Japan Holiday – Day 4 – Tokyo to Hakone

Both Tash and I were wide awake at 2.00am so read Twitter and Facebook for an hour and then managed to sleep again until 7.00am. Tash still slept through whilst I packed and got organised and then downstairs for breakfast.

We checked out and left our bags and wandered round Shibuya shopping to kill a couple hours. We went up to a vantage point above the crossing and looked down and it was a decent birds eye view and then some other shops. The donki one (Don Quiote) and also some arcades, those were interesting and I’ve no idea how those worked, just thousands of ball-bearings like pinball. Line upon line of then for about 4 floors, and it was really busy.

The weather today was oppressive, sunny but really warm arm and breeze, really quite uncomfortable and so glad it’s not been like that the previous two days, sweat was pouring of me all morning.

Back to the hotel to get our cases and then to the station, couple of stops and then we were on our first bullet train heading for Odawa and then a local train to Hakone for our next hotel

The place looks like a spar but when we went to our room it was like a traditional Japanese living and sleeping quarters. All 6 of us are staying in the same place. Our made sat us down and went through a few things and we were left to our own devices. We knew Jack wouldn’t like dinner so we walked into town and down to the river and then found a pizza place so he was happy with that. Back to the hotel and I crashed out and the others did their own thing. Tash went to the public baths where you share your space with others and have to be bollock naked. I might do it but no one else is going to!!

So dinner time!! We all dressed up in our traditional kimonos, which of course caused lots of hilarity and then went down to our private room and it was like a banquet laid out. A banquet with so little food that we could recognise...different people came and served us and explained what was in front of us and how to eat the food and it was okay. Jack didn’t eat much at all and Charlotte wasn’t much better but us others gave it a good go and tucked in. I got through it by trying to not focus on my hat I was eating and it was fine. Not delicious but edible...mostly.

Once we were done we walked over to the bridge outside the hotel, still in our kimonos, and took some photos. Other people from our hotel and other hotels dressed up were doing the same, although we were the only westerners!! Sat around at the end of the night and lots more people were around and either at the karaoke or going to the public baths that stay open until 1.00am.

Back to our room and the room had been transformed from a living room to sleeping quarters and 6 futons were laid out on the floor. Did this diary and then crashed out, not sure how good a nights sleep we will get...fingers crossed.

Really good experience but not really looking forward to breakfast or a similar meal tomorrow, but can’t complain and will just get on with it.

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Japan Holiday – Day 3 – Tokyo

Having gone to bed at 3.00am (drunk) I think we all thought we’d get some decent sleep, that didn’t happen!! I was awake at 7.00am but managed to get back to sleep

And then the alarm went at 9.00am. Everyone was absolutely knackered and had we been anywhere else I don’t think we’d have done anything!! Anyway, had breakfast and was out the door by about 10.30 and got the train to the Tschubio fish market. We knew we weren’t likely to see everything happening because we were late and that was the case. But it wasn’t a wasted journey because we walked through the town adjacent to the market which was packed full of people selling all the fish etc caught from the morning. There was also some famous woman being followed and filmed by loads of photographers, no idea who she was or the boy and girl with her but they were miced up and sampling loads of the stalls and causing a stir.

We walked through the fish market but they were just clearing things away and then made our way to a nice park next door called... which we walked around for a bit before going to the boat jetty just as it was pulling away, we wanted to do the trip and waiting 50 minutes for the next one but it was nice to get a rest.

When the boat came we got decent seats and luckily there was space for everyone to lay out and they all fell asleep!! The boat trip was just under an hour and we were then in site of Tokyo Tower which we had to walk towards and then went in. Up about 450 metres and that wasn’t even the top. It wasn’t the best weather so the view wasn’t amazing but it was still really impressive and worth the journey. Tokyo is vast, as far as the eye could see there are buildings. We didn’t feel

We needed to go any higher so we went to the glass floor section and as expected that was scary!!

Once that was done we headed back towards the subway and another temple even though people were flagging a bit! Stopped at a nice bakery for food and then we found the temple and it was definitely worth the walk and visit and we wandered around and took photos. Also the streets before the temple were packed and there were also tons of people in kimonos. We did wonder if something was going on, celebrations or graduation as they were everywhere but we didn’t ask or find out.

By now it was about 7.00pm and we had been planning to go home, sleep and come back out again but I felt it was a bit late so we might just as well stay out and have an early(ish) night.

So we jumped on the subway to the next place and went to the Mori museum which was supposed to be amazing, we were expecting something like the one in Thailand, it was anything but!!! The exhibition was based on architecture and it was a huge let down, we were already tired so this didn’t help. What was good though is there was also a skyline view and that was amazing to see Tokyo by night again, it’s so impressive.

Once all done we stopped at a burger place and treated ourselves to burger and chips and then that was it. Couple of stops on the subway and home to bed.

A really long. Day with hangovers and tiredness, had we more time we wouldn’t have done that but I’m glad we did, another amazing day.

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Japan Holiday – Day 2 – Tokyo

Up and awake at 8.00am for breakfast and we all agreed we’d had a rubbish nights sleep! Our body clocks a bit messed up, we were all awake around 4.00am and tried to go back to sleep with limited success!

Anyway, down for breakfast and it was lovely, a mixture of both western and eastern food options. We filled up, got changed and went out exploring. We started in the Shibuya area and went round loads of the shops. Did well and bought some things and then wandered around. We had some plans for where to go so we went to this area called Takeshita Street which was so crowded, we went into a cat cafe, that was an odd experience, I’ve never seen a Pygmy cat, their legs were about 3 inches long... carried on down the road, really busy place but that was good and then through a park and the ‘something’ temple. Enjoyable walk through that area and then headed for another park but when we got there it was chargeable which we decided wasn’t worth it

So we jumped on the subway train and made our way back to our hotel and crashed out for an hour or so. We all needed it and when the alarm went I think we’d have all been happy to go back to sleep but we forced ourselves up and headed for the station and went to the Metropolitan Government buildings. This was an amazing skyline of Tokyo from these towers and that was great. Jack then bumped into a mate he knows so that was hell of a coincidence!!

We then walked from there to another district for the Robot Restaurant we were going to see the show later for. The area was just absolutely lit up like mad and was so good to walk through. Shinjuku Golden Gai We then went to a restaurant and it was on a second floor with sliding doors where we had our own table and had to take our shoes off. That was a laugh, we got loads of nibbles and it was tasty and nice food, but it was expensive!! You seem to get charged for everything!! You live and learn...

So we then went to the Robot Restaurant and that was absolutely brilliant. Hard to explain what it was but it was really entertaining and great fun. Like watching the Power Rangers and everything that you of as being mad about the Japanese- would definitely recommend it to anyone I know that’s coming to Japan.

The beers were flowing and when it finished it was about 11.30pm so we walked around to find another bar and had a few pints in a great little pub, quite expensive but it was a laugh and some of the people in there were absolutely steaming drunk. We then found out that the subway was no longer working so we had to get two taxis home. We still were awake and fancied a drink so Mum went to bed and we walked around d looking for a bar...without success...it was Sunday night at 2.30am and it was all closed down. We did find a fast food place and had a drink in there with a spring roll and then back to the hotel for bed!

What a great day, absolutely full on and we really pushed ourselves to keep going but it was worth it. Tokyo really is a fantastic city, love it here.

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Charlotte’s Funny…

We’re at Heathrow having something to eat and Charlotte hears the Pet Shop Boys singing “Go West” on the radio and asks…”Is this the American National Anthem?”

Of course Jack and Lewis didn’t wet themselves laughing…no not at all!

I love her so much!!

Japan Holiday – Day 1 & 2 – Travelling & Flying

Spent the day working and sorting things out but also finished packing and went round Sues for lunch. Lewis took Bess to Dan and Vics and then at 4.00pm we left. Mum was making her own way there by coach as Derek was working and the run through to Heathrow was perfect, no traffic or anything so we were stood in the departures lounge chatting to Mum an hour and ten minutes after leaving!!

Check in was fine, sadly no upgrade and then security etc was problem free. Had some food and a few beers and boarded and we’re off on an 11 hour flight.

Food on plane was nice...something and rice every time. Had another couple of beers and watched films. Ready Player One and Tomb Raider, both were ok. Got some sleep but intermittent as it wasn’t comfortable at all.

Got to Seoul in South Korea and transferred there for 3 hours. Really nice airport and then back on the plane to Tokyo for two hour flight. Caught up in some of the things we need to do in Tokyo and finished a film. Immigration took and hour and through customs our taxi driver was waiting, with his sister! It was an hour’s drive but once we hit Tokyo it was exactly as you’d expect, bright lights, clean looking skyscrapers and flash cars speeding around. It was mesmerising!!

Got to the hotel and checked in. Really small rooms but they will suffice as a base. Local time it was now Saturday 11.00pm. We’d been traveling for a long time but instead of going to bed we went out for a quick explore and so glad that we did. We’re in the Shibuya district and there is a famous traffic crossing that is just a visual treat as it’s so busy. We watched that and took part and then walked down some side streets that were alive and mental. Neon signs everywhere, lights and live and so busy. It was great. Loads of food and bars. Lots of drinking going on. We did get a kebab and then went back to the hotel. Didn’t get a drink. Prices are like in England so this is going to be an expensive holiday!! But from what I’ve seen I can’t wait to get going.

Day one and day two I guess done...we’re in Japan!

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Jack little knock in the car

About to go to bed this evening and Tash got a phone call from Jack, he’d only gone and driven into the back of a taxi!! Thankfully it wasn’t fast, no one was injured and very little damage but it does look like it might cost a few hundred pounds of insurance job to get it sorted – their car not ours!

Pissed off but hopefully that’s a lesson learned by him and he’s a bit more careful with his driving as he was obviously too close to the taxi when it braked suddenly!

Visit to Wendy & Graham

Got up around 9.00am this morning, I was okay but Tash was in the bathroom constantly with her head down the toilet!! She’s useless! Charlotte came home and she was in the same state and being sick…lightweights!

Anyway, finally got on the road at 11.00am, Jack came and we picked up Sue as well and made our way down to Dorset to see Wendy and Graham. The traffic down there was a nightmare and really busy, took over 2.5hrs, I was knackered. Anyway, when we got there we just relaxed and did nothing all day except eat and chat. Graham was home but on call and ready to go to Italy at any minute, he’s doing well with his business. He then got a BBQ going and as well as the usual stuff he’d brought 6 amazing steaks, they were the biggest I’ve seen I reckon, they were lovely but too filling!!

So dinner was lovely and we then sat around catching up for a number of hours and finally left at 7.00pm so it was nice to spend time with them.

I was a bit anxious about coming home because the traffic coming and going on the way down was terrible, and yet…it was really clear, I was about to travel about 80mph for much of the journey and we were home in one hour and 40 minutes, I think that’s the best run I’ve ever had!!

Didn’t do too much once we were home, and bed by 9.30pm so it was a nice early end to an enjoyable weekend

Birthday celebrations..x2

We were busy with jobs in the morning and I went out and got a new pair of trainers and some shorts/t-shirt for the holiday next week. When I got back Tash and I went out for a run and went to Wytham and back – exactly 3 miles, I did it without stopping again but couldn’t keep pace with Tash so she went off and finished some time ahead of me, I don’t mind, I am slowly getting back into it. Got some more gardening jobs done and then we went to Danny and Victoria’s house as they were hosting for Katie’s birthday party in the afternoon. That was nice, we were all out in the garden and then Danny did a BBQ and the drinks were flowing. Not much else to report on that side of things, unfortunately it started raining so we all came inside and gradually got more drunk!

We had a party in the evening that we wanted to go to so about 8.30pm Jack came back out and picked us up, he was with Maia again, and they dropped us down at Southfield Golf club, we were rowdy in the car and showing off but it was amusing I think! At the golf club is was Bradley’s birthday party and there were loads of people there I knew aside from all of Charlotte’s friends of course but people from the golf club like Fraser, Nick Dawson and Dale Thorne, it was nice to catch up with them although truth be told I can’t remember much of the conversations that we had.

As the night progressed we got overly drunk and Charlotte was a bit of a nightmare but I can’t remember specifics so I’ll leave that there. Jack, bless him, came out again and picked us up and got us home.

Overdid it really, can’t control our drinking very well which is a shame

Countryfile visit to Blenheim Palace

Worked out in the garden again in the morning and took the rubbish down to the dump. They’re charging these days but it’s for anything that’s not household waste and is DIY, there’s a bit of a hoo-har as you’d expect but all the stuff I took was fine and not an issue. When we got back Charlotte came with Tash and I, Miles didn’t as he had some family thing he’d forgotten about, and we went to Blenheim Palace as I’d managed to get free tickets for the Countryfile event that was taking place there. We went last year so knew what to expect and it wasn’t any different to be honest!

We parked near to where Jack played football for Woodstock and walked through, long bloody walk but it saved car park fees!!

Charlotte was really surprised by the scale of the set up and we just wandered round loads of the stalls and took our time – it was hot again, when is it not hot these days?? Saw a few decent things and at the Blacks store there were two for £30.00 camping chairs exactly like what we’d listed that we’d like to buy…so we did! That also helped because when we were walking round it meant we weren’t relying on seats and could just bang out the chairs and plonk ourselves down. I had a couple of pints – one at the Craven Arms of course and we watch an amusing (but informative) presentation by a bloke with sheep and then that was pretty much it, we made our way back to the car and home.

I did a BBQ in the evening and Sue came round so that was nice and then that was it, had a few more drinks and relaxed and reflected on a decent and productive weekend, the garden and garages look good!

Saunton Sands Day 3 – pissing down with Rain!!

Last night was mental!! We experienced really heavy storms, thunder, high speed winds and tons of rain. I was awake nearly all night because of it. At one point (3.30am) I had to go outside and sort out the pegs and some of the loose fittings that were flapping about making an unbearable noise. In the morning I did wonder how things would look and luckily it was okay, the wind-break hadn’t broken, and I’d had the foresight to take the flag pole down – else that would have snapped!

The rest of the day it just rained and was miserable weather. So instead of going to the beach and just getting cold etc we jumped in the car and went to Ilfracombe, that was after I’d cooked eggs and bacon for breakfast..hooray, no way I couldn’t have a fry-up at some point!! Ilfracombe is a decent seaside town and we wandered around, it was good actually. We managed to find some free parking and then wandered down the High Street popping in and out of shops etc before stopping for an afternoon tea in a Candy Shop. That was interesting, we’re pretty certain it was under new ownership and it was two gay lads getting going with a new venture, they took an absolute age to serve us because there was a bit of a rush of people (6 or 7) but we were patient and glad to sit and chat and relax. They asked us to write a nice review as we left, which of course we did!

Down to the harbour and walked round there before deciding to go to a pub for a pint (well I had two of course) and then drove home for dinner.

We decided we couldn’t be bothered to go surfing now and just spent the night in the tent again, but we treated ourselves to fish and chips so Charlotte and I drove back into Braunton and they were fantastic chips and sausages and fish – so that was worth it.

We then shut down the tent as it was raining and windy again and played games and drank a bottle of wine and a couple of beers. Nothing too exciting but another enjoyable day and evening just taking it easy

We then had another night of thunderstorms so that was a shame and a frustration!!

Saunton Sands Day 2 – Charlotte coming down

Up nice and early this morning and another morning of fresh fruit etc for breakfast, none of the usual fry up which I can’t get used to!!

It rained last night and this morning so we decided to take things easy and dawdle about, so we walked into Braunton to give Bess a decent walk and look around the shops to kill time before needing to go and get Charlotte. She got the 10.30am train and was due into Barnstable around 2.30pm but there were complications so she was delayed an hour. We got everything ready and then drove down to collect her, by now the weather was better so we went straight down to Saunton sands again (about 4.30pm by now) and it was great.

The sea had come in, but more importantly the waves were huge! We sorted out the windbreaks and all that and then piled into the water, Tash and I were bloody useless with surfing, I could just about do some body boarding, but Charlotte was up on the board and away the first time and thereafter!! I had a couple more attempts but nose-dived each time and just gave up!

We must have been in the water for over and hour and then went back to the base and I had brought my portable BBQ grill so I cooked dinner there on the beach, and though I say so myself, the steaks I’d bought (and cooked) were delicious!! We also opened a bottle of bubbly so it was lovely just sat there watching the sunset, eating and drinking and having a laugh.

As it got dark we made our way back to the campsite and washed up the suits etc and walked Bess and then played card games etc sat out having more drinks!!

Another nice day and it was good Charlotte came down, it’s very much appreciated that she made the effort, sadly the weather isn’t going to be nice for her, or us for that matter!!

Saunton Sands Day 1 – on the beach

Woke up early but so nice not to be bursting for a wee or have a hangover!! Sad but that’s the usual feeling when camping!!

Took Bess out for a quick walk and then had a very nice (healthy) breakfast before potting around for a bit. Went into Braunton to get some cash for the car-park and then drove down to Saunton Sands – it doesn’t change, thankfully, and we parked up and made it down to the beach. It was nice weather, very hot, and a little more crowded than it has been on the webcams that I’ve been looking at in the last couple of days.

Set up and simply sat on the beach relaxing and reading, managed to get through most of the Private Eye magazine for the first time ever!! It does wind me up because it highlights all the injustices and cheating that’s going on in public life, everyone is on the make and ripping off the tax-payer in the main! Anyway, it was nice and easy but very hot, although the sea breeze was good.

We went out to the sea after an hour or so and Bess absolutely loved it, straight in the sea, no fear and jumping over and through the waves, Tash and I took it in turns to go in on the body board and I was amazed at how warm the sea was. I really don’t want to sound like someone we know “warmest ever!”, but I genuinely can’t think of a time and place in the UK when the sea has been that warm, it was so surprising. Didn’t do much else other than relax, catch up on social media and read (or eat and drink!)

Back in the sea for a second time and this time because it was coming in we didn’t have to go the half bloody mile to get wet and the waves were a lot better and higher and more fun!

That was it, packed up and made our way home for about 7.00pm! Some new neighbours had turned up with loads of kids playing football but it was fine and we had a couple of drinks and a nice dinner. Walked the dog, wrote this diary entry and then off to bed for about 10.30pm!

It was actually really quite cold last night which surprised us – had to snuggle together for warmth!!

Off to Sunny Devon…me, Tash and Bessie!

So Tash and I are down here in Devon! Worked at Raintree today, normal day, busy but got a lot done and then got home as soon as possible once the day finished so that we could finish the last bits of packing and get on the road to Devon. It’s just the two of us and then charlotte is coming down on Friday by train which is good of her. The drive down here (setting off about 5.00Pm) was a fantastic idea, admittedly the traffic on the A420 was a bit shit and busy but once we were past Swindon it was plain sailing, honestly there was hardly any traffic and we flew down her – we were pitching our tent at 8.30pm and completely finished and starting our dinner at 9.30pm.
It’s great down here in Braunton, we think it’s our fourth, possibly even our fifth time of coming to the campsite (Lobbs Farm) but it works so well for us because it’s a 3hr 20mins drive, dog friendly and close to a great beach and also town, Perfect!
So we got all sorted, we’d had practise at the weekend so were dab hands at this now and then had spag bol and a few drinks. Tash wants this to be a detox weekend so healthy eating and drinking and all that…we will see!
Not much else to do in the evening so sat around chatting and then around 11.00pm off to bed for an early night!
I do have things to do with work and will aim to deal with those over the next couple of days, but I really do relax and switch off from everything, I shouldn’t but I can’t help to do so. I definitely think there are better things in life than working all the time..however, how the fuck can I pay for it all if I don’t work!!
I have to work on getting the balance right, and also lose some weight and get fit at the same time! Hopefully this will give me that impetus!

Family Camping trip in Standlake

Really slow day at work, hardly got anything done, bit of a nightmare at the minute, just not doing the work I need to do – have to snap out of it before I start losing business I really do, yet here I am writing my diary and procrastinating again!

Anyway, Tash finished work and when she got home we drove off to Standlake for our family weekend camping with the Bulls. They were already there having had the time off work and relaxing – it was just Nikki, Gaz, Victoria and Danny tonight and we set about erecting the tent and everything else. They helped with the shelter and we were all done and sorted in just over an hour – not bad at all!

We then just sat around drinking, eating and chatting – took the dogs for a walk by the lake of course and later it absolutely pissed down with rain, really heavy thunderstorm that lasted a couple of hours – we need it so we weren’t complaining and we were fine under the event shelter! Earlyish night and then up and at them in the morning – I made breakfast as usual, loads of fry-up and gradually everyone started turning up – Jack and Charlotte, Emily, Tom, Katie and Oscar, then Sue and the Foxes. And yes..the drinking continued.

We eventually made our way down to the lake and took the massive cool box full of beers and wine and also the kayak – both of which were very much appreciated! The lads and kids loved the kayak and were in the lake for ages, really good fun.

Nice meal in the evening and everyone left near the end of the night and left the 6 of us alone again, seems strange just being me and Tash if I am honest. But it was nice

In the morning Tash was throwing up everywhere – nightmare!! I was heavy-headed but fine, made another breakfast and she couldn’t even smell it without retching.

Packed up and was gone by 10.45am – crashed out at home and watched TV and took it easy and gradually everyone came to life, so we decided to take Charlotte and Miles out for dinner to celebrate their end of year results at Uni and we went to Mowgli in the Westgate centre. It was really nice, the food is lovely and tastes/smells great. We did well and obviously paid for it and it was a nice end to the weekend.

All good fun, we’re away next weekend to Devon so we didn’t really unpack the car and no doubt we will organise the trip to Standlake for next year as always!

Speedboat on the Thames

We went off to London today to use Mum’s 70th birthday present, a speed boat ride down the Thames! We left a little later than I had planned and picked Mum up whilst Lewis and Jack went and got petrol and we then caught up with them on the M40. We had to be at the pier (right by the London Eye) by 10.45am, we somehow got there with minutes to spare, I was stressing, it shouldn’t have been like that..if we’d left on time!

Anyway, after a quick safety briefing and putting on the life belts we boarded the boat (12 people) and were off, initially it was a tour at a slow pace along the river and getting information on various landmarks which was interesting (I knew quite a few of the facts being raised but also learned some new ones so that was good.) And then after Tower Bridge we were allowed to put our foot down, and he certainly did just that, it was excellent. They had music blaring out as well so it worked really well. Everyone loved it, twists and turns and it was exhilarating, didn’t last long (about 15-20 mins) and then we were turning round to return home, but definitely worth it. Mum loved it, in fact we all did.

When we got back we then walked along the South Bank heading towards Giraffe restaurant but before we got there we found the Italian restaurant, Strada and went there instead. We sat outside but I wasn’t in shade, wow, that was hot! The table and cutlery were absolutely burning hot, I couldn’t pick up the knife and fork! Anyway, really nice meal, then walked along and got an ice cream and we all crashed out asleep for 20 minutes under a tree and finally got ready and left.

Lewis was going back up to Huddersfield which is why he’d driven so we waved him off and made our own way back through Chiswick and dropped Mum off and back in time for the World cup

The World Cup final was between France, strong favourites before the tournament began, and Croatia who beat us in the semi-final. It’s been a great World Cup this time and the final lived up to that as well and was a great spectacle. Croatia were hard done by with two goals conceded that were very harsh indeed, a penalty decision using VAR that the ref got completely wrong I feel – but France ran away with it in the end and it was a comfortable 4-2 win, but it was a decent game and I really wanted Croatia to win it…ah well.

That was it then really, pottered around at home and had an early night after a long weekend.

Still bloody hot!

Jack at Eminem

Strange day today, woke up hungover and not in the mood for speaking with Tash after the hassle last night so I just got on with replacing the lining on the shed roof which was a shit job that I hated doing. Jack wanted to leave early to go to Eminem at Twickenham so I agreed to take him on my own meaning Tash could stay at home with Lewis, although I think he went out in the evening anyway! We didn’t want to let Jack drive there on his own as he’s not been on the motorway yet but I did let him drive and we collected Max around 3.45pm and off we went. He was fine as expected and the trip was uneventful, they jumped out near to the venue and I drove off looking for somewhere to set up a camp to work – that was not successful. I drove round all over the place and ended up in Hounslow, and wandered round there for a couple of hours to kill time and go to MacDonalds.

Jack texted me to say that he’d managed to bluff his way into the VIP area and was about 30 yards away from the main stage – absolutely delighted so he was happy. I then continued my drive around places and eventually ended up in Hampton Court and sat in a park for a while before making my way back to Twickenham, what a nightmare that turned out to be. All the roads were closed and I couldn’t get where I needed to be to pick them up. Then it was gridlocked, I was getting so pissed off. Eventually after loads of phone calls with him Jack we caught up and then I tried to drive through as many backroads to get out of the town, it worked to some degree and then I was out in the open and we got home about 1.00am in the end. He’d really enjoyed himself so it was worth it.

Kept saying that it was the best concert he’s been to and how good Eminem is and what a showman he was – he was also pleased that 50 Cent was there as well and it likely to get tickets to go and see him as well asap

I still can’t believe he managed to get into VIP – he’s a jammy git!!

Nice meal at Victors in Oxford Westgate

It was Chloe and Paul Holden’s birthdays today and we were invited out with them all to go to the Victors restaurant that Nicole works at. Tash and I got there at 5.30pm and got a drink and everyone then turned up and it was a really nice evening

Had quite a bit to drink and the food was really tasty and kept on coming out, we let Nicole lead the way and choose all the dishes and they were loads of tapas type meals, it was expensive though!

At the end of the meal they did this huge desert with loads of sparklers and that and we then had the bonus that they gave Nicole 50% off the total cost because of her being an employee, even better, Wayne and Kerry refused to let us pay our way saying this was a 25th anniversary present from them! Really generous as it was £50.00

We paid that back when buying drinks at the bar for the rest of the night, we stayed where we were and then around 11.00pm they left to get the bus home. When Tash and I came to leave she got really funny with me for some reason so I just thought ‘Fuck this” and walked off. She then started calling and texting me so I just turned the phone off, I was drunk but I was also sick of being treated like this whenever she has a drink, it’s horrible.

So I went round to the Living Room and had a pint in there and then to Hanks for an hour or so, just stood there having a drink people watching, and then Tash turned up in there about 1.30pm I reckon!! So got dragged out and Jack gave us a lift home, don’t remember much more than that but it turned a nice evening really sour, need to think about what’s going on when we go out and what’s being drunk.

England out of the World Cup

Well it was fun whilst it lasted but Englad fell to Croatia this evening 2-1 after extra time, it was a deserved win for Croatia after we were strong in the first half they took control and battered us for the rest of the game. England dropped deeper and deeper and I said that after the Columbia match and the same happened. No one is really to blame, there was no injustice, or cheating or anything like that, just beaten by a better side, but the fact is we were so close to getting to a final, such a missed opportunity, so I’m disappointed

However, I had a nightmare of my own!! I ran late for my training session and panicked getting a taxi to the train station but I made it with minutes to spare meaning I’d get home to the pub to watch the football at 6.45pm – perfect, I got on my train, made a woman move as she was in my reserved seat and then got working for the 2.5hr journey home to Banbury, only slight problem was that after 2 hours the train stopped at its final destination and they said “Welcome to Newcastle!” – I’d got on the wrong fucking train!!!!

So I was now over 5 hours away from home…I was going to miss the match afterall. There was another train at 6.35 back to Doncaster and then on to Birmingham and Banbury and I’d then drive home for midnight, I was so very disappointed. Nothing I could do about it, posted and update on Facebook and everyone obviously took the piss out of me and thought it funny! I managed to get some coverage on the train but it kept buffering and was very frustrating. Got home and was absolutely knackered and drained.

So it’s been an enjoyable tournament but it does feel a little flat today and I don’t think we really gave it our best shot yesterday when it really mattered, especially with the clear cut chances we missed in the first half when we could have easily gone two or three ahead.

So another tournament over…

England in World Cup Semi-Final!

England are in the World Cup semi-final tonight, I am on the train to Doncaster writing this and hopefully should be back in time to see it all. It's been an incredible summer of football, the tournament has been brilliant, so unpredictable with the big teams missing out (Germany didn't even get out of their group!) and it's been enjoyable.

So it means we've been up to the White Hart a lot to watch the England matches, that's a tough one to take really because there are always going to be a couple of pricks that have no idea what they're talking about, and for some reason they stand next to me!! Drives me nuts. But it's slowly got busier and tonight will be mad I reckon. England are against Croatia, I think it's very close indeed, both teams will fancy their chances of making it to the final. As could be expected, the mood and enthusiasm around the country is completely overkill but everyone is so excited by it. It does bring back memories of 1990 in Italy when we lost on penalties in the semi-final, I really hope we can make it.

However, a VERY strong France side are waiting the winners of tonight's match, and they look formidable.

Anyway, it's been a good and enjoyable tournament whatever the team achieve tonight…

Silver Wedding Anniversary Milestone reached…just… :-)

Wedding anniversary today, 25 years we've been married, amazing achievement, it really is. Tash bought me some lovely silver cuff links and I gave her the presents I'd bought her, not as nice at all but she pretended to be pleased with them! I am useless, I really am, I don't deserve her.

Anyway, posted a couple of Facebook messages and the comments and love from people was amazing, really generous and loads of people wishing us the best and saying nice things! Normal day other than that, we both had to work, I was in Banbury so not too bad and it was a good day.

Back home in the early evening and we opened a bottle of Champagne and relaxed before cycling down to Gee's restaurant to use the voucher that the kids had bought for us. They provided us a glass of champagne on our arrival and we had lots of starters instead of a main meal and that was a really good choice to go for. Halfway through, Katharine and Pete Casey turned up meeting some friends…so we were there on a very special occasion and they were there just for a normal Tuesday night!! How the other half live!!

When we finished we came home and finished off the half bottle of champagne from earlier and relaxed in the garden reflecting on our time together and what we've achieved and other things with life, it was nice and made us appreciate where we are with our lives at the minute…we're doing ok!!

Anyway, a lovely day and now to start again to get another 25 years under our belt!!