Its a blizzard

This picture is not a true representation of what I see when I look out of the window this morning, in fact I cannot see anything but swirling flakes of white when I looked out.
We have had about another night of snow and are now in the full throws of a blizzard here at the moment.
I am not leaving for work at the moment but giving it a little bit of time.

I am listening (with gritted teeth) to the  cricket, nothing worse than putting on the radio and hearing the smug self loving tones of Mr G Swann. However nice to hear that for all he mocks his former team mates for their lack of knowledge (according to him), he is not a grammatical genius.

As predicted yesterday Mark Wood did not make the team,
England are chasing 224 and have lost Roy, Bairstow and Root.

Yesterday saw the news that Reece Topley is going down the white ball only root. Topley has never really lived up to his hype of a couple of seasons ago.  He has been dogged by injury so has chosen white ball to take the strain off is body. This has been advised by THE ECB!!!

Firstly I am appalled but not surprised that the ECB are now advising players to move to one form of cricket ( white ball).

Secondly Hampshire need to have the balls to say if you can't play all formats don't play at all, and he has hardly made any impact for them.

My opinion only and harsh it may be, but this is just the tip of the iceberg and clubs need to start cracking down.

I was really pleased to read that one cricket club are doing well financially as Nottinghamshire released that they were in profit.

Well as my office is not on a bus route I cannot make my way on public transport, so I guess I will have to dig the car out of the garage and head off to the salt mine.

Have a great day where ever you are and if you are in the throw of the 'Beast fm the east' keep safe and warm.

BLURGHHH!!!!!!

Looking out of the window this morning  I was mistaken at thinking that it was time for the fat jolly fella again......................no apparently its the 'Beast from the East', well message to the Beast, that snow can go.
I foresee a horrible drive to work and I want to stay in bed,but I have a new draughtsman starting today so I need to be there....................at some point.

The snow didn't come until late night/early morning, so it meant that all the things were collected from my house that I had sold on ebay and there will be another collection later in the week of some things that I have put  together for the people living here who have come from war zones.

I'm getting very streamlined  in the house now, I have to get the set of 'Nathan' tables revamped for the Dame ( and then get them to her in France).
I'm really getting in to the 'hygge' way of thinking and turning the house a but more Scandi as the days go on .


Now to cricket news..........

And I am wearing a black armband today and am inconsolable after the news that Morne Morkle is to retire from international cricket at the end of this season.

NOOOOOOO!!!  I will never again hear the 'roar' or see 'the face' ( well Sophie, not unless I get lucky).

However this means that Morne could take a Kolpak deal.
Now that has made me feel a little bit better.

So the next T20 is upon nearly upon us and  the injury list is filling up.

Mark Wood has been sent for a precautionary  scan on an ankle injury that kept him out of the T20 on Sunday.
Wood appears to be made of glass as he is injured more than he plays. After three ankle surgeries, and missing huge rafts of cricket, how was he ever back in the team?

Teeny Tiny Kiwi Kane Williamson is now  looking to be on the bench as he  is suffering from a hamstring injury. he will have to prove his fitness before tomorrow.

New signings for overseas players for  'soon to be extinct' CCC in the far North East of Blighty,  I'm wondering where they got the money to pay them?
Have they streamlined their support staff?
I doubt that very much!

Well its time to set off into the cold and snow.

I really don't like it at all!

the week begins ( again )

Monday has come around again and this week is not looking too good on the weather front, as those of us on the East coast are under threat of up to 20cm of snow ( which in old money is about 7 in ) and temperatures of Arctic like figures.
Oh joy!
And its nearly March too!

I also have people tipping up at the chateau today to pick up some of my junk treasures that I sold over the weekend, I don't want any hiccups on that score as I am looking forward to the space!

So after a lovely couple of days at Sam, Simon & Oscars in Ponte Carlo, I popped to the Ikea like shop on the way home, picked up the things that I wanted and headed home.
It was a good weekend.

Well England lost their match against New Zealia, but of course with 12 on the score board and 2 wickets, all the hacks are in raptures that Stokes is back. 'He is the fire that England need' said one.
I am sure that we know what his 'fire'can do.
I feel for the rest of the team that their efforts are overlooked.
As I always say one man does not a team make.

Liam Livingstone  is coming home early from the Lions tour due to an ankle injury  picked up in training. The Lancashire captain, will miss the remainder of the tour. Its to be hoped that he is fit for the start of the domestic season.

Well I am bracing myself for heading out of the door and for the fact that the office will be freezing this morning.
I'm not liking cold weather.
I also hope that I have found at least one set of 'perfect' drawers, and there is plenty of work to be done this week too.
So without further ado I am off to put in my days stint.

Have a good day and I hope that the weather is not too bad with you all today,

Sunday lie in

Good morning from my bed in Ponte Carlo. I am listening to the birds singing outside whilst debating getting up and being 'attacked by Oscar the sausage dog.
I had a fabulous day yesterday with some shopping and then full on catch up chatter with pals Sam &Simon. Not forgetting Oscar who loved the fact that he was getting lots of cuddle from me.

I have a slight headache this morning but nothing that a pint of water won't cure.

We opted to not watch England v NZ

I've just been reading the blurb about Stokes.
I'm not sure why they were surprised he got 12.
Surely no one thought he was going to waltz back into the team and get a century!!!!????

Not too much on the cricket front  but word on the grapevine is there are stirrings at Sussex.

We are now only a month away from the Yorkshire AGM.
I realise I am a total badger/tragic when J am excited about this.
To be fair it's really because it means the  season is nearer and the clocks will be going forward and it will be lighter.
So much to look forward to.

Not much else this morning so I'm off for doggy  kisses and a cuppa

Have a restful Sunday

Weekend away

Well I am up and nearly ready to head off for a weekend away, If you can't guess where, take a look at the picture above.
Yes I am off to Ponte Carlo to eat my body weight in the above delights and then lose the said weight very quickly  with the 'effect' that liquorice can have on  your system.

Oh dear way too early for that type of talk!

Yesterday afternoon I went and had lunch in town, it was lovely and the hotel was very nice too although with 'The Dolphin Centre' to the front and 'Feethams' car park to the rear, the view from the bedrooms must be a tad bland.
We then headed off to the cinema to see 'Finding Your Feet' which was a brilliant British film, with a great cast. ( you know you are in for a treat when Celia Imrie is in it!).
I would recommend it, and I am saying no more about it. Just go!

I headed home, and on a whim decided to colour the afro. I am now a rather nice shade of 'blinger' although how long that will stay I have no idea.

Right enough of my nonsense lets see what nonsense has been rearing its head in the cricket world.

Well Ireland were showing their form against Hong Kong, or rather Paul Stirling, the man mole hill, was. his 156 helped the team to a 3 run win, close I would say!
It will be interesting to see the result of the World Cup qualifiers.

It is understood that Adil Rashid and Alex Hales are looking for a gig in the Caribbean Premier League  in their aim for white ball riches.
I'm not sure how this will work, as they will be expected to appear for County T20, group stages run from July 4th to August 17th and the CPL starts on August 8th.
The knock out stages run after that with finals day on Spetember 15th.
There could be some travelling involved if both teams got through to finals!

Rashid also came clean about is decision saying that sometimes last year his heart wasn't in it! This statement alone makes me shudder, I guess it wasn't in it at the last match of the 2016 season either.



AND BREATH!


Interesting to read that Moeen Ali who backed the decision of the above players, is saying that he fears for test cricket. Hes says that during the Ashes their were poor crowds, although  there were a couple of 'big days'.
This is contrary to tweets between Jason Gillespie and Lady lainey's favourite cricketer turned rock drummer, Joe Scuderi. Gillespie said that that there were great crowds at the Ashes. ( they were discussing T20 over test and 4 day cricket and Tests).
So is test and county championship about to die.
When players are saying this I am upset beyond belief. Ali has made his name in this showground, and should not forget that!

Jon Lewis  has taken over as England under 19 coach , well mate make the most of it as it looks like the long form  is on the way out!

Right I am off to the Post  Office and then its Ponte Carlo or bust!

Happy Saturday,

I am not sure what time or if there will be a blog tomorrow either way have a great weekend.

End of the working week

Well we are at the end of the working week and its been a bit of a week in cricket.

Firstly lets talk about Billy Stanlake,
 I was bleating on about him a couple of  seasons ago, before he was caught up in the International circuit. He is now coming to Yorkshire for the T20 season and I, for one hope that he plays all the matches that he is supposed to play.
I want you to understand that in no way am I against this signing, but the amount of Australian players we have had through the gates at St Michael's Lane, who then are restricted in their playing, is a few too many.
I go with Martyn and Galeys decision and support it whole heartedly, although there is a tiny space which, understandably, has a bit of doubt.
I am not of the mind that Billy Stanlake will win us the T20 trophy as I have seen bandied around. One man does not a team make, however lets hope that he brings something that will be a little bit magical.

Cricket Canada have been the latest country to embrace the franchise based T20 with the birth of 'Global T20 Canada' ( that just trips off your tongue!).
The whole set up was masterminded by India's Mercuri Group in association with Cricket Canada and has been approved ( obviously) by the ICC, and is set to take place this year.
Ranjit Saini, Cricket Canada President, said that the T20 league had the potential to change Canadian cricket forever.
'Ah yes' said Lady Lainey, chief moaner about T20  destroying cricket, 'and money has nothing to do with it'.
One of these sides will comprise  only West Indian players alongside 4 Canadian nationals!!
Good luck with it all, I'm backing ' The Montreal Mounties' ( and if that name appears I will sue, you saw it here first).

The whole 'preferred ball colour' debate rattles on here in the UK, as Moeen Ali has his say.
I fear that this is going to split cricket irretrievably and this makes me very sad.
I have watched or been involved in cricket all of my '21' years and my love of the County Championship far outweighs warm beer and Shergar burgers on Friday night at T20 games.
However my voice is too small to be heard and most of you must be bored of me banging on about it now.


I am off to lunch at the Houndgate Townhouse (nice) this afternoon and then a late afternoon at the cinema.
The Ferrari is then being put into the garage for who knows how long as he is off on travels again.
I have not even asked where to this time, it is all too familiar and never ends well!
I will just be heading home to possibly put up a bit of wall paper before bed.

Rock and Roll!


Happy Friday

Something different to start.

The other evening I watched a film, which was recommended by my chum Rick.
It was called 'Lone Survivor' and starred the gorgeous Taylor Kitsch and Mark Wahlberg.

I ended up in tears watching this film and then yesterday whilst talking about it at work,something struck me as very strange.

I won't give away the story but its about Navy Seals who go on a covert mission.
So twice in this film the main character was stripped to change his clothing and then treat wounds.

Now these Seals had been blown up, slept in trees in the hills, been beaten and shot and their uniforms where virtually rags.

 firstly I thought these tough guys went 'commando' ( and I know a former Marine so may have to ask), but it became obvious that they didn't as we were given a flash of  'UnderArmour' undies on both occasions.

Secondly the said undies were obviously made of some fabulous fabric ( kevlar?) as they were in immaculate condition every time you saw them!!!!

I'll just leave that there then!

You can see we have very interesting conversations in the office!

So I am trying not to get myself into ranty mode this morning, and can start the cricket news off with a huge smile.

The gorgeous ( and the Dames favourite) Michael Carberry has been named as Leicestershire Captain in all three formats.
Oh the joy to hear this for multiple reasons.
Michael has moved on after being 'loaned' out to Leicester towards the end of last season by Hampshire.
In the past few years he has overcome a blood clot on the lungs and then having to leave Hants mid season (2016) to be treated for cancer.
He then came  back at the start of last season, fit and ready to play!
At 37 you would think that he was at the end of his career and time to see the time out on the 2nd's.
No way!!!
Good to see that he is not turning his back on red ball but playing all 3 formats!
An absolute star and owner of the  the most fabulous smile.

In the final of the Tri Series Australia beat New Zealia, they were motoring away to the finish line when rain came down, which is to say better than the anticipated near hurricane.
The final result was on the 'Jack and Vera' but it was in the bag for the Aussies, before the rain came down.

I received a reply to my letter from the ECB yesterday, I managed to contain my excitement after walking over it on the  doormat.
 I emptied the dishwasher and put the recycling out before settling down to read the two sentences.
It was really just a couple of lines acknowledging  receipt of my letter,
Well after posting mine  6 weeks ago, I suppose it was the thought that counts.

As the proposed 'Scandinavianing' of most of the chateau begins to take form in my head, I am on the search for more 'Scandi' things.
On Saturday I am heading to 'Ponte Carlo' and having a little trip to a  store which is similar to Ikea but not as well known.
They seem to have a couple of things that I would like, so I thought since I am in the area it would be rude not to have a look.


So an eclectic blog today I think, we have travelled from going commando to going to 'Ponte Carlo'.
Guess its time for me to head off to the office.

Its nearly the weekend mates!

It's the hump of the week

It's the hump of the week and I am indeed rather 'humpy' in fact I am rather 'ranty'.

Even though my blackbird is singing away outside it is doing nothing to make me feel better.

What is causing distress on a Wednesday morning?

Well yet another player has jumped on the 'choose your own format' limousine. And I say 'limousine' as the road of avarice is not one to be travelled  on a 'bandwagon'.
Latest  roadtrip buddy  is Alex Hales.

So, what will be the score by the start of the County Championship season.

How will the teams look?

Jack Brooks commented on decision by players to chose short forms stating

'less time consuming games'  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

'Less workload on bodies'    Suck it up its what you are paid for!!!!!
'More cash'       Ah and therein lies the rub!!!!!
'Bigger crowds'   not at  weekday One day matches

Brooks however has not played T20 for nearly a couple of seasons so his road to riches is blocked.
Hopefully he is not putting all his eggs in the sky commentary basket.

Right as you can tell I am not happy about the way that things are going!

Is there any other news???

Well if I think that the county system is about to implode here, its nothing to what has happened over in Kenya. After a disastrous World Cup campaign, there has been resignations from the county side and the governing body.

Sadly we will not be that lucky here seeing some of the governing body collecting their P45's. We would have to 'col in' the bailiffs to remove some of them,who seemed settled in until they go to their 'graves'.

Well enough ranty stuff, I will have enough of that in the office today.

Oh and in the Tri Series final, Australia are all over  NZ at the moment

Time to head off.

Happy hump day

Off we go

Good morning and welcome to Tuesday, here I am awake and listening to the lone blackbird  singing merrily outside.
I am feeling good after my second evening of being 'hypnotherapyised. Interesting stuff, feeling awake but also feeling so relaxed that you can't do anything.
That's it for me, the lovely therapist thinks that I am well and truly 'therapytised'.

So yesterday was full on busy  and also full of surprises as I have been asked to speak to 200 people, Its to do with a charity that I have been involved with for over 20 years. I am honoured to have been asked, although I am also scared witless!

So lets get to cricket......

Well we didn't see this coming did we?

Hampshire have signed Sam Northeast from the south east, on a four year contract  and looks set to be taking the captaincy  in the four day format.
 Sadly the lovely George Bailey will not be returning to the Ageas Bowl this season.


After England coach Trevor Bayliss thoughts on  T20i, it is now thought that he is wanting to stand down as a coach in that format.
He looks to be pushing Paul Farbrace forward for the role.
Bayliss says that it is now getting to the time when there will be a specialist coach for all formats of the game.
To be honest, I think that at the moment there is a huge amount of backroom staff and it looks to be on the increase.
What next?
A coach for each player?
It seems that at this rate it will happen.
He also said that the amount of cricket that is being played all year round is the cause for players choosing different formats.

No sorry Trevor I do not agree with that at all.

££££££££ is the reason for this.

And to be fair these players are mollycoddled.

Right I fear a rant may be coming so lets stop that in its tracks.

Great pictures out of Headingley yesterday as the steel work went  in for my new seating area......................OK it is not strictly speaking  my seating area.........................although come to think of it, the LLR stand does have a ring to it!

Well after a shocking 1 hour 15 min drive to get the 8 miles to work, I am about to leave. Funny that when the schools are on holiday that drive takes me less than 25 minutes.

Have a great day where ever you are.

Another week beckons

Well here we go again, but this week I have a bit more of a spring in my step, as I have secured tickets to see Def Leppard in December, which has made me 'tres' happy.
I also might be meeting up with Fun Sophie and El Tel BEFORE the start of the cricket season, so that makes me even happier.

Yesterday was busy, busy, busy and  I made a lot of progress, as I painted the front of the house ( ground floor only), used the power tools and put up the trellis for the honeysuckle ( which has been here as long as the house has).
I planted a mock orange in the extensive grounds and  tidied up the hydrangea nursery.
3 loads of washing done and date and apple chutney made. Lots of things were put onto ebay and I still managed to get food prepared for the week and have a nap.

Needless to say I was in bed and asleep before 10pm!

I wanted to change the curtains in the lounge, but that is a job that I can do this week, when I get home from work.

Now onto other things,
cricket,

England won against New Zealia BUT failed to make the final of the Tri Series, which makes it an Antipodean 'do' on Wednesday.

Interesting to hear Trevor Bayliss and his views on T20i cricket.

'Scrap it' he says.
'If there is a World Cup every 4 years, let them play 6 months before' he says.
'Leave it to the franchises' he says

And there you have it!

Another big up for the Franchise Scheme!!!!

It seems that JP Duminy is having a bit of a rant, as he says that  batting has been the down fall of the team, especially by the senior members of the side in the  first match of the series in India yesterday.
He thought that they had a decent chance in the runchase, but it was not to  be.
I'm thinking that he is taking his Captaincy very seriously!

With Abraham Benjamin out of the T20i series with a knee injury, du Plessis and de Kock on the bench too,  this is a chance for South Africa to bring on the youngsters and work at building a stronger team.
I doubt that we will see Dale 'the stare' Steyn play at International level again ( mores the pity) and AB is on the physios table more than the tour bus.
Its time for changes I think.

Ireland beat The Netherlands, as they continued in the build up to next months World Cup qualifiers.
 Boyd Rankin had figures of  4-38.
They take on Scotland on Tuesdy in a warm up match

I meanwhile, have a full on week, at work and at home as I try to do next weekends work in the evening after work.
Reason being, I am way to 'Ponte Carlo' for the weekend.

I also think that I might have found one 'perfect' chest of drawers, I will be looking at them tomorrow evening.

Now I am heading to the A167 and as the schools are back after half term, it will be a nightmare journey for another 5/6 weeks!

Have a great day 

DIY day

I have power tools and I intend to use them!!!
Yes today is about doing 'stuff' outside.
I have a trellis to put up for the honeysuckle and I also have some wall painting to do( that doesn't involve power tools).
Then indoors to put up a shelf in the bathroom.
And beds to strip, washing to do and cooking for the week to be done.

I estimate that I can do all of this before 1pm, so then I can have lunch and a nap.

Its all going on at the chateau.

I am however still in bed listening to England bowling to save their lives in  the Tri Series.
I woke up at 5am and have dozed on and off since then.

England scored  197 in their innings and need to bowl NZ out for 20 runs less than this score.
3 wickets down at the moment.

 South Africa have rejigged their team for the upcoming three match T20i series after being thrashed in the ODI series.
They are resting Amla and stand in Captain Markram, and given the captaincy to JP Duminy.This came after it was sure that Faf du Plessis would stay out with the finger injury picked up a couple of weeks ago.
Hopefully morale will be higher and we will see South Africa at their best.


I had to chuckle( and wince slightly) as I watched an 'interview' with the Curran kids. Elder kid saying how proud he was of his brothers call up to the England squad, and how he remembers his call up like it was yesterday!.................
........................It was last year for goodness sake!


Well masonry paint is calling me and I need to get this done before the weather potentially changes.

have a great Sunday where ever you are.

News Saturday

It is with a broken heart that I start the blog this morning, I was given news last night by the brother of Commando Boy.

HE IS GETTING MARRIED!

Oh my dog! I am once again overlooked and left on the shelf.

Well girl, just pull yourself together and remember that Sean Bean has been married for nearly 6 months so it is about time for a divorce there and plan B can get back into operation.

I'm dusting my once worn very pretty wedding shoes as I type!( unlike Sean's,5 times well worn shoes).


Well sorry to bore you with that nugget of info lets have a look at the cricket stuff.

More sad news this time from the England camp, as Liam Plunkett is out of the rest of the T20's and ODI's with a hamstring injury.
After Plunketts reinvention at Yorkshire, he was lucky enough to get a second bite of the England cherry, sadly he has been dogged by injury.
Of course some hacks were alluding to the arrival of Stokes in New Zealia as a possible 'saviour' of the moment.
Not sure how this can be as he has not played any cricket, but there are always those who will jump on the Stokes bandwagon.


'Rashgate' rumbles on and now David Willey has waded in saying that 'more will follow.
Not that I take much notice of him, in my opinion he has never lived up to his hype at Yorkshire. Yes he can hit big in T20 but that is about it.

And after a very funny FB conversation with my cricket chum Gary this morning about the above state of affairs I have to say that I am laughing.

Maybe I am way too serious about cricket!!!

Australia beat New Zealia yesterday and gave them a master class in 'runchase' as they smashed a run chase record to win.

Just give them the Tri series trophy now.


Oh and super big Happy birthday greeting to Abraham Benjamin. Im sure when he reads the blog he'll be glad to get a mention!!!

Away from cricket, it was wonderful to see the lovely Jackie  Harrison and her beautiful baby Border Terrier Spike, get their picture on the Clarence House Twitter feed, after meeting Prince Charles.
If you are not aware of Jackie, she campaigns tirelessly to raise money for research into Huntington's, which is in her family.
She makes fabulous little 'hounds' for people to take with them on travels to spread the word about Huntington's.
I personally have a 'Sybil' ( the name of the little 'hound' ) and she has been over to France with me. She will be touring the cricket grounds of England with me too this summer.
If you are on twitter look out for #sybilontour

Right it is time to head to town and dump a load of stuff at the charity shop, after turning the bedroom a bit 'scandi' I now am so 'hygge' that I am going to work this through the rest of the house, out with the dark and in with the light.
See, all that studying Interior design,all those years ago may finally be paying off!

Until tomorrow

Friday Chit Chat

Well its Friday and it's time to think about a half day at work and what I am going to do this weekend.
Ah the excitement, I am not sure if I can contain myself!
I am sure that the weather will be against me so little chance of doing any work in the extensive grounds of chateau.
Maybe I will get the office/spare bedroom finished!

Yeah and maybe not!

Well as some of you will now be waiting with baited breath, lets get on with cricket news.

I am over the moon to hear that Dimitri Mascarenhas is coming back to these shores and will be the new Assistant Head Coach at Essex. he will be standing alongside former Tyke Anthony McGrath who stepped up to the role of Head Coach in November.

Exciting times for the champs as they are daily strengthening their on and off field teams.

And now to Yorkshire.

Well now, it is coming to something when  one of our best spin bowlers has decided that he will no longer be playing red ball cricket.
Yes Adil Rashid has made the decision.

Firstly this begs the question, why are Yorkshire allowing this?

Secondly, is this his run for franchise fame.

Its a rum turn of events and not something that many of us saw coming.
Is this the start of players making counties  allow them to only play in the matches that they themselves want to.

Its a slippery slope and mark my words its just the start.

Will he be missed?
Well only time will tell, but I have faith in  the Chairman when he says that we have talent coming through.

I think that we need a shake up in the team. Get the youngsters to give the  others a run for their money.
Some will no doubt be spending the season playing a few games and commentating (badly) for the rest.
That's all I have to say, well actually there is a lot more but I hardly have time this morning,

Tyke Turncoat Aaron Finch and his Aussie compatriot Glenn Maxwell will be missing the opening match of the IPL season as it clashes with Finchs wedding. Maxwell is the Master of ceremonies.
Finch said that when he saw the fixtures he knew that he couldn't miss his wedding ( no shit!), it would be a bit tough leaving Amy at the alter. wouldn't it?
Like all cricketers wives, I'm sure that Amy knows the score.

New Zealia and Australia are now in action I will be listening at my desk, which I am heading off to now.
New Zealia are currently 76-0 after opting to bat,

Happy Friday,
Its nearly champers o' clock

Rain rain go away

It seems as it has been raining none stop since yesterday afternoon, I am hoping that all the rain comes down now and we have a lovely dry summer...........................yeah! because that is ever going to happen.
After last weeks disillusioning article on cricket being hardest hit by climate change, its enough to make you cry.

However we still have months to go until we have to think about that so lets see what is in the news.
Well there must have been some late night candle burning at the ECB, I bet there was also a glass recycling van just for them this week, as the announcement of the distribution of Ashes tests and T20 franchise grounds was announced.

So here it is.

Headingley will host Ashes tests in 2019 and 2023.
Old Trafford, Edgbaston, also got a bit of the cherry
Of course The Oval and Lords both got tests.
Trent Bridge lost out, as did The Ageas Bowl.

Then we come to the love/hate T20 franchise.

Headingley will host a franchise team in the eight team series and once again The Oval and Lords both get a look in.
The Ageas bowl, Edgbaston and the Swalec Stadium are in too.
Trent Bridge did not get overlooked in this one.

And they have been selected to host the final of the 50 over one day cup for a five year period, taking it away from Lords.

As is perfectly obvious, Durham's excommunication from any form of money making cricket is complete. I doubt we will be seeing them after 2023 unless a miracle happens.

Gloucestershire have signed Daniel  Worrell as their overseas player for the first part of the 2018 season, leaving on July 2nd.

Well the Aussie take over begins.

My Thursday is up and running and its time to head out on the road.

Have a great day.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Well I am busy this morning already, I have been writing emails and letters and all before 6am!

Lots of information that was gathered yesterday has been put to good use.
Lots of hours sleep lost thanks to 'eedjit;' over the road  have also been put to good use.
Lots  of concealer will be used this morning to hide the bags under my eyes!

Right lets try to keep myself motivated.
Cricket.

Wonderful to read that Lords will host a match between the West Indies and the Rest of the World XI.
Money made from the game will go towards the parts of the Caribbean  affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
The cricket grounds in Anguilla and Dominica will benefit as both grounds suffered  substantial damage.
Both of these small islands were decimated by the hurricanes.

I love that cricket is being used to help cricket. I started to fall back to sleep though when I read the Colin Graves had been having a few words.ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz

I have a few words for him,which are  nothing to do with charity matches but would be like a hurricane!

Essex continue to strengthen their playing staff as they snap up Neil Wagner the New Zealia fast bowler, He looks to be with them until the end of July and may stay longer if he has approval form NZ.


 South Africa's series defeat against India may,according to coach  Otis Gibson, make them a stronger team for the World Cup next year.
There is still one game to play but Gibson said that despite injuries,which have been a blow the team were not making this an excuse for their performance.

Well I need to get myself motivated to make sure that my performance is not below par today.

I think that finding a crack in my special 'Valentines Day' mug just now has been a bad sign.

Have a great day. we are halfway to the weekend.

a trip down memory lane

After seeing a picture of the beautiful cricket ground at Collingham  Cricket Club in Nottinghamshire, which sparked some wonderful memories of a trip there to watch Notts 2nd XI take on Hants 2nd XI  back in 1993. I decided to have a wander through the memories of other charming 'out grounds' that I have visited.

Having been to nearly all County Grounds, I realised that I had also visited a lot of out grounds watching 2nd XI matches over the years.

I have a number of favourites, and have decided that over the next couple of seasons I am going to revisit some of these.
I will be taking with me my trusty 'Wisdon Book of Cricket Grounds' written by my friend Will. I used this when I travelled around all those years ago.
The book is still in print and the drawings of the grounds where all done by Will's Dad, Peter who I was lucky enough to work alongside when I worked at MTS.

Talking cricket, England are currently bowling in their game against New Zealia ( as it is known here in the Chateau). Liam Plunkett is brought back into the team and the score is currently 56-1.

I read with horror and dismay that Jos Buttler thinks that T20 could trigger the demise of other formats of the game ( something that I have been banging on about for goodness knows how long). He obviously has been reading the blog!
He talks about how T20 will never test you like test cricket, well that is patently obvious. 5 days v 3 hours!!!!
He is however alluding to injury and fitness. I think it is about looking for making quick money with as little effort as possible,
Strange that he is excelling in T20i and not so at Test level.

As you know I am a firm campaigner for the longer form of the game.

SAD!!!!

Sad also to hear that Imran Tahir had been racially abused whilst playing against India.
This is a sorry state of affairs and something that should never be part of cricket.

Sad to hear of more financial woes which may affect Zimbabwe. it appears that is could impact on the upcoming series against Pakistan.
Money has been a major problem for this international team, if you haven't read 'The Good Murungu' by Alan Butcher, it tells of some of the problems he faced when coaching the squad.

Well time to get on the road, it is half term so the roads are better than normal, which begs the question, how much traffic do school runs really generate?

And the hypnotherapy last night.
Very interesting and relaxing, as for the rest  we will have to wait to see how it pans out.

Back to the grind

True to form I had no desire to get out of bed this morning and really wanted to turn over and  have 40 more winks.
However another week beckons and its time to take the bull by the horns.

There is a lot going on this week for me and it has already started this morning as I have finally found the perfect (white and plain) shade for the bedroom light. I hadn't realised that finding the perfect one would be such a chore.
I know that you must think that I am super choosy, well yes I am. I tend to get an idea in my head and won't have anything else.
This has nearly caused meltdowns and disasters but 99% of the time it works out.
My wedding dress being one example and the necklace I wore on the day being another, Picture of what I wanted in my head and then had to put it into reality!

Anyhow, I also went out yesterday in my other guise as a 'womble' and came home with a fabulous print of Whitby and two fabulous oak side tables by 'Nathan Furniture'. very big in the 70's before being bought up by Parker Knoll.

Oh my lord! I really am getting a bit old and boring when I am recounting my finds!

As there is very little cricket news though its the best I can come up with!

 David Warner the 'marmite' stand in captain  who has struggled through the Tri Series with only 12 runs under his belt, will still be on the team sheet for the next game against New Zealia later this week.
Darren Lehmann has great faith in the Warner.


In other cricket news

Canada beat Kenya.

Nepal beat UAE.

Namibia beat Oman

Ricky Ponting who is currently assisting with the T20 team in the Tri Series, has made it known that he would like to coach the T20i  team in a single format role.
This would take the job away from Darren Lehmann and it seems that this has been in discussion for a while.

My thoughts??

Well I'm not sure if different coaches for different formats is the way forward, surely it is then for players to get used to another coaches 'ways'.

Right as there is very little else around to report I think that I had best head off, I am going for some hypnotherapy tonight, so hopefully will see you tomorrow.

Sunday lie in

Today I have had a lie in, not sleeping just lying in bed thinking, time to get hold of a life jacket and swim to shore.

To try to cheer me up, I was whisked off last night to swanky hotel that BKOTF   used to have a share in, it was a lovely evening, and we had an hour in the spa before heading for dinner and a couple of Brandy Alexanders, a very old favourite of mine from long ago.
We then headed to a little country pub. Long story short and no alcohol involved, the landlord allowed us to pick the music to go on in the bar and I chose a Glam Rock CD, ah yes I am sure that my full rendition of  'Ballroom Blitz' will never be forgotten, sadly this will be due to the fact that although I knew all the words I am completely and totally tone deaf.

Back to cricket and Australia  completely thrashed England in the Tri Series. With Glenn Maxwell featuring again although not as great as the other day, and even the old Tyke turncoat Aaron Finch making 20 no, England were outclassed.
Next match is on Tuesday.
They now have to out do themselves against New Zealia to get to the final.

South Africa  were fined for a  slow run rate in the 4th ODI.
The hosts did however win the rain affected match.

Next week is a biggy for all the counties as  the big announcement for the T20 franchise arenas should be made known.
This is really important for all the counties involved.


The new bedroom is still on going as I still search for the perfect drawers. I had decided to revamp the old ones, but typically female like, I now think that I would rather have new ones!

Right off to fill the washing the machine and empty the dishwasher.

snow on Saturday

Well still no sign of snowdrops in the extensive grounds of the Chateau yet but there is actually some snow. Over night the temperatures dropped considerably and I was surprised to see snow on the cars when I opened the blinds this morning.

Yesterday was also a jolly chilly day interspersed with spells of blinding winter sunshine.
I headed off to the hospital to have some test run on me, due to being permanently ill ( well it seems like it) and the quack didn't want to take any chances with the heart palpitating lurgy thing.
So up shot is that despite a couple of men saying otherwise, I do have a heart, I also have a viral infection ( which means they have no idea what it is).
Well lets see if what the brain scan shows up!
I am actually joking about having a brain scan, we all know that would be a complete and utter waste of time.

I spent the rest of yesterday in bed sleeping.
Today I feel ready to take on the world.....................well maybe the sorting office and the tip!


So lets see what has been happening in the world of stick and ball.

Well Worcester have gone and got themselves Travis Head, who had a very short spell with us before being dragged back for International duties. This seems to be more and more the case with overseas players now.

Is it worth it for counties to go for the latest big name.................only for the fans to hardly see them?

Interesting to see that the ICC have said that they may be looking for another host of the Champions Trophy  in 2021. It is currently supposed to be held in India but due to the ICC not getting any tax exemption from the Indian Government, it seems that they have thrown their bats out of the kit bag!

Money is the root of all evil!

News that Captain Morgan is out of rest of the Tri Series with a groin injury came along soon after announcing that he may have to postpone or move his wedding date later in the year.
Any connection:?????

Right time to get moving this morning.

I am hoping not to do a 'Jane Torvill' on the route from front door to garage.

I'll be glad to see the back of this week!

Well it is 4am I have been awake since 3am and I am not sure if I will make it to midday without completely powering down.

Its been some week!

Yesterday I got the news that Leo the doberman had passed away. To say I am heartbroken is an understatement. I remember his first day with the rest of the hounds, most especially him trying to  kiss me and poking his nose in my eye.
Yes he was a character, all 9-10 stone of him, which he usually managed to haul onto my knee.
I can tell you that once he had fallen asleep  there was no moving him.
The other side of this heartbreak is that it is a blessing really as he was diabetic and had gone blind last year and his health was deteriorating very quickly. It still doesn't make it any easier to know that he won't be waiting at the door for me on my weekly visits.

So onto other things,

Firstly I am beyond excited at the news that Abraham Benjamin will be back with the South African team for the last three ODI's after being sidelined with a finger injury. Its not known if he will be fit for the Pink ODI but it must be a huge boost for the team to know he is back. Injuries are really plaguing the team.


News from the West Indies  is that Richard Pybus has once again taken up the role of High Performance Director.
Pybus who is better known for being so successful with South Africa and being part of the system that brought through Dale Steyn, AB and Faf.



England  have named former Sussex batsman Carl Hopkinson as their new lead fielding coach.
So does this mean that there is also someone with the title of just 'Fielding coach'? and is there an 'under' fielding coach?
It makes me wonder how large the support staff really is for the team.


Happy Birthday greetings to my favourite ever Aussie bowler Glenn McGrath, a true great and with integrity to boot!

And finally it is just over 3 weeks since I wrote to the ECB and of course, unsurprisingly I have not had a response.
I hardly expected one, as I know they will be too busy putting together the plans to bring down the County Championship, but common courtesy costs nothing..........well may be the price of a first class stamp!
I suppose it is 65p less to spend on Port and Brandy!

Until tomorrow!

Lets get going

And so it is Thursday and  I am feeling a little better than yesterday, which would not be at all difficult.

I managed to make it through the day at work and listen to the T20, which was a Glenn Maxwell masterclass, after he was dropped there was no stopping him. It was like a sunny day at Scarborough!

Well after that work took precedence yesterday although my thoughts are still on jacking the whole lot in and moving to France before the allotted timescale that I had set myself.
Ah that would be something...............but sadly it isn't going to be happening in the next few months that's for sure.

Time to get my head down and crack on with all the things on going both at home and work.

So lets see what today brings cricket wise,

Well it looks as if the Mumbai Indians have appointed Lasith Malinga as their bowling mentor................that should make for some interesting actions,

Captain Morgan was giving his thoughts on the T20 loss by England, we apparently were right  to take the risks but the execution was not up to scratch.

Probably, but on the day, Glenn Maxwell was on outstanding form and all the work that he had done behind the scenes to get back in the Australian team paid off.
 Just listening to the fact that Australia needed 1 to win and Maxi needed 3 for a century was riveting.
He was dropped twice once on 40 and then on 59.
And not forgetting his 3-10
I always feel that we never really got to see the best of the 'big show' when he was at Yorkshire.

Yorkshire were having a little day out yesterday with a bit of training out in the community, good to see them out and about. There needs to be a lot more work going on in the team to make sure that we are well in contention for the title this season. no pressure on the lads!

Well the clear out here at the Chateau  continues and there hopefully will be a good bit of furniture moving this weekend as  I continue to get the whole house into some sort of order ( which means that people can get through the front door!).

Its going to be a quiet one too as I try to get as much rest as possible to try to fight off another attack of lurgy.

I think that I need a trip to warmer climes..........................

but will make do with Darlo this morning.

Have a cracking day.

Not long to the weekend now!

Oh dear!

HEWWO EWERYBOD!!!!

It is I, Pink Hippo, and I is witing de blog today as de Momma is not £2,000 ( she say she not two grand).

She got de temperature fing and de snotty nose and de wunny eyes and lots of uver horridable stuff plus de chuffing smoke larm decided to start squeaking wery wery early and waked us all up. There were some sweary words I can tell you! so besty that I does de blog today and she get a lie in.

Noos from de world of stick and ball now.

Well dat lad Ben Duckett is to have surgery on a finger injury, his woes continue.He will miss the start of the domestic stick and ball season.

Sussex have signed Afghanistan leg spinner Rashid Khan for the first half of the T20 as long as he gets visa etc, he been playing in de Big Bash wecently, de momma say it all a bit incestuous. I no know what dat mean but she must be wight!

Essex are stwenfening the T20 side for the season as they sign Adam Zampa.
It all going off in T20 land me finks.

And dat is twue today as in a few hours Ingerland will be up against Australia in the Tri Series tournament, De Momma say she be listening at her desk, but looking at de state of her I fink she be closing de office door and having 40 winks.


It wery chilly here but we no got snow even tho it twied wery hard yesterday. De momma is super glad bout dis.

I hopes you like de picture of me in my Xmas jumpy, also in de picture is me  fwend Miss Sybil who goes ewery where wif us helping to raise awareness for Huntingtons. We will be taking Miss Sybil wif us through out the season so come and say hewwo to her if you see us.

Right I hear de Momma snorwing and fink it time to make her wakes up.


But before I go I have to say dat yesterday we got de wery sad news dat de lovely Wesley  had gone over de wainbow bwidge,
We are all wery sad here at de Chateau.
We all hopes dat he finds our Jess and dey can wun awound together and 'kill' tennis balls.

Hopefully old lazy bones will be feeling more like herself  and be back here tomowwow.

Happy Wednesday, it de mid of week peeps!

not as expected

This morning I was expecting to wake up to scenes close to a few weeks ago, but so far there is nothing, the weather forecasters always go a bit mad when two flakes of snow fall in London.
I remember well living there and seeing people stockpiling food and refusing to leave their houses because of the threat of snow ( OK that is a slight exaggeration).
Lets see what today brings and I for one hope that snow doesn't materialise. I don't fancy another 2 hour, 8 mile drive.

Last night saw me heading for an early night, which turned out to be counter productive as I woke myself up nearly every hour coughing and then having to glug down water, then head to the ladies room, to say that I am exhausted this morning is an understatement.
Damn and blast! I detest  being under par!
So far this year I have managed one week of not feeling rubbish!


Well Essex are planning on not being under par as they prepare for their season as champions. They have snapped up Peter Siddle, who is fresh from the win in the Big Bash with the Adelaide Strikers. Siddle had previously been with Notts.

Bad news for South Africa as Quinton de Kock is out of the One Day and T20 series.This follow on after losing Abraham Benjamin and Faf du Plessis to injury.
Its not a good time for the team!


Tomorrow morning (UK time) sees England in action against Australia in the Tri Series.
I will be tuning in from my desk.


I had best head off and once again I have put my lunch bag by the front door, I managed to remember to pick it up yesterday, so lets see if I can do the same today.

Hope that you are not affected by snow this morning.

Make every day count

I try to write my blog every day and I think that sometimes it seems as if I will the  week away for the weekend, or the weeks away for the cricket season.
In some ways I do, but really I believe in making every day count.
I try to do something that will enhance my life every day, whether it is just keeping the house tidy, (usually decorating it )or trying to help out others. I like to think that every day is an opportunity.

Today however is going to be a bit of a struggle as the cough has returned along with runny nose and temperature. What on earth is going around? I have had one week of feeling properly well and then bang! I am back where I started from.
I must not have been kind enough to some people or some one is sticking pins in me!( this is top of the list)

So onto cricket before I decide fall back into bed,

Whilst scanning cricket I spot one word in a headline and  get very excited.
The word was  'BOLLINGER'
My mind goes into over drive
..............to sponsor Yorkshire
............. to be given away free at all cricket matches

sadly neither of the above, but sad to see that Doug Bollinger the Aussie left arm bowler has announced his retirement, He played briefly for Australia and was latterly with the Sidney Sixers, where he played two matches in the last series.
A huge cult figure, with his bubbly personality and aggressive bowling,he was a huge favourite with the fans.

The Big Bash final yesterday saw the Strikers take the crown and Jake Weatherald be the first person to hit a century in a final, he finished on 115.

Decision day is looming for counties who are bidding to host one of the eight franchise T20's.
The ECB will make their decisions known on February 14th.
So will us Yorkies love the ECB?
The new tournament scheduled for 2020 will consist of 8 franchises playing 36 games through the main part of the summer,
Even as I am typing this, it still is not sitting well with me, I know that the finacial aspect  is important, but you have to be one of the 'BIG 8' to benefit.
I am however sick of seeing that the ECB think that this will make the game grow in England.
Yes children dreaming of only playing 20 overs and making a lot of money!

Again a total disregard of the County Championship.

We will actually know who is are the winners next week.

my prediction?

rather not put it down but sure that Edgbaston, The Oval and Old Trafford will loom large!

Right, with a fuzzy head, streaming nose and hacking cough, I am off to work.

And not happy about hearing that this week is going to be the coldest of the winter so far!

Hope that you have a good day/

Silence is golden

Sunday morning and I had a very early walk through the back fields over to the the Great North Road, Sadly no pictures to attach as it was 6am and it was still dark, but by the time I got home there were slivers of grey just streaking the sky as the sun came up.

So I am now lying on my bed, typing this and listening to the BBL final, where Hobart ( who I was backing) seem to be unravelling. And unravelling dreadfully as the 6th wicket falls.( Wade run out without facing a ball)

In the Tri series game between Australia and New Zealia,which was affected by rain, The Aussies took the match
England are not in action until the 7th.


Brad Hodge the veteran Australian batsman has announced that he is retiring, the 43 year old played 6 tests,25 ODI's and 15 T20 for his country betweenhis debut in 1995 and finishing international career in 2014
A real trooper and always a joy to watch.

I have been watching the career of Big Billy Stanlake for a couple of season now,he is making an impact, but to hear him referred to as 'McGrath ' like is not something that I like. he is a great bowler in his own right and as such should be acknowledged  as such.

Well thats it, The Adelaide Strikers have won the Big Bash for the first time.
Well done to Travis Head and his team.

Well I have lots to do now, so best get off the bed and strip it, then empty the dishwasher, before sorting out food for the week ahead and maybe fitting in a nap this afternoon.

I hope that you have a great day today.

Happy Sunday

Chilly Saturday

Well now, I have been awake for a couple of hours but due to having a ( stupid) venture out to the recycling bin in my dressing gown, I decided that it was too cold to get up and put the electric blanket back on and snuggled down.

I am now typing this from the warmth of my bed and listening to the Tri Series on radio 5 live sport.

I have to get up as I have things to do,but hey 30 minutes more won't hurt. And as I have just refilled my coffee cup what better way to savour french ground coffee than blogging and cricket.

So I have just heard Billy Stanlake the super tall boy, take Australia's first wicket.

Right on to other cricket news if there is any,

Faf du Plessis is out for the foreseeable future with a finger injury.

WOOOOOOO Guptil just gone , Stanlake is on fire!

Sorry back to other news

Adelaide Strikers got through to the Big Bash final tomorrow , winning by 1 run, I have to say I was listening at my desk and it was really exciting towards the end, real edge of your seat stuff.
So that match will make for some morning listening tomorrow as I hang more wallpaper.

However it is still up in the air as to whether Travis Head will be available for the Strikers.

And another wicket for Australia. Stanlake is 3-16  in the 4 over!

The severe drought in South Africa has now led to cancellation of all club and school cricket matches. There is no irrigation allowed with municipal drinking water, so no watering of plants etc.
I have to say that this is something that we rarely have here in the UK, ( 1976 was a bad year ) our cricket season is usually 'blessed' with plenty of precipitation!

David Willey had a great day yesterday, nearly becoming the first England player to hit 6 6's. Heres hoping that he stays fit for the season.


Right, time to put one foot out of the duvet and see if it is warm enough to make the effort to get up!

Have a great Saturday.

I hear the pasting table and wallpaper calling to me ( I am going to attempt to finish the bathroom and spare bedroom this weekend)

The weekend is looming

OOOOHHH!!! it is Friday and it is half day and I can go home and sleep get on with decorating!

Well I think that I may have a cocktail later to celebrate getting through the week.

First though I have to get through the half day!

I am sure that it will fly by and that I can go and collect my new set of drawers for the newly decorated bedroom.

I tell you there is no end of excitement in my life!

Right lets crack on with cricket news.

Aaron Finch, the turncoat former Tyke overseas player,has been ruled out of the Tri Series opener. He has a hamstring injury. It was decided to rest him and means that his place could open up to D'Arcy Short, in his possible debut ( or as they say in Oz 'dayboo').


In the county championship, Dawid Malan has been named Middlesex Captain, across all formats. Great news for the club and hopefully it will be a successful  season for them.

Stokes has been named in the One Day team to take on New Zealia, meaning that the above, Dawid Malan has been dropped.
I am getting a little sick of hearing that Stokes has been selected.

And then there is Mark Wood who is bleating on about how it was a 'bitter pill' to sit out the Ashes, after being pushed to get fit,
Personally I think that he was lucky to be selected as he had spent most of last season injured.

These boys are becoming more and more diva like by the minute!

Yesterday I listened to the BBL match between Perth Scorchers and Hobart Hurricanes and what a game it was for Hobart, who well and truly annihilated Perth.
There was a brave last stand by Timmy Bresnan but to no avail.
I am putting my money on Hobart taking the crown.


Ah well time to head off and start the working day.

I will be ordering bacon butties for the team this morning as I think that they all deserve them after the last couple of days, so best go, so that I can get the order  in to 'Big Al'.

Happy Friday, its nearly the weekend!!!!!

Lets see what today brings

The temptation to get back into bed this morning  is very very strong but I am trying my hardest to get some enthusiasm to get to work.

Yesterday should have been a normal day..................except that something from this time last year came up ( I was not with the company then, which makes it doubly hard) to say that this massively impacted on my day is an understatement and I came home with the worst headache I have had in a long time.

Hopefully today we will be able to sort more of it out and start to have a clear view again.

So far though I have had massive Internet problems here at the Chateau and  nearly had to resort to doing the blog on my phone which always is a last resort, luckily things came good just as I was about to throw the towel in.


Well quick scan of the cricket news,

Caribbean Premier League will start on August 8th this year, I never really take much interest in this as all these 'Premier leagues' are becoming a little bit old hat, and remember we are preparing to jump on the bandwagon.

Jake Ball has been called up as cover for the injured Liam Plunkett in the up coming Tri Series.

Interesting to see that in the UAE they had a private cricket tournament  'The Ajman All Stars League', this is now being investigated by  the ICC Anti Corruption Unit.
Ah  once again money and cricket a dreadful mix.

Maybe 'private cricket tournament' was a bit of a giveaway or am I just being cynical!?


Right lots to do and time is disappearing, I will be ordering my new Yorkshire waterproof jacket today and my Yorkshire pashmina too, wonder what else they have in the shop?

Also putting my money on my latest little Yorkshire star,

its a full on Yorkshire day for me, well it takes my mind off the work on my desk.

have a cracking day.


Thanks to all twitter followers for retweeting the blog, we are getting some interesting 'patterns' ( like I know what that means!). If you want to continue doing so that would be grand.