New Years Eve

 

 

 

		New Years Eve VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

New Years Eve

Here is a summary of what we did that was in my phone – not sure I need to expand on these points – they were funny though and it was a great day/night!

• Nye
• Skiing all day as usual although a bit later today
• Skiing with torches
• Wayne falling over
• Drinks
• Dinner round one table
• More drinks
• Out to nice pub. Quality
• Kids to other bar
• Much better – dance music
• Stayed very late
• Drunk
• Partied hard
• Late night!!

Skiing again–Day 4

Up early (ish). Breakfast and then in the slopes by 10.00am. Straight up to the highest one for Lewis, Charlotte, Jack, Miles and me. So sunny. It was fantastic.

Got down at exactly same time as other family so had a hot chocolate at new bar. Gorgeous view

Onesies today. Looked good. More skiing and then break for lunch and back out at 2pm. Good runs and back to chalet. Lost Jack and Miles off piste.

Everyone knackered. Forced out to go sledging and that was mad. Very dangerous and twice there were big wipe-outs. Tash got a bad one.

All went back for dinner but Wayne and I got two beers in bar but not before helping Dom Joly push his Land Rover out of the snow

Back to house for jacket potato and chats and beer. Bath and then bed. Great day

Skiing…Day 3

Woke up at 9am. Everyone needed that sleep. Breakfast and then went out on slopes about 10.45. Busy. Some great runs and the marquise was open so nice and high but the highest remained closed. Some great runs down today and everyone finding their confidence.

Break for lunch and then back out again. More of the same

Tried to get on the marquise before it closed but only I got on. Strange coming down the slopes on my own.

Met at the bottom and the kids went swimming but the 4 of us had some drinks at the outside bar. Freezing cold and the beers got colder and colder!

Went back home for food, curry or sweet and sour chicken. Very nice. Beers gone to my head! V strong.

Played games, and had a competition to build a ginger bread house. Boys v girls, the girls stormed it and then a charade type game. Funniest thing was describing animals with Charlotte & Miles.

It's got 8 legs....

Chicken

Laughter

I thought you said it lays eggs!!

Next time chicken came up as a subject we all shouted it has 8 legs!

Really funny evening. Bed by 10.30. Shattered!

Ski Trip Fun–Mental Journey

Set the alarm for 7,45 when going to sleep at 7.10!! It worked and Wayne and I went to the market to get snow chains. Lucky I did set alarm as it was busy and all chains were being bough by people in same situation. Took a gamble and went back to cars and they fitted! Phew

Wayne tried to sell his others to a French guy but didn't work.

Got a load of food and then went up the mountain. Stopped to remove chains and then add them again. Hands still hurt as -6 in the snow.

Difficult getting up to car park but did it. Checked in and unpacked. Had a sleep and then some food. All were starving. I was so very tired.

Got sorted and collected our gear and then we're off. Couple of practice runs and then up two slopes. Very busy.

Soon got into it but Liam broke his ski. Got to the bottom and they changed it and then went back out and had another run down. Less busy!!

Back home. Another snooze and then all round to ours for drink, food and games. Trivial pursuit. Holdy won!

Nice evening and so pleased to be here at last. I like this place. Bed at 11pm!

Skiing Holiday–mental traffic

Up at 6am and on the road by 6.30am. Really good run down for a few hours and on schedule for arrival at 2.15pm

However. That all went pear shaped after we hit traffic jam after traffic jam. We've not experienced anything like it before. I'm typing this now at 19.47 and we're still 53 miles away and at a standstill. Even stopping at one services we were an hour. Bedlam

Kept phoning the hotel and updating them with our lack of progress!! Even got a text to advise that the route up the mountain is very hazardous and may not be allowed and we'll have to stay at Bourg St Maurice at emergency accommodation they're setting up.

Signing off for now so will see how long it takes.

Tragic News this side of Xmas

Such a shame to hear on the news of a dumper truck in Glasgow where the driver lost control (suspected heart attack) and ploughed into the pavement and then a hotel killing 6 people outright – isn’t that awful? Thoughts go to those poor people and relatives

It’s not been a good week around the world, last week the Taliban stormed into a Pakistan school and simply shot 142 people, of which 134 were kids. Unbelievable. It’s in retaliation for the Pakistan army attacking them but is there nothing that’s off-limits to people? Still related to religion and it’s simply disgusting.

The news at the minute is very sad indeed – every single morning some loony has killed, bombed or knifed someone. And it’s so random which makes it even more scary!

Snow report…not good at all!

Really disappointing but it looks like we’re only going to have about 6 of 23 runs open when we go to France next week. Such a shame and pissed off about it. Not much we can do but below shows what it’s like, it’s an improvement on last week but…

Have checked out Val D’Isere and Tignes and these are better but the cost for one day’s lift pass is £45 each…this is a nightmare!!

Xmas Week has started…

I worked in Birmingham today and got the 6.47am train over there no problem. Bit quite in the office but I got on with my work and got things done. At 12.30pm we went to the Loft Lounge and there was Ray, Isha, Claire and Tom and we had a nice meal and a catch up. Made me smile as the others were soft drinks and Tom was half a lager but when it got to me I had two pints of Coors! Ray joined me with a Stella so that was okay!

Back to work for an hour or so and then I left at 3.30pm to get the train which was late and slept all the way home and got to our house at 5.40pm where Grandma, Mum and Derek had arrived. Had a few drinks and chatted and then started handing out presents, we all got really great present this year which was pleasing and as usual Mum was far too generous with us. She was pleased with her Thailand Book and even flicking through it brought back lots of good memories right there and then. That was such a good holiday.

We then ordered some Chinese food and Derek generously paid for it and we had more drink and presents waiting for it to come. We’d ordered enough and it was lovely, Miles turned up and we had a good meal and a laugh at the dinner table, Grandma was on form – certainly helps for her to have her hearing aid in!

Back to the front room and we played Family Fortunes – silly game – but it was amusing and everyone was involved.

It was soon 10.30pm so Mum and that made a move and went home, tidied up and went to bed. A really nice evening.

I was quite proud as we were talking about the Thailand holiday and Lewis said he’d showed the video to loads of his mates at Uni and when they first start watching it they complain about the slow piano music and Lewis replies, ‘wait’ and then the beat kicks in and they’re like “Did your Dad create this video and choose that music? Wow, we want to be part of your family, they all mad!”

It’s nice for all the kids to hear that I think (hope) but it’s definitely nice to hear it from them – makes me feels a bit younger at heart!

A good start to the Xmas week, although it does feel as though we’ve been celebrating for a month already…oh we have been!

He’s behind you!

Pottered around in the morning and got things done ahead of the ski trip. Got all my clothes sorted and packed so looking good! Had an early lunch and then left the house at 12.30pm heading for Aylesbury for the panto this year. Bit of a nightmare trying to park so I dropped them all off and found somewhere about 10 mins walk away and then got back to the theatre in time for the show.

There was about about 20 of us this year with Sara and the girls there along with Zoe and the girls and then all of us and all the Bulls – it’s such a nice tradition we’re setting up for everyone involved.

The show this year was Cinderella and there was Suzanne Shaw (no never heard of her – X-Factor type person and maybe even Coronation St – no idea) and also Russell Grant mincing around the stage – he got on my nerves a bit I must admit. But the main characters were very good and it was a really, really enjoyable show.

The Buttons character was the same as last year and there were items that were repeated (a different 12 days of Xmas and the ‘Ghost’ song) that were enjoyable and familiar and loads of people obviously from last year remembered as well. Some cute kids up on stage was also hilarious so all in all it was one of the better shows we’ve seen.

We then had a team photo outside by the Ronnie Barker statue and then dived into the Weatherspoon's across the road and they weren’t very organised but we got to eat together and it was good value. Home from there and Tash was wound up about something so that soured the atmosphere a bit – seems to be a couple of wines and she gets all funny about working too hard. Quite painful and a bit of a shame if I am honest.

Got home and sorted a few things out on the laptop and then an early night as very late last two nights and need to be up at 5.45am tomorrow.

A good evening had by all and a very long weekend!

Pottering around Oxford shops

Woke up around 8.45am – or more to the point Tash woke me up at that time, I was feeling okay, I had a heavy head but wasn’t feeling ill so it wasn’t a problem to go down to breakfast at 9.15am. Nikki and Gaz were already there and slowly everyone turned up – except Kay and Ted who didn’t make it down until we’d all left.

Caught up with the chat and everyone agreed it was a good evening and once all done people said their goodbyes and made their way home and the rest of their weekend.

We got home and I did some bits and bobs at home and then Tash & Lewis went to get him a ski coat but I went into Oxford around 1.00pm to sort out Tasha’s Xmas presents. Town was missing, although not mental and I got what I needed to. I didn’t really enjoy the experience to be honest, I never do, but I got it completed.

It was nice having a wander through the Covered Market and I treated myself to a sausage roll and then checked out the Blackwell’s poster shop and committed (mentally) to buy some posters throughout 2015. Got the car from Tasha’s work where I’d parked and then went to the dump to get rid of some stuff I had and then back home.

I dropped Tash & Lewis at Gill’s in the evening after our dinner and then I did some work and watched TV in until she asked me to pick her up deliberately 30 mins before she wanted to come home so I could chat to Gill. However on my arrival I had a couple of glasses of wine and we didn’t leave until about 10.30pm. Tash was quite drunk and went to bed quite angry about something that I can’t even remember now so I sat downstairs and watched the last 3 episodes of Gotham – really enjoyed the series but meant I didn’t go to bed until 2.00am…again!

Another nice day and it was good to see Gill and Catherine – they’re lovely

Family Xmas ‘Works’ Party

This year for the family & friends Xmas party we bought tickets for Alexandra House in Swindon. Earlier in the day I worked from home, didn’t get too much done, and then Tash was home around 12.30pm and we made our way to Swindon at about 1.20pm.

We stopped on the way at McDonalds and then continued but soon hit traffic that was clearly the result of an accident – it was a nightmare and going nowhere fast. My new Satnav kicked into action and worked out a new route which without it we’d never have worked out at all – so we took the detour and went through some lovely areas around the back roads of Swindon and got to the place. As soon as I saw the houses in front of it I recognised it as a place I’d done some work for Lifecycle at and remembered it as a lovely venue – which it is!

We checked in, Liam & Zoe were already in the bar area as they’d been down the night before and were having a drink but we dumped our bags and then went to the pool. Didn’t do much in there other than relax in the spa, sauna and steam room and then after just over an hour back to the bar and more people had arrived.

Sat and had a few drinks there and went to get changed at 6.45pm ready for 7.15pm back down in the bar. Gareth had turned up from his work’s party in London and then we went through to the dining area that they’d set up really nicely. Lots of other companies were there and the night went well. Food was good and the drink was flowing, had a bit of a sing-song with the 12 days of Xmas but we were the main instigators so it was clear we were going to be noisy all night!

Once the proper disco started the music was all modern dance music that I like so I was up dancing near enough all night, but so was Tash, Pauline and John and it went really well. There was a photo booth that was fun and we piled in there near the end and just carried on all night – I felt guilty next morning as I didn’t get my share of drinks so I will have to make that up to people soon. I’ve got that reputation I know, next year I will shake it!

The night finished with Frank Sinatra and New York and then we went back to the bar area to continue drinking for a bit longer but slowly people went to bed and I think Tash and I went about 2.00am.

Really enjoyed it, had a good night and I think everyone else did which is obviously very important

Bringing Lewis home

After a full day at Newcastle NCFE training people on SPIRIT I journeyed down to Huddersfield to collect Lewis. The Satnav sent me off through Leeds which pissed me off but I got there after a sleep and about 3.5 hours driving. We went off straight away although I did say Hi to his house-mates and we got his sweat-shirt from Uni and then went completely out of our way to find a KFC. Most amusing thing was that the car-park for the first hour there was 5p…yep!

Once sorted made our way home and another long 4 hour journey but we chatted about all things on the way and it was nice to spend that time with him. He eventually fell asleep and we arrived home at 10.30pm. Another long day and so many miles travelled.

Woke Tasha up so she could catch up with him briefly and then the two of us sat and watched a few episodes of Gotham until I gave up at about 2.00am – mad to stay up that late but it’s quite addictive!

Great to have Lewis home as always

Very long day..Newcastle

Travelled down to Rochester this morning at 7.00am as I was training EduKent in the office and the session was fine and went okay. They were happy enough with what we covered so that was pleasing. I managed to leave the office around 3.00pm to make my way up North to Newcastle, what a trip that turned out to be!

I was expecting around 6 hours in total but the traffic on the M1 was an absolute nightmare, couldn’t get around it as there were breakdowns and all sorts to slow things down. I did take a detour in the end around Nottingham but I didn’t arrive at the Ramada Hotel I’d booked until 11.00pm – 8 hours travelling!

Nice enough hotel but a long journey

Another hangover day…

Woke up at about 9.30am this morning and then went downstairs and worked, didn’t get much done today as had such a heavy head from last night, Tash was fine with me so that was okay – can’t have been too rude on the way home! Caught up with some TV and had quite a lazy day really, naughty and unproductive but it doesn’t happen too often.

Picked Tash up from work in the evening and also bought a new home phone as ours has finally died! Strange to get a phone really as no-one really uses it any more but we need one I suppose!

Writing this in the car waiting for Jack at karate. Trying to watch the last episode of True Blood but the internet coverage in the car is useless – keeps lagging on me! Will wait until I am home

Although we want to watch the last part of ‘The Missing’ which has been an 8-part drama that we’ve both enjoyed but I have a horrible feeling that the ending isn’t going to be conclusive enough…we’ll see!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…please!

See the webcam photo below of Sainte-Foy, this is a massive worry now, I’m really nervous about this. Will have to see what is nearby and whether we’re going to have to do some travelling to get to see some decent snow. It will be such a shame if it’s like this on our arrival, I’ll be gutted as we’re really looking forward to it.

Checked the online weather forecast and it doesn’t look promising at all…oh dear!

Xmas getting closer

Up at a reasonable hour this morning and then pottered around the house and sorted out the door handle on the toilet and got wood in. Football got cancelled in the morning because Easington didn’t have enough players, can’t say I was disappointed, Jack is struggling with his knees so might have had to miss out anyway. We then watched some of the Man Utd v Liverpool game in which MU won 3-0, couldn’t really care but I’d rather they won that Liverpool. Both teams struggling with defence. Watched that whilst pointing the ceiling in the bathroom (the joys of a laptop!).

Whilst I was doing that Tash was sorting out some wreaths and we then went out to Wallingford and she laid them on her family’s graves and then we came back and did Granddad’s. 2002 he died, can’t believe it’s that long ago, such a shame, wish he was still around.

Back home and went round to Sue’s as she’d cooked us a roast and I am sure I ended up with half a bloody duck! It was lovely though, and then we tried some of the drink she’s been saving up, I did a nice coffee and then we came home and watched some of the Sport Personality of the Year although I sadly found it really boring so gave up. Typed some more notes on this diary and then went to bed

One Step Beyond…

Finally got to see the original group in the flesh tonight…Madness! Wasn’t disappointed.

Up early this morning so that me, Tash and Jack could get out to Christmas Common and find out Xmas tree, busy at 9.00am, they must rake the money in, would be interesting to see how they’re doing. Got a good one and brought it home and said our goodbyes to Katarina the German student we’ve had for the last 8 weeks. Very intelligent girl who’s applied to Oxford Uni to do Law, impressive. She’s been a good student for us, no hassle at all and very nice with it, she leaves tomorrow but we won’t be back in time to see her.

Gaz & Nik turned up at 10.30am and we hit the road with Gaz driving, stopped at Stokenchurch services for a coffee and a bite to eat and then carried out to Brighton. Parked up by the hotel which is right on the sea front and very old/original looking – very big! We then had a wander around the lanes in Brighton looking at the shops but didn’t do too much shopping as I think Nik & Gaz preferred the idea of the pub so we went into a small one and started an afternoon of drinking!

That drink done we found another around the corner, The Druid’s Head, and after that went to Ask for our meal booked at 2.30pm. Loads of food which was very good as usual and a couple more drinks! After that a little walk through some more shops and then to the hotel to check in and have an hour to get ready. I liked the hotel and would be happy to go there again. Met them downstairs and the bar was packed with people for their office party later and also other people clearly dressed for Madness concert!

We finished our drinks and went down the to the venue which was only 5 mins walk and decided to go straight in, I got the drinks in and the queue was 15 deep for about 12 separate queues…got served in the end! The support act was Scouting for Girls and Tash and Nik were enjoying that. The venue was larger than we’ve been at the O2 but it wasn’t massive and everywhere you looked there were skinheads and nutty boys, a whole culture on display, all of a similar age of course!

Then Madness came on and immediately played Night Boat to Cairo and it all got going. We stayed quite far back, I was quite surprised by that, I’d expected us to go near the front and really get into it but that didn’t happen. Danced and sang all the way through as you’d expect! Couple of new songs played but it was a really good atmosphere and 90 minutes flew by, when it finished everyone had enjoyed themselves – the encore and last song being One Step Beyond! We left and everyone went to pubs and clubs and we were no different! Found a pub across the road and sat in the garden (expensive round and the girl tried to do me out of £5 as well – was pissed off by that!) and we then went to a fish and chip shop and ate those in the hotel. Had another drink there of course and decided midnight was late enough and went to bed.

A really good day, Madness were excellent and it was enjoyable. However, if offered tickets for them or Basement Jaxx I’d go with the Jaxx I must admit. So very glad I went though.

Working in York

Was up and sorted by 7.30am and then down for some breakfast, loads of teachers there who are on a course but got my coffee and then went to the office and met with Alice and prepared for the training session. It got more busy whilst there and it was a difficult morning I must admit as I felt I wasn’t quite delivering all that they wanted from her (i.e. her and John) but they said they were and the afternoon went well after something to eat and there is the possibility of some extra work in the New Year. Hope so anyway.

Left around 4.15pm and travelling back wasn’t too bad to be honest. Stopped at some services with the intention of getting a coffee but had a snooze for 30 mins and it was pitch black when I woke up – there had been a power cut so I couldn’t get my coffee! It woke me up so that was okay.

Got home after about 4.5hrs, a long journey for certain! When I got in I decided to have a drink, opened a bottle of red wine and sat and watched TV and caught up with things I wanted to as Tash was out with her friends from the village. It was relaxing and when she came home she went to bed and I stayed downstairs until about 1.30am – far too late! Another day over…

Up to York today

Got the car in for an MOT today at 9.00am in Shotover and then wandered down into Headington and sat in Starbucks with a single coffee for about 3 hours. It was ready at 1.00pm so as I was walking there I stopped by Mum’s work and went back to her house for a coffee and a sandwich and catch up with things. Stayed for an hour and then went and got the car. Did some more work at home and then around 3.15pm set out for York, the traffic was rubbish and I didn’t get there until about 8.30pm so it took far too long! Pissed off as I wanted to go our for a run but got a KFC instead…no will power

Got the keys for the accommodation at SLC and had an early night. The room was almost identical to Lewis’s room from last year! Glad I went up this evening instead of in the morning, that would have been an absolute nightmare. Hope tomorrow goes well as I am not 100% confident of the material I am covering…