Its been some week.....

and its only Thursday, I have been awake most of the night due to rain that did not stop, now at 5.45am it has decided to call it a day......as I decide to head back to the office! Flipping typical, I will be exhausted by lunchtime.
Yesterday was a mixture of blood giving,  and meeting with an old friend Greame who now lives in Texas.
The whole meet up was for him to get a jar of chutney!!
Its been agreed that when he comes over next year we will have a day out at Headingley.

I had a quiet afternoon, until I was messaged with the sad news of the passing of Philomena Lynott, mother of Phil and a lady that I met in Ireland a few years ago.

We had been at a family wedding in Dublin and I wanted to go and take some flowers to lay on Phils grave.
As we got to the grave a lady was tidying up and talking to a group of boys who were hanging around.

She was lecturing them on the danger of drugs.
As the boys left she approached us and asked where we were from, when we said England she instantly said that we should follow her home and she would make us tea.

OMG!!! we were going to tea with Phils mum!!!!

We drove to 'White Horses' her house and sat chatting about all things Phil, she told us about his life long love of all things Dennis the Menace and Knasher. How no matter how successfukl he was he never forgot where he came from.
She also talked about how her life stopped in its tracks when Phil died and how she locked herself away.
She finally realised that she had to pull herself out of it and do something to make sure his death was not in vain.

She set up the 'Roisin Dubh' trust, ( and she made me a member) and supported young musicians on their journey.

She showed us a room to the side of her house which was filled with Phils belongings, gold and platinum discs, photos, and ' the jukebox in the corner'.
This had only Thin Lizzy records on it and each slot was filled with a handwritten card with the song name, handwritten by Phil.

We had a wonderful afternoon with her and it is something that I will never forget.

As we were getting ready to leave, she gave me a t-shirt.
It was one of only a few that she had, had printed.
She hugged me very tightly as I left and I can remember trying very hard to fight back tears.
Yesterday I couldn't manage it.

RIP Philomena.

I havent really talked much cricket this week, and  I won't today as the news is all about 'smug mug'

Have a great day.

late again

Well I am late posting again, and to be honest I only woke up about 20 minutes ago, so after a cup of lemon and ginger tea I am here.

I have to go to the doctors very soon to have more blood taken and also have my blood pressure checked.

Hopefully by tomorrow my potassium levels should be quite close to where  the doctors want them to be, and then hopefully I can maintain it.
I seem to be heading back to vegan days with some animal protein on occasional days.

I also had a trip to HQ, I had been invited to have a tour of the new stand.
Well it is truly worth losing my seat for 1.5 seasons, and I was able to pick out my new seat too.

We sampled the menu, which was fantastic, the pumpkin ravioli and the prawn linguine come highly recommended.

We had a tour with our own personal guide, Helen, Manageress of the Lodge.
The suites are stunning and all done to the highest spec with amazing attention to detail ( which is echoed all the way through the building).

Views are amazing.

We had to sample of afternoon tea too, which is also highly recommended.

It was a lovely afternoon and we headed off home with goodie bags.
 


Huge thank you to Yorkshire for the invitation and to John for coming along with me.

 And now I have a appointment with a vampire.

Happy Wednesday

Strange couple of days

Here I am on Tuesday , still in bed at 8am and feeling a lot better than I have over the last couple of days.

Sunday saw me very busy at the tip and the charity shop dropping off more things ( yes there is more).
By Sunday afternoon I felt very unwell , but thought that I would be fine after a nap.
Nope!
In fact by the bed time, my head felt as if it was going to explode and my heart was beating out of my chest.

fast forward to the hospital, where my blood pressure was ' exceptionally high' ( apparently very very high), and what seemed to be a battalion of vampires queueing up to get my blood.

By 3am I had finished John Fullers new book 'Last of the summer wickets' and was starting on another

By 4am the blood that had been taken showed that I was very very ( they used this phrase a lot ) low in potassium and this was the cause of the whole 'unwellness'.
Luckily ( with my track record) the ECG;s showed nothing with my heart, as did the xray and various other tests.

By 6am I was so tired that I was dropping off in between having to drink a mixture that was boosting my potassium levels bit by bit and having my blood pressure taken.

I finally arrived home  mid morning and headed straight to bed, where I stayed all day apart from having more blood taken and my blood pressure checked again ( I will be off to have it done again in a moment).

It all seems very dramatic now, but due to the recurring problem that I have, I can honestly say that I was more than a little worried on Sunday.

The NHS where wonderful. I was in A & E for over 10 hours awaiting test results and treatment, but never once was anything that I was worried about ignored.

Thanks to my lovely friends who messaged me yesterday, it was very much appreciated.
I hope to be back to 'normal'  very very soon ( although what normal is I have no idea).


Have a great Tuesday

A trip down memory lane

I sat down at the computer this morning to write about all things crickety, and did what I normally do for half an hour, stare out of the window and watch the world go by, and then I realised that this view will not be mine for much longer.

It made me remember how I was when we first moved here and how things have changed.

Firstly the Chestnut tree.

It was about a third of its size now, but then I was just a sapling myself.Now it is a truly majestic tree and although I dreaded autumn and the leaf fall, the summer always has it in full bloom.

The four houses across the road are much changed from when we arrived.

The end house was lived in by Bella, a stern widow with a heart of gold.
She owned a German shepherd named Sheba, who sat on the front lawn, barking as people walked past.
Bella was a truly remarkable lady, she had lost her husband when she was young with a young daughter, had only one lung and the fruitiest language I, as a 6 year old had ever heard. ( might explain a lot!).

Next to Bella lived Joan and Stirling, who became great friends of Mum and Dad. They went dancing at the weekend and Joan would be dressed in magnificent 'frocks'.
They went away on exotic holidays to Benidorm, Salou and Sorrento.
They still lived in the house when I moved back from London and both attended my wedding, sadly they have both passed away now and the house is lived in by private tenants ( the one who's car I bumped last week).
Next to them lived Peggy, she drove a Mini van and was manageress of the local fish and chip shop and also one in Darlington. She took me to the train station when I went to London for my interview at Merchant Taylors, I had to sit in the back of the van with the newspapers ( yes they were still wrapped in newspaper then ). My fear was that I would get to London smelling of fish ( like her van did!).

The last house in that row was lived in by Mr and Mrs Uttley ( or the 'Muttleys' as they were dubbed in our house, you have to be a certain age to appreciate that one). Mrs Uttley was the manageress of the local bakery at Neville Parade a small group of shops about 5 minutes away.

Across the other road lived Mr and Mrs Ward, they had one daughter Rachel. Mr and Mrs Ward still live in the house and must be at least 100 ( well give or take a decade). I go to see them every Saturday to make sure that they are OK.

To the back of our house lived George, Vera and Neil ( and later Richard), they had a rough collie ( lassie dog) called Caesar. They did get another one called Radar, but it was an absolute menace and went to live else where.
Caesar was a very affable dog and usually had to be as when our Border terrier, Mac, could escape he usually headed to their house to eat Caesars dinner!!!

Times change, life moves on.

I'm moving on now as I am off on a 'dechetterie' run.

Have a great weekend.

It's Fry Up day

So its Fry up day and my first duty of the day is to call at Big Als and put the breakfast order in, needless to say, Morty and Mickey Dripping were the first to put in their orders, 'double 'snake' burger with sausage and egg'.
I'm sure our orders pay for Al's regular cruises!

And there is cricket , Pakistan take on Sri Lanka at Bristol.

Yesterday saw rain affect our game at Headingley which was a shame, we got a draw and are looking good.

We can do this!

Australia took on The West Indies and that was some game. Australia fought back after losing a flurry of wickets and ended on 288.
Everyone  in the office said that WI would walk it...........

well no, Gayle went for 21 and once they had lost their slogger things went a bit awry.
Hope and Holder ( should be a pub name) put on runs but to no avail, Starc was on fire and took a 5fer, windies could only make 279 in their 50 innings.

I am going up to 'The Wickets' after work to check the dishwasher and washing machine space, and then I am home to do a couple of hours of packing before settling down for a relaxing evening of knitting. I have a pretty full weekend so I need to get a bit of relaxing in when I can.

weather watch in the north east of blighty, warm and sunny and the pollen count is obviously high, after taking the bin out, I had a major sneezing fit,that was at 5.15am!!!!

And with that I am off to do my thing.

Have a great Friday, its nearly the weekend!

all change

Lets get Thursday started with a cricket round up.

South Africa lost to India and now have little chance  of doing anything good, they have lost every game.
They are on rest days until Monday when they take on The West Indies at Southampton.

There was an outstanding catch by de Kock in the match, I am wondering if he has been having lessons from TLJL???!!!

Today we see Australia in action against The West Indies, both team having super egos on board so should be interesting.

My Yorkshire boys are  looking to be heading for a draw, Ill be happy with that.

We can do this.

Closer to home, the chateau moving date has moved ( again) and we are now looking at the beginning of July, I hope there are no further changes as I have an important date in July ( and think that I may just be leaving the moving boxes unpacked)

Sophie and I are planning a trip to London in lieu of camping this year, that is something that we have to firm up dates on and should be brilliant.

Work is work and I am still plodding on, I cannot consider a change until I have finally moved and then I will be putting all my energies into this.

So that is about it for Thursday, lets go forth and see what the day brings.
It is dry and sunny here in the north east of blighty and the birds are singing, my call to head out of the door.

Have a good one.

Sad day in the chateau

It is a sad day in the chateau with the news that Dale 'the stare' Steyn will be playing no part in the World Cup, due to a recurring shoulder injury.
To say I am upset is an understatement. However I wish him a speedy recovery and  hope to see him back  on the field soon.

Yorkshire had a good day despite rain and today need to come out and bowl like madmen.
We can do this!

Things in the chateau are heating up as dates have been set and packing is ongoing.
It has been decided by the powers that be ( that would be me) that the current name of residencia robinson for the new abode,will henceforth be 'The Wickets'.
I thought that this was perfect. New house plaque is being sorted as I type.

News from the saltmines is that Norty Morty and mickey Dripping are still on diets  ( or so their wives think). Mickey is on the 'speedo diet' and even the mental thought of that puts fear into my heart for the folks of Villa Martin.
He arrived at work with a sandwich, 3 pieces of fruit and a yoghurt, and went home with an empty lunchbox................due to it going into the bin along with the McDonalds wrappers!!

Morty ate his sandwich, fruit, yoghurt and Mc Donalds!!!


Well super short today as I head to the post office to hopefully miss the factory shift change crowd.

have a great Wednesday.

Tired Tuesday

Here we are at Tuesday, it was a full evening of packing when I got back from the saltmines, I didn't even have time to watch England get beaten by Pakistan!

I had been listening at my desk during the day though so that counts for something.

I had been keeping tabs on my boys, in their game against Essex. A great innings for Lyth and Tom K-C. I think that Lyth needed it as he does seem to have been a little lack lustre of late.

We start the day on 286-6.

Thing are going to be very hectic this week as the proposed move date is 14th June! as I was informed yesterday however it seems my buyers have to play catch up so I guess that may give me some breathing space.
I got lots of advice on how to complete the packing from everyone at work ( no one offered to help!). One who was ex military said moving as the easiest thing in the world. I guess so when you have the MOD behind you. I don't so I soldier on ( excuse the pun).

This may lead to a break in blogs, one reason being that I know from experience, even when you give phone and broadband suppliers the details, they are unable to get things on for the arranged date, I seem to remember that it took 10 days when I moved into the chateau. However that was Talk talk, lets see how Sky do!

Nothing much to add, so off to the post office before I head to my desk.

Have a great day.

Come on Yorkshire!

New week begins

Well here we are at Monday and a new working week begins.

The weekend has been a great one, with much happening.
Saturday saw us taking a trip to beautiful Wentworth House and gardens, after having breakfast of course!.

Absolutely stunning and somewhere I had wanted to visit since I read the book  'Black Diamonds' by Catherine Bailey.
If you are interested in Yorkshire history this is worth a read.

We then headed off towards the Derwant reservoirs, where, during the second World War the pilots trained for Operation Chastise, known to us as the Dam Busters raids. I have always been fascinated by this operation.

We then went to Castleton, an absolutely stunning place and well worth a visit, beautiful scenery, a magnificent church ( complete with family pews ) and lots to see and do. ( The devils Arse being not for the faint hearted!).

It all was over to quickly and I was home before 7pm after a very pleasant drive on an almost empty A1.

So yesterday started with the usual washing, and I managed to get bedding etc dried before rain arrived mid afternoon, I, by this time was busy watching the cricket South Africa v Bangladesh.

It didn't pan out how I would have liked but  it was a great game.

Today is windy and overcast in Ladylaineyville, which is OK by me,as I will be stuck in the office for most of the day.

My boys are in action at home against Essex.
My teeny Tykes are  not in action for a couple of weeks and then will be taking on Durham before the  Semi Final on Friday 21st June.

And I am now heading out the door, the schools are back after half term so the roads will be chaos.

Have a great day

A great day of cricket.

So after an early morning bumble down the A1/M1 I arrived in Barnsley for a day at cricket.
This ground had to be one of the easiest to locate ever!

First stop,catch up with John.

Had a little wander around and found the perfect seat.
Carole and Philip arrived and we got ourselves sorted.
 As we were chatting I saw the umpires come out.....and there was my absolutely besty umpire!
Quick catch up and then game on.
We needed to win to get to the semi final.


We  lost Ben early but a great effort from the lads saw us creep over the 200 mark by the end of our innings.

#weareteamben had a catch up with him. Great things going on here.

The weather was warm  although it alternated between cloudy and sunny, we didn't care  it was a cricket day.

Nina and Christopher arrived as the boys were heading back out.
 Nina, our scorer in residence kept us up to date with required run rate.

I nipped over to the ladies room.........yes you've guessed it. Only to miss Ben take a catch!.

And we won with another great catch from Ben

Semi finals here we come!!!

What a day!.

We all headed back to Carole and Philips and had a wonderful evening in the garden.
An absolutely perfect end to a perfect day.



And before I go, big happy birthday  shout out to  JP.
Have a great day.

I'll be back here on Monday

hurrah its Friday

Well I've made it here, just before I head off for a jolly old jaunt.

Now what about the England, no one saw JB out with a cracking delivery from Imran Tahir!
The crowd went decidedly quiet!

However the noise they made when England won was deafening................do not,however write off South Africa just yet.

My teeny Tykes won their game and #weareteamben were all pleased  he saw them through to the end.
well done my boys!

The big boys had to settle for a draw in their game against Hampshire, which had been hit very hard by rain. GB continued his run of runs, scoring another century.
We can do this!

I decided to give the ECB and their marketing team a run for their money with naming the franchise sides.

After  3 cups of Douwe Egberts and a 1/4 of Koff candy here is the full list according to I, Lady Lainey


London Prices ( for the North London Franchise)
Southern Softies
Leeds DPSA's ( I wonder who works that one out?)
Welsh Lambs
Birmingham Baltis ( bit of diversity )
Nottingham Sheriffs ( which I actually think is a good one!)

I  have come up with the final two which I will be getting trademarked so that the ECB cannot use them.

Manchester 'Mad for its'
Surrey Hubristics  ( sorry for stealing the last bit Jonny T, I couldn't resist)


Easy really, and no where near as expensive as Saatchi and Saatchi!

And done in about 20 minutes ( yes I do drink that much coffee).

And now I am out the door and off to have a  cracking couple of days away.

Happy Friday

Lets finish the working week

Well I am up dressed and ready to face the last day of the working week for me.

I am off on a jolly tomorrow and cannot wait. So I may or may not be here tomorrow morning it depends on
1. If I decide to have a lie in
2. If I decide to head off tonight and stay over night somewhere.
3 If I have anything to report.

 Rain was again the nemesis of my boys at HQ,  we did get another cracking innings from GB who was partnered by Tom K-C  and saw us pulling something back after the first innings.
TLJL is going back in today with GB so fingers crossed for a good knock from both these boys!


Today see the start of the cricket World Cup, as there are no visitors today I will be suitably attired to cheer on my boys.

We also had insight into what goes on at ECB 'brainstorming' sessions after  a few bottles of Domaine Leroy Chambertin Grand Cru. We have been given a hint to the names for the 100.

Well Leeds Superchargers is what Headingley has been saddled with! And if you think that's bad you should see the rest, There is no rhyme or reason to the names ( Birmingham Pheonix????).
To say that they have made a laughing stock of this noble game is an understatement.
After changing the format, which they thought was brilliant. Appealing to those who never watch cricket ( woman and children), I think that it is time for the ivory tower to be demolished and these idiots be hung out to dry ( after liquid lunches they need it in one sense).
I dread to hear of the upcoming news flashes, as mark my words it will get worse.
My guess is that each player will have a 'superhero' name.

A disgrace on all levels!.


Just a quick ask, have I somewhere along the line missed out on a twitter Q & A session with the Yorkshire board as I was promised????

Well best head off to work, and try not to hit the new neighbours car, as I did yesterday. They parked right across the bottom of my drive and made getting onto the road very difficult.
Luckily the damage was just a scuff to both cars and despite being knocked out of bed at 6.50am ( I thought everyone was up then) they were very nice about the whole thing.

cheerio

how did we get to midweek???

I cannot believe that it is Wednesday already, especially as I have taken Friday off to go on a roadtrip.
Weather permitting, I'll be meeting up with friends and having a jolly nice day out. I am looking forward to that very much.

Yesterday was horribly rainy in the land of waste water, and I was keeping an eye in all things cricket.
My boys were trying to get Hampshire out as soon as possible.
They managed to bowl them out for 235 and were 5-0 at stumps.

My teeny Tykes are at York and struggled with the weather. Today is another day. and I am sure they will get play, as here in Ladylaineyville it is sunny.


More clearing out at the chateau, I am not sure that I need as much cast iron cookware as I have, and may be getting rid of some of that on ebay.

I have been looking at the amount of cricket jumpys that I own.......and its a lot, they take up one huge packing bag on their own.
I am thinking that I may be finding new homes for some of  them. Not however  the jumpers that I was given that belonged to Roy Marshall.
I promised to look after these and I will, I will have them sent  to Somerset when the time is right.

Rumour going around that Otis Gibson is in line for the England job are circulating, well we know about the rumours don't we???? we lived through the Dizzy ones for a couple of seasons.
However if its true I think that he would be perfect for the job.

And news that Dale 'The Stare'Steyn is not fit has knocked me for 6.

I am off to work to cry into my O & M manuals!

And back to it!

Well here we are on a 4 day week and time to get myself sorted out.

Lots to do and not too much time to do it in.

On we go, fresh start and all that, it feels good!

I also have a good feeling about the lovely Michael Carberry who is about to be exhibiting his artwork.
The past couple of years have not been great for the man with the 100w smile.
After battling back from cancer, there were strange goings on after his move to Leicestershire, now  though he has found a new direction.
I for one wish him all the luck in the world.

 So after a rain affected day at Headingley, we are now in the week of the start of the World Cup.

HURRAH!!! apparently Mark Wood is fit to play............... well as of yesterday he was, lets see what happens this week.

If he makes it to next week, I will be very surprised.


I headed out for dinner last night with BKOTF, who is back in town with tales of the UAE.

A very pleasant meal at the hotel that he has ( or had I'm never quite sure) shares in and listening to his exploits.

I was home in bed by 10pm , and he is flying back to sunnier climes on Wednesday.
From the sound of it wedding bells are on the horizon ( again). Does this man not learn?

Obviously not!

I on the other hand, am not getting married and have learnt from my some of my mistakes, thankfully.

I am however heading off to work, this is one mistake I cannot make right and  is now a nightmare.

Have a great week

Calm before the storm

Well its Bank Holiday Monday and I have been knitting since waking up at 5am, no peace for the wicked here!
In truth this is the calm before the moving storm and so I am taking the opportunity to get some more knitting done before it has to go on hold for a week or two.

I have managed to get a lot done and some of the teddies in their jumpys are now in the shop at North Marine Road,so more  pressure on me tp get them finished !!!

The week ahead is not going to be any easier in the office so best to get as much rest as possible ahead of that storm!!

Well Saturday saw Somerset beat Hampshire in the 50 over cup.
The cricket was average, but my main moan was the fact that all the commentators referred to the men at the crease as 'batters'
 I put this out on twitter and was very surprised to see that I was not the only person that found this incredibly irksome.
lots of comments about woman playing cricket, but this was a mens game so it was not a relevant argument.

Firstly its a lazy Australianism, and apparently 'catchers' is now in use, what next? throwers and backstops?

We are gradually losing the proper format of the game to the '100' lets not lose the correct cricket terms too.
I'm surprised that the vegetarians haven't asked for 'cow corner' to be renamed.
'chickpea corner perhaps?
 
England played a warm up against Australia, the best bit about this was the series of tweets from Jason Gillespie.
Mark Wood is once again  a doubt, don't say I didn't mention this.
And anyone who boo'd the Aussies thinking it would bother them should know by now that this will only boost their arrogance.

Well time to get back to the knitting, lots to get done and hopefully more to be boxed up and posted off this week.

Have a great Bank Holiday.

And breathe

Well after a very busy and fraught week, with home and work matters, its the long Bank Holiday weekend and time to let my hair down.

When I got home yesterday, my boule de neige, which had been green all week, had finally erupted into a bush full of white 'snowballs'. It looks beautiful. It has taken 4 years for it to grow to over 5ft tall and I hope that the cutting that I have taken will grow to be as beautiful at the 'residencia'.

I decided to opt out of dinner with friends ( I was absolutely exhausted) last night, so  I settled down to binge watch 'Riviera' the second series.

Thankfully this  morning I am feeling quite refreshed.

The second load of washing is in the machine and the dishwasher is on.

So quick check on all things cricket.

Oh dear the England World Cup captain has injured his finger, 1 down 14 to go!


And today is the big final at Lords. My money is on my former besty team in the south of Blighty, Hampshire.

I will be tuned in at 11am, after I have been to the dechetterie and chubby club.

I was supposed to go over to Kikis's house to drop off some pictures that I no longer want and am clearing out, however she is going out with Auntie Lynn so that's put an end to that.
Meaning that I probably have time to empty the book case and put the a wardrobe on eBay, all before cricket!.


Some rooms in the chateau are looking very bare and the garage is looking very full. I do still seem to have lots of 'stuff'!!

Anyhoo, best get on, and then get sorted ready for a night out on the town.

Happy Saturday

Busy Friday

Super early start again this morning, but as it is the last day of the week, I really don't mind.

No 'Big Al's today as I am in the wilds of the North of Blighty.

I have a full morning and then back down to  Co Duram to go and get my face 'sandblasted' ( they reckon that it is diamonds, but I'm not convinced). Home, quick change, and out for dinner.

I think that I need to be home by 9pm after the week that I have had.

So my teeny Tykes, lost their match against Leicestershire, however it is early season.
Ben hit 42 which was the highest score of any of the team in both innings.
I'll take that!
#weareteamben

The Nottinghamshire lads have been playing abroad as they have been over on the Isle of Wight taking on Hampshire..
I have to say that Chris Nash is becoming something of an OAL ( old age legend) another cracking innings, he has had a few this season.
I am hoping that he doesn't burn out before the Scarborough Festival. Looking forward to seeing him in The Albert.
Sadly Notts lost.


Meanwhile my big boys are training ahead of their game which starts on bank holiday Monday.
Now the Hants boys have been playing this week, they have 50 over final on Saturday and then play us on Monday..................could work to our advantage.

And with that I am off to sample the delights of the North bound A1

Happy Friday and Happy bank holiday weekend

Thought for Thursday

I have learnt a lot in the last couple of years ( actually the last 17 if truth be told). Some very hard to understand, some just part of  life ( some people enter your life and exit just as quickly).
I totally agree that courage and kindness go hand in hand.
Sometimes I look at what I've been through in my whole life and wonder how I made to to today.
Some have said strength of character and refusing to give up, has been the key.

I think that it is just that I like to be around to irritate people!!!! :-)

Its all part of lifes rich tapestry.

Cricket is and always has been a big part of my life. This is why I have backed Ben, now and for the foreseeable future.
Give a helping hand along his journey.
I'll be there to cheer him along the way.

So that aside, I had another frustrating day with the solicitors, who want the same documentation that they got last week, but for the house sale rather than the house purchase!!!!

Dear god, I will be a gibbering wreck rocking in the corner by the time this whole thing goes through, am I the only one who has had this problem?

Problems seemed to be at the fore for my teeny Tykes as they look to be heading for an innings defeat.
Boooo.

Thoughts are turning to the weekend, when , I hopefully will be clearing more things to the tip, having some things collected and also heading out to a party and other things with friends, then everything will be geared to moving and also having a weekend away with Sophie.

lots to do and lots to look forward to.

Have a happy Thursday.

Midweek already

Wednesday already and the week is heading quickly onto the long weekend.

And for me a weekend of R & R , no doggies, just fun with friends and a couple of evenings out.

The saltmines are continuing to be a source of insomnia, so hopefully I can  catch up on some Z's over the weekend.

It is with dread that I head off every morning with more troubles to try to overcome.
Not sure how much longer we can survive like this.

Moving on...

England gave us the nod as to the team for the world cup.

of course Jofra Archer was in there, after all the fuss it had to be.
I really hope that he lives up to the hype, because the press will have a field day is he doesn't.

Mark Wood was a surprise, my bet is that he is out with a fractured eyelash or chipped nail varnish before the opening ceremony!
Not too hopeful about Plunkett either. we shall see.

Will we win?

My money is on South Africa!

My teeny Tykes were not doing too well yesterday at Leicestershire.
Today they need to go out all guns blazing and show them that we are Yorkshire!
I have every faith in them, they will come good.

Well time and waste water wait for no Lady, so time for me to hit the road.
plus the added stress of trying to get to the solicitor's in my lunch break.............its an absolute pain in the behind!

The old horse chestnut

Well this really is the last year that I will get to see the Horse chestnut tree in full 'candle'
I have grown up with the beauty of the leaves and flowers and the dread of autumn when it sheds it leaves........................a job and a half to clear up.

My dad got one of the flowers for me to press for a school project when I was at infant school.
I remember him getting the flower down with out damaging it.

I managed to chip a bone in my elbow a few years ago, when the leaves had been shed, over the garage into the back garden.
It was raining and I headed out to put rubbish in the bin, instead I ended up  in A & E having x-rays on my ( once badly broken ) elbow, having slipped on the mass of wet leaves.

I learnt a very hard lesson from that and I have since kept the pathway leaf free.
Better to be safe than in agony for 6 weeks!.

I am not sad to be closing the door on the chateau for the last time, as I am finally going to be able to have 'my home'.
I am sad to leave the chestnut and the honeysuckle that has been around the front door longer than we have lived in the house.

Both of these hold a million memories.

However soon ( fingers tightly crossed) I can pass on the house to a new family, and move on.

Am I excited....................absolutely, a whole new start for me.



 and now time to  head off down the road to work, and tuck another day under my belt.

Another week begins

And so another week starts and we are nearing the end of May, where has the year gone, it is now less than 6 months to my birthday and I am starting to put plans in place for the day. Yes I know it is a while away, but I have lots going on at the moment, so best to get things set in stone.

Yesterday saw England at Headingley which looked magnificent and the new stand being open too.
They won and also won the series.

Its a quiet week for the Yorkshire big boys, they have a week to prepae for Hampshire.

The teeny Tykes are down in Leicestershire this week, so I will be keeping an eye on all things goign on there.

There are world cup warm up fixtures starting this week in preparation for the big event which starts next week.

Micky went home at lunchtime yesterday, leaving the Chateau very subdued.
He is a very calm and quiet little dog who sleeps a lot.
On Saturday evening we went down to the cricket club to meet Mr Funky the chauffeur and have a couple of shandies ( 5 pints of Guinness I think).
The result was that I was up early yesterday and at 8am Micky was still in bed!!!

He is very funny in his ways ( as most dogs are).
Everytime I went upstairs, in the garden, into the kitchen, and came back, he greeted me as though I had been away forever.

Fabulous little dog.

No more doggy visitors for the foreseeable there is too much going on at the moment.

And so I, off to the land of waste water.

Have a great day.

Le weekend et arrive

Well its Saturday, I am up and ready to head to the de chetterie and then I am off to 'chubby club' before a shopping trip to Tesco and home to wait for the arrival of Micky the Border Terrierist.

All before 10am I hasten to add!
Let the weekend begin!

yesterday was a great day in the cricket world as my friends son, Sean was the mascot at the Tri series final, he was chosen to walk out with the Bangladesh team, who apparently were absolutely brilliant with him, he is so proud of his kit and as he loves cricket ( he is playing today for his under 11's team) it truly made his day.
Bangladesh won and my friend Cliodhna, said that she is actually becoming a cricket convert.
She is now dying for me to head over to Malahide so that we can go off to cricket........and I am checking flights as we speak!

Winning was also on the cards for my boys as they fought back and had a great win over Kent. That boy Ben Coad, what can you say!!!

We can do this, we are Yorkshire!!!

Yesterday was a bit mad, as 150 drawings landed on my desk to be checked signed and sent out, no mean feat I can tell you, I left work, headed to see Micky the house guest and then went to put petrol in the car, which by this point was running on vapours!.
Arrive at petrol station and no purse!!!!

Could  not drive back to the office so had to call local office boy to go and check it was there.
After triggering the alarms, the purse was found and all was right in Laineys world.

Well time to head to the scales..............not something that I am looking forward to.

Happy weekend.

visitor at the weekend

Wow , I have become the bestest doggy auntie in the whole world, I am that good that they are now queueing up to come stay with me.

This weekend, Micky is coming, Micky works in the local cycle shop owned by his Mum and Dad. He works very hard as the meeter and greeter, bringing his toy de jour for you to throw for him.

I've known Micky since he was a teeny weeny puppy and looked after by his big sisfur Peggy ( who went OTRB 2 years ago).

So he is coming to stay over night on Saturday, much fun will be had by us both I imagine.

Never a dull moment at the chateau, luckily he is not as full of 'michief' as Miss Babs, so I should be able to get on with all the things on my 'to do' list without fear of having another pair of flip flops deaded.

Well my teeny Tykes, were in fantastic shape this week against the weeny Worcester boys.
With a cracking win under their belts, I have high hopes for them.

And good news that Tom has had his op on his broken  finger,, so we'll see him back in about 6 weeks.

The 'Big' boys were on fire yesterday, with GB doing a 'GB' and scoring a fabulous 159, helped along the way by TLJL who hit 69. We are closing in on Kent and there is everything to play for.

We can do this, we are Yorkshire!

Never underestimate them.

#ingalewetrust

More knitting in the chateau and more jumpys taking shape. Don't forget to head to the 'Owzat' shop on North Marine Road (or contact for details) to become the owner of a limited edition Yorkshire Bear.

With that I am off to do my thing.............order the butties from Big Al, apparently this is my most important job!

happy Friday have a good one.

Lots to do

I am taking note of the picture above, as I still have lots of knitting to do, actually anyone passing the chateau in the evening probably thinks the house has a bad case of Deathwatch Beetle, the clicking that is going on!!

I have been trying to knit as many jumpys  as possible, before I have to take a break with the house sale.
I wonder if I could just give up work, go to cricket and knit all day..............sounds like a perfect plan to me, however not sure my list of various  'cricknits' is long enough to earn me a proper wage.

Work was its usual highs and low. Two of the  office boys (Mickey Dripping and Norty Morty) had their usual race to eat their lunchtime butties ( packed by wives, as they are on  diets). This was described by 'C Bomb' Bill as 'watching two whales sucking up krill!!!!'

The boys then headed to Morrisons for a chicken and chips chaser.

Downer, is that I am still wading through 'urgent' jobs......................they are only urgent because the hierarchy put it them to one side and forgot about them, handed over then to yours truly.

And more urgent O & M's are being put on hold!!!! AARRGGGHHHH!!!!!!!

And then we have cricket

So here is the news from yesterday

My boys had a bit of a struggle at Kent with Ollie Robinson being the thorn in their side, however in their second innings they look to be fighting and TLJL was 11* overnight,

My teeny Tykes were marching on against Worcestershire.



I see that the '100' is going to televise the draft for their 'Big New Competition'.

Well that's a good reason to not pay for my TV license.

I'm running to leave the chateau this morning as I have to stop at the post office on way to work.

have a great day

Midway

well here we are at Wednesday and closer to the weekend, not sure why I am excited about the weekend, as I will just be packing and dropping things off at various places. however 3 more working days to go, and boy will they be busy.

It was the first day of county championship cricket and my boys were in Kent, it didn't start well with Lyth out for a duck!

There were no real memorable batting scores and we limped to 210 all out.
Close of play saw Kent  trailing by 80 runs having lost 4 wickets.
The lads need to regroup and go for the jugular today.

team talk over.
Come on boys you can do this before lunch.

My little boys were in action at Worcester and are chugging along nicely.

England were in one day action, Jonny B hit a ton and we won
It was however a team effort, I hasten to add.

TLJL has only had a beer made and named after him, if you are interested in buying any the details are below

vailable Monday 20th May, pre-orders being taken now for Jack's Batch 34 ABV 3.8% call Kelly Wood on 01405 861813 or e-mail sales@oldmillbrewery.co.uk 5p for every pint sold donated to the Three Bears Foundation in the fight against pancreatic cancer https://twitter.com/ThreeBearsFdn

Well I made it to Tuesday

So yesterday in the saltmines was not too bad.................that is not as bad as expected, however I did have a meeting with waste water boss sprung in me at 9am. Just what you need on first day back!

Also another fun day in the land of house selling/buying.

I really think that I need to open a more 'work friendly' estate agent/ solicitors.

A sort of one stop shop.

'The hard working Estate agency for hard working people'!!!!

As you know I had trouble trying to view houses, if the houses were empty I had very little chance of seeing them after work. as the Estate Agents closed at 5pm, no late appointments with them, or on Sundays either.
I have to go to the solicitors to drop off money, ID, filled in forms etc......................but they are closed on Saturday and close at 5pm every day.
I said I would go on Friday..............no that's too late!!
So I have to take a couple of hours off work today to go and do this..................even though they already have copies of my ID, I cannot pay money over the phone!
And obviously when I was off last week, none of this was on the cards or urgent!!!!!

Frustration is one word, bloody stupid is another. Am I the only one thinking that in reality, it is usually only working people who buy houses ( and yes retired, but they won't have my problems). How is it so flipping hard!

My business plan is in action for the one stop shop, I've even seen the premises,...................just need some backing!

And as you can also tell there is chuff all cricket news, so you are getting a morning of me moaning.

My big boys are in Canterbury ready for 11am start.

All eyes on this game this week.

And with that I am off to the sorting office (again)

Sun is shining, typical!!!

Well Saturday did not go as planned, as I ended up emergency dog sitting, It was only for a few hours, but believe me, you cannot try to pack things up when Miss Babs is in the house.
Miss Margot is more than happy to just lie down and sleep, but not Barbara!

So one packing  box has a chewed end and my new flip flops are 'deaded'! The girls went home at 5pm and I got the evening to myself.

Yesterday was a great clothes drying day, so I got on with the washing, packed up two wardrobes of clothes ( and filled yet another bag for the charity shop, coats and jackets),And cleared a cupboard out in the kitchen. ( ah so that was where the Le Creuset griddle pan was hiding!).

Moving forward slowly with the packing. I need to try to head into 'Narnia' soon!!!!

I was listening to the commentary of the Notts game and then went in and watched the Hants v Lancs game.

Some fabulous team work from the Hampshire side and a well deserved win.

Sadly Notts lost to Somerset.

My big boys are in Canterbury this week, a lovely ground and one that I have visited many times.

The 2nds are away at Worcester so I will be keeping an eye on things there.

I meanwhile am heading back to the saltmines.

have a great day

Lie in

Well after a full day of cricket yesterday I had a lie in this morning, I'm just up and about to start packing things up  ( china) before heading to the tip!

Rock n Roll!!!!

Yesterday  turned out to be a great one with a win for the 2nds in their trophy match against Durham

The weather was cold but dry, which was the  main thing.

And there was a mini disaster as Tom broke his finger!!! Oh my dog!
He remained cheerful and fully expected to have to go in to bat, what a trooper.

Ben  luckily is fit , which is a huge relief for #weareteamben

It has been a great week of cricket for me and a week away from everything was just what I needed.
Just me and cricket, exactly what I love.

Thanks to everyone that I met this week for making it a wonderful time. ( even the Durham coach spent time chatting)

The big boys move on to Canterbury,  and no I'm not going despite being asked a million times yesterday by a certain 'cheeseman',


Time to plan the next expedition, Wentworth I do believe.

In other news, many, many, many, congratulations to a great couple on their engagement.
Its been a great secret ( although I nearly burst) and I wish you continued happiness, you both deserve nothing less.

I am now off to do stuff and put things in the washing machine as I feel that I have been neglecting it this week. Its a good drying day too

Happy Saturday

The weekend is upon us

well its Friday and I have bee up over 2 hours, It is plain to see that I am heading into the office for the half day ( work schedule for next week to sort out). If the weather stays fine I am off to Brandon after work to have an afternoon out with the 2nds.

Yesterday I kept in touch with  Yorkshire base camp as it rained all morning, then just as I was having a bimble round Aldi  I got the word that the game was on, I nearly ( and I said nearly ) ran back to the chateau, filled a couple of flasks,made sure the hot water bottle was still in the bag, threw supplies ( cheese and onion rolls and a couple of snickers ........mate this body was not built in salad!) in the bag and raced up the A1 to CLS.

Yep it was flipping freezing! The hot water bottle was soon in situ ( up my jumper).

Had a chat with Ben and put more secret dealings in place, what a season I am having!

TLJL played a great innings ably supported by Ben whose 37 was great to watch.

I really had forgotten my love of 2nd XI cricket, I watched it for years when I live in London ( when I used to go and cheer on Hampshire 2nds). I have had a great couple of days, and really hope that I can get to see more over the season.

If I do rock up at Brandon today I will be without my partner in crime, John won't be there, so get well soon and see you asap.

And now I am heading to the sorting office. I will have to phone Big Al when I get to the office as I don't have the breakfast order.

Ah back to the grind!

And guess what.....I'm tired!


Happy Friday

Rain, rain and more rain

Flipping rain!

Yesterday morning dawned with it lashing down and stayed that way all day, I got regular 'Yupdates' from Yorkshire base camp, and they didn't move from there.

I sat watching rubbish TV and knitting, had a walk to town and then did more knitting. Not quite what I was expecting from my break from work................but hey I wasn't at my desk so that is always a bonus.

Forecast is rain this morning and drying up this afternoon, but doubt there will be any play, we'll see.

The England game was also affected by rain , I think that it was country wide!

News from Yorkshire HQ is that we have signed Dom Bess on loan to boost the spin attack. He's with us for a month.
Yorkshire have been using TLJL as a bowler, how about bringing him on more?

Hampshire have signed South African Chris Morris for the T20 blast, so that will be interesting to watch.

I've got the coffee percolator on just in case I have to fill flasks (no chance of coughing up £4 for a coffee for me!) and soup ready to keep me warm.

I also have my secret weapon, as suggested to me by TLML, I have a hot water bottle in the bag along with a flask of boiling water!
Top idea and one that I will be using often I imagine!
Huge thanks to Karen.

I got some fabulous photos that were taken on Monday at HQ before rain set in, great pics of Ben and his first List A catch.

And the knitting................well the first lot of teddies are available at Owzat Scarborough and there will be a limited number of Surrey and Nottinghamshire teddies too ( at the appropriate matches).

Well time to go and click those needles!

Have a great day and  keep dry.

Please let the rain stop!

Midweek and its cold

well after a long lie in , I am still not sure if my feet have thawed out after a very cold Chester le Street yesterday.

The rain stayed away but it was super cold.

I had forgotten how much I love 2nd XI cricket. Watching a mixed bag of players, in the peace and quiet of the ground, well sort of.

There was the usual 3 men and a whippet brigade, ( the SABA had not managed to come) and after I got seated  Mr 'I know everything about cricket' came and sat with me to tell me all about 2nd XI cricket,  I thought he must work for the ECB, because obviously being a woman  I know nothing about cricket!!!!

So I told him about the Yorkshire cricket badges. we had academy through to first team playing yesterday  so we had rose buds and roses. ( and academy logos).
And he still went on..........

....luckily one of the Durham coaches ( who I have know for about 26 years) came over to chat. Mr ' I know everything about cricket' wandered off.

Durham dug in and  it took until well into the afternoon for a flurry of wickets to tumble.

By the time they came off, it was nearly dark ................due to the weather no the time.


Even the drive home with the heater on did not manage to thaw me out and so it was hot shower and electric blanket!

Word to the wise, take flasks to Chester le Street, the newly refurbed 'Bistro' The Sticky Wicket charge £4 for a luke warm coffee and by the looks of the menu, I will need the proceeds of the chateau sale to have a 3 course meal!
Also ladies, the 'facilities' around the ground are all locked up and you need to go to said 'Bistro' to 'spend a penny', luckily this is free!

The forecast is rain and I am making a decision shortly as to whether to head out or not.

Have a great day.

Its a wet Tuesday

well I am up, dressed and have made 'Thai' carrot soup which I think will necessary today. Flasks of coffee are ready to go.

I am  struggling with the barnet but to be fair I think a hat may also be called for.

Yes I am ready for cricket day 2.

Day 1 was a mixed bag, from the highs of waking up to sunshine, to driving home through torrential rain.

It was however the first team debut of Ben, and I think that the smile on my face was only 'outsmiled' by that of Bens Dad and brother. what a proud bunch we were.
I nearly let the side down when Ben took a catch and I nearly screamed...... I managed to contain myself and not let #weareteamben down.

A notable boundary catch by TLJL ,not quite as spectacular as 'that other catch' but brilliant none the less.


However rain was the nemesis of the boys and  after sitting in the long room watching sunny skies in the Derbyshire/Worcs match, time was called and I headed off up the A1 to Ladylaineyville.


And so now I need to get a wriggle on as I have to go the sorting office, the post office and Tesco before heading to Chester le Street.

Both cameras are currently charging, its a while since they have been out to a cricket match.

Hopefully the weather will dry up and give us all a bit of cricket.

have a great day.

Hello Bank Holiday

and welcome from Headingley, where this morning, despite what the weather forecast says we have sunshine and blue skies.......at the moment.

I'm watching the ground staff doing their thing and watching the planes coming into Leeds /Bradford airport. its a peaceful morning here in the bubble of Headingley.

Which is a stark contrast to Saturday night into yesterday as my phone was beeping with texts going to and fro. More of that later.

I had a painfree drive to Leeds and after parking up and emptying the car, I headed off into Headingley to find something to eat.
Well I picked Mediterranean and it was very very tasty.

Back to the lodge and watched Durham going through their paces, whilst waiting for the announcement of the team.........yes Ben is keeping wicket!!
I could not be more excited. the truth being told I already had a heads up on this ( hence the messages mentioned earlier), but still a super proud sponsor moment.
Well played to Coach, we aren't in the running so give the young ones a chance.
Well played Galey.

I will no doubt be a bag of nerves by 11am, but at the moment I am relatively calm.


The new stand is looking very smart and I look forward to going to have a good look  very soon  thanks to being invited  to have a bimble around.
It will be interesting to see how it looks inside.

well lots to do before the start of the game, I need to head out to have a walk and then get settled down with my knitting ( yes I am still on the bulk order ).

Have a wonderful Bank Holiday where ever you are.

Breezy morning

Morning from the wash house, 2 loads done and blowing merrily on the line, it is a tad breezy this morning so I am hoping that after a trip to the de chetterie and the town they are still in place.

Lots to do today and the garage clear out continues.

In the crickety world my big boys are in action at Worcestershire, all eyes and ears on that today.

Yesterday despite the weather, England managed a win against Ireland, although only just!.

And talking Ireland, I got a message from my besting chum Cliodhna ( I worked with her in London) she is now living in Malahide and her son Sean has recently got himself involved in cricket. Well he is only going to be the mascot at the tri Series ODI final, and it is going to be on sky. Go Sean!!! top boy. I can't wait!

Things at the chateau are in disorganised chaos, and later  today I will be packing up clothes and boots ( although that may be a bit previous).
I am still not brave enough to head into 'Narnia' although this will have to be done sooner rather than later.

In other news, the patisseries went done well yesterday and there was not even a flake of pastry left at 9.15am. It was a strange old half day, moral is low and we had another empty desk. Nothing more to say really.

Well time and  the the tip wait for no lady so I am off to fill the car and make space in the garage for boxes.

have a super Saturday. Back on Monday.

Fry up day and a long long weekend.

I hope the gang have the kettle on when I get to the office as it is 'Fry up' day although what they don't know is that I have been up since the crack of dawn, baking and we are actually having patisseries today  instead of 'heart attack' in a bun from Big Al.
Cinnamon buns, pain au raison, pain au chocolat, croissants and danish pastries are all ready to go.
I think we all deserve it after the past couple of weeks.

It is also the last day of the week and we have another long weekend ahead, mine is a touch longer as I need a break from the stress and strain of the last few weeks ( and a chance to scan the situations vacant).

In case you are wondering about the picture at the top of the blog, they are my fabulous cream and sugar set from 'Salt & Pepper' ( S & P), I love them!!! As you can see I love them so much I have yet to use them!!!!

I actually have just taken them out of the cupboard to pack up. Shame I wasn't getting sponsored for this!


In crickety news.
After a win against Northants on Wednesday evening, my Yorkshire boys are now en route to Worcestershire for the game tomorrow and then they are home on Monday.

Notts  are up in Durham and we need them to win to give us a chance.

Had a quick chat with Ben ahead of next week when he is in 2nd team action. All looking good.

The Hales story goes on and on. I feel that things have been reported to the press to make this worse. Surely the powers that be should keep their traps shut. #myopiniononly.

Right off to finish the  week on a half day ( fingers crossed)

have a good one.

Everything happens for a reason

Everything happens for a reason

As the old saying goes,

It helps to prepare you for ups and downs

When life steps on your toes.

Everything happens for a reason

As we say when things get tough

It helps to smooth the edges

Of lifes' attempts to be rough.

Everything happens for a reason

I hear it everyday

A very well used saying

That eases things in our way.

Everything happens for a reason

Life does twist and turn

Acceptance is the keyword

the time has come to adjourn.

Midweek motivation.

Never mind motivation, I needed a crane to hoist me out of my bed this morning, I'm super tired after a massively busy evening.

I never seem to have enough hours in the day, however I am hoping that my work /life balance will change once I am moved.

I have everything crossed for this.

I got a photograph yesterday of one of my hydrangea cuttings that had been passed on........................oh my dog!!! what an absolutely stunning  specimen. And beautifully blue too.

I'm still taking cuttings to get more plants established over the summer, so that I can pass these on too.

My favourite flowers ( as long as they are only the blue or white variety).

Cricket yesterday was had one day action

Sussex had another win and they are showing great form.

Hampshire beat Surrey and I for one am glad about that.

My boys are in action at Northamptonshire so I will be keeping tabs on all the goings on there.

Some interesting reads about the Alex Hales affair.

One critic of this young man, is someone who was very vocal in supporting the family  of a young cricketer killed in awful circumstances, who turned out to be a user of cocaine. That whole incident still smacks as strange as well as tragic.

Every hack and pundit seems to be on the case of this and has an opinion.

much is being made of the 'botham' saga, what I do find strange is that he he heralded as a hero in some quarters.

hmmmmm!

My opinion?

Well it appears that drugs are on the circuit and more control needs to be taken as well a more awareness.

That is all on that matter as I am sure Alex Hales will not be the last one.

Well another day and  more woes to face.

have a good one.