Its Monday and its back to the salt mines.

Ah yes. back to the salt mines this morning although it was very much like it here at the Chateau this weekend.
Yesterday was busy with washing being done and actually getting it all dried on the line.
Bags and bags of things to the charity shop, which included a huge bag of books as I had a massive  book cull.

Then I had a mad fit of moving furniture around in the biggest bedroom.
By 4pm I had given up the idea of painting and taken to my bed for a lie down.

I had the radio playing through the house as I was busy it was the Surrey match and not one that I really wanted to listen to. its bad enough watching 'felt tip boy' Dernbach, but listening to them fawning over his was cringe worthy.

Well not wanting to tempt fate, but no eedjit at all yesterday or last night, although I still struggled to go to sleep.

So to  cricket,

Well lets start with Luke Fletcher, who is turning into something of a headline grabber. He took 5-27 which is a career best but also rocked Worcs before they fought back.
Fletcher is a very economical bowler at the best of time as his 8 maidens last week were testament.
Well done to him.

Yorkshire are going to have to do some batting today to salvage some pride out of their game against Somerset.
Aiming to chase down 321, we need the top order to do their stuff  today without exception.


Bad light was a problem for Hants and Essex yesterday. The champions are not having an easy start to the season.

Over at Middx, Tim Murtagh, the best mini bus driver in Scarborough., was bowling like a demon yesterday with 4-12 against Glamorgan until bad light stopped play.

it does seem that here in the north east of blighty we had the best weather for once.

Well lets see what happens today and lets hope that all the teams in the south get to play, although listening to the weather forecast it does not seem a if that is going to happen.

Well time to head off out of the door.

Have a great Monday.

Sunday and up with the larks

Yes I was up with the larks this morning but I am also struggling to move.
I think that the wallpaper hanging and the furniture moving is taking its toll.
The amount of furniture I have moved in the last few days,has me thinking that I will may changing my name to Pickfords!
I still have a lot to do today  taking masses of things to the charity shop and also putting things on ebay.


So last night was quiet on the eedjit front, I am wondering if he has moved in with Rebecca as there is no car there.
Now you may think that the house would be an indication of vacancy.
However in the two years that he has lived inbn the house, he has never opened the bedroom blind or the sitting room blind. And as there are no curtains/blinds in the dining room and other bedroom, the house has always looks vacant.
In case you think that I spend all my time snooping, the house is directly opposite mine  and you just can't help but notice.

And then there is cricket,

Ah Yorkshire, you fill me hope  one week,  and then you knock the wind out of me the next, yes, just like the husband I left behind.
However unlike the said husband,I am not heading to the solicitors yet!
You can't get rid of me that easily.
Short story, shorter
Yorkshire all out for 96 and narrowly avoided the follow on.
I am expecting a fantastic bowling spell from the boys today.

Sad to see that a second day was rained off at New Road. Worcester are not having a good start.

Rain was the scourge of cricket again.

I am still though not in the school of thought that cricket should not be played in April, because I have been rained off through July too.
Suck it up its English weather.

Im now signing off as I have to load the car with things to take to the tip,if I can lift them.

Have a peaceful Sunday where ever you are.

I would have liked a lie in

I would have liked to have a lie in today, but there is too much to do today.

I have the washing in the machine already and that includes Pink Hippo who was so dirty that even his Auntie Sophie mentioned it.

So he will be all spruced up and ready for his next trip away.

Today will include some painting and also a lot of cleaning and hoovering.

I think that I may well be having an afternoon nap.

'Eedjit and Rebecca gate' update

Well I headed to bed rather early as I was shattered.
Light off 10pm.

Light on 11.23pm
He's back!
Sitting for 35 minutes with the engine running whilst he does dog knows what in the car.
In his house just before midnight.
I was by this time ready to nod off again and I did.
Only to be woken again at 2am with the engine running again.
And again at 4am
I actually got up then and made a cup of tea!
aha!!! the  car that he gave to  Rebecca is back outside his house ( an Astra convertable!)
Has she ventured into the 'bat cave' ( as it is known here in the chateau)
Ive no idea and if she has, dog help her!

I am so tired,I am now on the shortest fuse ever!


Right so lets see what has been happening in cricket land, which has to be more exciting than nocturnal comings and goings.

Or maybe not as rain played havoc again with the matches.
Worcs v Notts called off
Somersert v Yorks called off
Lancs and Surrey called off.

so that  left me to listen to Hants v Essex which lasted an hour before grinding to a rainy halt,
I have to say it was a dry day in the north east of blighty.

In fact there was chuff all cricket happening yesterday apart from Sussex where they were playing until 4.30pm.


So my least favourite type of Captain Morgan  has been bleating on about how he is all in favour of 100 ball cricket.
Yes we are all so gullible.
Of course these aren't his real thoughts, he has to say them as he plays for England.
Although I suspect once the Ireland get themselves set up good and proper, he'll be in his coracle, paddling home at break neck speed.

And it's all kicking off in Zimbabwe as Heath Streak files a defamation case against the Zimbabwe cricket chair  for alleged slanderous statements.
I wrote a little bit about this last month, but it seems to be escalating.
I'm sure its not the last that we have heard about it.

Well now I am heading to get my barnet cut, and then back to sort out the study and start the kitchen.
Which then leaves me with the mammoth task of clearing up and getting rid of all the decorating detritus.

Have a fabulous Saturday, hopefully there will be cricket to listen to today.

Ah Friday

Well here we go, its finally Friday.

After work I am going  to pick up my new 'scandi' style sofa , I am hoping that it will fit in the car, which was not something I had considered until now! Also hoping that the old sofa will go this weekend and then I will not be back to over crowding ways!

'eedjit and Rebecca gate' update.

He was doing his usual comings and goings last night  although there were no loud phone calls.

Which I have to say was like the worst audio book I had ever listened to!
I must have fallen asleep by midnight ( way to late for me)
As I put the bin out at 5.30am this morning, there is no car outside the house.

Could Rebecca have taken him back? ( that is my sincere hope)
Did he go to stay at mates house to pour out his troubles?
I am sure that all of my road will find out soon enough.

Over in cricket it was sad to hear that Toby Roland-Jones is out for the rest of the season. He has had a recurrence of the stress fracture which kept him out of the Ashes tour to Australia.
This is a huge blow for Middlesex who were relegated last season.

I really wish him a full and speedy recovery.

Interesting to see that ECB had been talking about high capacity (non cricket) venues to hold the  World cup matches.
West Ham Uniteds ground was one consideration. Obviously a ground which holds 60,000 people ( twice as many as any as Lords) had a huge appeal as that would have brought in much more wonga.
However it has not been selected for matches so it looks as though West Ham were not prepared to add to the 'port and stilton' fund, so they have been knocked back.


Yorkshire begin their game  against Somerset and I am hoping that they put them in their place early on.

We need to keep the momentum going no matter how early it is in the season.

Remember we are 2 games shorter again this season and what will it be next?


The office is so severely depleted at the moment that  I think it will not be worth the bacon butty man delivering to us.
I may wander over to Morrisons and get them something healthier for breakfast.
And with that I am out the door.

Have a great Friday , I am half a working day away from the weekend.
Ah more painting and decorating and housework.....................I can hardly wait!

Too tired for words

As if my terrible sleep patterns were not enough, I am now struggling to force myself out of bed thanks to 'eedjit' across the road.

After a few weeks respite from the late night comings and goings, and engine running, last night he came back with a vengeance!.
I had been working late (10.30pm) sorting out the the boxes in the top of the built in wardrobes (handbags). I realised the time and decided to throw myself into bed.
All good.
Light off, instant land of nod.
And then 11.09pm he arrives and is in the car engine running for an hour. He switches it off.
'Yeay' I think, sleep!
No!
Out of car shouting cursing and swearing into his phone. Then sits on doorstep, continuing to do this shouting all the time.
Long story short.
He was moving in with Rebecca, and she decided that she didn't really want to go on with the relationship ( yes he was that loud and that clear).
He has given notice on his house,private rental, landlord not a nice man, and now is stuck as he has to be out by next week.
he doesn't really like her a lot judging by the names he was calling her.
He had given her his 'other' car and  now wants it back.
He wants his cd player back too.
Well this went on for an hour, then he got in the car and obviously went to see Rebecca and cause havoc at her house.
I settle down to sleep.
2am he is back,engine running, phone shouting.

I put the radio on!
It is now 6am, I am totally exhausted, I hope that they have sorted things before tonight!

Sorting things out is something that is needed as the franchise nonsense cricket looks as if it having a knock on effect, players have apparently expressed their concern about signing contracts after 2019.
Players are concerned about not having complete clarity on the tournament ( yep that's about it for any of us).
Players are concerned that  if they sign contracts after next season they will miss out on mucho money when the new format starts.

Well I can think of 3 who wont be worrying  about that they will just be sharpening their crayons ready to put a cross on the line of the franchise contract!

We all know that the international T20 harlots will be vying for mega bucks too.

I dislike this format already and its 2 years away!

And that's all folks.
I have a busy office today so time to head out of the door.
Have a good one, I am sure I will be asleep by 9am  the way I feel at the moment.

Mid week and motoring on

Well its Wednesday and yesterday was fairly quiet on the cricket front, which is a bit of a relief.

However no doubt we will be hearing more as the week goes on. There must still be some of that compensation money from the IPL for the brain cell deficient at the ECB to spend.
Watch out for more silly suggestions for the franchise series.

I'm not a huge Alistair Cook fan, he strikes me as a kind of 'beige' bloke, but I am pleased to see that he is coming out fighting on the side of test and first class cricket. Maybe  he is more 'fawn going on taupe'.
He did mention money, which seems to be where all roads lead.

He also said that England are suspicious as to whether there was ball tampering during the Ashes.
I think that they need to put that to bed and move on to the next challenges as a team.

Sad state of affairs.

I'm still trying to get my head round how the 'invetion' of a ten ball over is going to bring in more crowds, and revenue ( and farm animals).

Yorkshire will be heading off to Somerset tomorrow and news from the home team is that Jamie  Overton has a side strain, which is not great for them, but could be a bonus for us.

However a fractured finger has ruled Billy Stanlake out of the IPL now, its to be hoped that it is 'fixed' before he comes to us, we do not want to be carrying anyone this season.

Anyhoo.

The kitchen is about to start to get its makeover in what I hope is the last room to be sorted, apart from a few ceilings to be given a spruce up, I'm exhausted and on top of that I have a million things to sort out ready for the coming months.

My to do list is  getting longer by the day.

Oh well time to head off to the salt mine

Its not getting any better in Circus Cricket

Here is the first picture of the target audience for the franchise 100 ball T20.

As you can see she will have her hands full keeping any eye on the kids, I doubt she'll be seeing much cricket.

Which probably wont matter as long as she had paid for her ticket.

The ECB are now making eve more stupid suggestions, how many bowlers in the farce that is their latest idea.
obviously  thought  up after a couple of Sherry shandies in 'The old bull and bush' it seemed perfect.

I'm waiting with baited breath for further additions this week.
What about blindfolding the wicketkeeper for a few overs?
Making the slips put on  slips a la 'Its a knockout' as they take position ?
Anyone sent to the boundary must double up as a cheer leader?

The list of possibilities is endless and will no doubt be much more stupid than any of the above.

Seriously these people are getting paid silly money to...................well to be silly!

Worse still they get away with it.

Oh well lets get some proper cricket news.

As we expected Yorkshire won and are at this very early part of the season, top Division 1, no pressure on the boys, but please try to stay there.

Derbyshire won their first home game since 2014 as they beat Middlesex, this despite an heroic bottom order stand which included James Harris 64 not out. Toby Roly Poly 46,Tom Helm 52, and Tim Murtagh 5 ( ok that wasn't so great).
They were fighting to the end that's for sure.
Well done James Harris.

Sadly despite a century by Sam Northeast, Hants lost to Rockerfella CC. Better luck on the return match Hants!

I always rush to read an article with 'Sidebottom' in it,  And of course I had forgotten that Warwickshire had signed the 'other' Ryan Sidebottom late last season.
He took 10-96 yesterday and appears to be emulating his name sake.
However there is only one Ryan Sidebottom, the very much missed HRR.

It was odd to see him tweeting congratulations to Surrey, something very wrong about that.

I was very busy last night and had to force myself to go to bed, or I  probably would have still had a wallpaper pasting brush in hand now.

We are much depleted in the office as one is in Prague, one in Whitby, 3 out at site and one in bed with a respiratory infection!
Today it is me, my pet draughtsman ( the other two are tucked away from the main office) and one of my site managers.
Looks like I will be on tea and coffee duty in between answering the phone ( there receptionist is on holibobs too) and doing the mounds of timesheets, O & M's ( they breed overnight I  swear).

Oh well best to head off and face it.

I hope that you have a great day.

North East weather watch, it is very windy and quite chilly this morning.

just what I need!

back to earth with a bump

Well I am up and dressed but am I ready for the week ahead?

 I would say no!

However on a positive note, I am geared up to push for healthy eating and hopefully some ( a lot of) weightloss.
The plan has been put into action and there is no excuse ( and I actually have no choice as its quite urgent that I shed some weight).

So back to yesterday, after waking up to sunshine and blue skies, we headed off into town in search of food. as we wandered up Cardigan Road, we could see the sky clouding over.
We nipped into Mint cafe were Sophie had their special breakfast and I had their vegan breakfast, which I can highly recommend.
As we walked back to the hotel, it was getting more dark as black clouds came over.

We checked out of the hotel after chatting to Adam Lyths wife and the adorable Ruby.
Rain started and play was delayed until 11.20am.

They made it out onto the field, I was cheering TLJL but rain came down and off they went.

After a spell in the Long Room, we both decided that we should head home.
Both arriving at our respective homes within minutes of each other.
And of course Yorrkshire had come back out!

So TLJL did not make his half century as I was hoping, he got stuck on 37!
Captain Ballance put on a good show but didn't get his century either.
Today I think that it will be over before lunch, as Notts start the day on 181-8

I  have to say a huge thank you to Sophie, for making the weekend just brilliant, and to Jim and Rob for the entertainment on Friday afternoon. 
It was just what I needed, although I still have several mountains to climb this week.

 Somerset beat Worcestershire,
Essex beat Lancashire
And in division 2 Middlesex look in a spot of bother.

And bother is what is happening in Australia,
If we are all a tad cheesed off with the ECB we are not alone.
Shane Warne ( formally known as Mr Elizabeth Hurley) is getting a bit shouty at Cricket Australia in there bid to change the format of BBL, the franchise T20.
They want to increase the games which in turn will generate more money.........


and there it is again!
Money!

Here the franchise debate dips to even lower depths as Andrew Strauss says the 100 ball format is aimed at 'Mums and kids' , well firstly as most grounds won't let dogs in, how the hell can they justify people taking goats in???
secondly I will have to go out and buy a goat to be able to qualify as I am not a Mum.

Seriously though I found that statement slightly patronising, 'mums' do go to cricket,
Although in his eyes I am sure that the mums can watch the game AFTER they have done the cricket teas and washed up!

Right that's all folks I'm off the the salt mine.

Have a good day.

Another sunny morning

its Sunday and the sun is shining, we are watching the groundsmen  blotting up any excess water after the storm we had last night.

It looks to be a glorious day weather wise.

So back to yesterday,

After getting the blog posted very late, Sophie and I managed to eventually get to our seats well after start of play.

It was a scorcher!

So Notts were in batting, they made it to just before lunch when they had racked up 188 runs. My big confession was that I couldn't help but cheer when Big Luke Fletcher came into bat. It was just the fact that he is back to playing after last year.

Lyth, Lees and Pujara ( run out) went early and it took Captain Ballance to steady the ship as he and TLJL start today on 76 and 37 respectively.

Ive had a scan around the counties and  sad to see Middx struggling, hopefully they will have a good day today.

Kent are today heading home with a few days off as they thrashed Durham in 2 days.

Hants let Surrey get control yesterday. All I have to say on this is 'come on Hampshire'.

Sophie and I ventured up to see Dave Bracegirdle yesterday before tea ( he is the Notts comms man).
However I got to outside the comms room and then couldn't go in.
Big lump in throat as I could see where Cally used to sit.

Later we went and laid some flowers in the garden of rest at the ground.

Now we are having a paracetamol cocktail to undo the effects of last night and then venturing out to find food.

And finally good luck to our Chairman Steve Denison and the lovely Jemima Bird as they head out to run the London Marathon.
 Absolute stars!

Have a great day you may need your factor 30!

Another sunny day

Good morning from a very sunny Headingley, Sophie and I are not feeling that sunny due to some wine and rather a few too many martinis, I am thinking that even hair of the dog may not help.

So to yesterday, I managed to get away from the office early enough to be heading down the A1 in beautiful sunshine and singing my heart out to Motorhead!

Arrived at the Lodge to be told by various G4s jobsworth that I couldn't;t park in the stadium!!!

Well I soon put them in their place!
So car parked in stadium

And then I heard the announcement that TLJL had just gone and got himself out!

 went to meet Sophie!! Yes the girls were back together.

It was a great day of cricket  The Ladyships favourite, Hoddy scored a fabulous 62 and had Jimbo and myself cheering wildly!

Big Luke Fletcher took 4-47 and proved that he is back with a vengeance.
Its just great to see him back on the field, playing!

Notts went in to bat before close and Jack Brooks made short work of  the openers his 3-12 was outstanding.

Then close, headed to the pub, came back and the wonderful staff ( Wendy) at the Lodge, even brought Sophie's car up for Car Park F to the stadium, as we were a bit too wobbly to drive.

And so today begins

I am late posting as we have been watching the warm up.

Its going to be another  scorcher!

Happy Cricket  Saturday

Sunny days and its a cricket weekend

Ah after the snow and the rain, we have had two days of sunshine, and of course its hot enough to wear your shorts and boob tube to do the shopping in Morrisons! ( not me I hasten to add, I still have my liberty bodice on!)
Yes we are all trying to introduce our pasty white appendages to the joy of sunshine.
Hopefully this weekend will continue with the warmth  as I head off to meet me besty Sophie and Jimbo at Headingley this afternoon.
I can hardly contain myself!
Its all of 3 weeks and 1 week respectively since I last saw them.

Right time for a full on rant.

The ECB have decided that in 2020 at the start of the new franchise matches they will not be 20/20 but will be 100 ball game. 15 normal overs and then 10 balls.

As this was announced after lunch anyone would think that they had, had too may sniffs of the barmaids apron.
Apparently this decision was received enthusiastically! Well two fleas farting can be received enthusiastically if you have had enough vino!
And then they went on to say that idea, sorry 'concept', which is now the word of choice, has been doing the rounds ( so talked about on Friday nights in the Lords Tavern after a couple).
The broadcasters also had a say into the whole thing as they  wanted a format that would  draw in new followers, WOMEN and South Asians.(?)

So worse than new followers ,WOMEN and South Asians, watching 20/20 , lets invent something that makes no sense and doesn't even really follow any  of the normal rules of cricket.

Obviously women have never watched cricket in any format.
I love the fact that these misogynous dinosaurs think they are developing a new concept when in fact they are, in my personal opinion, dumbing down a great and much loved game, to appeal to the masses, which will result in games the length of a football match, and will soon be a horrible as this.

AND BREATHE!

In other cricket news, lets hope that every County team has a great weekend of  county cricket. Relish it, it is on the way out now.

I think that I need to head to work, where I can at least have my mind taken off all of this  and worry about the day to day doings in the Water treatment world!

Happy Friday,

Its nearly the weekend and its a cricket day!

Thursday and full of busy!

Wow Thursday already and I will be very busy this evening getting everything into the car ready for the off straight from work tomorrow.

I have the important things packed........................gin and vermouth, olives and glasses.

Sorted!


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

As I predicted a few weeks ago, it looks as if Justin Langer is in line for the job of Australia coach, although at the moment this is just a rumour, who knows who might be stealing up on the railings.
Is there a 'dark horse' we have missed?

Cricket Australia are currently denying that  Langer is going to be appointed (2am 19/4/18)

I read with horrorthe rumour of possibly allowing  Warner, Bancroft and Smith to play in the UK has been circulating!

Seriously which county would even touch them?
Oh yes that would probably be Surrey!!!!!!


The BBC have lost the broadcasting rights to upcoming cricket tours to Sri Lanka and  West Indies, this has been scooped up by commercial radio station Talksport, I wonder how much of the advertising revenue goes to the ECB?


Talking ECB  ( as I seem to have been for most of this week, month, year) Ed Smith is set to become the new National  selector.
Good luck mate you may need it.

 Glamorgan have signed Aussie Usman Khawaja for the T20 blast. He will be joining Shaun Marsh in the opening line up.


Well as its very early AM maybe I should move away from the keyboard and  pull the duvet over my head, and try to get some sleep.

It will be 5am before I know it

What is going on at the top?

So after Alec Stewart asked for more information on the payments for IPL players to the ECB, it was announced yesterday that they will be  reviewing the policy regarding these payments.

They have actually admitted that they do get quite a wedge of dosh for English players going over to India,
They also appear to be a bit miffed to have been caught out.
My question is if this payment has been going on since 2014, as it is rumoured, then if they  pay money to clubs in compensation, will it be backdated?
It appears that some English players are irked by all the compensation malarky as some of them feel that they have been unduly in the firing line from their county members and supporters.
They feel that the compensation going to clubs may have softened the blow.

Ah!some players now have someone else to put the blame on for their chase for riches.

Just to say that the ECB  are not alone in receiving this money , as these payments go to all governing bodies of players involved.
The main problem here is that the ECB have been hiding this fact, funny that this seemed to coincide changes around the top of the pile.

They say the money , although not going to each county concerned, goes into a central pot to be used for the development of the 18 counties.

Ah that old chestnut!
I know which pot it goes into!
A few lobster ones I imagine!

Ball tamping, dodgy dealings, dirty deeds, money, it all goes on in cricket, there has to be a book waiting to be written about all of this.

Well enough bleating about the Big Bosses.

Another busy week here as the clear out continues. As I am hardly sleeping at the moment this may be irritating the neighbours but hey I've put up with their nocturnal troubles frequently over the last few years.
Time to give something back!!!!
More bags to go to the charity shop tonight as everything is geared towards next few months.
When I redecorated the bathroom, I bought a signed which said  'the world is your oyster' , I never realised how prophetic this would become.

I'm relishing  the prospect of a huge change.

At the moment its all that is getting me through what is becoming a terrible week in the office.
If its not one thing its another!
Onwards and upwards.

Roll on Friday!

And finally just to say that today would have been the 60th birthday of the great Malcolm Marshall, a great player, a lovely man and still missed.

Well now what a Monday that was!

Flipping Nora!

My poor boys were sent home again yesterday as the match was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
They got 5 points but I am sure that neither sides were happy with that.

And then there was Lancs v Notts!
Holy moly, 90 minutes and more wickets falling that I have heard in a long time.
It was all go at Old Trafford.
Lancs went from  58-2 to all out for 73. An exceptional spell of bowling from newly ( and rightly) promoted Notts.

Notts needed 10 to win and I settled down for a few minutes to listen......................not to be! they slumped to 9-4.
What in earth was going on?
Well they got their win ```````````````````````````````````````````but not without giving everyone a bit of  a shock.

Well done to Harry Gurney and Jake Ball for some fabulous bowling.


My poor Worcestershire were well beaten by Hampshire down at the Ageas bowl, I`m looking forward to seeing Worcestershire at Scarborough later this season.


Elsewhere in cricket,I got to listen to the Warwickshire v Sussex match  on 5 live sport as they were having to scrabble around the counties yesterday.
Sussex fought well to draw with the bears.

I have always been a fan of Alec Stewart, even though he played for Surrey,  and yesterday he really went up in my estimation as he called on the ECB  to redistribute the money that they have been creaming off English players in the IPL.
It is said that this season  they have been getting 20% of the contract fee of the 12 players in the  subcontinent at the moment.
None of this money has filtered down to the players clubs..
Not a bad little haul for the ECB ( exceptional club of buffoons?)! and that will pay for a lot of Stilton and Port!
As no club was aware of this until recently, it begs the question, where else have they been dredging money from?
I am daily losing faith in the ECB and feel that the top of the pyramid are the villains in the whole thing.


 And now its nearly time to start Tuesday properly.

After a major clear out of the dressing room, I have several large bags to take to the charity shop tonight on the way home.

Well lets go and see what today has to hold for me.

Have a great Tuesday

And its Monday again

Not sure how it got to be Monday again! Its only a blink since it was Thursday.
Its raining here again and this is more April monsoon than April showers.
I awaiting the much murmured heat wave arriving, if its not here by Wednesday, I'm packing a fan heater to take with me for the weekend, hotel heating can be notoriously 'iffy'.

So it was a first yesterday as ( apat from on holiday) I was in a pub at 10am, I was not however drinking alcohol as I knew that I would be driving home sooner rather than later.
A grey day it was and after Jim and I read the statement from Yorkshires CEO regarding the drainage situation at the ground, I decided that it was home for me.

I spent the afternoon , listing more things on ebay as I  go into clear out overdrive, its going to be a very busy time for me I can tell you. The end result though will be great as I push onto new pastures.

Its been a very sad and sorry start to the season for both Yorkshire and Essex, with no play in 3 days, although across on the 'dark side' Notts have taken a first innings lead against the hosts.

Down at the Ageas bowl its gearing up to be a push for Worcestershire today as they need 265 to win  and have 7 wickets in hand. These are my two little pet teams and I'm hard pushed to say who I would want to win.

Readers may remember last year when Jim and I were watching Yorks v Middx we struck up a conversation with Middx bowler James Harris, he kept us very entertained through the morning session with his chat and very nice man he is and a credit to the club ( as I told Harry Latchman).
Well he was a credit to the club indeed this weekend as they thrashed Northants. James had bowling figures of 9-48. He was also the top scorer in the first innings with a great knock of 46.
Very well done James.
TIm Murtagh also had cracking bowling figures, I am thinking that the former Champions are on the promotion path already.

Warwickshire V Sussex saw the host take control yesterday.
I'm thinking that they will clean up today.


Right I am about to head into the rain and cold and see what this week brings in at the office.

I would love a bit of sunshine which would greatly boost my depleted happy hormones.

Have a great day.

What will Sunday hold

Well it is Sunday there has been no rain ( that I can see) overnight but the hopes of any play today is not looking toogood.

Yesterday seemed to start well, as I went out to the limo, it was really warm and I felt very positive ............................ and then I met Mark and John who informed me that there would be no play for the morning and an inspection at 1.40pm.

So we headed to the Long Room.

We had a fabulous chat with Geoff Cope about his wonderful book, and then his dog Lester took a liking to Pink Hippo!!!!

Mark and I  chatted with various people throughout the morning and also caught up  on all that had been going on in our respective lives.

We realised that there was no information coming through the tannoys, so we just waited.
Having ventured outside I was surprised to realise that if you were sitting out there you would have needed factor 30 on!

It was very very warm!!!!
Well the umpires ventured out, the coaches ventured out. The rumour was that the outfield nearest to the rugby ground was the problem, but no one seemed to be venturing there.

Then  they put up on the scoreboard that the match was abandoned for the day. Still no verbal interraction.

So Mark and I headed off to the French cafe and had a drink before heading off for some retail therapy.

We were the only club not playing.

Strange things were afoot at Lords as wickets were tumbling right left and centre, I wonder if there will be an inspection of the wicket ????


I am resigned to the fact that there will be no play today so may be meeting up with Jim for lunch before heading back North.

The weekend is nearly over, how on earth did that happen!!!???


Ah well new week ahead and lots to do.

Mainly a washout

Ah the first day of the season with HRR  & DC was always going to be bad, but the first day of the season without any cricket!!!!
And Yorkshire were not alone in this problem.
Lancashire and Nottinghamshire also were washed out and rain at Edgbaston put paid to the day against Sussex.
 I sure that everyone was able to entertain themselves.

I am lying  in  bed eating my porridge and listening to the birds singing.
Will we have play today.
Well I for one hope so.


There are some ugly rumours circulating that money for IPL players may have been changing  hands with the ECB, if this is true than I would say that on my rant on Tuesday I was nearer the mark than I imagined.
If they are creaming off money form India they will be milking the cow continuously when the franchise takes off here.
Its a disgrace, its about time that the top of the pyramid was investigated.

I have no trust in these men and I am sure that I am not the only one.

An interesting read this morning, Ian Chappell talking IPL and David Warner.
He is not sure that CA want old 'smug mug' back.
Apart from the ball tampering thing, apparently Warner was very very vocal ( nooooo  not David!) during the pay dispute last year.
He thinks that Smith will be back but will never captain again.


I think that it is time for me to take a walk and blow away the cobwebs, I have quite a lot to do this morning and lying here typing is not going to get things done.

Have a great day and hopefully where ever you are you will get to see some cricket.

It's finally here

Its here!

The first day proper of the county cricket season.As you can tell I am slightly excited about this.
It is for us Yorkies,tinged with sadness as we tune into t'wireless at 10.55am this morning.
We all know why.
There has and will be tears again, but I know that DC is watching down on us all and willing our lads on to win the championship.

My boys are taking on Essex, the current champions although the weather forecast does not seem to be great, I'll keep an ear on it all from the office.

I'll also be keeping an eye on Surrey as Morne is here!!!!!
And he has been closely followed by Dean Elgar who is coming to the South Londoners for a second stint.

After not being able to have Cameron Bancroft due to the ban, Somerset have signed Matt Renshaw. Renshaw appears to be happy to come over as replacement.

 Apart from the county season starting being in the news, I see that the USA are getting themselves in gear to put cricket on their sporting map.
They will love the T20 razzamatazz,
I personally think that they will turn it into a complete freak show, but hey its their chance to come into the cricket fellowship. Secretly we know that they will claim to have invented the game and it will have to be bigger and better  than anywhere else.

Well it all starts in earnest today and I  say good luck to all the teams, but extra special good luck to my Yorkshire boys

The race is on!

#coyt

Thursday already

Well its Thursday already and its been quite a week.

Yesterday I trotted off to the hospital, for an appointment with the consultant ( or one of his staff). Turned out to be one of his staff ( who was jaw droppingly gorgeous!), however after an examination and chat,he then brought in the Head Honcho and after much chatting and examining, he decided that as I was 'a totally unique case' ( his words not mine), and  he is referring me to the 'top bloke' in the country! Apparently 'top bloke' likes 'totally unique' cases.

And there was I thinking that I was just a tad odd and looked like Ronald McDonalds older sister.

After being just ever so slightly cross  on Tuesday about the IPL fiasco, I read with interest what Jason Ratcliffe former PCA Deputy Cheif Exec had to say about the possible compensation for clubs if players are involved in T20 worldwide outside of the domestic season. This follows a meeting  by the Directors of Cricket and Head Coaches on Tuesday.

He advises that players should be involved in these meetings as they could damage their earning potential ( Plunkett and Willey would have had to use skype).
Why is Ratcliffe wading in?

Well he is an agent and of course his earning potential could be in jeopardy.

Money, money, money, it is the root of all evil.

I still remember the whole Kerry Packer thing!  Well I say remember but being only 21 it was a verbal memory handed down to me!


I read an interview with Glenn Maxwell who was talking about the fact that it was a tough time for the Australian team after the ball tampering saga.
I really could not empathise with his comments that it was difficult in the run up to the final test watching ( his words) 'the humiliation' of three players especially through the interviews that they gave.

Firstly I like Maxi he did us proud at Scarbados.
but I'm sorry I cannot agree with the 'humiliation' comment. They planned the downfall of South Africa by cheating, got caught and were punished as deemed fitting.
If they were 'humiliated' it was of their own doing.

'Fatty' Flintoff has voiced what a lot of people were probably thinking, only 3 people knew????

End of ball tampering please!

Well it is nearly time to head off to the saltmines.

Its cold and its wet so it is plain to see that we are one day away from the start of the domestic season proper!


 

Back to normal today

Well almost normal, after waking up at 2am not being able to get back to sleep, Ive finished my book 'The year of living Danishly', which is very good and had me laughing out loud.
I am now (5.00am) ready to go back to sleep, just in time to get up for work!


After setting off a full on  debate on everything from ECB hierarchy to how best to support the remainder of the Yorkshire team, today I am stepping down from my soap box. I think that I said enough yesterday.

I will however be chaining myself to the bar in the Long Room on Friday and any alcoholic  contributions will be gratefully received.


There are much more important things afoot today.

It is only the birthday of my besty chum Fun Sophie!!!!!!

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Sophie
Well celebrate proper next Friday



And then there is the news that

MORNE MORKEL HAS ONLY GONE AND SIGNED FOR SURREY

OH MY DOG!!!

My two besty bowlers together, Siddy and Morne!


Well I think that I had better throw myself into the shower and get myself ready for work before I sink into much needed snooze.

Its Wednesday and  we are half way to the weekend.

Hell hath no fury..........

.............like a Lady who has just 'regingered' her afro!


I am still breathing fire this morning after the news that Willey has followed Plunkett to the IPL on the eve of the start of the domestic season.

If I hear one more ' this is life changing money' spewed out I swear I will say words that no Lady should ever utter!

This is biting the hand that feeds you, ignoring the bread and butter, and off in search of a  sniff of the champagne and caviar ( or lambrini and lumpfish roe in some cases)

Firstly I would like some clarity on how and why this is allowed  at this late stage?

For goodness sake all the talk at the Yorkshire AGM now seems hollow, I feel for the lovely gentleman who stood up and said we back the team and support them whatever.....................well it could be 'whatever happened to the team'?????!!!!!

I love Yorkshire, before any of the keyboard warriors get on their high typists chair,
I care about what happens at the club,
I want us to win the County Championship before 'Robin' Graves puts the final nail in the coffin ( every pun intended).
I love cricket especially County Championship cricket and I hate to see it being brought to its knees as the 'circus' is forced into town!.

I am sick of hearing how T20 is bringing youngsters to the game........................do we want children thinking that this is how cricket really is, money, dancing girls and hot tubs and dumping your club eve of season??

T20 is killing County Championship cricket!
The ECB are pushing for T20 and so are endorsing the killing of County Championship cricket.
Do the upper echelons of the ECB have money to invest in the possible franchises?

Well that would be a conflict of interest wouldn't it? I 'trust' it would be!


Surely I am not the only one that thinks this!????

I never thought that I would be in full on rant mode before the season even started!

have a great day!


 

How is it Monday again?

Well here is Monday again.
And its a momentous week.........................yes Friday sees the start of the season proper.
I am beyond excited and just have to get through 4.5 days until I am on the way to Headingley.
I have the plans for every night this week to ensure that I

A. get all the jobs done that need doing
B. have everything sorted and packed that I need for the weekend
C. just get away to watch some cricket.

I have one sleeve left to knit for the first raffle teddy of the season, so hopefully that will be finished before I leave on Friday too.

Yesterday was busy as I made chutney with some left over bramleys.
I also did some knitting, started the renovation of the lovely Nathan side table that I was given.
I sorted out the hydrangea nursery and checked on the rhubarb.......................which is sprouting like a mad thing.
I'm way to excited by the prospect of my own rhubarb!

The IPL is in full swing, and that seems to be filling the news as we have little cricket

Somerset are playing a friendly against Ireland which was on t'wireless and I listened to as I pottered around in the kitchen.

And then there is more fall out after the world cup qualifiers, as Zimbabwe sacked  Heath Streak from his role as head coach, after they failed  to make the 2019 World Cup, he was not alone as most of the coaches in the team were sacked after they refused to resign.

There are rumblings about 'racism' within the team in the selection, Streak is at the forefront of the allegations.
He is currently part of the coaching set up with an IPL team and denies the allegations saying that they are clutching at straws.
He also took to social media ( of course he did)  and answered his critics in the Zimbabwean native language.
I remember seeing him when he arrived at Northlands Road to take a place with Hampshire. Very confident young man!

And talking Hampshire, I am still trying to get sorted with my flight 'darn sarf' for the Yorkshire match.
I hope to be cheering on 'me lads', and  I will also  meeting up with my besty chum Terry, who looks after all the lads at the Ageas Bowl.
I hope that I can get something in place.

Well time and tide wait for no lady, the only place that I am going at the moment is to face the A167, although it is still the Easter holibobs so that means that the roads will be fairly quiet again this week.

Lets go and do Monday!

Lazy Sunday morning

Its Sunday morning and I am having a lazy lie in, I am not hungover as when we went out last night I was very sensible and had 2 glasses of wine and then came home!
Truth is I was so tired that Saturday night or not, I was in bed by 10pm.

Yesterday had been busy as I had lots to do and even managed a sweep of the charity shops.
I picked up the perfect mirror for the bathroom and now that room  is complete.
I love  it when you are able to 'recycle' to refresh a room.

Today I have a planned trip to the tip, before trying to finish some more work at  home, and finishing some knitting too.

So now to cricket,

Unexpectedly  we hear that Liam Plunkett is going to play for the Delhi Daredevils, he is replacing Kagiso Rabada.
This is a bit of a blow for us Yorkies as we were under the impression that he would be with us for red ball as this was his main concern. Ah well  it is plain to see that money has much more pull.

Well the  exodus from the ECB continues, before long there will just be His Royal Graveness sitting on his throne, looking at how he can kill the County Championship  once and for all.

Matt Dwyer, who initiated the All Stars program, which was to bring more children back to cricket, has now moved over to work for Tennis Australia.

There does seem to be some shifting about, it does not appear to be a happy ship!

News came through that Phil Mustard, who left Durham after a loan period with Gloucestershire back in 2016. Has now left the club, just days before the start of the season!
Wonder where  he is going?
Wonder what he is going to be doing?

Right time to head to the tip and get the day started good and proper.
Its also a bit of a big day today when after 5 months of not 'oranging' my hair I am on the brink of returning to my roots ( or attending to them more like).

It wouldn't be the cricket season  really if I wasn't that vibrant copper colour.


Have a great day what ever you are doing.

Well its been some morning already

So far this morning  I have jumped out of bed, been showered, realised that it is Saturday and then gone back to bed as my head is slightly achy, due to a very nice Shiraz which was also very strong.

I have a lot to do this morning including taking a huge bag of 'things' to the Post Office and then get on with finishing off the decorating before settling down to a spot of knitting.
I'm also out tonight so I am warning that  there may be a very late/ no blog tomorrow.

Right lets get to important things

DALE STEYN IS ONLY GONE AND SIGNED FOR HAMPSHIRE!!!!!

I am beyond excited about this signing. I may finally get to see the 'stare' in the real. Well done to Hampshire for securing this and I hope that it is great for both sides.


Cricket Australia  have proposed a new player code in  light of the ball tampering scandal.
I am guessing that pocket/ box checking may be the first thing that they do.

The rain has caused  untold havoc on the start of the season.
I feel for all clubs who are struggling with waterlogged pitches.
And none worse than Worcestershire who have a perpetual water problem in winter.
They did however still get team shots on the small bit of grass that was not underwater.

Yorkshire will play Leicestershire in a friendly at Grace Road next Monday and Tuesday whilst the fabulous groundsmen at Headingley get on with having everything ready for next Friday.

I am upset to say that I cannot get to Leicester next week and this is doubly sad as I may have caught sight of the lovely Michael Carberry as he prepares to captain the team.

I also had a fabulous chat with Harry Latchman last night and I'm sad that our cricket paths wont cross this season but we have plans that may remedy that.

Well time to head off to the town, so I wish you all a very happy Saturday.


This time next week we will be into the cricket season proper.

Woohoo half day Friday

Thank goodness it is half day Friday, its been a 4 day week and I am absolutely shattered this morning.

All my plans for last night went out the window when I got back to the chateau, I was due to do part two of 'couch to 5k' ( do this afternoon) and then get out my flask and clean it ready for next week.
My lunch and tea containers also needed a quick go in the dishwasher, this too is a job for this afternoon.

So what did I do?
Well nothing, I have no idea where the time went and when I got into bed I couldn't get to sleep, so ended up still staring at the clock until gone 2am.
I'm expecting an early night is on the cards for me.

Well now what has been happening in the cricket world?

I was sad to read that Kenya are having further problems after a terrible showing in the World Cup qualifiers, the Government is set to disband the governing body, Cricket Kenya. After a win less campaign in the competition there was a mass resignation , including the Head coach and the Chairman ( to name but two).
Elections were called but that has since been cancelled and the whole sorry event is turning into a shambles.
I fear this is going to be the beginning of the end for the Kenyans.
I'm thinking that this could be my big chance, I love cricket and I especially love Kenya,maybe I need to apply for a  job
On the serious side, I find this whole situation very sad.

The IPL continues to lose players  as Kagiso Rabada is out of the IPL with a back injury. He is sidelined for at least three months,
 His space in the Delhi Daredevils  is now up for grabs.

IPL I used to really enjoy ,I now can take it or leave it. It is nothing more than a parade ground for the T20 mercenaries.
I dread this coming to the UK.

And now I am off to put in my half day shift and by the sound of my phone making cash register noises, I will be packing up ebay things to take to the post office tomorrow, when I get home this afternoon, as well as last nights leftover activities.

Oh well the weekend is nearly here and I for one am really pleased about it.


Happy Friday 

Its still raining

Its Thursday and in the saltmine there is no taking the foot of the gas pedal. After a meeting yesterday with 'the king of water' it was all systems go in the office as we found out we were moving in the right direction and doing it very well. This is high praise and I have to say that we have all worked very hard to get things moving forward. I have a great team.

Rain is the scourge of us all at the moment I think, and the friendly between Yorkshire and Durham fell foul of it.
The match against the University has also been axed at Headingley in the hopes that it gives the groundsmen a chance to get sorted for next week.
Its got to improve before then?

Please!!!!

I wish that I was a cricket writing hack, because all they seem to do is churn up the same story at every possible opportunity.
As soon as Darren Lehmann resigned from his Australia gig, Jason Gillespie's name was thrown into the mix, and now he is once again being named as the England coach in waiting. I am sure that Sussex have their contract set with super glue.
It gets to be a little but repetitive, I'm sure you will agree.
But is there no smoke without fire???

I doubt it very much, but sometimes my mystical powers have been known to be off.


Great to read that Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands will be playing aT20  Tri series this summer in the build up to Ireland taking on India. The matches will take place in Holland and is is hoped that this will become a  yearly event.
Me too, I will be able to go and cheer my men in orange.

More 'sorrowful' stories from two thirds of the ball tampering trio. Smith and Bancroft have said that they will not contest their bans.
I'm not sure why I am giving this any more time. They concocted a crime they were caught, they cried a lot because of it and now they have to sit out their ban. End of.
I have to say that if you think that I am harsh on this event its nothing to the horror and disappointment I felt when Mike Atherton was caught with 'dirt'in his pocket way back in the 90's.
It took me until two years ago to even listen to him again.

Today I am looking forward to a day of working on new procedures for the gang ( that's all of the gang not just the office gang).I am pushing forward to try to get us working much smarter.
Its been a tough 10 months for me as I did seem to have taken on a role that had been only given lip service too.
Hopefully we are now heading in the right direction.

Well lets go and see what today brings.

Have a happy Thursday

Can you teach an old dog new tricks?

So yesterday after deciding that something had to change on the activity front, I decided to download the 'Couch to 5K' app  onto my phone.
I'm aiming on going from whale to wow ( or  just 'OK' but it didn't sound so good)
This is supposed to have me running for 30 minutes in 9 weeks! (good luck with that)
Starting with  getting out 3 times a week to get you into the swing of it.

Home I went and hunted out my leggings, trainers and sports top with incorporated bra.

Ah yes, there they were loitering at the back of the drawers, however what I forgotten to take into account was that I am slightly on the 'chubbier' side than when I last wore them, and lycra may be a miracle fabric, but it has its limitations.

After fighting into the leggings,( like cramming too much meat into the sausage skin), I  then nearly dislocated my shoulder trying to get into the top/bra, everything was squeezed to erupting point.

I was unsure whether to bend down to put on my trainers for fear of a monumental spillage.

Have you ever tried to put trainers on whilst lying on the bed?, believe me that was like some serious yoga move!

 Off the bed, and after putting on a hoodie, I headed out for my first 'walk'.

I got home in one piece and also with everything still in place.

I'll be out doing it all again on Thursday evening, hopefully my shoulder will be better by then!!!! ( its still hanging limply by my side)

So the answer to the above question is, you can try, try, try, and hopefully you will succeed.

In other news, England drew the final test  but in theory lost! ( see all that 'Barmy Army, Barmy Army' chanting was to no avail). Coach Bayliss has hinted that there will be changes in the team and that there are opportunities for all domestic players.
Now there is a poison chalice if ever there was one.

The ECB have notified everyone of who they will allow to be available for county matches. We get Joe Root and JB back but for away matches. Not so great for those of us who cant get to many aways!


Interesting to read, that TLJL has been practising his 'off spin' over the winter, so hopefully we will see him coming through bowling too. great to see more development from within.

South Africa, put Australia in their place and sent them home with their tails between their legs. I have to say that I feel no sorrow or pity for the team, the disgraced players or the now former  coach.

If the papers are to be believed then David Warner is to 'sprag' on his former team mates to get a reduced ban.

I hope this is untrue as it will make him even more detested if that is possible!
He could never hope to share a dressing room with any of them ever again.

It also was the last time that Morne Morkel would be in South Africa colours, and what a sad day. He is and always will be one of my favourite bowlers.

Well time to head out of the door as I have a day of meetings and I am not looking forward to these.

Have a great day, it is Wednesday already!!!!!

Saltmines are a calling

New week, new month and its all about cricket from now on as I gear up for the first matches of the season.
The cricket mugs are out, and I have the bags in the dressing room, ready to be packed ( and packed again and again ).
So lets do April!

Its has started very wet and miserable here in the north of Blighty, although we need to think ourselves lucky as I saw photos of Barnsley and the surrounding areas and it was snowing! and lots of it too!

I did however crack on  and hung more paper in the study, which is now looking really lovely even though I say so myself.
I also started the knitting of a Yorkshire jumpers for the first bear of the season who will be given away to be raffled.

As you will have guessed ( and read) over this weekend I have done nothing but work!
I am, as mentioned yesterday, going to  get myself away from it all for a long weekend very soon.I really need it.

So its the start of the  domestic cricket season, but lets see what has been happening on the international side.

Well firstly I got to have my last fixes of Morne Morkel, who despite having a side strain played yesterday AND took 2 wickets too!!!
As Australia need 524 runs to win, I am waiting for South Africa to skittle them today.

And then we have England, I decided to put the radio on through the night and drifted in and out of the coverage ( mainly tuning out when 'Listen to me I love me' Swann was on ), however by 4.45am I had to turn the coverage off, I could listen to no more persistent chanting of 'Barmy Army, Barmy Army, Barmy Army' and trumpet playing!
And judging by the comments on TMS nor could some of the commentators.

England need to take 3 wickets to win.

 
 I am now about to don the thermals ( no heating on in the office for 4 days and lots of rain) and get myself ready for a new ( 4 day) week.

Have a great one if you are at work today, and if you took an extra days holiday, well done you.

Rainy Easter Monday

Ah its a rainy Easter Monday and its not looking to hopeful for my Morne Morkel in his last international match as he sustained a side strain injury and is in doubt to play the rest of the test.
I cannot believe that I will not see him again in South African colours.

He is a superb bowler and is in my all time top 10.

Right enough of crying into my coffee.

I am still cracking on with jobs here at the chateau and yesterday saw more clearing out and getting things in order. I also made some chutney and dug a massive hole in the garden and deposited a root of rhubarb into it. I hope its the right way up!
If this comes good this season then I will be chutney and gin making like a mad ( even madder) person.

My long weekend has been not so much a rest as a chance to get things done.
I have also sold my dining chairs, after getting new ones and they should be collected on Wednesday evening.

The whole life laundry does seem to be working. However I really need some time for me, a rest and chance to catch my breath, which I rarely seem to get at the moment.

I know that once the season is in full flow I will be busy and here,there and everywhere, but I am going to try to get myself away for a few days, no wifi, no TV just me and some chill out time.
Fingers crossed that I can sort it out.

England were taking huge strides in their game against NZ until the light became a problem.
There is now a bit of a to do about the adjusting of times for today ( tomorrow).
Ah well its cricket no one really understands it!

Well time to do do things.

Back to the grind tomorrow.

Have a peaceful Easter Monday.

Late today

Happy Easter everyone.

I hope that the lapin de paque has been to visit you
I'm hoping that the lapin du vin has been to visit me!

I have had a lie in as the last two days have been very very busy. Today I was going to slow down but now I think that I should crack on  ( no Easter egg pun intended).

The New Zealia v England match is swinging more than 'Donald and Jacqueline ' ( lets see how many of you get that one, answers to me on twitter please).England now seem to be in control, who knows what will happen.
England lead by 231 runs and great knocks by Vince and Stoneman.


South Africa are playing to win and Australia are struggling as Tim Paine fractures his thumb.

Lastly Candice Warner says her husband is struggling.............................well  I have no sympathy. You reap what you sow.

I am going to hang more paper and then prepare a lovely Easter lunch for me .

Have a wonderful day and relax.

Don't eat too much chocolate either.