Lake District Adventure–Day 3, coming home!

We were all tired and slept in a bit but had to be sorted and out by 10.00am so got on with it and had breakfast, packed and signed out by 9.40am. 

Drove down to Haverigg as that was on the coast and it was much nicer than expected, the weather was warm and we wandered around the water sports lake and then said our goodbyes to Lewis and he set off home

I didn't quite go straight back and we found an ice cream shop and looked over the dunes before setting off for home at 10.50am

Officially the satnav said it would take 4 hours...I didn't trust that though and with good reason. The concerns I had for traveling up here that didn't materialise certainly did when going home

It was just sheer volume of people trying leave the Lake District at first and then we hit a major blockage because someone on the northbound side of the M6 at J32 was threatening to jump. It was eerie because they blocked off northbound and there was no traffic whatsoever coming up as we were very slowly getting down there. 

We eventually passed the incident and he was still stood the other side of the bridge not holding on. I checked the next day and there was no mention of him jumping

So we carried in down but it was stop and start all the way, very hard work. Stopped at one of the services and it was packed out as everyone else was popping in for a break!

Carried on home and got home at 5.30pm so it took 6 1/2 hours all told. Ah well, it was definitely worth it and it was only the once!!

We unpacked and all that and then ordered a Chinese meal which was a lovely treat to end the weekend with. 

Vegged out in front of the TV for an hour or so and then bed at 10.00pm after Charlotte had uploaded a load of photos from the weekend. They looked really good. 

Great fun.

Lake District – Day 2

Up early at 7.00am, had breakfast and then out on the road so as to get to the meeting location in time so the guy didn’t leave us behind. Only 41 miles but was going to take us about 90 minutes because of the slow roads, and these were slow!

I enjoyed the winding, tight roads and it was quite enjoyable to drive down, especially as we didn’t see any traffic at all at that time in the morning, made Tash very car sick though, I knew it would affect someone!

The scenery on the way was stunning, I didn’t see too much as I was so focussed on the road but made some mental notes of places to stop on the way home to take some photos and that.

Got to Honister Slate mine in plenty of time and the chap, Chris, who was leading us arrived and said we’d wait for another couple who were joining us, so we had a coffee and got ready, the other couple that turned up were a mum and son and they were nice enough so it was a good little group that we had.

So we got harnessed and geared up and made our way up the mountain side and got our first glimpse of what we would be doing, it was a bit mad to be honest! Sheer drops and all we had were metal rungs jutting out of the side of the cliffs to hold onto. Of course we had safety harnesses on but it was still nerve-wracking and hard work.

There were a few groups up there so we missed out the introduction run and went straight to the middle run and that was horrible! So we’re climbing down and up these rungs and then traversing along the side of the cliff face holding on for dear life, everyone was doing well but I must admit I was struggling with it and my arms were burning, legs were jelly and I put on a brave face but was very nervous! I did it, you had to, but I’m not ashamed to say I was scared.

We are our lunch by the car chatting to Chris and finding out more about him before setting off for the next location. 

Driving through the tight and narrow roads with cars coming the other way or avoiding hikers was an experience. 

Got to the place we were meeting the other group and they seemed ok, about 8 of them. So we got geared up in wetsuits and head gear etc and then walked for about 15 minutes up the hill to the start point

I was expecting something the same as Paul's stag party but this was by far much better

The very first obstacle meant sliding down some rocks into a pool going over your head so no slow and gentle introduction and then we were off

It really was fantastic, scrambling through the water and down slides and three times we had jumps we had to make. They were nervy I must admit but we all did them. Some great videos as a result. 

It was over after about an hour or so but with what we'd done in the morning that was definitely enough. We went back to the car, stripped off and got dry clothes on and said our goodbyes to everyone. 

Made our way home and everyone was asleep quite soon, we did fancy some ice cream so we stopped at Grassmere, we've been there before the last time we were up here, found a coffee shop and we all had drinks instead. 

Didn't stay long and then drove again through the lovely scenery stopping a couple of times, took about 90 mins but we weren't clock watching going home!

Crashes out and had pizzas and beers and the kids were on their gadgets. Watch Casualty second part because we expected Charlie Fairhead to die, he didn't! And then some film or other, early night though as we were shattered

That was such a great day, really enjoyed it, but Found those heights frightening, I really am getting old.

Up North to visit Lewis

Alarm went at 4.45am, up and dressed which considering is not gone to bed until 1.00am wasn't bad at all. 

Got everything together and the car packed and got the kids up and we were on the road at 5.40am, about 20 mins later than I'd hoped but not a bad effort

And then we were off with 4.5hours ahead of us...if we were lucky

The traffic was fine in fact and to cut a long story short we made it up there by 10.15am so that was excellent. Much earlier than expected which we'd planned for midday, meaning Lewis wasn't really ready for us! He'd been out the night before and his flat mate Rhys had two mates over and the place was a tip with beers cans and washing everywhere. Never mind, the cottage was nice and it suited him

We went for a walk to the beach and it was really windy and rough so we weren't out for long. Went back to his house to collect clothes etc and then went for a drive to Whitehaven where we had a McDonald's for lunch and then a walk around the town and fishing harbour. It was a nice town and was interesting to see his local town. 

Back in the cars to go down to the log cabin we'd booked and took a detour to see Sellafield Power Plant but as expected we couldn't get too close but it was good to have a nose about from a distance

Got to the place and our cabin wasn't ready so we watched the end of the football on TV and had a drink and a look around the grounds. When we were allowed in we unpacked and settled down

I was shattered and crashed out for an hour in the sofa and then we ate and had a few beers and played card games and Bananagrams and that

We settled in front of the TV for casualty and that was nice to just spend time together. Tash went to bed and we watched MOTD before I too had to give in, early start tomorrow needed as well

A nice day and lovely to have the family all back together for however short a length of time. It's so good we all get in so well and like each other's company. 

I love my family!

Oxford City drafted in!

Worked at Raintree today and it was okay. Got a lot done and it was an enjoyable day, someone was leaving and also Laura’s going to be off now as it’s her wedding next week so they took the chance to have a bit of fun and a joint send-off. Quite nice to be involved for once.

Not much else of excitement to announce from the day, it was nice to cycle there and back and it felt good to get my legs going, pleasing I wasn’t quite as stiff from football today as I was last week. Hopefully that’s a good sign!

Came home and was back out the door 10 minutes later taking Jack to football training. The manager Jack then pulled me aside and told me he was packing it in because of work commitments, I wasn’t really surprised but I was a bit pissed off and didn’t make much effort to hide it. I’m not good at working with people it has to be said! No idea what will happen now, I suspect I will be roped into it more and get things sorted and to be honest if I can sort out one night of training then I won’t mind taking over, we’ll see.

Came home and got caught in the bloody road works traffic so it took over 30 minutes to get down that couple of miles on the by-pass, winds me up!

Worked again in the evening and it was fairly productive, had an email from Charlie at EduKent in answer to my one as Nikita had told me earlier in the day that she was completely shit-faced, sick on herself and everything!! So I sent a sympathetic email to her…yeah right…and she replied saying she’d only just got out of bed around 8.30pm – oh dear! We’ve all been there, can’t believe she got that drunk though.

Anyway, have a nice weekend lined up so got things sorted for that as well, off to Birmingham tomorrow unexpectedly as requested by Claire so that was a nice little bonus

Let’s see what happens with this football shall we?

Struggling a bit today…and another football match!

Woke up around 8.30am with a very heavy head, quick showers, said our farewells and then got the cars to go our separate ways. We’re really proud of Lewis, and the other kids, they’re growing up to be such great kids and they do enjoy being with us which is so pleasing.

The drive home was pretty good and we were back by midday, I was shattered though and really didn’t fancy doing much work if I am honest! Tried though!

Annie came round and I got my hair cut and then carried on working, had a nice pasta meal for dinner and then went down to Brasenose College for another vets pre-season match and this was against the other Oxford City side. We were too good for them but it was a challenging match and we won 3-1. I was against a couple of decent players and it was hard work, especially as they put me at wing back!! My fitness levels are improving…slowly!

Didn’t stay for a drink afterwards instead coming home to watch a bit of TV and then work late into the evening, decided to update some of my diary because like a friend said earlier in the day I do live a very full and busy life and it should be documented. I am not the best writer as any of these posts would testify but it’s interesting to have it down for memories.

It was good to be back down at Brasenose, that place really hasn’t changed in 20 years when we were playing there for Cold Arbour.

Franz Ferdinand in Manchester

Worked in the morning from about 6.00am and got a few things sorted and then from midday we set out to drive up to Manchester, the run was fine and without incident. Tash has a cold so slept pretty much all the way there, she’s struggling with it which is a shame.

Found the car park and Lewis was waiting and then we went and sorted the hotel before having a quick wander around town and then back to get ready. I quite liked what I saw of the place and would be more than happy to return and spend more time up there.

Went to the bar to get something to eat and have a few drinks. Went and found the venue (Albert Hall) and drank at Brew Dog next door – didn’t like that drink in there and then went inside. I liked it there and we continued to drink, Lewis and I were getting quite drunk indeed! He was paying his way, mostly, so that was really nice.

The concert is a collaboration between Franz Ferdinand and Sparks so it wasn’t full on FF but it was still enjoyable and they played some of the hits that we know, we all enjoyed ourselves and it was a good night. When finished we found another bar and had more drinks and then got completely lost on the way home, got a kebab and had to get a taxi back we were so lost and yet we were only x8 minutes away!

Crashed out in the hotel – a great evening

Working on a Sunday…all day!

Woke up around 9.00am and was downstairs in the garage working as I have so much in my plate at the minute. Went okay and I got two of the main projects sorted before having breaks etc. I didn't help around the house at all and just ploughed on. 

The big project at the minute is the Groupcall one as there's so much to sort and so many action points. I worked through their data files and species what was required, took me 7 hours and I'm still not finished!!

Shame I wasn't around for the family but with the time I'm spending in Manchester on Tuesday I think it's acceptable, I also feel better for having done it. 

Bed at 1.00am and then alarm set for 6.50am...not nice

WBA for Jack’s football

Woke up with a hangover today at 7.00am. Up and out by 7.50 taking jack to his football match in Birmingham. We made good time and we're playing near to Edgbaston cricket ground. 

Played against WBA colts but only had 10 players. They worked hard and did ok I feel

Really hard work for them but it was rewarding and we only lost 3-2 after having one of their players for 20 mins

Jack did ok, he's struggling fitness wise I feel so need to work on that

Came back and went to go outdoors to get some gas and found a new chair for camping. 

Pottered around the garden and did bits and bobs for the rest of the day. In the evening Tash and I caught up with House of Cards and then went to bed. A relaxed day.

Relaxing by the sea…

Sat on the beach writing this today at Cala Galdena. In the shade as it's about 31 degrees

Was up at 8.30am today and did some emails but wasn't in the mood if I'm honest. Quite a lot to return to when home which I'm not particularly looking forward to. There's sand here on the beach so I might stick my head in it!!

Drove across the island to get here today and because of the size of the island it didn't take long at all. Going out to a nice restaurant this evening which isn't what we wanted to do but Pauline was insistent that was the plan. 

Jacks sat in the sun reading his book and Tash is sunbathing. Might go and have a snorkel now as apparently it's quite good here. 

Have heard from Charlotte and she's enjoying herself but apparently it's very hot indeed, 40 degrees in a tent, not comfortable but as long as she's having a laugh. Exam results tomorrow, hope she's successful. Fingers crossed

First ever proper golf game…

We all woke up with hangovers today and I didn't get up until about 11.00am. Wayne was worst out of all of us and it was clear no one had any energy or enthusiasm to go out and do anything so we didn't and just sat sleeping and lazing by the pool. Which was actually quite nice

Had some lunch and decided to give the golf a go. I wasn't overly keen on it I must admit but agreed to it and I'm glad I did. We left around 4.30pm, hired me some clubs and sorted out the round details and then went to the driving range to have a practise. I was okay and felt comfortable so after some putting and that we went down to the first tee to get going

I sliced my first shot left and lost the ball...my first ever proper golf shot. Ah well. Wayne was decent as id expected and Paul was a bit more consistent than me. We went through to the 14rh hole before it got too dark to play but by then we were all flagging and tired. We'd not taken enough water or food and were struggling big time. Went back to the reception and everyone was waiting for us and we got some drinks, I had a full large bottle of water, drank the whole lot. 

Went back to the villa and had some pizza by it was after 10.00pm. Time had flown by. I was so tired, couldn't be bothered to do much more than drink coke and check social media before going to bed around 11.30pm. 

I really enjoyed playing the golf and I’d like to think that with regular practice I might be able to hold my own and get a respectable score. Hopefully I'll be able to make an attempt at playing or practicing some more. We'll see!

I did win one hole, but struggled to keep my shot count down, some shots were really good so I was pleased with my first proper round of golf.

Look closely and you will see the ball – it didn’t quite make the lake though!

Zorbing

Woke up in the morning a bit heavy-headed but nothing too serious and then got up around 9.00am to have a bacon sandwich with the family all up. Lewis and Sian left around 10.00am as he really had to get back up North to do last minute preparation for his exams tomorrow and the next couple of days. I really don’t think him coming down for the London tour was a good idea but there you go, it’s done now!

We’re putting him up in a hotel for x2 nights so that he can focus on what he needs to be doing. I shouldn’t put this in writing but I don’t think he’s going to get through the exams, he’s crammed as much into a week but it’s just not enough time to improve on what his previous results were. Of course I hope I am wrong as I don’t want him to fail but I am just being realistic. We’ll see soon enough!

We then met up with Wayne & Kerry and Paul & Pauline came too as we drove down to Reading for the Zorbing experience that the kids had got for me and Wayne for Father’s Day. Hard to get to place and when we arrived it was busy and didn’t look much to be honest, the hill wasn’t very high and the balls we saw coming down weren’t quick or anything. So we signed in and got the H&S briefing and then harnessed up. There was the zorbing we were signed up for and an aqua zorbing which was a lot milder apparently because the woman was pleased when she learned what we were doing – I think the majority do the water one!

So we were driven to the top of the hill and once up there it looked a lot higher and steeper than at the bottom! We were told what to do and then got into the zorb and were strapped in against the walls and then rolled off down the hill…

…if I said it was enjoyable I’d be lying! As you rolled over we started bouncing and each bounce was a real jolt for the back and neck and was uncomfortable, I wouldn’t say painful but you were definitely bracing each time the bounce landing took place. It was funny being in there and I am glad I’d done it, not sure I’d have done it again if they’d offered straight away!

Got out quite dizzy and queasy and Wayne was the same and unsurprisingly complained of neck problems later in the day, as did I. Certainly pleased I’ve done it though and the kids all enjoyed watching us do it.

We dropped Charlotte and Jack home and then Tash & I went to the Fox in Boar’s Hill and met up with all the Holdens for a meal. The food there was fantastic, I had curry and it was really good. Had to wait for a bit but it was definitely worth the wait. It was good to catch up with everyone and we talked about Cornbury and everyone was very excited. We had to leave as they were ordering pudding, because the main had taken a while to arrive, but we weren’t eating more anyway so it wasn’t an issue. Paid our bit and went and got Jack from his Leadership thing he’s being doing for karate. Thankfully that’s over now so no more interruptions to our Sunday afternoons!

Back home we got the tent and other stuff out in preparation for Cornbury and then I did some work, I have a lot on my plate this month and with the amount of time I want to take off I really need to get as up to date as possible. In fact I have taken the wrong decision already by sat here on the train to Birmingham typing up my diary instead of planning the day and doing other work! Ah well, long nights ahead…

I’d decided that I’m not going to work all the time and at 7.00pm I called Jack down and we watched Mad Max together, had to explain a lot to him to give him a background on what it was about but also as things were happening to help his understanding. It’s action packed all the way throughout so he enjoyed it, I liked a couple of instances where there was clearly an homage to the other Mad Max films like the mis-firing sawn off shotgun and the winding music box. There really wasn’t too much story line to it but it was definitely enjoyable, bet it was amazing in the cinema.

I then went back out to the office and did some more work and then to bed around 11.30pm

A fantastic weekend, really enjoyed it.

Family Trip to London

Today was the family trip to London that we’d organised for everyone. Well, Tash had organised! I was up early and down at Sainsbury’s at 8.00am buying more beers and food and then back at the house getting sorted out before picking up Tiff, Paul, Brendan & Ivy so we were all at our house for the pick-up. The workmen arrived as well so were starting on the patio as we left. The minibus we had was actually a coach so that was a nice surprise and we were able to leave our cool box on there so we had cold beers for the journey home!

Once on the coach everyone opened up the beers and cocktail drinks and started on it…it was 10.00am!! Went steady and only had two by the time we were dropped off at Marble Arch and then the fun began…we went and had the picnic in Hyde Park and left after 45mins to get the coach for the first part of the tour.

We were all able to get on the coach together and I enjoyed listening to the facts and showing people where I’ve been working etc. Got off as planned at Trafalgar and looked round there and took some photos and then back on the bus. Sue was struggling a bit with the heat as it was quite hot but she was okay.

The tour took us to the places I’d planned and wanted to see so we went through the London Mile and St Paul’s, the Tower and then back down to Westminster where we got off and boarded a boat for a trip back up the Thames to the Tower again. That was enjoyable on there and listening to the guide was interesting, always nice to hear pieces of information that can be useful in the future.

Off at the Tower and back on the bus for a 10 mins ride to Blackfriars bridge where we walked along South Bank to the Wharf restaurant that we’d booked, we were 30 mins late but it was fine and the location was fantastic. Nice meal and loads more to drink…couple of hiccups with food orders but it was good until we got the bill and they wanted to charge us £49.00 in service charge which we refused and made our own cash payment which turned out to be about £35.00 anyway!!

We walked back to Blackfriars only to find that we’d missed the last bus 20 mins earlier so that was a pain and a bit embarrassing, so we had to jump into taxis to get back to Marble Arch where we waiting for a bit and the bus was 30 mins late to get us but got there in the end. The journey home was fine, not mad as I think everyone was quite tired out, as we left London there was a massive pall of smoke rising into the sky and as we got closer there was clearly a factory fire taking place – it was incredible.

As we passed Barton we dropped the Foxes off, and Miles, then all the Bulls got out at Five Mile Drive and Sue at her road and finally us. We’d had a fantastic day, it really went well and everyone enjoyed themselves I think. We quickly dumped stuff at the house and then made our way to the White Hart as Jake & his mate Shak were performing and when we got there the place was packed out with friends and locals, it was a really good night I was pleased for them and we saw loads of familiar faces.

I got some good feedback from the staff at the pub about my social media work so that was flattering – didn’t get a free drink out of it though! I periscoped some of the performance but we never got more than 6 people viewing which was a shame…then my battery ran down.

Had a few more drinks there but Tash was conscious of my zorbing experience in the morning the next day so dragged me out of there even though I wasn’t ready to leave…ah well. Sulked a bit at home and then went to bed, such a lovely and fantastic day, loads of photos that I need to get uploaded.

Charlotte off, Jack home

Charlotte has swanned off to Barcelona this morning (very early) with Terry taking her and Miles to the airport, we’re picking them up on Thursday. They’re both really looking forward to it and I got a text from her earlier to say they’d found the hotel and all was sorted, they were off to the beach as it was 33 degrees! Very nice indeed. Their hotel is right in the centre of the town so they’ve got a great spot.

No sooner does one arrive than the other leave, Jack has been away for the weekend at Kilvrough for a reward weekend with the school and we picked him up on Sunday evening, he was buzzing and had a great time, surfing and rock climbing and all the things that he excels in! So pleased that he enjoyed himself, but then you knew he would!

Nice to have him back as well, the house is very quiet without him around, but in saying that he gets on your nerves within minutes – it’s a knack he has!!

Lewis struggling at University

Having a bit of a tough time of things with Lewis at the minute unfortunately. He’s really struggling with his revision as he needs to do x3 re-sits and having seen the results he got originally I’d be absolutely astonished if he pulled this out of the hat. They were appalling percentages and the poor lad has the re-takes next week. There’s been a lot of crying and words to try and sort this out but I think he’s going to fail the re-takes and then we need to decide what the next actions will be – it’s a big blow and a shame. But he’s not done the work to get to the level required so he only has himself to blame sadly.

He’s moved into the new accommodation in the Lake District but he’s stressing so much he can’t think straight. We’re doing all we can to help but it’s not doing much or enough for him. I think it will be a case of either staying and doing the whole year 2 again or dropping out. We shall see, I’d love to be wrong and he make it.

Great Grandma’s Birthday trip out

It was Grandma’s birthday last week and for her present we agreed to take her out and treat her to lunch at Waterperry gardens in Wheatley. I finished early and when Tash was home we went and picked her up around 2.30pm and drove out there. Mum and Derek were waiting, we paid and then went for a stroll round the gardens.

They are beautiful, I was really impressed. Tash was distracted as Lewis is stressed about his exam results and next actions required so that was a strained atmosphere between us which is frustrating, I don’t like that.

Tried to ignore it and just enjoy the time with the family like this. Grandma was excellent wandering around and still has the stamina to be able to walk round and enjoy what’s going on. She is amazing, obviously had to stop a few times and she was looking forward to her cup of tea once we got round to getting that! Had some cakes and then time to come home, really enjoyed it.

Took grandma home and did a few thing to help around the kitchen and then left her, heart-breaking as she said, ‘I do hate it when you have to leave and I am alone’, what can you do?

Evening was nice but that was a lovely day – glad we did it

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Fathers Day…well Family Day now!

Father day has been changed to family day at the behest of ...erm... my family. 

Woke up early and pottered around, kids got up and I got some cards and lots of sweet things, very nice indeed. Had a fry up which was good and then did some work outside on the patio then got ready to go out

Nikki, Gaz & the girls plus Paul & Bren and my family and we walked down to the Perch. Nice and hot day so it was perfect. Had a couple of Moretti and some food and then walked back to our house. In fact it was x3 Moretti...such a fine beer. The pub was really busy and it was enjoyable and a laugh with is all there. We're such a crowd and we have fun

Vicki stepped in a cow pat (twice) so that was highly amusing and watching the kids all playing football and having a laugh made it great

Back at our house we opened the beers and the wine all flowed between us adults as the kids all agreed to drive! Result!

I then opened some out nice wine and me, Gaz and Nik all got quite pissed, no surprise I suppose! They stayed until quite late and then left, finished my drink and the staggered to bed. 

Big hangover the next day!

Really enjoyed it though, so proud of all out family getting on so well. 

          

Bloody patio!

Still a problem! Barry came round this morning to look at what I’ve done and what else needs doing – I think a lot is required! When he left I did half an hour to make use of the skip before it’s removed and then I went to work. I was a Raintree today and just got on with what was on my plate, loads to do and was productive. I was tired though and had a 20 mins snooze in the sun!

Finished at 4.30pm and Barry was working in the back but wanted to stop and chat so we had a beer and discussed next actions. We need yet another skip and a full day on Saturday to clear it all again, I will try and do some tomorrow when working from home, just to get some done.

Had some food and then took Jack to football training, I didn’t watch as I sat in the car and had another snooze and did some of the diary as well.

Didn’t go to karate training as it was too late so went home and watched some TV (Mamma Mia) and then Hannibal and then to bed, long day, not sure why but  both Tash and I are shattered at the minute. It’s not enjoyable.

Charlotte enjoyed her first day of freedom – it was nice weather so she was out having a picnic all day – alright for some!

Charlotte finishes exams….and school!

Worked in London today with Scholastic on this Data Mining project and the meeting went fine. I then did training afterwards with a new starter and that was good as well. Left there at a decent hour meaning I got home by 5.00pm which was my hope.

Today was Charlotte’s last exam today and that’s it then, no more school for her. Spoke to her and she said she found it okay so that was pleasing. When she got home she was going to go out with Rosie (not everyone’s exams finished so there weren’t many of them) but not until 9.00pm in town so we got some vouchers for Pizza Express in the Golden Cross and booked a table for 7.30pm. Went and parked in Tasha’s work and wandered down there. Jack & Niamh came with us so it was nice, Lewis couldn’t make it unfortunately.

Just had a normal pizza meal and celebrated – nothing crazy though.

Nice to spend time with them and chat and then we walk her to the Varsity club where she met Rosie and she really liked it there, we got texts later from her impressed with it.

Back home, did some work but that was it and then to bed.

Great Grandma’s 95th Birthday

Travelled to peters books in the morning and had a very full on busy day which included training the new starter Stewart that was a bit tough going. Got loads of other work done and then came home on the earlier train so as to be home in time for going out yet again!

Dropped by Decathlon to take Jack's broken bike in and I was delighted that they agreed to fix it for free so that was a bonus as taking it to Summertown would have been over £50!!

Got home and caught up with Charlotte and her Psychology exam today was a bit of a struggle so she wasn't too confident. We'll see, it's her last one tomorrow and then that's it, she's completely finished with school. 

Tash and I then got ready and we went down to the pub in Yarnton to meet up with the family for Grandma's birthday...she's 95!

Mum, Derek, Sue & Simon were there and it was a very pleasant evening and we enjoyed it. Stayed for the full 2 hours and had a nice time. 

Got home around 10.00pm but still had work to do so finished around 11.30pm. A long day but it was good to spend time with Grandma. Bless her

Summertown Tournament & Jack Dee

Had a bit of a lie-in this morning and sorted out bikes as these were broken and had to go to Halfords to sort Tasha's out. Got there in the end. 

Had lunch then cycled up to Cutteslowe 

Park for Jacks 5-a-side tournament and it was enjoyable watching him, although he was quite rusty to be honest. Took a photo of him in a City shirt and posted online and it was very popular

Peter and Luke were playing at the same time for u16s so I watched them as much as possible and I have to admit I was impressed with both of them. Peter is slightly ahead of Luke but they do play different positions so hard to compare. They did well but lost in semi-final which I missed as I had to get back for the theatre. Jacks team didn't progress from the group stages but I was pleased he got the time under his belt and wasn't struggling with his knees too much afterwards, that's what is important to me. 

Went out in the evening, well 5.20pm, as Charlotte dropped us in town and we met Nik and Gaz at the Red Lion for a drink and ten wandered over to Gino's in Gloucester Green as they rave about it

It was definitely a nice restaurant and we had a good meal, Gaz and I had a bottle of Chianti and it was lovely. Once done we then walked to the Playhouse for our evening with Jack Dee. More wine!!

In the foyer we filled out cards with our "problems" and then these were read out by Jack and he had 4 comedians as a panel including Rich Haw and it was an amusing evening and good idea. Worse to follow was after the interval my name and problem was read out and I had the microphone and had to speak, I hated it as I was quite tipsy so was worried about slurring. I think I did ok

The only downside was that the two sessions were only 45 minutes long and we felt it was over too quickly and you felt a bit short-changed leaving at 9.10pm

We went back to the Red Lion for another drink and ten went our separate ways and Lewis came and picked us up

Enjoyable but too much food and definitely too much drink with work tomorrow!

 

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