Weekend is coming

 

Thank fudge its Friday.

Never has a week been so long ( alright maybe the last 5 day week was), however I have a weekend to try to catch up with things at home and try to get some much needed rest.

I am also preparing for my charity tea party which takes place next weekend. I've even got a hat to wear  ( well any excuse to wear a hat). 

Lots to do and lots to think about as I look into a possible side line. More about this later.

I've been re-watching Greys Anatomy from the beginning, I know! but to be honest its real escapism with gore thrown in for good measure. Currently on season 6 only 10 more to go to get up to date!

As we no longer have Big Als for Friday breakfast, most of the morning now revolves around the arguments of McDonalds, Greggs, Subway or Taylors ( local butchers with a cafe). I tend to take  my own  with me as I would have chewed my arm off by the time they have decided what they want.

I also..................dipped into the other game last night, however this was only because TLJL is now in the Trent Rockets team. He didn't play last night, but they beat the Lords lot which made me smile. Go Trent rockets!

I think I need to see some real cricket with real cricketers,  and be sitting on the boundary stuffing my face with cricnic. Ah just like the olden days ( 2019).

Ah well time to hit the road and finish the week off,  and then  ease into cocktail hour.

Have the best Friday and have a wonderful weekend.

Funny old year ( again)

Here we are nearly August and its been another funny old year.

I think that we need to take in that this is the new norm and just get on with it.

I feel very lucky to personally have come this far without having covid

I am and will still be wearing a mask in certain situations.

I want to go abroad but doubt this will happen before next year.

Apart from ( hopefully ) the 2nds game at the end of the season, I will not have seen any cricket for 2 seasons.

The Hundred arrived with all the hype and pomp and in your face ghastliness that I expected.

I haven't seen as many people as I hoped to, I just don't have enough days in the weekend.

There have been only a few visitors to Maison des Guichets.

I now know the power of a hug.

I won't be doing large amounts of knitting for a while (or for  good) as I have developed carpel tunnel syndrome.

I'm going to make the most of the remainder of the summer and try to relax more.

I intend to get to the beach more and dip my toes in the sea.

Will there be any shocks at the end of the cricket season?

Will Yorkshire bring home some silverware? I hope so.

Plans are being made for my birthday as it will be here before I know it.

Christmas may still be a subdued affair although I hope to be away somewhere.

Most importantly I think we  need to take good care of ourselves

Make time for you and your loved ones.

I also intend to continue the Friday trend of 'Cocktail hour', its been a beacon of light  in very difficult weeks.

I will try to continue the blog although sometimes like today I don't have much to say

I wish you all a happy Thursday

stay safe 

 

hurrah for midweek

 

Welcome to Wednesday 

Another day another dollar!

We finally had a spot of rain last night, after seeing the floods and torrential rain all over the country I was preparing for the worst, it was getting dark and humid as I drove home and then it rained, for about 5 minutes before the sun came back out!!!!

Not quite what I was expecting but it saved watering the garden.

Interesting to see Jonny B scoring runs, sadly not for Yorkshire though.

And talking Yorkshire, they are in action today at North Marine Road.

I had a dream last night that I was wandering through the streets of the old town of Jerusalem, it was  a wonderful dream, on waking up I realised that I missed travelling. This is something that I haven't done  for a while, ( yes apart from many many trips to France pre lockdown).

So for me now, I really want to get back to seeing the world. restrictions permitting, I think that Christmas might be a good time to start.

I am writing a contained list of places to go.

Well time to go to work, not on my bucket list I can tell you.

Have a lovely day and Happy Birthday Glenys I hope you have a good one.

Last week of July

 How did it suddenly become the last week in July!?

Its hard to believe that we are heading to the eighth month of the year.

Anyhow quick round up as I wasn't able to do the blog yesterday due to an early morning burglar alarm call out. It made for a very long day.

I had the lovely Micky  for the weekend, and as usual he brought calm and lots of cuddles to Maison des Guichets.

We went for tea on Friday to my sisters, Saturday saw the temperatures drop considerable, we sat in the garden most of the day just chillin', I was hit by a wave of tiredness, possibly due to not sleeping much last week, so we gave The Brewery a miss and had an early night.

He went home on Sunday and I caught up with all the housework and things that I had put on hold because it was too hot to be bothered.

And cricket, well the other game is ongoing, I watched about 15 minutes last night and that was enough to see how desperate they are for it to work. The commentators are overly animated about everything, quizzing players on their favourite foods!!!!???  Interesting............no!

Nick Knight even managed to move his mouth when he talked, I had become convinced in another life he was a ventriloquist .

A streaker the other night, a pitch invader last night, its just bad T20 meets a keg or two of Stella.

Great family fun!

Lets just be kind at the end of the season and pull the plug, it wont happen as they have to make this bastardisation of the glorious game work

I am busy knitting a couple of things to go up for raffle ( I think) so keep your eyes peeled for those when you are about at Yorkshire grounds.

And that is it for today.

At least I got a lie in this morning.

Happy Tuesday 

Cocktail hour ahoy

 Well its Friday and its the last working day of the week, so that is a positive.

The last three days have been a struggle but we aren't going into that.

Having had my front garden strimmed by the council ( never done in 2 years) losing another hydrangea and one of the boule de neige bushes grown from a cutting from the Chateau, I go into the weekend feeling slightly jaded.

Upside, I am picking Micky up at 4pm so that is something to smile about.

Another thing to make me smile was that Mattry Revis was playing in the one day team at Scarbados yesterday and was the highest scorer for Yorkshire.

I'm not sure what is going on with the team selections. I know that we have lost players to the other game and to England, but there seems to be no contingency plan.

I am also wondering what to expect at the end of the season, will there be a major shake up ( maybe that's what we need).

I've lots to do on the way to work, dropping off somethings for a friend who has had an op and a birthday pressie.

Its all go!

Have a great weekend

Tired Thursday

 

Well its morning and I am trying to drag myself out of bed after a night of excessive heat ( anything over -5 is excessive here). The heat combined with the noise from the fan I had going, managed to keep me awake most of the night.

I'm so British, moan when  its cold, moan when its hot!

And whilst on a moan, the other game started last night, I didn't watch. Its not cricket. all the back slapping today is not enough to convince me, really though, one womens match is enough to make it a success?

I can see that BBC cricket will be one page that I am avoiding for the next few weeks.

In other crickety news, Ollie Robinson has been recalled by England

I have managed to find somewhere to stay  in Scarbados in September for the 2nds match.

I still have both kidneys and a roof over my head  which is an absolute blessing as I though I might be short of one of them for a 5 day trip!

I am working towards my charity tea party in August and last night was given a very retro garden set, its such a blast from the past ( and in great condition). Brings back a lot of memories of long hot summer days at our  caravan in Weardale.

Can't wait for August 7th.

Well enough reminiscing, time to face the horrid reality.

Have a great day 

stay cool and stay safe.

 

Midweek melting

 

Another day of blue skies with little or no cloud  forecast for  us today, another day melting in the office. Which is really  two breeze block units and are freezing in winter and sweltering in summer.I could do with being in the garden with my feet dipping into a paddling pool and  plenty of suntan cream on.

However another day in the salt mines.

The most fabulous news came through yesterday as it was announced that TLJL would be captaining Kent for the one day series.

Oh my days!!!!! I cannot tell you how happy this had made me, he may be living 'darn sarf' but he will also be my favourite Yorkshire player.

How did we let him go???????  How could we have got it so wrong.

Bit of a common theme at the moment and I fear that they may well do the same again at the end of the season .

However many congratulations to Jack , he deserves it.

England beat Pakistan last night so there was a lot of back slapping.

AND TONIGHT, it is the start of The Hundred.

I sort of think that this is a game that would have turned up in South Park  ( if it had been based in England). Kenny getting runs in his parker and Cartman wobbling round after eating all the sponsors snacks.

Even though Faf is captain of the team playing form Headingley , I cannot bring myself to watch something that is a complete abomination of the glorious game.

Well thats it for today.

Stay safe, stay cool and have a great day.

Mini holiday

 

I am back from my mini holiday, and a much needed rest. Saturday morning saw me driving down the A1 to South Yorkshire, the lovely stretch which is just fields and greenery is just the best.

Despite taking a wrong turn ( and does that matter when you are on holiday?), I arrived at my holiday home. After emptying the car, it was time for coffee in the garden. an absolute gem of a garden.

After a quick change it was off to Wentworth Woodhouse for a tour of one of the most stunning stately homes.

Last time I was here the house was covered in scaffolding, this time only a small amount remained.

We had a great buggy drive form the car park to the house.

Tour of the house, followed by lunch and then a wonderful walk in the gardens. Perfect.

Saturday evening was spent eating in the garden with the sound of trickling water in the background

Off to bed a very tired Lainey, 

Awaking refreshed on Sunday morning for the first time in ages, and no wonder it was after 8am!!!!! totally unheard of..

Coffee in the garden, so peaceful, a real haven.

Showered and dressed and off for a wonderful walk around Manvers lake, which was created in the 90's as part of remedial work following the closure of the colliery complex and railway yards.

We had breakfast at the boat house and watched Dragon boat racing, paddle boarding as well families arriving to spend a sunny day by the water.

Absolutely beautiful.

A tour of the Fitzwilliam Estate follies and then home for more peace and quiet in the garden with  a jug of  Pimms.

In the blink of an eye it was over and I was sitting in traffic on the A1.

It was just what I needed, and huge thanks to Carole and Philip for showing me more of the beauty of South Yorkshire, allowing me to share their wedding anniversary with them and being the most wonderful hosts. 

Have a fabulous Tuesday, I have another 4 day week.

Rolling on

 Hello Thursday, this is my last working day ( by default as I have an appointment tomorrow). 

I am looking forward to closing my diary and not opening it again until Tuesday. A very long weekend off, just what I need.

In all things cricket, Yorkshire abandoned the last day of their match as the outfield was still not suitable for purpose.

The England players return from isolation for the T20 series. Bad luck to the lads who were called up to save the day and now are back at their counties. ( although a couple stay on).

I'm trying to organise a few days away in September after the kiddiewinks have gone back to school ( and to see  a 2nds game).

Who knew that  to rent a caravan for 5 days was now at least 4 times the price, an apartment  just over £1000 ( yes!!!!, I am still trying to pick my jaw up).

Seriously its North Yorkshire not North Africa , which if I could go would probably be cheaper.

I can''t even find a decent B & B.

What the Donald Duck is going on.

I hope that they don't get any lets, 

I did find a cottage between Whitby and Scarborough and thought 'oh thats not bad' and then realised there was another nought on it.

Well time to stop moaning and get moving.

Have a great Thursday, I may /may not be back tomorrow, it depends if I manage to have a lie in.

Midweek already

 

Ah its midweek and I have been asked to doggy sit for Micky in a couple of weeks, well I couldn't say no because.....well just look at that face, how could I?

So I am super busy now every weekend until mid August!.( and end of August too)

Crickety news,

Yorkshire had an early finish due to unfit  and unsafe outfield, this had led to Dom Leech being taken to hospital with a knee injury.

It is always better to be safe and I wish Dom all the best and hope that he is back on his feet very soon.

England won in their game.

Ireland won against South Africa, this was a game that I really wanted to see, but sadly not to be.

Sorry for a super short one today, there have been some technical difficulties, which is also why the blog is late.

And finally Bonne Fete Nationale to those of you having a holiday today.

rain and covid

 

Well yesterday was not a good one at all, we had full on torrential rain all day from about 10am. Even a run to the workshop left me soaked to the skin, so I sat 'steaming' most of the afternoon. If I thought I was having it bad, there were flash floods in London.

In cricket, there was no play at Headingley or Chester le Street, and as if it hasn't been bad enough that most of the Kent team are unable to play due to a positive covid test, Nathan Gilchrist was take out of the game and told to self isolate.

The Derbyshire v Essex match was abandoned due to covid.

Its pretty dire really.

Is this what we will be dealing with in future seasons, I think so as we know this is never going away.

France is preparing itself for a fourth wave, where as here in the UK, its OK to go to the pub and stand next to someone from next week.

Count me out.

I'm not a nervous Nelly, I'm a 'I love Lainey' and as such I will be doing everything that I feel is right to protect myself.

Well time to head out to the office.

And just in case you are at any future Yorkshire games, check out the Adam Lyth testimonial pop up stand. 

Have a great Tuesday, stay safe and dry

 

Monday again

 

Its Monday, I am absolutely shattered. I had chosen not to watch the football as there were so many big screen in gardens round here that I could hear everything that was going on, what I hadn't bargained on was that win or lose, someone would set off fireworks. and Yes at 00.30am they were still going. 

I had spoken to quite a few friends over the weekend whose companies were giving them today off or a late start, as you can imagine I am not in that position, so I'm a bit more tired than normal today.

Anyhoo, bad luck England, you did your best and no one can every say you didn't.

Crickety news, well over at Headingley ( in what should have been a Scarborough fixture), Yorkshire were lulling Lancs into a false sense of security by letting the top 4 get a few runs. At last I hope that is the plan.

I am wondering if we really don't have enough 'in house' talent to fill the  team without having someone on loan. My opinion only.

Really sad to see the Kent team that were so good on  Friday night, unable to turn out for the CC game due to a positive covid test.

And Sussex know exactly what this scenario is like.

I will be watching this game with great interest.

And the weekend?

Well, I had a fabulous day out in Northallerton with TLML.

in a nutshell 

6 Vintage butter knives

5 Border terriers

4 hour lunch

£3 bargain canvas

2 bottles of wine

and a huge chunk of Red Windsor cheese.

( I couldn't quite do the 12 things of Northallerton)

Thank you Karen for a great day out, with lots and lots of laughs.

Pauly Paul, popped round for a cup of tea and a natter yesterday which was really nice.

All in all a cracking weekend.

Have a great week, I'm hoping the roads are clear.

Happy Monday 

Well now

So yesterday I had a very busy morning with little time to write the blog, I had been sent a text to attend the surgery to see the doctor, when I was expecting to have a telephone appointment with him.

Long story short, I was tutted and eye rolled at by the receptionist, the text was a mistake!

 How was I to know that, especially as when I tried to call them Wednesday afternoon they were closed for training ( eye rolls I think). I was very late for work and also very angry.

I am unsure why you can't see a doctor without going through the receptionist ( she with the medical degree), the triage nurse, the nurse practitioner, the surgery cat etc etc, when you are in closer proximity going to the opticians or the dentist!

However it is now Friday and the end of a very difficult week, I will be glad to jump onto the weekend.

So England won not only in football but in the cricket, with a cobbled together team................which begs the question, is it time to throw out some dead wood?

It has been some T20 season for TLJL, not many games that he wasn't man of the match.

I am nothing but overjoyed to see this, and to see him really come into its own. I love Yorkshire with all my heart, but do feel that some decisions made may not always have been the right ones.

Flip side it does a player good to move and gain more knowledge.

Well I have an exciting weekend planned as I head off for a day of shopping and girliness with TLML,, and then on Sunday Pauly Paul is coming round  for a visit, its been a while.

And as I put a ghastly week behind me, I suddenly realised that this time next week I will be really demob happy as I am finishing for a much longer break.

Have a great weekend.

Stay safe.

 

Midweek musing

Its Wednesday and it is apparently a BIG day for English football.

And apparently we don't have much of a ODI cricket team due to positive Covid test. Oh dear, what have they been doing?

Other crickety news, Yorkshire and Notts both won their matches in 3 days.

I see that Notts man mountain Big Lukey Fletcher got a 'michelle' and Yorkshire youth are showing their strengths.

I am feeling much better, eye test was fine, although bank balance wasn't and the optician was trying to entice me with new specs, mate I have glasses strewn around the house and have lost more pairs than you've probably sold.

I politely told him that it was a no this time.

I'm counting down to having some time off work, I am ready for a break from it all, especially the Director office politics, which is reality is funny to watch

Plans may be afoot for me to have a few days at the seaside in September and if all goes to plan I may finally get to France before the end of the year.

The last plan does depend on lots of things though.

The last teddy jumpys are on their way to Owzat at Scarborough, that's the knitting out of the way, maybe now to get the dining room done.

However this weekend is not the weekend for decorating as I am going out for lunch and shopping.

Well back to the here and now, time to head down the 167 and face the day.

Happy Wednesday and make it a good one.

 

Did you wonder where I was?

 

Well, a bit like Micky in the picture I was fast asleep a good part of yesterday, after being hit on Sunday by a very nasty stomach bug.

After getting through yesterday on mineral water and lucazade, I can report that today I am fit as a lop and ready to head back to the office. 

I have had a headache which if I suffered from migraine, I would say was a migraine headache, but I am going to have my eyes tested to rule that out. Today the headache has gone so that is a bonus.

At one point I was in  bed with the blinds and curtains shut and wearing a pair of Ray Bans! Well there are some standards you have to maintain.

So the weekend in brief.

Yorkshire won on Friday night.

I didn't strip the dining room on Saturday due to it being too flipping hot ( and the start of the headache).

took poorly sister to get new phone and out for coffee.

Did the usual, washing, cleaning and then was ill.

So that was my weekend in a nutshell.

I did get some lovely pictures on Sunday of Merchant Taylors were a friend was watching his old school team take on OMT's, lovely pics of my tree and also my hydrangea  petioralis which has quite taken over the side of the pavilion.

I gave this to Bruce Ritchie, then Master in charge of cricket  and apparently that was always his project.

Lovely 

So now I am off to do stuff.

Happy Tuesday.

Hello Friday

 

Its Friday, its half day, its time to be fabulous..................well hopefully.

I have a busy time before cocktail hour as I am picking up poorly sis after work, taking her for a new mobile, going to Lidl to get shopping and then taking her to Sainburys cafe for a coffee , she has been wanting to go out for a coffee and as this is  really the only place at the out of town shopping centre it will have to do.

Then drop her home, get home, unpack shopping , make a cocktail and dinner and sit down to watch The Roses match.

That's the day in theory.

Its been a tough and testing week in the land of waste water ( which I now try not to bore you with), and I am glad to see the end of the week.

At least I have a few days holiday to look forward to.

And tonight is the Roses match, the only Yorkshire match that has been on Sky.  

I see that Mitch Claydon is retiring from cricket after a 17 years career, having watched his early years at Durham I don't think that he reached his full potential. My opinion only.

England beat Sri Lanka too, in the second ODI.

I see the BBC have 'unveiled' their coverage of The Hundred.

Thank goodness for Amazon Prime, I can re watch the the box set of 'House' something that I had planned to do for a while. And what better time than when the made up format with the junk food backing takes off.

Well enough of that, lets get the work day done.

Here's hoping that you have  a great Friday and a fabulous weekend

cheers.

Lots to do

Here we go, it's Thursday and I have already been in the big shed this morning to get out the wallpaper steamer, this is now sitting in the middle of the hallway so that I have  to use it on Saturday. I will finally be  stripping the last of the green, teal and brown  wallpaper off the dining room and seeing what delights are underneath.

I also have to move all the plants off the deck and give it a good clean before it is treated with special wax.

It is all to be done this weekend, no excuses.

There are other outdoor jobs to be done, I'm working through them and hope to have them all completed before the outdoor tea party.

Its the 1st of July and I am just sitting here wondering where the year has gone, it hardly seems any time since I was celebrating the New year.

Last night Yorkshire were in action against Warwickshire, I use the words 'in action' very loosely. 81 all out. *shakes head*.

I was sent regular 'yupdates' by James Bond who was on covert ops. 

I'm hoping our much hailed loan player pulls his weight on Friday.

So with that I am off to pull my weight, and get through another day.

Have a good one.