Louise O'Hara has died

Very sad news to announce - at the weekend when playing golf with Wayne and Julio they said that Lou was in Helen House and it was just a matter of time. Tash and I messaged Marko with our love and feelings and then Wayne told me on Sunday when he was at football that she'd died.

Marko then posted on Facebook yesterday and as you could imagine for such a popular couple the messages have been flooding in.

Lou was around when we played football for Thame and was obviously friends with all the girlfriends at the time there. She was lovely and bubbly person that coped with terrible kids at school in Blackbird Leys but it didn't phase her. 

She's been very ill for a long, long time - over 5 years with this cancer and it's been expected that she would die almost any time but she kept fighting and hanging on, but the lads said at the weekend that she'd had enough and just wanted to go - sadly her wish came true

A very sad and sobering moment for us all

Bless her - we really liked her.

Longest run in my life!

Busy day with work meant that I couldn't get out in the morning or lunchtime so in the evening I packed up on time and after delaying tactics I had no option other than to go out for my evening run. I had a route in my head planned and wanted to match everyone else for running 16 miles at the weekend which I obviously didn't do.

It was quite a jump up from my usual run and Tash was suggesting that I only did 13 miles as per the half marathon. 

Anyway, off I went through Wytham and town etc and for whatever reason I felt okay and did it at a decent pace. Not sure if it was food, drink, getting fitter, decent music or change of scenery but I was happily pounding along and getting through the miles. 

As I came up the Marston Ferry Road I had a decision to make but in my head I just felt I had to do the full 16 miles - last two miles I was very slow and was hurting but I did it! Took me 3hr and 40mins which is a bloody long time but I didn't stop even once so I was delighted about that.

Got home and felt sick and tired. Laid in the bath for 30 mins and then bed - I knew I'd likely not sleep well and that was correct - shit night's sleep. Could hear my body not happy with me but I survived without cramp or anything and could walk okay in the morning - starting to stiffen up about midday though truth be told!

So that's the longest (time and distance) that I've ever run. On top of that there's another 10 miles so that's about 2hrs 15mins - goodness. Only about 5 weeks away so I need to get more of these runs in - same again Saturday! 

Travel up to Lewis and Emily's new home

Not a great night's sleep but it was okay, and I took Bess for a walk in the morning after having quite a nice relaxing coffee and toast in the sun on the patio - going to be a lovely day today.

Checked in with Sue and was able to drop Bess off early and then set out from her house around 9.45am with x2 Belgian buns from Coop and it was a two hour drive - very uneventful but enjoyable at the same time.

Their town is right on the junction so only 1.5 miles off the M6 so that was handy.

Took them some goodies that Tash had sorted and had a tour of the house and listened to their ideas - all very exciting and it's great that they have savings and profit so will be able to do a lot of the things that they have in their mind. Going to be a lot of work but they have decent rates from builders and designers up there so that makes one hell of a difference.

We did some moving of heavy items out to the garage - they've got so much space and the guy before them was very clearly a competent carpenter that's for sure. Lewis and I then went back to his old house and collected a load of plants that couldn't fit in the van on Friday and we popped into the large Go Outdoors up there and I tried on some zip off trousers but they weren't what I wanted.

Showed them how to use the wall-paper stripper and then we went to the local pub and I treated them to lunch and drinks. Back to theirs and then at 5.00pm I set off to come home. Took a bit longer as there was a lot of traffic but got to Sue's in 2 hours had a chat with her and then came home.

Went out for a walk to get my steps up and then watched a it of TV and had an early night - a long but enjoyable day. Really pleased for them.

The day after the baby announcement!

Was a bit of a slow riser this morning as it was after midnight when we got home and to bed, Flanners had arrived but forgot something and had to return to Bicester, I got up and started breakfast and Zoe and Niamh came over - scrambled eggs all round. 

They were obviously excited and the day followed the same pattern of people hearing the news and asking all the questions and screaming and crying. Good fun.

After breakfast and chatting with Brian we then went over to Sue's so they could share the news with her, Nikki was there with Danny and Vics kids and Sue had been shopping for lunch and everyone was pleased and excited with the news, then Katie turned up with her kids and then Tiff too - seems the word had got out!

It was a nice afternoon and then Lewis and Emily needed to leave for a meal with her family so they were on the road at about 1.30pm so in good time, and that signalled for everyone else to leave. Tash and I stayed and tidied up and did jobs where possible and we too left about 3.30pm. 

Needed to do some jobs in the garden but I then noticed that Charl still had my hedge trimmer so I went and got that and was pleased to learn that Miles had refitted the wire that we've all cut through once or twice in the past - like having a new tool!

Thanked them and was pleased to learn that their evening and then afternoon tea today had been a success.

Back home Tash and I worked in the garden and then when too dark came in for dinner (gammon with pineapple that was good) and then spent nearly two hours on her work's Wordpress site trying to sort ordering in a webpage, it was driving me nuts and it did defeat me - pissed off about that.

We then watched a couple of episodes of the Traitors - we're completely hooked on it, I love it.

Then early night to bed - what a weekend that has been. Still can't quite believe it!  

We're going to be GRAND PARENTS!!!!

Yes you read that correctly..finally!

Lewis and Emily were down for the weekend for the Harry Potter Show we were going to later today and then came down for breakfast first thing. Lewis went upstairs and came down with a small box that had Gin Making kit on it that he said had been delivered to them in error in Manchester.

Tash opened the box and was presented with a baby-grow, a card and a baby scan - she screamed and said rude words in excitement - Emily filmed the whole lot. We were both over-whelmed and excited, we really didn't expect any babies or weddings for another couple of years - this was a huge surprised.

Obviously we were delighted and all the questions then came out after the hugging and crying. 

Emily is just over 8 weeks gone (so it's quite an early announcement) and they had a private scan to make sure but will now go through the normal NHS schedule so the next one is shortly for 12 weeks - they will determine sex if they can and it was planned - just quicker that expected.

Such brilliant news!

After all that calmed down a bit I sorted Flanners out who was working on the porch again this weekend and we then got ready and made our way to Mum's and in the car before we set up Lewis handed her the card and then the excitement started again!

Getting to London was no problem and Tash had booked a place in Sussex Gardens that she'd used before and it was perfect, we walked to Marble Arch, got some snacks and then got the tube to Covent Garden and then walked to meet everyone in a Cafe Nero in Soho a couple of minutes walk from the theatre. 

Downstairs with our drinks and food Lewis handed out the cards to Jack and Charlotte announcing they were going to be Aunt and Uncle and again, lots of excitement and questions came about from everyone - it was really lovely. Loads of energy and people buzzing, it was great.

We then made our way to the theatre for the first of the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child shows - lovely place it was but Tash had bought us really poor seats - missing a third of the stage depending on where you were sat - but it was sold out so there was no way of moving to a better view. No one said anything, they were all Xmas presents so they couldn't really. I think Tash felt a bit sheepish and kept insisting on sitting in the worst seat but I took that place for one of the performances.

So the day was a show at 2.00pm with an interval as normal, you then have a break and back again for the second half at 7.00pm. The show itself was enjoyable. There were a few things that took a bit of getting used to (oh, the show is about Harry and Draco's sons becoming friends at school - I think there were gay undertones between them but it didn't completely come to the surface so was a bit vague) anyway, that didn't detract from the sets and special effects which were good. Some of the magic tricks were excellent and kept us guessing how they were done.

With the first show done, we left and walked a few minutes round the corner to a restaurant that Charlotte had booked called Wingmans - we had our own little booth but it was such a cool place and set up - loved it. Food (chicken!!) and drink sorted and we had a time for a pudding for Miles's birthday which is next week.

Whilst waiting for the restaurant to sort our table (we were 10 mins early) Tash received a text message from Zoe, as she'd come round to walk Bess for us and Tash deliberately placed the baby announcement information by the dog lead - Zoe played it cool initially as if to not show that she'd read the card - in fact I think she thought it was from Tom and Emily thanking us for presents for their baby Bobby. Then her and Niamh read the details and we got excited, screaming voicemails from them both!

Back to the theatre for the second show and that was enjoyable too - it was a long day though having both shows in one day - but you'd not want to come back for the second one on a different day/night so it was good to do it in one hit. We all enjoyed it. Since coming home I've read some scathing and negative reviews but I think that's mainly from people that are massive fans. It did have some quirky and odd bits about it but overall really enjoyed the day.

Outside the theatre Charlotte and Miles got an Uber to Brixton O2 as they'd got tickets for Sami Vergi with GG and Ev (and they were staying the night in London as they were going to Savoy for lunch tomorrow - great birthday present for Miles) and we got the tube to Paddington and said our goodbyes to Jack and Jodie. Jodie was right with the tube station stop as it made our walk to the car shorter and then we were on the road. I fell asleep, dropped Mum off and then got home and straight to bed.

Such a brilliant day - keep thinking about it and what I will be called, can't think of anything decent at the minute but I am sure I will get there with something!

So pleased for them both, and with the new house purchase such a change to their lives. Hope that goes through soon.

We are the first to be told the news, Emily's parents already have grandchildren, they will obviously be pleased but for us it's our first so that's super special. There was obviously reference to Derek too in that we lose him but gain a new member to the family (Dark Side!). 

Tash and I are already planning logistics for travelling up North to be involved and how often and how long etc. Need to get it right so we're not over-bearing! Yeah, good luck with that..

Derek's Funeral

So today is Derek's funeral. 

Last night Jack asked for me and him to go to the gym and leave the house around 6.45am - I was up bright and early and sat downstairs watching the last episodes of Dexter Season 2 when he phoned me at 7.00am - "where are you?" he asked - "downstairs waiting for you since 6.30am!" - he didn't believe he at first - he'd overslept.

Still, we went anyway and got a decent hour done - quite enjoyed it, I really need to get up there more. He had a sauna and dragged out his time there whilst I waited for him....again!

I had the day off from work today, I still checked emails but we're on top of things at the minute so it's all good and running the Inbox these days is manageable.

Back home we got things sorted and then Jack drove me to Headington so I could drop off the flowers at the Funeral directors and then we went to Summertown because the photos that we'd ordered for the wake hadn't arrived so Tash ordered some instant ones from Boots. I was impressed with that - she'd uploaded and ordered them and 20-30mins later I went to the machine, scanned the QR code and the photos all printed, very good service. £11.00 for 20 - so not too desperate.

Back home Lewis arrived and then we all got ourselves sorted and went and got Mum. Lewis and her family (minus Trevor) were all there and we chatted before jumping in the cars and heading for the Crematorium. It was interesting, and nice, seeing who arrived and thankfully there was a decent number of people - the 30-odd that Mum hoped would be the numbers - perhaps just a bit more than that actually. 

There were people from her work and neighbours and friends and then some of ours were there - Wayne, Zoe, Little and Big Liams and Sharon. 

We waiting in the warm room until Chanelle (funeral director) called us in and us 6 pall bearers waited outside until the right time to carry him in. Whilst we were waiting three people arrived who I didn't recognise and after being in the chapel for about 2 mins came out again - they'd arrived at the wrong crematorium!! "OMG, it's like Only Fools and Horses" I heard the lady say - of course I found the funny side to it and offered for them to stay anyway!

It was now time to carry Derek's coffin in which was for me, Jack, Lewis, Simon, Peter and Luke and we did okay - but it was heavy. As I turned to return to my seat I was greeted with Tash and Charlotte crying so I had to look the other way knowing that I had my speech lined up and didn't want to get emotional reading it.

Kirsten did her bit and her introduction was good, Lewis did a reading well, and then I had to do eulogy. I did okay and just told the stories from my notes and looked up etc and enjoyed doing it to be fair. A hymn, music, Lewis doing another reading and soon it was all over with Kirsten wrapping things up. 

As we filed out to the music from the Hovis Advert we placed a single white rose on the coffin and milled around outside chatting and thanking people. After 20 mins people started to depart and go back to work or the pub (Vic and Danny's Abingdon Arms) - we thanked Kirsten and Chanelle and they were complimentary to us and gave mum a photo and that was it - all very well done.

We made our way to the pub and had a back room all to ourselves and we had drinks and food and caught up - it was a really nice afternoon and people stayed a long time so that was fantastic. Really enjoyable afternoon and a great send off for Derek. 

Louise and her kids decided they wanted to go home and not back to Mum's - bit odd that they don't put themselves out more for Mum, but there you go. We stayed on a bit later and then went back to Norton Close and had some food and more chatting. Mum was tired and had a headache by now so we made a move to leave her to it and she was fine with that.

Back home we all went to bed and that was the day over.

I was quite pleased with Jack as on the way home he said he liked my writing and speaking style and and I should be writing blogs - "it's very distinct". That was a nice compliment.

A long day but it was "enjoyable" and went really well. Bless Derek, he was a part of our lives and in some ways wasn't - he was very withdrawn from things but was a constant for Mum. 

She did really well today - just need to keep her active going forwards now because she's not going to be visiting the home now and with the funeral done all the planning that was involved is also free time that she now has. 

   

Derek has passed away

Normal morning and got stuff done but after a few messages from work I thought that I’d go to the hospital for a bit longer so left the house around midday and managed to park at St Joseph’s school and walk up.

Mum, Tash and Charlotte were there and we chatted and did the quiz in the magazine and I’d taken them up some packed lunch. Derek was less responsive today and didn’t do anything. 

Tash went over to Bicester to sort Dulcie’s birthday present out and and Charl went to work about 1.30pm. 

My 2hr slot was close to finishing and Derek’s breathing changed so I said to mum I needed to move the car but would look to come back and not go home. Managed to find a single space to squeeze into in Sandfield road and went back to the room. When I walked in mum said his breathing had changed and I said I’d noticed which is why I’d gone back. I’d even texted Tash saying I was staying another two hours as I “had a feeling”. 

Over the next 25 minutes his breathing changed from shallow quick breathes to slower, deeper and intermittent breathes. Eventually it seemed he was holding his breathe and I got a nurse in. She sat opposite to take his pulse and I stood next to mum with my arm around her she she held onto his hand and he slowly slipped away. 

He died at 3.00pm.

The nurse left us with him and said there'd be no hurry to do anything and she'd give us time with him. Sat with mum as she took it in that he'd finally gone. I then gave her time herself to be with him and say whatever she wanted to say in private and went outside to the waiting room and shed a tear myself and messaged Tash and the kids. Tash was in Bicester with Dulce so got dropped her and came back.

After about 20 mins I went back in and Mum was okay and ready to let the nurse do whatever it is she needed to do to finalise the death. 

We sat outside again waiting and wondering what the next actions were and then Tash arrived and they had a good hug and cry.

The nurse came back out and we collected the various items we needed and had collected there whilst mum had been staying there since Sunday. One last good bye and kiss and we left Derek to the hospital, bless him. Makes me tear up typing this now - and this is three weeks later after the funeral catching up on my diary entries!!

We were all a bit numb really and not sure what to do. We came back home and spent the rest of the evening at ours. Charlotte came over and everyone supported Mum as you'd expect. We chatted about Derek and things that need to be organised but didn't spend much time on that side of things, was the time to do so.

It has obviously been a long and tiring week and emotionally draining and I drove mum home and decided to stay the evening so we sat in the front room at hers for a couple of hours chatting - she didn't really want to go to bed but we did and it was the first time I've slept in my bedroom for about 30 years - that felt odd.

So that's it - Derek fought really well even at the bitter end, I am so relieved that I had the feeling I did and stayed on - Mum would have really appreciated it and would have struggled being on her own.

Sad but at the same time it's not a massive shock to the system because Mum has lived on her own for 5 years now, it's just the finality of it that makes it so very hard. 

Bless him.

Happy New Year!

Woke up okay - not too much of a heavy head - phew! Same for Tash. Managed to get through all the Festive Season without a hangover so that's a result.

Pottered around in the morning and got jobs done and then Mum came over for lunch and stayed a couple of hours catching up which was nice. We then went over to Charlotte's to collect the bureau they took from Sue's but couldn't sell so we're taking it into our house to free up space for them as they need to get working on renovating their kitchen.

We all then went (in two cars) over to Sue's and had spag bol there which was good - we stayed quite a long time for her and even did Jay's Quiz - not a bad effort in the end with about 43 out of 50 - happy enough with that!

Didn't have a drink - will see how long that lasts shall we? Couple of weeks in theory should be possible.

Came home and went out for a walk as I wanted to get to 10k steps today - not even close which was failure on the first day!! Came home and we watched another film - this time it was once called Labor Day - bit odd but it was nice enough. That took us to 9.30pm and I've been waiting all Xmas for 9.00pm today for the second season of SAS Rogue Heroes - started watching it and Tash gave up after 20mins and went to bed. 

It didn't disappoint and the announcer said the next episode was on iPlayer so I checked on there and sure enough...all six episodes were there! It had to be done - I watched them all and went to bed at 3.30am. Loved it. And they've left it so that there HAS to be a season three to cover them as part fo the D-Day invasion.

With that I went to bed - eyes a bit sore I must admit! Worth it though. 

Another day - another entry by ChatGPT

 I added bullet points this time and told it not to copy the wording from yesterday - not bad at all!

**Diary Entry: Tuesday, 22nd October**

Today started earlier than I wanted, thanks to the Airbnb guest leaving at 4:50 am. They made so much noise—why can't people just close doors quietly? I tried to get back to sleep but ended up tossing and turning until I finally got up and started working around 8:00 am.

After a while, I took Bess out for a walk. The fresh air helped clear my head, and she seemed to enjoy it as usual. Later in the day, I played around with ChatGPT, getting some cocktail suggestions based on what I had in the bar. That was pretty fun—got a few ideas for the next time we have people over.

Work was good today, nothing too stressful, and I managed to keep on top of everything. Wrapped things up on time and decided to try a decent stir-fry recipe for dinner. I swapped out the usual chicken for spicy sausages, and it turned out really well. Everyone seemed to enjoy it.

After dinner, I took Bess for another walk to wind down. Then, we played a couple of rounds of Monopoly Deal with Jack and Natasha. Jack completely crushed me in the first game, but I got my revenge and won the second one.

We finished the evening with some TV before heading to bed around 9:30 pm. Overall, a solid day!

Diary entry written by Chat GPT!!

See my prompt and what it produced!!

Prompt:

Write a diary entry for me that includes the following events that happened. Natasha worked around the house and garden, I worked with customers remotely and was busy but finished up to date, diner was spag bol, bootcamp at the gym for us both, watch Netflix and monsters documentary in the evening before bed with hot choc yams night time tea

Response:

Diary Entry:

Today was a productive one. While Natasha spent most of the day working around the house and tending to the garden, I was busy with remote work, handling customer requests. It felt like a non-stop stream of emails and calls, but I managed to power through and finish up everything. It’s always a good feeling being up to date with work, especially after a hectic day.

For dinner, we had spaghetti bolognese—simple, but always a favorite. Afterward, we both headed to the gym for bootcamp. It was intense, but we pushed through together, and I felt great afterward, like the perfect end to a productive day.

In the evening, we settled down with Netflix and watched a documentary on monsters, which was surprisingly gripping. To wind down before bed, we made some hot chocolate and had Yams Night Time tea, a nice calming finish to the day. Feeling ready to rest up and take on tomorrow.

Additional prompt by me:

Add to this that I was up at 5.30am as I couldn’t sleep so went for a light run but was useless and unfit and walked a lot. Say that I started work about 6.30am to get ahead of the day and catch up with weekend work

Remove the bit about Yams night time tea, just call it night time tea

Diary Entry:

Today started earlier than expected. I was up at 5:30 am because I couldn’t sleep, so I decided to go for a light run. It didn’t go as planned—I felt pretty useless and unfit, ended up walking more than running, but at least I got outside for a bit. After that, I started work around 6:30 am to get ahead of the day and catch up on some work from the weekend.

While Natasha worked around the house and garden, I stayed busy with customers remotely. It was a non-stop flow of tasks, but I managed to keep up and finished everything. Feels good to be on top of things.

Dinner was spaghetti bolognese, which hit the spot. Then we both headed to the gym for bootcamp. It was intense, but we pushed through together, and I felt great after the session—definitely needed that after such a long day.

We wound down by watching a monster documentary on Netflix, which was more interesting than I expected. Before bed, we had some hot chocolate and night time tea, the perfect way to relax and finish off the evening.

Scary isn't it? I might just put bullet points into the system and let it write it again for me - will try tomorrow and see what is comes up with when I tell it to change the wording!

Early birthday celebrations with the boys

 Woke up with a bit of a head on me but nothing too drastic, got sorted and then made my way to golf, Wayne, Nathan Creed and Julio made the foursome and we started at 9.00am to avoid the rain and it worked. But it was super wet out there - wasn't much fun. Went round in 96 (35 points) - bit disappointing to be honest but can't have great rounds all the time.

Got some shopping done on the way home and Lewis had arrived and we had a nice fry up for brunch. We were all a bit tired so had a snooze after clearing things up and then 3.30pm went out and parked at Mum's work and went to the Sixes cricket set up in John Lewis

Had a cocktail that was nice and a beer and then played the cricket - it was great. Very well done - I'd have liked to play longer but they were quite strict on the time limits unfortunately. We then went looking for a roof-top bar but they were full so ended up in the Chequers for one and then back to the Lebanese restaurant near the Westgate centre and the food was lovely. Really enjoyed that.

Stopped off at the Wig and Pen and then came home

Started watching a film but gave but because we were falling asleep - went to bed about 11.00pm in the end

Really good day and evening, loved it. Nice to spend time with Lewis and Jack.  

Home alone - sort of - Jack is here still

This morning at 2.30am Tash got up and with Charlotte and Simon flew over to Ibiza to see Marc and Dani - she's not well with cancer which is obviously a concern so Tash wanted to see them and lend her support. Tash has sent photos already and I saw that Wendy and Graham are there too so that's brilliant all round.

Jack is home now for the weekend and was working hard, as was I! After saying I was in control yesterday it's been pretty full on today but I am on top of things which is good. Had a meeting about the new Job Description and I was very positive and that so not letting on that there are any issues. Which to be fair is true, I am quite "happy" with my situation at the minute. See how long it lasts

I've been lazy and distracted with things of late so I need to get back on track with the diary and fitness and that so hopefully this will be the start of improving myself.

We will see!

Early morning golf and evening Gym

Up bright and early again today so went straight off to golf at 6.20am and had nine holes out there in lovely sunshine, but there was a chill in the air so needed some layers. I did okay and had a brilliant tee shot on the 4th to land only 1yrd away to birdie it - pleased with that!

But lost two balls in the water again.

Back home by 8.15am and did a day's work as usual

My new putter was delivered and as it said on the site, it was brand new and in its wrapping - seems okay so need to go an practise with it now.

Got my Kili diary transcript completed which is pleasing but there was an abrupt end to it as I obviously gave up on summit day. I have kept the entry open so I can go an update it from memory. I plan to keep the pages of notes and not throw them away.

Tash was out again all day walking with Anna and then pottered around the house and garden in the rain! Had dinner, and I walked Bess - I decided that Run Club is a bit of a waste of time - thinking about it there's a 2hr round trip as we leave at 5.30pm to join the traffic and get home about 7.30pm having run for about 30 mins. I said I'd rather spend that time here - and I did, I went to the gym and got 90 mins workout done so a much better use of my time. Struggled a bit with the running but rowing and cycling I sweated my bollocks off.

Home and wasting time on my phone, watched a bit of TV and then early night (well 10.00pm)

A decent day all told

Golf and Kilimanjaro Diary transcribed

Woken up bright and early this morning by the alarm at 5.45am - Tash wasn't impressed..

Got up and did about 20mins work, and then got my stuff and left for the golf course. I couldn't go any earlier as it was too dark, got to Radley about 6.40am and was on the course on my own but it took a while to lighten up - such a shame that summer is on its way out..but there you go.

I had a decent nine holes, although I struggled on the 7th which was annoying. Only did the nine as two groups of old men teed off and it was about 8.00am so thought it best that I get back home to the office.

Traffic was okay and I had a busy day of it

Halfway through I checked the doorstep and sure enough my new laptop arrived - hopefully take more care of this one - and as usual that meant losing time setting it up and downloading all the programmes I need for it, it seemed to go fairly smoothly so that's good - nice to have a proper keyboard that doesn't miss characters when I type.

Work is getting busier but the lads are experienced now so coping with things being thrown at them.

Made dinner in the evening, Tash got wet cycling home, and then went off to catch up with Lucie - I took Bess on a long walk and then home to continue transcribing my Kilimanjaro hand-written notes into this Blogger diary. It's slow going but it's bringing back so many memories, I am so very pleased that I wrote in the detail that I did, it's making everything so really and remembered. I'd spent some of the day doing it and then a couple of hours in the evening as we were waiting for our net Airbnb who arrived at 10.00pm meaning I could go to bed

A long day.

Something I am pleased about is I was able to put into practise some of the golf shots I've been practising at home in the garden - just using my pitching wedge to hit 20ft. It made hell of a difference, I felt confident in what I was doing and how far to pull back my swing when checking out the distances close to the green. Very useful and will definitely continue to practise that going forwards.

Tonight Josephine and Charlotte late night!

Woke up early as we're off early and have things to do so jumped in the hot-tub for a bit and then I made bacon sandwiches. Got sorted and ready to go and Jodie arrived then Tash and I went to get Sue and Lewis/Jodie got Charlotte and we all made our way to Birmingham.

I dropped Sue and Tash as close to the station as possible and then found parking and went to the pub and had a nice pint of Camden Hells Pale Ale - as good as lager to be far. The girls all went off to Tonight Josephine round the corner and Lewis and I went off wandering around the Bullring shopping.

I was looking for new trainers, found some but couldn't get my size, loads of shops that I could have bought from but was ultimately unsuccessful, back to the drawing board.

Lewis and I then went to the market and as much as I hate it the very first stall had the frying pan fat protectors I had on my birthday list for £3.50 total (for two) so I went ahead and got them.

We then went to Bills for lunch which was lovely - nice burger, shit fries!

Went and met up with the girls when they'd finished their show and they were in a downstairs bar (along with all the other women from the show too) and it was a good atmosphere. Sue had absolutely loved it, Charlotte less so complaining about the food, drinks and music - she wasn't the only one - but they'd all had a good time it seems. Loads of posing and photos and a few drinks but the car park times were running our so we needed to leave.

Lewis and Emily going up North, me taking Charl, Tash and Jodie - stopped for beers and chocolate and wee break and then back home. Dropped Charl at Bicester because Miles was in Bournemouth with his mates and Charl had the taste for it so was going out with Katie, we took Jodie back to her mum's in Stokenchurch and the made our way back home.

Sat in the hot-tub with a few beers and then came in and watched some TV before going to bed.

Got a phone call about 11.30pm from Katie asking if we could get Charl as she couldn't walk or talk - last thing we needed, especially as I'd had a drink, but we had no option and went and got her - sure enough she was a state!

Got her home to her bedroom but she was noisy and it was awkward because we had an Airbnb (I don't think she was impressed as she left the following day and didn't reply to messages..oops!). Finally Charl collapsed and it was quiet, we laid out a towel and bucket and hoped for the best

We did check on her in the night and she was fine. Quite a long and eventful day!

BBQ in the rain

What a shit day it was today, nothing to do with work - that was fine - the weather was awful.

Miserable and raining and very dark the whole time. I manged some exercises in the "bar gym" which was good but we had Lewis coming down and Charl, Miles and my mum coming over in the evening so I still went ahead and got things readied in the garden to sit out and have a BBQ - I did have an umbrella over it so that was good but no-one was interested in staying outside so we started out - got very smoked out and then ate inside. I think that pissed Tash off.

Nice evening, few beers and bottles of wine drunk and then about 9.30pm people went home. Lewis and I watched the Guy Ritchie film - Ministry of Ungentlemanly Conduct - third time for me and he loved it too. That finished at midnight and he took Bess for a quick walk around the block as she'd eaten so much in the evening

Really nice evening - enjoyed it 

JK Run Club

Bit of a nothing day in terms of work - keeping up to date and dealing with all issues and ticking along. 

Been working through the photos I have in iCloud and moving them into folder on OneDrive - amazing how much we fit into our lives it really is

 

We travelled over to Bicester for Run Club, and were v early for once, did the warm up and then it was a straight 30mins run - I came last!! I completed the time but I am so slow, but then I go at a steady pace that suits me, just it's not very fast..

Came home and pottered around, I watched the Deacon Blue concert video I'd recorded which was great fun, exercised too and then another early night.

Afternoon run AND Bootcamp!

Starting to get busier at work because people are coming back after their summer holidays, so it won't be long before we're snowed under again! However, it's been nice to catch up and have a comfortable few weeks.

I went out for a run at lunchtime, got as far as the Trout and then cramp hit my left calf, my fault I am sure as I've not drunk must water today, thought about turning back but carried on and it was okay, it was like a strain but nothing dangerous. Ran to Wytham and back which is what Tash did in the morning so I was keeping up with her.

Tired me out for the rest of the afternoon if the truth be told.

Had a snooze for a bit and then we went to boot camp for our private session! We worked hard today but also felt better during it so that was a definite positive. Sad news as we left in that Steve told us he was moving on and joining Radley College as the Gym Manager there.

Didn't do much in the evening, watched a bit of tv (Celebrity Race Around the World) and then an early night. Will be aching in the morning no doubt!

Golf and French Bistro evening

Didn't even realise it was the 1st of September until Monday morning (2nd) - how time is flying.

Really good day today.

Up early and down to Wickes and Aldi for shopping, Tash got the food and drink and I got the varnish for the table and back home worked on the table really taking my time and as much care as I could and though I say so myself, I did a brilliant job, the table looks as good as new, really, really pleased with it.

Sorted the garden and then Tash went over to her Mum's to help get things in order and I went off and played golf on my own, it was great, hardly anyone there, so fortunate to have such a quiet golf course. My round was pretty indifferent but I do feel I got some consistency with my driving, not straight but I was able to address/accommodate the pronounced fade that I have in my game.

Anyway, pretty shit round and did 100 strokes, really need to be getting into the low 90's. That wasn't the main story for the day..on the 17th (water hole) I was putting and then heard a crash, my trolley had rolled into the lake and my bag was face down in the water - incredibly nothing was lost but it was all soaking wet! Made the guys on the WhatsApp chat laugh. Plonker!

Didn't go home, we arranged with my mum to meet her at Shotover, Tash and Bess came separately too and we went for a walk around the park, mum was a bit slow and seemed to find it tough going but as usual she plodded along uncomplaining. She asked about Jeff, that was interesting, I didn't shy away from the subject and said what we'd talked about and that we'd arrange to meet up - no idea how she took it, probably pissed that we've not been to see Louise and Joey etc.

We then went home and it was a lovely hot day so I took a detour to Summertown and got some wine because we're out and then Tash did more in the garden and I cooked chicken tarragon and it was lovely. But what made it fun is that I set up the outside garden table as a restaurant complete with napkins and French bistro music on - it was a lovely setting under the grape vines and felt very "international" and "holiday" like. Stayed out and drank more and just relaxed - it was such a lovely (and almost romantic!) evening. 

A perfect end to a lovely weekend.

Long run from Blenheim

Tash went off to yoga early in the morning and I pottered around and got jobs done and then we went over to Charlotte's and in turn went to Blenheim Palace so they could do a long run to end the week.

They were going off to Milton Keynes shopping for Charl's birthday and needed Tash's car so instead of taking two cars I decided that I'd just run home instead, sounds a long way but it's only 6 miles so a perfect distance. I was with them in the Blenheim grounds not for long but to view some of the amazing cars they had there on show for something going on - God only knows how much money was on display for all these beautiful cars on display.

So anyway, off I went and it was okay, I did stop for a few seconds because of a really annoying Airbnb person (Meredith) contacting us, thank goodness she leaves today - she's been hard work. But otherwise I then stopped at the Dog Kennels roundabout for 5 mins, I was knackered and it was only 4.8miles! Not ideal.

I then ran the rest of the way home pushing my legs although I so wanted to stop. The thought occurred to me that having done that once, I'd have to do it 4.5 times to complete a marathon - this is quite a challenge we've taken on!! Think I'm regretting it a bit. Hopefully it will get me fitter though so there's a motivation behind all this!

I then had the afternoon to myself and was a bit lazy for an hour or so and watched cricket and hid from Meredith until she left. Then I decided to get things done and worked on sanding the dining room table, it's very battered and worn so we're hoping that sanding the top varnish off and re-doing it will give it a new lease of life. I only used the handheld mouse sander as my belt sander would be too heavy duty and it worked fine but was time-consuming, dusty and quite hard work to be honest. But slowly I got it done and then covered it in case of rain - which is exactly what happened! 

Tash called late and said they were all going to come over to ours and have a Chinese take-away as no-one could be bothered to cook and they got here about 7.00pm, same time as Miles and the food was excellent - really lovely. Watched a film, Chilren of Men, which I sort of enjoyed but no one else was fond of it so that was disappointing and then Charl and Miles went home as they wanted their beds this evening which of course was fine. Not a boozy evening at all and an early night in the end.

A decent day all told.