Royal Ascot

 So we were posh today! Very, very lucky indeed. 

It was Clare Barnes 50th birthday celebration (belated) and Greg had organised for us to go to Ascot for the day in the Princess Anne enclosure - what a day it was, we were treated like Royalty!

So we went to Wooton (Didcot) to meet up and there were 10 of us in total - Miles and Lucy were meeting us there. So x2 new couples we needed to mingle and get to know and it was fine and comfortable, they were friendly enough. Had a drink of bubbly - it was early - and then the taxi arrived to take us there.

Not long and we were at the hustle and bustle of Ascot and it was great, we were in the Princess Anne enclosure and had a table to ourselves with unlimited drinks and loads of food all through the day - it was an amazing experience. 

Didn't go overboard on the free drink, partly because it was midweek but more importantly neither of us wanted to show ourselves up or let Clare and Greg down - so we kept very much within control, which was a pleasant change! 

Forgot to take any cash but fired up the Paddy Power app and was able to use that all day, worked a treat. I had mixed fortunes - no one in our group was a gambler so it was very much a case of guesswork but I ended up even so can't complain.

We wandered about but when the racing finished we were on a tight timeline to get the taxi and leave so we didn't stay for any after-party or music - but that was okay - we stuck my Spotify on!

After we'd dropped Clare and Greg home the taxi took us back to Oxford train station and everyone went their own ways - Charlotte came to pick us up and couldn't believe how "sober" we were.

Anyway, not all about the drink is it and we proved that, although I've mentioned it numerous times in the post!!

It was definitely a day to remember and we were so pleased and grateful to have been invited and included. 

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Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge

 Tash has been training for a while with Anna Ballance to complete the Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge - I wasn't to be involved at all but unfortunately, Anna got Covid so dropped out at the last minute. Tash didn't want to delay any further because of other events and activities planned in the coming weeks so she decided to go ahead with it and I offered to drive her up and accompany her instead (obviously not n the walk itself!! I'm not mental!)

So, I left work early on the Friday and set up in the back of Vinnie with my laptop on the table and Tash drove off and for the next few hours I worked on emails etc offline - it worked really well - bit bumpy and felt a bit travel sick if the truth be told, it wasn't as comfortable and steady as if we were on the train, but it worked. When we got north of Birmingham I tried out turning my phone into a hotspot and it was brilliant - emails and access to the support website worked super smoothly. Made me start thinking that this is what we definitely need to start doing much more of - I could just as easily have been sitting at my desk at home. The only thing that would be an issue is web calls - but if I can avoid those then all is good! Anyway, something to think about for the future and having long weekends away.

Tash started to tire of the driving after a few hours, and I felt sick enough, so I drove the rest of the way up there - bloody long way. We got to the Yorkshore Dales National Park and it was beautiful, it really was, very impressed. I dropped Tash off at her "hostel" and then headed for my campsite which was about 20 mins away with Bessie. As I was unloading the van I found Tasha's walking boots - tried calling but mobile reception where she was wasn't good but got through to the hostel and they located her and yes, she did need them!! So off I went back there again, didn't mind as it wasn't too far and was another excuse to drive through the hills and countryside.

Back to the campsite and just relaxed with Bess, nice dog walking area. 

Saturday was the day of the walk and Tash set off around 6.15am, I was awake of course and wished her luck (then went back to sleep!), the location of the campsite was great and I had a good view and I just sat and worked all day with the van door opening looking out - interupted work with walking Bess and eating and getting the odd update from Tash as they got phone signal on the walk - she was doing it pretty quickly and was enjoying it.

As the day wore on (around 4.00pm) I thought to myself, "I'm up here in this amazing area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and I am sat here on my laptop doing work for no additional pay and no additional thanks - what the fuck am I doing???" Yes it felt good to have got things up to date but I have so many alerts and reminders telling me that work is "never done/completed" - so I decided right then to close the laptop and get out exploring - Tash wouldn't need me until about 6.30pm.

So Bess and I went for a drive and up on the Dales and it was spectacular, loved it, parked the van, took photos and let Bess run wild - a couple of cars went passed and loads of keen cyclists - some big hills to climb which I would not have fancied! Really enjoyed it, photos don't do those sort of views justice to be honest but got some good ones. 

Then after a bit we went back and travelled to the hostel to meet Tash as she walked in and completed the trek - I was too late! They'd already got in and she'd collected her stuff and that and didn't want to stay with her new friends any longer so came back to the campsite with me. She was due to stay one more night and have dinner with the hotel people but preferred my company, I guess I should be flattered.. :-) Had a nice evening and caught up on her stories of the experience, hopefully when I am sorted with a new hip then I'll be in a position to join her on these sorts of excursions as opposed to being the backup/base camp!

Next day (Sunday) we mad our way home and stopped off near Manchester and met up with Lewis is a very nice village for a coffee and cake and catch up. Then carried on home - shit traffic and it took bloody ages, but all in all a really good weekend, well worth it.

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Pet Shop Boys - Dreamworld Tour

I had always regretted not seeing Pet Shop Boys in concert when I was younger and vowed that I would do so when they were next touring (if ever they did tour again) and when they announced a new tour that was going to be all their "old stuff" I was delighted and we got tickets for it with John and Pauline. 

That was a couple of years ago and then Covid hit and pushed it back but thankfully it finally went ahead - it's been 40 years but it was so very, very worth it

John drove, it was in Birmingham Arena on the outskirts, but that wasn't a concern for me as I wasn't going to drink anyway as I wanted to soak in all the atmosphere and remember it.

Our seats were near the back of the floor-standing area but it was fine, just pleased to be there and they put on such a great performance, even with my back aching like mad I don't think I actually sat down at all.

As promised they did play so many of their old tracks and it was wonderful, the show was such an impressive sight, I really, really enjoyed it. Loads to sing to, oh, it was just wonderful, simple as that.

When it was over we went to the hotel opposite and had a drink upstairs looking out over the venue watching everyone leaving and then after 45 mins we wandered to the car and there was no traffic at all - will have to keep that in mind for the next time we go to that venue.

Such a great night

The set list is below - a great memory

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Suburbia

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1. Can You Forgive Her?
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2. Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)
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3. Where the Streets Have No Name (I Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
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4. Rent
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5. I Don't Know What You Want but I Can't Give It Any More
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6. So Hard
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7. Left to My Own Devices
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8. Single-Bilingual / Se a vida é (That's the Way Life Is)
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9. Domino Dancing
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10. New York City Boy
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11. You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You're Drunk
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12. Love Comes Quickly
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13. Jealousy
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14. Losing My Mind
    (Stephen Sondheim cover)
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15. You Were Always on My Mind
    (Gwen McCrae cover)
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16. Dreamland
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17. Heart
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18. It's Alright
    (Sterling Void cover)
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19. Vocal
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20. What Have I Done to Deserve This?
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21. Go West
    (Village People cover)
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22. It's a Sin
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24. Encore:
25. West End Girls
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26. Being Boring

Playing (and losing) against Jack at Chess

 Jack has been getting into chess again and playing online and doing really well. He asked me yesterday for a game and I said I no which I later regretted as it was a chance to spend time with him.

So this evening I suggested playing and instead of a quick game we were playing for almost 2 hours! He’s really good now and I couldn’t break him down and in the end he beat me.

He was chuffed to bits and I can’t really see how I am going to get back at him.

It was enjoyable and so much better than being in front of the TV – why I said no yesterday I can’t understand!

St Lucia. Last day. Thursday

Breakfast in the morning and then 9.00am shuttle to the beach. Only have 2hrs but enough to soak in the atmosphere again. Less windy than the first day and more sun so really is a good end to the holiday. 

It’s been lovely, a good mixture of doing things and relaxing. I think 7 days is enough, but definitely something we will think about next year so we can have “Winter Sun”. 

Writing this on the beach now so will update this when we get on the plane or arrive home. It’s going to be a long day/night as when we get back to Heathrow it’s going to be 6.50am and I need to work. 

Best sleep on the plane!! 

Day 7 St Lucia Wednesday

Up nice and early and asked to get shuttle bus to beach but then found out it doesn’t run today. Bit annoying but our own fault, it does say on the notice board. 

So went to gym and then breakfast and then a day by the pool

The weather today rained constantly, more rain than sun. Not ideal but you just got on with it. Caught up with news and all that. 

Sorted luggage for travel home tomorrow and had a few cocktails and beers. 

Nice last dinner and then it was Reggae night with a DJ. He was a bit hopeless to be honest and we ended up (well Tash did) chatting to the gay guys. They were really engaging and it was a nice evening and end to the holiday. 

Bed at around 1.30am so we were knackered 

Day 6. St Lucia. Tuesday

Hungover. Quiet. Pissed off about phone. 

Got a message they’d found it and would return it later. Great relief and all was well in the world again

Went down to Castries for a bit of a wander around. Nothing special and it rained the whole time. 2hrs was enough and then back to the hotel to relax and sleep. 

Weather was on and off. But it was fine. 

Day 4 St Lucia. Sunday

Hanging a bit

Tash did Pilates and then joined me for breakfast. I wasn’t overly keen but had loads of coffee. Not a serious hangover, just funny stomach and not wanting to eat really

Sat by the pool and had a WhatsApp video call with the kids. Cold and cloudy where they were. 

Didn’t do much else, relaxing day

St Lucia. Day 2. Friday

Didn’t sleep too well, nothing more than different bed and strange times. Wide awake at 5.00am but managed to get back off to sleep for a bit and were down for breakfast at 8.00am. Didn’t overdo it, fruit and poached egg and yoghurt. Might have a fry-up tomorrow, this is going to do any sort of diet a lot of damage!!

Got our bearings and booked tonight’s meal then jumped on the minibus through town (Castries) and to the beach. Bit secluded but nice and we walked along for a bit before coming back and reading or listening to music. Sea is warm and weather good, but cloudy and windy but it’s shorts and best weather so no complaints. When the sun is out the photos are great. Typing this now on the beach without a care in the world. It’s very easy to down tools and relax really

Will try the beach shack shortly, see how much it all costs. 

St Lucia. Day 1 Thursday

Up early. Did some work, cleared up Bessie’s shit all over the front room and finished last few bits and bobs. Have the kids a send off and then made our way to Heathrow. 

No hassle getting there and all good getting through security. Had some food and drink and then on the plane. 

Time seems to pass so quickly and we were finally on the plane. Okay, not half full and we were treated well. Tash made note of her birthday so we got some champagne which was nice. 

Sat on the plane typing this after 4 hours. Another 4.5hrs to go. Got another beer but might have a snooze. Very excited. Can’t believe we’re going to the Caribbean!!

Decent flight, then an hour to get through customs, was a bit stressful with the forms being right and also having to complete more but we got through it all and then got out 90mins transfer to the hotel. 

Bel Jou is the hotel. Really nice, everyone is super friendly, I think they’re so pleased to have tourists here. Dumped our bags, got into the wifi, and then went up to Lulu’s Cabana as it was Caribbean BBQ night. We were entertained with music and fire eating and limbo. All good fun. 

The food was good and we had a few cocktails and then a wander around before having a nightcap! We’re 4 hours behind here so 9.00pm was 1.00am and we were tired so called it a night. First impressions are good. We should have a good time here.

Back to Boot Camp

Oh my, I’m aching lying here typing this in bed about to sign off for the day. Went to boot camp at the gym on my own as Tash was in town and im knackered. Obviously I overdid it, that’s what I do! There were 5 of us there, haven’t seen the others before and it was a good session. I’ve not done any exercise since middle of November!

Anyway, busy day today. Loads done with work and dropped Tash and Pauline into town for a lm afternoon tea at the Ivy which they really enjoyed. 

Also, I went to the Churchill first thing this morning and basically got accepted for a hip operation. Loads of tests and pre work, makes it all feel very real, have to admit im a bit nervous about it. But pleased that it’s appearing to be happening!

Finally, after sharing that we’ve booked our holiday, Zoe and the girls have booked the same as well. Not sure how happy I am about it to be honest. 

Motivation starts now!

Jack talked Tash and I into going to his gym today. Tash did a workout with him, I did my own thing. I’ve not done any exercise for 2 months and it showed. I struggled. 

It was nice in the sauna and steam room though. It’s a great fitness club there, although they’re all fit already it seems!! 

In the afternoon we worked on listing the things we want so that was productive

Charlotte and Miles were in Westfield Shopping centre in London all day so didn’t seem them

Nice crispy duck for dinner and then tv and lots of Gin and Tonic. Dry January is definitely out the window!

Nice day

Dry January drink January dry? . 07.01

Worked from home today. Loads on my plate so was downstairs working by 5.30am. Got a lot done but it was a long and busy day. Finished up around 6.30pm

Decided that my effort at Dry January had been impressive enough so had wine and beers watching TV. Watched the Hitman Bodyguard’s wife, really very poor. Waste of time that I’ll never get back. 

Nice evening though. Set us up for a nice weekend hopefully. Tash sorted some more things for the St Lucia holiday so hopefully that will be going ahead after all. Fingers crossed. 

Down in Kent

Got a new starter with the team so travelled down to the office today. Up and out around 6.15am and a long day and typing this at 11.00pm. Haven’t stopped working

The new lad Scott seems on the ball which is good. Spent all day training him and the. Came to the Holiday Inn here in Sittingbourne. Must admit I hate it down here. Scared silly about Vinnie being left in the car park. So worried he won’t be there in the morning!

When at the hotel I just worked solidly. I’m absolutely knackered now.  At least I get breakfast at this one and then I go home tomorrow night instead of staying down another night

Tash, Jack and Mum went to the cinema taking advantage of the cheap tickets they get. Watched the new Kingsman film. They enjoyed it. Bit disappointed they went without me. Bit harsh!

Some good news on the travel front, sounds like some tests and restrictions are being eased up. So hopefully our trip to St Lucia is on!!

Catch up before back to work

Spent the day from 8.30am until about the same time in the evening doing jobs! Loads to do and was productive. Decorations all removed from the bar and lights from outside. Job after job..even sealing the kitchen sink. I was knackered. 

One good thing was Charlotte and I put the other decal on the side of Vinnie and we did it perfectly. Really pleased with it. 

A long day. Early night. Back to work tomorrow!

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... 

trip to the seaside

Decided to go down south for the day so as to feel we’ve got out the house. Me, Tash, Charlotte and Mum drive down in Vinnie and decided to try somewhere different and ended up through the New Forest at Milford on sea

Nice enough place and walked along a spit that was getting absolutely blasted by the wind

Made it to the castle there and when walking back got hit my a rain storm that soaked us through. There was nowhere to shelter so we endured 30 mins of rain and wind. Soaked!

Didn’t dampen our spirits though, was nice to get out and by the sea but didn’t stay any later and jumped in the van and came home. Nice and easy and a nice day. 

Watched the film Spotlight in the evening with Jack about the Catholic Church hiding abuse. Been meaning to watch it for a long time and it was well worth the wait. Excellent film but hugely frustrating and thought provoking. 

Anyway, one more day off then back to work. A good day today. 

Happy New Year

Up around 11.00am. Heavy head. Tash absolutely knocked out and throwing up. She didn’t surface until about 3.00pm. 

I finished the Witcher series and did some tidying up. We did well last night so there wasn’t too much anyway. 

Walked Bess when Tash woke but then watched films. A nice lazy day and start to the year. 

The kids were all fine and had a good time too. 

Old man…arthritis

Sat in the Churchill hospital waiting for a scan on my hip. Saw the GP earlier and he referred me up here. Thinks I’ve got arthritis in the hip that’s causing the problems I’m experiencing

Not a good thing to be told but at the same time, if they can identify the issue then we can look at getting the solution implemented. 

Tucks & Family over from States for flying visit

 Tucks came over the evening, he, Alison and their girls – Grace and Olivia

They’re over to see his parents Bill and June as they’ve not been over during the lockdown so it’s good they are – but it’s not much fun because June is suffering from dementia and Bill is just deaf so it’s not a great atmosphere at their house

We knew it was a flying visit and they were here for two hours but it was lovely seeing them and it was great catching up – really enjoyed it.

They’re trying to move house but having stumbling blocks and most likely won’t make it this side of Xmas

Lots of chatter and that and the girls were playing with Jack loads and it was a shame it was only for a short time – but I am glad they came over.

Vinnie the Van tattoo

One of the presents I got from Charlotte was the girl with balloon Banksy stencil

Couldn't wait to get it on the van so when she had her lunch break we both went outside and had a go at fixing it on. 

Very nervous doing it and we were so careful but the good thing was the YouTube video I watched last night did the job, it worked perfectly

And does it look great or what? Absolutely pleased as punch with it

Just waiting for the Mountain/Compass one to be delivered - there's problems with it, Amazon have lost it - but that will be a lot harder to add I think...

Birthday Weekend - Spa

Up quite early, think I was probably still pissed as I didn't go to bed until after 3.00am!

Had some presents from Tash and the kids and it was a lovely morning, got ourselves ready and then I drove us out to Leicester and Ragdale Hall. Lewis wasn't far behind and he came in with a present for me - one of those Dry Robes - couldn't believe it, they're so expensive. It was from him, Tash and Jack - but still very generous indeed.

So the rest of the day we just had the option to lounge around and relax - which we did.

Had a massage in the morning which was great, really enjoyed that, then we had some lunch. That wasn't so good - the service was appalling and we were a bit pissed off about it

In the afternoon we made use of all the spas that were there, good fun. My favourite was the candle cave - shame the water wasn't a fraction warmer but it was relaxing and I stayed in there ages after everyone else had left - pretty sure I nodded off!

Sleeping and swimming and relaxing - all very nice but it was soon over and we were packed up and ready for dinner in the same place as lunch. They were apologetic and we all got a pudding each for free so no harm done!

Said our goodbyes and went our separate ways, nice to have all the family together. Driving home was fine - everyone fell asleep

A nice end to my birthday weekend, was spoilt and enjoyed it!

Morning Motivation - Day 2

 Woke up really early this morning (4.00am) and was lying there thinking I need to get a bit more sleep but at the same time I was thinking that I wanted to get up and start the day and get things done. So by 4.30am I was downstairs waiting on the kettle for my cup of coffee

I did my rowing as planned but that was about it, read a bit but didn't do the diary until later this evening

I then did a lot of proper work and that was productive which was pleasing and got me sorted for the day

It was busy today we had bad news about Liggins leaving in 4 weeks time - my positivity with how things were going took a bit of a hit! And then with so much happening and emails coming in 10 to the dozen I felt like I was sinking until I thought hang on - all that work I did this morning hasn't really had any effect on what's happening now - however much you do there's always going to be loads more coming in

So I need to remember that because I was worried about the emails building up and then working late again to catch up on them - there's no need to, it can wait, it's not that urgent!

Jason also emailed me today - made another offer for my shares.

No much else to report - was very focused today and got a lot done, tired now writing this and Tash is looking at holiday for next year, sounds like we're going to e busy

Nice glass of wine and early night I hope

What time will I wake up tomorrow then??

 

Morning Motivation

 I've not been doing my diary for such a long time this year, it's a shame and a bit disappointing really, so much has happened in the year and I am not recording it.

Will try and turn that around now and make up for the lack of updates.

I won’t try and add it all in now and will continue as if I’d never left off!

So I am typing this at 6.15am having read one of Jack’s motivational books that encourages and early start to the day, I couldn’t sleep because I did want to get up and start putting things into practise

My aim is to have an hour for my own personal benefit and I will look to do the following:

• Row to work – 10 mins
• Read – 15 mins
• Course work (I have an Udemy Account from EdCo) – 30mins
• Exercise – 15 mins

That’s the plan anyway and this is why I am now writing this…

Work is fine, I am back working for EdCo full-time, not something I imagined and things have changed already from my initial responsibilities, it’s moved from being in the background supporting the Support Manager to now taking over his role because of him leaving. I feel positive about the project, we will see how it goes. I’ve got plans and ideas, non of the ideas being remotely original, but the impact in the last fortnight I’ve had with clearing down tickets is pretty obvious, we’re working well and the numbers are coming down.

I desperately need to remain disciplined and keep to the role I have and more importantly, not put in the silly hours that I used to in the old days. In saying that, I am putting in hours a bit too high so need to scale them back and ensure I have lunchbreaks and also finish on time…easier said than done of course.

Well, all is well with the home life at the minute, Jack’s business is going great guns, Charlotte’s work is brilliant and she and Miles are now actively looking for a house (they’re using Marko which is funny), and Lewis is doing really well with work and also decorating his home. We were up there with my Mum a couple of weeks ago to help with the garden and internal stuff and he’s kept that momentum going. It also sounds like Emily is going to move in to his house on a more permanent basis which is nice for them. Exciting times for all the family.

And Tash? She keeps herself incredibly busy, she’s not working on Mondays/Wednesdays (alright for some) and gets so much done by going out for walks etc

Me? Well, it’s my birthday soon so I am looking forward to that, I am going to bootcamp with Tash weekly and I have an appointment at the GPs to look at my hip, otherwise I am carrying on as I do, stumbling from one day to the next with no path or direction. Will that change with my new motivation?

What do you honestly think???

Lewis’s house visit and chores over the weekend

Tash and I have come up to Manchester for the weekend to spend some time with Lewis in his new house having been settled in for about six weeks now I think.

He’s had the kitchen sorted but it still needs a bit of minor work in terms of tiling and the extractor fan etc. but it looks a vast improvement on what he had previously. He’s done really well for himself.

We spent time working on his front garden today and tomorrow we will work on the back garden and I am currently sat in the queue for the recycling centre to get rid of all of his kitchen crap. I can’t believe how incredibly busy it is at this recycle centre the queue goes right up to the turn into it we came here twice on Saturday and turned around and went home however at 9am on Sunday morning the queue is just as bad! However I need to get rid of all of this rubbish so I am sat here making diary notes!

Had a nice evening by playing games we went for a walk into Cheadle Hume got a coffee and some wine and had the evening getting a bit tipsy and staying up watching YouTube videos and having a nice evening.

Charlotte made good use of the spa/hot tub and sent through videos and photos and it looked lovely. She claims it has been an amazing investment so that’s good to hear.

Look forward to getting home to try it out which reminds me I should text her and tell her to turn the heating on so it’s nice and warm ready for when we get back.

Not sure what else today will bring, we will sort out the back garden the grass is terribly long and there’s some crap behind his shed which we will sort out, but I hope we will go for a walk across the mall or whatever is nearby we will have to have a quick Google search and see what there is.

During the course of dictating this diary note, I think I have moved perhaps 20m, if that!

Never mind, I need to clear out all of this kitchen rubbish from my car as it will be harder to get this offloaded at the dumps in Oxfordshire whereas the dump here in Manchester is So much better.

Mickey Lewis

I heard some extremely sad news today in that my old football coach Mickey Lewis has passed away. Apparently two weeks ago he had been diagnosed with throat and lung cancer and two weeks later he’s gone.

He was an immensely popular enthusiastic and charismatic person who you genuinely couldn’t have a bad word to say about him.

Locally at non-league and boys football level he was very popular and involved and contributed, but also as a professional involved with Oxford United he was just as popular and well liked and infact well loved.

As you can well imagine, the tributes on Facebook have been pouring in and rightly so

One good example which made me tear up each time I kept thinking about it was Rob Cruise’s love of Mad Dog and his busyness and keenness to impress him, it makes me smile how we used to tease Cruisey about the way he would always say Mad Dog and Gaffer.

I hadn’t spoken or dealt with Mickey for sometime but I know that whenever I did see him in recent years he always always enthusiastic and chatty, exactly how I will always remember him.

As a coach at City it was great being under his tutelage because the training sessions were so enjoyable short and sharp quick passing and good fun and always innovative.

Such a sad, sad, sad shame that he’s passed away and he was only 56.

It does really make you sit up and take note as to what you’re doing with your life and wanting to make use of the time that we have left spending it in some sort of better quality but I guess that happens each time somebody passes away and you can become numb to that feeling and sensitivity. However, I do wonder if in this particular instance the same old routine will happen or whether it will have that marked affect in the coming days weeks months and years.

Especially at a time when I am thinking about working even more longer hours for work but really I should be stepping back and enjoying my life at this age I’m 53 this year I don’t have long left to be honest how do I want to spend the next 10 years because at 65 I won’t have the same energy and physical abilities that I have now. Which even now to be honest I’m not exactly fighting fit!

Rest in peace Mickey you’ll be very very sadly missed by friends and family.

Family Great British Bake-Off

For the month of March we’ve been having a family Great British Bake Off – this has been me, Charlotte, Tash, Jack, Grandma, Miles and Rui.

We all took it in turns to bake something and the efforts were brilliant – genuinely everyone produced something that was really good.

Charlotte organised it and it was such a good idea and we all felt involved and it was something to look forward to each week

Charlotte made a chocolate bomb and Mum made millionaire shortbread and both were the best – I think Mum might just shade it.

I made a Victoria sponge and I enjoyed doing it and it turned out pretty good in the end so I was pleased with that effort

We’ll find out who won later this week but it’s been one of those examples of winning not actually mattering because it’s been great to be involved.

Here’s my effort below…

Hot Tub up and running and getting used…

I stopped early on Friday afternoon so as to set up the hot tub in the nice weather and daylight! Added a new patio slab and then got to work on unpacking it all and setting it up.

It was fairly straight-forward and I was really pleased with the result of getting it up and running and the heater on and the chemicals into it!

It looks brilliant where we have set it up so I hope it will be a success.

Early night and hopefully we’ll get the chance to use it over the weekend

Update on Saturday!

It was freezing overnight and I was concerned it would all be frozen but of course it was running at about 37 degrees so was nice and warm. We left it the day until lunchtime when Tash got impatient so we both tested it out – it was great!

Jack and Noah tried it later which annoyed Charlotte as she’d planned a hot tub relax with Miles

Instead we waited until after dinner and in the dark the four of us got in and it was great. Quite a lot to drink but sensible etc – it soon cooled down but we had the jets on for 90 minutes! Probably not ideal use but there you go. Charlotte had bought us a light and it worked a treat.

Sunday it was just me and Tash so we used it around 5.00pm and didn’t have the jets on, just relaxed in the warmth and listened to the birds etc – it was more relaxing and peaceful to not have the jets on. I had added a towel and dressing down hooks panel and also added a shelf to the wall to make holding drinks and food easier and more reachable.

I was a bit frustrated that the top deflated but we’ll keep an eye on that but all told it’s been a really good purchase.

Lewis has said he’s ordered a drinks holder so that will be a welcome addition.

Walk in Bernwood Forest

Met Wayne and Kerry in the forest for a walk – not strictly supposed to but we kept our distances so should be fine.

Nice to catch up with them, haven’t seen them for ages.

Back home and I then took Tash over to Sue’s after picking up Nikki as it was her birthday and they were having a tea together.

Came back home and did some diary and work prep ahead of the coming weeks.

Picked Tash up again and wasn’t too drunk actually, walked Bella and Bess so that was nice for Sue’s dog as she doesn’t walk otherwise. Poor thing.

Back home sorted dinner and Charlotte & Miles had returned from their weekend in London and were setting up the new bed they’ve bought between them that has finally arrived at the weekend – it’s been a bit of a saga to get this thing and we did feel for some time it was a scam but when Charlotte’s patience finally ran out it turned up – same weekend as Lewis which he and Emily set theirs up today as well!

All good and they’re both happy with what they got.

Had a nice dinner – beef stew with dumplings and prosecco because it was Valentine’s day today, got chocolates and flowers and gin for Tash – think she was happy with that!!

Sat around chatting and catching up in the evening and then an early night – tiring weekend.

Great Grandma’s Cremation

Sad day today, another one!

Once more, the title is self-explanatory. Two weeks after her death we said goodbye to Great Grandma today. I worked in the morning as I had some urgent things to attend to and then from 11.00am we got ourselves sorted. We went over the the Crematorium about 12.20pm and there was a number of people there already, eventually most of the family were there which was pleasing, Louise and all her family, haven’t seen Trevor in about 5-6 years, Ricky and Lisa were there and so were the two girls which we weren’t expecting, Matthew and his wife too. Alan from the close was also in attendance and pleasingly Mum had been allowed to get Derek from the Nursing Home so he could come as well. He will have to self-isolate now for 14 days but he’s not doing much at the home so that’s not going to be any sort of inconvenience for him!!

We waited outside chatting and it was subdued as you’d expect but some normal chatter as well. The hearse arrived so we made our way down to the entrance and waited for a while and then were allowed in, sat at the front with Mum so I could support her if required and Derek was next to her in his wheelchair. Grandma was brought in and the service was present by a chaplain who was nice enough and instead of singing hymns there was music played and this worked. Nice to hear about Grandma’s life and admittedly it wasn’t as heart-breaking as you’d expect. Lewis stepped up to the plate and read her favourite poem, ‘”Wandered lonely as a cloud” and did brilliantly, I was extremely proud of him, and even afterwards Jack admitted to him that he’d not have been able to say anything so was impressed with his brother.

The service passed and then all done and we’re being ushered out, we waited around in the rose garden looking at the flowers and messages and chatting and comforting a few who were upset. After a bit we needed to make a move so Mum called for the taxi and we went and waited out in the car-park continuing conversations etc with people we hardly see anymore and will likely see even less of! Taxi came and that was the signal for things to finish. Mum went with him and Louise’s family went to her house – bit annoyed about that because it’s obvious they were going to but Mum played it down and was suggesting it wasn’t going to happen and that’s why they couldn’t come to ours – anyway, whatever.

So we came back here and sat around the dining room table for food and drinks and didn’t go back to work. Nice afternoon, chatting about everything and remembering funny stories about Great Grandma.

Mum came round later for an hour and the by about 5.30pm it was all done. We got changed into more comfortable clothes and put a film on. Had a bit more wine and beers but nothing to overdo things and generate hangovers!

Off to bed for an early night in what has been a long, tiring and emotional day.

Said it before, but Grandma was a remarkable woman and she’d enjoyed a great life and was well-loved which goes without saying. she’ll be sorely missed but we’ve been so lucky to have been able to enjoy so much time with her.

xxx

Great Grandma had passed away

Sad new today, as the subject line says, Great Grandma died today.

She made it to 100 last year and she was getting more and more frail but she still lived in her own home until the end.

She’d had a bit of an accident a couple of weeks ago and was admitted to JR where she then contracted Covid, but she was getting over that and was discharged to St Luke hospital in Headington whilst recovering before she was going to be sent to a nursing home in Witney. Sadly she didn’t make it out of St Luke’s

Mum has been going up there of course and today she, Sue and Roger were advised to pop up and see her, Mum contacted me later to let us know we could go and see her but she was in a deep sleep and not responsive and I didn’t really want to remember her that way. Sure enough, a couple of hours later (7.00pm) they called Mum to tell her Grandma had passed away in her sleep.

So very sad of course, Mum and everyone in our house was upset, I went round to Mum’s after she put the phone down and hugged her and spent some time at the house. Louise was on her way down and arrived just as I was walking out the door so it’s good that she’s down to support her. As will we.

It’s strange to say the death of a 100 year old is a shock, it’s always going to be likely, but when it actually happens you still felt she had more time left with us.

But she’s had a remarkable life and there are no regrets to be had, we were there a lot for her and with Natasha’s organisation she was round our house lots of times for meals etc. It’s lovely that kids in their late teens and early/mid twenties can have known a GREAT Grandmother, many don’t even have grandparents alive.

We have loads of lovely positive memories and we have photos and videos to remember her and cherish the time she was with us and involved in family events.

It’s desperately sad and she will be missed, she was very much loved by all.

Great Grandma Update

She’s fine but she’s has a scan and there is a small spot of calcium on her brain that might have lead to some dementia, but at 100 years old I wonder what difference it really makes! She’s on a drip, which might be because of dehydration, but other than that the hospital say she’s okay. In saying that, Mum has said they do have concerns for her and she thinks it’s very likely they’re going to propose she goes into a home. Mum is obviously saddened by that, but I said she’s got absolutely nothing to be guilty about or anything because they’ve not let her down if she does go into one.

We think it should have happened about a year ago so to have got to now and she’s still lively in the bungalow on her own then they’ve all done brilliantly.

We’ll see.

Not much else to report – didn’t go for another run today, yesterday’s first run on the Couch to 5K programme done me in! Slept really badly, but don’t know if that is because of the run or because of being sat at my desk for two days – really painful back.

Busy today on Raintree work, got loads done – but then they kept sending work over so that was good.

New broadband and Great Grandma falling over

New broadband being installed today, we’ve moved over to Sky – in fact that’s why I am typing this, I can’t access the internet. Fingers crossed the speed should at least double and it’s a lot cheaper than it was with BT. We’ll find out soon enough, I’d had enough of the problems with BT, kept dying and was so frustrating.  But let’s hope I don’t live to regret my decision!

Had a chat with Mum earlier today as last night Grandma had fallen down (for the third time in two days) and was taken to hospital with a cut head. All a bit worrying but she’s hard as nails so wasn’t concerned. Obviously with Covid restrictions she’s on her on in the JR without us being able to visit or anything. We’ve said for some time that she needs to be somewhere instead of her bungalow where she can be better looked after and kept an eye on, perhaps this is the catalyst that will make up the minds of Mum and Sue; Roger & Sue have already decided that and are clearly angling for that to be the case, but I understand how hard a decision it is to make.

What was bad though is that when Mum, Sue and Simon were there yesterday they’d called the ambulance at 8.00pm and after loads of other calls one didn’t arrive until 2.00am – all that time Grandma was lying on the floor because of the cut to her head and pain in her hip – not impressed

Covid-19 - Lockdown #3

Boris Johnson announced this evening we’re going into another full lockdown across the UK – it’s likely to stay with us until mid-February. Things are not good at the minute, the Government are performing U-Turns on nearly every single announcement they make. Literally yesterday evening he was saying that all schools should open and everyone go back to school, yet today he’s saying not to. It’s been a shit-show by them it really has, dithering all the time.

I think that this means our planned holiday to St Lucia isn’t going to happen now sadly. We’ll see.

Something “funny” happened in that Nikki advised that she’s got Covid now. After the horrible way the Bicester family have treated Tash we couldn’t help but be slightly amused by the announcement, the hypocrisy has been ridiculous, trying to keep Tash away but constantly round Sue’s and not practising what they were preaching. Obviously don’t want to wish illness on anyone but at least we can’t be blamed for the illness as we’ve been excluded from their lives for the last year.

Makes me sound a bit bitter I appreciate, but Tash has taken their rejection really hard and it’s been completely unfair on her.

We’re onto a new series to watch on TV now – “This is Us” – we’ve done 9 episodes in super quick time, it’s enjoyable and family-orientated, but the characters are just a little to “sweet”, I keep expecting Tash to ask why we’re not as lovey dovey as the main characters…

Xmas Eve

Can’t remember what we did during the day if I am honest!

We had a table booked for 5.30pm at Jacob’s Inn so made our way over there and were in the marquee they have set up – it was cold in there but it was fine and was not too dissimilar to the Crazy Bear. There was all the family, including Miles and then Mum and Sue also came. Had a few drinks and nice food and it went really well

At 7.30pm we left and the mums both went home and we then went to the White Hart as we had a table booked – Zoe and her kids were already there waiting and we had a good drink and a good laugh catching up with everyone. Charlotte and Miles went to his and then we all left about 10.00pm. Tash was steaming drunk and was a pain with Lewis and I, banishing us to the garage bar when she was sorting out the stockings, but then 10 mins later coming and berating us for being in the bar! Ah well, didn’t ruin things, just made us laugh.

Stayed up another hour or so on the beers and then off to bed – looking forward to tomorrow

A good day all told.

Visit Derek

Went to see Derek at the care home today, we’d not been to see him since the mini-break in restrictions in October/November. Jack came with us and we went with the intention of catching up and to give him his Xmas presents. We arrived at 3.00pm as planned but he was still in bed, so they had to sort that out. Bit cross because they knew we were coming at that time because you have to book to visit the care home. Anyway, he came down to the conservatory and wasn’t in the best of moods – probably because he’d been woken up.

It was hard work, Jack and I didn’t contribute to the conversation much – Tash was brilliant but it was very hard work even for her, he was so unresponsive and not talking at all.

After 20 mins we’d had enough to be honest, we gave it a bit longer and then gave up and left. Incredibly the following night when speaking with Mum she said he was chuffed we’d gone there and was relaying the conversations that were had – I was speechless! So he was listening to us but was either tired or confused and wasn’t in the mood to talk to us

Felt a bit sorry for Jack afterwards as it brought him down a bit and he said, “I don’t want to remember grandad like this” – heart-breaking, but he’s right

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!

Advent Calendar

Miles bought me (and Tash thinks for her!) an advent calendar which he gave me yesterday. It’s a coffee one so we get a posh coffee to open and use in the pod each morning.

Had it today and went 50/50 with Tash – very nice it was too.

So we’re in December now, I’ve managed to get some exercise done during the day and get a lot of work done which was pleasing.

Nice evening, watched more GoT and Charlotte and Miles were making the gingerbread house with their mates on a zoom call – I think it was Annie and Bradley. It’s something they’re trying to do for the month each day. Could be hard.

A decent day anyway all told

Last weekend of isolation

It’s been fine to be honest, but then I’m lazy so it’s not been a big deal for me. Charlotte’s lockdown finished so she went to Miles’ house which was nice for her.

Didn’t do much to be honest – drank far too much

Tash and I are almost finished with Game of Thrones – we’re onto the last season now – season 8! I’d forgotten how bad the last two seasons were and how rushed they were – never mind, we’ve enjoyed it.

Had a few beers on Friday night and then worked on things around the house on Saturday. Must admit I can’t actually remember what the hell I did do! Mum came round for coffee as did Zoe and people have been taking Bessie for walks.

Saturday we had the fire on and did Xmas things and then started drinking. I tried Dark/Spiced Rum and coke and really liked it – Jack joined in and Tash stuck with wine. Two bottles later she was bollocksed! Watch TV again and then to bed

Sunday – surprisingly Tash had her head down the toilet and it was my fault for not stopping her! Pottered around with dealing with jobs again and had a fire going. Oxford City were on the TV in the second round of the FA Cup with Shrewsbury and took them to extra time, sadly losing to a jammy goal 1-0. Should have been penalties at least. Brought back memories of course of my playing days – miss it.

Got Xmas presents ordered and was productive. More GoT in the evening and then an early night.

We’re out of lockdown tomorrow so that’s nice – need to get out and run/cycle to make the most of it now.

Maradona has died today

Shocking (sort of) news today when Diego Maradona was announced to have died at the age of 60. The world has greeted the news with shock, disbelief and a constant stream of platitudes. Rightly deserved, he was probably the best player the world has ever seen – including Messi and Ronaldo. He’d had a bleed on the brain a couple of weeks ago and surgery but had a heart attack and that did for him

Despised by English fans for his Hand of God goal in the 1986 World Cup but completely respected at the same time.

He’s someone that everyone has a memory of, that’s some legacy to leave behind!

He certainly lived the life, drugs and drink and so much more – weirdly enough, today is also the same day that George Best died 15 years ago – isn’t that strange?

Covid-19 Update

It’s official – we have COVID-19 in our house!

Charlotte has been feeling unwell for a few days and not being able to taste or smell things so she got the test and it came back positive this afternoon

Nightmare.

This means we have to completely self-isolate for 14 days, can’t leave the house or anything. Everyone’s work has been understanding, doesn’t really affect me as I don’t go anywhere but it’s not ideal and means things we had organised like dentist and giving blood and Mum coming round all need to be rescheduled.

None of the rest of us has symptoms (yet) but you never know. We’re trying to trace back how it started – no idea really.

Just need to stick to the rules which means we might have to get people shopping for us and taking Bess for a walk etc etc

Hopefully this is the only instance we will have of it, but it makes you suspect every cough and sniffle now and makes you a bit paranoid.

To be fair, we’ve been the most lax with respecting the virus so I don’t think it’s much of a surprise.

It also means if we have it now – during a national lockdown anyway – it means we’re not really missing out on anything and we will be sorted before/after Xmas for things we might like to do

Every cloud and all that…