Saturday and still busy

Well its Saturday and I am just lying in bed aching all over, no I am not unwell but yesterday I really cracked on at the chateau and got lots of things done.

I set off from home at 8am and headed off into the wilds of Co Durham and a lovely village called Frosterley.
As a child and into my teens we had a caravan here, on a small field  behind the village pub, there were probably about 15 caravans on the site.
We would all head up there at weekends. I have wonderful memories of this time.
These all flooded back as I passed the site (which now is full to bursting) and I headed off to a cottage to pick up a beautiful 1960's dressing table.
It fits into the 'scandi' bedroom scheme very well.

What I wasn't expecting was to drive into snow, yes out in the wilds there was a blanket of snow, I am hoping that it doesn't make it over here.

So back home emptied the car and had a chat with a handy man  about laying the paving slabs and putting down some gravel.
Then I set off and finally finished the bathroom, with the exception of the shelf which I will do today.
I was so exhausted I slept right through the NZv England match, which has seen the hosts falter and then manage to pull back.
JB got a century which is great news if we ever get him back at the county.

And then we come to the egregious interview with David Warner, I am sure that we are all sick of seeing Aussies crying.
He came over as incredibly wooden and somehow still thinks that he will play for Australia.

well that's me done on this, I am heading downstairs to watch South Africa give them a good pasting!

And there will also be more 'pasting' going on here at the chateau too.

Good Friday

Well its Good Friday I am up and ready for all that this entails.

It is raining,so that is no surprise, looks like the lawns will not be getting a haircut after all.!

 I'm recording the start of the test in South Africa, as it is my beloved Morne's last foray in the international circuit. Ah there will be tears and that's just me.

And talking tears.....................................
it was interesting to see  Steve Smith break down and cry during his interview, when he got home to Australia.
His wording of 'Even good guys make mistakes, and I made a big one' didn't sit well with me, I'm sure that I am not the only person who thought he could have omitted his own thoughts on himself.
I cannot feel any pity for him, he was part of a cheating team and was caught. The ramifications will hit his wallet very hard.

As for his vice captain in crime Warner, was seen leaving the airport in tears and his wife also.
His 'big man' attitude that he strutted on the field, no where to be seen.

And then Darren Lehmann resigns.

So in summery Australia are in turmoil.
And of course the rumour mill is in full flow and no sooner had Jason Gillespie got over his jet lag, then his name was thrown in the mix for the job.

Well I don;t think he will, but I could be wrong.
My money is on Langer.
Although now that 'HWMNBNITB' has retired, I'm sure that he could see himself in charge of the side.

There is much concern about the welfare of these players now with the ban and the fact that they have become public enemy no1. I am sure that the ACA  will be taking care of them.





England were in action over night, and JB hit an unbeaten 97.

they were 95-5 before JB came in to bat and had lost 3 wickets in 5 balls.

Interesting listen tonight.

I am now about to scoot out the door and before you think that I have forgotten that I am not at work, I am off into the depths of Weardale to pick up what I hope will be the ultimate piece for my new scandi bedroom.

Finally I hope to get it all finished.

Have a very restful Friday and enjoy your fish.

last day!

It's Thursday, which is sort of  my 'Friday' at the office, time to finish off loose ends and then get ready for a long weekend.

Its been some week.

After many telephone calls, a few cross words and lots of broken promises, the Britannia Hotel at Leeds has finally paid me back the money that they took out of my bank account, saying that I  hadn't stayed with them last Friday.
As I said I had a fabulous room, but the staff and service fell very short and then the money incident.I was also told by their head office to send an email to an address that they supplied, and that I would have a reply in 24 hours.
Ah yes, how easily I was sucked into that one on Monday.
Today is Thursday and I still have not had a reply.

Needless to say that this hotel is now on my 'never again' list.

A shame really as it has lovely grounds and a swimming pool.

Right lets see what has been happening in  the world of cricket.

Of course the ball tampering thing is still on going, Smith and Warner have been banned for a year and rumour has it that Warner may never play again.
Their contracts in the IPL have been terminated.
Bancroft got off with a 9 month ban

Darren Lehmann faced the press and spoke out in his own defence, saying that he knew nothing about the whole thing, as his nose didn't grow we have to believe him.
He said that the style of play had to change, and  asked that the three banned players were forgiven by the Australian public.
Well I think that if Warner does play again, he will find it very hard to  keep his trap shut.

There needs to be a rethink in cricket in general about the conduct on the field.

I read with interest  an interview with Angelo Mathews the Sri Lankan captain.
His comment that all international players need to think of themselves as 'Ambassadors of their countries' and that really sums it all up!.

In other news, more resignations  at the ECB, I am thinking that if I put quill to parchment and send off my CV, by the time it arrives via pigeon post, there would just be Colin Graves and I..................
Its not a happy band of cricket hierarchy now is it?

Lets hope that the Easter weekend sees more positive cricket news.
We are so close to the season I can smell linseed oil and Deep Heat.

have a peaceful Maundy Thursday.
Easter is nearly here.

Its Wednesday, nearly there

#

Here we are, its Wednesday, and no snow in sight at the moment, ( and there is the sign for it all to come) it was however quite cold last night, down to about -1.

So today, its all about getting loose ends tied up at work and preparing for all the weekend is going to throw at me.

OK, lets get to cricket and what has been happening in 'sandpapergate'.
So Captain, Vice Captain and silly boy have been sent home, however the Coach keeps his job.
It was decided that he knew nothing of the plan, which to me smacks of the fact that he either  had no control of the team or that he has dodged a bullet

This also means that the old adage ' the fish rots from the head down' is not true.
I will leave that for you to decide.
Reports do say that his future looks shady!
He obviously just liked chatting to Peter Hanscombe on the walkie talkie !

The Australian Cricketers Association has demanded a conduct and culture review. Stable door and all that  comes to mind!

Will David Warners face show any sign of remorse? I very much doubt that.

The whole cheating  in the Ashes is still being talked about, although the ICC are not prepared to look into it, as I said yesterday, that is done and gone.
The world will be watching the Aussies much more carefully now.

So very sad that all of this took the shine off the last test match of Morne Morkel at Longlands.

And talking Morne he has jumped up to no 6 in the ICC rankings, all this as he is bowing out of the test arena.

 And all the Aussie thing has taken over every bit of cricket press, roll on the season when I have much more interesting things to read.

And with that I am off to get Wednesday under my belt.

As I haven't managed to lose half my body weight, its safe to say that this weekend I will not be indulging in vegan Easter eggs! ( which is an oxymoron!)

have a great day.

Not so much beast from the east

This morning it is more like the pet that is wet!
Its been pouring most of the night and doesn't look as if it is going to let up. I was hoping that I could get some of the lawns dried out this week so that I could give them a 'trim' at the weekend.
Not looking hopeful!

I'm just lying in bed listening to the rain coming down and thinking that I hope it stops before I head out of the door.

So what have I been up to. Well work and more work.
And that will be the same this week. I have my 'PD' in today ( personal draughtsman) who has been allocated to do all the outstanding drawings that I need to complete numerous tasks. I like this! It beats the days when I had to do it all myself.

So yesterday saw the counties get together to discuss the future of English cricket. seeing as Colin Graves was overseeing it all I feel it will not be good.
I am sure that we will hear more about this in the coming weeks.

The MCC has finally spoken out on the current state of behaviour in the game.. Mostly due to the test series in South Africa. After the Warner/ de Kock affair and now the ball tampering.
Also the Sri Lanka and Bangladesh incidents were mentioned.
They are concerned about the falling standards.
Non merde!!!!

So what do I think?
well I think that money and fame are not good bed fellows. Sometimes sportsmen think that they are above all things ( across the sporting board here and not just cricket ).
Sadly sponsorship and being pandered too is not always  good for the people concerned.
You only have to look at what happened in Bristol last year.

Falling standards?   Yes
Chances of it changing?  No

As to the ball tampering event, we will hear what cricket Australia have to think about this later today.
Michael Vaughan has come out as saying that he thinks this  also happened in the Ashes.
Would he have said this if England had won?
Of course not!
That series is done and gone,no one suspected anything at the time,so saying that is just headline grabbing.

And with that I am off to make a call to the hotel that I stayed at on Friday evening who very kindly have charged me for a no show at the hotel, meaning that I have had the pleasure of paying twice for shocking service and bad attitude.

I can assure you that I will NEVER stay there again.
It was a catalogue of  disasters, which is very sad as the room was lovely but the staff were appalling.

Right I am off to do my thing.

Here we go again

Well its Monday and the start of  four day week, which is wonderful as I am not feeling too grand.
I'm just tired really and that is my own fault.

Well it is also another day of cricket scandal and the Australian ball tampering is ongoing.
Talk is who is  going to go?
Public enemy number one is Darren Lehmann, the coach, closely followed by Smith and Warner, who seems to be involved in everything to be honest.
Sad to say it does appear to be a full team effort including the twelfth man, Peter Hanscombe.


The question is,how did Australia feel they had to resort to dirty tactics?
I just want to say that where David Warner is concerned, nothing surprises me.

Talk is that Ricky Ponting could be in line to take over coaching if Lehmann goes, I have my money on Justin Langer.
Would Jason Gillespie be in the running?
Sussex will hope not.

Lets put that to one side and look at the other team involved in this whole shambles.
South Africa have been on the receiving end of a shocking series on home turf for the  press it has received.
However I know what the South African press will be full of today.
The wonderful Morne Morkel played his last test at Longlands and went off the field having taken a 5fer, which in my books is a top way to finish  your test career.
South Africa completely thrashed the Aussies.

England are trying to hold on in New Zealia, and call me disloyal but the hosts deserved to win this match hands down,

Well time to sign off.

Have a good week,

I'm not feeling my best.

Well it's Sunday the  clocks have gone forward and I'm feeling a bit rough.

However  let's see what's been happening in the cricket world

Well yesterday was the AGM at HQ.
Many of you will have seen my updates.
Gist of it is.
We are doing good
We have a great team and many more players coming through.
The new stand is coming on well.
We can all eat pies and drink beer in the Long Room safe in the knowledge that the money is benefiting us. We have the catering rights back.

I also have to say, as I have said on numerous occasions, Andrew Hodd is a wonderful man and a credit to the club.

I caught up with Jemima and Gary and John before catching a bus to the city centre and meeting Jim.

Few drinks and then we met Sophie and Terry.
Ah the gang back together again.
Many drinks and a fabulous meal later, it was time to head back to the hotel.
Very sad to leave them but only weeks until Sophie is here again.


Also in cricket.
Australia are now found to be cheats.
Not much else you can say.
I'm certain that this is going to go on and on.



And now I'm going to have some coffee a splash in the bath and hope that  I feel a little bit better.
I'm also picking up my new dining chairs on the way home.
Then I think it will be an early night for me.

Until the morrow

Away day

I'm up and dressed and ready for one of the biggest dates in my diary this year ( which shows what a very sad life I lead).
I'm off to the AGM and all that it entails.

I can tell you that after the cricket we have endured  over the last couple of days this is some light relief ( and if you've ever sat through the members questions you will know that its not).

Add to this  the fact  that I am meeting my partner in win,e Sophie and her other half Terry as well as  our besty boy Jim, it is going to be some day.

I don't have quite the drive this morning as I spent the night in Bramhope, just outside Leeds ( on the Leeds Road) and what an interesting place that is, I went to the Puritan ( now C of E ) church and also to the old Methodist Church.
Sadly I never found the railway ventilation funnels which are rumoured to be  lovely.

I will say though, that the staff leave a lot to be desired, I was here just before Xmas and had a great stay. However from the minute I walked in and was informed  'you'll have to wait as I'm just about to finish my shift', to later going to eat and being told that I would have to pay extra if I wanted them to not put meat on a plate and just for me to have veggies with no butter, I was not best pleased.

needless to say I went hungry last night and this morning I find that my request put on my door at 8pm, for continental breakfast in my room has not been dealt with.

I'm so hungry I may chew my arm off.

 Cricket in New Zealia was no better as rain thwarted the third day.
If England slip through this and get a draw it will be not only a reprieve but also an injustice for NZ.


Right I've things to do before the AGM

see you tomorrow, I hope.

Goodbye friend

A sadness we never want  to repeat

Filled with deep breaths and sighs

Sorrow that knows no bounds

Tears still in my eyes

A loss to all the cricket family,

His family much more so

The thought of season without him

Makes even more tears flow

Tributes on a monumental scale

For a man  loved & respected by all

Reading each and everyone

Makes even more tears fall

A friend to each and everyone

In 'the real' or on the air

His cheerfulness never faltered

A loss no amount of tears can repair

Goodbye DC, Cally, our friend

The voice that we know and love

 we  know you are now
on comms up above. 




RIP DC

We will miss you so very much in the coming months.
You will always be with us and forever in our hearts

Tired old Thursday

Well here we are at Thursday and a very busy day today.
I am up showered, hair washed and even got the dishwasher on ( this does not apply to what is happening today at work in any way). Its a full on day today, it may also be a good day of clearing out my desk as I should be able to get rid of a lot of O & M manuals away.
So I should be thankful for small mercies.

After a busy day and then a trip to the 'quacks' yesterday ( which was more productive than I thought it would be, more of that in a few weeks). I headed off home and did a quick tidy up,got my bag out for the weekend, and then tossed a coin to see if I had the radio play through the night for the test.
Luckily for me it was a 'no' and I settled down for a fullish nights sleep.

Well at 5.15am this morning as I opened my eyes and put on the radio, I was glad that I had decided not to listen.

It was awful, but also worse reading of the scorecard. England all out for 58
Hurrah for the tail ender I say!
Think that my words on Stokes yesterday did ring true.
The only upside  is that Stuart Broad has taken his 400th wicket, and New Zealia are currently 42 runs ahead with 8 wickets in hand.

And of course Twitter is alive with the 'KP crowd'.
If I hear one more call for the over inflated ego of the King of texting to be brought  back into the team.I will personally go round to all of their houses and force feed them biltong.
NO,NO,NO!!

He is done and dusted.

In the words of Andrew Strauss,.......................well maybe not this early in the morning.
Although he appears to have had a change of heart and said that  it is time to appreciate  the achievements of HWMNBNITB.
I truly appreciate his decision to retire.


Over in the world cup qualifiers, Scotland  have been denied a place as their match against the West Indies was ended due to rain


Oh well, no rain here although I am not liking the news that the  Beast from the East 3 is due to hit us at Easter.
I was hoping to mow the lawns in the Deer Park!

Right I'm off to the 'oriface' to face the King of Water.

oh well its nearly Friday.

mid week and its still very cold

So we are at midweek already and its going to be a busy one.

I managed to get our part time draughtsman to work an extra day which will help out dramatically and  hopefully the 11 jobs that I inherited 9 months ago, will finally get put to bed.
I have to say that 9 months ago I was under the impression that these would be sorted out in a couple of months........................alas no, and try as I might I still cannot break down the 'back burner' culture that seems to have evolved here over the years.

I just keep trying


So cricket news is here.

Middlesex have signed Ashton Agar for the T20 blast.
Interesting and will be good to see him in action.........................ah and then I remember that Middx  have been relegated.

Stokes is apparently fit for the next test and according to the BBC website  Joe Root says this will give the team a huge boost.
Not so sure that I would go that far.
#justsaying


And even bigger news is that Rabada has had his ban overturned which means that he is available for the test at Newlands.
The whole 'shoulder gate' thing was way out of control.

Its going to be interesting to watch this match.

Its been lovely to have daylight streaming through the bedroom windows from before 6am this week. next week we will go back a little but we are heading in the right direction, Its Spring and  soon it will be cricket.

How much excitement can I take in one day!

I dread to think what 'excitement'is waiting for me at G9!

Happy Hump Day.

Don't work too hard.

Keep calm and pull the duvet over your head!

Sadly there is no chance of that this morning. Lots to do this this week.
I went to the office knowing that it was going to be a busy week,what I wasn't expecting was the office going in to meltdown at 8.05am, due to one of the 'chiefs' booking a very expensive course for 2 engineers and then not telling  anyone.
As work and site allocations had been sorted last Thursday it was impossible to pull anyone away to go on the course, the said 'chief 'sat in his office brooding for the rest of the day after a sharp dressing down and the fact that a huge amount of money had been wasted.

As if that wasn't bad enough, I got an email from the 'King of UK water; saying that he  was arriving on Thursday to discuss 7 jobs that we worked on.
I am sooooo looking forward to this meeting!


Ah well that's the nature of the beast I suppose.

 cricket it is not making me feel any better, as I read that one of my current top 10  pet bowlers may be sitting out of the test this week. Yes Mitch Starc has a calf injury and its touch and go at the moment.

South Africa though are putting the Rabada incident behind them and  getting themselves prepared for the said test.

Interesting to read yesterday that David Willey is looking forward to playing red ball cricket at Yorkshire
Well not wanting to 'diss' one of our own, we have been waiting for this since you arrived.
In the time that he has been at the club he has shown form in white ball, moved in with his Leeds based girlfriend, got engaged, and married and had a baby.
Possible it is time for proving yourself in red ball cricket.

#justsaying

Oh well time to move on and time to head out of the door,
The snow has disappeared but it is so very very cold that  we are now looking at  icy patches on the roads.
Its the middle of March and its not getting any warmer.
I am washing the cricket jumpers in preparation for  a months time, I think that I am going to need them.

Happy Tuesday

Lets do this!

new week, new challenges

So its a new week and time to get things moving, after a very lazy day yesterday, I am ready to break eggs with sticks, or since I am a vegan, break chickpeas with sticks, today.

Yesterday I did very little apart from the usual washing, dishwashing and cooking. Then I spent most of the day lounging around in bed and listened to the North/South game on't wireless.

it was great to hear Dave Bracegirdle on there and later on in the evening we even had Ronnie Irani on comms as he is in the Caribbean on holiday.
Ah Ronnie one of my fave all rounders from years gone by.

I set about on the next round of ebay selling and managed to sort out some more things for the charity shop/ or my friends Nev  collections if he wants it.
I've managed to sell 4 pairs of curtains and with 2 pairs left to go I  will be very happy if I get this lot cleared by Easter. The airing cupboard will look a lot more empty.

One thing all of this has shown me is that I am a hoarder of the highest order!

There were other things in the pipeline as I re activated my 'etsy' shop and will be once again selling 'cricknits'. All part of the plan!

This week sees the start of the test series in New Zealia and also in South Africa.
We also see the end of the 'super sixes' in the World cup qualifiers and hopefully will have some clarity as to who is going through.

There were more outpourings of 'love' for 'HWMNBMITB'. He must be in seventh heaven with all of this. I have to say that I am waiting for Andrew Strauss to give his thoughts on the retirement, he can be very eloquent when he wants to be !!!!

It was interesting to read that there were many ( not only myself) who doubted his real allegiance to England.
However the only thing that I have to worry about now is which matches he will be commentating on this season. They will  be the ones that I watch with the volume down, a la Harmison ( yer naa) and Flintoff ( I'm funny I am and I can sing, listen).

So this week is very important to me as I get things moving forward, and end of week is the AGM and also meet up with Jim, Sophie and Terry.

It also tends to signify that the season is nearly upon us.

Have a great day and a great week,

Grab every opportunity that you can.

Snow forces lie in

Well the Beast from the East 2 hit yesterday and continued all day in flurries.
This morning I woke up about 5.30am but turned over and had a couple more hours sleep.
I am now drinking coffee in bed and watching CSI Miami season one, well I need to see some sunshine!

Will I get up anytime soon?
probably as I am rather hungry.

Yesterday also saw the news that 'HWMNBNITB' was retiring, this must be the longest dragged out retirement ever. I thought he had retired last season, but no it has dragged on to now.
He must be hoping for some 'golden handshake' although I can  honestly say that I could think of a better gesture!!

I do appreciate that he was a good player but I was never a fan at all.
I think that I may have to cancel my Sky subscription if he is taken on as a commentator!

Scotland and Ireland are currently battling it out with each other in the World  Cup qualifiers.


There is more snow falling and so I guess that today will be spent indoors.

I am going to finish off some odd jobs as well as doing a bit of housework.

To think that we are only a month away from the start of the season, well we did get snow a couple of years ago when Middlesex came up to play Durham, it was bitterly cold but that then we have that in July at Durham!

Well time to flick the switch on the electric blanket and snuggle down for a hour or so, there is nothing spoiling and its not very often that I have a lazy day.

I hope that you have a peaceful Sunday, keep warm where ever you are.

Snowy Saturday at the Chateau

well its not as bad as a couple of weeks ago, it is more of a smattering of snow, but I would have preferred it not to be here at all.

Its all going off in the World cup qualifiers,
Ireland could well be struggling after being defeated by Zimbabwe!
The Netherlands are currently taking on Nepal and are 10-2.
Come on you men in orange!


I have just glanced out of the study window and it is really snowing now, which is not a great prospect!

And there was trouble after the Bangladesh v Sri Lanka match when it was reported that a senior Bangladesh player had broken a glass dressing room door, the pictures show a mess of glass and the match referee was asked to look at video footage.
There was no firm conclusion to who had done the deed.
This followed on from ugly scenes in the last over of the match!

You see, all that glass and chrome!
you all mock when I say how much I dislike it!
 In the 'olden days' it would have been a bit of glass and a lot of splinters!


Now I have to say something which I feel is very important.

I really feel that Coach Gale has been given a very rough ride over the last season.
He has come in for a lot of criticism and  sometimes from me (especially at Scarbados last season but that was necessary, lost in 2 days, looked as if they were on holiday etc etc).
What I do want to say is that, I believe that Andrew has nothing but the furthering of the club in his sights.
I think that Yorkshire supporters need to give him their total backing in his job, because it can be a thankless one at times.
We know that as a team we can win titles and  by titles The County Championship. We know that we can pull out all the stops and play exceptional cricket.

Lets make this season a great one for Yorkshire and especially for Cally!


And with that i am heading outside..........................I may be some time!

What a week

Well it's Friday and its absolutely hosing it down, I was a bit of a drowned rat after putting the bin out ( and nearly putting my back out too with a months worth of rubbish due to snow and non collction)  this morning.

Ah well it is half day and I am coming home to 'veg' out, its been a tough week.

As if it wasn't enough that my favourite English ex bowler defected to Rockerfeller CCC, my joint favourite South African bowler Dale Steyn has said that it may be difficult for him to get back into the test team.
Well all I can say is, you must try harder!!!
I am suffering from a distinct lack of 'The Stare' .

The invasion of the Antipodeans continues as Kent announced that they have signed Marcus Stoinis and Adam Milne for the T20 blast series.

In the World cup qualifiers its all going off,Scotland  winning over UAE in the Super Sixes, Ireland to face Zimbabwe and Afghanistan edging past the West Indies.
It will be interesting to see what happens.

Very sad news that Mason Crane is to be flown home after picking up a back injury. Just short of his 21st birthday too.

Well its been some week and one that I will be glad to say goodbye to.

I am now off to the sorting office to collect a parcel and then off to the work office for a peanut butter and banana toasted sandwich for brekky.
Lots to do before this morning and hopefully a full compliment of boys today.

Have a great Friday, the weekend is so close you can almost touch it!

Its a chilly Thursday

It's Thursday and its a tad chilly this morning, obviously in preparation for the return of the beast from the east this weekend. That is if the weather forecasters are to be believed.

Well it can go and be a pest in the west and leave me be, I have lots to do this weekend.

So the  week continues to throw things at me.

It was announced that HRR is heading south and going as a bowling consultant to Rockerfeller CCC. Well I doubt many of us saw that coming!
Well just to say that Rockerfeller need all the help they can get, so they do right hiring the hairy one.
It did slightly irk that he mentioned them bringing in silverware. 

There are still deals going on in the county clubs in the run up to the start of the season as Kent sign New Zealander Matt Henry for the first part of the season .

Last night my friend Nev tipped up with his van  to collect some bits and pieces to be given to someone who had to leave their home and move to safety.
This is the same  gentleman who helped the people who arrived in town from a war zone to start a new life.
I have known Nev nearly all my life as our Dads were firemen together and we went through school together too.
He has his own business and also a band who tour the country, that and 3 children to look after, he still finds time in his day to help out those who are less fortunate.
What a a lovely person.

This is very short as I have spent the best part of an hour trying to put my meter readings into the British Gas website and failing as it keeps crashing.

Ah well the weekend is getting nearer.

Wake up to Wednesday

Oh my dog! I woke up this morning and nearly bounced out of bed with joy, it is Friday!!! Then I realised that it is actually Wednesday. and was close to getting back under the duvet.

Lets put a positive spin on it though, it is the middle of the week and much closer to the weekend.

Like so many of my friends and readers of the blog, we are still trying got come to terms with the loss of our beloved Cally.
As I listened to the Radio Leeds tribute to DC, it struck just how many peoples lives he had enriched with his love and commentary of football, cricket and rugby. after talking to my friend Will, a journo and member of the Cricket writers club, it is obvious that the man with the biggest smile was  so much loved and respected by all.
And as was said on the radio, we all have to thank his family for giving us Dave over the cricket seasons.

 There is a huge hole in the heart of every Yorkshire fan, which I don't think will ever be fully filled.


England are currently in action against New Zealia and will be chasing 256.


I have been trying to get my South African office 'boy' a chair/kneeling stool that will help with his on going back problem. he is still in considerable discomfort and it is hard to watch a colleague trying to do there job but obviously in pain.
 The office furniture company next door have been a great help.
However just before bed last night I received an email from said boys wife ( who I know away from work) saying thank you for helping him out at work. She said that even after all the years they have been married, he finds it hard to ask for help in any way.
To be honest its part of my remit to make sure everyone is happy and healthy at work, but it was lovely to get the email.


I am running slightly late this morning due to the shock of finding out its not Friday.

Oh well only 2 days to wait.

Have a good Wednesday.

There are no words.

 

 CALLY

THE VOICE OF YORKSHIRE CRICKET

RIP DC

Another week at the salt mine.

Here we go again it is the start of the new working week, lets hope that it is a good one.

Yesterday was very busy from early on as I made deliveries, took in a delivery for the extensive grounds of the chateau, moved things around in the extensive grounds and forgot to measure the slats on my bench!
I then toddled to the town to drop off items at the charity shop, came home empty handed for once ( huge relief as I am trying to make space) and then did a spot of work in the bathroom as well as in the office, which now has a dual purpose with the 'sofa' bed, so is actually more along the lines of a study, having just had an extra book case added too.
I am hoping that by the time it is finished ( by Friday I hope), it will  be a calm retreat.( a bit like every other room in the house is transforming into)

I  managed to catch some of the cricket  and saw Abraham Benjamin  get his century, actually saw him hit 126 not out. Shame that he deemed himself unfit for test cricket  in the middle of last season.
Australia are 41  runs ahead and 5 wickets down.

Should be interesting today.

Well The Pakistan Premier League which is held in Dubai ( that's just the tip of the iceberg) has had several low scoring matches, however  a match between Lahore Qalander and Karachi Kings finished in controversy.

Qalader set 168 to win, the final over saw Sohail Akhtar score 12 from  first three balls, then with 3 runs needed off the last ball, he was caught out. This was then deemed a no ball and awarded one run.
The batsmen had crossed before the catch  and with the awarded one run from the no ball, it seemed that Qalanders needed one run to win.
However the Umpires said that the no ball wasn't given on the field so the batsman run would not be given.
They did let a change of strike ( are you keeping up) and Gulraiz Sadaf faced the last ball instead of Akhtar.
He was run out trying to get two runs from the free ball.
Sunile Narine then came in for a 'Super Over' which saw Qalander win!
The Qalander CEO called for clarity on rules!

 'Whatever happened today, I'll be honest, we didn't know the law," he started. "What we thought was since the batsmen crossed and then there was a no-ball as well, we needed just one run on the final ball. The umpires told us that when they don't signal the no-ball on field, and it's given after a review, the run(s) on the ball aren't counted.'


Brendan McCullum the captain was at a loss for words.


  Well that makes two of us and so with that I am off to start the working week.

Have a great day and  spread a little happiness.

Busy old Sunday

Hello Sunday and hello to a very busy day.

Its Mothers day and as I no longer have a Mummy or Grannie or Nana, I always feel a bit sad, however I have my wonderful Auntie Norma who is like my surrogate mummy, so I am off to deliver a card and flowers to her.
Shes very very special and to make it even more special we share birthdays too.

I also have more decorating on the go again today and I am cracking on so end of this week should see all upstairs done. That's the plan.

Well I did get to see some of the South Africa test yesterday. It is still not clear if Rabada will be playing in the next test after his alleged shouldering of Steve Smith.
 Abraham Benjamin will start today on 74, and with 20 runs lead on the Aussies.

If rumours are to be believed, it appears that Warner is in the poo again, as he is accused of ball tampering. WTH is gong on??????

It may seem to be brimming with trouble in South Africa but that is nothing to things that are happening on the subcontinent.
In Sri lanka Ramith Rambukwella seems to be in a spot of bother after allegedly beating up two students with a fire arm and then being arrested for drink driving!

not been a good week for cricketers.

So lets talk about the World cup qualifiers.
 Group A
The West Indies were the first team to get through to the Super Sixes
Papua new Guinea have been eliminated after losing all their matches
My boys in orange could be eliminated if they lose to the WI tomorrow.
Its all very complex. Will keep an eye on it to see how it pans out.

Group B

Scotland and Zimbabwe are through to the super sixes.
The rest is equally as complex as above.

Right I am off for my 2 mile hike to deliver card and flowers and hopefully spread some happiness today.

Have a lovely day, don't work too hard,.

Late this morning

Well I am late up this morning and am still in bed, drinking coffee, eating peanut butter and banana on toast and have put in the oven some rather revolting shop bought falafel burgers for the birds. Multi tasking at its best.

I try not to buy too much in the 'ready made/ processed' department, food wise and most certainly will not be buying those 'burger things' again. I cooked one last night and it tasted...........well I am not sure what it tasted of but it was nasty. So I ended up making soy bean and pea risotto which was much better.

I had been to have the barnet sorted out and then hung two lengths of wallpaper before deciding that maybe that was more than enough for Friday and cracked open a bottle of wine.

After watching 'Last chance Harvey' which I hadn't seen but really enjoyed, I got into bed and settled down to listen to the cricket.
Ah yes, an evening with my England boys.................................
...................... and then I heard the smug, self praising voice of Greame Swann or Graeme Mogadon as he is known here in the Chateau, as he is able to shorten the time it takes for me to fall asleep and lengthen the amount of sleep I have.
Fair to say that I missed JB's 58 ball century and England winning the series. I woke up at 6,30am and turned over and fall back to sleep again.

The big hoohaa in India with Mohammed Shami, has taken further twists and turns. It is a very state of affairs.
In regard to some of the charges,I have to say that there is no place in any marriage (or anywhere else for that matter)for domestic violence, physical or mental, male or female.
There are other charges and I am sure that this will make headlines for a quite a while.

And then we have South Africa v Australia, the second  sledge   test. Kagiso Rabada has been fined and faces possibly missing the next two test  after a shoulder incident with Steve Smith. Obviously the umpires are now earning their wage and keeping a watchful eye on events.

So the County sides are away on their jollies, sorry pre season training.
Yorkshire are in South Africa and Worcestershire are in UAE ( other teams and places were available I just chose these two).
It got me thinking, they are 'pre season' training in sweltering heat, and then will come back to start the season in cold wet April. Where  is that sensible?
I know that it is to get them outside, but hey, they should man up.
I think a week down at Butlins at Bognor Regis would be perfect 'pre seasoin' training and for the Yorkshire boys it will be warmer than Leeds.
I bet they all have a cracking sun tan when they get back, and not your typical cricketers tan either!
Ah those boys, they don't know they are born!


Well I hear the sound of the washing machine on spin, so time to step away from the 'lapdog' and get on with things that need doing.
Of which a trip to the charity shop with a bag of goodies is first up.
No chance of hanging my smalls on the line today, it pouring down and I am thinking that an ark will be the best mode of transport.

have a great Saturday one and all.

And it's Friday

Here we go, its Friday and its half day.
It will be a quiet one today as we have a few missing from the office and workshop ( dosing skids can wait until Monday).
Less bacon butties to buy I guess is the upside of that,.

Well our audit did not go ahead as snow in Yorkshire, stopped the Auditor getting through, we are waiting for another date.

Lets see if there is anything interesting in the cricket news.

Oh well ,as if we thought that it would go away quietly, Warner is now giving his side of events.
I appreciate if he was defending his wife, and find that very admirable, but maybe he needs to think about some of the things that he has said in the past.
If murmurs are to be believed he made some vile comments to an England player not so long ago.

As I said initially, some people can give it but not take it.

Interesting to read Otis Gibsons view on this and I have to say that I totally agree with him, that Australia have appointed themselves as the gatekeepers of 'the line' in on field sledging.


And over  in India Mohammad Shami has had his contract put on hold  by Cricket India whilst an investigation is carried out into his 'unsavoury behaviour'.
He has been accused of adultery ( and domestic violence).
He claims it is a smear campaign against him.

Holy moly, if this was brought in by all cricket authorities, we could be a tad  short of players!

Zimbabwean bowler Brian Vitori has been suspended from bowling in international cricket ( again), due to an illegal bowling action.
I suggest he just bowls underarm and see what they say.


Well nothing much else to report, so best to head to the garage and get some petrol before I head off to the office.

The weekend is beckoning and I am looking forward to some R & R.

Although there is cricket tonight.
Winner takes all!

Lets get Thursday going

Its Thursday and its audit day, I am sure that there will be some very stressed out folk in the offices this morning, but  we are prepared and just have to let them do their thing.
not a lot that we can do now!

Although I am a tad bored by the Warner/de Kock  debacle, interesting that Warner has  accepted his misconduct charge, but de Kock is contesting his.
Warner was fined 75% of his match fee and got demerit points.
And I have just seen that de Kock has lost his appeal and is being fined 25% of his match fee.
That should keep the ICC in Port for the next couple of days.

Sad that Faf is not getting a modelling contract with Christy towels!

There seems to be  trouble in paradise or the ECB as it is known, as Andy Nash  resigns his position as Non executive director.
Its over money as was reported in The Times yesterday, I am sure that this is not the end of this saga.

The Times once again got the heads up on the money issue, as they did on a possible change to CC format a couple of months ago ( although they got that very wrong as it was a Yorkshire idea and not ECB).
Is there a leak at the ECB?

Its all becoming a very odd situation.
Maybe a good old shake up at the ECB.

One thing that is good news is that it is now light when I head out of the door every morning and when I leave the office in the evening.
It is also just over 2 weeks until the clocks 'spring' forward which is a brilliant sign, as it means that the cricket season is just round the corner.

I cannot wait,

I am looking forward to some time away from the office and the 'me time' at cricket that manages to recharge my batteries.

Well time to get going and see how we get on today.

Have a great Thursday

It's midweek!

Hurrah! It is Wednesday, it is midweek and the snow is no more, the rain however is another matter ( sorry Sophie).

I am glad to have turned a corner in my life finally.
Lots to look forward to and some things finally put to bed.
Just  to say, I realised that you are  still a nice person when you put a stop to being taken for granted and  being a doormat.
A lesson I should have learnt years ago.

Right now, what is going on in the cricket.

Well I have been listening since 10pm, sometimes even in my sleep. I am currently listening to the  steady breakdown of Ross Taylor, who returned from injury and is currently on 167 and struggling with leg and toe injury.

They are chasing 336 and  there is some big hitting from this guy.

England had a complete collapse from their middle order and it is safe to say that it had Captain Root and JB with their 102 and 138 respectively, not made this, England would not have been close to 200.
This has been some match with over 700 runs scored.
Sadly  some of the commentary  has been sloppy,self promoting, boring and irritating ( sometimes all at the same time).
As I have said before, a cricketer does not a commentator make, especially when one of them is also the biggest 'know all' ( knows nowt) of them all.

And for anyone else who wonders, people born in Co Durham are not 'Geordies' or 'Mackems',which are terms for people from Newcastle (and its environs) and Sunderland both of which are in Tyne and Wear.

Anyhoo, New Zealia are just about to level the series with an heroic effort from Taylor.


And a six finishes the game as NZ win with 3 balls to spare.

The  Warner/de Kock 'do' trundles on as they are both charged by the ICC for the incident that occurred at the weekend.
There are lots of 'he said this' 'he said that' being bandied around. what happened will probably not come to light.
I see fireworks ahead, as one of these two is seriously hot headed.

World Cup qualifiers saw Ireland beat PNG and Scotland had a win over Hong Kong.

I am cracking on slowly in the decorating here at the chateau as I put in an hour each evening, and tonight it is the turn of the power tools as I put up some shelves!

I know how to live!!!

2 weeks until the AGM and then  2 weeks until my first cricket so I need everything ship shape and Lady Lainey fashion pretty quickly.

Oh well time to do the day job.

Happy hump day,
have a good one.

Another day, another...........

day at the salt mine. I have nearly a full compliment of boys today as my 'springbok' is back after two weeks off with a sacroiliac joint injury, he is not very 'springbok' like at the mo, but we did chew the 'biltong' over the Warner/de Kock incident.
 Now this is not going to go away quietly, but before I launch into it, I have to say that seeing Faf du Plessis in a towel first thing on a Monday morning is  great, but you know that your day is not going to get any better than that!

So this whole thing has now been handed to the ICC. I have read a lot about the incident and the tweets about it. Adam Gilchrist  was of course team Warner.
And what about I, Lady Lainey?

I am definitely 'Team towel'

I think that Australia may have been 'Australianed'

News from New Zealia is that Jacob Oram  has taken over as the Woman's bowling coach. Oram played 33 tests for his country and was a decent all rounder although I preferred to watch him bowl.

Despite having being coached for a short time by Jason Gillespie, Papua New Guinea were beaten in their game against UAE in the World Cup Qualifiers. It was however decided on the 'Jack and Vera'.
It will be interesting to see how they progress.

The ODI bus has tipped up in Dunedin ( home of our Marcus), and  NZ are looking forward to the return of Ross Taylor ahead of the fourth match which kicks off later tonight for us.
I'm so tired at the moment that I am not sure I will be awake for it.
just like the England cricketers I am totally exhausted with all the cricket being played,  unlike the England cricketers I have a full day at the office and then awake most of the night keeping check on events.

And England now have Liam Livingstone back, fit for the test series in NZ later this month.
Livingstone left the Lions tour with an ankle injury, came back to the UK and will now be flown out to join the team down under  later this month.

Is he really needed?
Is the added expense of sending him out there justified?
They just seem to fly players around the world willy nilly.
How many players have they actually got holes up in New Zealand?

Oh well, no wonder ticket prices for internationals in this country are so spendy.

Right I am off to work, no snow,lots of rain and after minus temperatures over night its not going to be a nice drive.

See you tomorrow.

we have rain.............

and fog and cold wind, so the start of this week looks as if it is going to be a little bit miserable.
We seem to have had all the winter weather in the space of a week.
How terribly British I apear to be starting the blog with weather!!

Well now, the first test in South Africa is looking to be slightly soured as Cricket Australia  investigate an 'incident' between David Warner  and Quinton de Kock.
It appears that Warner  was up to his old tricks and being as verbal as possible.
He apparently had to be restrained by Usman Kawaja and then dragged away by Steve Smith.
Faf du Plessis became in volved and the whole thing is just not cricket.
Warner is not known for his tact and often has a lot to say for himself.
I'm looking forward to the outcome of this.

It wasn't a good day for South Africa on day 4 as Abraham Benjamin was tun out for 0
They also need 123 runs to win, with one wicket left, that would be amazing but we know that it isn't going to happen.

In the World Cup qualifiers, my boys in orange were beaten by the boys in Green.

Scotland beat Afghanistan which managed to shake things up a bit.
Calum MacLeod  hit 157 not out steering the the side to a seven wicket win.

Yesterday saw the death of Sir Roger Bannister, the man who ran the first sub 4 minute mile, whilst working and training as a junior doctor!!!.
Bannister continued his medical career and also ran in the Olympics and the Commonwealth games.
All this and NOT receiving a knighthood until the New Years honours of 1975.

It has always made me wonder why a medal in the Olympics automatically means that you are made a Knight or a Dame
( or winning the Ashes gets you an MBE)

Well if the news is to be believed SIR Bradley Wiggins and team Sky are not as squeaky clean as they make out.
Lets see how this pans out.

Time to head out in to the thaw and hope that Monday is not too taxing,

I have lots to do this week both at home and at work.

Welcome to the new week.

Have a good one!

where did that come from?

Well I woke up to the sight of more snow overnight, about an inch, but I've had enough now.
 I've had to go out and defrost the birds water, refill the fat balls, put out more peanuts and give the ground feeders more bread, linseeds and dried fruit ( I haven't had time to make bird food recipe given to me by Carole and Philip yet).
And to top it all I have just seen the headlines that we are to be hit with freezing rain!
Oh joy and only 5 weeks until I get to see my boys at Headingley.

Yesterday was busy all day and I managed to get sat  down just to watch the cricket when bad light stopped play!
So it was back to sorting things out and making some space.

Today it is much of the same, I have a couple of projects that need to be finished off too, I need to use my time wisely.

So cricket.

Well Australia remained on top despite some great bowling from South Africa (  Morkel and Maharaj).
Its a done deal for Australia I think.
 Dean Elgar is expected to bat despite dislocating a finger yesterday whilst fielding

Over in Australia, there was an incident in a Sheffield Shield match as a bouncer  from Sean Abbott hit Will Pucovski. The 20 year old was forced to retire from the game although he did not need hospital treatment.
Abbott however was understandable shaken by the whole thing.

The ICC World Cup qualifiers begin today, the prize for this is two places at the World Cup held here in 2019.
In group A are my faves The Netherlands, who are currently playing Ireland.
It is however, to these teams much more, it is a chance to show that they can play in the big league.

I see there is a need to take a long hard look at the England Lions after they were brought to heel by the West Indies!

Time to stop typing and start doing, I want to clear the dressing room today....................
well the best laid plans and all that malarkey!

Keep safe and warm where ever you are.
Have a peaceful Sunday.

Weekend at last

Wooohooo it is the weekend and I am up and about and going to finish the home office so that I can go back to writing my blog in there in the morning instead of lying in bed and tapping away on the 'lapdog'.
It is nearly done, just the final push and it will be a super office with  the ability to turn into the 3rd bedroom in a flash.
I don't really need a 3rd bedroom, but it will be handy when the 'For Sale' sign goes up.

So what else will be happening?

Trip to town I think and then a relaxing afternoon with a spot of cricket and 'vegan' bangers and mash.

So talking cricket lets see what has been happening.

South Africa were all out for 162, Abraham Benjamin with an unbeaten 71 is talking about hopefully prolonging his test career.
I love AB for his style of playing but his injuries of late do not bode well for the team.
Sometimes it is time for the seniors to step aside and make way for youth. This is the same over all countries.

Just to say that my 'bowling crush' Mitchell Starc took a five-fer!

The 'ball war'  which is stirring up  conflict with players and fans alike, has been getting more vocal as  players pledge their allegiance to the side they prefer.
Jonny Bairstow added fuel to the 'long form' bandwagon as he came out saying that he was all for test cricket as ' you remember the amount of tests you played'

Sadly a lot of people are talking about the poor attendance at the South Africa v Australia test which started on March 1st and had less than three thousand people in the stadium.
Well it was during the week so many people would be back at work, is what I say in defence.
Its always a tough choice for me as to how many internationals I will go to see, if any. I have the same dilemma over county matches, as I have a 140 mile round trip if I go to HQ.
The drive doesn't stop me but work gets in the way a lot!


 The snow is still on the ground, I have feed the blackbirds, robin and Pete the pigeon, and I am now about to throw myself in the shower before my walk to town.
I'm sure that once I don my Hunters it will be quite nice out there.
I need to try to get my 10,000 steps in snow or not.

Oh and I am off to buy some fabric, I have a plan for a one off design which if it turns out I may/may not auction off.

Have a great weekend and if you have snow and ice take care out there.


If you are reading this on Twitter, I would be grateful if you could retweet, as we are doing the number crucnching/analyitcal thing over the weekend.
Thank you

Snowy Friday

We are still in the grip of a mini winter here in the North East of Blighty, although now  at 5.25am, it is very very quiet and my venture in to the garden ( Hunters and dressing gown,) to put out more food for the birds was so very peaceful, had the bench not been covered in snow I might have sat down to soak up the silence.
The silence is one thing, the chaos that is the daily commute is another, however today is half day and then the weekend.
Today is the beginning of anything I want, and I want to finish one more room upstairs.
Not a lot to ask.
The decluttering continues and things that I thought I could never part with are now in piles to either be sold or donated.
It makes me feel so much 'lighter'.

I am preparing myself for a weekend of cricket also and that is enough to make me smile, I will get to see Mr Morkel  possiblhy for the last time at International level, but if all the rumours are true, I am sure that I will get to see him playing for a County side this season, sadly not my beloved Yorkshire.

 Australia were in batting and half centuries from Warner and Smith put on the runs, Abraham Benjamin was in good form too.


Alex Hales pursuit of white ball big bucks hasn't started too well as he went unsold in the CPL draft.
Maybe not as easy as it was first thought.


So Jimmy Anderson is concerned about the possible death of  Test cricket,  after players are opting for white ball over red ball.
Jimmy is in the twilight of his career and has been a faithful servant to red ball cricket.
The long form of the game is really under threat and I think that this time next year we will be seeing more migration by players to the 'other side'.
Anderson hopes their are still players who love test ( and county championship) cricket. Sadly as £ signs light up in eyes, I fear that there is not enough money to in the long form to keep them interested.
White ball prostitution is  gathering pace.


I am gathering pace in rediness to head out into the snow.

Take care out there everyone. It is still not the best.

Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend.

Wow it's Thursday already

Yes it is Thursday already and we are still in the throws of 'winter' as we continue to be battered by snow and wind and more snow.
It got me thinking about how as a child, this sort of snow fall was not unusual and we all went about our daily lives without  being told not to leave the house unless it is really necessary.
And what does that actually mean?
I am not going to get paid if I decide it is not necessary for me to turn out in the snow and go to the office.
I know this for a fact, and believe that many people are the same situation.
I got to work at 9.20am yesterday , I was late but I was there.
I know that if you live out in the wilds you are probably snowed in with no chance of leaving home!


Well now to cricket , and Hampshire have signed up Hashim Amla for the first three months of the cricket season. That should make for some entertaining cricket.

Somerset have signed Corey Anderson  the Kiwi all rounder for the T20 season.

AB de Villiers and Morne Morkel have signed for Yorkshire.................OK that's a fib, but it gave you a shock I bet!

Ireland are to construct a new stadium in West Dublin this will replace the current home ground at Malahide.
Initially the plan was to upgrade this ground but due to the increase in International matches, a new stadium was deemed a necessity.

Over in New Zealia, Stephen Fleming, former captain has put himself forward for the role of T20 coach in the event that  NZ Cricket decides to restructure the current coaching set up.

Wonder what the travel bill will be for the whole coaching and support staff will be when this happens.
Next up coach per player perhaps?


And finally a HUGE shout out to Peter Trego the man with more tats than me, ( a lot more than me) who was out and about in Weston -Super -Mare last night giving out hot coffee and soup to those who had no where to go.
What a an absolute star.
Peter Trego here at the chateau we salute you!!!

I am off to  brave the snow now.
Digging the car out of the garage is now my  cardio and  believe me  going to the gym is now much more appealing than ever before.

Be safe and warm where ever you are.