Lots to do.

 

So today I am making lists again of things to do, it seems to be the order of everyday for me.

Yesterday was a busy one with a very early start ( VERY EARLY) and the work day went downhill from there.

I am trying not to put too much about work on here, as its depressing enough working it let alone regurgitating it.

So lets move swiftly on.

There is the last of the cricket this week, as Warwickshire and Lancashire are playing for the Bob Willis Trophy at Lords, Warwickshire appear to be on top.

Weather here in the North East of Blighty is very Autumnal, not something that I like, however on my Instagram I saw that the North West of Iceland had their first snowfall yesterday, so lets be thankful for small mercies.

Over the whole of the pandemic, I have tried to send out 'little parcels of happiness', I have received many back which is wonderful, but one great thing is that I also received some peony seeds ( which are planted) and in return I sent a cutting from my hydrangea.  How wonderful to have a plant exchange going on.

If anyone who I know would like a hydrangea cutting and you are in the UK, just let me know and I will send on.

And so time to get moving.

Have a great day it is already Wednesday!!!

Some weekend

 

Well I was out of the office door on Friday like a rat out of a trap.

In the car, down to the garage, grab shopping, visit to see Micky, get home mow the lawn, tidy the garden,  get ready for cocktail hour, go to bed at 5.15pm!!!!

Yes, at 5pm I got very unwell very quickly and managed to crawl upstairs, get into bed and there I stayed until Saturday.

I went out to try to get thing done, but faded very quickly, lack of food, which was something that I could not face.

I managed to set up cocktail hour on Saturday, however I passed it onto my neighbour as I wouldn't have been able to eat it.

Sunday was a mad whirl, as I tried to play catch up, managed to get 2 coats of wax on the deck, washing done and sort out some things to go on eBay..

Not the weekend I had planned and serve me right or forgetting my lunch on Friday and eating from the local food van ( not Big Als)..

And this week, well lets play it a day at a time.

There is nothing in the cricket news that is jumping out at me so I will head off to start another working week.

These seem to be getting shorter and shorter.

Have a great week,

Friday at last

 

Aha! Its Friday and we are so close to cocktail hour I can hardly contain myself.

Still half a day to get through.

Cricket news

Well, Yorkshire are not in a great place but with a last stand by Adam Lyth and some seriously good batting from Matty they need to take 9 wickets today to beat Notts.

Hampshire are no longer in the title race, after losing to Lancs.

And Kent are going for it in Div 3 title race.

Its going to be an interesting day.

I have a lot to do today both at work and at home, which will hopefully see the lawns cut, the deck cleared and cleaned down.

I have no exciting plans for the weekend, so I will crack on here and try to make  some headway.

One thing for sure, I am not off gallivanting for the next couple of weeks.

Have a great weekend.

Here we go

 So best foot forward and all that, its Thursday and I am planning the weekend festivities..................car into garage to get a new exhaust! mow the lawn, wax the deck, washing, strip some wallpaper.............yep lets see what gets done, I suspect the garden stuff will if the weather is good,as it needs to be sorted before winter sets in.

Lets have some crickety news.

 TLJL was given his Kent cap, he has gone from strength to strength there and I wish him continued success.

Well its all going on in the title race although for Yorkshire this is long passed,  Today could see the crowning of Division 1 champions.

Essex wrapped up another great season becoming Div 2 champs. To say that Yorkshire missed a trick ever letting Anth McGrath go is an understatement of the greatest understatements.

 

I fear for us the day of silverware starvation will continue. 

As thunder rumbles high over Headingley I do think that it is time to make the dinosaurs extinct and shake up from the very top.

Wouldn't it be refreshing if we started 2022 with a brand new broom.

Having said that, not all new brooms are a good thing. We had a slap up pizza lunch yesterday to say goodbye to one of our Project managers who is going to pastures new, this is the South African who had worked at NASA a few years ago......................and then came to 'Tinpot Towers' , well at least he has got out before the big shut down because believe me this is on the cards.

And with that I am heading out, 'our Ian' is picking me up and I had better not be late.

Have a great day.

Midweek

 

well its midweek, it was also pitch black this morning at 5.15am! What the flipping heck is that all about, I hate dark mornings ( and dark nights). 

It was a cricket day yesterday, although not for me.

 James Bond was at BRISTOL!!! yes BRISTOL!!!, he did however see the Air ambulance land on the field which was very dramatic as well as scary, nearly as scary as him watching Durham and me not getting any 'Yupdates'.

Yorkshire are advertising that they have their memberships for sale for next season, judging by the comments on this. It seems that there is more dissatisfaction than normal.

I am still not sure what I will do, and the reason being that with 6 weeks in the summer being taken up by the made up game, I am stuck with the colder parts of the year to watch and to be bluntly truthful, I haven't really missed not going this year, I have enjoyed not racing all over the country, I actually got some time back for me.

I did enjoy my time with the 2nds and this could be my cricket viewing.

We will see what happens between now and the new season.

Talking Yorks they are down in Nottingham and will begin the day trying to take the last wicket of Notts first innings.

Lots going on at Maison des Guichets as I try to get Rhys to come and finish off the jobs he did last JULY! ( 2020). He's a naughty boy! I also need to think seriously about stripping the dining room and getting it finished. 

It could be done in a morning and the painting done by late evening...............its just the thought of it.

Ah well time to head to the office.

I really think that I had done something bad in a past life!!!!

Happy Wednesday 

Tuesday musing

 

 

Here we are heading towards the end of September and still there is county cricket.

The county matches will be played out until next week. 

I'm thinking that the ECB are not so much trying to kill off County cricket but kill off the supporters. 

I know first hand what the early matches in April at Chester le Street can be freezing and last week in Scarbs showed the changes in the seasons is well and truly underway.

Its forecast to be sunny today in Ladylaineyworkville today but next week it could be snowing.

We missed 6 weeks of the season due to the made up game and like a terrier with a Kong, the ECB are not going to give it up, well I suppose with that bonus in your back pocket none if us would, would we?

At the loss of the greatest game, I think I might actually have a serious think.

Englands tour of Pakistan has been cancelled due to security worries.

I have been sorting out my clothing for my birthday holiday which is less than 2 months away ( and anything can happen in that time scale). I have my thermals and pure new wool sweaters, the boots are ordered and should arrive this week, and  I am going to look for trousers this weekend.

and of course a new handbag!!!!

All very exciting.

And with that I am off.

There is a lot of work to do before my birthday.

Back home

 

I have been home since Thursday after the best rest Ive had in a long time.

The fact that cricket was involved  made it even better.

I had ( nearly ) 4 wonderful days watching the lads, and with a mixed bag of weather too, from getting drenched, to it being positively freezing and next day getting a tan, just what you expect mid September.

I was lucky enough to meet Mattys Mum and Dad and have a surprise visit from TLML who arrived with afternoon tea!!!

A great week.

I have to say that I have been so very lucky to sponsor 3 wonderful young men, all a credit to their families and the club.

Home and back to work for half day Friday and then straight home to try to get on with washing etc.

I had to be ready for Saturday and finals day.

I can honestly say that I have never seen such exceptional T20 cricket as I saw on Saturday, and a win for Kent.

Sunday  was busy as I nipped over to my sisters and then went home to book my birthday holiday trip.

All sorted before 11am, job done. 

I then spent a good part of the day  sorting out clothes for said trip, well its a necessary  thing isn't it???

More on the hol at a later date.

and now I'm back off to the office and sorting out lots of things there.

New week.

New opportunities.

New horizons

New attitude.

Happy Monday 

Half day Thursday

Well here we go, half day (ish) and then off on me holibobs!

Just a wander around a waste water site to entertain me this morning and a meeting.

I'll be in the limo quicker than you can say Toby Roland-Jones after a couple of gins!

what I've been up to

 Well its Tuesday already and I am nearing the end of my holidays which have been amazing to say the least.

I am in the land of 10 hour sleep!

The land of ducks on our lawn and chickens giving you fresh eggs for breakfast, geese honking in the next door field and pitch black nights. I spend evenings sitting outside just waiting to see the stars.

It has truly been a battery charger of a holiday.

The village I am staying in doesn't have a Post Office ( anymore) or a shop, but it does have a Wine bar/ merchants that does food. And I had to go and try it! Obviously.

I can highly recommend.

It also has an award winning butchers, again, highly recommended.

If a food critic drives 500 miles for a pork pie, it has to be good, although I don't like pork pies, the quiches was exceptional and the cooked ham also.

Might pop in on my way out of the village!

I have also been ( and am going) to cricket.

So whilst there was a game on at Headingley, there was also a game at Scarbados.

Openers Will Fraine and Tom K -C set the bench mark with centuries a piece , there was some great batting.

There was also some great chatting as I caught up with Ben, always a pleasure, he is a wonderful young man.

I also met Mr and Mrs Revis, parents of Matty.

The most popular Umpire with the seconds  was there too, so wonderful to catch up with him too.

This is the last seconds game of the season and I couldn't miss the chance to see my three players in action.

The weather was warm and then freezing, perfect September seaside weather.

And I had fish and chips for lunch, well I am on my holidays.

I'm about to make up my flask and sandwiches and head out.

So have a great Tuesday.

Midweek

 Here we are at Wednesday, and I have only packed ( and unpacked) my case 4 times, plenty of time for a few more  tonight before I pack up the car.

Its mad busy in the day job as I try to get everything cleared and sorted, so that the numptys can mess everything up in time for me coming back late next week.

Lots to do at home too, that's the problem with going away, I always have so much to do to make it possible.

I had some really good news this morning, one of my Lainey cricket bears helped to raise quite a lot of money last night in a raffle, it has however gone home with a Somerset supporter.

That may well be the last teddy to come off the Lainey production line due to carpel tunnel syndrome, which is getting better but not something that I want to have recurring.

My teeny tykes were still playing and only had the same umpire as last week, only Jack Shantry!!!!! *faints*.

Tom 15

Matty 37

Benji 11

And day 3 begins at 10.30am.

And finally  a couple of birthday shout outs, 

A very Happy Birthday to the lovely Philip Bird. Have a fabulous day Philip and I'll hopefully see you when we all get back from holidays.

Also a besty birthday to one of my oldest friends Debbie, who I have known since I was 5 years old ( so about 16 years).

and on what would have been Gary Speeds 52nd birthday, I hope you all have a fabulous day, I may/may not be here tomorrow it will depend on the car packing!

Happy hump day.

getting excited

 One day down 2.5 to go, yes I am that excited about going on my hols.

Got my checklist

colour hair

Pack case ( again and again)

decide on books to read

Decide on cocktail for Friday

you know the very important things

Micky Bell is having a top time in Cornwall, he has been sending me pics of him paddling in the sea,    ( he's a real BT not keen on water) and  asleep in pubs. 

Can't wait to see him when he gets home.

Crickety news 

Well firstly lets talk TLJL, who is just going from strength to strength, although he fell just short of his century there is no shame in 97.

Yorkshire beat Somerset in two days !

My teeny tykes are over playing Glamorgan and all 3 of my boys are playing. that's good news.

And England lost to India.

Short one but got lots to do.

4 day week

 

Here we go, 4 day week ( may be 3.5  word of warning to my holiday cottage owner), and I am ready to clear my trays ( and probably that of the H & S Manager,  and Project Engineer who is on long term sick...).

Its been a busy weekend too.

Took my sister out on Saturday and had packed up the camping chairs and a picnic, as well as throwing in a  couple of fleece blankets just in case.

We had a walk to some shops, ( walking is still a problem as she is still very weak) I found a beautiful silver necklace in the charity shop. top find. Also added to my silver tray collection.

We sat and had a long and leisurely lunch just watching the world go by.

After dropping her off at home, I got to my house and was in my dressing gown and flopped on the sofa in record time. All that fresh air!

I also received a fabulous package of beautiful gifts. It really did bring a tear to my eyes. Kindness should never be undervalued.

And so to Sunday when kindness and thoughtfulness were lacking, I am not going into details, I will just say that I have closed the door.

I managed to get the lawn cut, raked and fed and also do quite a few jobs around the house. a very productive day all round.

Cricket, well..... it was a productive day for Yorkshire as they bowled out Somerset for 134, and the big smile of Matty Fisher was on show, with figures of 5-41 I'd be smiling too.

The Scarborough pitch works its magic again.

And at Kent, TLJL and Evergreen Darren Stevens will go back out this morning, I'll be keeping an eye on that too.

England have to chase down 291 to win.

And so I head off to the office, demob happy, no doubt by 8.01am that feeling will have disappeared,

Have a great day and I hope the sun shines.

Weekend is calling

 

Well its Friday and another weekend is upon us, sadly this weekend there is no Micky Bell trip trapping down the garden as he is off on his holibobs with his Mum and Dad. They are off to the West Country for 2 weeks.

Lucky Micky!

I had a good clear out under the stairs last night, since Rhys put the doors on, it has become a bit of a dumping/hiding ground, so the car boot is full of things that are heading to the charity shop!

Busy busy.

Cricket was not good, the big lads somehow drew their game against Hampshire, late declaration????

well as usual as soon as Yorkshire post the match report on social media  the 'Gale out' gang start shouting. They only shout when we don't win though.

The teeny tykes were still in action  in Chester, and I found out that the one of the Umpires is only my favourite ex Worcs bowler, Jack Shantry. 

Plans are in place now for next weekend when I am away, lunch with TLML for starters and then I am popping to see a friend in Helmsley all before I catch up with the lads at cricket.

Can't wait.

Well lets get this week finished, 3 days this week and 4 next week that's the life!

Happy Friday 

Its Thursday!

So here we are at Thursday already and I am counting down until finish tomorrow. There has to be more to life than the total feeling of dread as you head out to work.

As I said wheels in motion.

It was a busy day cricket wise yesterday as I tuned into the Somerset /Notts game, some classics on that commentary, cheese and Cornish pasties being on the menu for the afternoon. Always makes me miss Cally.

Yorkshire 2nds were in action again in their 4 day game with Ben is as Captain, which made me very happy.

Yorkshire big boys  were doing great down at Hampshire, they declared on 312 leaving Hants 367 to win.

Today we have international cricket , but for me the county championship matches are far more important.

I love the whole 4 day county cricket.

Weather has turned very grim here in the North East of blighty and I hope that it improves so that I at least get a bit of late summer warmth in Scarbados.

Ah well time to pull on the sowester and galoshes.

Have a great day

 

 

A good break

Well it has been an extended weekend, I finished Friday and headed off to my camp site, the new tent was up in 10 minutes, although the new windbreak proved to be such a pain that after half an hour it went back into the boot of the car. (please note it was not one of the stripy ones you see at he beach but a new fangle thing ).

Cocktail hour was observed al fresco and with the radio playing the Kent T20 QF, what  a perfect evening and start of my break.

In fact the weekend was a wonderful calm and relaxing time, with visits into Northallerton and over to the sea  for breakfast and early morning paddling.

Time to forget the problems and worries and just try to make a plan to move forward. It becomes so much easier when you stop worrying about everyone and everything. 

As I have said a lot, its amazing how you find out who are friends are, when you are at your lowest, you know who will hold out a hand to you.

Once home it was a full on effort to get everything put away and  get sorted for the week ahead.

So cricket wise, it is going to be an all southern T20 finals day. I know who I will be cheering for.

Heart was broken yesterday as Dale Steyn announced that he was retiring. 

Good to see the Yorkshire boys putting up a good fight down at my favourite ground  huge thanks to James Bond for sending me 'Yupdates'.

 And just like that it was all over.

So do I feel better? well the headaches and tiredness has gone ( give it to the end of the week), the other things  have subsided and I feel a little bit more like me. 

Roll on my hols in Scarborough where I have now been given a country cottage to stay in and for that I will be eternally grateful.

6 days of rest and hopefully some cricket, that's all coming up in the next couple of week.

For now I will focus on getting through the rest of this week.