Jack – Cup Final Match Winner!

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

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

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

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

Vic & Danny’s Wedding

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

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

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

Where’s the tree gone?

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

Working in the garden again

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

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

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

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

Working in the Garden – Burn Baby Burn

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

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

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

Building a new shed…

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

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

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

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

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

Tash to see Lewis in Manchester & Charlotte in Nottingham

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

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

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

Mum over for dinner

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

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

Homeward bound from Morocco

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

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

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

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

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

Black Box

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

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

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

Derek’s 80th Birthday Celebrations

Derek was 80 this weekend, quite a milestone!

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

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

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

A really lovely evening and we had a great time.

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

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

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

Fatboy Slim

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meal down the Cowley Road and nice weekend

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

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

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

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

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

So a nice weekend in the end

January almost over

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another Xmas Weekend Completed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Again, a nice weekend

Xmas Drinks and Catch Up

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

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

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

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

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

What a great weekend we have had.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Failing eye-sight

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

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

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

Derek Retirement

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

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

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

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

Weekend round-up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That was it – loads done and very productive indeed.