Tuesday, news day.

Well Its Tuesday and lots happened yesterday, the continued development of the new arm of the company is well under way and  those close to D Day are more than a little interested in it. This is causing a little bit of concern with the powers that be.
For me it shows that my idea was a good one. and that the hard work is paying off.

We just need to sort out everything else!

My wish is that I could have set this all up independently, it would have been a huge money spinner.

Anyhooo  hopefully this will be the spur that is needed to get us to D Day once and for all.


The powers that be were not with my boys last night as they lost again to Derbyshire, its becoming a bit of a 'thing'. We don't seem to be able to get this T20 thing sorted at all.
Tonight they take on Leicestershire, so I am hoping for a great result!

The Rashid debate rattles on, he does not seem to be gaining any fans along the way.
I think that it needs to be put to bed very quickly.

The test starts tomorrow and we will have to see how he performs there.


Surrey have given 'gobshite' Batty a  player coach role at Surrey they are fast becoming the county with more coaches  than players.
I am sure he will be able to vocalise his ideas well!


well its another grey and overcast day here in the North East of blighty and after another evening of rain, everything in the garden seems to be looking normal again, with the exception of the hydrangeas which are very 'dashed' to say the least.



And now another day at the saltmines beckons and as there are  more roadworks on my way to work, it is making the journey  more difficult than normal.
Ahhh we were all waiting for the school hols so that we would get a better drive, and then council were just waiting for the holidays to dig up more roads and put up more temporary traffic lights.

They must be sitting in the town hall having a jolly good laugh!

Another week begins

Well its Monday again and a chilly and rain soaked weekend is behind us.
I got up this morning to blue skies and sunshine, however in the last half hour it has clouded over. No matter as I am in the office all day today.

Yesterday saw most of the cricket affected by rain and, poor old Middlesex lost to Somerset and Sussex's match was abandoned.
Lets hope it picks up this week.

Things are not looking good at Headingley as there will be talks with Adil Rahids agent.
I believe that his contract is nearly up, so I think that it will take a mighty intervention to change any chance of renewal.

My boys are in action tonight against Saturdays foes Derbyshire, lets see some winning spirit tonight.

Yesterday at the chateau was busy, I managed to bulk out my 10,000 steps by having to run in and out of the garden picking up the hydrangea pots which the wind kept blowing over! There was no chance of any clothes drying, as it rained all day.
The lawn had sprung back into life and obviously will need to be mown this week!

Its a busy old week for me too, as I have lots on with the new company set up and all that goes with it.

I could do with my holibobs right now!

However not too long to wait.

Well as there is little news on the crickety side, I guess that I had better head out of the door.

have a great day

Stormy Sunday

So we had massive storms yesterday morning and then the sun came out and Mr Funky and I set off to Chester le Street.

We got settled ate our lunch and were getting well and truly battered by wind that had whipped up from goodness knows where.

I got a nod and a smile from Big Luke as he passed by and then my phone came to life, yes I was only being broadcast to the nation!!!

ah well you can't really miss me!

Notts were batting and before the end of the first over they were one man down.

I was cheering them on but it was to no avail, it was not to be for Notts

The lovely Mick popped over for a catch up, it was great to see him and we arranged to meet up in September.

The weather held for the game and Funky and I got to the Funky bus just before another storm hit.
This time with hail stones!!

It was good to see that the car park stewarding at the ground had stayed the same.......dire!........meaning that we were unable to get out onto the main road for a good 20 minutes, by which time, thanks to Funkys air con, my toes had developed hypothermia!

It was a lovely afternoon out despite the wind, rain and cold.


I was home and snuggled up on the sofa by 7pm.

Notts were not the only losing side as my real boys went down to Derbyshire.

Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Notts had all played Friday evening and apparently it was 2.30am before the Notts lads got to their hotel in Durham.
Surely the fixtures need to be seriously thought about.

Ah well, what's done is done.

Today has dawned  awful, cold ,windy and very rainy,l so there is only one thing to do......................make chutney.


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

subdued Saturday

Well the washing machine is on and the dishwasher is doing its thing too, a normal Saturday morning here at the chateau.

we had a huge storm last night which has left us with a grey and overcast sky this morning, hopefully it will keep dry as Mr Funky and I are heading to cricket.
No Sophie and Terry though,as we made the decision that the 3 hours drive on the off chance of a game was not a sensible thing to do. I will of course be doing the proxy cheering for the Notts boys.
Fingers crossed we get a game.

Yorkshire were in action last night and Adil was in the team ( as was Plunkett).
Tom Kohler-Cadmore was in outstanding form and I think that it is time for this 'Rosebud' to come into full bloom.
A brilliant game slightly marred by some rain, but another win for the boys which is the main thing.


The whole Rashid debate goes on with Sir loin of Beef wading in.

Its done and the decision is made, live with it....................and see what happens in the coming weeks.

I've been busy sorting out a couple of trips away, which is always something to look forward to, and these two will be much needed.

well I think it is time to get the smalls hung out on the line ( and the larges) and then head off to town for a quick trip to the Post Office and to check out the new veg shop that opened this week. I tell you my life is a whirlwind of events!

Then home to pack up some lunch for Mr Funky and I, I am also going to have my first trip in the new and improved 'Funky bus'.

Have a great day!

Well its all going off!

Ah its was some day yesterday, as the storm clouds rolled in over Darlo, they were rolling in over Headingley as it was announced that Liam Plunkett would be leaving at the end of the season to join Surrey. The county is becoming more Northern by the minute.

Is this a great loss to us?

I think not, he made it plain where his priorities were when he jumped ship for the IPL earlier in the season.
Money, the root of all non renewal of contracts.

AND THEN.......

The ECB named the test team, and old 'I only want to play white ball' Adil, was named.
The statement from Yorkshire CEO Mark Arthur said it all, if you can find it, read it.


Yes Rashid was held to count in a trial by twitter which is the norm today and which I am sorry to say I took part in.
Rashid was on a pay for play contract at Yorkshire after opting out of red ball games this season, will his contract be renewed????

Well I am thinking maybe not.

Will we be in a difficult position?
I think not, time for the younger bowlers to shine.

Michael Vaughan ( of course) had his say and its interesting to see that Rashid has answered him, the  fact he commented that people may not listen to Vaughan made me chuckle.
Hit the nail on the head there  Rashy!
Plain to see that Rashid is not in Michaels 'stable' of players.

In other news Middlesex beat Hampshire in their T20 match last night.
I messaged former 'POM' who was jolly happy!

The boys will be jolly happy in the office today as it is bacon butty Friday.
So I had best get off to see 'Big Al, the hungry persons pal' and get them ordered.

What will today bring?

Lets see.................

Excitement is mounting

Well its all go here in the chateau as we prepare for the arrival of Sophie and Terry at the weekend.
All is tidy ( its been like that for 2+ months now) and I have just cleared out another cupboard in readiness for my move. ( when it happens).

Pink Hippo needs to go in the washing machine before Saturday as he is filthy and cannot now be seen in public in that state!

its all go!

The race to the top of Div 1 is hotting up as Somerset beat Worcestershire yesterday despite a record 10th  wicket stand by the Pears. they are however a good 30 points behind Surrey!


The banned Australian players continue to make  money as they tour the world playing T20 cricket. This time Smith  is off to play in the CPL.
Its a hard life!


Mitch Johnson has retired form Big bash cricket in Australia but will continue to play domestic T20.

And talking Big Bash, the English version of it, 'The Mighty Mash', is continuing to cause talk as they leak more stupid ideas.
before long we will be able to win the chance to have a bowl of  one the 100 balls, from the hot tub with a dancing girl sat on your shoulders ( OK I made that up but who knows!?)

Tonight we have T20 as Middlesex take on Hampshire at Lords.I will be sitting on the fence for that one!

I had the boxer shorts dream again but this time I had a floaty red Indian dress and floppy hat  to match. it is totally strange and I really do to want to know the meaning of it, its too odd by half.

I have been taking cuttings of things in the garden at the chateau, the hydrangea nursery is taking shape again after I gave most of my others away.
Yes its all go and tonight i prepare to get the steam mop out, thee is no end of excitement here.

have a totally exciting day y'all

Mid week

well its midweek and its still full on busy and very warm, we had rain yesterday which did the garden good and meant that the lawn seed I put down has had a chance to sink in.
As Pete the pigeon has disappeared I think that it stands a good chance of doing its thing now.

And talking about doing its thing, cricket showed what an outstanding game it was yesterday as my boys came home from Old Trafford victorious.
Joey Root may not have broken records with his bat but hey that lad broke his own record with the ball, a career best of 4-5, helped us wrap up the match way before lunch! as I had asked!

This takes us to 5th in the table, meaning we need to carny on now with winning ways.


And then there was Morne Morkel!
5-60 and total bowling score of 9-120 makes me really wish I had seen that game.
sad to see Notts lose to Surrey,  actually sad to see anyone lose to Surrey.

Middlesex won too, so I guess there may have been a little bit of yahooing in the Latchman household. Tim Murtagh was outstanding, this the man who I thought was a taxi driver!
in pleased to see them back in winning ways.

Right I'm off, if you wonder why this is shorter than ever its due to me slightly over sleeping and having woken up from a dream where I went to cricket in a pair of red indian boxer shorts.

make of that what you will, I really do not want to know  what it means!

Happy Wednesday!

Its raining

I crawled under the duvet at about 4am as it had turned slightly chilly, my guess was this was when it started to rain, however when I crawled out at 5.15am, the ground was dry and everything looked as parched as it had yesterday.
5 minutes later,I heard the rain again and I have spent the last half hour watching it rain, hit the ground, dry instantly, continue to rain, and there seems to be little evidence of water.
everything smells fresh and there is some water on the road. Not quite enough to make a difference though.
There is a chill in the air, so hopefully it will not be as humid as yesterday.

And talking yesterday, I had the radio on in time to catch the start of play at OT, Lyth, Root and Williamson were gone in the blink of an eye and it took Harry Brook and Jonny B to put on the runs. a sterling effort by Captain Patto saw us post 239 all out and me sitting with my fingers crossed that it was enough.
Lancashire came out fighting, we got a breakthrough and sent 6 of them back to the hutch before stumps.

We need to come out all guns blazing this morning, we could see them off before lunch if we try very very hard.

Come on Yorkshire, above all we need this win to keep our heads above water.

Sussex however are on days off now after thrashing Glamorgan in 2 days

Notts seem to be struggling against Surrey. Come on lads you can do this.

Home was quiet last night as I was struggling with lack of sleep due to the heat.

Its becoming a bit of a thing, me and sleep. Ive tried the 'go to bed at the same time every night', Ive had a banana, glass of milk, mogadon ( well that not true but you get the drift).
I did try herbal sleep tablets and then spent hours keeping myself awake to see how long they took to send me to sleep!!!!


How very English I am, moan in the cold and moan in the heat. Is there no happy medium?

Well time is up and I have to wend my way to the office.

Happy Tuesday hope you have all had a spot or two of rain.

Back to the salt mines

So we are back to Monday again and the weekend is a thing of the past.

How on earth do they go so quickly?
What was going quickly yesterday was wickets!
At Old Trafford they were falling  so rapidly I was struggling to keep up
.

Jordan Clarke took a hat trick for Lancashire which included our overseas player, and our England players. that was not the innings I was hoping for.

We were all out for 192 with Adam Lyths knock being the highlight  for us.

However......................Lancashire came into bat and  were all out ( Livingstone injured) for 109.
19 wickets in one day!

It did remind me of Scarbados a couple of seasons ago!


Over at Trent Bridge, Surrey seemed to be taking a hold. I need Notts to pull this back today. we cant have the London mob winning.!


I was going to have a relaxing day in the garden, but that all went to pot as one of the new neighbours came to see if I knew a window cleaner, at 11am and she finally went home at 2.30pm.

I then did manage to get in some gardening before just giving up , having a shower and heading to bed early.

and the weekend was gone....just like that!


Ah well time to head off to the office and another week of fun filled water treatment!

Have a great week.

WOW!! It's scorchio!

So after a dull and overcast day yesterday, which constantly threatened rain, but never came through with it, today is flipping scorchio already. There is washing on the line  and I am about to  get ready and go and sit in the garden and read and read and read ( possibly do a spot of napping too.)

I will be tuning into the radio as there is county championship action today.

My boys are still in Manchester as they start the first day in the Roses match.  I am hoping that they come out fighting because to be honest, relegation is a worry.


Notts are taking on Surrey, and that match is on't wireless.

These are also the last CC matches for a month!!!
Its a sorry state of affairs!

I did watch the Essex v Hampshire T20 yesterday and what a  thriller that was. A tie in the end!

And that is about all on the crickety front.


Chutney making and gin infusing were the order of the day yesterday as the weather was on the cooler side.
The chutney was made up of leftover fruit and some form the freezer and it doesn't look too bad even though I say so myself.

I am  also preparing for guests next weekend and thinking ahead food wise.

well super short one today as I head off to hang more washing out and then get myself positioned in my fabulous chair for the rest of the day.

Have a restful Sunday

Let the weekend begin

So after getting home from work yesterday I set to and cleaned the chateau from top to bottom, it just really needed a dust and hoover and some tweaking, as I have kept it tidy since putting it on the market.

I also sorted out more things to go to
1. the charity shop
2. Ebay
3. Facebook selling site
4. The dechetterie

So a very busy afternoon and evening


I settled down to watch the T20 Roses game, as we had been subjected to a torrential downpour lasting over 2 hours, it was only to be expected that  the game would be delayed by rain.

Playing a reduced overs match it was full on from the start. Lancashire posted 176-2 and Yorkshire came to the crease,  Adam Lyths  60 put us in a good mood, but it was not to be and we fell short by 1 run!!!
 However there is the return match to make good our short fall.

sad not to see TLJL in the squad but he will be back of that I am sure.

Who can forget his amazing catch at the last Roses' T20?

All stations go here too ready for the 'biggy' in a few weeks when the gang get together for the Notts T20.

Lots to look forward to!


the washing is on and although overcast here today, I think that they will  be dry in record time.

Now I can start the weekend properly and get some gardening work done,as well as  keeping an eye on my tomatoes. Yes I have lots of them appearing on my plants that I grew from seed.
I take this as a great triumph and hope that they ripen, if not there will be a few people getting 'green tomato' chutney' in their Xmas hampers!!!

Another working week nearly over

Well another week nearly over and still no decision on D Day as of yet. I've been working hard to try to set up a separate part of the company which hopefully will be of interest to a lot of companies.
Its not complete yet but nearly there.

I am sure that none of my office mob can wait for bacon  butty day today. not to mention that fact that we are on half day so that  is always good.

I am cricketless again this weekend so this will give me the impetus to get the house tidied from top to bottom, windows cleaned and anything that stays still long enough  steam cleaned!

That will all start at about 2.30pm this afternoon when I finally get home.

So what else has been happening?


well there appears to be trouble brewing for Adil Rashid amongst the Yorkshire faithful, as it was announced that he is looking for a test place, this he man who 'decided' that white ball was the only format of the game he wanted to play and as such has not been in any CC squad.

Is he going to pick and choose what he plays according to the badge on his chest. Three Lions V the white rose?

We seem to have a few players who have shown some disloyalty to the club this season in the chase for fame and money.

Sussex pulled off a win as Gloucestershire were not up to the run chase.

Still much talk about the 100 ball thingy. No one really seems to know how it will work and I'm not talking us mere mortals either.
I fear that the ECB may have egg ( and bacon) on their faces.

my view is that those who are not true cricket fans will go to see what all the fuss is about and this will end up being  just an excuse for serious drinking, which to be fair, is pretty much what T20 is.( guilty as charged).


Well time to hop off.

happy Friday

Thursday

There have been strange goings on at the Chateau, I  received a lovely bouquet of white roses and lillies and there was no card with the flowers! They are obviously from someone who knows me well, as the roses and lillies were white ( well light cream), but it is a chuffing mystery as to who they are from. I will call the florist today and see if they can shed some light on the whole thing.

Strange goings on in cricket as there is a 'scoop' on the new 100 ball format in The telegraph' today. To be honest the only scoop for this format is the type that you pick doggy doo doo up with. #myopiniononly

The ECB have employed Trent Woodhill for a month ( big spenders!) to look at the format of the game.
This, the man  who had long associations with the IPL and Big Bash.
oh joy, bring on the dancing girls!!!

He is described as an 'organic batting coach', so if you read that in the trendy  form of the word, he's a bit s**t!!!
He is also referred to  as a confidante of David Warner and Steve Smith!!!

In the words of the boys in 'The sixth sense'  'I see sandpaper' ( Ok he didn't quite say that!)

The whole thing is getting more and more surreal.

The chase is on at Gloucestershire, after getting Sussex all out for 295 they need 246 runs to win.
I ill try to pick up the commentary at some point today.

There is more T20 action tonight which  I may try to catch if I can.

However somehow last night I picked up reruns of 'Dynasty'................oh my word!!! how I had forgotten how shocking the acting was, how huge the shoulder pads were and how bad the story line was.
I will of course be tuned in tonight as I series linked it!!!!

Very little other  crickety news around although the postman did bring me a signed South Africa cap................signed by 'my' Morne Morkel................................had a little faint there!

best go and have  a lie down.

have a good one!

Sunshine Wednesday

Its Wednesday, so midweek and time to get things in gear for the remainder of the week.
its full on busy at the office as we  hurtle towards the weekend.
Lots to do and lots to do here at the chateau.

The garden is looking very good after the downpour of rain and the water butt as if by magic is now full, there must have been dome rain yesterday which topped it up.


Yesterday was a warm but dull and over cast day in Darlo, whereas today has dawned very bright and sunny which goes with the mood as England had a win at Headingley and won the one day series. A century on home turf for Joe Root was a great boost. Adil Rashid getting man of the match  and Joe Root man of the series made it look very 'Yorkland!

There was the matter of Yorkshire signing a spinner, Poysden, for one game, this did not go down well, but it is for only one game so lets see how it pans out. The powers that be  know more than we do, and as I try to say as often as possible #ingalewetrust

Gloucestershire  had a day of batting and were leading Sussex by 17 runs at stumps. Sussex need to come out fighting this morning to get the 2 remaining wickets.


On Monday as I drove into the car park, I spotted a very tiny baby seagull which had obviously fallen out of the nests they have made on our roof.

the poor thing wandered around the car park all day with its mum, dad, cousin and all dive bombing anyone who went near it.
After a frenzied tweet to the RSPB ( no help at all) we thought that we would have to let nature take its course.
However a lady turned up and as she was used to hand rearing baby birds took the little soul away.
Hopefully it makes it. It was a very sorry sight wandering aimlessly around the car park.

However yesterday was worse for us as the gulls were still searching for the baby.
Any trips to the workshop involved a 50 yard sprint to avoid being 'got' by said birds.

I  will from now on be known as Lady Usian Bolt!

It rained!!!

Oh yes although it was humid yesterday we had rain which meant that the hydrangeas got as second life and are looking very wonderful at the moment. And then, just as I was going to bed we had the most amazing storm.
A full on hour of thunder, lightning and rain, lots of it, in fact this morning lots of the garden was in ruins but it was a small price to pay for the filling of the water but ( well half way)and the fact that everything has had a flipping good soaking.

Today had dawned much cooler with a grey sky, rain is forecast again but hopefully not! it was nice to have a down pour but lets have more sun please.

It is summer after all.

There is the final ODI today as the teams have trundled up to Headingley.
I will be listening in today when I have a minute as I am still trying to set up the next side of the business and get that moving forward as quickly as possible.
I know all about 'less haste', but things have to move more quickly than normal.

There was also the announcement from the ECB as to which players they will release back to the counties.

Joe Root will be back for the Roses game  starting on Sunday and Rashid, Plunkett and Willey will be back for Friday.

Will this spoil the dynamic of the team that we have?
I think yes!
If it ain't broke and all that.


News also from Yorkshire is that Robin Smith ( no not THAT Robin Smith) will become chairman of the club after we Steve sadly reigned.
Ah yes all smart bib and ticker in the presidential suite from now on.

County Championship yesterday as Sussex are in Gloucestershire, the visitors were all out for 286 and at stumps Gloucestershire were 42-0. All to play for.

I am looking forward to the post man coming as there is  very special gift winging its way to me.

All will be revealed soon.

Right off to Darlo, have a good one

Winners are grinners

well it was a splendid Sunday yesterday, I roasted myself in the garden until it was time to come in and watch my boys take on Worcestershire ( by which time I have 2 loads of washing dried).

Well they were batting first and once again didn't seem to be getting any where fast, some good scores from Lyth, Brooks and Ballance but was 179-7 really good enough?

Ah Bressy, the woes behind the scenes as to whether he stays at the end of the season were put to one side as he struck in the first over and took out Gupthill,  soon followed by Clark and Mitchell.
Former temp Tyke Travis Head was being called the danger man on Sky  but Jordan Thompson took him out, that was some scalp for the newby!

TLJL took another outstanding catch, there was much yahooing in the chateau for that one!

Captain Patto not to be outdone , took wickets and the boys ended Worcestershires 100% run.

Well that made way nicely for the kicky ball final.

As you will all know my beloved France won and I had vivid memories of last time  they won with Manu and Zidane.

There was a little bit of yahooing in the chateau , as I am not really a football fan.


Today has dawned a little bit cloudy and cooler which is good as I am in the office all day.

I have plans for this evening if the weather remains cool, otherwise it will be an evening of doing nothing!

so lets get this show on the road.

Another week another step closer......................

Wall to wall sunshine

Well I woke up to wall to wall sunshine this morning and the beds are stripped and the washing machine is on, its going to be a glorious day. I can see that my garden chair will be getting well used today.


I spent yesterday in the chair , listening to the cricket  and was pleased to hear an outstanding innings from Joe Root,  the win was what the team needed and  sets the ODI series up nicely for Headingley on Tuesday.


The whole cricket schedule is a bit weird at the moment, we have T20 but with some county championship thrown in for good measure.
it is making my watching very difficult which in turn is making me a bit sad, I just can't seem to get to see my boys.

I am sure that August and September will calm down and I will get to see a lot more.

My boys are in T20 action today against Worcestershire who have yet to lose a match.

Come on you Yorkshire boys.

I have a busy week ahead as we are still awaiting decisions on D Day. It means some travelling plus trying to set up a new branch of the company, all this in a very limited time scale.
All work and no cricket makes Lainey a very grumpy lady!

However there is a fun filled weekend on the horizon so I have lots to look forward to.

Well the washing machine has done its thing, its after 10am and the coffee is brewed.

Time to get myself into the garden.


News on the Elderflower champagne is that after the May batch cleared rally well I gave it a try last night and it was absolutely perfect.

Thoughts today with my lovely friend Claire, there is a brighter star in the sky tonight.

Sunny Saturday

The sun is shining, the washing is on the line and I am about to head to the town and my near weekly trip to the post office.
I then have some things to do in the garden before spending the remainder of  the day sitting on my fabulous garden chair and listening to the cricket on't wireless.

Perfect.

I am having a chill out day as yesterday was rather full on from very early until getting home too late to head to Chester le Street for the game.

I was keeping tabs on the boys and got slightly worried at them posting 157-6.

However they did me proud with Matty and Bressy taking the wickets and finishing Durham off with 10 runs to spare.
TLJL put on 10 runs, enough to make me smile.
Well done boys, onwards now.

The mighty Worcestershire  are still unbeaten in this tournament as they beat Northants.
Surrey beat Sussex in the Southern group which brought Sussex's unbeaten spell to an end.

However the hot news from last night is that there may be visitors at the chateau in a couple of weeks, as hopefully Fun Sophie and El Tel may come up for the Notts T20 .
Fingers are crossed that they do, it should make for a cracking weekend.

Fingers crossed that that this weather hangs around for a while longer, although the plants are suffering I personally am loving it.

Well time to head out of the door as I want to be ready for the start of the 2nd ODI which starts at 11am.

Happy Saturday!

Ah Friday

Well it should be half day Friday and also bacon butty Friday, but due to the ongoing 'D Day' I have to take a little trip to Derbyshire which may impact on my plans for this evening too!
POO!!

Anyhoo lets see how it pans out first.
England were in the poo yesterday when they took on India at Trent Bridge, despite some great batting from Buttler and Stokes.
This means that the boys have to get their act together before tomorrow and come up with a better plan.

we have T20 tonight at Chester le Street as Yorkshire trundle up to take on Durham. I am hoping for a great result form them tonight.

I need to have a word with Mr Funky the chauffeur and see if he is interested in going to cheer on Notts in 2 weeks when they hit the Riverside Ground.

Mind you I am hoping that Mr Peach will be back to full fitness by then.


Over in Sri Lanka my South African boys have  a mountain to climb today as they trail by 233 runs with only 4 wickets in hand.
I will be keeping a close eye on that game.

The weather has cooled dramatically  here and as such I need to take time in the garden, the hydrangeas have taken a turn for the worse as most have turned pink!!!

Yes after years of training them to be blue they have this year decided to do their own thing. I will be giving them a diet of coffee grounds over the winter and hope that next year they will have returned in full blueness.

Well I have to head off to the wilds of Derbyshire, all I can say is when you have smelt one water treatment works you have smelt them all. its all glamour this job!

have a safe Friday I will be back tomorrow
.

.

And so.....

..........its Thursday and we didn't make it to the World Cup final, however the good news is that we will get another go  next year when we play the proper world Cup, the cricket one!

We are back to cricket as the 1st ODI starts today at Trent Bridge. All eyes will be on the team and hoping that they can match their counterparts in the 'kicky ball' game.
All ears will be on't wireless as I listen from my desk

We also have T20 action tonight which I am looking forward to, any cricket is better than football.

My boys are not in action until tomorrow when they are up here in the North East of Blighty.


we've had a relatively quiet week in the office with the exception of yesterday evening,as the exodus to get away early started at 4.30pm.
it was followed with the cries of
' he's going home, he's going home , C Bomb Bill ( Our Ian, Geoffrey etc) is going home.
Well it was amusing at the time, rather prophetic looking at it this morning !

I am thinking about the weekend, when I have someone coming to tidy the 'Deer Park' and the extensive grounds at the back of the chateau..............that is if he turns up, I am now on my third gardener in as many months, they come once, get paid and don't come again, its only lawn mowing for goodness sake!

I will be starting work on a new renovation project as long as the weather stays fine as it will have to be done out doors.

I also need to completely sort out and put away all the things form last weekend, and then the usual housework etc.

Well lets see how the England boys get on today.

have a good one!

A very heavy heart

More dark clouds loom over my beloved Headingley today after the news yesterday that our Chairman Steve has resigned.
Some of us are still struggling with the loss of Cally and now Steve, a huge blow to the club.


Whilst I read through the comments, of which most were heartfelt sadness at the resignation, I was struck by the vitriol of some supporters, and the rubbish reporting of rehashed parts of his resignation letter.
I feel that I may  be baking humble pie and the sooner the better.

Steve has been a credit to the club and one of the most personable chairmen that I have had the pleasure to meet.
He interacted with members and supporters on social media and although some times bombarded with messages of dissatisfaction, he  remained a great supporter of the club that he loves.

His tale of queueing to see Geoff  Boycott score his 100th 100 will remain with me forever.
In his years as chairman he has pushed the club forward, can any of you reading this doubt it?

Who else did so much to enable us all to have free wifi at the ground?
 Would you have faced Liam Plunkett so that we can leave  pictures and messages on facebook, twitter and instagram, without using up our data?

I certainly wouldn't!

I think that Yorkshires tweet which started 'Yorkshire CCC is extremely disappointed to announce' sums it up!


The gloomy years of the former chairman made way for a bright new hope with Steve

He is a great loss to the club and these are big boots to fill.
Although sad at his untimely exit, I wish him nothing but luck and happiness in his future, and hope that I get the chance to buy him a pint at cricket .

Steve you are a one off and I for one will miss you ( even when you give out my age on twitter!! more #fakenews!!!)


Thought for the day.

John 8:7
Let him who is without sin among you cast the first stone.

Tuesday and tired still

Ah Tuesday and still feeling a little bit tired, this however is  nothing new as I'm not sleeping too well due to the humidity.

Yesterday was very dull and we had some very light rain showers, it was a bit of relief from the constant sunshine of the last few weeks.The hydrangeas were very wilted when I got home after the weekend but have made a dramatic recovery after getting 10 litres of water!
Today looks as if it may stay cooler which is some relief.

Well this football thing is now impacting quite seriously on cricket and I for one am not too happy about it.
Yorkshire have postponed their game tomorrow evening to take into account that England are playing.
I'll be glad when the football is over.
It does seem to cross though as it is reported that former England goalie Joe Hart,was playing cricket for Shrewsbury at the weekend.
They were playing Knowle and Dorridge a club that I know well, and Shrewsbury won. Some kind of omen?

There is no international cricket for a couple of days until India tip up at Trent Bridge for the 1st ODI.

No peace for me this week as we are still waiting to find out how what is happening at the office, we did however return to work yesterday one man down, after the initial worry that something had happened to him, I was informed that he had left! that was it!

Well this one is a short one as there is a lot to do and I am running short of time.
There will be T20 action cricket wise later in the week as my boys head up to these parts and then are home next week.

I need to get my act together.

until tomorrow

Back to the real world

Well it is Monday already and after a fun filled weekend it is back to the grind for a very tried couple of ladies.

It all started on Friday afternoon as we headed to Todmorden in West Yorkshire from our locations in the UK.
I decided on the 'scenic route', and boy was it scenic!!! I know every tree, shrub and piece of litter on the road side,as I sat in waiting for the temporary traffic lights to be in my favour at Pool, then traffic lights became my pet hate as I went through Ilkley the town with more traffic lights and pedx's  than people I think!.

I reached my destination and got the tent put up, whilst chatting to a fellow camper.

Sophie arrived, we set up the BBQ and had a couple of martinis.
It seemed that we had had one to many as we saw a 'camel box' drive past !
A couple of steam engines followed and we were informed that on Saturday it was the country show.

We were tucked up in bed by about midnight and  wide awake by 7am thanks to a horse which sounded as if it was actually on the cricket field!

Up and showered and into town on what was turning out to be a scorcher of a day.
Cricket started and we had taken an interest in the  'Pro's board' in the club.....................was that really Faf du Plessis in there???!!!

Oh yes indeed.
Also Fanie de Villiers , now retired but the spotter of the Aussie sandpaper 'thing'.

We watched and a little football then went back to the tent and watched the cricket.

We were visited by a couple of little people who wanted to have a 'look' in the tent.
The were in the beds straight away and cuddling Pink Hippo and LL, whilst their Dad tried to persuade then to come out.
It took the voice of authority (Mum) to get them out and in the car to go home!

After  dinner we settled down to listen to the 'disco' at the country fair, have dinner and just chatter.

It was going to be an early night.

'WAS'

we decided to head over to the 'disco' before we went to bed, and then ended up not getting to bed until after 2am.

To say we were a tad tired yesterday is an understatement.

So would I recommend 'Toddy', well its not everyday you see bactrian camels in West Yorkshire, watch cricket from the comfort of your chair outside your tent and possible sit on a chair once sat on by Faf!
It was just as I remembered it, everyone was so friendly, there were lots of dogs ( and I spoke to them all) and the weather was perfect.

Would we go back.....................well we are already organising 2019  tour!

Happy Monday

Weekend is calling

Well its Friday and its half day, and its a going away weekend.
I really am looking forward to getting away after what has been a 'wheat from the chaff' week.
Interesting it has been, and also means that I  have a lot less work to do later in the year.

Now that is always a bonus.

It was a 'wheat form the chaff night' last night for my boys  as they hosted Durham. All the chat was about Stokes being in the team..............and he hit some runs, but sadly it was not enough against Brooks who took 3 wickets and captain Patto.
Interesting to see old timer Colleywobble  going for a duck.


Well done the lads great start to the T20 season.


its been a week of injuries  ( wheat from chaff again)  and along with Stuart Broad, Reece Topley is out for the rest of the season with  a stress fracture in his back which may require surgery.

Again, I ask the question, why are the young bowlers suffering so badly. is no one asking the same question???



Well its time to go and get the day started..

There may/may not be blogs over the weekend. To be honest  I think the latter rather than the former.

We will be seeing cricket tonight as we see some T20 and then we have cricket tomorrow, hopefully we can see all of this from the comfort of our chairs outside the tent.

have a great weekend.

The circus is back in town

And so it begins, the next few weeks are full of quick fire cricket, as the T20 season started in earnest last night  ( actually it started in Nottingham, Northampton and Chelmsford). There were 'bangs and whizzes' a plenty and the man with no lips  put on a show as the bears beat Notts.

More to come tonight as my boys are taking on 'soon to be extinct CCC' at Headingley, sadly I can't be there, I have the car to pack ready for the off tomorrow.

And all things are gearing towards the weekend of cricket and camping, as I spent the evening sorting out the sleeping bag and clothes for the trip, as well as getting all of my things into bags.

It looks as if the weekend is going to be a glorious one weather wise, and we will get to see some cricket too.

Today is a warm and sunny morning, I am still battling to keep the hydrangeas hydrated on is nearly in full flower.
The strawberries have given their all and are now suffering in the heat.

The vine and the fig tree are both looking ok so hopefully a few days away will not affect things too badly.

This is the first time in the years that I have been here that I have struggled with water.D Day came and went with no decision about what will be happening so we are in limbo for another few weeks, not a great place to be I'm afraid but hopefully all will end well.

Well time to head off down the road, short one I know but its been a busy morning, washing done and on the line, you just know that it will rain today when I leave it out.

Have a great Thursday, I cannot wait for the weekend.

D Day!

Well after a lot of preparation, clearing  of the office etc, its D Day and all that it brings with it.

I just want to sit in the garden and red my book which is a far nicer prospect.

It is also D day i cricket or should that be 'T' day, as the start of the domestic T20 season starts.

It is now 15 years since the introduction of T20 cricket and if the powers that be are to be believed then  it is going form strength to strength.

Still not my favourite format of the game but at the moment all that can be watched.

England were in T20 action last night, there were so many ducks I thought that the pitch at Old Trafford had become a lake!.

India gave a great innings and a much deserved win.

Tom Curran has been ruled out of the T20 and one say series with a side strain.............so young and already breaking down.

And Hampshire bowler Mason crane is out for the rest of the season with a back injury.

Is it just me or do the youngsters seem to break down too quickly?

Are they not training correctly ( with the amount of back room staff I would say not possible to that).

are they 'over playing'? 

It all seems a bit strange that their bodies cannot put in a season.

maybe the old ways of play in the season and get a job on a building site in the close season seem to come to mind.

All this indoor training and playing abroad seems to be playing havoc with them, or is it just their style of bowling?

well I have a lot on my mind today so best head off and face the music.

have a good one.

More changes

Well there seem to be changes everywhere at the moment, as I read yesterday.

The woes at Middlesex continue this week as it was announced that their Head Coach Richard Scott was leaving with immediate effect.  His role is taken over by Richard Johnson.
The highs and lows of Middlesex continue!

Woes at Derbyshire too as Km Barnett steps down from his advisory role. He has been in this role since 2016 when Derbyshire went through a complete shake up.


My woes continued this morning when I went into the hall to find a SLUG on the carpet!!!!!
apart from my fear of horses and frogs, slugs are pretty much next on the list. Thanks to Tesco who had sent me some vouchers and the postman who had failed to push this through the door, leaving the envelope dangling from the (broken, thanks to said postman) letterbox, I was able to remove the slug , throw it into the garden and throw the vouchers into the bin........................like I was ever going to open that envelope!

Thoughts are turning to T20 as the first matches are played tomorrow night.
This is not my favourite form of the game but as we are in a draught of proper cricket it will have to suffice.

The hot weather continues and my need for water for my hydrangeas continues.

I now have flowers showing their colours, the pink one that I adopted last year has obviously not had quite enough of a caffeine fix and is still quite pink, I will need to remedy that over the coming year.

I spent last night sorting out the camping box and getting things ready for the weekend.

I think that 2 nights in the open is just what the doctor ordered.

Well time to hit the road, D Day is nearly upon us and lots to do today to get everything in order for tomorrow.

have a great day and don't work too hard!

New week and all change?

And a new week begins and this one is going to be  a long one with everything that is going on.

I am wishing it away already  and want Friday to come round so that I can head off for the weekend with Sophie.
However lots to do before that sadly.

Some good and some not so as we finish the final pack up and storage of things at the office.

It was a quiet day on the cricket front yesterday, although here at the chateau I was very busy.
I bottled 12 lots of elderflower champagne and got 10 more litres set away. Its the storage of the bottles that is a problem at the moment. I don't want any prospective buyers of the house opening the pantry and seeing 48 full wine bottles!!

I used up some more of the fruit from last season and made my own recipe chutney. This will never be repeated as I just threw handfuls of things in.

In all the excitement of the One Day Cup final, I had forgotten to comment on the signing of Quinton De Kock at Nottinghamshire.
I am loving the South African invasion it makes a very refreshing change from over rated Australians that head here and rarely perform on the field.
Will I get to  see de Kock?

Well not sure, but I will try very hard to.

its a hazy start to the day here in the north east of blighty. I  dare not look at the weather forecast for the weekend for fear of  jinxing it.

Now I am off up the road to Darlo.

Have a fabulous day!

Busy Sunday

Well there will be a few sore heads in London and Hampshire this morning I think, what a great match the final was yesterday, and despite me thinking that  wearing my Hampshire shirt might blight them, the boys of former besty club in the South did me proud.

they also posted a record score!

There always has to be a loser inn these cases, and Kent played well but were just not good enough on the day.


Today is a quiet day as I start to get things organised for next weekend, when Sophie and I are off on our grand tour ..................of Todmorden.
I hope they are ready for us!!

I also have booked my hotel for xmas as I look a long way ahead, I just have to get my flight sorted and then can relax.

 The sun is shining and the hydrangeas are starting to come round a little and one is finally showing its colour.

I have things to do in the garden today too as I hope to start off some new hydrangeas. I also have managed to start off a new vine, I may not get any wine, but they do look pretty.

 Its July and we have no more county championship action until the end of this month, we are however heading into T20 action and all the razzmatazz that  it brings with it.

Time to head off and get things sorted.

have a great Sunday