Bad hair day

Well after struggling to get out of bed this morning I was greeted by the sight of hair that is standing straight up, and by straight I mean vertically and curly!! I have no idea how I sleep but it must be very strangely, I'm struggling to make a decent attempt at sorting the mess out.

However back to yesterday.

Rain caused delay for my boys and with overs reduced , they decided to have every one on the edge of their seats as they took it down to the last over. Matthew Fisher showing real guts and with another outstanding performance from Tom K-C  we won Willey was given a place in the team after his venture into the money game, he took 4-47 but I am yet to be convinced of his commitment to Yorkshire.
Controversial? no just my thoughts.

Middlesex were playing at former home, Merchant Taylors School and with pictures coming through thick and fast I was getting very home sick sitting at my desk. I did however give one of my twitter followers Dan a guided tour of the school, from 252 ,miles away.
Not Middx's day though as Hampshire beat them.

lovely to see a 'flicx pitch' in action during the interval.

Today sees Leicestershire and Lancashire in action so I hopefully will be listening to that.

I am also full on planning  what to do with my life next, surely sitting in traffic for 2 hours a day and working 8.5 is not really the way forward, is it?

There has to be more to life than this.

Anything with cricket and cocktails would be perfect.

Who knows?

Well time to get on the road.

its Thursday and the weekend is getting closer.

Another overcast day

Yes its another overcast day here in the North East of Blighty although as I have to go to the saltmines I am not sure why I am so worried.

I did however wake up with the feeling that it was half day Friday which was a terrible shock when I realised it was only Wednesday!!!.

anyhoo lots to do before Friday that's for sure.

What I did wake up to is the news that Keaton Jennings has replaced Mark Stoneman. The boy with the most uncoordinated legs in cricket. He tends to look like Bambi on ice. However lets hope that he can do his stuff.

Also captain Morgan is ruled out of the World X1 game as he has broken a finger.

Those Worcestershire boys are really going some in the 50 over games. yesterday they pulled off a blinding win with the record breaking run chase.
I think that there is more to come.
Still no commando boy though!

The ICC have decided that they will not scrap the ball toss in test which was a dumb idea really, however I am sure they have worse ones to come.

Well its time to hit the A167 and head off to do my thing.

I hope to get things done this evening as last night was a wash out.

Have a great day and I hope that the sun is shining on you.

Here we go again

Its Tuesday the Bank Holiday weekend is over and not another one in sight until August..................well that's a sobering thought! Not that I need to sober up. Its been a dry weekend here at the chateau.

Its also been a restful ( sort of ) one with lots of napping in the garden when the neighbours haven't been trying to put half a pig on a disposable barbecue!

it was also a quiet day on the cricket front although local clubs were having a few games which is always good to see.
50 over matches start again today and continue this week.

Lots of talk about changing the Test team, 'Stoneman out and Jennings in' is one cry.
Bring back Boycott I say ( and it really must be desperate times if that's my thoughts on it!)

There is no use crying over spilt milk, we played badly, we are going to look at out performance and do better, ( according to the coach and captain).

It will be interesting to see if we can do this.


In other news Phil Jacques has been named as coach of New South Wales, he had a spell at Yorkshire so he is bound to be a success!

John Hastings who is a man mountain, has signed for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL at the end of the year.
Hastings had played for the Melbourne All stars where he was captain.
he announced his retirement in  from first class cricket in October, but remains on the T20 circuit!

well that's about it, time to head out the door and get this week under way.

Last day of the weekend

Well it is Bank Holiday Monday and those of you with test match tickets for today, will be spending the day at home doing a bit of DIY. or maybe out shopping, Lords is certainly not on your route today.

England were all out in  the blink of an eye and Pakistan just calmly finished it all off.

I always feel for the losing Captain giving his verdict, but sadly Joe is having to ask us to 'keep the faith' a lot and the stock phrases of ' we will go away and look at our performance' , ' we need to identify our problem' seem to be wearing thin.
 So lets keep the faith and go to Headingley with  strong hope.


The accusations that 3 England players  were involved in spot fixing in India, have as expected been called outrageous by both Captain and coach. An investigation and programme shown last night, also highlighted Australian players.

All the  England players  have been spoken to by the ECB and deny any wrong doing.

More information has been asked for.

The ICC have begun an investigation.
This could go on for a while.


Meanwhile back in Nottingham, they had a record breaking crowd for their game  yesterday, despite being beaten by Warwickshire.
Fabulous to see a top turnout. Well done the Outlaws in drawing in the crowds.

And Finally!!! A ton from Adam Lyth saw us  win against Leicestershire.
Lyth and Tom Kohler-Cadmore are looking like a very strong opening team and put on 153 in their stand.

Pujara put on 75 and that was it!

There was some cracking bowling from Matty Fisher 3-40.
And  Liam Plunkett was back to earn a few sheckles. after his dalliance with the riches of IPL.

No sign of Leicestershires former captain!

Today is a day of rest , Yorkshire are not back in action until Wednesday when they are at Derbyshire.

I meanwhile am off to do some housework, before hopefully having a nap in the garden if the sun comes out.

Have a peaceful day where ever you are.

Sunday and no rest

Well after a very late night enjoying the nuptials of Costas and Estella ( cousins of BKOTF) at a castle not too far from here, I got home at 2am and was wide awake by 6, which was lucky as the neighbours from hell arrived home at 6.15am and decided to have a domestic in the garden ( as you do).

Ah the joys of listening to their mutual dislike of each other, which will all have been forgotten this afternoon as they attempt to give each other food poisoning when they barbecue the weekend away, glugging down Stella and then repeating this morning all over again.

I will not miss this at all.


The cricket was not much better yesterday although a 125 run stand between Butler and débutante Bess made the end of the day more bearable.

Today sees my boys in action at Leicester  ( will the former captain be playing for the home side?)
I will tune in after I have done a spot of gardening and tidying up.

I'm not sure  how long the test will take to finish!

Tonight I am out for dinner and then an early night I hope ( if the neighbours haven't kicked off again).
I also have a spot of paint stripping to do today so that will be a little job whist listening to the match, I expect nothing but the best performance from my boys.

Its going to be a busy one so now I am off to the tip before the queues start.

have a great Sunday

Spring bank holiday Saturday

Well its Saturday of the Spring bank Holiday weekend and I am up, washing is on and I am heading out of the door shortly to head to town.

Yesterday saw the 50 overs game at Headingley washed out as predicted. Sadly it meant that Sophie, Jim and I couldn't get together but it will make for more fun and merriment when we do.

I bet that England wished it had rained at Lords, Babar from Pakistan sustained a broken wrist!
They go into today with a 188 run lead.

Andy Flowers has said that the domestic structure of cricket is hampering the test side.
his comments that most CC matches are played at the beginning of the season in cold wet conditions  means that the players are not conditioned to playing away form home.

seriously!!!???
Well hell, lets move the English domestic teams abroad for the season, yes that makes sense
How is this a problem now, when it has been cold and wet in April forever!
These people are in charge of our teams, and worse than that they walk amongst us!

It smacks of the fact that they don't want to be in this country, so bugger off to warmer climes and stop nannying the test players.

fair to say it is rare that the test players do show up in the early part of the season ( yes Root and Bairstow were around in MAY for Yorkshire).

Another example of stupidity. This numpty has only just stepped into take over from Andrew Strauss and already the power has gone to his head.

Super sad news coming out of Leicester that my beloved Carbs has been relieved of the captaincy of the club.
No other news and I am beyond distraught.


Oh dear not a good start to the morning, so I am off to the Post Office.

Have a great weekend

Long weekend ahead

Well its Friday and I am off to work, not to meet Sophie as we had expected. Weather forecast causing the problems again. I have squirrelled away the days holiday as I have a few appointments upcoming and will need some extra half days.
However, sad to not spend the day with Sophie ( and Jim), we still have August though.


England were in action yesterday and I tuned in, just in time to hear Stoneman go, it got no better, and I mumbled to anyone that would listen, 'they'll be all out before I get home!'
How right I was.

Cook being the only one to put up any sort of fight.

We may have pulled back a wicket before close of play but 50-1 sounds better than 12-1 (or 33-2  or 43-3).

Today is another day and after an early night ( yeah right!) I am sure that they will be out in the field looking move assertive.

Interesting to see that the Pakistan players were visited by the Anti corruption team after close of play and told that no player was allowed to wear a smart watch,
Interesting stuff!


Sad news that  Irelands Ed Joyce has retired from all forms of the game. The 39 year old will take up a coaching role with the Ireland squad.

 And so off to the office and sort out the bacon butty order for my boys.
My poorly  office boy is well on the mend and is off on holibobs to Turkey tomorrow ( if I hear the words 'Budgie smugglers' in the office again it may be too soon),

'C bomb' Bill is back in the office after a trip to Croatia and Whittle Dene and Warkworth water treatment works ( in that order), so we will be regaled with lurid tales no doubt.

Its not cricket but today will not be dull that's for sure.

Have a great Friday and remember that  it is a long weekend, so an extra day to chill out ( or in my case go into overdrive).

The best laid plans

Well its all very good planning in advance, but as Sophie and I don't live just around the corner  from HQ, sometimes things go a bit wobbly.
Our plans for tomorrow are now on shaky ground due to the weather and believe me I do not want to have another 'Essex' weekend, 2 nights hotel and no play at all!.
Today is D Day,when we make decisions.

I'm looking at the  weather forecast and it is not inspiring, rain nearly all day tomorrow  and now it has even moved into Saturday!.

I think that I might be at work instead of sitting watching our lads.

And now for even sadder news, my beloved Abraham Benjamin has decided to retire from International cricket, however with the loss of our overseas players maybe Yorkshire could break from glut of antipodeans we have had in recent years and maybe get  the Huguenot???


It'll never happen but I can dream!

it has been announced that teeny tiny Kiwi Kane will be playing fewer games for us as New Zealia want him back....................see we have had this year after year with overseas players!!!

And talking Yorkshire, my boys lost to Worcestershire despite 'Steve' hitting a century.
Worrying times after that dramatic win on Friday!

Notts saw off Leicestershire and despite me willing Carbs onto great things, he fell early.
Notts are still holding tight to their crown.



Well I am off to the office and then lots to do after work,

Its Thursday  be happy!
The long weekend is nearly upon us.

Midweek already

Well here we are at Wednesday and its a busy one.
Lots of work to do and lots to do this evening, its all speeding up.

sad cricket news, as love him or loathe him, Andrew Strauss has announced that he is taking a step back whilst his wife is treated for cancer.
a horrible disease and wishing her a speedy recovery.


News from Trent Bridge that Samit Patel has signed a contract keeping hm with the club until 2020.Samit is a great bloke who has great talent and  been a great servant of the the club.

The lovely Faf did what he does well and hit 67 not out off 42 balls steering  his team into the finals of the IPL.
Love to watch this man bat, and probably one of the only batsman that I can say I enjoy watching at the crease.
I'm more of a bowling girl myself, have a strange fascination with bowlers run ups!


Today sees my boys in action against Worcestershire.
There is no 'Commando boy' on the team and I am worried about where he is! ( with the seconds I imagine).
I do hope that he is as Scarbados!

I will be keeping an eye on scores today as I am out and about so I am wishing the lads all the best and I expect nothing but an exceptional performance!


Short I know but places to go!

Happy Wednesday!

cold and windy

Its a cold and windy morning here, I woke up to the curtains nearly flipping over the curtain rail. I think that it could be thermals today as the office is not the warmest place even on a sunny day.

Well the good news on one of my office boys is that after extensive test he is suffering from a calcium deficiency, they can sort this out. His worry was the terrible headache which wouldn't go away. This turned out to be his total withdrawal from coffee when feeling out of sorts!!!!

So the office was a bit happier yesterday knowing that 'Our Iron' as he is known, is on the mend.

Lots going on last night here at the chateau as I sold off some Laura Ashley wallpaper that I carried here from 'Tykes Towers'. I decided to let it go ( as I have decided to let a lot of things go) and the lady that came for it was over the moon.

Are we looking any emptier here? Well sort of but give it another couple of weeks and I am sure I will have managed to off load more things.

There was cricket last night  when Hampshire met Surrey (that could be a film!). It ended with Hants winning on the Jack and Vera. I was very pleased with that result.

My boys aren't in action until Wednesday when they are taking on Worcestershire, I will be cheering them on.

I now have to wend my way to Morrisons before work as I have to collect some things for 'the office boys'

I hope it warms up through the day as its a bit nippy out there!

Another week, and closer to the end goal ( I think)

Well another week begins and time to move forward and start packing up the boxes.

its going to be a long hard week as I have a lot to complete but only 4 days to do it in.

After my reiki session with Gill yesterday I found that I spent yesterday either not being able to keep my eyes open or with a head full of things that I needed to address. I knew that this session would be a way of 'unblocking' things within me.
I didn't realise how blocked  I was!
Whether you believe in alternative therapies, or not, the whole relaxation process is very good for you.
I haven't woken up this morning like a new woman but I do see things a lot clearer, which is good and may help me to make some headway through the work mounting on my desk.

Yesterday was a full on cricket say,



My boys lost by 5 wickets to Warwickshire. Disappointing but we will pull back.


Durham got another pasting as Lancashire beat them by 192 runs.


Middlesex  had a great game winning by 70 runs

Its a busy week with cricket this week too, I am sure that I will be enjoying a spot of watching when I get home.


Well I need  to get today started, appointment mid morning and full on day to cram in too.

have a great Monday.

Next week, new start.

Sunday

So Sunday is here and its a sunny one, I have washing on the line and am looking forward to  a spot of Reiki in about an hours time.

Then I will be busy packing things for the remainder of the day as  I actually have no housework to do.

I am just gearing myself up for tomorrow which is going to be a busy day on all fronts.

Cricket was full on with one day cup action  yesterday with Hampshire beating Sussex and Gareth Berg hitting a very quick 65.

Worcestershire beat Derbyshire, but no sign of the most handsome man in English cricket. Hoping that he makes an appearance soon.

There was a wedding and the bride looked lovely. True to form the cousins still have difficulty getting dresses that suit them. poor girls, their mum however did look smart.

Today my boys are in action against Warks and I expect another full on performance from them.


And as the ECB now say that they are supporting plans to scrap the Test coin toss I think its time to head off and get ready to be 'reikised'

Short one today sorry

What a day

I got an early morning message from Sophie which sparked a dull on panic as I rebooked our room at the Lodge and started to plan for another day at cricket with her.
messaged Jim in Barbados to pass on the news and all is sorted

So I headed off for a busy morning at work and pizza was scrapped in place of bacon butties at 10am ( mushroom and mustard  for me). A slight worry that one of my project managers has been unwell all week and had some blood test which resulted in him having to go back to the doctors yesterday, we will await the news on Monday.


Then it was cricket and I settled down in a comfy chair and with a glass of champers all seemed good. Lyth and Kohler-Cadmore took to the field.
Well I can tell you that at midday I never expected to witness such a cracking bit of batting as we saw from Tom, to say that I was whooping was an understatement.
His 164 proved that he is a valued ( and missed last weekend) member of the team.
With a total of 328-4 they set Durham a bit of a task!.

By the time Durham came into bat I was sampling 'absinthe and Champagne' and enjoying it a little bit too much.

And we won!!!

Yes there was much 'yahooing' I can tell you.

Not so this morning as I have a bit of a headache!

I think that it is time for Toms rosebud to fully bloom. A first team cap soon surely?????

However the day was marred with the news that our Captain Gary is taking some time out for personal reason. No further comment on this except to wish Gary well and we hope to see you soon.

After the steam of Surrey hubris over their win against us last week, they were well and truly skittled by Somerset. Mutterings of 'Somerset could be in winning ways this season' were floating around last night  but I soon quashed those!

Today is about a quick trip to the town and then someone is coming to collect some furniture that I have sold.
Then I will settle down to see what everyone is wearing at The Royal wedding.
I love a wedding ( but don't want another one myself) and whether Royal or not its always good to take a peak at the bride.

Well its nearly 8am so time to get the party started and I may go and strim the lawns just to annoy the neighbours!

Happy Saturday

half day, cricket day

well with a house that is absolutely spotless and nothing out of place,(just don't open a cupboard and doesn't everyone have 20 cricket backs and stumps in their under stairs cupboard???!!!).
I am looking forward to the weekend.
More furniture sold and being collected tomorrow and then a Reiki session on Sunday morning, yes I actually have plans that do not include housework and decorating!

I am on half day Friday and then its an afternoon of cricket ( just caught the Freudian slip as I had typed 'Crocket', ah the Miami Vice DVD is rubbing off on me).

My boys are in Chester le Street today and I expect nothing but the best from them today.
No pressure boys but after last weekend I need to see an improvement or I will be applying for the  post of bum kicker!

Notts began their defence of the RLODC title with a win over Lancashire which was brilliant to listen to. As you know I have struggled with the radio commentary this season, with the loss of our beloved Cally, but I have to say that I love listening to Dave Bracegirdle from Notts.

Ah David Warner is going  back to playing club cricket in Sydney, I guess it will be back to the old pranks of Deep Heat in the box, for him. Wonder who dares to do it to him?


The ECB have been a little quiet over the last few days, they are either dealing with the fallout of 'Robin' Graves comments or have been having a bit of a gut bash on the expected revenue of the Franchise T20.

'pass the port Colin'!

Well short one today as I am organising pizza for office lunch, well it is Friday.


Hope you all have a great day, and don't forget to write your letters to the ECB, the more the merrier I say.

come on Yorkshire I also say.

Happy Friday!

At the cost of the County Championship

When CG got into power,
His thirst for change started to flower
'A new format we'll make,
Pull in money with a rake'
he decreed from his ivory tower.

Where once he was known for 'Costcutter',
Now his comments make everyone splutter.
'Woman can come to the game,
though its really a shame
they would be better doing the bread and butter.'.

Determined he was onto a winner
he told the ECB mob over dinner,
'Lets get children to come,
They've no idea how its done,
Don't know a fast bowler from a spinner'.

And so CG continues his move,
The 'Game of Gentlemen' to improve.
His cringeworthy interview,
managed to turn Twitter blue,
The road ahead  for cricket looks rocky not smooth

Another day

well its Wednesday and mid week, lots to do before the weekend.
Good news is that the missing ring has been found but sadly the Yorkshire pin is still missing.
great relief re the ring as it would have been impossible to replace.

In cricket the test between Ireland and Pakistan ended in Ireland losing but not before trying to give the visitors a run for their money.
Great to see though.


As the test team were announced yesterday, the shine was dulled by the calls for the resignation of Colin Graves.
we all know that there is no way he will resign, he has too much of a vested interest in the game, although sadly not in the true game, more his made up version of it.
I know that he is not the only one making decisions, but judging by the total rubbish he is spouting none of them have a clue about cricket, only about how to make more money, and therein lies the rub!

As they said often in 'Game of Thrones', Winter is coming!

And it is going to be a long hard one by the sounds of it!.

The campaign to save County cricket needs to be picking up pace before the buffoons kill it completely.
if, as rumoured  circulating suggest, there are to be  further cuts in the county championship fixtures it will be sorry day for English cricket.

Plans are taking shape I hear.

Well as The Chateau goes up for sale, my thoughts turn to my next redecorating frenzy, Will I be looking at another 'Tykes Towers' as I had in the early days of the blog, or will it be 'Ma'ams mansion'.
Who knows but I guess I had better start looking, I  know one thing, there will be no Deer Park and extensive grounds at this one!

have a great day.

It's just not cricket

to sit at your desk at 11.44am and cry whilst listening to the last wicket fall and your boys lose by an innings and who cares how many runs.

sadly that is what I did and its not because I am unsportsmanlike, but because I am in despair.
Where do we go from here. After pulling off a blinding win last week, we managed to pull off a tremendous loss this week.

What is wrong with the team, where is the fire and determination?

I honestly wish that I could say something that would make things  look better in the cold light of a new day, but I can't.

How can we change this team to winners.
Well we are now into white ball madness and so it will be a chance to  see how the likes of Tom  Kohler-Cadmore   do. Also we need our captain back fit and able to steer the team in the right direction.
I hope that they have just been blown slightly off course

Its just not cricket to sit at your desk and swear like a trooper at the 'teatime' guest on 5livesport.
And that was just what I did when the current killer of the County Championship gave his views on where cricket in this country is going.
It came as something of a shock to hear from 'Robin' Graves that  children are not interested in cricket, ( it came as something of a shock that they were referred to as children to be honest).
And this is why they are introducing the 100ball game.
No its not!!!
You are a bunch of out of touch halfwits who think that a woman's place in the (pavilion) kitchen and that children should be seen and not heard,
However in the interests of lining pockets it would be good to have them along at cricket matches ( along with a mix of ethnic communities), and as they don't understand it, lets flout the rules of cricket and just make it up a we go along.

This man is a liability, just because he could run a convenience store does't mean that he is capable of running English cricket, and lets face it, the other misogynistic dinosaurs that  are there to help out are not much better.

Its all a terrible mess.
Is there no one out there who can challenge these clowns before cricket in England becomes a thing of the past?


It just is cricket and I am glad to see that cricket in Ireland is heading in the right direction, and Kevin O' Brien hitting a century.

And it just is cricket when Mick Cadmore sends you a video of Headingley looking lovely in the sunshime to cheer you up.
just lovely!

So time to head off.

Its a big day today and very busy.

Have a good one,

back to the salt mine today

Ah well I woke up in bed at home this morning, complete quiet,no sirens no road noise, which I have to say I found quiet soothing and had forgotten about.

It was an interesting 3 days as  I managed to get some  things sorted and actually saw things very clearly. Amazing what being back in your old home town can do.
Spent time with friends, funny though that I  irk some people! Oh well will have to try even harder on that score.However my guess is that they feel the same about a lot of people. 

And then there was cricket.
After my boys had a slight reprieve  with the rain on Saturday, Surrey decided to go for the jugular and even a stand by Jonny B (95) and a mini stand (20) by TLJL, didnt help.
sadly the team looked nothing like the team of by gone days ( as it now seems).
we had to follow on.
Joe Root out in both innings for not a lot. Alex Lees leaving me wondering how he got a place in the team after two dreadful innings.
Lyth finally showing some sort of form (58) although this only slightly helped the cause.

Well lets see what today holds.
I did get to see the gorgeous Morne Morkel  bowling during the lunch break. which was great.

There was a real fight going on at New Road between Worcestershire and Essex, this was played out on't wireless as I was travelling home and to be honest it was great to listen to,.

So for the twits at the ECB who are trying to kill off the CC, why not get out around the counties  and watch it!.

Next week sees the start of 50 over matches.
I'll be at Fridays and Sunday where I will be with my lovely farmer friends, hopefully enjoying a spot of tea.

These are  to be my only foray into the 50 over games. I have far bigger fish to fry.
And of course I will be doing in style!

I have some things to sort out for my trip to Lords too, where of course I will be hobnobbing, it would be rude not to.

Well time is passing too quickly and I need to head off  to the office.
Are more changes afoot?

Well this could be an extraordinary year in lots of ways.

Deep breath and time to head off to the salt mine.

We seem to have brought the rain.

So yesterday  after a very hearty breakfast, I headed off to meet Christine before a walk to the ground.

It was relatively quiet in the Long Room as coffee was taken and I caught up with a group of London friends who had headed from North London.
Yorkshire eventually bowled out the host and went into bat, being 7-2 before I could  even get to the bar!.

With the loss of Punjara it was handy that it had started to rain, and as we grabbed some lunch it was decided to head back to my hotel, where  I fell asleep.
Waking up an hour later to fond that there was still rain.

By 6pm it was decided to head out for dinner which was fabulous and washed down with a bottle of Pol Roger, well it had to be done!
Stroll back to the hotel and then early night.

 Elsewhere in London Middx were also thwarted by the weather,

Essex pulled back in their 2nd innings against Worcestershire, whose Joe Clarke hit a century.
In fact there were centuries a plenty  around the counties yesterday.

Ireland got to start their first test match and great to see the best mini bus driver, Tim Murtagh in the wickets.

Today has started overcast but at least no more rain this morning.

I am looking forward to my final day at The Oval, which has brought back many happy memories of trips here over the years, but also I have loved wandering through the pavilion taking in all the paintings, memorabilia and photographs.
The museum was very interesting and enjoyable and  the plans for the new building work struck a cord with me bearing in mind many years working in construction.
I may not be a fan of Surrey but I have to admit to loving their homage to their players and history.

Well time to get a wriggle on as bags to pack and get myself ready for my last few hours in London.

How quickly the time has gone.

I'll be on the train home before I know it and then I have some big decisions to make over the next week.

Right off to scoff my brekkie.

Happy Sunday

Good to be back home

So after a very early start yesterday, we arrived in that there London and as I got off the train at Kings Cross,I had that old feeling of being back home. No matter how many years I have been back in the North East of England it never feels like home and I do miss living in the South.

So I headed over to the Oval and found my hotel which is less than 4 minutes walk to the ground, it is next to a fabulous old building that was The Belgrave Children's Hospital, now converted into apartments.

So 9.55am I was at the gates and waiting to go in, 9.58am I had been 'chatted up' by a gentleman, ( former wedding ring is a useful adornment I have to say).
Go into ground and then saw a sight I never wanted to see.................................................
................HRR in Surrey garb! This does not sit well with me and he just should not be there, any other club really but not Surrey.
I did however see my absolute heartthrob, Morne Morkel, he does look as though he needs to eat a few pies as he is a tad on the skinny side, he is super tall though.

And then it was time for the game to start.

Bressie took first blood with Stoneman gone. Brooksy got his 400th wicket and Surrey were 19-2 in the 7th over.

It took Pope to steady the ship with 131 not out and Rockefeller CCC closed on 366-7.

This morning my boys need to get the lot out before lunch and then settle down to some great batting.

Worcestershire had a cracking day when they bowled out the County champions for 177.
That was a brilliant day for the lads, sadly no commando boy on the team.

It was sad that rain blighted the first day of the test match in Ireland too.

There are troubles a plenty in the Zimbabwe cricket fold as the players are trying to get money owed to them,
Its a huge problem and something that was highlighted in Alan Butchers fabulous book about his life as their coach.

Well the sun is shining beautifully here although the weather forecast tells another tale. I fear that 'James Bond'and I might get a tad wet tonight as we head out to eat tonight!.

Well I am heading down to have some breakfast.
I had a fabulous sleep and feel ready for the day.

and then back to the Oval and a trot around the museum I think.

I am also secretly willing on Worcestershire to do well today too. ( not so secret now)

Off we go

Well I am cold and tired and waiting to board my train to that there London.

Yes we are off on mini holibobs to watch my boys.

I've been up since 3.30am so if you are at the Oval today and you see me nodding off just give me a poke please.

I've no idea what is happening in the cricket world as I haven't had time to look.
In fact I didn't even have time to put make up on so it's a pretty scary sight at the moment.

Im hoping to be at the ground for start of play and find herself a comfy seat with a good view.

I know this is short but my train is heading in.
Have a great day I'll be back tomorrow.

last working day for me

Its Thursday, the last day of my working week and I am busy busy already.
Lots to do before I head off tomorrow.
bag not packed despite all good intentions, it really is dependant on the weather.

So to cricket,
My boys will be doing a spot of training today ahead of the start of the game tomorrow and I expect nothing but the best.

Darren Lehmann has been given a new role within the Cricket Australia  system, he will coach the national performance squad. hopefully this time he will be able to see what his team are up to.
And I assume sandpaper is now a banned substance!


Marcus Trescothick who broke his foot last game is due to have surgery on the injury.

Wishing him a speedy ( not so speedy) recovery.

Middlesex have signed Dwayne Bravo for the T20 series, his debut being against Surrey and his last match against Hampshire.

Ireland are getting ready for their big day against the West Indies starting tomorrow.

Its all going off tomorrow by the looks of things.

I am keeping this short as I have the kitchen floor to steam clean..................although that might be left until I get home from work.

Tomorrow may/may not have a blog it will depend on my wifi connection or if I have the patience to do it on my phone ( probably not).

Catch you soon

Midweek already

Cheers everyone it is midweek already!!

Can you believe it. It will be Friday and I will be away on my jollies before I know it.
To say that I cannot wait is an understatement.
However lots to do before then.
Still to finsih the top to tail clean of the chateau ready for the agents arriving.

However lets have a look and see if there is any cricket news.

Well Middlesex have named Steve Finn as their Royal London one day captain. I suppose he will be captaining from the sidelines as he is injured more than he plays these days.

And talking about the injury prone, Mark Wood has brought himself back from the IPL to be considered for an England place. Its sad to see that he came back to  to play for his county but only to hopefully be selected for a Test place.
He has only been played once by his IPl team Chennai Super Kings
How many of our mercenaries have played more than 3 games for their teams?

How long before Wood is injured again?

The PCA says that players are concerned about the 100 ball game, and rightly so I say.
I still cannot believe the rubbish that the ECB spout about this new format.
They really think that they have found the cash cow.
And according to them it will be loved and watched by children ( renowned for long concentration spans) and  females who have no idea what is going on.
My question on this is, will they go to more than one match when they can't understand whats happening and the children wont sit down and shut up?

Anyhoo today I have more important things on the agenda, like work and getting my bag packed.

Have a happy Wednesday and if its sunny dont forget your Factor 30

here we go

Well its Tuesday and I am up and ready for the office, actually this is a complete fib, I am hobbling round and in quite a bit of pain from getting up wit the worst back ache ever.
I think all the furniture lifting has taken its toll.

I am not looking forward to a day in the office, however only two more days after this one and then I get a mini holibob.

So yesterday was mainly cleaning and some painting as well as making two lots of chutney, tidying the garden a bit more and having a coffee with chum Chrissie.
I did manage a little nap too.

I was keeping an eye on the Notts score, and despite Hashim Amla hitting 112 for Hampshire, the hosts had a resounding win by over 200 runs.

Lancashire and  Somerset drew their game.

Sussex beat Middlesex by 3 wickets, I fear that the chat I had with Harry Latchman a couple of weeks ago may be nearer the truth than I at first thought.


My boys have to now focus on their match against Rockefeller CCC, who just seem to spend silly money on 'names'. Much I would have liked to see Morne at Yorkshire this season,I think that it is obvious that our policy of home grown talent is paying off.
There are a few not home grown, and in the case of Hoddy, no one thinks of him as anything other than Yorkshire.

Well time to try to get myself off the bed, which is more of an effort than it may seem. I'm hoping that as the day goes on, the pain eases off.

Have a great day, it is only 4 days to the weekend, or 3 in my case.

Welcome to my 3 day working week

So it is Bank Holiday Monday, I have a little bit of painting left to do and then the big tidy up.
I want to try to get it all finished by after lunch so that I can have a bit of a rest before work tomorrow.
However I only have 3 days at work and then I am off on my jollies! ( mini jollies).Very excited.

I was also very excited yesterday just before lunch ( just as I had suggested) when I heard the appeal for LBW and it was given.
In case you don't know what I am babbling about, none other than the unbelievable come back of Yorkshire.
After being all out before lunch on Friday, they cleaned up yesterday.
Fabulous batting from Harry Brook, amazing bowling from Ben Coad and Steve Patterson, saw us go from zeros to heroes.

I will say though that I do not approve of the 50 all out nonsense.

Nottinghamshire are certainly giving my second besty team a pasting. They also are showing serious form and  are not to be dismissed easily, I think they are contenders for the cahmpionship title

Well I have a lot to do today and need to get a wriggle on.

Have a great bank holiday whatever you are doing.
I may start packing my bag later.........cant wait for Friday ( except the 5.30am train!)

Surprise Sunday

Well its a surprise in that the sun is shining and its been super hot since I got up 5.15am



I'm busy busy already as beds are stripped and I am about to finish painting the kitchen, then I think that I may start in the sitting room, this wasn't in the plan but I might just have time to get it done and tidied.

Washing is on and hopefully it will all be dry and put away before lunch.


So now  stick and ball news!

Well those  Yorky boys are certainly trying to make up for nearly making my  dodgy ticker even dodgier on Friday, yesterday they looked like a different team.
Harry Brook got his maiden century, which was jolly good after his first innings.He was out for 124.
TLJL got 29 and he  just needs to get a move on and get some more half centuries, no pressure or anything.
Steve Patterson took 4 wickets before close of play
Essex need 142 to win and I think Yorkshire need to clean up before lunch.

Over at Trent Bridge  Sophie and LL were soaking up the rays and watching  Notts  trample on Hampshire. Big Luke got two wickets.
Should be a good day today.

Worcestershire are  playing Rockefeller CCC,  and took a bit of a battering  when the rich kids were batting. Then Daryl Mitchell staged a fghtback and was on 77 overnight in Worcs first innings

Over at 'soon to be extict CCC' the  lovely  Micheal Carberry scored 73 as Leicestershire  took control, 440 first innings score. STBE CCC were 142-7 at stumps.

Rightio I'm off now to get some breakfast.

Hope you has a super and relaxing day.

Sunny Saturday

well I have the washing on as the sun is shining and  I will be able to put it on the line soon.
Its going to be a full on day with painting being on the agenda.
I am hoping to have everything done by tomorrow and then I can have a day of rest on Monday.

So back to yesterday, at 10.55am I was super excited and had my radio on at my desk.
By lunchtime I had to stop myself from going over to Morrisons and buying a bottle of 'White Lightning' to drown my sorrows.

So here is the 1st innings in a miniature nut shell

Brook didn't even babble, out for 0
Lyth, not so. out for 0
Pujara dug in sort of, out for 9
Root not enough time to lay down any, out for 0
Ballance managed to balance the side.....slightly out for 22
Bairstow did not bestow many runs, out for 7
Leaning, seemed to be, out for 7
Bresnan  out for 1
Patterson did not patter the ball much, out for 2
Brooks, not a ripple out for 0
Coad  got his coat quickly out for 0

all out for 50!

However Essex were soon 2-2 in their innings but rallied and were all out 142

Yorkshire start today 161-2.

All the England players ( Root Bairstow and Cook)  failed to perform and I wonder if the decision to give them a spot inplace of others was the right one.
We had no Hoddy, and we all know what he can do.

However today is another day.
Come on my boys!


After Notts hit 302 they had Hampshire 70-3 at stumps.

Sad to see that Marcus Trescothick suffered a broken foot in their match against Lancashire, he did score a century though!

So back to the grind now.

I hope that you all have a fabulous day what ever you are doing

More good news Friday

Well it is Friday ,  I have slept nearly all night ( except for a slight wake up at 4am thinking that I had slept in).
All is quiet in Lady Lainey Mews.
Everyone will be getting a peaceful nights sleep.
No 73 is vacant.

At the back of my mind though I have that niggling thought 'better the devil you know'!!!!

I arrived home from work last night to the sight of a new fence to replace the wall at the far back of the extensive grounds.This wall was attached to the bungalow which is on one bounmdary and where a huge sycamore had been allowed to grow out of control and as such had completely broken my wall.
Donna who rents this bungalow from the local council is disabled and had asked them frequently to cut the tree down, but no!
After much discussion  regarding how they were going to replace it, I settled on a fence to match the one that I had on the other boundary.
And that's what I got.
I will not be getting a replacement for the wall which is seriously damaged by their bushes on another boundary.They refuse to admit responsibility, at 9m long that is some wall to replace and I have seen the cost.
One small battle won though and one new fence.


Its also a cricket day as my boys are down in Chelmsford. I now have my spy, James Bond back in service, so I will be getting regular 'Yupdates'.

Interesting to see that Jonathan Trott has announced his retirement at the end of the season.
Trott has spent his entire career with Warwickshire which in this day  is commendable.
He retired from international  cricket in 2015.

If the weather forecast is to be believed then we are in for a blazing hot weekend.
Just great as I have a lot to do and had  cancelled my mini break.
Never mind I will  do it at the end of the month.

It is Friday which means one thing! HALF DAY!!
 I have lots to do when I get home, the sooner I do them, the sooner I can enjoy the weekend.

Have a great day.
And come on you Yorkshire Boys!

Good news

Well I got good news as I returned home from work last night, as I turned the corner into my road, I firstly saw the 'To Let' sign on 'eedjits' house and then saw the happy couple ( well it was a woman and I assumed it was Rebecca) loving staring at each other over a divan bed base.

Oh happy day!!!

Yes love conquers all and the happy couple are now bothering other people.

I even got a fairly decent nights sleep,although 2 years of disturbed nights is not easy to get over.

Other good news ( for Aussies) as predicted, Justin Langer has been named as Australia's coach.
Sussex will be giving a huge sigh of relief, although we all know that this appointment is just on a back burner.

Good news for Kent, as they sign Carlos Brathwaite for the T20 bash. Brathwaite is well known for hitting four successive sixes off Ben Stokes in the 2016  World T20 final.
He will make his debut for the team in July.


My boys will be on their way to one of my favourite grounds today as they head off to Chelmsford.
I have had many entertaining days there, including seeing Australia, now that was some day of cricket ( and champagne).
I am expecting nothing but a great start tomorrow.
They know what they have to do.

Well after having to let a draughtsman and an electrical engineer go last week, we are very low on the ground again in the office.
I'm hoping that some of Morrisons salted caramel doughnuts might cheer everyone up a a little.
There are some very glum faces at the moment.

Oh well best speed off to grab supplies.

Have a great day, its closer to the weekend.

Still having April showers ( monsoons)

I have woken up to a very cold wind blowing outside and add to that rain steadily falling outside, not a recipe for a May morning .I think that as I started to pack my bag for next week, I need to add thermals to the pile!

I have been getting some sleep this week due to the fact that 'eedjit' is not at his house. He did however 'pop' back last night as I was arriving home.
I thought, after being an unwilling listener in his domestic problems last week, that his lease was up last weekend.
I now worry about forthcoming sleep deprivation!

So now to cricket.
Cricket Australia have set up a panel to look at the all goings on in the game. The Ethics Centre will conduct an independant review. This Sydney based non profit company previously delivered a scathing review of the Australian Olympic Committee.
Cricket Australia have also appointed a panel to work with the group. This includes George Bailey and the yet to be appointed head coach to name buy two.

Will be interesting to read their findings.

There is not a lot of cricket news today apart form a piece speculating on who will get an England call up,
nothing very interesting there.

Tonight I am heading off to Pilates to get a bit of muscle stretching exercise.
I am struggling to even get into anything lycra and fear that once down on the floor I may not be able to get up.

I imagine that I will be one achy old croc tomorrow.

Well I have to go and quickly throw all the ingredients for vegan sausage casserole in the slow cooker, which means that dinner will be ready when I get back from the gym.

Rain or not I am heading out of the door and  as its Wednesday I have a sort of spring in my step, its midweek and closer to the weekend.........................although it will be a full on working weekend for me instead of the Yorkshire Dales getaway which had originally been planned.
Downtime is  on a back burner at the moment

Have a great day.

Its May!

Happy May Day although we wont be celebrating it with a day off until next Monday.
So my dancing around the maypole is on hold.
It is the first of May and although the sun is shining outside, after a quick foray to the recycling bin I can confirm that it is not as warm as I first believed.
That was some cold wind blowing around my dressing gown.

However lets talk cricket and especially TLJL, who put up some resistance against Somerset , a well batted 68 was sadly though not enough for a win.
The boys now have to get there act together ready for the next game.

Nottinghamshire though put their losslast week behind them and with great bowling from Big Lukey and Jake Ball has put the team top of Division one. Worcestershire didnt really get a look in.
I think that we may be watching some great Notts cricket this season.

Lancs and Surrey drew.

And now we have a couple of days to catch our breath.

James Alexander the Cricket Australia CEO has been talking about the way they want cricket to move forward after the ball tampering  fiasco, and also that the three players should be given another  chance.
I wouldn't want them in my team although if they did come to play in England we all know that they would be going to 'Rockefeller CCC'.

Well done cricket Ireland on the election of their first woman President for 2018-19.
Fabulous to see Aideen Rice taking up her role.

well its time to head out of the door and get myself  to my desk.

There is a lot of clearing up to do today as lots of loose ends to be tied up.

Have a great day what ever you are doing.