Bank holiday ahoy

 

Well thank goodness it is Friday and woohoo to an extra long weekend, as I don't go back to work until Wednesday next week.

Its been a strange week and also quite a stressful one. I am hoping that all the things that are stressing me get sorted soon.

In crickety news, the test match rolls on. Interesting to see the press that slated Joe Root last week, loving him today, such a fickle bunch, but have to do their job as do we all.

I watched a little bit of Somerset V Lancs, but didn't know the outcome until this morning. Well played the cider drinkers. 

Its Kent tonight and I need to try to find somewhere to watch it as I am away for the weekend and really do need to see it!

The saddest news is that of Chris Cairns who is reported to have been paralyzed after suffering  a stroke during surgery.

Such terrible news.

And with that I wish you a very happy bank holiday weekend.

Take care, stay safe and enjoy, this is the last bank holiday until Christmas #justsaying

 

Thursday

Blurgghh, its not Friday yet, I am just focussing on this day when I can leave the office and go away until next Tuesday.

This week has been a real struggle as I am fighting fatigue, I know it is because I can see a long break in sight  and just want to get there.

So as the countdown to T20 finals day continues, the holders Notts were knocked out by Hampshire, 2 southern teams on their way to Birmingham.

Tonight its Somerset and Lancashire, have to say I am hoping for another southern team in the line up, tomorrow, its Kent and Birmingham for the last spot at Finals day. Well its obvious who I will be cheering for there!

England were in action against India, who  dramatically collapsed and were all out for 78. 

I have had a peep at the BBC cricket page and they seem to have a Hundred hangover, the page has silly graphics pasted onto pictures.

The ECB top tier are in line for a a share of a £2m bonus pot, to pay them for killing county cricket with a hideously made up game.

Well done Tom Harrison, more pennies to spend at Henley Regatta and Glorious Goodwood, because you don't  seem to spend anything on the county game.

And finally, Happy Birthday to TLML, I hope that you have a wonderful day. 

And with that I have to get on with Thursday

I'm back

 

Well I've missed a few days as I am struggling a bit at the moment 

I had  a very chilled out weekend, so I am  not sure how I have been unable to rouse myself. 

I got home Friday and set to get ready for cocktail hour.

Saturday Micky came unexpectedly, which was a lovely surprise.

Sunday took my sister and Micky out for a couple of hours

Monday could not get out of bed, managed, went to the office, took all the nonsense that this entails, came home and was in bed before it was dark.

Yesterday I had managed to wangle a full day off and had to be up early  to go and collect my tent for the weekend.

That done I prepared my cricnic as I was finally getting to see some cricket.

Mr Funky the Chauffeur and I got sorted ate food and got ready for the big event.

It was great to see the lads out on the field.

A tense game would sum it up and although we didn't make it to finals day, there was no shame for the lads ( although there was some dreadful fielding).

Or should I say catching!

The word Batters which is used all the time,is now something that is my ' nails on a blackboard'

Lets just dumb it down further, bowlers can be 'throwers' to go with the catchers.

How about my draughtsmen, they can be drawers or draughts ( which could work as some do make 'draughts' in the office).

Firemen?

Policemen?

Ah best go before this turns into a full scale rant, and before anyone brings up gender inclusion etc, I know all about it.

I played cricket in the 90's I was a 'batsman' I did not take offence, it denoted someone going into bat.

Happy Wednesday  

Hurrah!!!!

 

Well its finally here, I am sick of wishing the weeks away, but at the moment Friday is the best day of the working week for me. Being a half day  is an added bonus.

So yesterday was a proper crickety day with the RLODC final, at Trent Bridge!!!??? Well of course it was, because the final of the other game is at Lords on Saturday.

Pretty shitty when real cricket is thrown out of its usual home for Uncle Toms cricket circus. 

Durham were playing Glamorgan and although it was a very quick turn around from the semi's, 7000 faithful lovers of their county and real cricket went to cheer on their team.

I listened on the radio at work and then went home in a flurry of excitement. Neither of these teams were 'my' team ( although one was my Mums team), but that didn't matter, this was real cricket, 6 balls an over cricket.  no cheerleaders. Just cricket.

Brilliant game, Glamorgan won and the final Durham wicket went to a Michael Hogan, who like a fine wine is just getting better.

There always had to be a winner, but yesterday evening real cricket won.

So  to 'the other game', stick that in your DJ's booth, there's a poke in your dancing girls armpits, and all the razzamatazz just hides a very poor imitation of something so good.

Oh get me on a little rant so early on  a Friday!!!

Have a great day and a wonderful weekend

Tired old Thursday

I am slightly fed up of going to bed exhausted and getting up feeling the same ( mattress only 19 months old, window open, cotton bedding so none of those at fault).

I do sometimes feel as If I am in a permanently exhausted state. Maybe it is just the hangover from the last 18 months.

However, yesterday I booked to go camping over the Bank Holiday weekend, it may be only about an hour from home and half an hour from work ( as I am on call I have to be no more than an hour from the office), but its a get away.

And they are having a bit of a hooley on the Saturday evening at the farm. 

For me though it is a get away, a lot of fresh air, couple of evenings around a fire pit and catch up on reading.

I can't wait, now I just need my new tent to arrive in time.( I do have another if this one doesn't arrive)

Sad to see that the 2nds game at Weetwood had to be called off after some positive covid tests, its a worry still, although I know this is how its going to be for a good long while.

Thoughts are turning to the weekend, which will involve lawn mowing, camping equipment check and lots of house work!!!!

I have another bag of things for the charity shop and intend to clear out the boiler cupboard and possibly put the first coat of paint on there.................maybe! ( the boiler cupboard is the size of a box room in a new build house!).

Well time to head off down the road and see what today has in store.

Have  a great Thursday 

That other game

 

I take a lot of ribbing at work because I do not like The Hundred.

There is hardly a day goes by without  the boys trying to goad me.

So why am I not a fan?

Well, I was born and brought up in a cricket family ( and  I was born in Yorkshire).

My family still support ( and occasionally still play in their 70's) at the cricket club that they have always played at. (  one is currently President)

I remember cricket before coloured clothing and Friday night drinking sessions to 20 /20 overs.

I spent years watching school cricket, and  saw county players as nippers.

I was not a fan of 'pyjamas' in the game, now it denotes that this is not a County championship game to me.

4 day county cricket is still and always will be where my heart is.

I have watched IPL and The Big Bash which although  very 'in your face' and with dancing girls, hot tubs, etc has brought  new viewers to cricket  and as this is a 20/20 format it is the same as a form that is played at both county/state and international level.

So why was there a need to make up a game with different terminology and format?

Its not cricket to me, I think that it will do more harm than good to cricket in this country.

Its dumbed down a great game to a level that I find hard to tolerate.

The BBC has more coverage on its cricket website  to  this game ( which it also has broadcasting rights to too). 

Lets have more county coverage, more support for our counties, more money for our counties instead  of wasting it.

I love County cricket, that's all I can say.

The week trundles on

 Well another day dawns and its Tuesday.

There will be some disappointed England fans this morning, but its's early days.

Not impressed by Dolly hair Vaughan who who seems to love having a pop at Joe Root . 

Not sure how the 'other game' is going to benefit those players except for killing the test match.

The working week started with the usual dramas, I often wonder how we win contracts when we make the same mistakes over and over again. 

Anyhoo, I put the 'set for life' on last night and woke up this morning to the news that I had won.................£5, well its a start and made me smile.

I  was shocked when I woke up at 4am and it was still dark, I no likey this. Mind you its a grey day here so its still dark now.

Well not a lot to report so I will head off and do stuff.

Have a good day

What's to come

 There once was a game called 'The Hundred'

Whose appearance was waited with dread,

Its made up rules

Made up look like fools

Bu kept the ECB fat cats fed.

There once was a game called 'The Hundred'

Which ruined all that was kept sacred

10 balls in an over

wearing a lurid pullover

Some people are easily led

There once was a game called 'The Hundred

Designed to make the ECB loads of 'bread,

For woman and kids

Or lads spending their quids

Its leaving the CC for dead.

There once was a game called cricket

A proper day out for your ticket

Pride being a county fan

Seems not to be the ECB plan

How long before the last wicket?

Hello Friday my old friend

 Well after the worst nights 'wake' in a long time I am wearily trying to muster up the energy to head to the office. Thank goodness its a half day.

I do not want another week like this one.

It was a good crickety day as Yorkshire made a brilliant come back against Glamorgan in the Royal London 2nd XI trophy. Yes I know that's not what its called but its really what it has become thanks to the other game.

Ben once again didn't make the team, Matty got a wicket and  there was a smile from me.

I am looking forward to finishing today, haircut and Micky cuddles are the order of early afternoon, before cocktail hour and an early night.

And the weekend?

Well I am off to be one half of 'ladies that lunch'.

I cant wait.

Well very short, but I am too tired to see the keys this morning.

Have a great weekend.

Another day

Only Thursday!!!, it felt like the longest week yesterday!

I just focus on the positives at the moment.

Its going to be a busy few days as I arrange for the charity shop to collect some things tomorrow afternoon and also get some things that were sold, collected, proper clear out in force and last night I was like a tornado going from room to room, clearing as I went.

I was interested to hear that I am not the only one struggling in the job department, interesting that they advertise for one thing, but expect another.

And talking jobs, the job 'opportunity' that went on extended radio silence, phoned me yesterday, they 'told' me they would interview me at 6pm tonight, not asking if it was possible or convenient. Also telling me they would expect me to perform a task on their inhouse EMS. I asked what the task would be, to be told, that I would be informed before doing it.

Confused!!!! not as much as I am, I have worked on so many EMS over the years I know that they are much of a muchness, but you do need some initial guiding around them.

There was no explanation of the fact that they did not get back to me when they said. 

Is this the kind of company that I want to work for??? 

So today is a crickety day as Yorkshire are away to Glamorgan. Ben and  Matty both named in the squad, I will await team news.

AND!!!!!!

down in Kent, my favourite ex Yorkshire player, the one that they let get away, TLJL, is captaining the side against Gloucestershire.

I am so very pleased for him.

Wishing both  teams  good matches.

Right I am off to sort the day, as we have absolutely no hierarchy in the office.

Happy Thursday.

Midweek musing

 

Well here we are at midweek and I am musing on a number of things gleaned over the last few months of job hunting.

1. I don't appreciate being told that something will happen on an allotted day and then 3 days afterwards called and told that they were sorry for not getting back to you, and then expecting you to fall in with their new plan and saying they will call to set up the next day, and don't!

If you missed an interview, didn't phone, email or text, called 4 days later saying sorry can you do an interview now, I'm sure we all know what the answer would be.

2. Companies that arrange interviews, cancel because 'Charles' is going on holiday. Set another date 2 weeks in the future, then call the night before saying 'Charles' has take a day off the following day, and could they reschedule for 2 weeks time.

Really!especially when advert states 'needed urgently'

3. Companies who phone you,  send info, ask you if you have other companies interested in you, interviews lined up, how soon you can start, and then don't get in touch again.

4.Recruitment consultants who phone with the 'perfect' job for you, and don't know the working hours OR where exactly the company are based in said town/area.

If this is the state of industry/job market/ HR roles, then I really want to set up on my own as I personally  think that it is shocking.

Work ethic sure isn't what it used to be ( but I knew that).

Oh more of a rant than musings I think, no wonder I have taken a break from it all, its nearly as stressful as the saltmines.

And lastly, the dreadful news about Chris Cairns was a huge shock yesterday, thoughts and prayers are with his family and  hoping that he makes a full recovery.

Well time to head out the door and see what today holds for me.

Have a great Wednesday, half way through the week and  closer to the weekend.

Catching up

 

Just like Micky, I have been catching on sleep, and unlike Micky I am not sleeping on 'my' side of the bed. After being too slow upstairs on Saturday night, he decided he was sleeping on my side and not moving ( yes I am a total soft touch where he is concerned), so I was stuck on the other side....................and strangely I slept very well, and have done for the last to nights too.  Strange!!!

Its all go at Maison des Guichets, I might be catching up on sleep, but I also need to catch up on getting rid of junk and ebaying, which has seen a decline in the last couple of weeks due to other things going on.

I am hoping that in the next few weeks I get some news on my possible new project, fingers crossed.

I am planning my Autumn list of work to be done, as it will be here before we know it. Where is the year going.

I rarely venture to the BBC cricket site at the moment as it is awash with gaudy coloured shirts and snack advertising. I do feel that I am one of the few that hasn't been drawn in with the dumbed down speak ,over the top fake exuberance and crap graphics.

Whoever thought it was a good idea to give biltong gob a mic, may now be rueing the day this happened, 

Its so bad, I bought tickets to a T20 game! and I'm not a fan of that either!!!

Well time to head off to see what delights today holds. Not to be a sceptic, but when lazy arse ( lower level director) had been bleating last week  that he had no chid care for the next two weeks, it seems  strange  that I am not the only one in the office to be slightly suspicious when someone in his house tested positive for covid and he is having to  shirk from home. I really hope he is not  the boy who cried wolf!

Off I go, have a good day.

What a weekend.

 

Well it was a weekend of all kinds, Friday after work I went to see Micky and it was sorted that he came to stay on Saturday after an unexpected roof leak at his house.

I went home, set the table for Saturday, had a champagne cocktail and was in bed relatively early ( quite common these days ).

Micky bounced in at 8am, and we had breakfast then went out for a lovely walk.

Back home it was time to get sorted for my afternoon charity tea.

The weather as forecast was intermittently wet, in fact intermittently torrential would be a better description.

Everyone made their allotted time slots and tea went off with out a hitch, lots of laughter and really lovely to welcome my sister and Auntie.

By 6.45pm, I had nearly all the china washed up and I settled down with a glass if wine and some cake.

Sunday dawned warm and sunny so Micky and I were out early for a walk and then headed over to my sisters so that she could see him before he went home and so that we could drop off some left over tea.

I came home and counted up the money from the collection box and with a sudden hit of on line donations the total was around £350!!!!!

I am absolutely delighted and speechless that people have given so much.

And now it is back to the saltmines, and another week doing stuff.

I hope that you all had a great weekend,  happy Monday.

TGIF

 

Thank goodness its Friday, only a handful of hours to fill at work and then off to pick up some bits and pieces and home to get ready for tomorrow and also for cocktail hour ( which just for this week will be a very quick drink).

The weather forecast is not great, so I will have to push the boat out with the tea supplies! After much deliberation I made the decision yesterday to abide by the weather forecast and make alternative plans for the tea party ( which now will not be a garden party).

I sent out messages and arranged on a first come basis, a series of time slots to have tea in the house, firstly,  safety was the most important thing and secondly I was still able to do tea.

Sadly not everyone invited got a time slot, but I  will be delivering some tea packages to those who are local to me.

In crickety news, the boys are in action at York against Notts. Ben and Matty are both named in the squad , surely it must be Bens turn.

Well I have got tickets for the game at Chester le St, I have even managed to snaffle a half day at work..........................it had better not rain!!!!

I'm keeping this short as I have a lot to do before I head out, I am very tired as I have been awake every morning this week between 2.30am and 3.10am, and not been able to get back to sleep.

You would think that  I had something on my mind!!!!

Have  a great Friday and a wonderful weekend.

Stay safe and dry

not a happy lapin

 Well my planned trip to spend the long bank holiday weekend with Harry has had to be put on hold, as I struggle on at the saltmines with one major part of my staff leaving. This has meant that I am 'on call' bank holiday weekend ( well of course I would be!) and have to be within 40mins to an hour of the office.

Its great to see that the hierarchy are not stepping up ( one of whom lives 5 mins from the office).

Work rant over and I intend not to dwell on it, instead I will be buying more pins to put into my dolls!!!!!

We are also on the downward slope to the weekend and my Tea/garden Party to raise funds for 'Breast Cancer Now'.

The weather forecast  is not great, I am hoping that  the rain stays away until at least Saturday after 6pm (please).

Yesterday, I took 'afternoon tea' to work, it was being demolished before 9am!

I have to tell you if you can get hold of Boursin cheese with tomato and basil.............do!

It makes fabulous sandwiches with salad and it went down a treat with the office mob.

And more money to add the total.

I'm waiting for the squad to be named for tomorrow at York, which sadly I can't go to, but will be there in spirit.

I am heading out the door as it is going to be a busy few days, so best get going.

Have a good day.

Midweek

 

So its midweek, half way through another week and closer to the weekend.

Yesterday was a crickety day and I was both happy and sad, happy that Matty made the team, sad that Ben didn't.

Matty hit 27 which was a good knock, and Yorkshire won by 39 runs.

I am so proud of all 3 of my sponsored players, they have remained positive ( as have all players) through the last 18 months, all working hard on fitness. I will always take great pride in being able to sponsor them.

 I am hoping that all 3 of us can get together before the end of the season.

Talking end of season, my planned trip to Scarborough which was going to turn out more expensive than a 5* all inclusive in the Caribbean, now seems to be getting cheaper, amazing how much the prices have started to drop in that area.

I'm heading out the door with bags of sandwiches, cake, sausage rolls and quiche, as I put on afternoon tea for the office in aid of Breast Cancer Now.

Hopefully adding to my already fantastic total already raised, before the main event of Saturday.

So off I go.

Have a great day.

Here comes Tuesday

 Its a busy day today as I have a lot to do, at work and at home.

today also see two of my boys at York for the RL game against Warwickshire. Ben and Matty have both ben named in the squad so fingers crossed the  both make the team today, I will be keeping an eye on the live stream when I can.

I am hoping that today brings me some good luck too, I'm in need of some.

Last night I set about mowing the lawn ready for the weekend, I had said 2 years ago, when I moved in that I may have  it taken up and new put down ( this is probably the original grass put down when the house was built), after a cut and seeing how very poor it is I think that next spring will be the time for change.

I will try to make the best of this for the remainder of the year but I think its time to think ahead.

I also need to have the deck treated and will do that in the coming weeks.

As I looked around the garden I made a mental list which included pointing the walls of the sheds and repainting the doors. 

Looks like I have my hands full in the coming weekend.

Well that's it for today, not a lot to report and time to hit the road.

until tomorrow

August is here

 

Summer is well and truly here. I've had little time for relaxing this weekend as I have been getting things together for the Garden party  next Saturday. Due to the size of the garden I am hoping that the 4 hours I have stated will help stagger any guests. 

The new garden table and chairs have arrive and will be on the deck for Saturday and then will be in the corner where the 'vintage' chairs are at the moment.

I think I am nearly ready, just all the sandwich making and cakes to do, it will be like cricket teas all over again.

Friday saw me take a detour on the way home and  have a look in a charity shop in the middle of no where, well I managed to clear the 50p and £1 shelves, and came home with a fabulous haul of vintage china.

There is some method in this apparent madness, but nothing I can report at the moment.

Saturday saw me pick up some vintage napkins as well as a lovely trip out, and a little treat too.

Sunday I was out with  my poorly sister who is getting stronger. We went and had a coffee and a spot fo shopping before I dropped her off at home.

And then 'poooofff' the weekend was over.

Crickety news

two of my boys were in the squad for Sundays RL game at Somerset, sadly only one was named in the team. Although they lost it was great  for Matty as highest run scorer with 58 and taking a wicket too.

The BBC cricket page is now on my 'no go' list a it is emblazoned with images from the other game, obviously this is the only thing happening at the moment.

Shane Warne has contracted Covid which  seems to be rife in  the other game at the moment.

Old dolly hair Vaughan talking about Ben Stokes step back from cricket ' a wake up call for all of us'

but mainly for him as his cash flow may be affected.

I do hope Ben gets the chance to rest and recover at his own pace and will come back  when he is in a better place.

Well time to head off, sadly not to a better place but to the saltmines.

I must have been really bad in a past life