3000 blogs and finally its all about me!

 

Well here we are at the 3000th blog, sadly I have decided that this is the last one that I write for 'Tales from the boundary', partly  because in the last 12 or so months I have had my cricket heart ripped out bashed about and stamped on, and so have at this moment lost my cricket mojo, and partly because as I have been very unwell for a little while now, and  although its been diagnosed and being treated, I need to take time to get better,  and be much kinder to myself.

Before I sign off for good though I thought I would end with a blog all about me, Lainey.

 I am a couple of years away from a landmark birthday and looking back I realise how much I have crammed into my '21 years' I have had a fairly successful modelling career despite horrific injuries in a car accident when I was 17 which I nearly didn't come through.

I spent many years living in North West London and lived a very carefree life ( work aside), I went to  Glastonbury a couple of times in the 90's before it was really trendy to go and before all the current hipsters promoting it were born. (how we didn't get dysentery, trenchfoot and a million other things is beyond me)

I am a competent chef with a touch of Cordon Bleu thrown in for good measure.

I've interrailed around Europe a lot and travelled extensively (my love of Africa will never go away). I have been lucky enough to see the Northern Lights twice on visits to the beautiful country that is Iceland (fingers crossed for a hat trick next year)

I've lived in some beautiful places of which Marbella/Puerto Banus was not one ( and that was circa 1986 before anyone from TOWIE was born)!

I've met and mingled with the rich and famous, I turned down the role of PA/Housekeeper to Lance Percival (you have to be of an age to appreciate this) 

I lost the love of my life to cancer.

I've been a mentally and physically abused wife (some scars will never heal) and am now back to the carefree days  ( bills aside).

And as such, I am now devoting as much time  to just enjoying my life as best  I can, spending time with friends and traveling as much as work allows, and drinking champagne!  This has become more relevant  since the recent scary time.

I do hope that I will be in a better cricket place next season as I still enjoy the game so much. And yes I do  still love to watch South Africa play.

I sponsored 3 young Yorkshire cricketers which will for me, always be a highlight. I will always think of them with great pride. ( And refer to them often as  'my Ben, Tom  & Matty')

I am sad that I never got to publish my book  'Cricketers posteriors' sadly in this era it would probably not have sold!!, However as its said that everyone has a book in them, I may just write one!

I class myself very lucky to have some wonderful friends who have helped me along the way, over the years and very much so in recent times, and to whom I will always be eternally grateful. I hope that I have been as good a friend in return.

Despite and because of all above I am  determined to live my best life.

I thank  the loyal readers of this blog who may/may not have been with me since its start in  2012 ( yes 10 years of inane rambling).

I am sure that those who follow me on social media will see exactly what I am getting up to in the coming months, and who knows I may come back next season ( but I very much doubt it).

Finally ( not about me)

To Richard, I would have stopped writing this blog 5 years ago had you not spoken to me at the  Scarborough Festival and persuaded me not to.

And to Jack, the greatest wicket keeper (my opinion, other wicket keepers are available) and artist, I am always overawed by the fact that you read my ramblings, thank you, your paintings always make me smile.

To TLJL who scored a magnificent century this week in Kents last away match of the season, he goes from strength to strength, and this really does make my cricket heart beat faster. 

And now I am going to take a little break from some forms of social media.

I wish you all, the very best and once again thank you for reading

Bon chance

Lainey

Midweek in the blink of an eye

 

And its Wednesday before we knew it. Today is also the birthday of Micky Bell, yes, my little fuzzy chops is 9 today, I will be seeing him later to give him his birthday pressie , and another super border has his birthday today, Sir Spike of Marske. 

Lots of doggy birthday cake around I guess.

In crickety news, Yorkshire seem to be struggling to get Surrey out, although Patto in his last game for the White Rose has been having a good go. Taking 4 of the 6 wickets, it seems to be the final hurrah.

Lets see what today brings.

So much going on here at the moment and I fell into bed at midnight, totally exhausted ( and not what I am supposed to be doing). Hopefully things even out today.

The weather is taking a very autumnal turn and on my morning ( Mickyless) walk it really was a tad nippy.

Time to hunt out the jumpys I  think

And with that I am off to see what today holds.

we return to a new normal

And so we start anew today, The Queen has been laid to rest, with all the ceremony she deserved, I shed many tears and watched with a great pride at the amazing display of pomp. What we actually witnessed was a piece of history, a royal state funeral televised. 

Micky went home on Sunday and the house is a little bit empty. The stray dog hairs have been hoovered up and all the throws washed and put away.

Life is back to some sort of normality.

I am back to work and hoping that this week passes quickly. I really feel like I need a weekend away but will hang on for another couple of weeks.

The last week of cricket begins, Yorkshire are at Surrey and the triumphant one day champs (Kent if you didn't know) are down in Hampshire.

And with that I wish you a happy Tuesday.

The saddest day

 

 And so it begins, the day that many of us dreaded but know would come eventually.

A time to say goodbye to our Monarch  whether at home or in a packed capitol.

The last people have filed past and paid their respects and now the full pomp and ceremony begins.

I hope that after  today that all of the royals, young and old get a chance to sit back for a few days and grieve in private.

It is for me a very sad day, as a nation mourns.

Farewell your Majesty.

RIP

Thank goodness its Friday

 

So Micky Bell begins his last day in the land of performance chemicals and I have reached the end of another working week.

Its been some week, in fact its been some 8 days!

Tonight  due to the ongoing health issue, I will be having a mocktail, rather than a cocktail ( you know its fairly serious when alcohol is set aside). To be honest a few weeks without a cocktail is hardly the end of the world, champagne though is another matter!!

Micky and I will be having a fairly chilled out evening with me watching more episodes of 'The Good Wife' ( how had I come to this party so late???) and then an early night, ahhh rock n roll life !

Its been lovely to see so many people go to pay their respects to the Queen. I'm sad that I can't go, but I'm not up to queueing for hours.

I did go when Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother passed away. A very quiet  and sombre  occasion.

And so with that I will close.

Happy Friday one and all

So much pageantry

 

If  there is one that thing that is apparent  over the last 5 or so days, it is, that here in Blighty we do pageantry in a way that few others do.

Yesterday I cried as if my heart would break as I watched the Queens procession to Westminster Hall.

I cannot put into words (  I am sure most of you will be the same) my sorrow at the passing of  our Queen, however life goes on and by this time next week, its to be hoped that the Royal family can have time to catch their breath and grieve privately.

I find it very hard to comprehend that I will never see her again, I had this same feeling when I lost my Mum,

However day to day life goes on for us, and yesterday must have been another of those tail end of season  thrillers that Yorkshire often do, sadly they lost to Essex, who won by a wicket ( and a whisker). And the season concludes next week at The Oval ( I've never been back since being stalked there a few years ago by a Surrey supporter).

Micky Bell and I move into the tail end of our time together, I will be very sad when he goes home.

Have a peaceful Thursday.

Midweek

 Micky Bell is coming to the middle of his stay with me and not long until his Mum and Dad come back, he will be back home before he knows it, I am sure that once his sister Betty Bell returns he'll wish he was back in the peace and calm of my house! she runs him ragged.

Peace and  quiet are the order of everyday at my house at the moment as I continue to try to get back to full working order. The last few weeks have been very difficult and scary ,hopefully now we will start to see light at the end of the tunnel.

Last night I watched the Queen being brought home to Buckingham Palace, I have to admit that I cried  and found the whole thing very  sad. I know that journey that she took so  well.

The next few days are going to be so very sad in the run up to the funeral.

How do you  put into words how you feel for someone that you once waved to on a London sidestreet  as she drove by, someone you never really met but have known all your life,

My Mum had lovely pictures of the Queen taken when Mum lived in Eton, she loved to go to see big events at the castle.

In crickety things Yorkshire got Essex out for 225 but lost 2 wickets before close.

Finlay Bean  will start the day on 41.

Go well lads  and I wish you all a good day

A bit of cricket nostalgia

 

Well back to a bit of cricket nostalgia, it is now  7 years since Yorkshire last won the County Championship, and the good old days  for the county.

We still had Dizzy as Coach and Hoddy was still with us. ( Come on who didn't love Hoddy???) Ryan hadn't retired and TLJL hadn't moved south. 

These really were the most glorious of times.

I really hope that we come to it again and enjoy  great times.

Yesterday saw the start of the Yorkshire v Essex match at Headingley, sadly the lads were all out for 134! 

Essex start the day 24-1

And with that I am off to do stuff in the office with my trusty sidekick Micky Bell who is coming to work with me this week.

Have a great day

Another week

    

Another week, begins, and for most of us it is tinged with sadness.

However  reading through all the things that have been on social media and being  in the news about our Queen, I came across one particular memory which made me laugh out loud.

A very young Prince William had fallen and was  shouting for Gary. A lady looked around saying he wanted Gary, the Queen stepped forward and said  'I'm Gary, William hasn't yet mastered Granny'.

She was some lady and  although the vast majority of us never saw anything other than the 'on duty' side of the Queen, it is so obvious that she was a funny person.

This will be a strange week , a new King and  a period of  mourning. 

We enter a new age.

RIP

 

Yesterday evening the news came through that our beloved Queen Elizabeth had passed away.

The sadness that I felt and still feel is immense. In my lifetime I had the pleasure (thanks, to a kindly policeman) to see the Queen and Prince Philip and get a wave from them. I was very young but have remembered this with great pride.

I have so much admiration for the Queen who has steadfastly and tirelessly done her duty without any moaning, in fact she was working 2 days ago, and the photos that we saw ( and never thought would be the last we would ever see of her) showed her smiling.

I know that I am not alone in feeling a sense of loss for the person who has been a constant in  my life.

RIP Queen Elizabeth II.

Thank you.

TGIF

 

Woohoo its Friday and its my last day of work  as I am on holiday until the middle of next week. 
This time tomorrow I will be hurtling ( well OK driving like my Granny) down the A1 to my holiday cottage, I cannot wait.

I am really hoping to switch off from everything for a  few days. I need it. 

I will however have my DAB radio so that I can keep up with the cricket ( I chose a cottage without sky so that I am not glued to TV), I think it is going to be interesting today, SA are in a good position in their 1st innings despite losing wickets. 

Yorkshire are still 'darn sarf' today playing Kent in one day action, Ill be keeping an eye on this result.

Tonight I am out on a works do so any chance of Faf or David Wiese spotting is out of the window.

And now time to head off and finish the week,  do the final checks of  the local walks in the area of the cottage as well as the local shopping options.

Rumour has it I may  see the aurora borealis too

Holidays are coming

Have a great day 

Happy Thursday

 

 

After over bearing weather for the last week making sure that the made up cricket game was played it was obvious that the first day of the test ( like THE test, like ENG v SA test!) was rained off   after lunch.

It all to play for though in the next few days.

Listened to Andrew Strauss having a natter on TMS , not sure he has  real cricket interests at heart. Obviously  hearing that The  Hundred and test matches can survive side by side, makes me worry more as it is obvious that the fat pay cheques from this nonsensical game  have blinded the hierarchy to what the real cricket fans want.

I could write a thousand pages on what is going wrong here, and have been banging on about it for years but hell who am I! And what do I know1

To all the cricket [purists out there, we appear to be doomed!

In other news due to an oversite by the powers that be at work I am only flipping running the show for two days! That's brave of them to say the least. I hope I remember things from my chemistry O'level!!!!! 

The washing machine is on this morning as I do more washing ready for my hols. I need to get a wriggle on and get the housework done too.

Well time to head off to the office and get another day under my belt.

Weather here in the North East of Blighty is cool and overcast (6.55am)

Happy Thursday

Happy Birthday TLML

Happy Birthday to TLML ( and apologies to my lovely friends who have not had a birthday blog post ).

I 'met' this lovely lady at Finals Day may years ago, I say met, what I mean is I was screaming my undying love for her son when she was sitting, unknowingly  to me, in the seat in front.

The next week she introduced herself to me!

Shame of it!!!!

And so it began.

We spent many seasons chattering with each other when we caught up at cricket. 

If the pandemic did one thing for me it made me see who my  friends really were and I am so pleased to say that TLML and I kept in touch through it all and that as they say is that.

Fast forward to this year, we headed off to Iceland for adventures further afield than Northallerton.

I just want to wish you , Karen, the best day ( even though I know TLDL will be putting you through your paces).

Happy birthday and I cannot wait for March 2023.

look out Reykjavik, we are coming back.

 

 

 

and for now I am waiting for the next GDMA breakfast meeting.

Midweek musing

 

Well here we are at Wednesday and my first venture back for a while, I'm super busy with work and  at home, I have fitted a sliding door onto the downstairs shower room and have some painting to do there, I am planning to strip the striped wall paper off the walls in the dining room over the bank holiday  weekend, so more painting will be taking place.

I am also keeping everything crossed that I will have a new toilet and washbasin in the shower room before the end of September which will be really lovely and a huge improvement.

I am currently sitting in my office listening to South Africa ripping through the top order of the England team. Oh dear, lets hope that it gets better after lunch.

Yorkshire are 'darn sarf' today sunning it up in Essex. Fingers crossed for the lads.

I have been watching a bit of The Hundred mainly if I think that Faf or David Wiese are on ( yes I totally am that shallow) and have to say I am still not being won over. Its just too over the top for me or maybe it is the enthusiasm of  Nass who is cannot get through his stint commentating without extolling the virtue of the new format ( and obviously checking his bank balance on an equally regular basis).

And that's about it for today as I continue my work in performance chemicals.

Have a grand day one and all

wine, weekends away, and Wiese

 

Well its Friday and I am cramming so much into life at the moment, there is  not much time for blogging.

I've been busy working, fitting a new sliding door onto my shower room, and I went to York for the weekend to stay with TLML and TLDL. 

This was brilliant, lunch out with TLML'sM and shopping and then a night out watching The Mersey Beats which was great singalong entertainment. 

We also went to a car boot sale which I loved as there are not too many where I live, so a good rummage was in order.

Monday saw me back at work and the big bosses from Denmark were over which was interesting in many ways.

Interesting to see  how they responded to my take on how I saw my role working within the company, positive feedback and  a free hand to get it done.

As you all know I am a very vocal opposer of The Hundred, but will admit to watching the Northern Superchargers ( or whatever they are called I am not au fait with the teams), just to see Faf ( out for a duck ) and David Wiese who did not disappoint ( unlike yesterday).

And today I am going home early as my boss is going to help me fit 2 new worktops in my kitchen! 

Its all going on!

Sorry that there is so little crickety chat, but  life is very interesting for me at the moment so I am taking every opportunity.

Have a great weekend and I will be back soon.

Another day

 

So as you may remember a few weeks ago I had a very bad reaction to a horse fly bite, on scanning through my pics I found the bite that I got in May ( above) not quite as bad but causing a lot of pain, infection and bruising.

Fast forward a couple of months to the last one I got which really floored me and  which is still not fully healed up. The doctor has suggested some less strong antibiotics but as I am still trying to get myself pulled round after the last ones, I am hanging out for as long as possible.

I still use the 'silver' plasters which are antibacterial, I put on at night  about twice a week. 

I haven't mown my lawn in weeks for fear of getting bitten by anything living in there!

Anyone else react badly to these pesky things?

Reading through the BBC cricket blurb, I came across this headline

'One day cup 2022, all you need to know about the county cricket's  alternative to The Hundred'

WTFF!!!! who writes this !!! alternative to a made up game that has yet to start it 2nd season! what utter piffle! and one more nail in the BBC website coffin.

The one day cup is not an alternative it is far superior.

And talking one day cup, Yorkshire are in action at York cricket club against Northants.

Lets hope they win as I notice that the 'Gibson out' gang are starting to find there voice already. Sad that coach hasn't even  been in place for a season.

I will just keep an eye on the scores from work

and talking work I had best eat my breakfast and get ready to go.

have a great Tuesday.

Happy Yorkshire Day

 Happy Yorkshire Day to my fellow Yorkshiremen ( or is it Yorshirers to be PC?!!!).

Well talking Yorkshire  I see that after the shock step down and future leaving of club captain Steve Patterson, the baton has been passed to Jonny Tattersall!!  Is it a baton or poison chalice? 

I wish him all the best and I think that he will need it.

Interesting reading over the weekend, as Mike Atherton interviewed Kunwar Bansil, showing the flip side of what has been going on at the county that I love. 

I personally miss the great duo of Ian Dews and Richard Damms  who inspired many Yorkshire players. And both were highly respected by players over the years.

Sadly once Piers Morgan starts shouting his mouth off about it all, you know it will not end well.

It was good to see Gary Ballance back on the field, and wishing him all the best.

And South Africa sealed a T20 series win. Great to see the lads playing some great cricket, I miss Faf and Dale but have loved seeing the development of a great team.

I've had a very busy week, down to Marlow via outer Mongolia ( or so it seemed)  Lots to do at head office, then home again to a wet weekend, filled with painting and decorating.

This week will be equally busy  and I am away for the weekend with TLML and TLDL.

August is a very busy month for me as I have lots of things planned including a little mini break. lots to look forward to.

So if I don't make it back here this week, I hope its a good one for you all.

 

busy busy

 

Its been mega busy  weekend, after nearly melting in the heat last week, I had a lot of jobs to catch up on.

I managed to finish the painting of the newly panelled hallway, which will have another coat but that will be next weekend.

I watched a little bit of the cricket ( as did everyone thanks to rain) and I  made chutney, did washing and packed my bags.

I'm off  'darn  sarf' with work for the remainder of the week, time to do some extra training and make use of the hotel facilities, as well as catching up with friends, which will be wonderful.

The heat last week, made for hard  times at La Maison, as I had very little sleep for 3 nights and took to living downstairs, getting to the first landing was an achievement, before being hit by  oven type temperatures.

I do have a hot house, even in winter so I shouldn;t complain ( but I will). We do after all insulate our houses to keep the cold out, it also stops the heat escaping! no wonder they turn to furnaces in the summer.

I've no crickety news except that I have managed to sneak a day to watch Yorkshire before the end of the season .

Also I found out that TLJL scored his first century at Stokesley, place of my birth!, he was about 11 apparently ( I think that's right) and I would have been just  a tad older ( that is not right!)

Have a great week, 

New week,

 A new week begins and we are well into the middle of July and over half way through the year.

Who knew that I would pack so much into the first 7 months, not me that's for sure.

Life throws some curve balls sometimes, but I have been lucky to actually  throw it right back and move on.

Its nice to have some calmness in my  life at last. Walking away from situations and people that want much and give little turns out to be  the easiest decision to make.

So the weekend, I was up and out early on Saturday morning to do lots of little jobs before settling down for cricket. I came home with Micky Bell, he wasn't on my shopping list but I rarely say no to having some time with him.

Back home, fan set up for Micky, chicken cooking for his dinner, it was all settle down for the first semi final of Finals Day.

Yorkshire playing Lancashire. 

Some great batting from Tom K-C , but seriously Jordan Thompson, a cracking 50 after his death bowling in the quarter finals! Keep an eye on him!

Matty was in to bat on a hattrick ball, I have to say I felt sick, but cool as a cucumber he faced it well.

with 204 under their belt it looked a good score.

Into the field they went Matty taking Phil Salts wicket was great to see. however it was not to be our day and Lancashire won by 6 wickets.

The lads did well and I am so proud of them all.

I settled in to be team Hampshire ( my former besty team in the south).

And they beat Somerset.

So the final, well all I can say is ECB we never needed another format of cricket. T20 delivers surprises time after time.

With Hampshire thinking they had won and it turning out to be a no ball, it couldn't have been any more exciting. They won by one run and  that team deserved it with some amazing fielding and bowling.

I did see Dane Vilas looking very displeased and appearing to tell James Vince this, not that James cared he was going to lift the trophy.

I am not a fan of T20, however I will go and watch as it is what it is, quick fire, money spinner for the counties.

The Hundred, dreadful made up game, silly rules and a money spinner for the sponsors and the ECB.

Scrap it now!

Sunday, well I painted, which in this heat was not a great idea!

And with that I am off to the land of performance chemicals

Have a great day and week ( just in case I don't come back this week)

Another week nearly over

 

Another week nearly over and another weekend to try to get the hall painted after my DIY endeavours.

Being a 'girl' I know very little about paint except that it goes on the wall and you need to put covers on the floor, use a brush or roller and in my case hope for the best outcome. I have used most paints over the years and know that in my case 'one coat' does not mean what it says on the tin.

So yesterday I bought 'trade paint' as I was informed that it covered better  ( higher pigment or something) and that it 'goes further ' than other paint, I'm hoping this means that it transfers itself to the walls  without much work from me ( trust me to pick a heat wave to do decorating).

Only the weekend will tell if this is a success.

Horse fly  bite is still inflamed but in a smaller radius and looking less angry by the day, I am  still struggling with  tummy problems and a bit of potassium levels problem, but nothing that I cannot deal with. I hope to never have another bite EVER!!!

Yorkshire are playing at Scarborough, this year will be the first time in many many years that I haven't been to the ground for any game of the season ( except 2020 obviously). There has been some great batting form Adam Lyth and Jonny Tatts, there is something about Scarbs that brings out the best in players, who can forget Rashid and Maxwell back in 2015.

I am also gearing up for Finals day on Saturday, having been before I know what a very long day it is if you  stay to the end ( especially when your team are playing in the final). Its even worse when it rains!

And with that I am off to work, 

have a great day and a super weekend.

and 'bonne fete nationale ' to my lovely French friends.

its been a while

-

Well its been a while since I was last here and believe me its been filled with lots of things. 

1. I got bitten by a horse fly nearly 2 weeks ago, it very quickly became inflamed and I very quickly became  unwell. After numerous attempts to get to see a doctor, I resorted to speaking a pharmacist. I was told it was one thing, and how to deal with it, by the early hours of the next day I had to phone 111.

Was seen very early last Sunday morning and given a massive dose of antibiotics.

At work the chemists in the labs made me  a batch of 'silver' antibacterial plasters to aid the healing of the bite.

I am still a little under the weather as the antibiotics took their toll on my system and I am on probiotics to try to get things back to some order. The bite is starting to look less angry and I never want to see a horse fly again ( not that I saw it in the first place).

2. I had some midweek training at work with my now retired counterpart from 'darn sarf'. The company put me up for the night in Darlington ( living it up) and we went out for dinner and drinks ( I was on non alcoholic). I have another couple of training sessions although I am up and running now.

3 Same evening, The Vikings played an absolute blinder  beating Surrey by 1 run! Some amazing bowling  from Matty and the coolest cucumber ever, Jordan, who bowled the last over.

I would have gone to Finals Day ( surprisingly there were tickets available, but  with trains and hotels it took the cost to well over  4 nights in Reykjavik in  March, so lads I will be cheering from the sofa ( and as still not 100% thats probably the best place for me).

4 Politics went mad, and I came off Twitter as the amount of spite and hatred was just too much. Since lockdown I have become Apolitical, not believing anything that is said by anyone. My thoughts that if there was a better way to do things they should have all pulled together in the unprecedented times  and yes I know 'backers and the likes would not have liked this, but as I said unprecedented times. 

Last tie i will mention anything to do with politics again.

5 Have been watching Wimbledon  which I enjoyed a lot for the first time in years.

6 Spent some time sunbathing, sadly not with the Med lapping in the background.

And now I am off to work and hope that you have a great week.

Last day of the week and new month

 Hello July! how did you creep up so quickly! 

We are now over halfway through 2022.

Busy weekend ahead for me, as I get home in time for cocktail hour and then quick change and out for dinner, its all go!

I have another joiner coming over in the morning to possibly do some joinery in the  garden and  sort out new kitchen worktops.  That's just the tip of the iceberg but lets see  if he shows up first.

I will be still painting and hope to have the hallway finished by Sunday.

Crickety news

England are playing India today, so I might pop the radio on to listen.

I can't wait for the SA boys to tip up!

As I am out tonight I will be missing out on T20 ( not that it worries me). Ill check up on the results when I get home.

Here's wishing you all a lovely weekend,

And finally, well done 

Finally Bean & Andrew Gale!

Back again

 

Tuesday already and the big boss is up for the day from HQ 'darn sarf' first real meeting with him, and we are all out for dinner tonight.

Sorry if Fridays blog was a bit hard to read, it had been a wonderful and difficult week in equal measure. 

Its was a busy weekend, I was out with the 'water treatment' lads on Saturday afternoon and apologies to anyone who may have spotted us in Darlington!.

Sunday was cricket on the radio ( and TV) and busy busy, making chutney, bottling up the sloe gin and doing some painting. I am trying to get the hall finished after my DIY paneling last week. I feel that this might be the start of the final push to get things done in the house which would be great as  next week it will be 3 years since the big move.

crickety news, England won, 'Captain' Morgan is retiring from international cricket, TLJL 31 no overnight.

Yorks 2nds are in Nottingham this week  and  my Tom took 2 wickets. I'll be keeping an eye on this game.

As I cannot decide whether to go away for sunshine in September, I have booked a cottage in Yorkshire for a few nights and think that this might be just the job!

Well off to earn the pennies to go away.

Have a great Tuesday.

Thought for Friday

 After what I can only describe as a rollercoaster 6 months, I am pleased to be back on solid ground, upside I have realised  that life is too short to be unhappy with a situation, so just change it. I have put up with unhappy situations over the last 20 years ( marriage, job) and struggled on ( for the same amount of years it seems, 5 is obviously the number that finally makes me break free).  Now I am taking every chance/opportunity that comes my way and not looking back.

This week has been a a tough one,  40 years since an accident which changed my life forever. Also The day that Jon and I loved more than anything and had our own way of celebrating, well those are in the past and now firmly back there. The accident was life changing, and change my life it did, but I would never have met Jon if not for it and probably would not be writing a blog. So I do believe that everything happens for a reason.

Closing one door will always open another, I have only truly realised this recently, and I went through the newly opened door at a gallop.

This week, my friend lost her wonderful 14 year old grandson, so suddenly that  even writing this I am still unsure it really happened, she saw him before he went to school and shortly afterwards he collapsed and died. Life is too short and we never know what is around the corner. So take every chance that comes your way.

A touch of crickety news, The Vikings won against The Rapids. AND  Yorkshire 2nds beat Durham 2nds by 4 wickets. Well done teeny Tykes, very well played.

I am now off to enjoy the last day of the week.

Have a great weekend. Hug your loved ones tightly and  take a chance.

wall to wall sunshine

 

Thursday already, and I woke up to sunshine again this morning.

Yesterday I was up and out the door ready for 2 days of training, however this had  been cancelled on Tuesday due to covid. I could have had seen the full game at Richmond if I'd known. My wonderful boss kindly gave me a flyer at 3pm with the choice of racing down to Richmond or going home early, much as I wanted to go to Richmond, I headed home, put washing on, cooked, bottled up Elderflower fizz  and made some chutney ( it was far to hot for any of that).

I sat in the garden taking in the evening sun, just mulling over things in general.

A quick check of the scores saw that Yorskhire 2nds  need to take the last wickets by lunch and wrap up the match before tea today.

Good to see 'my' Benji have a run out with Northants 2nds. That made my day.

And today international cricket is back at Headingley. Sad to see that the troubles of late make bigger headlines for journalists than the game.

And with that I am off to do my thing

Have a great day

back in the real world

 

Well back to work today after 2 days in the fresh air enjoying 2nd XI cricket,  great to see the lads playing well, all youngsters looking to the future of the club.

Durham were a mixed bag, an old timer and some up and coming youngsters.

I am puzzled how Durham use North Yorkshire  as 2nds grounds, I think I say this every year. Makes me a tad cross.

Yorkshire were in a strong position when I left at tea yesterday, and hopefully the next 2 days will go well.

It seems to be impossible to get any results  on line.

I really had forgotten how much I love 2nds cricket, I have over many many years, watched up and coming players, (I remember watching Matt Walker at Maidstone and he is now top dog at Kent).

Back home and last night was more work on the DIY paneling in the hallway. The weekend will include a look at paint colours for the walls as it is all completed now.

What will be the next job? 

I think removing the wallpaper in the dining room, it, like that which I removed from the salon is not to my taste and I have put up with it for  3 years. As I've said before  creosote brown and teal ( the colour of gangrene!!!!) are not my thing. 

And now time to get my act together and head off to the office.  2 days of intensive training, so need to be clear headed.

Have a great day.

Two day treat

 

It's a long weekend for me and so I decided to make the most of it. I was up and about as normal yesterday  and then set off down the A1.

A slow and steady journey and off at Scotch Corner, slight delay on, what is the worst 'roundabout' as a coach had broken down on the last set of traffic lights, (I'd been through three and was approaching the fourth). Finally back on track it was a straightforward journey to Richmond, parked up and shopping in no time.

J headed off to the cricket ground, for it was indeed going to be 2  days of cricket.

Had a long chat with everyones (who knows  him) favourite umpire, quick chat with 'my Tom' and then came on.

Durham were batting and continued into the afternoon, 4 Wickets by Tom saw much clapping from the corner as they dismissed Durham.

Coach arrived before lunch and stayed most of the afternoon, good to see him out watching the 2nds. 

Overnight Yorkshire 2nds were 115-1.

Looking to be a good day today too

And it was scorching yesterday I got tanned and also extra blonded!!

Here's to another lovely day.

This will be my last cricket of 2022, sad, but I have lots of other things to do.

Hope you all have a good day

*apologies for any typos I'm doing this on my mobile*

Friday again!

 Here we are inn the middle of June and another week over

Its been a busy and interesting week  and the weekend is looking the same.

I was going to to go the Durham v Yorkshire T20 game tonight at CLS, a match I haven't missed in donkeys years,  however this year I am going to miss it. Firstly Mr Funky is at work on night shift and as anyone who has been to this match will know, you virtually do a nightshift trying to get out the car park after the game! so it would have been an early exit for us, so that he can get home for work.

Secondly I have an early start tomorrow as I am off to see  TLML for a GDMA breakfast meeting, ( and then shopping and lunch), so its  probably for the best.

Thirdly for all the lovely mechanics best efforts the warning light returned on the limo last night.

As for crickety news, well TLJL added another century this week to his averages and  Kent looked very happy with their win. Over the moon for Jack.

England won against New Zealia, with Jonny Bairstow being the man of the hour.

Next week sees me off to watch cricket at what could potentially be my last of the season,  I have lots of things that I want to do this summer and cricket has taken a bit of a back seat.

And with that I am off to do the day job.

ooh and forgot to say, after joiner woes, I did one part of my paneling myself last night, well done me! the rest will probably be done before I retire.

Bon weekend tout le monde.

Bon chance les hommes ce soir.

Another week begins

 Monday  again and back to work, at least last week went over quickly.

Saturday saw me ( once again) let down by the joiner, I am not sure what it is about me and joiners, but I can't get the little buggers to do any work for me.

The annoying thing is that its not just one job, I have several that the last joiner didn't complete!!!!

Micky came to stay and we headed down to the brewery to meet Mr Funky the Chauffeur. I think we all had a good night, Micky got bacon and treats, was allowed to sit on the sofa and charmed everyone that saw him.

In crickety news

Have to be truthful saw about 30 seconds of the test match and no idea what's gone on.

Yesterday saw Micky Bell and I go to see my sister as she was due to go on holiday today, however she  wasn't feeling up to it so made  the decision not to go.

And on the way home the service light  came on in the car!  after having so much time to get the car seen to as I was about town for 7 weeks, it would choose now, when I am travelling  out of town to work to demand a service, not sure how I can sort this out, as work is not on a transport route!!

Ah well, best go and see if I can get to the garage early.

What  a weekend.

busy couple of days

 

This sort of resembled me the last couple of evenings, now that I have had to go back to work, I was thoroughly enjoying the LOL life ( lady of leisure), however all good things come to an end. No more mid week galivanting with TLML, no more spur of the moment jaunts to Espana ( for the time being), time to get back to filling the coffers.

I've been so busy ( and tired) that I haven't looked at any cricket news or news in general, and the only news I watch on TV is France 24, I especially like their Africa bulletins.

So really this a blog about nothing! ( which, I hear many of you say will be the same as the last 10years) and yes, the blog has been going for nearly 10 years! who would have thought it.

Those were the times of 'Fryanday' , and  getting the pictures for my yet to be published book 'Cricketers posteriors', although in this woke era, I fear it is past its  chance.

The blog today is no 2971. who knew I had that much rubbish to talk about.

Will I continue past 3000 blog posts? I'm not sure yet, who knows what is round the corner.

And with that I will close for today, and wish you all a happy hump day.

A weekend we will never see again

 So a four day break is over and we return to some sort of normality, for me it really is a return to normality after over 2 weeks off work, and which I crammed full of fun things. today is for me, a new and exciting start. Best not be late, ( especially after lots of long lie ins and snoozing).

The weekend has been a delight for those of us who respect the Queen, for her long and continued service to the country and for still having the ability at 96 to surprise us.

It has been wonderful hearing all the stories of the Queen, so I thought I would share mine with you.

Most of my life up to my late teens, my parents would take me regularly to London to stay with my Great Aunt and Uncle who lived there, we had great times, from feeding the deer in Richmond Park  which backed onto their house, to exploring London.

Dad would drag Mum and I all over to  museums, palaces, exhibitions and just looking at the architecture  ( and the Playboy club!, there were Bunnies at the door!).

On one occasion when I was about 7 or 8 we had been to look at The Dorchester and were walking along a road behind it, There was not a  soul about  and we were just walking on when a policeman appeared out of nowhere and said to Dad that if we just waited a couple of minutes we would get a surprise.

He was talking into his radio and then suddenly he said 'look', and as we stood on the side of the road a large black car came along with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh in. Mum and Dad were waving I was sort of waving but so overawed by seeing the Queen. They both  waved and smiled. I was disappointed as she wasn't wearing  crown!!!

I remember Dad thanking the policeman and Mum just smiling.

It really was special and I will never forget it. 

We all know that the Queen will not be with us forever but she has been the single monarch of my life to date. An amazing lady.

Here's to a few more years.

And here's to a good week.

A very long weekend

 

I left The Headingley Lodge yesterday and headed out to Wetherby, where I had my holidays in 2020 ( Norway wouldn't let me in but Yorkshire would).

Meeting up with TLML for eating, chatting, and shopping, and we did all three with great gusto.

Back home to the total disappointment  that my DPD collection had not gone as the driver 

1. didn't read the change of address

2. took no notice of attached picture of where said parcel was located.

Totally cheesed off with that.

However did manage to sort out washing, cleaning etc and blow up the microwave! I have no idea how that came about but it is going to the tip today!

all done in time to watch the T20 on Sky. Not a great night for the Spitfires.

And now to today, well there is test cricket but I doubt I will watch it, if the weather stays dry I will mow the lawn and potter in the garden.

However, now at 8.17am I am off to Tesco for goodies for the next few days 

Have a super long weekend.

A night at the cricket

 Yesterday was super busy as I did all the chores as quickly as possible to be able to set off to  Leeds.

It was not looking too promising as I drove through the worst hale storm at Harewood, very large hale stones, and pretty horrible driving conditions.

Parking up at the Lodge, I remembered that the lovely Helen would no longer be there. Ah the fun times ( for me not so much for Helen).

I  followed  Dickie into the car park, that 57 point turn to reverse into a parking space was  7 minutes of my life that I will never get back.

Room sorted ( Michael Vaughan room!!!!!!), car moved to Car Park F and quick bite at Ugly Mugs, and nearly time for the game......................except that the rain had other ideas.

2 hours later we were away but the game was  down to 8 overs a side. losing Lyth first ball did not bode well!

Yorkshire Vikings lost by 9 wickets.

A bit of a damp squib in more ways than one.

Good to see Matty out with the Vikings.

As for  today, well I am off to have brunch with TLML and a spot of shopping.

And finally Happy Birthday to our favourite umpire, who I will be catching up with later this month at a Yorkshire 2nds game.

Have a lovely day, and hope you are all looking forward to a very long weekend.

Still on holiday

 

I am back in the UK but still on holiday, I've been making the most of the time off , and doing lot of things, of which sleeping has been a top priority.

I have done all the holiday washing, the clothes are all put away and I have managed to tidy the house, due to large amounts of precipitation since I got back, I have not been able to mow the  lawn which by now must have tigers roaming in it.

Yesterday I walked down to pick up my new bike, a very swanky  'step through'.

I walked from my house to the nature reserve where I met the most wonderful Border terrier called Burt, at 10 years old he was just starting to slow down a little.

I carried on my walk along the old railway line which had been part of The Clarence line transporting coal to Port Clarence, if you fancy reading more here is the link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarence_Railway

Today is full on busy as I have things to drop at the local charity, the post office and have two collection to be picked up at my house before I head off on a spur of the moment trip to Headingley ( my first and last this year) and it appears that just like last years trip I will be disappointed by the weather.

Huge thanks to those who have had a hand in this.

There may even be a champagne tasting tonight.

Ahhhh this time last week I was tasting champagne at the airport before getting onto my flight.

Happy Tuesday

And just like that

 

Its over! By the time you read this I will be en route to the airport ( god knows what joys that will entail)

However the last full day was put to good use as I was once again on the beach before the sunbed man and spent the day in the company of the lovely Cherie and Jack ( AKA Patsy, just don't ask!!). 

After my run in with the  lovely Marie Therese ( the French lady )I thought  my Franglais was behind me, but hell no!

We were joined on the beach by 15 Frenchmen on a stag do, and somehow we got talking to them, well I say we, I was somehow made the intermediary. I'm not sure that my French to English translation was correct but we had a cracking time. 

I wandered back towards my hotel  and thought that just for once I would venture into an English pub for a bite to eat...............only to be openly insulted by the 'lady' that owned it. As I left her husband chased me and said he was sorry she didn't think I was English!!!!! What the funkety funk is that all about! Its obviously OK to be rude to people that you don't think are English! I was equally rude telling him to make sure in future he gets a muzzle for his old dog!!!

I then went to the lovely typical little Spanish bar that was run by a Chinese couple (!), I had popped in here most days and they  referred to as 'Large San Miquel' well it beats what the old dog called me.

I am sad to be leaving, I have had the best time and sadly didn't have time to do a few things that I wanted, but hey it just means that I have to come back.

I finished my tour of 'bubbles' last night with a bottle of champagne. Well why not!

And now I am heading home and preparing for another week of R & R ( I really should decorate), before new adventures.

Have a lovely Saturday.

Tarragona its been a blast I will return.

Beach day

 

So as predicted the sun came out and I headed to the beach after breakfast, I even beat the sunbed man! now that is real sunbathing commitment, and I am committed to getting a suntan. I have my various factors  and I am going to  use them.

About 10 mins after  I arrived, a lovely couple from Dublin tipped up next to me, they introduced themselves and were great company. Poor Jack ( the husband) was in charge of the bags whilst Cherie ( the wife) and I went swimming, we rotated this  so that they could have a swim together, The cautiousness  being that there are  lot of  'looky looky' men around at the moment Upside of that, I'm trying to decide on a 'Relax' watch  or a 'Tig Heuer'.

The sun shone all day and by 8pm  it was still blazing down on my balcony, I was settling in for Cava time, my daily testing of different cavas. You have no idea the groundwork I am doing for you all if you head out to Spain this summer.

A funny thing happened by the elevators when I came back from the beach.

Myself and another lady were both waiting, and waiting and waiting  and she looked at me and said   'quele etages etes vous', I replied ' troisieme etage', she then started speaking to me in French and I responded ( not that well), she realised that I was English ( of course she did, me  with the 'allo allo' accent and all), and then started to tell me that having not being abroad for over 2 years she was speaking to the staff at the hotel,  in 'Spangais' I laughed and said I was doing the same , part Spanish, part French. ( go figure that one)

She introduced herself and as the elevator had come and gone whilst we were laughing,  we went to have a drink in the bar, ( cava of course). We spoke in Franglais and had a lovely half hour. Just laughing and talking. She comes from near Limoges and is here for a month!!!

It was lovely to see so many smiling faces ( even the mobility scooter brigade), the sun has that effect.

I have only a couple of days left as this was a short break, but I can honestly say I would come back in a heartbeat, a lovely hotel and a lovely resort.

I have to say again a huge thanks to Dale who once again found me the perfect hotel and sorted everything out for me.

And now I am off for another day slow roasting myself on the beach

Have a good one

and breathe!

 

Day 1 real.

I went to sample breakfast( this to me is the bench mark of hotel excellence and although the cooked type was not as good as The Center Plaza in Reykjavik, it was very good,  there were also a selection of breads, preserves, pastries and massive selection of cold meats and cheese, I was in positive food heaven................then I went to the next food station! Cava, chilled for breakfast, well that is a 5 *  right there. I hadn't even got to the fruit and granola station.

Any chance of me losing any weight whist here is now firmly out of the window. Photos will follow as I forgot to take my phone down with me.

I then took the walk in the drizzle to the beach, a 3 minute bimble past a parade of shops and cafes ( spotted a nice handbag). Flip flops kicked off and straight on to the beach and into the sea ( only splodging ).

I suddenly got a little bit tearful,  2 years ago now, we were locked down, unsure what was happening and not sure where, what or who was safe to be with, the thought of splodging in the Med was  a distant memory then and to be honest we were mostly just focusing on coming out the other side of something that we didn't fully understand.

I  realised how very lucky I am  to be here on the beach with my feet in the sea. 

For me now, in light of the last few months as well as the last couple of years, it is time to put my best foot forward and move on.

So back to the holiday.

As I said yesterday, the hotel is newly refurbed and  the large open bars and reception area make a perfect place for blogging and drinking coffee. walls of windows  as well as white interiors make the whole place look ( and it is ) spacious and bright, even on a dull rainy day.

Outside  my room there is a tree which is a regular meeting place for birds, their song is cheery and even at 6am, lovely to hear. There is some road noise but mainly small cars on a side road. There are lots of bars and restaurants around, but as we are not fully into the  main holiday season it is very quiet in the evening.

For me this is the perfect time of year to be away, not too many children, not too many young adults, although I have suffered a couple of altercations with mobility scooters! 

The sun finally came out at midday, and I nearly ran down to the beach, sunbed sorted and there I lay, soaking up the rays whilst keeping one eye open for Greenpeace coming to roll me back out to sea.

My evening was spent listening to Yorkshire T20 'ont wireless' ( well the laptop) and drinking Cordorniu Gran Cremant, I am trying a different cava every evening, for research purposes only you understand!

 I was also keeping an eye on TLJL.

TLML and TLDL were both at the game

Sadly it was not Kents night.

My hair continues to curl  and I continue to be amazed.

Now I am off for cava and breakfast, seriously it's proper research and someone has to do this. 

then I am off to the beach to roast myself ( yes I have sun protection)

Until tomorrow 

a little break

 

Well I am on my travels again, I've had both  a strange and exhilarating start to the year, and as such I felt the need to throw in  a quick break before I begin m next life instalment , and so here I am in Spain.

Monday saw a stop over at hotel at the airport, 3am alarm call, and then champagne at 5am, well doesn't everyone!?

So flight to Spain, with turbulence worse than going into Keflavic in March, just no sitting on the tarmac for 45 mins.......... although we did have standing on the tarmac for 15 mins before a good 5-10 minute walk to the terminal at the 'bijou' Reus airport.

Jet 2 need to get their act together here, it was a bit of a shambles but 1.45min later I was on a mini bus being whisked to my hotel.

It was thundering and pouring when I arrived so I decided to head to the roof  top pool for a swim.

Ahhh there I go, diving in  with my strawberry blonde  locks floating behind me, looking every inch the mermaid, although for those in the roof top bar it must have looked like an out take from 'Free Willy'. Come on I'm not the only one that the last 2 years has not been kind to!!

Dry off and quick change and off to the 'Supermercado' ,cava in my trolley and I was very happy.

The rain was not letting up so I open the door to the balcony let the cool air in and had a siesta, how very civilized.

The rain continued well into the evening, so cava on the balcony and  reading my book.

I'm on holiday, I'm without my partner in wine who is with TLJL.

I am however loving it.

Today is anther day and I am off to the beach to sizzle in the sun. ( hopefully)

And the hotel, well, refurbed in 2019 just in time for the global lockdown. It is absolutely stunning, both inside and out. 2 pools, jacuzzi and a gym ( if that's your thing!) fresh and clean throughout. The rooms ae spacious and clean, the bathrooms are how I envision my downstairs one at home when I can get a reliable plumber!.

I'm about to sample breakfast and you can tell a hotel by the breakfast. Whether the sun comes out or not I am here to have a rest and that's just what I intend to do ( a full 8 hours sleep last night started that ball rolling)

Have a great Wednesday everyone, I know I will.

another Bank holiday

Long weekends seem to be what April was made of, not that I am complaining. Its been a busy one which included a girly night out in Hexham, Micky Bell sitting and a relaxing spa evening, just  what I needed.

I can tell though, that this week will be filled with housework ( of which I have done none), work and the  small business.  All of which will get done in time for a spot of glamping at the weekend, ahhhh a  weekend of peace and quiet and being off grid!

It was great to  keep tabs on the cricket over the weekend, I would have been there but sadly as Micky Bell is not allowed in at Headingley, was a none starter.

I was super proud  ( and yes I know I don't sponsor him any more) of Matty's performance, a maiden first class half century and an amazing C & B, to name two parts of his game.

It really is great to see him playing  so well

I was very sad not to get to see TLJL, but I will try to see him play before the end of the season.

And we are in May already, its been  a funny old year for me so far. Onward and upward!!!!

And with that I am off to do some work.

A new week begins

 

A new week is beginning after a weekend of the house resembling a jumble sale, between Kiki and I, we have been clearing out stuff and getting it listed and sold. I then the packing up and a trip to have it sent off, busy busy but at least we are both seeing space in cupboards and one of us has to get rid of more things ready for a big move.

In crickety news, Yorkshire drew with Northamptonshire, but not before some great displays from the upcoming players ( and its great to see this). 

I have to mention Matty who was 31 no in the first innings, and bowling figures of 3-43 and 3-57.  Its great to see the future talent of the club showing great results and overall the team looked good. on we go to a home game with KENT!!!  

After the loss of hydrangeas last year due to frost, this year a couple of mine now have an infestation of hydrangea scale which will be getting dealt with after work tonight! Since moving my poor plants form The Chateau to The Wickets they have really had problems. Hopefully all will be sorted soon.

Gosh we've gone from 'TMS' to 'Gardeners World' and as I'm typing this the Oyster Catchers decide to become vocal so its  a bit of 'Springwatch' thrown in for good measure.

Well I am off to make myself an omelette  for my breakfast, so have a good day.