Another lock down week begins

Another week begins and another week without cricket, and none before 1st July,but wait......Tom Harrison has a plan, he has had numerous offers from as fair away as Australia and New Zealand.

How can this work?
Surely the cost to do this would be astronomical, and then the logistics.
Moving the postponed Internationals to later in the summer.

Firstly moving games abroad...……...………….does the ECB not realise that a pandemic means that it is world wide { except St Helena and the Antarctic research facilities to name a couple}.
Surely moving players is not a great idea, to be honest we know very little about Covid 19 , we think we know how its spread but there is not cure, or immunisation against it.

I think that the ECB need to sit back and think about safety.
Also taking cricket abroad rules out any fans seeing it unless they want to stupidly put themselves at risk.

Jason Gillespie came up with a good plan.
3 groups of 6 counties.
Play each other once and winner of each group { using current points system} goes into the final 3.
Top team into the final
2v3 in semi final.
winner{points system} into final
final at Lords.

Its a possibility, and could be shown on Sky.

Of course there are still massive shouts for T20, but to be honest I doubt that even by September I will be comfortable in large groups of people. And that is what T20 is about, numbers to generate income.

Ah well we will see, but I seriously think that is the ECB are thinking at any point this year of sending players abroad, they need their bumps feeling.

Well off to work and no doubt see lots of other numpties who will be queuing at B & Q.
Lock down means travel if its essential, stay at home, exercise daily, but recommended an hour, not a 5 hours bimble.

Seriously people are becoming complacent and I for one do not want to be ill or worse due to their stupidity.

Rant over

a little look back

This is  a look back to a post from 2017.

I was not much more than 10 years old and accompanied by my two older sisters, headed overnight  to London ( Victoria) to get to Gatwick to fly out to Africa on a splendid adventure.

Initially the 3 of us were due to fly to Moscow for  a week, but due to eldest sister Kiki working in the secret service ( OK it was the Police) she was unable to get the necessary paperwork to go, so  there we were hurtling down the M1 on a National Express coach.

And then it broke down at Scratchwood, not the services you understand, far enough away that in the middle of February, we were standing on the side of the motorway  at approx. 5.00am!

By the time a replacement coach came ( and remember this is before the days of mobile phones and the bus driver had to leg it to the services to make a call from a phone box, remember those????) we knew that we were not going to make out 9am flight to Africa.

When we arrived at Victoria, Kiki made pleading phone calls to the airport to see what could be done.

We arrived at Gatwick unbelievably only a matter of 10 mins after the plane had left.

Staff tried to see if they could help us, we were all dead on our feet and not sure where we were, what day it was, and more to the point what was going to happen.

we were sent to get something to eat and drink whilst they worked on our plight.

When we returned to the desk, we were told that we had been booked on to a flight from Luton airport to our destination and would leave at tea time. If we hopped to it could be on the next 'Green Line' bus  to Luton, taking in the scenery of various counties on the way.

Too tired to do much else, we, got on the bus and headed to Luton.

Never in those days would you have heard travellers heave a sigh of relief when they saw the departure lounge of this airport, but  we did.

So we settled down to wait for the teatime flight, and waited, and waited and waited.

We were sent to get some dinner as the flight was delayed until 10pm.

we  thought we had best  ring the parents.

'Oh goodness' declared Her Serence Highness,

'Why the devil are you phoning from Africa?'

Yes indeed, we should have been  settled in our hotel, had a dip in the pool, had lunch and dinner and at this time be dolling ourselves up to go to the hotel disco!

Kiki told her the story in a nutshell and  then we went back to waiting to board.

It was raining as we headed out onto the runway to board the plane.

We took off into a thunderstorm and believe me I never want to see lightning that close to me ever again.

We landed  slightly shaken but safe and were taken to the hotel in the early  hours.

Having been given our key ( tiny key on a solid brass keyring the size of a saucer, and I can still hear the sound of said keyrings being dropped on marble floors now!).

We headed off to our room, Kiki in charge, marching off to the room, she opened the door and walked in ........................................................only to find a naked man on the bed.

Ah it turned out that we were in the wrong room, worryingly though the key opened it!

We found our room (easy mistake, we were in A5 and had just gone into room 5)????!!!!!

However there were only 2 beds when there should have been 3.

Step up Didi, she took off to the reception and  10 minutes later was carrying another bed in with the help of a porter. I tell  you I swore that she would give up her banking job when we got home and take a job with Pickfords!

Surely now we could relax and enjoy our holiday.

Bed, sleep and then waking up to sunshine and warmth pouring through the patio doors.

We got ready and decided to head out for a walk to get our bearings................................................and couldn't open the door!!!!!

The key that had opened the wrong door and then the right door last night would not open the door at all this morning.

Didi steps up again and climbs over the balcony,, this was not as dangerous as it sounds as we were on the ground floor!

she takes the key and opens the door from the other side, let us out and we never looked back.

This country became a yearly sometimes bi-yearly haunt and is still very dear to us all, although now it is not safe to travel there.

 I'm  sorry to say that I haen't even  mentioned the near 3rd degree burns from water heating elements ( remember those before the 'invention' of travel kettles and hospitality trays??) and enamel mugs....................... ah well I'll save that for another day.

have a good one!

another day

Another day and we are still plodding along here in the office, I have lots to do and also 4 O & M's to get out before the 2nd week in May.
Its all go for us...………………………...not so sure I can say the same for some of the home 'workers'.


I've been busy at The Wickets and upcycled a little side table that was going to the charity shop, it is now going in the 'petit salon' and looks very nice. I had looked for something on line but then realised that I couldn't order as I like to touch and see something before I buy it, and its difficult enough to send things back in good times, bit more difficult at the moment.

I have ordered new curtains too and will be looking for new cushions which again will be difficult on line, but needs must at the moment.

I might finally get a room finished. and I am really pleased about that.

My lovely friend Phil who is a keen amateur photographer has given me access to a set of pictures that he took and that I said I liked, I have ordered 2  for the room when it is done, I am looking forward to getting them put up.

Its been an up and down week in the office, morale has actually hit rock bottom and trying to gee everyone up has been hard.

Looks at if the ECB are heading for more criticism as it appears that Colin Graves heir apparent is not quite as squeaky clean  as a Chairman should be ( Graves must be a whisker behind him).

Oh dear it just doesn't get any better.

However lets see what happens.


And now I am heading off to work, the roads seem to  be getting  busier, more people returning to work?

Have a good day stay safe.

Something a bit different

So today instead of cricket or coronavirus, I thought I'd take you back to the dark ages when I was about 8 years old.

I was in The Brownies and we went away on Pack Holiday for a week to Camp House, which was in the beautiful Whitworth Park Estate Spennymoor. These grounds are full of woodland animals and wild flowers and  to any 8-10 year old at this time ( pre mobile phones, play stations etc) an absolute wonderland.
I remember with very fond memories of evening walks through the woods with Brown Owl and Tawny Owl ( not the feathered kind, but our leaders)

I went on this holiday twice which was the allotted amount of trips you could do and the memories of it have never gone away.

The Camp House was made possible by Rosa Edith Marguarite Duncombe Shafto ( descendant of seafarer Bobby Shafto) who leased the land on which the house now stands to the Durham branch of Brownies, Guides and Rangers for a nominal rent.

The house officially opened on 3rd April 1965 by Mrs Shafto's grandson  Robert, this house became ( and still is) very important to Girlguiding in the County as it is also used for training as well as a holiday home for the girls.

In April 2007 the purchase of the land and surrounding Bluebell wood was completed which meant that it would provide holidays for many years to come.
In 2011 The Shafto Foundation gifted  the remaining land ( which had still been leased for a nominal rent ).

So what made these holidays so memorable, well I guess, going away with 23 of your Brownie friends was the main thing, and for many it was a first holiday away from parents.
Being given the task with my bunk mate Lorraine, of cleaning the windows outside at the front entrance.
Who knew that 4 bottles of Windolene were nigh on impossible to remove once baked on by the sun. I'm sure the window cleaner loved us!!!
We would walk through the woods were there was an 'ice pit' were food would have been stored to keep it fresh centuries ago ( we all loved this for some strange reason).

And then there was the old lady who lived in the little cottage in the woods who grew lots of vegetables and would give us fresh herbs to take back to the house.
This lady was Rosa Shafto ( she passed away in 1979), she always came out to talk  to us and was a lovely lady.

We had great games in the fields and picked flowers for the camp house.

Great memories of times gone by.



 Rosa's Dad was named Robert ( not Bobby who was born in 1732) and her mother was named Alice and was from Sydney, New South Wales.


Happy Wednesday

Life in the time of Corona

Daily life has changed a lot

Some go to work and some do not

Washing hands in water hot

Use your sleeve to wipe away sn*t :-(

Life in the time of Corona

Do your shopping once a week,

Exercise daily, to be at your peak

Enjoy time at home, its not that bleak

And to your neighbours try to speak.

Life in the time of Corona

Those going to work every day

Face  problems along the way

But needs must to get their pay
News seems to get a bit more grey

Life in the time of Corona.

Hospitals built in a matter of hours,

Updates given by the top powers

Burials without families or flowers

A country that now cowers

Life in the time of Corona

Lockdown continues and the weeks pass by

Keep calm, carry on and time will fly

Keep safe, be kind or at least try.
We are in it together under one sky

Life in the time of Corona

Life in lockdown

Its Monday and  we are in week 4 of lockdown, as I have said before I think that I am 'luckier; than some as I have a real routine due to still working. This tends to mean that I am still looking forward to the weekend.

Flicking through my social media,, I despair at some friends who think that they have had their civil liberties violated by being asked to stay at home and not allowed to go out except for exercise. To be  honest their only worry is when the pubs are going to open again.


I, meanwhile  have finally made the effort to rid myself of the brown and teal striped wall paper in the lounge.As I was steaming off the first piece of paper I had this sudden fear that the wall underneath was either brown or teal or some other god awful colour, luckily it was  better, as the wall underneath was painted magnolia and not too bad, so I gave it a quick 'one coat' { read as 2 coats but the other one is still to go on}.
So I will be added the last coat one night this week and then get the lounge into some sort of order, and I now have to look for some new curtains...………...its a bugger that the charity shop isn't open, I normally can pick up some fabulous ones in there.

I had a video call on Saturday afternoon and caught up with Carole, Philip and The Nannan, most of it was spent in fits of laughter.

Sunday was a bit of all sorts, as I planted a Clematis in the garden and made more chutney, {I may be opening a shop after lockdown at this rate},upcycled a side table { until I can get to the shops to find a new one} and did a spot of eBaying. { looking for a chair...….don't ask}

And back to Monday. Another week at the office and  lots of work to do { including the cleaning, Jack of bloody all trades I am}.


In cricket Adil Rashid has said that he might consider a return to red ball cricket at the end of the summer.
He is a bit of an enigma Adil, I appreciate that he is doing what he thinks is right for his career, but I don't think he is getting any new fans.

IPL suspended until further notice, there will be some players who are crying into their caviar at that.

however, will we see any cricket this season?

As a sponsor of two players, I really hope I get to see the lads paly before the end of summer...…..but I'm not holding my breath.

Best head off to work and carry on as normal.

Have a good day and stay safe.

Friday toastie day

Its Friday and  we are having toasties for breakfast, we have been planning these since Wednesday.
They  are having 'nearly quiche lorraine' toasties. ( bacon cheese and onion). I'm peanut butter and banana toastie.

We have several suggestions for what to have, one of which will be used next week, 3 cheese pizza toastie ( 3 cheeses and tomato),

Its a proper gastronomic delight in the office, we have a coffee machine and the sandwich toaster  in use for the 4 of us as we are making the most of a bad situation.

It is the last day of the working week and I for one am very glad, its not been the easiest of weeks, and after emails yesterday regarding holidays, it has not lifted the gloom in the office.

I'm trying to gee up the other three who feel that that they have been undervalues { true} and that they now know their place in the office hierarchy {bottom feeders,}.

Its amazing how little about management those at the top know, and don't get me started on how to motivate your staff!

I've just been reading that you can buy a shed load of alcohol to get you through a week, but cant buy paint and brushes, according to some guidelines.
So you will be suffering  cirrhosis of the liver in a shabby house!
I would have thought paint would be ideal as people are trying to get their houses into order, and obviously broke some law by buying paint last weekend.
Keeping people busy and as such helping with their mental health, which is a huge topic at the moment.
I wonder what those who lived through the war, with bombing, restriction of movement, blackouts and rationing are thinking about those who are going 'stir cazy' after 3 weeks of being at home with satellite TV, the internet, food, drink and no chance of waking up to find half your street a pile of rubble.

Time to flipping well 'grow a pair' and realise that this is not for 5 years its probably not for 5 months.

And so ends my rant for Friday.

Have a safe weekend, take care.

Putting on a united front

We all know that these are strange and unprecedented times, things are not the norm for us all, even those of us who have to go to work as normal.

I've read lots of what people want to do the minute that lock down is over...………….most revolve around going to the pub, which I guess will not be open as social distancing will probably still be in place.
Although listening to news this morning it was interesting to hear that some form of lockdown might be in place  until a vaccine is developed and that could take 18 months { smells of control of population/ movement to me}

I think that pubs, restaurants, cinemas etc will be the last things to get back to normal, apart from the economy.

The winners in this will be the supermarkets who have managed to hike up prices whilst people still buy as if a nuclear holocaust is going to take over from Covid 19.

We applaud the NHS for their stirling work, they will still have a job to go to when this is over, a lot of us won't.
I'm working within the water treatment industry, we are a small cog in the mechanism, and may not survive.

That will be us and a heck of a lot more companies.

Strange and unprecedented times.

My first thought was if I lose my job, I will sell up everything and go and work in a bar abroad...……………..then realised this wouldn't happen due to Brexit, which this time last year everyone was screaming about. My freedom of movement within the EU is restricted.

So as we wait to see when this form of lockdown will be extended to, and what the implications will be, I am trying to put on a united front, a brave face and carry on doing what I do.


We genuinely don't know what is round the corner.

So what will be the first thing that I do when lockdown comes to an end...……………..pretty much what I  have always done, work, go to visit friends and then go home and shut myself away in my little house. And in the event that we get any cricket head off to watch some of that.

I realised in the last few weeks that I do lead a very simple life, and that's just what I like.


Happy Thursday, keep smiling and stay safe.

Midweek already

Well its Wednesday, midweek already and we look as if we are no nearer to the end of lockdown. In some ways this is good as the stats of Covid 19 do  not seem to be levelling out.

I was back at work yesterday and this in itself brought a host of problems. It appeared that one of the Richard Taters had been in over the weekend { was this essential travel?} leaving an note on my desk of things to be done, this is the same one that I have had no contact with since he ran out of the door 3 weeks ago.

So on top of everything else I am now the cleaning of the office and the toilets { including the men} as our cleaner has been furloughed.
Well I think that you can imagine what happened at 7 46pm...…...and no surprise I woke him up...…………..ah the working from home lark, a 3 week + holiday for him it seems.

However there was an upside as one of the workshop lads was about to dump a radiator cover in the skip behind one of the workshops and it was rescued and in the back of the limo before you could blink an eye.

It needs a bit of TLC, which after the lounge wall has been painted will be next on the agenda.

One less for there lovely Rhys to make for me, and it will do a treat.

And for anyone in the 'radiator covers cost you more in energy' corner, this one has a reflective back plate, and in my house the heating is rarely on as its like a flipping furnace courtesy of my neighbours.

Well I am heading off to not do the cleaning of mens toilets { the two men can do theirs}. Everyone has to hoover their workspace and clean their area.

I am not adding cleaner to my CV that is for sure, no offence to cleaners in any way, I have quite a lot of other things to deal with daily without this.


stay safe.

The first Bank Holidays of Corona

I'm back after my four day staycation,the first of the corona Bank Holidays, and very nice it was too,  it was nice  to be at home, doing things, pulling things out and not worrying about any one calling unexpectedly, { well apart from Mr Funky leaving a grow bag outside the gate and me still being in my dressing gown,}.

I finished work on Thursday evening and after seeing the queue outside Aldi, thought that I didn't have the  energy to join the line for my essential shop, so went home and was in bed by 8pm.

Friday saw me up at normal time, and out on my walk at 6.15am, it was lovely, a slight chill in the air and not a soul around. I was home by 7.15am and washed the car, mainly because the seagulls that frequent Ladylaineyworkville, decided that my car was the local toilet!!!
Then I set about scrubbing the paved area of the garden, before heading in for coffee and breakfast.

I eventually  {9am} went for my shopping and then home to have a relaxing day.

Saturday was much the same but with chutney making thrown in for good measure.

Sunday was sewing and  ebaying, and yesterday was clearing under the stairs and finishing off the cushion covers I had made...…..and disliked, so they are now to one side.
Put up pictures in the dressing room and tidied the two landing cupboards.

Not exactly the weekend I had planned, as I should have been in Madrid, but in the circumstances, it was a very enjoyable time.

I think that post lockdown, I will try to keep to shopping once a week and  spending more time around the house, I have no desire to go to the pub, as lots of people are saying.
I would like to see my friends again that's for sure, but the pub is not on my radar.

In cricket Hampshire have now cancelled Nathan Lyons contract to play part of the season.

And I have been keeping up with Karl McDermott the Lords Head groundsman who is keeping a Twitter diary of life on lockdown in Lords. Imagine living there!!!!

Well another day and back to my usual routine, which is something that I am grateful for, I get out of the house { albeit to the office} and my life is pretty much keeping to the norm, but for how long???

I hope that you are all well and that you had a peaceful Easter.

Here's  to another week on lockdown, which is for our own good.

Be sensible about it, it isn't forever, which the alternative is!!!

Stay safe

Maundy Thursday

So today is my last working day this week, and is, in the Christian calendar, Maundy Thursday, which is the day of the Last supper.

I would normally try to go to Church over the Easter period however no churches are open  some online services will be taking place, I may try to join in on one of these.

Luckily bunnies are not subject to the same rules as us humans so I will be expecting a delivery from the Easter bunny over the weekend!
If they are subject to the supermarket rules of only three items the same  I am prepared to forgo  3 Easter eggs and take champagne and gin and vermouth in place...……………..just saying.


It was reported that Daniel Levy  was considering  putting Tottenham ground staff to work at his  private estate. I mentioned that if Yorkshire wanted, I was prepared to take a player or two to help out at The Wickets, I was duly reminded that maybe I should have been asking Kent!

Ahhhhh TLJL, I doubt I will get to see him play in a different  shirt this season .


It has been great to see Essex CCC getting players ringing up members and also cooking meals to be delivered to NHS staff, as well as elderly and vulnerable people in the community.
How brilliant is this?
Firstly its helping the wider community and its also keeping the team busy.

Well played Essex.

Just to say I am still waiting for my call from Martyn Moxon who has been ringing around members over 70. {I 'm about  70 in ex chairman years}

As I have a 4 day break from the strain of  going out into the wider world, I will also be taking a break from the blog. I'm very tired, anxious and ready for a bit of peace and quiet.
I wish you all a peaceful Easter time.

Miracles once happened over this weekend, I pray for one for us all.

Stay safe and keep well.

Midweek

Well its midweek, although in real terms its not, as tomorrow is the last day of the working week and then four days off...…………………….not that we can go anywhere, although I can make the most of being at home, which I do enjoy.

I do have a lot of things planned to do and  intend to get them done. If the weather is fine you will find me on my Yorkshire chair in the garden, if its not then I will be inside, measuring and drawing up the plans for the hallway renovation.

I've ordered   radiator cover from lovely Rhys the joiner, he will make it to my exacting demands ( me a diva!!!) and this has come at a good time for him as work has dried up for him at the moment . I won't get it fitted for a while yet though.

Still nothing on the crickety  side of things, sorry but I fear that you may be putting up with my ramblings for most of the season. I think that there is only so much chutney chat that you can put up with.

Although...…………………..Surrey have cancelled Michael Nesers contract , he was due to play until July, shame about that as he is always  worth a watch.
How many more before this is over???

I have been dropping notes through for friends in the last couple of weeks and had a through the window chat with one friend yesterday, she hasn't been out for 28 days { she has a back problem from a break about 7 years ago and M E}. She was very worried that she may be ill and so had taken to self isolation.
It made me realise the impact that this is having all around. 

I've tried to send messages to cheer friends up { hopefully}.
I'm lucky{?} I have to go out every day to work  so seem to have more freedom than most people. I try to post or drop a note every day,  its a little thing but hopefully brings a smile.



How will a lot of people be feeling when we finally come out of this?

Only time will tell

Well time to head off  and another day in paradise.

Stay safe, try to keep cheerful, we will get through this.

Pull together

Isn't it funny ( well not really) a couple of months ago we were being urged  to 'Be Kind' after the suicide of Caroline Flack and then yesterday I saw some absolutely vile things being said about the Prime Minister, who had been hospitalised and later admitted to ICU..

I don't care what your political persuasion is, saying hideous things about someone who is ill with what has been seen globally as a deadly infection, is really bad form. Imagine if someone made those comments about one of your loved ones who was ill, I'm sure you would be appalled.

 As said earlier, a couple of months ago 'Be Kind,'  was being screamed from every form of social media and red top rags.

In fairness though if you have to be told to be kind...……………...well there is little hope is there.

Kindness should be something that comes naturally.

And so ends the rant for the day.


Very sad news came through that the absolutely beautiful Honor Blackman had passed away aged 94.
As an 'Avenger' and a Bond girl she was incredibly sassy as well as being very well spoken { elocution lessons}
She was throughout her life  a true beauty and head turner.
RIP Honor, you were the best Bond girl ever in my opinion.

In other news, I managed to get some sewing done last night in between watching 'return to the Chateau DIY', I have lots of plans for my hallway and watching this has made me determined to do it, mine is a little job and watching some of these total novices, mend roofs, replace windows, I feel full of  DIY  bravado.

Seriously if Fiona can rip out the plumbing  and put in a new bathroom suite, I'm sure I can do my hallway improvements!

If Stephanie can renovate an old horse drawn carriage, I can sort out my stair carpet and door trims.

I am online eyeing up power tools!!!

And talking about The Wickets, it is 9 months since I moved in! can you believe it!!!!????

With 7 months taken up by being unable to walk and 3 of these being without the  use of my arm, its great to be able to plan to do things.

A little bit of crickety news.
In line with a lot of companies, Yorkshire have now furloughed the players and coaches to go along with the other staff at HQ.
More of us will find this happening shortly I think. I also know that many will lose their jobs as a result of the lockdown and the financial implications this brought about.
We must all hope that they can find other employment.
A time when kindness will be needed in abundance is not too far away.

Stay safe one and all.

Week 3 begins

Here we go with the start of week 3 of lockdown, and still some people don't understand what it actually means.
There are still house parties going on, people are still congregating in parks and taking long drives.

Figures for deaths yesterday were at there highest and I would say that we will be looking at lockdown until the end of April.
this could result in many of us being furloughed as companies try to keep themselves going.
Many may face redundancy, its a very unsure time for everyone.

And the Prime Minister is in hospital.

Not looking good, its hoped that the figures start to go down this week, which in light of the lock down in Spain, may not happen.
Scary times.

However lockdown weekend for me this weekend was as follows, Friday go to work, finish early, head to do essential shopping, stand socially distant outside supermarket for 45 minutes before my turn to  enter. shop.
Car, home unpack shopping, watch TV and bed.
Saturday, up and out for exercise at 5.30am and then home to do housework and washing and make chutney. do some sewing and watch TV then early night.
Sunday, exercise  at 5,30am  and then drew up plans for the hallway, work to commence as soon as I can get what I need from Wickes or B & Q.
Potted on my peas and checked on the pots in the garden,where I found that my Boule de Neige cuttings from The Chateau had buds on them.
My tomatoes are coming through and I fear that I am beginning to sound like Percy Thrower!!!!

And now here we are at Monday , I  am showered, facial yoga done and dressed ready to head out of the door to work ,via the Post Office.

What will this week have in store?

Hopefully some cricket news.

Keep safe and well,

Last working day

Its Friday...………………………..thank goodness.

Isn't it funny how a crisis brings out the best in some people and the worst in others.
Yesterday was one of those days and I am so glad its Friday.
We are all in a strange situation, one that we have never encountered before. Suck it up, do as you are told and hopefully we will all come out of this unscathed.
I for one want to.

I know one thing, running the office on a skeleton staff does not make it any easier especially with the rest working from home and moaning about it!
I know where I would prefer to be working and it goes to show that those who thought it would be 'brill to work from home' have found its not all its cracked up to be.
I did it for a number of years with my company in London and as I'm used to the solitude of living alone, I found it quite easy to do.

Not so though for everyone.

That aside , I am planning a very nice jolly for my birthday if we are in a position to travel.

I have spent the last couple of nights planning it. I just hope that I can do it.Its also a good way to switch off from everything in the evening, checking flights, cars, hotels and putting together an itinery.

I have everything crossed.

As there are rumours that there might be no county cricket this season ( but of course they will fight tooth and nail to get the made up game played), I am thinking that a great birthday bash will be very much in order.
Sad news that the man who made a lot of scratch our heads during rain breaks has passed away. Tony Lewis , one half of the most talked about stats in cricket, was out for 78.
RIP Tony.

The weekend is nearly upon us and we are about to enter into week 2 of lockdown, this could be the most telling week with figures  for coronavirus. 

I hope that you are all safe and well, and  I wish you a very good weekend.

Please don't think that you are stuck at home............think that you are safe at home.
Be thoughtful to those around you and in these trying times don't forget to smile, it may brighten someone's day.

Trying to keep positive

Another day and moving closer to the weekend, its a bit of a relief as I am ready for some rest and peace and quiet.
Its been remarkably busy with extra work coming in yesterday as an emergency.
Which is good for the company and also keeping my troops busy.

There is a lot of  chat going around about when and if we will get to see any cricket  this summer.

Also a lot about the 100.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm


I can see that this is going to be pushed and pushed to be played as the ECB will not do an about turn.

If lockdown is extended It may be that overseas players cant come, or do they want to? {$$$$}

However as there is no solid information and its all whispers and hearsay, then I think we will just have to wait.


I 'm looking to have  a quieter and much more relaxed summer than I had even been preparing myself for.

I may actually have to buy a sun lounger for the garden.

However some sun would help and with Easter just over a week away, it looks like we may be having some of the white stuff....................... weather just been on the news and I think I may be wrapping up the hydrangeas earlier than expected!!!!


please no!!!!!


well back to it all


have a safe and peaceful day.

keeping my chins up

a couple of positives to come out of the lockdown for me,

I am not eating any  chocolate  or crisps and for some reason not snacking between meals.

We are having a communal breakfast in the office , which although we all keep social distancing in place, makes for a  nice start to the day.

we are also doing lunches to share too.

It has brought about a great cameraderie  and the 3 of us, get on and do our daily work, whilst looking out for each other.

Always a positive.


I am sleeping so well and am so less stressed, this all goes against how I think I should feel, but it goes to show how much I carry around with a full office etc.

Further to last weeks consumer guide to hand creams I have added another to the list.

Creightons Raspberry and Pomegranate Revive hand Cream 99p in Home Bargains.

this is working well at the moment against the  drying effects of the anti bac products I have to use.

I will keep you up to date on any further consumer trials.


 However if anyone wants me to do a consumer test on vodka, gin, Amber rum or champagne, DM me for information of where to send it.!
( well you never know)


In cricket I wonder why Mr Vaughan is not wanting the made up game played behind closed doors...……………...it couldn't be because of his stable of players on his books could it?
Maybe  he should be as loyal to County cricket where he was able to hone his skill to get him where he is today.

#myopiniononly

 Rumours that the ECB are looking to pledge £60m  to help out grassroots cricket and counties in the current climate will be great …..if it happens.


And it is one year since Jon passed away.
 I am wearing my hedgehog earrings and my ring and I am smiling.
Too many wonderful memories to be sad.
Life is too short and too precious to let it slip by in  tearful recollection

to love and to have been loved are great achievements in life.

Never miss an opportunity to grab a little bit of happiness.

Be safe and be happy.

#allinthistogether