All Hallows Eve

Well it is the last day of October and it is All Hallows Eve. Or Halloween as we like to call it.
I am not big on the Americanisation of the day, I am not into carving a pumpkin or going 'trick or treating'
Lets go back to Mums and Dads struggling to carve a turnip.

I do like the idea on some parts of the continent of tomorrow being a holiday for 'All Saints Day.

I remember well travelling by train to Valencia  on All Hallows Eve and having a very peaceful day in the city on November 1st, I also remember the kidneys on my breakfast plate but that is a whole different story!

When did we take on American ideas, we had plenty of our own for centuries?

I have noticed a worrying trend of 'Christmas Eve' boxes now appearing on my Facebook timeline.
What next?
Well enough of being grumpy lets see if we have any cricket news.

Tom Westley has extended his contract with the champions Essex, well you would wouldn't you?

Otis Gibson has not only taken up the mantel of coach with South Africa he is now also the bowling coach, whilst looking to bolster the coaching side it looks as if Otis is taking on all roles, wonder if he does the washing too?

Still no news on the Stokes front, it is taking a long time for this to be sorted.

Any speculation about my Morne coming to England on a Kolpak deal has been ended with him saying that he is looking toward the 2019 World Cup, great for South Africa, not so for me and it looks as if my lessons in Afrikaans has gone  to have gone to waste!

Dankie Morne!

well the dining room is ready for the first paper hanging, I won't bore you with the soul searching over Laura Ashley v Colefax and Fowler. As it turns out B & Q came up trumps!

I am now wrapping up warm, yesterday saw the first frost here in the North  East of blighty and although sunny it was a jolly chilly day.

So thermals on and ready for the off.


geniet de dag.

where did the weekend go?

well, gone are the days when Sunday was a day of rest!
I was up and  busy and had the smallest room in the house wallpapered by just after lunch.

I had also whipped up a batch of plum and apple chutney too.

I managed to got 2 lengths of wallpaper on the spare room, before starting to strip the dining room. I have one job set aside for each evening when I get home this week and intend to be a lot further forward by this time next weekend.

All these jobs have needed to be done and although I was tempted to get someone in to do them, I am pleased that I cracked on and did them myself.
The broken nails and sore back however tell another tale!

Its only taken me 6 months to get fully started.


The Xmas cakes were put on hold until next weekend when I intend to whip up another batch.

 I am struggling to find any cricket news with the exception that England ladies won their game against Australian.

This was a much needed win after 2 defeats and hopefully will spur them on .

South Africa cleared up in Bangladesh as they completed a series win in the T20 with David Warner hitting the fastest international T20 century. Miller was dropped on 0, and the went on to score 101 in  36 balls his century coming in 35 balls.
South Africa won every match against the visitors.

well another week begins and I am about to head out of the door.

Its going to be a busy old week for me at work and at home, but I have a plan and I am going to stick to it.

I also need to find some white silk hydrangeas.....................but that's another story

An extra hour in bed

Well I got an extra hour in bed this morning, which meant that I woke up at 4.15am, I did however turnover and sleep through until 7am. I am getting very lazy of late.

We had a very blustery day yesterday that was topped off with a night of rain, I am sad to say that winter is well and truly on its way.
Today has dawned quite calm and I am about to try to get some washing out on the line before any change occurs.

In cricket news Surrey have got more players to extend contracts, with Stoneman, Foakes, Roy and Tom Curran staying put for  at least another 3 seasons.

The England team set off down under and with them the hopes if England that they will win the Ashes. There is still no resolution to the Stokes problem. Maybe this week something will be decided.

Good news on the seagull front though. They have all disappeared, my guess that they got blown back to the coast by the strong winds of yesterday.

Today is all about getting sorted and hopefully getting the new curtain pole up in the dining room and then the new curtains.

I am hoping that we get some cricket gossip this week, as I am sure my decorating, cooking and sorting out is wearing a bit thin now.

No matter how windy it was yesterday, it was a memorable day in the life of best cricket drinking chum Jim, as he married the lovely Lucy.

I wish them both much happiness.

I hope that Lucy still lets Jim come out to drink after cricket.

I also got some great chutney feedback from my 'food pro' Anthony. He sampled two chutneys, his favourite being crab apple.
Always good to hear a positive.

Right I am off to whip up some plum and apple chutney and another batch of xmas cakes.

have a great day

woken by seagulls

I had intended to have a lovely lie in today..............................however the  seagulls had other ideas.
Yes I think that a colony of seagulls have taken up residence on my roof. As if the noise was not bad enough they all sound as if they are wearing hob nailed boots!
I can hear them now 'tap dancing' along the length of the roof and back again!

 It has had its benefits as I now have a load of washing blowing on the line.

Life over in France has settled into a routine and includes a weekly 'craft class' where full marks were given for the jumper the Dame had knit.Not before it has been inspected inside and out by the 'chief knitter'.
Plans are taking shape for my trip over and I am excited to head off to the champagne region again.

In the world of cricket Durham announced that one of their players had extended his contract. James Weighell a young fast bowler who has spent his career with the county, will be with them until  the end of 2020.

More twists in the Ben Stokes story if The Sun is to be believed. Just to say I do not read the aforementioned rag, I read the report quoting from it on a cricket news page.

ah the seagulls have now changed to doing 'Riverdance' on the roof! Its a wonder to hear!
I have seen one of the culprits and he is more 'Michael Fatley' than 'Flatley'

The dishwasher has finished its cycle and I fear the 'emptying' fairies will not be coming so I guess that I had best head off and do the honours.

Cake making and wallpapering are the order of the day here at the chateau.

Until tomorrow when I hope to be  a bit further forward!

* BREAKING NEWS*

Carrefour near Troyes has Bushmills on special and wine is 3 for 2.

just in case you were thinking of nipping across La Manche

Bon journee

Sorry!

Before I do anything else this morning I have to say a HUGE sorry to TLJL and TLML as I forgot to mention his birthday 9 days ago!

I would like to say its was because I was travelling the world, swilling champagne and having a fabulous time, but in truth it was because I have been very busy at work, incredibly tired and trying to do a million and one things here at the chateau.
So a very belated 24th birthday to TLJ and I hope that everyone had a good time.

In other news Durham have signed Australian Nathan Rimmington on a two year deal. This is starting to bolster up the team after it was left much depleted with the recent exodus.

Hampshire all rounder Ian Holland signed a two year deal with the club .

South Africa continue their winning ways in Bangladesh, as they won the T20 match by 20 runs.

England Women lost their game against the Australian  side  as the hosts make it 2 wins.

No more BBL07 news but I am sure that it will be coming in thick and fast soon.

I'm ready for the off, its half day Friday but there is still a lot to get done, however after introducing 'bacon butty Friday' ( not for me you understand) everyone will be in high spirits today.

News on the dream front, I either did not dream or did not remember it.

I am not the only person who has had some strange dreams of late, luckily I did  not meet a Bolivian Dignitary  at Michael Bentines funeral!!!! That one must have taken some amount of cheese!

So it is a short one today as I have lots to do before I head out into the cold and dark.
Yes it is still very very black outside.
Anyone would think that winter is coming!

Have a fabulous Friday!

Cricket is on

I am currently scribbling this and listening to the coverage of the woman's Ashes  tour match. The second ODI is underway  and Australia are batting , with one win already under their belts they are currently (6.08am)  103-1 with 28 overs left.

After much speculation Moeen Ali has signed a 5 year contract with Worcestershire  seeing him staying at New Road until 2022.

Sussex have parted company with their coach mark Davis, who has been with the club since 2015.

'Felt pen boy' has scribbled his name on another contract with Surrey seeing him staying there until the end of 2020.

You know you are 'knocking on' when you read about the Zimbabwean head coach and remember when he came to Hampshire as a young pup. Not me you understand, just writing that bit for 'a friend'!!!

Sad to read that a groundsman in India has been sacked after agreeing to tamper with a pitch ahead of the  India v New Zealand ODI in Pune.
Just not cricket.


Well I am wide awake now but if any of you can interpret dreams I would be interested to know what you make of the one I had last night.

I was at a corporate golf day ( yes golf!) with chums Sophie and Jim, we were playing with a cricket ball instead of a golf ball and my cricket ball was double the size of the others and also coming away at the seams  ( bit like me really ). I kept losing my ball in the rough and decided to head to the bar with Sophie, where we met the Brownlee brothers, resplendent in lycra!!
Jim came into the bar, and although we were calling to him, he couldn't see us.
Then I woke up!

I don't eat cheese so that can't be to blame.
It sure was a weird one and the first one I have remembered in a long time.

And finally, very sad news yesterday that my best friend Chris had lost Sheba her 12 year old German Shepherd. Sheba had been brought into the family to be a guard dog, but the only worry you had was to have left the house considerable covered in doggy kisses.
She was a very sweet natured dog and loved by everyone.
I like to think that she is now running with her 'brothers' Tyson and Harley.

Very sad news.

And with that I am off to finish the transformation to 'work girl' and head out the door.

Another miserable morning

It  is cold and wet again this morning in Ladylaineyville, I have just been for a yomp round the block and I can say that it is absolutely pitch black too.

Yesterday saw me driving to work in the torrential rain and also thinking that it was this  time next week! It was like night and remained like that until 8am when we started to see some light. Obviously this time next week the clocks will have gone back and I will be in full hibernation mode.

It is looking as if it is going to be much the same today!

So lets have a look around the cricket world and see what has been happening.

Well, Tom Curran  has been signed for Hobart Hurricanes in BBL07,  he is to be their second overseas player along side Tymel Mills. Captain of the team is George Bailey, They also have on board the fabulously names D'Arcy Short!!!

Lots of goings in the Counties here in Blighty as Warwickshire said goodbye to their bowling coach Alan Richardson as he leaves for pastures new.

Sussex have released Chirs Nash who has been with the club for an amazing 26 years, despite being only 34. He has been with the club since he was eight,and he has asked to leave the club.
Interesting to see where he goes.


After seeing Faf du Plessis piggy backed off the field on Sunday with a lower back injury it has been reported that he will be out for six weeks, it seems that the acute lumbar disc injury will keep him out until December when it is hoped that he will return  for the four day test against Zimbabwe.
Wishing him a speedy recovery.

Interesting to read that the Bangladesh Cricket Board is to investigate and take action against three players  who broke the team  rules. It is reported that they went out to  a casino and returned late to the hotel.
They were expected to be backing the hotel at 10pm, even though this was not a match night!
 

Well time to head off to the corporate world, another  day another penny in the French kitty.

It's Wednesday, midweek.
SMILE

It's raining it's pouring

 I wish I was still snoring!

I'm shattered this morning and I am only on the second day of the working week, everything is slow this morning including th 'lapdog', I'm typing what seem to be six sentences ahead of it!

Well now, interesting read this morning as I see that Australian coach Darren Lehmann is hinting at splitting the coaching role for the Australian team.

He will be in charge for the Ashes but will the coaching be split between red ball and white ball?
He already has  more stand in coaches than I have shoes so he will have plenty of options, including Jason Gillespie who has just finished coaching PNG and is gearing up for his BBL stint.
There are several other names in the mix too Justin Langer being just one.

My thoughts?
If you are the coach of the National Team then its your job what ever the formats.

Just saying.


I'm also becoming a little sick of reading  how 'we can win the Ashes without Stokes'. We have to go and play as a team, which is the most important thing.
Its time for players to step up ans how why they have been selected to play for their country,

Stokes is still to find out the outcome of his actions in Bristol

Well this is super short as the problems with the laptop this morning have meant that I am running very late.

And its chucking it down which doesn't bode well for the new barnet!

Have a great day where ever you are

Here we go again

Here we go , new week, new start.

Time to put all the failures of last week behind me and move on.

Time to stop beating myself up for not finishing the bathroom and toilet this weekend, I did however get 5 of the 3000,000 Christmas cakes I need, made.
I also manged to get more chutney made and started to get the xmas hampers sorted, I know some people think I am mad, but it will soon be November, and I need to get everything sorted so that they can be posted.

I also finished glossing in the dining room which means that I may finally get the new curtain pole up and the new curtains.

As I said new week!

I managed to keep an eye on the cricket  too and was most distressed to see Faf du Plessis piggybacked off the field after suffering a lower back injury. he was forced to retire on 91!
News is that he is out of the T20 series and will be off to have his back looked at.
South Africa won the match.

Friend Neil sent through some pics from the cricket wedding of the year, and lovely it looked too.He sent me a picture of captain Morgan!!! Just what I always wanted!

If news is to be believed Chris Gayle has been a bit naughty when in the company of a masseuse.
He is denying it claiming that the Australian press are out to  get him.
The alleged incident took place in 2015 at The World Cup.
The defamation case is set to run for 10 days.


There are lots of signings taking place for the up coming BBL which starts at the end of the year.
I will be watching out for more in this over the next few weeks and will blog anything of interest.

I am now about to sort out the birdsnest before I head out the door.

New week, new start, here we go!

good morning

I'm up and about to start doing things, it is however later than normal ( again).
Yesterday I set about doing some glossing and whipped up a batch of Spiced apple chutney, I realised I needed to go to the the town, so I headed off and also dropped off some 'stuff' at the charity shop.

I got back home and sorted out the washing which had not been out on the line due to rain, I sat down at 5.30 with a cup of coffee and the intention of heating up some lentil dahl for dinner...................and then woke up at 8.45pm

I know that I have been running on low reserves for a couple of weeks, I have been exceptionally tired  lately, the cold I picked up at work is a bit of a nasty cough now so I cannot afford for it to get any worse.

So today,
I am going to keep up with all things South Africa as they are in action shortly in ODI action.

Our ladies were  in action over night in Australia, which went in favour of the Antipodeans.Early hiccup I think.

It appears that David Warner has conceded that he may have gone a bit far with the 'war' comment.

sadly news is  filtering through of a  Pakistan player  being approached re match fixing.
This is something that always upsets me, I never did or will understand why players would risk there career and reputation for underhand money.
We all know how this has played out  in the past.

And finally, all was put in place for the 'girls' weekend away.
We are heading to the heady heights of Scarbados. And I cannot wait.
Walks have been investigated ( and not from pub to pub) and this time instead of seeing just the inside of North Marine Road with a quick dash of Peaseholm Park and the inside of bars, it will be good to have a good old ramble around the town.

Right, time is getting on and I need to get things done.

Have a peaceful Sunday 

bit of a lie in.

I'm late with the blog this morning as I have been very busy answering messages, messaging the Dame and chatting with friend Neil.

All from my bed as I couldn't be bothered to get up.
So lots of news.

I am going to be a Great Aunt next cricket season and as such I will have to curb my wild ways..............................................not a chuffing chance on that one.
Christophe and Katie are very happy and that's the main thing.
I will insist on being called GAL ( Great Aunt Lainey) when said baby can talk.

Lots of messages about this which I answered this morning.

Had a message from my old MTS pal Neil who is off to the cricket wedding of the year today as his God daughter gets married.
Not sure what he was doing up at at 3.43am ( when he sent original message) I responded at 6.05am and he was still up!Weddings at 3pm so hope he makes it through.

Messages from my sister answered including the hilarious
'Just if you see an Arab jumper pattern preferably crew neck'
not sure where I will get one of those!

And then cricket,

Interesting to read that Mitchell Marsh has decided not to go for an IPL contract but to play the full season with Surrey.
How very refreshing that an overseas player will play all season.
Well done that boy.
We need one of those at Yorkshire.


Aussie coach Darren Lehmann has waded in on the mudslinging that has erupted after David Warners 'war' comment.
However I am sad to see that he is encouraging the verbals.
Its about the cricket not the sledging!

Well that's was a quick cricket round up, so best haul my bulk out of bed and get some chutney made, hang some wallpaper and get some paint splashed on walls as well as getting some washing done.

I'm gone!

Its the end of the working week

Well its finally here and it has seemed to be the longest week I have had here yet, I think that the dark mornings are not of any great help.
And after next week it will be dark when I leave for home and dark when I get to work in the morning, so I think that a good walk every lunchtime will be the order of the day!

Things  are  looking up on the home front as I managed to nearly finish  all the painting in the bathroom and toilet which means that  this afternoon, I could be starting on the wallpapering.

I seem to be getting sort of organised  in the house, just need to get myself into a sleep routine and I am sorted.
I still have bags of apples in the kitchen so I am guessing that you all know what I will be making more of this weekend, I am just very short of jam jars!

 In cricket  news Nottinghamshire continue to retain their players as Steven Mullaney signed for another four years.
Excellent news!

In Division 2 Kent have lost Matt Coles who has signed on a 2 year contract with champions Essex.

So much moving around

Players are now lining up for the Big Bash at the end of the year and it is also starting to flash money around for players similar to those in the IPL.
The Bangladesh Premier League ( everyone has one now apart from the UK) is trying to secure Chris Gayle at one of their clubs.
There must be huge amounts of money on offer for players who now travel the world as T20 'mercenaries',


Well it is indeed Friday and it is half day so I am off to get things done.

First job will be to send someone to get the boys their bacon sandwiches, which will keep them happy.

Time to head out in to the rain, but before I know it I will be back home.
Happy Friday 

tired Thursday

Well I am up and ready for the office, but could do with an extra 6 hours in bed as I am very tired this morning. I dozed off to sleep last night very quickly, so quickly that I had left my phone on,and it then woke me up with an alarm to remind me to go to sleep!!!
This resulted in me being awake for over an hour and way way past my bedtime.

Oh well, Ill get some wallpaper put up tonight and then head up the wooden hill to Bedfordshire as quickly as possible.


It was interesting to read our chairman's  thoughts on the Q & A session he did the other day via Twitter, I am always amazed at how he spends time to interact with members and Yorkshire fans.
He did say that on the team front we would not be looking to South Africa next season , which is a shame in light of Abraham Benjamin hitting  176 yesterday against Bangladesh.

I would have liked to see Morne Morkel in Yorkshire colours but, as we are proud to 'grow our own ' I will have to be happy.
I have high hopes for Matthew Waite this coming season.

Warning bells should be ringing here in the UK with the powers who are pushing for the Franchised T20 system.
The Global League in South Africa which was hastily postponed for a year, last week has now caused a rift with people wanting some transparency and an independent investigation into the 'irregularities' surrounding the whole debacle.
It seems that they are trying to deal with it 'in house '( cover up?)  and  am sure that there is much more to this than is meeting the eye.

Still lots of re-signing around the counties as Dan Lawrence extended his contract until end of 2019 with champions Essex.
We still seem to be holding on to the full team at Yorkshire..........................or are they biding their time.

Right I am off to hit the 167 and enter the twilight zone of chemical doing kiosks and Fluorosilicic Acid, ah if only I had enjoyed chemistry at school!

Have a great Thursday, the weekend is looming close.

half way through

Well we are half way through the week and I am now trying to  get my plans in action for the weekend.
I still have to get myself into a proper routine with the new job, I guess it will all fall into place when I finally feel as if I have got us back on track, until them I will soldier on.

What I have been doing is, in the run up to the fixtures being released,is making a list of grounds I would like to visit.
As I have done all county grounds and a heck of a lot of their secondary grounds, I am going  to try to get to some matches at grounds I haven't been to.
I have travelled to some lovely grounds for 2nd XI matches in the past with some faves being 'Knowle and Dorridge CC' in Warwickshire. Collingham CC in Nottinghamshire where the ladies made the most amazing lunch! And the wonderful ground at Todmorden.
I feel some trips back to these grounds on the cards.

However still a little while to wait for the fixtures and then the mad scramble to sort out hotels and flights.

In the cricket news, it was a sad day for Middlesex yesterday as their appeal against the deduction of points failed and they have been relegated. It was a sad end for the former champions. To be honest it could have been my boys as well we know.

I am however pleased that it is all cut and dried without any legal proceedings from Somerset. I fear that this could have caused bad feeling indeed.

I'm also waiting on some news on some of my fave overseas players coming over to the UK next season. That will be worth a few outings.

Good news for my Barramundis as they ( along with my other faves The Netherlands) have made it to the Cricket World Cup Qualifiers  in 2018. Scotland still have to get through.

 As we are trying to tidy up after the odd weather that has hit us in the last couple of days ( the far side of the extensive grounds took a battering but luckily the 'Boule de Neige' and Hortensia Blanc are fine), we seem to be having warmer temperatures than some days in the 'summer'.
Over in the Champagne region they were in the 20's yesterday.

Ah well I think that it is time to head out and get the day started properly.

Its a calm and peaceful morning and I feel exactly the same.

Lets do Wednesday.

battered

well now what a strange day we had yesterday, after full on weather warnings about Hurricane Ophelia,it was strangely warm when I went to get 'Steve Austin' out of the garage to head to the office, it was a normal drive in and then as the morning wore on the sky took on strange colours, from grey hazy to pink hazy.

I nipped to Morrison's at lunchtime and noticed that the colony of seagulls that live on the roof of our block were unusually quiet, in fact they were non existent, usually we run the gauntlet of being dive bombed by them!

Late afternoon we suddenly had a breakthrough of sun, we hadn't seen it all day  and it was not as rd or orange as being reported on Twitter.
A strange day but nothing to the night that we had put over, with wind battering us.

I wonder what I encounter on my way into the office!

In cricket there is great news that Big Luke Fletcher is about to return to training with Notts. This is fabulous  news after the horrific injury that he sustained in July.
Here at the chateau we are wishing him all the best in his return.

Leicestershire announced that they have  a new coach and it is none other than their former wicket keeper Paul Nixon.
Paul has been coaching out in the CPL and now will take on the new role, which I am sure will be watched with great interest.

Well it is very blowy and I am thinking that it might be a bit of a drive up the 167, so I think that I need to head off.

Have a great day,take care and be safe.

back to work

 not that I have really had any rest over the weekend as the continued  house over haul continued. Glossing done  in one room, ceiling done in another and prep done ready for painting tonight in another room. Why have I got 3 rooms in chaos at the same time I hear you saying.

Well I have been asking myself the same question all weekend, especially when besty friend Chris dropped in with a huge bag of vegetables, a very excitable 3 legged lurcher and a blind doberman who just kept walking into everything.

So this week I need to get at least one of the rooms finished and put back into some sort of order .

I did however manage to 'forget' to paint the front of the house, so that may have to wait for another nice weekend.
The lawns have not been mown but that will be same as above.

I did get 3 loads of washing done, hung outside and now all safely put away.

In cricket South Africa were on fire in their ODI against Bangladesh. With a 10 wicket win and terrific knocks by de Kock and Amla.
Outstanding bowling from Rabada too.
Fabulous match.

And now it is beginning, the war of words, in the coutdown to the Ashes.
David Warner has kicked it off.
I love all the banter, it just makes it all the better.
I am so looking forward to it all.

 I am writng this in bed and  have just nearly jumped out of my skin, as my smoke alarm on the landing has started to go off!!!

Dear god!!

Looks like I will be calling the Fire Brigade out to sort me out with a new one.
Please be aware that it appears to be a battery problem and nothing worse.

Right I am off to the office,
Havea brilliant Monday

Five Years

It is truly hard to believe that it is now five years since we lost the wonderful Bruce Ritchie. One of the most interesting men that I have ever  known, and a true cricket fan.
What would he have made of all the 'mucking about' with international cricket?

Would he have made the journey to Chester le Street?He often talked about the ground as it was the nearest test arena  to him after he retired back to Scotland.

Would he have been backing those boys in blue and tartan?

As many of his friends will know, he not only left everyone with a great memories of his love of English, cricket and digestive biscuits, but also left a legacy in the books that he collected over the years.

Five  years on Bruce is still fondly remembered and greatly missed.

Well I have checked the cricket news and sadly there is nothing new to report.

so here is a run down of my Saturday

Went to town, posted stuff to France and bought some leeks.

Came home, then  BKOTF took me out to lunch and gave me my birthday present ( a month early)

Back home finished off making something special.

Did a spot of 'undercoating'

Sat down to watch rubbish TV and didn't get up again until bedtime!

Now I have to get a wriggle on as I have to take Mr Funky the chauffeur to Durham as he is going off 'rambling'.

I may well paint the front of the house when I get back

I only said 'may'.

Happy Sunday

Hello Saturday

And so Saturday begins, I am heading off to town to get some shopping and to post some 'stuff' to the dame, then I am back to do a spot of painting, possibly lawn mowing and definitely horse chestnut leaf gathering as the old tree on the front lawn is now shedding its summer coat.
Autumn is really here!



News in the cricket world is sparse today after yesterdays bombshell  from the ICC.

Notts have confirmed that Tom Moores will stay with them until end of 2019.

The earth shattering news is a cross of  cricket/football.

STEVE HARMISON  HAS QUIT AS JOINT ASHINGTON MANAGER!

Oh my dog!
This can mean only on thing

We will be getting him back on Sky next season!

oh the joy of 'yer nars' on the commentary.

I may run a book on how many he gets into one T20 match.

imagine the pod with him and the 'excitable puppy' Flintoff

I feel the need to cancel my Sky if that happens! (joking)

And talking Sky, I renegotiated my package with them yesterday and got a fab discount. I know they no longer have the Ashes, but there is still TMS.


Hopefully more interesting news tomorrow although I doubt it so prepare to be bored with gardening and painting tales.

Have a super Saturday y'all

Fabulous Friday

Hurrah!! It is half day Friday and time to look forward to the weekend.

I think that mine may involve a lot of sleeping which a certainty of washing, there may be a touch of lawn mowing at times followed by splashing of paint onto walls.
Before I know it, I'll be back in the office so best not to look too far ahead.

Well I have checked out the crickett news and it is not on the plentiful side.

Ireland will play their first ever test match on home soil against Pakistan next May.
Date and venue are still to be announced, and I am wondering if I fancy a trip to the Emerald Isle for this match?
Well as one of my old London work colleagues lives over there and is always asking me to visit I may just, especially as her son is a mad cricket fan.

 
It looks as if war is about to break out between Middlesex and Somerset, as the latter is preparing a legal case against the former if their appeal against the points deduction  is overturned.
Cricket bats at dawn?


HOLD ON!!!!

6.30AM!!!!

It has been  announced that the ICC are now going to push forward the Test Championship, One Day International league and trial of Four day tests ( which will not be a trial but will be forever!). Well there you go 'dumbed down cricket'.

I suggest that we have a 'Tip and Run' trophy, try out 'The beach cricket cup' so that every one can get a chance to lie on a lounger and not just Finny.

Well thats just ruined my morning.

And I hadn't even got to the latest Stokes saga, oh well you can read that on every cricket website and in every tabloid.

Off to finish off my week!

Have a good Friday.

so its the 12th October

Yes indeed, we are nearly halfway through October and have hit the date that I would like to forget but which is firmly etched in my memory.
However this year I am making today more memorable for me in other ways, cryptic?
well it will all become more clear in the next few months.
(even though we may only have another two months of blogs)

Right onto other things.

Class night out was a huge success and we all had a great time, Kelvin arrived full of smiles and tales of being 'retired' and we all realised how much we missed him.
The conversation turned to my excitement at discovering 'silkies'. I appeared to be the only person in the whole of the world who  had never heard of these.
One of my Project managers raised them as a child in South Africa and my Administrator's father bred them, whilst my Electrical Engineer had lots of them when he lived in Scotland.
Ahhh I wonder if I can get a couple?,  google to see these amazing creatures.

In cricket news the Ben Stokes waggon is on the roll again as he has lost one of his sponsors.
As if the arrest wasn't bad enough there was a video of him being unkind about the son of a celebrity,
He has also apologised for this.
The police investigation is still on going.

Middlesex are still pushing for an appeal over their two point deduction which inevitably got them relegated.
Are we going to see further shufflings up and down the tables?

Notts have had more players extending contract with them, and why not I ask myself, they have been out and out winners this season.

I am now off to get some petrol after my drive out into the wilderness of Co Durham last night,

I am now going to face the turmoil that is the by pass.

Lets start the day and a whole new chapter.

Half way through

So we are halfway through the working week and I am trying to get organised as tonight we are having a 'class outing' for dinner.
We are also meeting Kelvin who left us a couple of weeks ago, so hopefully it should be a good evening.

Yesterday at the office was full on busy  with the new archiving facility being emptied and prepared.
We all passed the time by having a jolly old sing a long to Radio2, even the 'old timers' joined in.

I got home to read the news on BBC Cricket that the Australian tour bus had a brick thrown at it which smashed a window, this is the second such incident in the tour, after the bus was hit by a rock in Chittagong.
A shame that this has happened in India, I appreciate that they are passionate about cricket, however so are most countries that take part.
Lets hope that this is not the start of horrible things in the Indian subcontinent.
Australia won the T20 match by 8 wickets.


Well now, its all going off in South Africa as their  all new T20 competition,which was to be in the same league as the IPL and Big Bash, has fallen by the wayside with less than a month before it was due to open.
The  T20 Global League has been postponed for 12 months.
Players such as Captain Morgan and HWMNBNITB, were signed up to play, of course HWMNBNITB has been having his say about the turn of events.
Funnily enough he uses the word 'retire' in his diatribe, my heart is bursting at the thought that he may be talking about himself in the third person, however you know has I am going to be bitterly disappointed.

I wonder how we are getting on with the plans for the franchise T20 in this country?
What are we going to call this grand circus cricket event?
I have  a few ideas but will hang onto them for a little while.

We are edging closer to the magic 2000 number and I am still thinking about finishing the blog on this number, I could have 2 minutes extra lie in bed on a morning!

Oh well off I go out into the cold and windy morning.

Happy Wednesday 

lets do Tuesday

Well here we are, its Tuesday, its dark and cold and I am feeling very loathe to head out the door.
 The toe is slightly less painful although it is the most fabulous array of colours! Walking is however, still not the easiest thing to do, and yesterdays over seeing of the conversion of the  new archiving facilities, was not one of my best days as getting up and down the stairs was a challenge to say the least.

Today is going to be much of the same in the office as I finally get some sort of order in place. Nearly 4 months in and I am getting things moving forward. I am not blowing my own trumpet here, this was part of the remit when I took the job.

Not much on the cricket front, however there is a lot of extracts from Jonny Bairstows book, which is due to tr published shortly.

I  have dipped in and out of the instalments but I am always  disappointed that anyone under 30 writes an Autobiography or is the subject of a biography.
Now if HRR wrote one I would be in for that, 20 seasons in cricket and all that entailed.

Will the next couple of months see a new side to HRR. Well we will have to wait and see.

I am pleased to see that the 'Stokes' thing has quietened down for the moment but will it all explode again this week?

An interesting read from Usman Khawaja, about the effects of racism on him.

Khawaja was the first Muslim to  play for Australia and talks openly about the effects of racist abuse on him as he played his way through the ranks.

Well worth a read and on most cricket news sites.

Australia start their second T20 against India today
Bangladesh will be getting practise in ahead of a match against SA invitation XI with the first ODI starting on the 15th.

Well as I said not much on the cricket front to report and not much here either,
so I will head off to work and get another day under my belt.

I am shuddering at the thought of heading out of the door,
Winter is coming!





 

another working week

Another working week begins and  I am hobbling badly this morning on my now blue/black toe, very painful to say the least.

I think this is now a lesson to me to always wear slippers around the house!

Right there is some cricket news today, after Scotland beat my Barramundis on Friday and went ahead of them in the league table, a cracking win by the home side yeaterday,saw them now ahead of the kilted ones and only 2 points below The Netherlands.
Well its all going off in the race to qualify for the World Cup qualifiers.

I have to say I do like the Scotland shirt, very fetching with the tartan sleeves!

South Africa were on fire yesterday as they walloped Bangladesh and won the series.
Kagiso Rabada took a 10 wicket haul and  there were no less than 4 South African centurions, it was some match.
I did catch some of it yesterday, before important jobs called.

Well the curtain track is down, the screw holes are filled and the undercoat is on, ready for glossing tonight and the new curtain pole going up tomorrow night.

Yes I have finally made a start in the dining room, and hope to have this sorted by the weekend.

Best laid plans and all that...


Nearly time to head off to the office, where this week I hope to have all the second floor cleared ready for new archiving facilities being installed. We are moving forward.

And finally, just to say many congratulations to our Chairman and the lovely Jemima who both ran the Chicago marathon.
You have my total admiration.

Ok I'm off to do my thing.

The day of rest.......

  

........... yeah right!, after a bit of a lie in yesterday I was awake at stupid o'clock this morning. and let me tell you something, it is now 6.50am and it is still dark outside!

I am no likey this turn of events.

I am not heading out for  a ramble yet as I had a little accident on the way to bed last night which involved my toe coming into contact with the skirting board,

This morning it is very sore and very red/purple/tinged with black,

Not sure how I will get my Jimmy Choos on for work tomorrow.

So as there is no cricket news you will have to have news from the Chateau.

Well the limo came back from the garage and it is now renamed 'Steve Austin'.

Nice to have him back and sounding and driving much  better.

I lost 2+ hours of my life that I will never get back, when I had to chat to Kiki even though I told her I was really busy and then an hour later she tipped  up on the door step!!!!!!!

By the time she left I was not in the best of tempers and headed to the town to waste another 5 minutes of my life looking around.

actually I fib as I was in Aldi for half an hour of which 15 minutes was queueing to be served.

I spent a good part of the early evening knitting and then got a call from 'BKOTF' to 'come out to play'.

I refused but ended up with him calling in and a funny old evening it was too.

I think I have guessed my birthday present.

Ihope for you all that we have some cricket news soon, as I have just realised what a boring life I lead!

I am typing this on the 'lapdog' again but it now seems to have developed a life of its own and is doing some very odd things like changing the font to bold and underlining!

oh well I soldier on!

Happy Sunday I am about to strip the beds and do washing!

See told you.......very very boring.

it's Saturday

I am up late and enjoying a quiet cup of coffee in the garden, whilst tapping out the blog on the 'lapdog'.
its chilly and windy but it is peaceful.

 However all is not peaceful in the England camp.

As Ben Stokes is on on a 'delay' for the Ashes, 'who they gonna call?'

well it sure ain't Ghostbusters!

its none other that the perpetual tourist.
he must be packing his suntan cream and his kindle now, ready for another jolly holiday, because sure as eggs is eggs he will be injured the moment that they touch down.

call me what ever you want about this comment, but I think we know that he will be.

As if Durham are not in enough poo, it was announced yesterday that Colleywobble  is signing until the end of the 2018 season, at least its not the 5 year contract that was being bandied around.

lose the young ones hang onto the old timers, he will be gearing himself up now for a coaching roll.

My Barramundis lost out to Scotland in their game yesterday, which means that Scotland over take them in the league.

sad for the little island but well done to them

I am now gearing myself up to get 'stuff done', and also a 2 mile hike to pick up my car hopefully later today.

Then try to get other things sorted, at least 2 loads of washing are already on the line!

well super short today, but I am sure that you have better things to do than sit around ready this garbage.

have a brilliant Saturday

Nearly the weekend

5.5 hours until we welcome the weekend and all that it will entail.

car to garage at 2.30pm, then walk home and get on with things here at the Chateau*

*lie on sofa and have a nap!

I haven't made any plans for the weekend, but hope to get lots done, including last batch of chutney and some jam making.

Will Usman Arshad be making jam and chutney next season?
well he is not renewing his contract with Durham, so who knows.

This week has not got any better for the club.

The Yorkshire boys had their end of season bash and great to see the TLJL got 'Fielder of the year', the outstanding catch against Lancashire in the T20 had to be the best ever.

Ben Coad swept the board, and rightly so, this young man is showing that our future is bright.

The future here in the North East of Blighty is looking decidedly cold and dark, and its a long wait for any chance of warmth, unless you are flying off to warmer climes!

I am flying off along the 167 now as I head off to finish the week, which has seen vast amounts of changes in the office, as I continue with my push to get us working more efficiently.

I know that todays 'bacon butty brekky' will go down well with the gang, it is now set up as a regular Friday event, although my 'veggie finger butties' are often mocked!

Well short one today as I head off to do my thing for the last time this week.

Good luck to the runners who are heading over to the Chicago marathon, after all that training we expect great things.

Until tomorrow when I think that I will treat myself to a lie in.

Morning again

well after two nights of the same dream, which has woken me up thinking that it is real, I am ready to head back to bed for a bit of shut eye!.

I had forgotten how disturbing dreams can be.

I am sure that it must mean something, however I am totally bewildered as to what that is.

Maybe I should stop having peanut butter before bedtime!

I bet that Durham are waking up wishing that the past two seasons were all a dream. To further add to their woes, one of their players has been banned for one year for the use of recreational drugs.

I am sure that Michael Vaughan will have something to say about this too.

It was wonderful to read the thoughts of retired skipper of Notts, Chris Read, he has been talking about his final season with the club.

After being relegated last season , they were on fire this year and won the One Day Cup, T20 Blast and got promoted.

he said that this season exceeded all his expectations, and believe me I think it did the same to all the Notts fans, who this time last season were in shock.


I see that Fred is 'bigging ' up this Ashes team, saying they are the best ever, and backing them to win the Ashes. Lets just hope that Sky do not put him anywhere near a mic for the tour, I don't think my ear drums could stand another onslaught. Although I have just  been reminded that The Ashes are on BT so that should be a huge relief!

 You have to wonder if you have been asleep and woken up on 1st April when you read that an American company has approached the MCC and ECB with the idea of a 'giant tent' to cover a ground when rain affected.

'A giant mesh tethered to floodlights and with a hot air balloon in the middle to keep it up' is the  pitch form the company.
Should be interesting at Headingley when the planes are coming in to Leeds/Bradford.

Well apparently the powers that be  are interested in looking into this 'technology'!

I suppose it is a way for more 'lunches' and 'meetings'.

What next I ask myself??

Slept in

Its Wednesday, its the middle of the week and I 'sort of' slept in!

I went to bed early enough but then woke up at 11.45pm after the most weird of dreams, I actually had to get up and go down stairs and check that a very old boyfriend was not watching TV or asleep on the sofa.
By the time I got back to 'mon lit' I was wide awake and spent a good hour mulling over what may have triggered the dream.

I then woke up at 5.40am which is very late for me!


Anyhoo lets see what is going on elsewhere.

Well Michael Vaughan is continuing to call for a change to 'the cricket culture of today'........................... hmmmm did his team  not drink all night before Heading to Downing Street ( and yes I know they had just won the Ashes), where someone relieved themselves in the garden?

Did some of this team ( and back room staff) not get involved in an incident with a pedalo when under the influence of drink?

I appreciate fully that there was no fighting/arrests etc, but the above incident could have been  far worse ( well one of the back room staff got sacked which was bad).

we all have to wait and see what the outcome of the Stokes enquiry is, and then look at the way to move forward without 'nannying' players.

My opinion only!

Loving that here on the 4th of October, the Aussies are in full on Ashes mode, as they are setting up what they want to do.

I cannot wait for the 23rd November, ( even though my birthday is before this!)

Over in PNG, Scotland continued to bat, slowly, for over 2 days to score 514.
The game is heading for a draw but Scotland will nudge ahead of PNG in the table due to first innings total.
PNG are currently  (6.19am UK time) 192-3.

And at 6.20am UK time, it is time for me to toddle off and start my work day.

Happy Hump Day


its all downhill to the weekend now.

It's a windy one

it's a windy one out there today and its is totally silent, no birds singing at all, they have either flown south or are having a long in, in their nests.Which is where I would like to be but I am running slightly late this morning and  need to get a wriggle on.


The cricketers are having a long lie in this morning although now is the time to start packing their bags, as movements begin.

last week we heard that Somerset had said goodbye to their Director of cricket,Matthew Maynard. Glamorgan are now speculating that he may go back to them.

Middlesex have said goodbye to Ryan Higgins who is trotting over to Gloucestershire.

its just the start of the migration.

England Lions team was announced and Mark Wood, makes the team along with former team mate 'Bambi Boy'.
It will be interesting to see how fit Wood stays as he has a bit of a history if injury once selected.

Their is international cricket on at the moment  but I am a little bit too tired to really concentrate on it.

In Port Moresby, Scotland  have been knocking up runs and are currently 416-7 in reply to 404. This is the third day of the four day match.



Well it is time to head off to the office again, we were due to say goodbye to Kelvin last Friday but due to an unexpected turn of events, he came in yesterday for his final day.

Its not going to be the same without him.

Onward and upward, and lots of O & M's ( 18 months worth apparently) to get out the door asap.

Wrap up warm if you are in the North of Blighty it is slightly chilly!

New week

So new week starts as we close the door on the domestic cricket season.

However lots still going on internationally,

starting with my 'other' besty bowler only going and getting injured. I am keeping a sharp eye on this news, I cannot have two of my South African bowlers crocked.


The Ashes tour is still the hot topic as to 'will he or won't play?'

I'm bored with it all, we need to wait and see what the outcome is.

Over in Port Moresby Papua New Guinea  are taking on Scotland.
On day 2 Scotland are 103-2 in reply to 404. Looks like the Barramundis are responding well to their interim coach.

Busy week ahead for me at work, and then busier when I get home.

I need to try to see a difference by the end of October, and the garage needs a good clear out too!


So as I put away the flasks and cricnic wear, washed blanky and stored away, stored the fold up chairs in the garage, I realised that I lug a boat load of 'stuff' with me for a day out!

Next year I think that I will try to take less.


Its cold and windy here in the North East of Blighty and I fair got blown about on my ramble this morning.

I now have to try to make a silk purse out of a sows ear before heading off down the 167.

Have a great Monday and enjoy the week, Its October and  only a matter of months until the cricket season starts again .

Review of the season 2017 (AKA 50 shades of Ginger)

End of an era

April

Well the season could not come quickly enough but it started with most Yorkshire supporters having a very heavy heart after the passing of our President John Hampshire prior to the season starting.

A truly wonderful man, with a wonderful twinkle in his eye and word for everyone.

A true cricket gentleman.

And then the season commenced.

Cold it was too!!! Flasks of coffee and homemade soup were the order of the day, just to help to keep body and soul together ( and stop teeth from chattering).

Towards the end of the month I headed off to Leeds/Bradford airport and hopped onto a plane for Southampton.

Ah my old stomping ground, so many happy memories.

And meeting up with one of my dearest friends from this time, Terry who over 20 years ago used to look after me at the other Hampshire home ground of Northlands Road.

I also met up with Mark and Cally and two great evenings were had by all.

The cricket could have been better though!

It was all over too quickly and I bade a tearful farewell to Terry and headed back to the North East.

Such a wonderful weekend, such wonderful friends and memories.

Great to see Michael Carberry back again doing what he does best ( and smiling too)

Yorkshire were not on a winning streak

We found out this was HRR's last season!

It was announced that our favourite ex coach would take a temporary role at Kent to help them out.

May

started with cricket at home and a members forum, where we were given more info about  the money needed to make Headingley even greater.
Caught up with the lovely  Mark who  flew in from Northern Ireland. 

Arthur had a rare day out

we saw off ' the dark side'in the one day match which put us all in good spirits 
we then lost to Worcestershire which was not so good .
Jonny Bairstow was omitted from the England team and was relegated to water boy for more matches than I care to remember

Brooksy scored a century against Lancs.!!!

Toddled off  to see Yorkshire take on south Africa A , Jim and Tom tipped up and we were having a merry old time and then it rained, so we went to the Long Room.
And then it was sunny, but they called all play off  so we decided to go into Headingley,

Early

 then it was discovered that I had lost Pink Hippo!!!

He was found face down soaked through in a puddle.

He was put into care at the Headingley Lodge whilst the three of us  headed into town!

later

All I can say is that it is the only time in history I have ever refused a taxi with two young men! I was slightly tipsy and wobbled home to the Lodge to try to dry out the hippo.

June

This month was a very up and down one for me as I was in the process of changing jobs and as such trying to sort out whether I would be at the fixtures that I had arranged to be at.

I managed a quick trip to The Riverside ground at Chester le Street to catch up with the lovely Jack Russell who gave me news of new commissions.

Always lovely to see him.

Amazing artist and one of the greats cricket wise too.

Then we had the new fangle thing of ‘Day/Night/ cricket. Yorkshire were taking on Surrey and Monday was the first day. I managed to keep awake until close of play, but it was strange to leave cricket and then head off to my room at the Lodge and go straight to bed.!

I was woken by rain, which did not let up at all on the Tuesday and meant that I left to go home just after lunchtime.

Rain was to be the nemesis of many cricket fans.

July

Ah haaaaaaa, July, that time of the year again. The Yorks v Notts T20 match and time for me to meet up with my great friend Fun Sophe.

This year we had set up pre-match cocktails at the Headingley Lodge and a good turnout there was too.

The match was great, well for me anyhow, as Yorkshire won.

I also managed somehow to have a very close encounter with Vinnie the Viking the mascot of my boys!!!

Sophie and I then wandered into Headingley with Jim. Tom and Steve and eventually staggered back to the Lodge much to the amusement of the lovely Helen on reception. I have to say Helen, the corkscrew you managed to find for us went unused.

The following Friday I was off on my travels again as I headed down to Fun Sophes house for the weekend and the Test Match.

Saturday morning,straight into Trent Bridge, first sight of Morne Morkle and first beers of the day before 11.30am, well it was obvious how this was going to go.

We were having a fab old day and with lots of food and drink and great cricket and company what more could you want?

The match ended and Sophie and I headed off to meet my journo mate Will, who had spotted us from the press box (with binoculars). El Tel, Sophies husband did think it was funny that we were arranging to meet a man  ‘In Fox Road, behind the Sky TV vans’!!!!!!!

Catch up natter,two bottles of Cricket Writers Ale and we were on the bus back to Chez Sophe.

Next day I was bidding a near tearful farewell to Sophie,Terry and Jess. Until next year ( if Terry can cope)

August

The beginning of August saw me once again on the road, Friday evening at Chester le Street for T20 which we lost………………..and I am still wondering how we did that!

Then, case in car and off to Scarbados for the Festival.

Hmmm, I was settled in my chair in the North Marine Road ground  by 10.00am and by 11.30am I was thinking that I may have booked one evening too many in the hotel as we slumped to (50-6) Essex were on fire.

Watching Yorkshire being beaten in 2 days is not something that I want to see again. EVER!!!!! ( although it was close to it end of season!)

However Sunday was another  ‘fun packed’ night out with Jim, maybe I would do that again ( well this was the 3rd one this season!). Its not every night that you see Harry Styles letting his hair down and winning on the ‘teddy grabber’, and sharing his spoils.

Please note we do not think that this was the real Harry Styles but after a few pints ( a lot of) he sure did look like him!!!

The following week I was very kindly asked to watch the Yorks v Lancs T20 ‘War of the Roses’ with the Chairman. I had a fabulous evening and got to chat to friends that I hadn't seen in while.

And Yorkshire had a resounding win against the foe. This included the most amazing catch by TLJL, although with his heritage I would say that was only to be expected!

The evening also celebrated 40 years since Geoff Boycotts 100th 100. The chairman presented him with a shirt and Sky 'presented' him with a microphone!

You can guess which one went down best!

August 26th saw me heading off to Headingley again, ( I seriously need to have a pied a terre there), this time to see England take on the West Indies in the 2nd test.
met up with chum Susan and as we had an empty seat near us Christine came over to join us too. Lovely day , and managed to have

a chat with Geoff Cope and a good old 'wash' from Lester the dog

What a day, weather behaved with the exception of a small shower early on, and we were all able to watch a massively improved  WI team with 2 centurions on the day.

Fabulous cricket, could not say anything other.

September

The final month of the cricket season and I was showing no signs of slowing down at all, the 5th saw me off down the A1 again as I headed off to the watch my boys in CC action against Middlesex.

Rain washed out the first day and resulted in me having an excursion to the French restaurant in Headingley to sample their hospitality, and as I had been  sampling hospitality in several places that afternoon , I was back in the hotel and snoring pretty early.

Next day saw Jim and I on the boundary having a natter with Middlesex bowler James Harris. What a lovely man he is and he chatted right through until lunch.

Then I had a visit from TLML and we had a fabulous catchup about the season and all things going on on the home and holiday front.  Lovely to see her. Catch up with you next season Karen.

Rain was the scourge again and Wednesday and Thursday involved lots of coming and going to the pavilion. The match was drawn.

Harry ( ex POM) was chatting to me at the end of the week about how it is not looking good for our boys unless we both manage to pull off some outstanding wins.

And their match against Hants at Uxbridge was off for rain more than it was on, hammering a further nail in the Middx Div 1 coffin.

Essex were romping to the championship winning line and  my boys were trying to keep their chins up ( and the club up too)

And then it was the final home match for my boys and the final  home match for HRR!,  or it should have been, however a quad injury put paid to that!

I caught up with Ray the 'gatekeeper' in his final match for the club. A lovely man and a credit to Yorkshire CCC

Mark had travelled over from Northern Ireland to see the last match of the season and we had a good old gossip.

What can I say, tears were flowing a plenty. I also had  no nails left after the tensest finish ever, I have never waited so long for one run to win a match!

There was a Ryan Sidebottom playing, but he was on the Warwickshire team !!!

What on earth will I do without my yearly posterior photograph. I think that it may be time to get my book finally published!

I've only been saying this for the last 6 seasons

Sadly 'my seat' was not available and will not be until 2019! we had to find a new home for the last match , funny how random people came up to me and said 'they've taken your seat away love, not right!'

Well we managed to stay in the top flight, please do not do that to me again! I have a dodgy ticker you know!

Sadly for Middlesex they did not survive and will be joining Warwickshire in Div 2.

Notts are up so much more time with Sophie and Terry !!

And that’s it for another domestic season, how slowly it arrived and how quickly it passed

Finally, I would like to thank the ladies at the Headingley Lodge, all cricket chums, but especially to  Sophie and Terry who put me up and put up with me, and to Jim, who saw me in some pretty states this season (he probably saw 2 of me!).

And a special word for Mark and Sharon who have been a constant for me over the last few seasons. Lovely, lovely people.

Special thanks though to HRR, Ryan Sidebottom for being my favourite bowler for the last 20 years and for just being brilliant.

 762 FC Wickets is not a bad haul for a career now is it?

Just over 6 months for it to all start again!

It won’t be the same though without my doppleganger!