Busy day

Well it was a super busy day yesterday as work was full on and then got home in time to have some work done in the kitchen.
By the time it was bed time I felt as if I had run a marathon ( not that  I have any idea what that feels like).


And now I am reading the news and see that England have dropped Jennings ( well hardly surprising) and replaced him with Joe Denly. 'Sir' Alastair Cook has questioned this, well mate I rated you as a great player but question the Knighthood!

As for  Joe Denly to open the batting, well he hardly has much to live up to from the first test.

I foresee a lot of jiggling of this team over the next few weeks.


James Franklin has been appointed as Head coach at Durham and will be assisted by Neil Killeen and Alan walker who have both signed extensions to their contract.
Alan Walker!!!!!
The luckiest blighter in the world, at the end of a non eventful career at Northamptonshire, Geoff Cook lured him to Durham in about 93/94 and there he has stayed since, in both playing and coaching capacity. That was some lucky move.
My thoughts, let some one else have a bite of the cherry, but it looks as if he just can't let go ( a little bit like Geoff Cook before he was eventually ousted)
The question is will all of this bring Durham back into division one.
I don't think so.


And then there is SA, well just to say that they won the ODI series and with a fabulous knock by de Kock and a 50 from Faf, made my day. Even Dale took a wicket to keep me happy.

Well another night and another strange dream. I am thinking that they are telling me to get out travelling as I was watching cricket in Trondheim, and at this time of year I am sure that it should  have had some polar bears in the mix.

We still have no snow and although cold, the sun is amazingly strong during the day.
And with that I had best pull on my thermals and head to the saltmines.
Pennies to earn and all that malarky.

waiting!

Well we were all waiting yesterday afternoon, for the much publicised snow to arrive.
No show.

Drove home and getting into the chateau, I battened down the hatches, cranked up the heating and waited.
No snow, no show.

So now I am listening to the weather reports and it looks as if we are getting it today.
Hunters are in the boot along with a couple of blankets, a flask and a spare make up bag ( well you have to be prepared).

They way they are reporting on the snow you would think that we never got any, I wonder if they have these reports in Scandinavian countries?

I have struggled to find any interesting cricket news today, there is not a lot around, although SA are in action today in the decider.

I had a very very strange dream and woke up in a very confused state as it seemed that some former Yorkshire players had re signed. add t this  one of my old school friends who I haven't seen in over 30 years was seen leaving a hotel with a former member of the  Yorkshire team.
This had to be one of the strangest dreams  I have ever had, that and the fact that I was wearing a pair of Yorkshire CCC coloured Converse baseball boots.
And it all took place in Bruges!
Of course, Bruges that hotbed of all things cricket!

I am sitting here  wondering what on earth any of this means.

Best not to dwell too much on it and just concentrate on heading out of the door and facing another day in the hellhole saltmines.

Hope that you are all warm and snow free although it looks as if some of you may not be.

Have a good day.

Another week another snow warning

Ah yes it is Tuesday and we are in the grip of another warning of snow, apparently it is coming this afternoon and if this is true, I visualise an even worse drive home than normal.

I suppose that we can't complain as it has been very mild over the past few months and rain has been something that has not really been in plentiful supply.
I just don't like snow in any way. shape or form.
I prefer sunshine, which we have had in abundance( even though it it brass monkeys in the wind).

Well only time will tell what we are going to see today.


I do see that the hacks seem to have it in for Foakes,who seems to be 'not thinking ' about potentially being axed from the next test.
I tell you what, why not get rid of Jennings who is an absolute waste of ECB money. How and why he is in the team is beyond me. He is a good county player but not test standard, and yes I know all about maiden test centuries.........................shame he can't be consistant.


I see that Warwickshire are in profit to the tune of  £1.7m.
I would assume that the money is mainly to do with the hosting of T20 finals day every year.


Oh well something we at Yorkshire can only hope for.

Well time to hit the road and face the madness that is the drive to work.

There has to be a better and less stressful way to earn a crust?

Surely?

Well my other plan is still in prgress, although winning the euro millions tonight would be an even better plan!

Off I go, see you tomorrow.

Another week begins

As Monday starts, I am sitting here wondering what the week ahead has to throw at me.
Lets hope it is a quiet week, with no letters of resignation on my desk when I get in.

Yesterday was a lovely day of 'self care' which is what my Sundays have become. I am slowly learning the art of taking care of me.
Weekends have also become a 'low social media' event. I also keep my phone on silent.
All to improve my quality of free time.

Yesterday though I did watch some of the South African pink game, which saw Pakistan win.

Ive caught up on all the excuses for a poor England performance on the first test.

So here is the run down

1. They didn't have enough warm up games!

2. They need to be tougher mentally

3 They need to be bold ( ?)

4 Poor preparation

5 Incorrect selection of team


Well where to start?

The truth of the matter is that no amount of warm ups,  change of team etc etc etc would have  saved them.
The West Indies did what they do best, came out and played on home turf, and played brilliantly.

No doubt England will now be adding a psychiatrist to the list of back room hangers on, to keep the boys mentally prepped!

We lost,get over it, move on and hope that we make a better effort this week.

And if you get the chance to listen to the take on 'American Pie' entitled 'Australian Lie' then do!

I am now heading off to the orifice, its good to see that the mornings are becoming lighter, it is only just over 2 months until the clocks go forward.

Happy Monday

Happy weekend

Here we are at Saturday, and lots to do ( as usual). I will be off to the sorting office to pick up a parcel shortly and there is shopping to do.

And then there is cricket......................


yes 2 days for our lads to get 628. Double centuries from the top 3, job done!

Oh yes I forgot that the top 3 scored 31 in the first innings.

You all know that hubris is my favourite word, and it is perfect for the way that it seems England went into this test. Not only the team but the hacks who have followed them out there.
I have never written off the West Indies on home soil ( or in South Africa) and to be fair this England team is not of the greatest, it is still struggling to find its perfect fit.
I'm sure the boys will be out on the golf course tomorrow or reclining around the pool.

I'm not defeatist, just realistic.
Interesting to see that Aggers said they were  poorly prepared and had picked the wrong team, not what he said prior to the game starting! Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Over in New Zealia there was  an exhibition match Black Caps vAll Blacks.
Well sort of,Brendan McCullum  was on the All Blacks team, who beat the Black Caps.
Maybe we should have this here instead of the 100.
Leeds Rhinos and Leeds United against Yorkshire CCC, and same in the other countries. That would be a fun day out, and something that I would pay money to see.

Lots still flying around about the 'racial comment' incident in South Africa.
Its not big and its not clever.


Right Postman Pat is calling so time to head off.

Have a super Saturday, I'll be back on Monday as tomorrow is the day of writing rest.

It's 'fry up' day

So after  the longest and most difficult week in a long time, it is 'Fry up'day, the decision was made yesterday that instead of the usual bacon butties from  Big Al, the remaining office boys are going for the 'Big Al fry up box' this morning.

I on the other had will be having beans on toast.

Its to be hoped that the England team have their weetabix this morning!

Yesterday was a day in the Caribbean that gave  a lesson in humility for the boys. 

I had read all the hacks slating the West Indies, well I am sure that humble pie was on the menu at hotels in Barbados last night.

As if you didn't know England were bowled out for 77, I won the office sweep on how many runs Jennings would get, although to be fair he was the highest scorer!

The conversation about Jennings in the office was not  favourable. And we all know that if his father hadn't lost his job with SA cricket, Jennings would not be wearing 3 Lions!

I still love Daddy Jennings  being interviewed when Baby Jennings made his debut and being asked if he had always wanted to play for England................worst case of dead  air time ever!

however none of this is an excuse for the state of the England innings.

Fair play to the Windies though!

And of course it wouldn't be a collapse if Boycott didn't throw his two penneth worth in .

If anyone is still listening to him.

Well half day Friday here I come.

Have a good one.

Nearly there

It's absolutely freezing and everything is white outside.
I am rather worried about my hydrangeas which due to the mild weather that we have had, decided to not only form buds but actually come into leaf.
There was some serious moving of pots around last night as I tried to get them safely against the garage wall.
I really hope that they are OK, especially after the nightmare I had with them last year.

So England were in action and Captain Root made the decision to put Curran in for Broad.........................yes he omitted Broad, which I think was a brave decision and showing that Joey has finally got this Captain thing together.
Curran didn't take wickets but James Anderson did shine and as talk of his retirement is bandied around, it will be interesting to see how we replace him.
England had the Windies 264-8 at stumps.

I was shocked to see that Johan Botha has retired with immediate effect, especially as he is in the middle of a spell with Hobart in the BBL.He has said wear and tear on his body and sheer physical fatigue are the reasons.
Strange that he couldn't have gone a couple of more weeks.

Olly Stone is back home and has been assessed on his back injury which is in fact a stress fracture. It is still unclear whether he will be fit for the start of the season.

Ah well best to close off now and head off to the saltmines.
Another day to get through.
After one of my boys was taken in to a meeting with Richard Tator yesterday at 1pm and he still wasn't out when I went home ( and I stayed back after everyone had gone to  sort out some things) I wonder if I may be one more person down today.

Have a great Thursday.

midweek and rather chilly!

Flipping heck!!! It is absolutely chuffing freezing and I ( stupidly) have just been out to the recycling bin in my dressing gown!
I never learn.

Luckily there has been none of the forecast 'white stuff' although  they are still talking about it on the radio.
Oh joy!

Well snow is not something that should hamper England today, as they kick off their tests series in the West Indies,this afternoon ( our time). Interesting to hear Joe Root say that it doesn't matter who gets the runs as long as we win'.
I'm more worried about the bowling...............

Winning was on the cards for South Africa as they beat Pakistan  by 5 wickets.

And Yorkshire announced that they have ( finally) signed their choice of batting coach.
Firstly I am sad that my besty pal didn't take the job,but I totally understand why.
I am glad to see that they have chosen Paul Grayson to take the role.
He has tons of experience and is just what we need.
I totally support Andrew Gale but he came straight from the game to being coach and I think that the support of Grayson might be what he needs.

Rich Pyrah ( bowling coach) was straight out of the team  to coaching too, so getting someone with a good amount of coaching experience behind him is very welcome.

Lets see the team rejuvenated when the season starts.

I am waiting for the 2nd county championship game when the Yawnshire moaners start there 'out' campaign!

I also need to head out of the door and get off to the office.

Morale is at rock bottom and it is getting harder to gee up the team.
I can only hope that things pick up soon
we have plenty of work, but struggling to get the staff to do it.
so more for muggings to sort out.


On days like this the thought of running away really is on my mind.

Its a cold one

It's another cold one this morning, its to be hoped that the frost clears quicker than yesterday, it was still lingering around at 1pm.

As we have been very spoilt by the weather up to now, it has been remarkably mild and dry,  we can only hope that the expected snap doesn't bring anything more 'white' with it.

Although I have just heard the weather forecast and the 's' word was mentioned!

I knew I should have mowed the lawn last weekend!.

So the first test starts tomorrow inn the West Indies, who have announced that Vasbert Drakes has joined the team as one of three assistant coaches.

The press here are full of bigging up any player who as much as managed to fasten his own pads on.
Alistair Cook singing the praises of Ben Foakes.
Whilst James Anderson has been moaning that the test preparation for the team has not been ideal.

Lets see what happens tomorrow.

South Africa and Pakistan are in One day action today.

and now its time for me to head off to the office and all that entails.

Moral is low and unhappy faces do not make for happy days.

I worry that I will be nearly 'boyless' soon.

Things have to get better.................

New week begins

another week begins and I have had a busy weekend, I took yesterday off from the blog, something that I may do every Sunday. it means that I either get a lie in or I have about 40 minutes extra to do the bed stripping and other things. In the event of extraordinary news ( like Sean Bean proposing to me), I will make an exception.(this may change during the domestic season)
7 years of blogging nearly  day sort of takes its toll.
And to be honest at this time of year cricket news is sort of low on the ground.

Saying that 'Top Cheat' David Warner is to undergo minor surgery for his elbow and its is said that he will be available for selection when his ban is lifted on March 28th. I'm sure we are all soooo excited about this!!!!

The predicted snow from last week failed to materialise and yesterday was a cold but fabulously sunny day, washing was blowing on the line, and all the windows wide open in the chateau, I was tempted to mow the lawns!!!  However I decided to make some chutney using more autumn foraged fruit, meaning that I managed to clear a little bit more space in the freezer.

A drop off of things at the charity shop and the dechettterie, meant that more space is freed up here in the chateau.

I may have a couple of trips more to do, and I am hoping that I can get the garage nearly cleared.

I am in full mode to get this house emptied ready for the move.
The ebay selling is going well which is an added bonus.

Well best to head off on my way.

Have a great Monday, its the start of the week, lets make it a good one.

Quick check in.

Just a very quick check in as I am super busy this morning and am now running late!

Lots to do and its freezing cold, which put paid to one of my plans to use a Christmas voucher.

Not much cricket news around that is of any interest to me.

England have been playing a warm up match over in the West Indies.

Well worth a listen to the Stumped podcast 'An Audience  with A B de Villiers'.

Faf du Plessis has said that South Africa are still trying to get the right balance for the team, maybe they should impart some of their wisdom to Australia...............who I think will come over here in the Summer and surprise us all. just my thoughts.

I think that the whole of Britain is in the throws of a cold snap so I suggest you wrap up warm.

and with that I am off to do all manner of Lady Lainey like things

have a good one!

half day Friday

So here we go, it's half day Friday which means that it is also bacon butty day. Although personally I am having a 'fake' sausage and scrambled egg,
Its been a tough week and I am so looking forward to the weekend.
Yesterday we had a flurry of snow, and the temperature has dropped considerably. This does not bode well for the plans for the weekend.
I will have to wait until tomorrow morning to see if I am able to cash in one of my Xmas pressies.

So after waiting for the announcement of the replacement bowler for Olly Stone, they have only gone and called up  Mark Wood!!!!!!
Yes the bowler who has had so many breakdowns he is sponsored by the RAC!
I give him one test before he is sidelined!

Aaron Finch has been defending his poor form and saying that he needs to seek inspiration  from his track record. Well he is a reasonably good player but has been pretty rubbish in this series.

Super short one today as I have a lot to do before heading to the office, which hopefully will include getting to the sorting office and see exactly what is in the two parcels that have been delivered and won't fit through the letter box ( although normally the Postman will just ram stuff through).
Then off to see Big Al the hungry persons pal.

And of course see what 'surprises' lie in wait for me at my desk today.

Have a fabulous Friday and a great weekend.

Weekend is calling

Well only 1.5 work days left until the weekend and I  cannot wait........................although with the anticipated snow, it may put paid to my plans for the two free days that I have. However I will have to wait and see how things pan out before being grumpy.

However I have read an article this morning which made me chuckle ( in a very unsportsmanlike way), David Warner is coming home from the BPL next week due to pain in his elbow! Well  most of us would describe him as a pain in a different part of our anatomy, and probably have no sympathy. How strange that he is having the same problem as his former captain Steve Smith!

And talking Australia , they have brought in Big Billy Stanlake and Adam Zampa for the series decider.

South Africa are resting Dale (the stare ) Steyn and de Kock for the first two Pakistan ODIs.

And over in the West Indies, Olly Stone has been ruled out the the tour with a stress fracture of the lower back. A replacement will be named shortly, (anyone know a bowler names Shortly???)

Interestingly my little hero Abraham Benjamin wants to play in the 100 competition! I'm sort of guessing its for the money. and therein lies the rub, as all the cricket wh**es will be coming out of the woodwork.

And before I head off, Lords have got permission for 2 new three tier stands, which is good in my books as I hate freezing my doodars off in the lower Compton stand!!! Even in the hottest weather this is the coldest stand in cricket.

I'm now off for round 4 in the office as morale is at an all time low and one resignation has been submitted.

Have a good day where ever you are.

Midweek mayhem

So after another full on day of refereeing, I am about to start Wednesday hoping that the week gets better.

Which is something that Australia will probably be hoping too. They lost to India yesterday with the 3rd ODI later in the week.

This is a telling time for the team, they are not a settled and established group yet and changes are, I think adding to the problems.
Interesting times.

The date for the AGM has been announced so that is my first official cricket event of the season. However February sees me heading off over the M62 to meet up with my soon to be business partner and we can firm up the details of the collaboration.
Exciting times.

James Harris, the Middx all rounder and besty boundary chum of Jimbo and I, has extended his contract with the team.
Chatty times

Hopefully around this time I hope to drop off the  scarifier to the new owners, as I am hoping to have as little grass as possible when I move to 'Residencia Robinson'.
Nerve wracking times

And going back to the AGM, hopefully I will be meeting up with Jimbo and having an evening out.
Wobbly legs times

And now it is time to brave the road works and traffic, as I head over the 167 on my way to the oriface.
Retirement time!

have a fabulous day and enjoy what you are doing, no matter what the trials and tribulations you encounter make it as good a day as possible.
Positive times!

Hello Tuesday

Lets make today a good one, because frankly after yesterday it needs to be.

Office life is so bad now both morale and dictatorship wise that I worry I will be even more boys down before the end of the week, despite trying to calm things down, I left last night with a feeling of impending doom.
To be honest I am finding it very hard to keep my own chin up, but I have to try to rally my trusty gang.

Time to put plan B into action I think.

So Australia are currently in action in the second ODI, Australia are currently 247-5 with 6 overs left.

I will probably listen to this at my desk, it will at least drown out 'Richard Tator'

South Africa won yesterday, beating Pakistan by 107 runs. Go my boys!
3-0 series win!

Interesting read this morning, with Tom Harrison ( his throat must be sore with all this chatting he has been doing of late), as he tries to reassures sponsors in light of the two court cases that have managed to bring cricket into the spotlight for the wrong reasons.

Trying to crush a culture that has been around cricket for as long as I can remember is going to be a difficult job. Its not a new thing, it is just highlighted more with all the new forms of social media and technology.

Obviously with the push for the 100 and bringing in 'new fans' they feel that it is also important to have a  squeaky clean image. Good luck with that one Tom!

I received some fabulous news last night that my favourite player 'BR' is, despite my worries going to be back in the season.
I am tipping this young man for the top.

And with that I am off, I think that a euro lottery ticket may be the order of the day today, well I can dream.

And with that I am out of the door

Here we go again

And its back.......yes it hardly seems like a week since it was  Monday and here it is again.

It should have been a shorter week for me this week but due to circumstances beyond my control I am now going to have to do a 5 day week ( well 4.5). Oh well no peace for the wicked.

Over in South Africa. its all to play for and Pakistan are set 228 to win.
I will be keeping an eye  on that score.

Cameron Bancroft hit 87 off 61 balls as Perth Scorchers beat Sydney Sixers in the BBL.
Bancroft is the only one of the 'carpentry' trio that I think will never wear the baggy green again. Sadly it does look as if the other two will get another chance.

And talking Australia there is lots of comment on Finchs lack of form and also Glenn Maxwell, all getting a bit boring really. You are having to rebuild a team, get on with it and stop whinging.

We are now in the middle of January which means that we are closer to the start of the domestic season.
Slight hiccup for us in Scarbados but I am sure that it will all turn out OK in the end.
Best laid plans and all that gubbins.

And so time to head off and start another week in the salt mines.
Probably time now to get my head round my joint project.
I'd best empty the piggy bank and get something down on paper.

Right I am out the door.

Sunday stroll

So after yesterdays meet up and breakfast with my chums, a couple of us decided to have an early morning stroll around the old part of the town.

It was still dark when I left the chateau, and cold and windy ( the wind has been howling all night), so off we went, heading out to the Great North Road, chattering 50 to the dozen.
just over an hour later and lots of steps, we all parted company after putting the world to rights.

If only it was that easy.

So now back at the chateau, breakfast is cooking and I am about to start the bed stripping, I may even get things dried outside if the wind continues.

Over in the cricket, South Africa saw Pakistan all out for 185 and were  themselves1967-6, I must get the TV on to watch this game.

Listening to Tom Harrison on 5 live and his views on Ben Stokes.  This conversation has been already spoken about but its actually quote cringe worthy to listen to him talking about Stokes as if he is some absolute super hero.
Let see if the ECB can have some control over the conduct of cricketers, I suspect that now is the time with all that has gone on and come to light.

Well this will not get the washing  done, so time to head off and get organised.
Busy day with lunch out and cinema later.

Have a great day.

Hello weekend!

Well hello weekend, and lets hope that it is a good one.

 I am off to meet some friends for breakfast, as a few friends have decided to channel their inner Lainey and get up early at the weekend, we decided to do more with their extra hours. Nothing like a catch up and natter.

I have already walked to the sorting office where a fabulous gift was waiting for me, some people are very kind and made even more special as this person was part of my all time favourite England team.
I can never say how grateful I am.

My day will also involve watching the SA game and knitting, its cold and blowy out there so I have decided to have  a quiet one after the early morning catch up, its been a thoroughly energy sapping week, and I am physically and mentally drained. So time to just recharge the batteries.

South Africa have  some work to do today after being all out for 262.
No Faf due to being banned for one game.
I am expecting big things from these boys.


The trial of Alex Hepburn has now sent ripples through cricket and seems to have had and is still having  a knock on effect for other who were in the Worcestershire fold. One of my boys has been affected by this.
The nature of all of this is nothing new, its just that social media has made it less of a bar room chat.
More to come on this I am sure.

Steve Smith is due to have surgery on his elbow after his scan,  hmmmmmmm Karma or something!

And with that I am off to meet the gang.

Happy Saturday.

and before you know it, it's Friday

So its finally Friday, the best  (half) day of the week and also time to order the bacon buttys for the boys. ( this has once again been questioned by the powers that be, so may be getting knocked on the head soon).
It will be a busy one but I can see me running like the wind to my car once the 'bell rings' at lunchtime, so that I can head home.

Well lots of cricket chat to catch up on,, firstly I am loving Ashley Giles doing what all good Directors of the game should do and 'big' us up. He is going to make sure that nothing derails our chances of winning the World Cup.
Hope he has passed that memo to the team.

Hampshire are strengthening their squad in the build up to the season.

We have got Jonny B for 3 more years as he signed a new contract a few days ago, not sure how much we will see of him this season.

The trial of Alex Hepburn, former Worcestershire player continues. The phrase used in court really summed up some of the culture that continues within the sport.

  "in some ways a sad indictment of a sport always thought of as a sport of gentlemen.
"The behaviour of these young men was anything but."

 The verdict is still to come.


Interesting to see that Steve Smith flew back to Australia for an MRI on his elbow. He is said to be suffering from 'golfers elbow' which has restricted his playing in the BPL.

It also seems that former temporary Tyke is on a sticky wicket due to claims he made that he had not played county cricket last year to up his chances of playing for his Country as he had been instructed to do by Cricket Australia. Justin Langer says that he has no knowledge of this.
 All the problems that have been coming to light over the last few months about goings on in Cricket Australia.......well it sort of makes you wonder!


And I am wondering what why I am still sitting here typing when I should be out oft he door.

Have a great day and a great weekend.

 

Another day

And its Tuesday morning and I am exhausted due to being kept awake most of the night by howling wind, which is still going on now!

I have yet to look out of the window and see what else is going on out there, but it doesn't bode well!

I've been reading through the aftermath of the Australia v India test series. The Aussies are of  course blaming everything but their own inadequacies,although Finch did say that he wasn't up to form, something that some Yorkshire fans know well.
It will be interesting to see how the team look in the ODI series.

Quite a few of the former international players have been having a swipe at selectors too so it will be interesting to see if they get back into the squad.

Over here Worcestershires Alex Hepburn is in court and it makes for very uncomfortable reading. Whatever the verdict is, it shows a worrying culture which has always been around but has now been supercharged with social media/communication platforms.

I am now out of the door and off to the saltmines, which are totally depleted, 5 office boys down with lurgy and also the secretary. That does not bode well for the rest of us! As you know what goes around at the saltmines usually knocks me for 6!

Until tomorrow.

Weekend gone in a flash

Well its Monday and first full week back at work........its going to be a long one.

However I made good use of the weekend, with a couple of trips to the tip yesterday meaning that there is now space in the garage although there may still be the need for a couple more next weekend.

I am very busy here at the Chateau, sorting, packing and generally getting ready for the move to Residence Robinson, whenever that will be.Better to be prepared.
I have started the year in a very positive way and I am also managing to let go of things that I had hung onto for too long.
New year, new start and all that.

I also spent time over the weekend with a lovely group of young people, as well as getting in quite a lot of exercise before spending the latter part of Saturday evening in the cricket club with Mr Funky.

Now lets see what has been going on in the cricket world, and boy am I distressed to see that after SA win the first test against Pakistan, they will be without Faf in the next test as he has been given a one match ban and a fine ( the rest of the team have been fined too) for being one over short after time allowances were taken in to account.

This isn't the first time Faf has had this problem.

The BPL has now started and those names not in Australia are tipping up in Bangladesh.

I however am getting myself ready for the start of the week, Hopefully we will all be in the office as there was much spluttering and coughing going on.

I suppose I should head off to the office, and of course the schools are back so the journey is about to become rather horrid!

Bonjour le weekend

Well the weekend is here and I have slept in, so this will be super short as I have to be out of the door in about 15 minutes.

So lets look at the cricket

Well as expected, Australia are struggling against India in what I would say was the worst case of showmanship by the visitors.
 Bad light was also not helpful.

However over in South Africa.........

Faf scored a century which not only made my day yesterday, but put the hosts in control.

I will be watching that when I get back later this morning.


Andre Russell who is about to star in the BPL, has been talking about the host of big names that will be playing in this franchise tournament.

He said that  De Villiers and Warner will make it more competitive.
I personally would have though that De Kock and Warner would have made it more competitive.

'seconds out, round two'!

and now I am off.

Lots to do in the next couple of hours!

Happy Saturday

End of the first working week of the year.

Well nearly the first week over and done with, yeay!!! its nearly the weekend!

Lots to do and actually I am really enthusiastic about getting it done, so trip to the de chetterie, charity shop and local furniture scheme.

I am determined that this month the chateau will finally be streamlined, ready for the move.

I managed to keep up with the South Africa game yesterday and was thrilled when 'The Stare' took 3 wickets as Pakistan were all out for 177.
'Newby' Olivier took 4 wickets and Philander on his first outing in a while took one too,
SA  were 123-3 at stumps.


I listened to the BBL match, Strikers v Renegades, and that was actually a good match, the Strikers played a rubbish batting innings, top order toppling like dominoes. However they  came out to bowl with serious intent and won the match.

And I had the radio on through the night for the Aus v India game. And to be honest that is the most boring game ever,
Both sides are very 'beige' and fine, India racked up 600+ runs but it was the most BORRRRIINNNGGG! listening.

Well time for the first visit of the year to see Big Al the hungry persons pal. There are few diets happening in the office and all are keen for a bacon butty this morning.

Have a fabulous Friday and a great weekend.

Tired old Thursday

So here we are 2nd full day back at the office and I am struggling to get out of bed!
To be fair, it was hardly a taxing day at the salt mines yesterday, although it was plain to see that 'Procurement Phil' had obviously set his New Years resolution this year to be even more infuriatingly awkward ( something that after last year I would have thought was impossible).
After much polite asking, asking, asking whilst swearing under my breath,threatening and punching ( I jest on that one).........................I managed to get new 2019 diaries for the office!!!!

The drive into and home from work was a joy as the schools have not returned and I think that a lot of people took an extra days holiday.

So home in 20 minutes and  then dinner, quick change and out the door to the Cricket Club, to meet Graeme and Rob. Yes!!!! I went out to play on a school night!
After a slight hiccup with timing ( Rob arriving an hour early) we got settled for the evening.
3 pints of lime and soda ( with ice and a slice) hit the table along with bags of 'Space Raiders', oh yes we know how to live it up!
Certainly not how a night in the 'Oak Tree' 30 years ago would have been.
Mr Funky arrived later and we all had a fabulous laugh, the years just melting away.
Graeme heads back to Texas ( where he now lives) next week, it was really great to catch up!.

And then I got home, ( after 11pm!) fell into bed and had the Australia game on the radio, where India are batting and 298-4 Pujara on 127.

So I am heading out of the door and will spend most of the working day, sorting out the Fluoride projects whilst keeping an eye on  the South Africa match.

Interesting to hear that there are signs of trouble in the BBL.............................how will this pan out for the 100????

Until tomorrow

The first day back proper

And so I am back to the office  properly today and will be going with a heavy heart but work I must and in the meantime I will look at other options.

I have some things to sort out in the 3 days that remain of this week. And lots to do at home too in the run up to the weekend. All this in earrings!!!

Yesterday was a very quiet New Years Day, with a trip to the seaside and walk on the beach ( also a mad moment of 'sploding'). It was just what was needed to clear my head ( and nearly freeze my toes off).

I met up with some cricket chums last night and was home in bed before 10pm.

I am meeting up tonight with two friends who I haven't seen in about 30 years,although in truth I did bump into one of them briefly a couple of weeks ago.
We all used to drink in the local pub, which sadly was knocked down a couple of years ago and now has a large number of tiny box houses built on the site.
Progress is not always good, the pub was the heart of the community and when it closed its doors, a lot of community spirit went with it.

 As there is very little news on the cricket front I will not bore you with what is happening at the chateau and I need to think about setting off to the salt mine.
Hopefully the roads will be very clear as the schools are still on holiday.
One of many things to be grateful for.

Happy Wednesday

It's 2019

So here we are it's Tuesday and its 2019!

No resolutions in the chateau although I have promised myself  a few things.
I will be much kinder to me, as I am the most important person in my life and I forget this a lot.
I will also wear earrings every day.
These may sound a bit odd to some of you but to me they  sound just perfect.
There are others but as I have promised to keep my trap shut more often, they are just for me to know.

I have also given up drinking for January or to be honest for the next 3 weeks as I am off on my jollies 3 weeks tomorrow. First jollies of the year and they will be a much needed break.

I will be of course be watching as much cricket as I can this season and spending time with my cricket chums.

2018 started with great promise but ended with much unhappiness both in my personal life and work life.

So I am focusing on making this year a happier work year, after all I still have  a few years to go before I can retire ( and to be honest I imagine that once we leave the EU, the retirement age will move again).

However the main thing is that I wish all of my friends a happy and healthy year.

Here's to 2019 I intend to make it a great one.