A very long weekend

 Here we are at Thursday, it seems as if I have had a very long weekend, I didn't really, its been a busy week.

The weekend was over in the blink of an eye as I was entertaining on Friday lunchtime and also dog sitting for Micky all weekend, this is never a chore, although the amount of bed I get at night is becoming less and less.

We had planned on going to cricket on Saturday but the plans were put on hold, and as it turned quite cold this was probably a good idea, as Micky likes to be snuggly warm.

There was a lot of snoozing taking place too, as well as more walks than normal and a huge amount of steps done.

We also said a very sad farewell to a lovely lady, who was loved by all who knew her. The sadness of losing such a lovely person is felt by so many, we should all hope to live such  a full life and be an  inspiration to so many, I feel very lucky to have met her. 

In cricket news I am overjoyed  to see that 'my' Tom and Matty have been included in the squad for the game against Northamptonshire.

I know that strictly speaking I am no longer their sponsor but it doesn't stop me feeling very proud of them. Let hope that they make the team.

And finally today it is the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen. 96 today.

I wish you all a lovely Thursday.

Last day of the working weekend

 

A lovely short week and a long weekend is in the offing and I am really looking forward it. 

How quickly Easter has come around.

A little cricket round up, England jobs still seem to be the poison chalice as Marcus North pulls out of the running for the job as managing director of men's cricket. it was reported that he was a favourite along with Rob Key ( good lord!). 

The made up game is in headlines for all the wrong reasons, as they appear to have breached advertising codes with their brash branding of 'snacks'. 

Australia have named their new coach as Andrew McDonald, who has been part of the coaching staff since 2019. not sure if Trevor Baylis got a look in.

Yorkshire are down in Gloucestershire  for the weekend, and Kent are home, whilst Hampshire are in South London.

Interesting weekend, which may see Micky Bell and I have a little trip to The Riverside ( as they let dogs in )

What ever you do this weekend, I hope that you enjoy it.

Joyeuses Pacques

Midweek

 Ahh to be as chilled out as Micky Bell, he's a little treasure and will be arriving on Friday morning for the weekend, I can't wait. He has no idea how much love he brings into the lives of lots of people.

How wonderful to be able to make people smile and feel happy by just being yourself. 

So I thought I would give you a bit of trivia today.

The A1 was 100 years old yesterday, parts were ( and still are ) know as The Great North Road, of which  the A167 through Aycliffe was part of that.

The A1 goes from the North to the South of the country  and the although upgraded in parts to motorway it still in parts follows its original route. The stretch from Wetherby to the Thirsk turnoff is one part, it incorporates Boroughbridge which still has coaching inns ( although not known as these now),  a real throw back to Great North Road days of coach travel.

I have driven this road all of my life ( OK sometimes Dad was driving), and in the last 40 years commuting up and down from London etc, I have seen the changes as they were happening, sitting in delays usually.

I still use it regularly, not so much to go to London but it is only 5 mins from my house and gets me most places I need to get to.

And now I am nipping to the post office before work.

Have a great day

another day

 

Here we go,  lets do Tuesday, best bit no getting up at stupid o'clock, worst bit, still waking up to get up at stupid o'clock!!!

Its two short  working weeks coming up, with a weekend visit of Micky Bell. so there will be lots of walking and maybe a trip to the seaside. Also some decorating but more about that if I get it done. If the weather stays  nice, first lawn cut too. I'm exhausted just thinking about it all.

So yesterday saw the start of 2nd XI cricket around the counties, sad to see that Yorkshire aren't playing their last match of the season at Scarbados, they are playing at the seaside ( Blackpool). Not sure if I will be heading over. Scarbados is on for May bank holiday which sadly I am not sure that I can do. When will I catch up with the Victoria boys!?!?

I checked out a few others and may be tipping up now and again, we'll see.

The plans for a 3rd Iceland trip are well and truly firming up, and hopefully this week, the birthday trip can be booked. all  very exciting. As there is more chance of frost bite than a suntan on these hols I might be buying myself an anti gravity sun lounger  for the garden. 

well not much else to chat about so have a good day.

Live more, worry less

 One thing that I have really realised over the last couple of  weeks is that sometimes things happen and it really is a blessing ( and not in disguise), I am now taking the 'live more worry less' to the maximum. we never know how much time we have, so make the most of everyday, be less serious, laugh  as much as you can and spend time with the people who make you laugh, smile and generally happy.

Life can be hard for us all at times, and sometimes it may all seem too much, but  I found that taking some time out and reassessing what is important has made a huge difference.

Do I really need another £130 pair of sunglasses when the ones that I have  in the glove compartment of the car cost £1.50 in the charity shop, and are perfect for what I  need ( i.e keeping the sun out of my eyes). Is a designer handbag any better than the  bag that cost a fraction of the price. ( no they all carry my things around)

Do I want to be perceived by the sunglasses I wear or the handbag I carry? The answer is no. I just want to live more and worry less, I think we have all had enough worry over the last two years.

Wow!!!! all very profound for first thing on a Monday morning 

Lets have a very quick recap of the weekend.

I see that the Durham coach is now under the microscope for historic bullying allegations. Australia are musing over Trevor Bayliss as Head coach, Chris Silverwood is off to Sri Lanka and Justin Langer is 'warming up' to the possibility of coaching England ( and do we need it).

I have to say that I was pleased to see former besty team in the south, Hampshire completely roll over Somerset with an innings and 113 run win. Great to see the Rose Bowl looking so wonderful too.

And with that I am off to face the week.

Have a good one

another week over

 

Another week over and another weekend of chilling out and self care, something that I always alluded to, but never seemed to get round to it. I made the decision last week that it was time to look after me better than I have been, both mentally and physically. 

Stage one completed albeit, temporarily.

The county championship is back, and  I may dip in this weekend, I'll see how I feel. I will be keeping an eye on the cricket, mostly seeing how Kent and Middx are getting on .

It seems slightly alien to have a bit of a 'don't care' attitude to the game that I love, but if I have learnt anything in the last two years ( and two weeks) its that I am the most important thing in my life, and I have to remember that.

So plans for the weekend, include, cooking, cleaning ( I am still to find a replacement for Roxy), a spot of clothes shopping, visiting my sister and generally relaxing.

I will be doing  some work on my very small business which has been doing well this week.

Not sure what Mr Funky the chauffeurs plans are, might see if he fancies a walk to the brewery and a couple of pints.

And with that I am off to get ready for work.

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy whatever you are doing.

Strange 7 days

 Well its been a strange 7 days in many ways.

Not that I am going through it all here, suffice to say that its not a week I want to put over again.

However moving forward, I am looking after Micky over the Easter weekend which is always a pleasure.

I have for the first time in 2 years had a check up of the cricket, well I see that the BBC cricket page is still as bad as ever. So I'm back to being in cricket limbo.

One thing that is for sure is that after 2 years away, I will be making it 3, as I concentrate on enjoying myself at my own pace and not racing around the county in my very limited free time.

I have totally enjoyed seeing friends, going away and I know that I will be heading off camping a few more times this summer.

I have also set up a very small business, which I will be busy with.

And a recap of what has been going on since January when I decided to take a break, well, work, spending time with friends and going to Iceland, ( again), setting up a very small business and enjoying life.

And that's what I hope to continue doing!

Have a great Wednesday.

Helen of Headingley

 

   It is with great sadness that I write this blog, the wonderful Helen, overseer of The Headingley lodge is getting ready to leave.

Helen is a wonderful person and has the patience of a saint ( well she did when I was in residence and my god she had to ). 

She is the smiling face, the great laugh and the bubbly  person that made the Lodge  a great place to stay.

Nothing was too much for Helen, as I know from moaning about the heat in the bedrooms ( summer sun in those rooms is relentless and tiny windows making them baking hot), she moved an industrial air con unit into my room on one occasion.

On another occasion she gave Sophie and I a corkscrew, how she knew what we were asking for is totally beyond me, we'd had far too much wine to start with, luckily the corkscrew wasn't used.

Over the years, Helen has been to me the face of  the lodge, and although the hotel will go on , I for one do not think that it will be the same with out her.

I wish her all the best in her next venture and want to say thank you for being such a lovely and wonderful person and a great Ambassador for Headingley.

I am sure I am not alone in saying how much I will miss her.

Helen of Headingley go well.

Iceland debrief

 It takes you to get home to realise what a brilliant holiday you've had..........although to be honest from day one I knew I was having a brilliant time.

Saturday saw TLML and I up and out to get on the coach to visit the unusual things on this totally unique island, namely, the rift valley ( Eurasian/ North American tectonic plate), the awesome and  breathtaking Gulfoss water falls and then finally the geysers.

Great to witness except with cold, sideways falling rain hitting you , and a coach that was unable to sort out the heating  between 'menopausal sweat mode' and ' freeze your what nots off'. Needless to say when we were dry and feeling excited on the way out we were subjected to the former and on the way home, cold tired and wet to the skin we sat on a freezing cold coach blasting out more cold air!!!

So things I learnt on this trip, 

remember your waterproof trousers they are no good on the shelf in your bedroom.

Never complain about heat on a coach!

And seriously who knew that bus stop sex was not actually a thing!!!! it is the bus stop after five in Icelandic! tad disappointing! however never made it to bus stop 16 which in Icelandic sounds like 'Sex town'

You live and learn. 

Saturday night we headed out for some typical Icelandic fare, smoked puffin and minke whale were on the taster menu, however after a recommendation from the hotel and a wander off  to the recommended restaurant, we realised just too late that it was Saturday and we should have booked!

We wandered back towards the hotel and ended up in the lovely Cafe Rosenburg, round the corner from the hotel for a toasted sandwich and salad, followed by fabulous cake. I even got the lovely hydrangea plate that my cake was on.

It wasn;t puffin and whale, more Croque Monsieur avec gateaux, but hey any port ( country cuisine) in a rain storm.

This was all washed down with Icelandic ale which I raved about last time, and I have to say did not disappoint this time. Bondi being a fave of mine and TLML.

Sunday saw us off for  a walk and then to the fleamarket, I picked up a stunning Italian wool fedora and so I guess you will be able to spot me at Headingley if I an wearing it.

And then we headed off for an afternoon at a geothermal lagoon. Not the Blue lagoon I hasten to add, which sadly is far to touristy for me. so a very civilised afternoon of gazing out into the Atlantic ocean whilst floating in fabulously heated water, then being saunaed, scrubbed, misted, steamed and showered, before back into the lagoon with glasses of fizz and stunning views.

could this day get any better......................well of course it could, we headed out of the city and along the coast to try to catch the Northern lights, and we did, and what a show they put on for us!

As TLML said  'If Carlsberg did days...'

Before we knew it we were back at Keflavik and on the plane home.

The talk of ' this time next year' was not said lightly.

This unique and amazing island has stolen my heart and I know that there is one more visit ( at least).

It may not be everyones taste, but I know that 2 ladies had a blast there last week.

Have a great Wednesday 

Greetings from the Northernmost Capitol City

 Well after 4 months,I am back in Iceland and this time I've dragged along TLML.

And as expected its been eventful.

4.30am  Thursday arrived at Leeds /Bradford airport. Cases through and queuing to be scanned 4.45am.

5.45am finally get through!!!!!!

Result though as  managed to get through without underwires causing a problem.

On plane, drink beer had a nap, land at Keflavik.

All the numpties jumping up to get coats, bags , duty free. Only to be told that we were unable to exit the plane as due to wind, they couldn't attach steps to the plane!!!!!

We sat on the tarmac in a plane that was rocking from side to side  with more gusto than a trawler on the North Sea.

I've had some hairy plane experiences but this topped it.

Eventually they had to tie the steps to the plane whilst we were nearly blown off our feet, trying to get off.

Get on the coach to the city, seriously zero visability and following a snowplough!

Arrive at hotel and get checked in and given drinks vouchers (perks of being a returning guest)

Drop off our cases and then head to the Phallus museum for lunch.

If you've never had a duck filled willy waffle, you've never lived.

Look round the museum, spotted a couple of job opportunities and then headed off for a walk round the pond which is a huge lake in the centre of the city.

This was where I got chased by geese  last time. So after heading down we suddenly spotted a small child about to step out onto the ice.

TLML and I both ran shouting to anybody listening as the child went through the ice.

The little girls grandparents turned round (they'd  been admiring the view) walked over and dragged her out. Then walked way.

TLML and I were just stood rooted to the spot, totally shocked.

I was still in shock as I walked through a gaggle of geese without even flinching.

Went back to the hotel for a lie down after that.

We then had a scary moment as we were standing at the full length windows and saw a plane heading straight for us. 

We both were looking at each other in horror, as it  passed over the city and headed to Reykjavik airport a mere cock stride from the hotel.

Later we found a lovely little restaurant/bar round the corner from the hotel, a litre of Icelandic ale and we headed home and were tucked up in bed by 10pm.

Up with the larks (or Icelandic Redwings ) and down for big Icelandic brekkie, then off down to Harpa (national concert hall) and picked up the hop on/hop off bus for a tour of the city.

Amazing to watch a group of 5 people take up 10 seats rather than double up !!!!

Walked up to the Lutheran Cathedral and listened to the organ music, took the lift to the top of the spire and got deafened twice by the clock chiming the quarter hours.

However the views were astounding and definitely  a must do if you ever come here.

Walked down to the 'Sun voyager ' and then made our way back to the hotel.

All of this was interspersed  with bought on hysterical laughter as we waddled over the snowy paths.

Good news though I do know what is going on my headstone now !!!.

After having cocktail hour which involved lots of plane spotting ( the windows in our room are so big) we headed off to the local restaurant/bar for food, beer and a few games of Mastermind.

This was my favourite game when I was young and spent manner hours playing it with Dad.

A huge thank you to Jack for sending me this.

And today we are off to see geysers, waterfalls, and straddle the tectonic plate 

Happy Saturday.

(Apologies for any typos I'm doing this on my phone )

Monday meet up.

 

Well its been a while, over a month and in that time I have also taken a little breather from a lot of social media that I was 'chained to'. What a revelation.

I have managed to get lots things done, read too many books to mention, organised areas of the house that needed attention and just generally had a life.

I also have been hard at work in the new job, learning and just getting on with it. Its  great and I love working from home.

My life and stress levels have returned to a normality that I haven't had for a lot of years.

I am still shopping for bargains, ebaying and  taking time out to be with friends. This is the most important thing I think.

I am looking forward to an upcoming break, and planning my birthday getaway.

And that is the month in a nutshell.

I hope that you are all well and taking are of yourselves. 

And with that I am off to do stuff.

Friday feeling

 

Another working week is coming to a close, and its been a busy one, just what I like.

Plans for the weekend include cocktail hour, a whole day to myself and then taking my sister furniture and carpet shopping.

Cricket fixtures came out yesterday and for the first time in years I haven' even looked at them. I am not planning my summer around cricket, I will be fitting cricket into my summer plans. I do know one game that I will be going to but at the moment that is about it 

How times have changed, but then I think the last two years have changed many of us. I know I need to devote more time to me, not exhaust myself racing around the country.

I wont be attending any T20's that is something that I decided a while ago. It will be interesting to support from afar.

I am also starting to plan out my birthday trip in November, after the huge success of Iceland I am considering heading off to another Northern country, there is also a sun filled trip in the mix, I have plenty of time to think about it though,

And off I go across the landing , before I know it, it will be cocktail hour.

Have a great Friday and a cracking weekend.

Thursday already

 

I'm not sure where the week has gone, its Thursday and nearly the end of the week. 

My weeks have changed considerably and as such my mornings are totally different to how they used to be. No more rushing around  to get out of the door at 7am, now I have a more sedate type of morning and that's half the reason I won't be blogging every day ( that and the fact there is not much to blog about).

I am taking time back for me and loving it.

I've set myself up with a whole  new routine, which includes a lovely walk at lunchtime.

Over in Yorkshire they have set up a new routine and regime as they appointed ( as expected) Ottis Gibson as coach, I wish him well and hope that he can pull the team together in time for the start of the season.

Someone who I have never been struck on as I thought he was a touch too smarmy, is Jonathon Agnew. He now appears to be public enemy number one over comments in the press. I am totally against his views. Having watched, 'The Man who bought cricket' and his views on there I was a tad surprised. as I said though, a touch too smarmy for me and  any publicity and all that !!!!

right I'm off across the landing for the day.

Have a good one.

On we go

 

Tuesday and another cold and frosty start here in the north east of blighty. I imagine that we will be having another beautiful day with clear blue skies and sunshine, Its lovely to look out from the office window but I can assure you that on my lunchtime walk it is bitterly cold.

Not much to report here at Maison des Guichets, work is still busy and gaining 1.5 hours in the evening is a revelation, not to mention the mornings.

I see that Otis Gibson is being touted as the keeper of the poison chalice, I am not knocking the club I love, but I am sure that any coach is going to enter the club and instantly be put into restraints. I actually hope that he does come as I have a lot of time for him.

I see that some of the England team were caught mid shenanigans with some of the Australian team.

Good to see some camaraderie between the two teams, but sad that it was seen to be broken up by the police. Now the ECB are going to get involved, my guess that they will fine the players and put the money back into their coffers.

My thoughts on this, if they fine the lads then donate the money to an Alcohol abuse charity, just a thought.

And of course this brings up the  'drinks culture' debate.

I'm one to talk!

have a great day, stay safe.

week 3 begins

 

I'm back again at the start of week 3 in my new job.

I am enjoying my work and very busy, lots to learn and pick up, but I am getting there.

I have a great team and really enjoy afternoons with the American side of the team. 

I actually am also enjoying no rush hour drive, and particularly enjoying sleep.

I will continue to write the blog for the time being, but maybe not everyday.

So what else has been going on ?

Well apart from work I met up with TLML on Saturday we shopped, had a long lunch and also went through our forthcoming trip to Iceland. Its getting so close. A grand day out.

Micky came to stay yesterday and is fast asleep at my side as I am typing this, his Dad is collecting  him shortly.

England lost to Australia ending the series 4-0 down.

I wonder how long it will take for the ECB to realise that by strangling the County Championship they had managed to make out test team look wholly ineffectual. 

Having watched the documentary on Sky ''The Man who bought cricket' it is obvious that money is all that matters to them.

Scrap The Hundred now and give us back proper cricket.

Well time to cross the landing and switch on the laptop.

Have a great day, stay safe and be careful out there it is foggy and icy here.

 

thoughts for Tuesday

 As I was lying in bed this morning listening to the news and realising when most of us were sitting at home on our own, in 2020, the government were allegedly, having BYOB parties.

As my garden now is'nt big enough to hold 100 people, and I was scared half to death by the doom and gloom that was on every news item, there was no way that I was mixing with anyone apart from the three people that I worked with.

I brought my own bottle ever Friday and stayed home tying to keep myself safe.

I have no confidence in any of the political parties at this moment in time, as I said at the time, instead of fighting against each other at the start of the pandemic and since, why didn't they try to work together?

To be honest, I've begun to think that it is all a very poorly performed production, the goodies and the baddies, although which is which I am yet to figure out.

Over in the cricket world, Tom Curran is out for 4 months with a stress fracture in his lower back, at 26 years old I would say that this is not great. 

Yorkshire are being pushed by the ECB to regain their test status by the summer, ah much as love my county I can see that Colin is worried he wont be getting any money!

well I am late posting this as I forgot to push the button at 6am!

Head too full of other things

Have a great day 

Another week begins

 Its been  busy weekend here as there has been more moving around of furniture, trips to the tip and generally sorting out.

I bumped into Mr Funky the Chauffeur on Saturday so we went and had a coffee and a catch up. 

I finished one of the cricket teddies and with one left to do, I am spurred on to get this out of the way.

The garden is looking very wintery and sad, I have a new bench coming soon , so hopefully this might brighten it up a bit. Its just that time of year really, everything looks a little bit jaded.

In cricket, England drew the 4th teste which  halted a possible 5-0 whitewash which I really thought was on the cards.

Moving into the new week, I really don;;t know what it will entail, its a surprise everyday at the moment.

On Friday I do know that I have a virtual tour of  the UK facilities in th morning and the US in the afternoon.

All interesting.

and with that I am off, the blogs seem to be getting shorter everyday.

have a good day whatever you are doing

First week of January where did it go

 Its Friday and the first week of January is nearly done, how quickly its flew by. 

It was also first week of new job, which is always a daunting time.

 Mornings have been spent in training with my colleagues in the UK and afternoons with my colleague and draughtsman in the USA. Its a small team, but we all have our strengths which compliment each other.

I have some work to do over the weekend, (only about an hour) just to get on top of some regulations.

Ah the weekend, not a lot planned so just play it by ear.

Cricket news, JB has just got his century, and at stumps they were 258-7.

Good knock by Stokes and Wood too, but seriously, too late. 

Its a short one this morning as I have a lot to do before heading to the office.

Slow cooker is on as is the washing machine, now to put the recycling out and make a coffee.

Have a great day and enjoy the weekend.

Concorde, cable knits and charity

 

Planning the next couple of the months is very much at the forefront of my mind at the moment, so I am currently sorting out another visit to 'Alpha Charlie'. I will today be hoping to book a technical tour on AC and on a Nimrod. Might as well have double the fun ( if this is your idea of fun).

This may be end of Feb as I hate the drive over the barren wastes of Saddleworth Moor.

I have been asked to do 2 more teddies in cricket sweaters, I said before Xmas that I had done my last one, however if I take it slowly hopefully no flare up of carpel tunnel.

These will be the last as I really need to cut down on a lot of 'extra' things this year ( my resolution).

I am also making a monthly donation to the RNLI. This will the place of my annual charity drive, which over the years has seen me raising funds for Refuge ( Domestic Violence charity) and  last year hosting afternoon teas to raise money for Breast Cancer now.

Most of these have taken a lot of preparation and commitment ( not to mention the 'party bags'), and this year I really need to pull back time for me. Not as selfish as it sounds, but after running myself into the ground over the last year, I just want to catch my breath. I've been seeing a lot over the last few months  about the great work done by  the volunteers of  the RNLI, this is my chosen charity  to donate to.

I will also be making donations to the local charity who helped my garage man Frank. I will never forget seeing his feet disappearing under the plank of wood  nailed to the  old garage!!

 I took some bedding round after I finished work last night, the local shelter is short so the ladies said they would pass these on. Tomorrow its , towels and some spare kitchen things.

its a win/win. they get some much needed things and I get some extra space.

There will also be a one off donation to the Dogs Trust.

So Concorde, cable knits and charity sorted lets look at the cricket news.

Australia batted nearly all day and declared on 416.

England have just had a close shave nearly being 10-1, but got away with it.

Ben Stokes was injured  and it seems he won't be bowling in the remainder of this game.

and with that I am off.

Its midweek in the blink of an eye

 

Well the first day in the new job was over in the blink if an eye, very busy, very full on and lots to learn, you tend to forget what first days/weeks are like.

My work colleagues are all in the realms of 'Teams' and we all communicate that way, I'm used to this from the first lockdown, however this is the new normal for me from now on .

On we go.

Yorkshire announced yesterday that Ryan Sidebottom and Steve Harmison would be  taking up the roles as interim coaches. I have no problem with Ryan, but Harmison, well I hope the interim period is short for him. At least all the Yorkshire players will be told regularly what a great player he is and how good he was. Let's hope he fulfills his role.

Is he really the best for the job?, Is it the right time for Ryan to come back? Are we just trying to plug holes? Can this get us through the season? Are we at rock bottom?

We will see.

I am currently listening to the 60000th test match ( well it sort of feels like that) and there is much excitement by the commentators that England have taken 3 wickets. to be honest lads its a little bit too late.

Well time to head across the landing, the upside of this job is that I get to go home for lunch! 

Ohhh, cricket may be rained off again and score is 126-3

Have a good day.