Sorted

 

Well I booked a couple of days off, however the time I had wanted off I cannot have due, to a colleague having to go into hospital, and two others being on hols, however no matter as I have made arrangements and am going visiting.

I cannot wait.

Apparently there was a football match last night and we won. Well done to the England team. The way they were behaving in the office you'd think it was the World Cup Final.

And England won in the cricket too.

Sussex have  had to quarantine a lot of their players as they had a positive covid test on Tom Clark.

We do still need to keep our distance, wear a mask ( which I will be doing for the foreseeable future) wash hands and use sanitiser.

We are through the woods , nor will we ever be really, we just have to be aware and on top of things.

I have heard of a quite a few double jabbed people getting covid, I'm double jabbed, but still err on the side of caution...................all the time.

Well not a lot else to report so off to do stuff.

Happy Wednesday 

holiday needed

 

Well I am trying to cobble together a few days off to give me some breathing space. However tying to decide where to go is another matter. I think I have said before that the hotel I stayed in last year in Wetherby is now nearly 3 times dearer, and  the other couple of hotels that I have looked at are the cost of a holiday abroad and that's only on a room only basis, they aren't worth the money and its typical that they are trying to fleece us when we are stuck in this country.

So still looking, although I have had the tent out of the shed which may be an option.

I am not watching any more sport on TV as I seem to jinx it, Kent lost to Somerset in a game that was played at the beginning in a sea fret. 

And then turning on to cheer on Les bleus, they lost to Switzerland.

Not a great sports evening.

Well I hit my target money raised for my Afternoon tea party for Breast Cancer now.

So I upped it and hope to be able to make that target on the day.

I popped into the charity shop last night with the idea of buying some canvases to put up in the garden for the party, came out with more than that as you can imagine.

I have bunting and am sorting through which china to use  ( although paper plates will be used as I think about washing up). Its over a month away but  I need to get organised.

I also have a busy time getting ebay stuff to the post office, as there was a flurry of bidding over the weekend. More things out the door.

Wonderful word of the day

nudiustertian

This word means two days ago. It has now fallen out of use., but does sound better than 'the day before yesterday'

Happy Tuesday, I'm off to find a hotel for a couple of nights.

Monday again

 

Here we go again, its Monday and another weekend has been completed. Micky had a slightly longer stay with me yesterday, as his Mum and Dad had a problem with their brakes and waited 6 hours to be recovered!

The weekend was a spent walking and knitting and lazing around, as well as going down to the brewery on Saturday night for dinner and a couple of pints.

This coming weekend I really need to make a start on the dining room, to be honest I could have it done by Sunday, the only thing stopping me is the total lack of motivation.

I am about to post the last of the teddy jumpys, and that's another job ticked off the list.

crickty news, Yorkshire have signed Mark Stoneman on loan for the remainder of the T20.

Peter Trego, the man who tried very hard to be eccentric, is now turning his hand to golf. 

Coronavirus is hitting the game as there have been some players  who have tested positive and others who have to quarantine due to close contact.

I think that this will be life for the foreseeable future.

Sorry there has been no word of the day for a couple of weeks, I will try to get onto that at some point.

Mornings are very busy and I don't seem to have much time at the moment.

Have a great start to the week.

Hello Friday

 

Hurrah!

Its Friday and I am ready for the weekend. I'm also ready for my little pal Micky coming to stay.

Its also raining, and has been all night which has seen the lawn grow and the plants look so much better.

Crickety news,

Sadly the teeny tykes did not get to the final, yesterday, I am super proud of all the lads but especially my three, great batting from them all.

Last night I spent an hour and eleven minutes on  the phone to sky, to renegotiate my broadband and take a couple of things off my package.

 20 min wait to get to the first person who said he could sort out the TV but couldn't do the broadband but would put me straight through to that department. another 15 minute wait to get 'straight' through to that person.

He then told me that the other person had set it up incorrectly and he had to go in and cancel it and re set it all up.

During this time, I made dinner, ate it, got another bucket of elderflower 'mousseux' on the go and ran a bath.

My thoughts now are that in 18 months time I will be getting rid of sky and changing my broadband to another supplier. I really only have the TV side  for cricket and as that is now jumping between terrestrial and sky, who knows how we will be watching it in 18 months time.

Well its time to head out into the cool and wet morning.

A little bit oof relief form the last few weeks.

Have a really great weekend, and stay safe.

Finals Day

 

Oh my dog, we are at T20 finals day, that's the 2nds by the way, and they are in Arundel taking on Sussex in the second semi final today.

All three of my boys are in the squad so I have everything crossed for them and will be keeping up to date during the day.

Super proud.

I have a lot to do today as tomorrow Micky arrives for the weekend. Monthly blood test to be done after work tonight just to keep a check on the potassium levels which (*touches wood*) have been Ok thanks to finally getting the meds right.

To be honest I feel that I am rebuilding, its been a long time coming but between the dodgy ticker, low potassium levels and  body out of alignment, over the last 10 years, I might be coming out the other side.

Fingers crossed.

I might just change my name to Jamie Summers.

More crickety news a Yorkshire won again last night, and now top the group.

Durham seem to be heading for more trouble after apparently allowing students in for free, who then took no part in social distancing and made good use of the fact they saved money on tickets by spending it on lots of beer.

From accounts there was no  way that the  Stewards could sort it out.

It was interesting to read that several people were going to write to the club.

good luck with that one, they won't take any responsibility what so ever.

And so another work day starts. 

Have a great Thursday.

Midweek

 

No four day working week for me this week, I have to put in the full amount of days and have a few people out of the office  in isolation! 

Yes! I have been testing myself twice a week and luckily nothing, however two wives of work colleagues  tested positive yesterday, one is a school teacher and the other works at a university.

Worrying to say the least. Luckily neither  work colleagues had been in the office since beginning of last week, but had been at a site. Major testing in operation going on there.

Crickety news,  Kent didn't win and TLJL scored 19. They are top of their table though

Yorkshire are in action tonight against Worcestershire. we are currently behind Notts who are topping our table, but we have to play ( and win) tonight.

All stations go for my afternoon tea to raise money for Breast Cancer.

I am hoping that it will be the first Saturday in August, I am planning the scone, cake and pie making over the next few weekends.

I am having a visitor this weekend, yes Micky is coming back. I cannot wait. he will be arriving on Friday afternoon and staying until Sunday ( I think). to be honest I am not bothered how long he stays he is such a good boy.

My current reading list ( which I haven't mentioned in a while) includes 

Lunch in Paris by Elizabeth Bard.

 typical American goes to Paris and falls in love BUT with fabulous recipes all of which I am dying to try out.

Well time to shoot off as new traffic lights grew over night on Monday  on the industrial estate causing chaos yesterday morning, and I need to pop into Morrisons for raspberries, you know the important things.

Oh and just wondered if anyone had ever built a cold food smoker?

well you never know if you don't ask.

Happy Wednesday.

Have a good one.

Tuesday

 Here we go, its Tuesday and its early. After a weekend of lovely sleep its back to the usual terrible sleep patterns. I think this is just the way that it is at the moment, maybe I need more fresh air.

I will make a huge effort this weekend.

The weather has tuned slightly cooler and although there is rain in towns around Ladylaineyville, we seem to have a giant umbrella over us, as nothing is falling on my garden. So every evening I am out with the watering can.

Could we be anymore typically British, last month moaning about the rain, then when the sun shines many complaining about the heat and now I'm moaning because I have to water the garden twice a day!

I was reading with interest how Josh Butler has said he 'expects' England to come before the rescheduled IPL. What I found most interesting was that he stated,

"Usually the IPL doesn't clash with any international cricket. When it does clash, probably England will take precedence."

Probably??????? Ah of course money before country how on earth could I not know that!

I'm busy trying to plan a HOLIDAY!!!! yes I am, after a couple of long weekends, I realise that I need a longer break and as it looks as if I won't be heading to Barcelona, Biarritz, The Bahamas or Benidorm, I am having a look at having a week away from it all here in Blighty. 

It was, believe it or not going to be Wetherby,  like last year, but the hotel just priced itself out of the market! ( it is the same price as my Malta holdiay cost ).

So as I have a flight to Southampton paid for I might just head to the south coast for a week.

Still trying to sort out the dates, but sooner rather than later.

Right best to head off down the 167 and see how today goes.

The new owners had organised for us to take on two apprentices. Due to start yesterday, only one turned up. Very poor form or given a tip off????

Have a great Tuesday.

Here again

 

Another long weekend is over and it was a busy one.

I had a leisurely morning on Friday before heading down to Leeds, after a spot of lunch and some shopping, I set up camp at the Headingley Lodge.

It was great to see Helen and Jess and after nearly 2 years since my last visit it was lovely to be back.

And it rained, yes proper rain, lots of water falling from the sky, something that in Ladylaineyvlle we haven't seen for about 3 weeks ( and still haven't judging by the state of the garden when I got home.)

I didn't move from my room and watched the groundsmen and the umpires until at 8pm it was abandoned without sight of the team.

I decided on an early night and had a great sleep.

Saturday saw me having a wander up into Headingley before heading off to Wetherby and meeting up with TLML & TLMLM for lunch and shopping ( well, girls do love to shop).

It really was just what I needed, it does seem so long since I have had any interaction with anyone other than work colleagues and local friends.

The afternoon sped by and I was home before 6pm and in bed before 9! I'd managed to cram so much into the 2 days.

So Sunday was equally busy with sister visit and elderflower champagne making, knitting and housework.

I then managed to catch up with cricket.

Yorkshire beat Derbyshire, at  Headingley.

'Darn sarf' Kent were taking on Essex. I'm just going to reiterate that letting TLJL go was a huge mistake by Yorkshire.

Over the last few weeks ( as well as last season) Jack has shown his ability and is flourishing at Kent.

Yesterday saw him with Man of the Match ( again) and with 42* on the scoreboard along with 2 catches and 3 wickets, he is becoming the one to watch .

I know and have seen, players leave a club after being there from youth and flourish in different surroundings, I heard Ryan Sidebottom talk about his move from Yorkshire to Notts being what he needed to expand his game.

Surely there is a way to continue to help your players flourish. I'm not sure if just ignoring some is the Yorkshire way, they seem to be stepping over a lot of players recently.

Well I've had a bit of a rant to end my fab weekend.

Have a great Monday

Last working day

Right, so it is the last working day of my week and I am ready for it.

The days are getting longer and I don't mean due to the build up to the longest day!

However I have packed my bag for my night away and am looking forward to a change of scenery.

I know now how much I need this.

Well now, yesterday James Bond messaged me to say that he was on manoeuvres, its good that he is out out and about again, giving me 'Yupdates'

He had managed to get to Worcester and kept me up to date on the T20 match.

my lads had an outstanding win, with Jonny B hitting 112, despite carrying an injury. After losing 2 wickets Jonny B and Tom K-C  built up a great score. We then  bowled Worcester out in just under 17 overs.

Outstanding.

And hopefully James and I  will be able to meet up soon.

Kent won and although TLJL was bowled for out for 14 he took 2 catches and will always be my hero.

Its raining!

However it is still hot. We haven't had any thunder, but a sprinkling of rain is much needed for the garden and I think that part of my long weekend will be mowing the lawn and putting weed suppressant down at the front of the house .

Rock and roll!

well lets get this day started, 

Happy Thursday 

 

Midweek musings

 Well its midweek and time to think about the weekend. After a lot of umming and ahhing yesterday I made the decision that  I am going to go and cheer the lads on Friday night as well as have  a spot of lunch and some charity shopping in Headingley.

I think I need a night away and a change of scene. I haven't been away from the house since last August, apart from a few odd days out.

I also booked a lot of my holiday time yesterday, including 2 weeks at Christmas which I hope to use to go and get a bit of sun.

The lads were in action last night and won, as did Notts who were up here taking on Durham.

The champs are not doing too badly.

Tonight my boys  are at Worcestershire.

Last night I got home from work, made dinner and then donned my number 12 France shirt and cheered on Les Bleus.

1-0 win thanks to an own goal.

et nous marchons sur

Well time to head off to the 167.

Have a great day,

What's going on

Hello Tuesday, I feel a little bit jaded this morning, after 15 months of doing as I am instructed, last nights announcement, although expected really pulled the rug out from under my feet.

 I just feel that I am fraying a bit around the edges. Plans for the next couple of weeks look to be in jeopardy.

I know that it is for the best, but like most people, after 3 cancelled holidays last year, and nothing to do for the first 6 months of this year, the thought of doing 'stuff' in July really was getting me through.

Ah well maybe I'll get out and about in August....................

Cricket for me is now something that will happen next season.

talking cricket, the lads are in action tonight against Leicestershire foxes. Not televised, in fact I think the only time they are on screen is for the Roses game, which will now have  a  seriously small turnout.

Ah well its the way of the world and the way to the new norm.

Well very short today , and unlike me I don't have very much else to say.

Have a cracking day and smile

 

New week begins

 

A new week is beginning and another 4 day week for me, as I am once again taking Friday off.

This long weekend lark is quite enjoyable.

I have had the best weekend with my little pal Micky who arrived on Thursday evening and settled in straight away.

We were up and out for our walk early on Friday and then went over to see my sister. She is not doing too badly, not improving as quickly as she would like but I think we all know that feeling when we aren't well.

The rest of Friday was all about sunning ourselves, walks and then cocktail hour. 

Micky discovered Roxy the dog next door, and  laid out on the deck with his nose under the fence most of the evening! Boys!

Saturday was an early morning walk and taking in the beauty that is on my doorstep.

We had a lazy day and soaked up some rays, listened to the test match and then had a bit of drama as  a swarm of bees took up residence in the tree  outside the gate. Major panic in case Micky got stung by some of the stray bees zooming around, so back indoors. A bee keeper arrived to take them  away  and that in itself was a total education. It took her nearly 2 hours to get them  ready to move.

 We went out for dinner with Mr Funky the Chauffeur, down at the brewery. There is a lot to be said for dog friendly places.

Sunday saw Micky go home and the house seemed empty, I was constantly listening for the tip tap of paws on the hall floor. I consoled myself in cricket................which was no help! we lost.

 

So there was  a lot of  T20 going on and after TLJL's brilliant Friday (64) he only went and did it again yesterday (81) he came in when they were 3 down and changed the course of the match. 

Yes I know I am biased, I have a lot of time for TLJL, who was let go by Yorkshire, and has since shown us all what we were really missing at Headingley.

He isn't the first to do this, and I wish him every success at Kent.

Yorkshire meanwhile lost to Durham on Friday night.

Time to go, lets get this 4 day week started.

Have a great week

 

last working day of the week

 Hurrah!!!!

Its the last working day of the week, and tonight, Micky comes to stay! 

I think we might have a walk down to the Gin factory and have a drink.

See how he feels and how I feel after another day at the salt mines.

Today is the start of the 2nd test, and all the  media circus that surrounds it.

I wonder if the players have their phones taken off them at the dressing room door and checked.

Sad to see former teeny tiny temporary Tyke, Kane Williamson out with elbow trouble.

Really good to see James Logan signing for Kent on a short term deal, he was let go  by Yorkshire and now will be able in good company 'darn sarf' with TLJL.

T20 started again last night, and Sky were showing current champs Notts playing Worcestershire. Game was tied which made for an exciting first televised game.

Yorkshire don't get on TV until the Roses game.

It looks as if we are gearing up for a hot weekend, so as I am Micky sitting, I may as well take the time to laze about in the sun and getting myself a bit of colour. ( that's the plan but anything could happen).

There may be a trip to the garden centre as I hunt for a white peony and white wisteria. Or I may wait until next year and order online.

Its too hot to do any decorating at the moment which is good as I am struggling to find the 'Eau de nil' colour for the dining room. Note to assistant in B & Q, it is not 'Duck Egg'!

Right off to finish the week, and lucky me, getting the camera/torch thing stuck up my nose again this afternoon, just to see how things are, I'm sure this is just what you needed to know as you eat your breakfast.

Happy Thursday 

Mid week

 Its wonderful to be able to sit in the garden when I get home at night and soak up a few late evening rays, evening if, like last night I was still there at 9pm.

Its interesting to just listen to the world outside the gate ( maybe not so the off road bikes).

I have dramatically reduced my social media  'watching/interacting' over the last few months and to be honest I don't miss it.

I still post, when I feel like it.

I've never been bothered about how many 'friends' or followers I have, to be honest I think you will agree we have all found out who our real friends are in the last year.

I was chatting to my journo friend who was doing the article about online bullying, she was saying that one site/page that  I have signed up to had been used by other contacts with equally horrible reports to her.

As I said then and over the last year, if you can't be kind be quiet.

Interesting on the job front, having been interviewed last week, I was turned down because I was too qualified?????!!!!! Having been talked at for over an hour  in that interview, I had already made my mind up, having been referred to as 'YOU' all the way through.

Cricket still hitting headlines as more tweets are being uncovered,  from unnamed England players.

Peter Siddle is leaving Essex to return home to Australia and T20 starts this week.

and with that I am off to do stuff.

have a good day

Here we go

 Another morning, and I am trying to get back into the habit of jumping out of bed as soon as I open my eyes, I have since the original lockdown , turned over and had an extra 5 minutes. ( sometimes slightly more).

Trying to break this habit is proving more difficult than I at first thought.

I am still dreaming of a holiday in Northern France, but have decided that it will now be next year, and as such will start to make  plans for it.

Well now, cricket is still in the headlines and not for the game. Everyone from Michael Carberry to the Prime Minister has an opinion on the whole Twitter v Ollie Robinson.

I would be interested to know who it was who unearthed the tweets from nearly 10 years ago.

Reports that more tweets from an unnamed England player are being looked at is currently doing the rounds.

The weather here continues to be glorious and I continue to water the garden every evening. I'm not complaining, I love the sun and warmth and love having dinner outside in the evening. 

The longer days really do make me feel so much better, although I have done nothing in the house, and I think that the dining room and bathroom can wait a few more weeks. At least I have made a decision on the colours!

Well not a lot to report today so time to hit the road an head off .

Have a great day and stay safe.

New week and another four days!

 

Another 4 day week begins as I am having Micky again this weekend and to make it super special I am having Friday off so that we can go out and do things.

I can't wait.

However four days to get through before then.

The weekend has gone by in a haze of sunshine and work.

Friday was a mad rush to get to the hairdressers to get the mane tamed, still not the usual wild curls but we have some 'waves' which is better than nothing. Popped in for a cuddle with Micky and then headed over to my sisters too drop off some things.

Got home, saw the end of the cricket and then had cocktail hour in the garden, imaging I was in Spain.

Saturday up and out early as I went to pick up some extra things for my sister and then home to watch a bit of cricket and get on with the million loads of washing that seems to appear.

Bought a stunning hydrangea to join the ones that survived the frosts but will not be flowering this year.

And Sunday was about watching a bit of cricket making some chutney and getting ready for the week ahead.

And cricket, well England and New Zealia drew, and Ollie Robinson is now suspended pending an investigation.

I think that the highlight of yesterdays game was definitely the man struggling to get a cagoule on during a shower.

Yorkshire beat Sussex by an innings and 30 runs. Some going from Malan.

And that was the weekend.

Time to head out, its slightly overcast this morning and a lot cooler than of late.

Stay safe and have a great day.

Hello Friday

 Woohoo its Friday and the four day week is nearly over ( or four week week as I originally typed and it does feel like it).

Its been busy and I have had a lot to do, and now it is so close to 'cocktail hour' I can nearly smell the alcohol and nibbles.

England managed to bowl New Zealia out but only after a double century by Conway.

Interestingly that in light of the Ollie Robinson revelations, Graham Thorpe has said that social media might be reviewed for future players. Well now, really????  

Over at Headingley, Yorkshire were  still bowling at stumps and Sussex were 267-5

Haircut today and hair colour tomorrow so I may begin to feel a little bit more human.

I have to scoot pretty quickly this morning, as we are having 'patisseries,' for petit dejeuner' so I have to get down to Lidl and wait for them to open at 8am.......because the gang don't like the patisserie from Tesco ( who are open 24 hours)..................BOYS!!!!!

Have a brilliant weekend and relax.

Back again

Well the four day week has turned out to be super busy with quite a lot going on and me not having a lot of time ( less than normal).

All in a days stuff.

Suck it up and get on with it.

Weather has been glorious, although I haven't been able to appreciate it too much, just lovely to see the sun shining.

Got another 'out out' date in my diary for July and I'm  super exited about that, ladies will be lunching and shopping and chattering and drinking. what's not to be excited about, feels like a bit of normal.

We have test cricket back. England v New Zealia at Lords, Ollie Robinson made his debut , and also had some dirt dragged up on him ( got to love those who relish in bringing people down!!!! must make them feel better).

He took wickets and there was also a century so all in a good days return to Lords.

And today Yorkshire big lads start their 4 day match against Sussex and the Teeny Tykes are taking on Durham at Weetwood.

Sadly I cannot get to see any of these matches but hey ho, those who know, know  I will be cheering both teams on.

Good news for Notts fans as Big Luke fletcher signs for another 3 years. Cracking bowler and all round (no pun intended) good bloke.

I am preparing for Cocktail Hour on Friday, in more ways than one, and no Micky this weekend, he will however be back next weekend.

And with that I have to run, its all fuss and hurry this week.

Have a great day, stay safe 

 

Bank Holiday weekend over

Ah a long weekend, how wonderful. how warm and sunny, how quickly it was over.

I had the news that my sister was coming out of hospital which was a huge relief and then it was time for my second jab.

I had a little cry in the car in the car park afterward, the sheer relief was unbelievable.

then home for cocktail hour and in bed before I knew what was happening.

Micky arrived on Saturday and made me feel even better, just the sight of him racing down the path was enough for me.

We walked down to the gin factory where we had arranged to meet Uncle Funky the chauffeur, however the hype was not lived up to and before long I was on the phone to the brewery ( 2 mins walk down the road) and we returned to the scene of the drinking crime 2 weeks before.

This time better behaved ( I had Micky to think about) and after a couple of pints and some food, we headed home.

Sunday saw us ( Micky and I ) head off to my sisters with food. And then home for some sun bathing and reading the cricket scores, one was delightful the other not so, I will leave you to decide which was which.

Micky continued to be an absolute delight and we headed out for an impromptu walk and sneaky gin..

Monday saw us up with the larks, out chasing the birds at 6am and then me being a tad cross at 9am, I cannot divulge any more than that at the moment..

and last night ended with an unexpected BBQ with some lovely friends, who all took off early like responsible adults that we are trying to be.

And that was it, another Bank Holiday over until August, now that's a sobering thought

I hope that you all had a fabulous weekend, lets see what this week holds.