Midweek

Midweek at the chateau and its quiet, no wind, no rain, and its dark!

I suppose it could be worse though.

Interesting news from the cricket world that Craig White has left Hampshire as his contract has ended and he wants to have more time with his family.
Where will he go?
Who will take him him on?

Lots of ex Hampshire names being bandied around to step into his shoes, will it be Jimmy?, will it be Dimi?

More to come on this.

Thoughts are turning to the birthday celebrations which kick off this weekend with a trip to Harrogate and a house renovation show, this is not for my benefit I can assure you but he wants to get some ideas and contacts for a couple of houses that he has bought at t a knock down price to 'do up' and sell.
Ah well I have been promised champagne so what's a girl to do?

Colds are in full force in the office and after major renovations there, we are all awaiting the new heating system which as yet is not switched on, everything is in place except for the gas!!!

I'm sure that  this is a major factor!

Well very very short today as time and road works wait for no lady.

have a great day its only two more days to the weekend!

Rainy start

I was wide awake just after 4.30am listening to the rain on thrashing against the window, I think that winter is really on the way now.

Yesterday there was thick ice on the cars as the temperature plummeted, today there is none of that, just lots of rain!

Time for the thermals and berets to be making an appearance.

Following on from yesterdays announcement from CA, the President of Australian cricket Association says that Smith Warner and Bancroft have been punished enough and calls for their bans to be lifted!

Really!!!  they should do their time I think. Let them off and you set a precedence that bans can be lifted if there is enough weight behind them.

Brad Haddon also had his say about the 'arrogant' tag.........


England are in action today and tomorrow against SLC Board XI.
Lets see how they get on.

Roadworks are still the bain of my life, its a becoming a new game, 'how many new ways can I find to get to work'.

Coming home is worse.

well best go and face it all.

Happy wet Tuesday

Here we go!

So the weekend is over and I got the bed to myself last night.

Its been  a mad old weekend with 'the girls' here, now back to work for more madness!

I had a very interesting read this morning, after the results of an independent review into the  'debacle' with South Africa and Australia. Cricket Australia asked for the review and as expected it does not show the Antipodeans in a very good light.

it came down heavily on the board saying that it has 'lost its balance and stumbled badly ' ( to say the least)
It also said the CA does not live its values and principles, and used the words 'arrogant' and 'controlling'.
The report did say that the woman's game was unaffected by any of this.They also commented on the leaders and their place in the whole shameful episode.

It was  interesting to read, what most of us have thought for a long time.

Lets see if it has any effect on the game in the future.


I am keeping this short as I need to be out of the door and into the office as early as possible today.
We have a few on holiday due to half term and so I am a couple of men down.


Have a great Monday

Rainy Sunday

Well its Sunday and we and by we I mean me and Miss Babs have been up since 4am, yes no extra hour kip for me I'm afraid.

Miss Margot had no intention of going for a wee at 4am and quite right too it was cold and damp!
After that I was subjected to 'play time' and eventually got some more sleep at  about 5.30!

we have  now had our morning walk, they have had their breakfast and are having a right old time zooming around the extensive grounds.
Miss Margot has this permanent look of ' when is this thing going back' on her face!!

News in cricket that the  David Warner took himself off the field during a match due to sledging.
It was reported that the person doing the sledging was the brother of Philip Hughes.
Interesting to see that Warner is not only a cheat but also unable to take what he often gives out!

Sad news on the terrible helicopter crash at yesterday after the Leicester football match.

I am trying to get the beds stripped and get the washing done, not easy when Miss Babs thinks that this is even more play time.

This is a short one as it has gone very quiet downstairs and that is not a good sign.

Until tomorrow.

I've got that Friday Feeling

I’ve got that Friday feeling

But first there’s things to face

Brave the numerous roadworks

And watch the directors parking race.

I’ve got that Friday feeling

And trying to boost morale

As I order the bacon butties

From our besty pal, Big Al

I’ve got that Friday feeling

I’m ready for some R & R

As soon as the big hand hits 2pm

I’ll be racing to my car.

I've got that Friday feeling

 Im dogsitting Miss M & Miss B

We’ll be  having a quiet evening

Catching up on Dynasty

I’ve got that Friday feeling

I’m ready for a glass of wine

By the time I get my PJ’s on

I’ll be feeling mighty fine.

I’ve got that Friday feeling

It couldn’t come soon enough

I wish you all a fabulous day

Doing your Friday  stuff

Thursday again!

And Thursday comes round again which means that we are very close to the weekend, this weekend the clocks go back, no extra hour in bed for me as Miss Margot and Miss Babs are staying!

In cricket Australia had a shocking defeat in the Tri Series in Abu Dhabi, even their Captain wasn't impressed as he called it  a car crash! It will be interesting to see the outcome of the rest of this series.


Shane 'Yawn' will replace Rodney Marsh on the MCC committee it was announced yesterday, it will be interesting to see what he brings to the table, expect dramatic changes in their chairman  Mike Gatting, I am sure the teeth whitening and 'Elizabeth Arden' creams will make a massive difference!

Botox anyone???

As South Africa gear up for a series in Australia, the gorgeous Faf has commented that they are expecting a hostile reception, I am expecting more picture of him in a towel ( shallow???? moi????).

He said that Australia is not an easy place to tour, with the crowds being like the 12th man.
This got me thinking, maybe this is what we need here.


well with the wind having calmed down here in the North East of blighty and some strange skies both in the evening and the morning I think that winter is coming, and if the forecasters are to be believed there may be snow this weekend, which will make it very difficult for me as Miss M & miss B are both white!

Oh well off to pre school.

I hope the chuffing roads works have disappeared they are getting right on the one nerve I have left!

Midweek and the madness continues

                                                                

So another day dawns and another round of ‘I’m a bigger Director than you’ will be beginning about now as the charge for the ‘Director’ parking will be taking place.

Please be aware that I am not exaggerating any of the above. I actually listened in stunned silence as 2 of the new ‘Directors’ were competing in where they had been on holiday.

Yep Crimdon Dene is not on my bucket list I can tell you ( not really worth a google).

Its actually bordering on stupidity, they are strutting around like demented peacocks, I personally think they are more like a shortened form of the latter.

This is rapidly becoming unbearable and I can see a 40 year old company going down the pan, or was that the plan all along???!!!

Going down the pan would be a good description of the ODI yesterday as England slumped to 4-3 chasing over 300, sadly it didn't get any better despite a brave attempt by Stokes.
The Captain says its not a set back and I suppose not, they have been playing well even though the weather hasn't

The England spot fixing 'thing' has been brushed under the carpet and no names have been disclosed which leaves plenty of room for assumption.

Well after gale force winds we are all calm here in the North East of Blighty this morning, its hard to believe that we are coming to the end of October. I wonder what November has in store for us...................oh yes!!! my birthday!!!

There is a lot of water to go under the bridge before that happens though!

have a great day

Stormy Tuesday

The desire to turn over and go back to sleep is very strong this morning as I wake up to howling wind and the curtains doing their very best ghost impressions.
Its very very windy and I doubt that we will be seeing the sun today.
We have been basking in sun and warmth the last few days but I think that now we are heading towards the end of October we are going to be getting a shock....................now where did I stash my thermals?

Hopefully England will get some play in Sri Lanka today and its to be hoped that the rain stays away.

More changes on the work front as they brought in another Director!
Interesting to see them fighting over 'Directors' parking ( ie at the front of the building) As there are now 6 Directors in the place the parking is very much on a first come first served basis, I am imagining that there will be some very early starts.

There is also a lot of talk about new cars!!

Mercedes tank boy wants an updated model and the 2 Jag boys are looking at Jaguar 'tanks'. I'm pleased to see that the buy out is befitting our customer service!

What a to do, and I imagine that today will be even more enlightening.

Ah yes I can see that my plans for a bolt hole may now be looking at a more permanent base

So with little cricket news, I will head off to the world of water treatment and see what today holds.

Weekend is over!

And in the blink of an eye the weekend is over and a new week is ahead of us.

It was a busy weekend with lots getting done and catching up with friends.

It also saw a visit from Miss Margot and Baby Belle ( who have now been renamed Miss Babs ) She is 5 months old and is very very cute, a little ball of white fluff, although apparently when she comes to stay next week she will have less fluff as she is off to the groomers.
I can see that I am going to have my hands full! ( and bed too!).


News came through that Jonny B  is out of the rest of the one day and T20 in Sri Lanka with the injury that he sustained playing football, not really a lot to add to that one!

Looking much further ahead the 2023 World Cup qualification process is undergoing a bit of a change, with a  huge 372 matches being played from July 2019 to  May 22. Its tough reading but all boils down to 10 teams in the actual World Cup .


Well I hear the town clock chiming out the half hour, so it looks as if it is time to head out of the door and get the week started.

My 'right hand' is back from holiday, and all the changes will probably make her wish she was still in Crete.

I personally wish I had been with her!


So without further ado, I am off out the door.

I hope your week is a good one

Busy busy

Well its been a full on busy morning with the beds stripped and in the washing machine, there is washing on the line and it is warm outside, I think this means that the garden will be getting some  work done on it today.

Yesterday was also busy with the new curtains arriving and getting put up, curtains being changed in the guest bedroom and lots of knitting before we went off to a party last night, I was ready on time and then had to wait for my lift!!! Never a good start in my books.

it was a great night  and my feet are paying the price for dancing the night away. Saying that I wonder where my shoes are?

There are a lot of things to go on ebay today as I continue to sell off my life here at the chateau ready for a fresh start.


England were again hit by rain in Sri Lanka, its like the domestic season here................maybe worse!

JB was ruled out of the game after an injury picked up in the warm up footy match........this begs the question, should football be part of the warm up?

As another week is about to begin, I hope that it is better than last week,  and I am trying to remain hopeful that things pick up or a new job pops up.
Never good to feel unsettled.

Maybe it will be changes all round.

So I am now off to make some rosehip and apple chutney and to prepare food for the week ahead.

lots to do so best get to it.

have a super Sunday

My Favourite things

Leather on willow
 stumpings and catches
 fast bowlers run up and nerve wracking matches
the days play starting as the bell rings
These are a few of my favourite things

Cable knit sweaters and crisp cricket whites
Red balls and white balls
A win in our sights
cheering loudly hoping luck it brings
These are a few of my favourite things

Friends on the boundary, drinking a martini
Escaping relegation, known as doing a  Houdini
Wishing away winters, living for Springs
These are a few of my favourite things

When the team lose
When the rain falls
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favourite things
And then I don't feel so bad

I've got that Friday feeling

And finally it is Friday and first job of the day is to sort out the bacon butties from Big Al the hungry persons  pal, I do however think that this may be coming to an end soon if ‘Richard Tator’ has his way.

I’m trying to remain positive about all the changes at the moment, it is not good  to dwell on the rubbish things that are going on.

One thing that is on the horizon  that  I am super excited about is that the absolutely lovely Jack Shantry is going to be given a benefit year next year by Worcestershire.
 I was most distraught earlier this season when it was announced that Jack would be retiring with immediate effect due to a back injury ( and with that bowling action I'm surprised that he lasted as long as he did!).
I wish him much success with his benefit year.


There is cricket this weekend as we have another ODI, if the weather holds that is.

I have a busy weekend with things at home and also a party tomorrow evening, it should be fun as there are a lot of our friends that I haven't seen for a while tipping up.
Now what to wear?????

Good news on the visiting front, Sophie and I may have a date for her arrival at the chateau, and then our hunt to see if we are really related.................even if we aren't we are'cricket sisters'.

Well super short as no other cricket news worth reporting, so best to brave the A167 and the road works.

If my drive to work is anything like my drive home, I may be at my desk by 9am

have a great day...............its nearly the weekend!

More news

And so  its Thursday and the week is nearly over, what a week it has been.

However what a day it is today, it is the birthday of the one and only TLJL!!!

Happy Birthday Jack, 25 today!!!!

Hope that you have a fabulous day!

Yesterday we finally got news on the lovely Michael Carberry and it wasn't good.

After the whole'captain' thing during the season, Michael disappeared and the only news that we had was that he was considering taking legal action against Leicestershire.

Yesterday it was announced that he would be leaving the club and that Leicestershire would not comment further on the matter.
Fair to say that it hasn't ended well.
Will we see the lovely MC snapped up by another county?
I hope so, there is a lot of cricket left in this fighter.

Next up the announcement that Glamorgan have parted company with their coach Robert Croft.This comes after they finished bottom of Division 2. To be fair lads as there is no Div 3 the only way is up.
They have also parted company with their Director of Cricket and Chief Exec Hugh Morris who has given up both posts.
Looks like a lot of change over Wales way.

Things are not hunky dory in Lady Lainey office and there are many mumblings and mutterings, they tend to sound like whispers as little can be heard over the constant rambling of 'Richard Tator'. If you thought I could talk you need to meet him!!!!
He started to talk at one of the boys at 8am and didn't come up for breath until 8.40am. The said boy had not uttered a word in the whole time. The word 'I' was used continuously and as we all know there is no 'I' in team.
As I left last night he had cornered someone else at 4.30pm and was still in full flow at 5pm, my guess is they  will still be there when I get in!

Well best go and rescue my little soldier or at least put a plaster on his bleeding ears.


Until tomorrow!

here we go again

just when I thought it was safe to read the Yorkshire CCC news it all kicked off again, I thought that we had heard the last of the 'Yawnshire' moaners, but no they are back in full voice.

It was announced that Galey is off to Tasmania to expand his coaching experience with Hobart.
A good thing I thought , but no!

The 'galeout' gang were in full voice with some of the worst responses I have read in a long time.

These are probably the same folk that were loud and mouthy a few November 15ths  ago ( yes I know the  exact date!) when it was announced that Dizzy was taking on the role, they are the ones that now think that the sun shines out of every one of his orifices!

For the love of dogs and the county, give Galey a chance, He is obviously trying to do something to move the club forward next season and I for one am right behind him ( in truth I wish I was as I could do with a spot of sunshine).
The expression 'Rome wasn't built in a day' is true and Headingley wasn't built that way either.

I wish Galey all the best and am sure that he will come back with more experience under his belt and give the lads the motivation that they need to make us champions again.
And you can be sure that if we do it, Galey will be the hero of the hour!

Fickle bunch of feckers me thinks!


It is cold and dark again this morning and I am preparing for the inevitable, the clocks going back in a couple of weeks.
Yes I will get an extra hour in bed but we are then into the cold and dark days of winter.

I will be looked after that weekend by Miss Margot who is coming to stay.
She could well be joined by Baby Belle who may/may not be joining the family. I will find out at the weekend.

Is it safe to leave 2 dogs in my care?????

I have enough trouble looking after myself!

Well best go and see what today holds for me and the gang.

I may be minus my 'right hand' but I have my own pet draughtsman.

None of my boys though have the ability to answer the phone, a job I have to undertake. I cannot even go to the little girls room without shouts of  'the phone is ringing'.
The suggestion that I took a phone with me  was a step too far!!

I only do that on special occasions!

Happy Wednesday................it is Wednesday isn't it???

Another cold mornng

Well its another cold start to the day here in Lady Lainey land, I am very quickly switching to hibernation mode! Yes I would happily go to sleep and wake up in time for the cricket season, however only after the birthday celebrations which are now less than a month away.
I am planning a long weekend away and cannot wait for some rest and relaxation.

A couple of international cricketers are getting a bit of R & R due to injury, Liam Dawson  has been ruled out of the remainder of the Tri series in Sri lanka due to side strain.
Hashim Amla has been ruled out fo the Australian tour due to a finger injury.
And so the list of crocks starts in earnest.

How many more will follow in the coming weeks, well I am backing stokes to be injured soon  without a doubt.

Life in Lady Lainey office is all change as 'Richard Tator' decided to move  the office around, everyone now faces the front and sits in rows, think a 1950's secretarial pool and you get the idea, it has caused much discussion amongst the gang and a lot of unhappiness, we have also had a bombshell about our Xmas break which has not gone done well at all.

I am sure that I will not be hearing the last of any of this!!

Dark mornings are turning to dark evenings as the lights go on in the chateau nearly as soon as I get home, however with new curtains for the 'drawing room' ordered at least the room with look cosy.

Well super short as I have to dash, road works and all that nonsense.

Until tomorrow

New week begins

Another week begins and we are one week closer to Christmas, New Year and a new cricket season ( well I have to do something to get me through to April).

Will this week bring good news for me?

I am hoping that it will on many fronts, the wanderlust is getting stronger now and I even have an app on my phone for houses in my search area, which I search a hundred times a day!

I am still clearing and packing  here at the Chateau, and after deciding to pack away the cricket jumpers, I was shocked and surprised to find 10 beautiful jumpers stored away, and also 2 signed Yorkshire shirts!!

I remembered putting them away until I found a framer ( which I have) so hopefully in the new house the signed 'Gillespie 44' and the full team of 2016 ( and 2014 which is already framed and on the wall next to the signed Ronnie Irani) will be adorning walls somewhere.

I am wondering what other treasures I will find during my packing.


In cricket news I see that the family of the late Peter Roebuck have  asked for the inquest into his death to be reopened.
Roebuck died 7 years ago  in South Africa after a fall from a 6th floor room.
The family were not allowed to attend the closed inquest in 2013 and have never accepted that it was suicide.


England are back in action this week in the 3rd ODI, that is on Wednesday.

I meanwhile have to head out of the door and weave my way up to the top end of Darlo.

Friday always comes slowly and then before I know it, it is Monday again!

Have a great week.

Sunday calm

I missed doing a blog yesterday, mainly because I was en route to meet some lovely people who do a very worth while job.
For quite a few years now I have given clothes and toiletries to a local refuge, it is something that I think is very important, as some families have to leave their homes with nothing but the clothes they are standing in.
The ladies usually collect from me at a set point, however yesterday they asked me to meet them for breakfast.

What a wonderful morning , finding out more about what they do and why they chose to do it.
I was told how even a bottle of shower gel can make a huge difference to someone who is in a strange place with nothing to their name.

When you think that you have the worries of the world on your shoulders, this puts everything into perspective.


I fought my way home through the worst weather and got home soaked to the skin and ready for an afternoon of knitting.......................which was eventful as I undid it about 5 times and in the end gave up!

Cricket saw England finally get some play and win against Sri Lanka.They must have sent all of the rain up to the North East of Blighty.

And Saturday came to a close with an early night, I declined a dinner invitation due to not being able to summon the energy to get ready!!

Today I was up before the birds and the usual things have been going on, washing machine on, dishwasher on, slow cooker on and now time to head out for a walk and get those steps in.


Its starting to feel a lot more Autumnal!
Have a great Sunday

It's Friday

It's Friday and I would like stay n bed as it is cold, windy and raining!!!

not a great start to the weekend, but apparently this is what we are going to be getting for the whole of it.

YUKKY!!!



So some not great cricket news, John Hastings the man with the biggest feet I've ever seen, is taking an indefinite break from cricket due to a lung condition.

The doctors have yet to diagnose the full problem, but it only affects Hastings when he is bowling. He has been having serious problems and has been coughing up blood!!

I hope that he is sorted out very quickly. He is a great bowler.
And talking Australia, somehow ( with the help of Khawaja) they managed to pull off a draw against Pakistan.

I have a busy day ahead, as the PA ( now to everyone) is probably now half way to Crete for a well deserved break, I only wish that I had gone with her.

Where I am going now though, is to order the bacon butties and face the day.

Have a good one!

Tired Thursday

well its Thursday and I have woken up feeling more tired than when I went to bed! How can that be????

Maybe I am thinking too much in my sleep, maybe I am thinking too much on the fact that Yorkshire are considering going down the Kolpak route!

Who knows.

What I do know is that cricket news is full of Shane 'Yawn', he's talking test cricket and his 'affairs', he appears to be laden with guilt over his behaviour over the years and the effect its had on his children.
Yeah well, what's done is done mate so suck it up!

Sad to see he isn't extolling the virtues of Elizabeth Arden and teeth whitening! I only read it to see if he denied having plastic surgery too, sadly not a peep about that!

Shocked to see the news that David Capel has undergone surgery for a brain tumour, I wish him a full and speedy recovery.


Rain has again been the nemesis of England  in Sri Lanka their match was abandoned after 15 overs.

rain is not a problem here although it is forecast for today, so I think that I need to dress accordingly.

So super short one today as I head out to brave the elements.

Have a great Thursday I hope that I can stay awake the full day!

Wednesday arrives

So we are at mid week, the birds are singing their hearts out and according to the weather man, after frost, wind and cold, today we are going to have high temperatures!

I am guessing about -3, but they saw about 17-19, wow!!! and after I packed the summer clothes away.


News from the cricket world that Billy Root is leaving Notts and heading to Glamorgan.
Notts have been replenishing their team over the last few weeks and it will be interesting to watch them next season.

Andrew Gale is set to possibly make a shock announcement today and not what the 'Gale out' gang will be hoping for ( I think!), he is going to talk about the possibility that Yorkshire will take on a kolpak player.

This will bring on cries of dismay from some quarters, but to be honest with our track record of the last few seasons of securing an overseas player this could be the way forward.
We won't be getting any eye candy for 'Her Ladyship' that is one thing that I am sure about.!

Hampshire have announced that they are losing the 'Hart and Sole' of their team as Ashley and Chris move on, Calvin Dickinson is also on the lose after leaving the team.

Australia are finding it hard going against Pakistan.

Thoughts are turning to the weekend,yes I know it is days away, but I have to get organised.

There is going to be (weather permitting) some outdoor painting going on and also sorting out of the depleted hydrangea nursery.


There is also a lot goign on work wise and in the background here.

So best to get the day started and see the rest of the week out.


Happy Wednesday

Another day

Well another day dawns, or nearly, its cold dark and very windy!

I am not liking these dark mornings!

News on cricket is that Matthew Hayden has had a very lucky escape after a surfing accident, he fractured a bone in his neck!.
luckily he will be OK and is on the mend!


Ahhh, Mark Wood has been talking about his preparations for the Sri Lanka tour, how he is lengthening his run up to reduce stress on his body . Lets hope it works and that he doesn't do a 'Finny' and become the permanent tourist!

Corruption raises its ugly head again as three Hong Kong cricketers are suspended for breaching 19 counts of the Anti corruption code.

19!!!

well in for a penny ( excuse the pun)


Chris Gayle has declined a place in teh ODI team for the upcoming series in India and Bangladesh.
he is going to play against England and will be available for the World Cup.

Andre Russell also misses out die to injury.


It is a very short one today as I have lots to do and places to go.

Have a great day and remember if you are in the North of Blighty to wrap up, its nearly thermal weather!

new week begins

Well now then, here we are at Monday and the weather has taken a real turn for the worse over the weekend, meaning that the electric blanket is now back on the bed.

And what better way to start the week, than reading a 'piece' by HWMNBNITB!!!!

What an absolute pile of poo that is. And goes to show his thinking on the game that he made his name in! ( well he has several names here in the chateau!).

Poor Pete is struggling to see any 'entertainers in the sport and he is alarmed by the lack of 'Superstars'. And then he goes on to endear  himself further by mentioning the 'F' word, yes he is  all about the franchise.

Firstly, it is obvious that he thinks of himself as a superstar and that with his retirement from the game there are no longer any.

Secondly it is obvious to see that his perception of playing cricket for your club, country ( and in his later years) franchise is not about being part of a team, but about making a name for yourself.

nothing new in that statement from biltong gob!

He thinks that 'superstars' are the way to bring children into cricket.

On this I slightly disagree, if cricket was introduced back into all schools  ( and yes I know it is underway in some) it would also be a huge help to draw children to the sport.

Of course children want to be like  their heroes, but do we want them to think that it is all about swanning round the world playing 20 overs and picking up a huge pay check?

Well I did ask for some cricket news!!!

As you all know I have little time or patience for this man, I appreciate that he was a good player in his day, but sometimes ( a bit like Shane Warne) I wish he would just go away ( fat chance!).

so I am going away and off to see what the week brings for me.

have a great Monday and week

frosty start

So as predicted by the weather forecasters, we woke here in the North East of Blighty to frost and colsd.
I had prepared for this  and looked like Scott of the Antarctic when I went to bed, surely the sight of me in bed socks, PJ's, dressing gown and 2 duvets would be enough to melt an Innuit's mans' heart! ( although to be fair Innuits are indigenous to Greenland so more Arctic than Antartic).

We have sunshine this morning but the frost is hanging around and it is decidedly cold.
The beds are stripped and I assure you that the electric blanket will be going back onto my bed tonight!

In cricket South Africa beat Zimbabwe and took the ODI series, my heartthrob Dale took 3 wickets although his heroics with the bat was down to 4no.

Australian are currently taking on Pakistan, who are 86-0, not a piece of sandpaper in sight!

Today will be mainly about visiting besty chum Christine who is laid up after an operation on her knee, she was supposed to be taking it easy, but the thought of painting the garden fence got the better of her!!

I also have lots to do after picking over 4lb of rosehips, the thought of deseeding them is not one that I am relishing ( bit of a pun there!).

I collected these as  went off to pick up the car from the garage yesterday, it is all fixed and good as new.
I also collected a parcel from the sorting office, and surprise, surprise, it was a couple of umpires shirts sent to me by my favourite umpire, he's a good egg that lad!

A new week is about to begin ans as I look at the job vacancies that are on offer I wonder if there will be total change in the new year, this is not a bad thing is it?

Well time and chutney waits for no lady so I am off to do things.
Hopefully this week will bring lots of cricket news as it is a fairly non existant at the moment.

Washing is on

I have begun to think that normality here at the chateau is the sound of the washing machine and dishwasher, or at least they are the soundtrack to my weekend.

After a stressful morning at work ( thanks to our new Lord and master 'Richard Tator'), it was time to drop the car off at the garage and get 'snogged' by Benji the french kissing border collie and Diesel the monster dog. Molly the new garage dog was tied to the door on a very long lead as she has taken to running away.
Molly, I know the feeling especially when Diesel tries to sit on my knee!!!!

I am about to set off to collect the car and also a parcel from the sorting office which is on the way.


In crickety news England are paying warm up matches in Sri Lanka, or would have been had rain not affected the play.

I need to get  a wriggle on as I have lots to do today after I collect the car, mainly shopping,charity shop drop off, visiting and cooking.

Last night as I settled down to my Dynasty catch up ( you can't beat an evening of shoulder pads and intrigue) and a glass of 'Cab sav', there was a knock on the door.

As I was not expecting anyone I thought I would ignore it, but the knocking got louder, I hoisted myself off the sofa, and opened the door.

Yes he is back and was obviously hungry as there is no other reason to tip up at my house.

Words were exchanged and then peace was restored and we settled down to continue the Dynasty catch up.

He was the person responsible for the mystery flowers a few weeks ago, ( which was obviously paving the way for free food for the winter). I also got to see some lovely pictures of his cousins wedding ( I attended the evening do a few months ago).
 He was making his way home at 10pm as I headed off to bed.

I am now making my way to the garage,

Have a good one.

Hello Friday

well I have made it to Friday and I have a lot to do this morning before the weekend gets going.

The car goes into the garage this afternoon to be fixed so I will be racking up the steps this on the 2 mile hike home, I intend to do some foraging on the way as I have a new chutney recipe.

It's been an odd old week, where we have all seen the real impact of D Day, not what we had been led to believe and not making for a happy crew, hopefully bacon butties from 'big Al, the hungry persons pal' will help get us through today.

News in the cricket world that Nick Compton is to retire, he had had a great career.

reading his letter of retirement, it is easy to see that giving up the job you love is a difficult one.
As I read through, his pride at playing for his country shone through, as well as for the counties that he played for.

Whatever he goes on to do, I wish him well


Yorkshire had a grim day as they were beaten in the T20 out in Abu Dhabi against Lahore. It was all a little controversial decision wise, but my boys will  live to win another day.
Great to see TLJL in the squad and hitting 26, more to come from him I think.
And cricket wise that's about it.

my thoughts are on the upcoming weekend, when I have lots to do and am getting prepared for the big Xmas push.

There will be lots of cooing and baking going on.


Meanwhile I will keep this very short and head off to take in the breakfast orders.

Its Friday and I am in touching distance of the weekend.

have a good one

Bit of cricket news

So some crickety news on this dark, cold morning here in the North East of Blighty.

Big fave of Her Ladyship, Dale 'the stare' Steyn has only gone and scored a half century on his return to the national side. Playing in an ODI against Zimbabwe Steyn hit 60 before being bowled.

And if rumours are to be believed he would like to return to Hampshire next season.................I will be booking my flight as soon as the fixtures are out!


And then there is another fave of Her Ladyship, HRR is only getting himself on 'Dancing on Ice'!
I'm not sure how I feel about this for a few reasons.
1. I don't watch any of these  'celebrity' type programmes ( and don't intend to start now)
2. Is this really the way forward
3. His fast bowlers buttocks may take a battering!

Other news is that injury prone Reece Topley is leaving Hampshire after 3 years ( most of it injured).

And then the news that Andrew Strauss is stepping down after 3.5 years as Director of cricket. Strauss took a break early season due to family reason. Although I have been scathing in his Directorship, I wish him the best in  the future.
He, however once made a comment which boosted him way up in my estimations!


After writing about what the folk in my road, it was commented that I should write a fictitious piece about what they think of me.

well most don't see me leave home during the week, at weekends they will see me taking huge amounts of  bags to the car and driving off, I am either going to the charity shop to drop off or away for the weekend.
I do make my weekend calls on the 'olds' in the street, but do they see that?

Sometime a shiny grey funky bus picks me up and I load that with bags and disappear for hours on end.

I know that when the Ferrari roars up it causes a lot of curtain twitching, as probably did the sight of me, sprinting down the road in my dressing gown on Sunday morning, chasing Miss Margot who somehow had escaped from the Deer Park and was chasing crows.
They probably have lots to say about me but hey, not the only ones!

Well time to head off to the saltmines.

have a great Thursday

Midweek

well its midweek and the leaves are slowly falling from the old horse chestnut tree outside the château, meaning that I will be collecting them up when this weekend.

with no crickety news and no cricket to watch I have taken to neighbour watching.

There have been some comings and goings over the season.

At no 73 'eedgit' moved in with Rebecca ( remember her?) and has been replaced with a young man who seems to spend more time back with his Mum than he does in his house.

No 75 has Bev and her son Daniel, both go to bed earlier than I do! ( wow that's early)

No 71 is Leonard, ex RAF with a very smart handlebar moustache.

No69 is the Pokemon hunter ( I know this as the local greengrocer told me so it must be true). If he isn't a Pokemon hunter then he is a vampire as he only goes out at night. His saving grace is his beautiful chocolate Labrador.

Across the other road at No 54 is the man with no front teeth. Over the summer he has had some sort of midlife crisis, grown his hair long and bought a motorbike!

No56 is Mr and Mrs Ward who have lived in that house like forever! They kindly shared some of their glut of cucumber, tomatoes and apples with me, I in turn gave them chutney.

I always do a weekly check on Leonard and Mrs and Mrs Ward, just to make sure all is well.

Although I fell that life is in slow motion now that cricket is over, It is (nosey) and interesting to watch the comings and goings as I eat dinner, although this will come to an end once the clocks change.
And change they will in a few weeks, meaning that we get an extra hour in bed over the weekend and that I will be going to and coming from work in the dark!

hurry up and get the cricket back, please.


A little speck of news is that my boys are in Abu Dhabi about to play in a T20 tournament, I hope they win or the 'Yawnshire' moaners will be tearing them apart again.


Oh well, time and waste water wait for no lady, so off I go!

Another retirement

well as the season closed and we came to terms with the ins and outs at our various clubs, there was one retirement that I wasn't expecting.

My great friend Terry Brewer, the legend of the Hampshire dressing room, both at the Ageas bowl and at my beloved Northlands Road, has hung up his kit for the last time.

Terry has looked after the Hampshire boys for 25 seasons and has called it a day.

I personally am very sad as Terry took to looking after me as well as the boys in the Northlands Road days.
always making sure I had something to drink and eat and coming to keep me company.
Last season I went back to Hampshire and had 3 wonderful days with him.

I know first hand that it is not just myself who has fond memories of Terry, having spoken to many cricketers over the years, and I have never heard anyone say a bad word about him.

To find out that my chum 'James Bond' also knew him well was an added bonus ( Terry used to babysit him).

You will be much missed Terry and those are HUGE shoes to fill.

I wish him a long and happy retirement.



And then there is other cricket news, Yorkshire have signed Will Fraine from Notts, the poor kid hasn't even got his Rosebud before 'supporters' are slating him!

what is this all about!!!

oh yes, of course! They know better than than the Director of cricket at Yorkshire, I had forgotten that!

Why oh why is there so much dissent  at signings?

He is young and we are trying to bring youth forward. Who knows he could be the key we need to unlock the trophy cabinet.

Give the lad a chance, he hasn't even played for us and he is being given the worst welcome to Yorkshire.

Surely we are better than that????

and with that I am off.

not much else to say!

October already

And Monday too, where did the weekend go?

Well Miss Margot and I were out and about a lot as the car went to be MOT'd.

And that was fun!

After dropping the car off we had a wander through the industrial estate, the trees are all changing colour and although very pretty, we all know that the next stage is the leaf fall.
Not something that I relish with my old horse chestnut outside the chateau.

We then headed to the cafe on the estate and I hoped to get a coffee to take away, however the ladies let me take Miss Margot in  and gave her treats too.

Back to  pick up the car which was sailing through its test...............until the handbrake  cable snapped!

oh well I had been expecting something.

Back home and a snooze, then we went to see my friend Lorraine, before we settled down for the evening, all good...................


until 5.30am when the noise of a hen clucking woke us both up!
Margot went off as though a hundred burglers were in the house!
Quick check of the garden revealed that the noise was coming from next door.

The neighbours only have a chicken in the garden  living in their upturned  hanging basket seat!!!!!


walk to the park and Margot getting friendly with the local footballers before home and breakfast.

It was time for her to go home before I even realised it.
And the weekend was over!

I did however manage to make some chutney which will be donated to  The Alexandra pub in Wimbledon who are doing a free Christmas lunch for people on their own. Great idea! great pub run by a Yorkshireman!

And cricket?

Well nothing much to report so best head out of the door and start the week.

Happy Monday, happy October.