, were able to get to the site but didn’t once get to any ticketing page, after 40 minutes the message came up saying all the tickets were sold out – so pissed off, as were so many other people. But two things to consider, 1) we didn’t get to the payment page and the website crash like it did for some people and 2) I didn’t have to make a decision who the 6 people were that we were getting tickets for! You could only buy 6 at a time and there were 9 people wanting tickets, I felt under intense stress!

So with that all done I jumped in the car and went down to Summertown and cheered on Jack and Tash and kept finding places along the route to shout encouragement. They did really well, Jack breezed it and could have done so much quicker but he stayed with Mum and kept her going when she wanted to stop and they completed it on 2hrs and 29 minutes so that was excellent – I would have been pleased with that time.

Tash was shattered and done in, but she was glad she’d done it, but said she’d not do it again. We went and got their t-shirts and then made our way to the car and went home. They had baths etc but as usual Tash didn’t sit still and kept getting in my way and doing jobs! I got a few things done for work etc and then in the evening we watched one of the Jurassic Park films…so very predictable…but it was entertaining.

We then had a phone call from the insurance company as Jack had backed into another car and drove off last night but his number plate got caught and they were claiming. The worse thing about all this is that Jack had completely and utterly lied to us about how the accident happened and someone drove into him in Summertown, I am incredibly hurt by the lies, it’s just not what we do and after the situation with Lewis last year lying to us about his degree I thought that Jack would have known better. Such a shame and we will rein him in a bit now I think as he’s had too much slack too young..I doubt we will but that’s the intention!

So after the film, early night for everyone to another eventful weekend..what’s new there?!?!?

Jack’s frustration with football…

Felt sorry for Jack this evening, as well as at the weekend, he’s been sub for two matches now and not got a sniff in either of them, it’s so wrong and it pisses me off no end! I have to walk away and ignore it, not sure what to do about it. This evening was sort of understandable as it was a local derby against Abingdon Town and it was quite close with Utd running out 2-1 winners, but it could have been a lot more had the Utd forwards finished their numerous chances.

He will just have to stick it out and when he gets his chance make the most of it.

He’s certainly good enough and could hold his own with the players I’ve just watched, in fact he’s better than many of them!

Charlotte’s Birthday weekend round-up

A nice long Birthday weekend is completed. We took Charlotte, Miles and Jack out for a meal at the Coconut Tree on Friday night and it was lovely. Great setting and the food was lovely, it was a really nice evening and a good start to the weekend. We tried to go to the Mad Hatter bar but that was a private party so we went to another bar along the Cowley Road and had a couple of drinks there – all very relaxed. Taxi home, another beer sat listening to music and then to bed not too late.

Saturday morning I was up and working all morning for 4 hours on a Help Guide, really productive actually as I got it done, but it meant that I wasn’t able to go out with Tash on a 2 hour run, I can’t see that I am going to be able to run this Half Marathon next week, which is a shame, my body just isn’t ready for it. I’ve let myself down badly here.

We then had all Tash’s family up for afternoon tea but I went to Jack’s football to try and video him but unfortunately he didn’t actually get on, we were both pissed off about that. I must admit I did keep a watch from the bar whilst the Ryder Cup was on having a couple of beers, very disappointing.

Back home and we then had a load of Charlotte’s mates coming over in the evening, they were supposed to get these for 7.00pm but didn’t come until 8.45pm and Charlotte was a bit miffed, but it was fine once they’d all arrived and it was the usual rowdiness that we’ve come to expect and it was a nice evening, had a few too many beers! They all left just after midnight to go clubbing and we tidied up afterwards.

Sunday morning I was up late and had a very heavy head, got some stuff tidied up and was then off to football for the vets. Said goodbye to Charlotte as she’s back up to Nottingham an Tash was taking her. Football was fine, we won a comfortable game against Headington Butchers (6-2) and I got a lot of football, we had a new signing in Jack’s old Woodstock Town manager, Matty, so that was interesting seeing him play (and vice versa)! Back home afterwards and had dinner and kept the new student entertained whilst doing various chores I’d been allocated!!

Tash came back about 7.30pm in not the best of moods and she went to bed early, I stayed up watching the highlights of the Ryder Cup – we won with something to spare so that was enjoyable.

So all in all a good weekend and to make it better I didn’t feel too bad following the football match, I did a lot of running about and my body doesn’t seem to have reacted badly…will see if that’s the case in the morning!!

Charlotte’s Birthday tomorrow

So she’s going to be 22 tomorrow, can’t believe how my kids are growing up, it’s a scary time it really is.

Mum popped round with some presents for her this afternoon but typically she was out walking the dog, but she had been out for afternoon tea yesterday so it wasn’t so bad, Mum also brought a nice cake round that looked like a Japanese fan so that was appreciated.

I think Charlotte is going to be celebrating in style yet again…we’re taking her and Miles out tomorrow for a meal, I think Jack is coming too now so that should be interesting as it’s at a Sri Lanka restaurant!, then we’ve got all the Bull family coming over for afternoon tea and then we’re hosting all her mates in the evening at our house – I didn’t know about that! Not sure I can handle a big piss up… They’ve already made jokes to Charlotte about fighting with the neighbours..oh dear!

Aside from that, all is ticking along fine, work is busy and I am getting behind with things even though it feels like I am working flat out. Talking of which, I’d better get some more done

Brief Update…nothing much to report

Just a quick catch up…

Last Friday night we met up with Nikki Henderson and Matt in the White Hart – had a few drinks and that was a nice evening catching up

Last Saturday we took Millar and Holdy out to the Black Boy in Headington, Jack dropped us down there and we got quite drunk actually. Nice food and had a good time. I got my sums slightly wrong at the end and still asked them to pay £25.00 each when we paid £150.00, Tash said I should have not asked…bugger. Really nice evening though, enjoyed it. Jack picked us up as well so bonus!!

Jack made his Abingdon Utd Development squad debut in the afternoon as well, he got 35 minutes and shone and at 0-0 he helped make it a 2-0 win so he was buzzing. Was telling me how he kept rinsing the right-back because he was put on at left midfield which is where he should be. We later learned that the player he replaced in the match has decided to leave – probably because he can see how much better Jack is than him. That might be fathers pride speaking but that’s the impression I got from Jack – well done him

Miserable day on Sunday and Tash wanted to go out for a run, I am still struggling with my back so cycled along with her but after about an hour she was struggling to run, problems with her stomach not fitness, she was doing well. It was pissing down with rain the whole time so wasn’t much fun. The Oxford Half Marathon is in two weeks time and I’ve done absolutely nothing at all, I can’t see that I will be competing this year unfortunately.

Work is busy, but then the outgoings are mental – they really are. We’re getting the prep done for the USA holiday and that’s exciting.

Lewis has been in Dublin doing a presentation for his work, one of the sessions was in front of about 90 people and he’s enjoyed it, I saw on LinkedIn there’s a photo of him doing it that his Team Leader uploaded, seems really strange having your son be tagged for his work on LinkedIn! He’s also back with Amber so he’s pleased about that, will see how things move along with that – I have my doubts, once you have a break-up it’s hard to get back to what you want it to be. Hopefully it will be okay though.

Anyway, that will do for now, only a brief update

Poor old Lewis

So he’s not feeling too good at the minute as he’s on some medication to help with problems with his stomach that the GP has prescribed. But to compound matters his girlfriend, Amber, has finished with him last night. He called Tash in tears and she was working and unable to commit enough time to get to the bottom of it and console him so I called later whilst Jack was at football. Usual thing in that she’s just got bored or said the spark isn’t there or whatever…he’s keen to get her back but we shall see. I gave some advise which I doubt he will take on board, it’s difficult as he’s in a situation that he’s desperate to keep with her but it sounds like she wants to move on, so he will have to allow that to happen. I just hope he doesn’t make a fool of himself in his desperation to get back with her.

I won’t say more than that, will let the dust settle but we had a feeling this was coming with some of her social media posts and also the long texts that were going on all throughout our visit to Japan and even during the Test match. My thoughts and loyalty are obviously with Lewis and if we have to go up to Manchester at the weekend to see him no doubt we will…let’s see what happens

Such a shame and glad that I don’t have that hassle anymore…unless Tash is planning to leave me!!

New Vets season upon us

So it’s a new season for the over 50’s and we’ve played two matches, I’ve started as sub in both of them which I am not overly pleased about!! We beat Goring last week 2-1 and beat Chinnor today 5-2 so it’s been a decent start. Some new faces including Ronnie Williams and Gary Coyle and all the old faces are still involved as well. I enjoyed today a bit more than last week as I went into midfield but my legs aren’t there and I didn’t run very much not good!

Afterwards, all the families that are going to New York met up in the White Hart and discussed our plans for the time we’re over there. Should be good but I think it’s going to be an expensive experience! Even in the White Hart we ended up downing 7 pints! Wasn’t nice as when we went home Tash was really drunk but is also saying that she thinks she’s on a pre-menopause which is making her scatty and forgetful, we ended up arguing once everyone had gone to bed – not a nice end to the day/weekend.

Perhaps something is wrong with her, she’s got a doctor’s appointment lined up so we shall see after that – hopefully she’s okay.

England v India Test Match at the Oval

Woke up with a heavy head head but not feeling ill and we got ready to go. Last minute packed lunch made us Tash and then she dropped us off at the train station for our 8.45am train...can’t believe I was on such an early train. The boys slept on the way there, v tired from last night and there were no problems whatsoever getting to the ground. It was fun “people watching” on the train and then the tube as so many people were going to the match.

It was mad when we came out of the Oval tube station as you were going up the escalator there was so much noise at the top and it was mayhem. We got into the ground fine and found our seats and the ground slowly filled up. It’s a strange experience as there is just constant drinking and eating. We were in a good section and it was fun. Jack and Lewis were both asking questions about the game and cricket in general, they’re not fans but I think it was okay for them. Doubt Jack will come again though, he did have a snooze a few times. But then it was a long day just sat there watching no much happening...admittedly it was a slow days cricket but I enjoyed it. Saw Steve Escott for a catch up as he was in a block near to me and had seen my Facebook post saying I was on my way. Managed to have about 5 pints of lager but it was tough going and eventually gave up...

Bit of history witnessed because Alastair Cook had announced his retirement and we got to see him bat for the last time. He wasn’t out and by the time we left at 6.15pm to get our trains England were in command having got India out and only losing two wickets in the evening session. Lewis was getting a different train to us so we said our goodbyes and Jack and I carried onto Marylebone. We were 50 minutes early so got some food and pottered about and then home at 8.35pm, almost missed our stop as both of us were fast asleep. Tash got us and we caught up and then had an early night

Old Faces, old men!!

It was Wayne and Jason’s 50th birthday joint party on Saturday night and it was at the Chequers in Headington. Loads of old faces as you would expect and loads of memories and silly chatter, it was a great evening and I loved it. Lewis came along and we all ended up in town and Hank’s bar. Jack picked me up and we got a kebab after Lewis left early because he was hanging! Youngsters these days!

Some names: Latch, Dale Thorne, Nick Dawson, Jan Varney, Paul Bradbury, Paul Mulvaney, Jason Caffel, Jon Ward, Brian Falnnery, Phil Tomas, Buzz Fowler, Paul Fawkes, Paul Kimber, Leigh Bastable, Dean Ferguson, Paul Creed, Steve Tavinor, Andy Thomas, John Hilland, Nozzer, Liam Carroll, Rob Tutton, Mark O’Hara, Blinky, Paul Holden and others!

Typhoon in Japan and other happenings

Working at Raintree today and on the hour, every hour, an alarm went and we all got up to do some exercise!! Only 20 seconds of something – I did 20 squats, it was quite tiring but it was also amazing how quickly the time came around and you thought, “Already?”

Decent day working here today, so much to work through which I did, that’s one nice thing about being off on holiday is how the work piles up, same with tomorrow at Peters Books – I’ve got a shedload of stuff on my plate to do for Claire

Last night I sorted out the train tickets for Lewis to come down at the weekend and go to the England v India Test match on Sunday, bit worried about that as we’re getting an 8.45am train on Sunday morning but on Saturday night Holdy and Millar are having a lads night out and get-together for their 50^th birthdays and we’re meeting at 6.30pm…I’ll be steaming drunk!! In saying that, hopefully I will have some discipline with the cricket being on the following day and I don’t want to miss that for the world!

Not much else to report really, the training session with Hodder/Rising Stars yesterday afternoon seemed to go ok, it could have been better but the problem was you had some people on the ball and understanding what was required and some that were not…anyway, hopefully the other sessions will be easier and smoother to run through, we’ll find out in the next week or so.

Couldn’t believe the news last night, the worst typhoon in 25 years has hit Kyoto and Osaka causing deaths and mayhem – how lucky were we? The photos and videos paint a bad picture and I cannot believe the weather we’re viewing when you think about what we experienced, simply amazing to think we missed all of the bad weather during our time there, same as with going to Thailand during the rainy season, we experienced none of it. We do have some bad luck with our travelling sometimes but we’ve certainly benefited from good fortune more than enough! Such a shame that it’s so severe and causing so many problems for people.

Back to work today

Well that was hard work if I am honest! Woke up again at 4.30am, read some news for 30 minutes and then managed to go back to sleep until 7.30am so that wasn’t too bad, slowly getting our body clocks back to normal

I worked from home today and appeared to get quite a bit done, I am determined to get paid as much as possible in the coming months to pay for this holiday and all the other things we have lined up, so trying to focus on doing work I will be paid for and ensuring I record the time that I do. I’d got out of the habit so that needs to be addressed!

Not a huge amount of backlog for me but plenty of work in the pipeline for the next fortnight so that’s pleasing. Just ploughed through it during the day

Tash was around from the afternoon onwards and she went out with Zoe for a long walk in the evening and I just watched the end of the Jack Reacher film (what a load of shit that was!) and then had an early night.

I am trying to reduce the amount of Social Media and procrastination but it’s not worked yet!!

St Giles Fair today and tomorrow as well - haven't been down there for years, I don't like it anymore as it's a rip off and too expensive, but the kids enjoy it!!

Japan Holiday - Day 15 – Homeward bound

Sat on the first of two flights on the runway at Japan heading for Seoul, were delayed about an hour but thankfully should still have an hour for the transfer so if we take off shortly I will relax, but I must admit I’m getting a little anxious about missing our connecting flight!!

As predicted, no hassle getting up and out and found a coffee shop in the terminal area and also walked round the shops buying last minute gifts to use the money or just put on creams and smellies!!

Hold on, I’m pretty certain the captain just said the departure is now delayed by 1hr and 20 minutes. I can’t believe that’s the case and hope he’s got that wrong. We surely can’t be sat on the plane parked for the next 80 minutes, that’s mental!! It will mean we will have problems with our flight from Seoul to London. Fuck all we can do about it.

Well that was exciting. We’re now on the plane at Seoul as that was delayed by an hour. We didn’t know that when we landed at 2.15pm and raced off the plane and ran all the way to transfers, it was there that we found out that our 2.30pm flight was now 3.30pm and was at the same gate as we’d docked at. Meaning we were getting back onto our original plane!! What a stroke of luck. So all of us that had panicked etc were calmed down and now we’re ready to go for 12 hours flight. I’m bored of the films now.

The flight home was fairly uneventful, I forgot to mention on the first flight the turbulence was pretty bad, this flight had some but not as bad as the first one – quite scary but all okay. Watched loads of films again and didn’t really sleep and we got home to Heathrow about 7.45pm, no problems whatsoever with Immigration, there was no queueing at all and then got our bags and car, stopped in Headington at MacDonald's and home for 9.15pm and Miles was waiting with Bessie and predictably she went mental but it was all good.

Caught up on things with Miles and then every crashed out around 10.30pm.

What a fortnight that has been – absolutely loved it so very, very much. Now to pay for it!!!

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