The day I got back from the US, Sue and I went down to Gatwick to pick my Mum and Dad (they had flown in the weekend before but were dropping their hire car off there after visiting other family on friends in the north).
Mum and Dad got the royal tour of the estate and smallholdings, and they were introduced to most of Sue's family.
I had to go into work Monday and Tuesday but from Tuesday evening the holiday started in earnest.
On Sue's birthday we decided to all go into London for the night where we had a slap-up meal at Smollensky's on the Stand, a fine eatery with live music. We all had some of my Pork Shank meal and yet I still had to leave most of it.
We had reserved a table at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club where we whiled away a few more hours listening to more music.
On Wednesday we took the car and went to France for a 'booze cruise' to pick up Sue's wine (part of last years birthday present) and have a mooch about. The Channel Tunnel is so handy for these little excursions into France.
We had a great times catching up with relations and friends and eating and drinking (getting into training for our trip to Italy). On the weekend we went up to stay with Joyce and Terry for more intensive training before we left for the airport on Monday.
Sunday, July 18, 2004
California dreamin’
A few weeks ago I went to California, well Orange County to be precise, just south of Los Angeles. I had been asked to take part in a workshop at my company’s head office.
To get the best possible price for the airfares I volunteered to travel out and back on the weekends (don’t worry I will do my darndest to claim these back as days-in-lue). Getting cheaper flights also meant I could convince the powers-that-be to upgrade me to Virgin’s Premier Economy. The Virgin flight was fine and they have a great in-flight entertainment system – It is totally digital and on-demand (this means you can select your film, TV program or music when ever suits you and even pause, re-wind or fast forward as you please. It also has seat-to-seat and air-to-ground e-mail facilities – at a price).
In Flight Movies
I saw:
- Grand theft Parsons (loosely based on the true story of the theft of the body of the American singer Gram Parsons). It was Quirky and very enjoyable.
- American Splendour (based, again, on a true story, this time of an odd-ball cartoonist). This was also quirky and enjoyable.
- School of rock. This was a light and not too taxing comedy staring Jack Black. (Jack Black so reminds me of my friend James).
While I was in California I did get to see a bit of the countryside and did enjoy the arid tough scenery and the wide expanse of Pacific Ocean. I found a couple if interesting seaside towns of
Laguna Beach and Newport Beach and I took a trip out to Catalina Island which has a great garden set up by the founder of Wrigley’s Gum, Wrigley's Memorial Garden I also played tourist in LA by visiting the Queen Mary a fascinating look at how people used to travel before the jet plane.
It wasn’t all fun and games though as I did spend most of our week in the office with colleagues from France, Singapore, the Middle East and the USA, but all of this is too way too boring to write about here.
A did overhear a couple of interesting things while I was sat in the bar at the hotel watching the TV. A long discussion was had between several people about the fact that there is so much ‘reality TV’ on all the time, when an advert came on for male treatments “if erections persists for more than four hours, call a physician”. One of the women in bar retorted “if erections persists for more than four hours, call me!” Who says the Americans don’t have a sense of humour?
One of my American colleagues was a guy from Louisiana. He was extremely lively and very funny. He told us a story about his little old mother, who was troubled by alligators in the bayou out the back of her house. They had set a trap for the beast and had left instructions that the old lady was not to touch it until they came back next weekend. Of course he receives a phone call from her the next day to say that she and her boyfriend had hauled up the trap to find a small alligator (only six feet long) and while the old boy was trying to restrain it the little old lady was ‘wailing’ into it with a baseball bat. Luckily (for the alligator) it escaped. He had many more tales about his mum including the one where she saw a deadly snake in the backyard and blew it to bits with her shotgun.
It seems this sort of behaviour ran in his family as he decided to test out the four-wheel-drive hire car by driving to the top of a nearby mountain. He had convinced one of the guys in the office to join him and one night they headed off into the canyon. Some of their enthusiasm was fuelled by the Margaritas, though a short way across rough terrain soon emptied out the contents of the jugs all over the inside of the car (they decided they didn’t need the seatbelts after that as the seats were sticky enough to stop them sliding about). When they reached the top they were surprised to find another truck up there, and having heard stories of a local sniper they started down. The journey down became very steep and so our Southern friend opened his door and suggested his passenger do the same “it’s getting a bit hairy so if you see me jump, bail out.” Needless to say they survived.
To get the best possible price for the airfares I volunteered to travel out and back on the weekends (don’t worry I will do my darndest to claim these back as days-in-lue). Getting cheaper flights also meant I could convince the powers-that-be to upgrade me to Virgin’s Premier Economy. The Virgin flight was fine and they have a great in-flight entertainment system – It is totally digital and on-demand (this means you can select your film, TV program or music when ever suits you and even pause, re-wind or fast forward as you please. It also has seat-to-seat and air-to-ground e-mail facilities – at a price).
In Flight Movies
I saw:
- Grand theft Parsons (loosely based on the true story of the theft of the body of the American singer Gram Parsons). It was Quirky and very enjoyable.
- American Splendour (based, again, on a true story, this time of an odd-ball cartoonist). This was also quirky and enjoyable.
- School of rock. This was a light and not too taxing comedy staring Jack Black. (Jack Black so reminds me of my friend James).
While I was in California I did get to see a bit of the countryside and did enjoy the arid tough scenery and the wide expanse of Pacific Ocean. I found a couple if interesting seaside towns of
Laguna Beach and Newport Beach and I took a trip out to Catalina Island which has a great garden set up by the founder of Wrigley’s Gum, Wrigley's Memorial Garden I also played tourist in LA by visiting the Queen Mary a fascinating look at how people used to travel before the jet plane.
It wasn’t all fun and games though as I did spend most of our week in the office with colleagues from France, Singapore, the Middle East and the USA, but all of this is too way too boring to write about here.
A did overhear a couple of interesting things while I was sat in the bar at the hotel watching the TV. A long discussion was had between several people about the fact that there is so much ‘reality TV’ on all the time, when an advert came on for male treatments “if erections persists for more than four hours, call a physician”. One of the women in bar retorted “if erections persists for more than four hours, call me!” Who says the Americans don’t have a sense of humour?
One of my American colleagues was a guy from Louisiana. He was extremely lively and very funny. He told us a story about his little old mother, who was troubled by alligators in the bayou out the back of her house. They had set a trap for the beast and had left instructions that the old lady was not to touch it until they came back next weekend. Of course he receives a phone call from her the next day to say that she and her boyfriend had hauled up the trap to find a small alligator (only six feet long) and while the old boy was trying to restrain it the little old lady was ‘wailing’ into it with a baseball bat. Luckily (for the alligator) it escaped. He had many more tales about his mum including the one where she saw a deadly snake in the backyard and blew it to bits with her shotgun.
It seems this sort of behaviour ran in his family as he decided to test out the four-wheel-drive hire car by driving to the top of a nearby mountain. He had convinced one of the guys in the office to join him and one night they headed off into the canyon. Some of their enthusiasm was fuelled by the Margaritas, though a short way across rough terrain soon emptied out the contents of the jugs all over the inside of the car (they decided they didn’t need the seatbelts after that as the seats were sticky enough to stop them sliding about). When they reached the top they were surprised to find another truck up there, and having heard stories of a local sniper they started down. The journey down became very steep and so our Southern friend opened his door and suggested his passenger do the same “it’s getting a bit hairy so if you see me jump, bail out.” Needless to say they survived.
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Back down to earth
We are back after a fab holiday with the family in Italy.
I have so much to tell you...
...my trip to California,
...Sue's birthday,
...my folks visiting from NZ,
...our trip to Italy,
...loads of new music.
I've not enough time right now, but look out...
I have so much to tell you...
...my trip to California,
...Sue's birthday,
...my folks visiting from NZ,
...our trip to Italy,
...loads of new music.
I've not enough time right now, but look out...
Friday, June 18, 2004
Up, up and away…
My folks have just got on a plane in NZ for the marathon journey to the UK, and tomorrow I jump on another plane bound for the USA (nothing personal you understand - it's just work).
I always get a bit nervous about big trips, wondering if I have remembered everything, hoping I get where I need to be on time (usually early) without incident.
I always get a bit nervous about big trips, wondering if I have remembered everything, hoping I get where I need to be on time (usually early) without incident.
Late home…
What happens when a busy Anti-Terrorist Operative comes home late after a night out on the tiles with his mates?
What would you do?
www.splintercell.com/uk/latehome/
What would you do?
www.splintercell.com/uk/latehome/
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Meltdown…
Well, we really shouldn't complain about the weather being too hot, but…
We are not set up to cope with extremes of heat. It has been in the mid-to-high 20's for a while now, unusually. Now I know that is not hot for many places in the world, but for us here in the UK it is above average for this time of year.
It was very uncomfortable at home last night - we can't open the windows as we are on a busy main road and the traffic is a nightmare at times. Sue had a very bad time, unable to sleep much at all.
My office at work has faulty air-conditioning. It has been faulty for some time now, including all through last year's heat wave. Still we are having it fixed (It'll be ready for Christmas). Some of the office is on a different system and are ok (I keep trying to find any excuse to visit them). Where I am it is hotter inside than it is outside.
The HR department has had to go out and buy ice-lollies for us so that we don't fade away.
Another thing - The girls get to wander around in short skirts and sleeveless tops (not that that is a problem you understand) but us guys are way too hot, in our more comprehensive wear, to really enjoy it. I guess it is an acceptable form reverse sexism, but I am loathed to mention anything for fear that some blokes might be tempted to dress the similarly, and quite frankly that is something I don't wish to ponder on (on the other hand I do have legs for it).
Damn! I think my teeth are sweating!
Can't move… stuck to my chair….
Help! I'm melting…
We are not set up to cope with extremes of heat. It has been in the mid-to-high 20's for a while now, unusually. Now I know that is not hot for many places in the world, but for us here in the UK it is above average for this time of year.
It was very uncomfortable at home last night - we can't open the windows as we are on a busy main road and the traffic is a nightmare at times. Sue had a very bad time, unable to sleep much at all.
My office at work has faulty air-conditioning. It has been faulty for some time now, including all through last year's heat wave. Still we are having it fixed (It'll be ready for Christmas). Some of the office is on a different system and are ok (I keep trying to find any excuse to visit them). Where I am it is hotter inside than it is outside.
The HR department has had to go out and buy ice-lollies for us so that we don't fade away.
Another thing - The girls get to wander around in short skirts and sleeveless tops (not that that is a problem you understand) but us guys are way too hot, in our more comprehensive wear, to really enjoy it. I guess it is an acceptable form reverse sexism, but I am loathed to mention anything for fear that some blokes might be tempted to dress the similarly, and quite frankly that is something I don't wish to ponder on (on the other hand I do have legs for it).
Damn! I think my teeth are sweating!
Can't move… stuck to my chair….
Help! I'm melting…
Glorious weekend...
Hot, hot heat.
What fabulous weather we are having (touch wood).
Sue has pretty much finished the decorating, though how she managed it in such a short time in this weather is beyond me. The Dining Room, Lounge, Hall and upper Landing, the Bathroom and the Kitchen have all been cleaned and painted, ready for the royal visit.
We were busy on Saturday morning with visits to the local farmers market, the dump, and shops. We also spent some time on the house, garden and allotment.
We went out late in the afternoon to see Van Helsing (see the report below) with James and Nikala. The movie was a disappointment but it was more than made up for by dinner and drinks back at ours afterwards.
Sunday was more relaxing and I only spent a short time at the allotment before more friends, Yendall and Sally came over with their young daughter Hannah and dog Tucker. We spent a lovely afternoon eating and drinking and chatting about this and that. Just what summer Sundays are all about.
What fabulous weather we are having (touch wood).
Sue has pretty much finished the decorating, though how she managed it in such a short time in this weather is beyond me. The Dining Room, Lounge, Hall and upper Landing, the Bathroom and the Kitchen have all been cleaned and painted, ready for the royal visit.
We were busy on Saturday morning with visits to the local farmers market, the dump, and shops. We also spent some time on the house, garden and allotment.
We went out late in the afternoon to see Van Helsing (see the report below) with James and Nikala. The movie was a disappointment but it was more than made up for by dinner and drinks back at ours afterwards.
Sunday was more relaxing and I only spent a short time at the allotment before more friends, Yendall and Sally came over with their young daughter Hannah and dog Tucker. We spent a lovely afternoon eating and drinking and chatting about this and that. Just what summer Sundays are all about.
Monster disappointment...
On Saturday we went with a couple of friends to see Van Helsing the movie. We were not expecting too much from the reports we had heard, but it didn't even meet those limited expectations. It is a poor story with a terrible script and supported by not-so-special-effects. The only thing to merit watching it was the lead actors (Hugh Jackman in a skimpy loincloth, and for the other half of the audience, Kat Beckinsale in a tight fitting cat suit / bodice).
You can find the official line at:
Van Helsing
Looking at the web-site makes you wonder if the movie is more of an advertisement for the many spin-off moneymaking schemes they seem to be running.
The Van Helsing game does look quite fun and it would seem the movie is basically an extended trailer for this, rather than the game being made from the film.
I like the look of the Monster Legacy Collection set of DVDs that they are peddling, which has many of the original Dracula, Frankenstein and Wolfman movies in it. I would much rather watch these - even though many of them were quite 'cheesy' too.
There also seems to be a new TV series planned based on the Transylvania world, Van Helsing animation called the London Assignment, and a Fortress Dracula theme park ride. The mechanising range behind this movie is also extensive.
It now becomes much clearer why they chose to include just about every disparate monster from the period in one movie without any logical connection apart from the monster hunter Van Helsing.
What a con!
You can find the official line at:
Van Helsing
Looking at the web-site makes you wonder if the movie is more of an advertisement for the many spin-off moneymaking schemes they seem to be running.
The Van Helsing game does look quite fun and it would seem the movie is basically an extended trailer for this, rather than the game being made from the film.
I like the look of the Monster Legacy Collection set of DVDs that they are peddling, which has many of the original Dracula, Frankenstein and Wolfman movies in it. I would much rather watch these - even though many of them were quite 'cheesy' too.
There also seems to be a new TV series planned based on the Transylvania world, Van Helsing animation called the London Assignment, and a Fortress Dracula theme park ride. The mechanising range behind this movie is also extensive.
It now becomes much clearer why they chose to include just about every disparate monster from the period in one movie without any logical connection apart from the monster hunter Van Helsing.
What a con!
Friday, June 11, 2004
Gollum actor to 'play' King Kong
British actor Andy Serkis - Gollum in the Lord of the Rings films - will help create the title character in Peter Jackson's upcoming remake of King Kong.
Find out more at the BBC web site:
BBC - Entertainment, King Kong
Find out more at the BBC web site:
BBC - Entertainment, King Kong
Domestic goddess…
Sue is revelling in her new role of domestic goddess. In fact she has gone way beyond the call of duty and has almost entirely redecorated our house single-handedly. She has had some help from her mum and from Jamie and me (I am a bit concerned - Sue's mum has offered to repaint the outside second story windows - if only she had a ladder long enough - mother like daughter).
I am doing my little bit tonight by cooking dinner for us (not easy for a rank amateur like me to come anywhere near Sue's level of expertise). Luckily the supermarket has a good range of packet sauces and the like. At least I know where the wine section is!
The weather has been good, unseasonable so - perhaps too hot to be working in. We could have another scorching summer like last year (hooray for global warming), or it will collapse (like a Kiwi batting order). Then we will have autumn upon us for when my folks come over in a couple of weeks (if it does we can always blame them for bringing the NZ wet weather with them).
The arrangements for my work junket to California is pretty much set now. To save the company money on the flights I travel out and back on a Saturday (flights are cheaper if your stay includes a Saturday night). This means I lose out on a couple of weekends. The bonus is I get on upgrade to Premium Economy, and I get to spend the weekends in California - with a car - a couple of miles from Laguna Beach. Oh life is so tuff.
We are starting to eat some of our crops from the allotment now. We have had several pickings of rhubarb (one of the plants is an heirloom coming from Granddad). We have plenty of salad and herbs at the moment and very soon we will have the first of the early potatoes. The strawberries and raspberries are coming into season (if you can beat the garden's local critters). There are only a few more plants to go out (until we put late plants in for winter and next spring).
I have ordered some more music - I couldn't hold off any longer. It should be delivered in a couple of weeks, so I will give you a rundown then on more bands you've never heard of.
The car passed its MOT test! All sorted for another year. Actually it is not too bad (there is a slow leak in on of the tyres - actually it is leaking through the alloy wheel! And it has a small oil leak - nothing to worry about except it drops oil on the exhaust, which gives off little plumes of blue smoke - all very theatrical really). Still it is a very high spec' car with a big engine (fuel prices are on the way up) and air-conditioning (a rarity in the UK. And at this time of year you can tell who has it - they're the ones driving with all their windows up).
I am doing my little bit tonight by cooking dinner for us (not easy for a rank amateur like me to come anywhere near Sue's level of expertise). Luckily the supermarket has a good range of packet sauces and the like. At least I know where the wine section is!
The weather has been good, unseasonable so - perhaps too hot to be working in. We could have another scorching summer like last year (hooray for global warming), or it will collapse (like a Kiwi batting order). Then we will have autumn upon us for when my folks come over in a couple of weeks (if it does we can always blame them for bringing the NZ wet weather with them).
The arrangements for my work junket to California is pretty much set now. To save the company money on the flights I travel out and back on a Saturday (flights are cheaper if your stay includes a Saturday night). This means I lose out on a couple of weekends. The bonus is I get on upgrade to Premium Economy, and I get to spend the weekends in California - with a car - a couple of miles from Laguna Beach. Oh life is so tuff.
We are starting to eat some of our crops from the allotment now. We have had several pickings of rhubarb (one of the plants is an heirloom coming from Granddad). We have plenty of salad and herbs at the moment and very soon we will have the first of the early potatoes. The strawberries and raspberries are coming into season (if you can beat the garden's local critters). There are only a few more plants to go out (until we put late plants in for winter and next spring).
I have ordered some more music - I couldn't hold off any longer. It should be delivered in a couple of weeks, so I will give you a rundown then on more bands you've never heard of.
The car passed its MOT test! All sorted for another year. Actually it is not too bad (there is a slow leak in on of the tyres - actually it is leaking through the alloy wheel! And it has a small oil leak - nothing to worry about except it drops oil on the exhaust, which gives off little plumes of blue smoke - all very theatrical really). Still it is a very high spec' car with a big engine (fuel prices are on the way up) and air-conditioning (a rarity in the UK. And at this time of year you can tell who has it - they're the ones driving with all their windows up).
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Say what?
Always good for a few minutes diversion is the New Scientist online magazine and it's Feedback Page. Here is what I found there this week...
In the consultants' wing of a large Melbourne hospital, Gordon Miller saw a notice saying: "Sleep Clinic. Ring for attention". He wondered how long you had to ring for.
More of the same at...
New Scientist - Feedback
In the consultants' wing of a large Melbourne hospital, Gordon Miller saw a notice saying: "Sleep Clinic. Ring for attention". He wondered how long you had to ring for.
More of the same at...
New Scientist - Feedback
Monday, June 07, 2004
Lest we forget…
Sunday 6th June was the 60th anniversary of the D-Day Landings at Normandy that play such an important part in the liberation of Europe and the ultimate ending of WWII.
The TV coverage in the UK has been very comprehensive and included other aspects of the war such as the Battle of Britain and the Blitz.
There was some element of repetition in the coverage but overall it was very sensitively done. The participation of the veterans in the programmes brought a lump to my throat. None of them portrayed themselves as heroes, just survivors. In fact they all referred to their fallen comrades as the heroes.
BBC D-Day Coverage
There was one program that was about the recovery of the wreckage of a crashed fighter in the middle of London (surprisingly only two planes crashed in London - the fighter and the bomber it attacked). The pilot of the fighter managed to jump out of his plane and he was interviewed on the show as they dug up the London street to pull out the engine from his Hurricane.
This pilot, Ray Holmes, was a teenager when the incident happened. He became separated from his squadron when an enemy bomber squirted oil on his windscreen (the oil was supposed to be lit as a primitive anti-fighter weapon - luckily it failed here). When the oil cleared he saw a damaged bomber heading for Buckingham Palace so he attacked it. Unfortunately he had run out of bullets, so he did 'what any one would have done'; he sliced the bombers tail off with his plane's own wing!
The pilot was not keen to be called a hero and was not particularly interested in expanding in the incident at all. He was however very happy to mention that he was rescued from his parachute, as it dangled from a building, by two beautiful girls. He was also very keen to be with the pretty female archaeologist on the dig. It was great to see he still had an eye for the girls.
Channel Five - Fighter Dig
The TV coverage in the UK has been very comprehensive and included other aspects of the war such as the Battle of Britain and the Blitz.
There was some element of repetition in the coverage but overall it was very sensitively done. The participation of the veterans in the programmes brought a lump to my throat. None of them portrayed themselves as heroes, just survivors. In fact they all referred to their fallen comrades as the heroes.
BBC D-Day Coverage
There was one program that was about the recovery of the wreckage of a crashed fighter in the middle of London (surprisingly only two planes crashed in London - the fighter and the bomber it attacked). The pilot of the fighter managed to jump out of his plane and he was interviewed on the show as they dug up the London street to pull out the engine from his Hurricane.
This pilot, Ray Holmes, was a teenager when the incident happened. He became separated from his squadron when an enemy bomber squirted oil on his windscreen (the oil was supposed to be lit as a primitive anti-fighter weapon - luckily it failed here). When the oil cleared he saw a damaged bomber heading for Buckingham Palace so he attacked it. Unfortunately he had run out of bullets, so he did 'what any one would have done'; he sliced the bombers tail off with his plane's own wing!
The pilot was not keen to be called a hero and was not particularly interested in expanding in the incident at all. He was however very happy to mention that he was rescued from his parachute, as it dangled from a building, by two beautiful girls. He was also very keen to be with the pretty female archaeologist on the dig. It was great to see he still had an eye for the girls.
Channel Five - Fighter Dig
Thursday, June 03, 2004
The Wee Free Men...
This book is part of a new discworld series by Terry Pratchett that is aimed more at teenage readers (that is not to say older - numerically - readers wouldn't enjoy it too).
This story introduces a new main character. Tiffany Aching is a young witch-in-waiting who is armed only with a frying pan and her common sense, and she is not afraid to use either of them.
I very much enjoyed the title characters. The Nac Mac Feegle are the Wee Free Men, a clan of six-inch-high blue pictsies (like pixies only with a Scots accent and less manners), who like nothing better than fighting, drinking, stealing and… more drinking and… more fighting…
The Wee Free Men
This story introduces a new main character. Tiffany Aching is a young witch-in-waiting who is armed only with a frying pan and her common sense, and she is not afraid to use either of them.
I very much enjoyed the title characters. The Nac Mac Feegle are the Wee Free Men, a clan of six-inch-high blue pictsies (like pixies only with a Scots accent and less manners), who like nothing better than fighting, drinking, stealing and… more drinking and… more fighting…
The Wee Free Men
Smalltime industries...
...entertainment for the masses
smalltime industries - entertainment for the masses
It does what it says in the title. A friend pointed me towards the try to 'Guess the Dictator and/or Television Sit-Com Character' game in the Games section. It can take some time, but it usually gets it in the end (remember it is American).
If you are of a sensitive or perverted nature the site has a naughty or nice filter that allows you to configure the site to meet your personal preference.
smalltime industries - entertainment for the masses
It does what it says in the title. A friend pointed me towards the try to 'Guess the Dictator and/or Television Sit-Com Character' game in the Games section. It can take some time, but it usually gets it in the end (remember it is American).
If you are of a sensitive or perverted nature the site has a naughty or nice filter that allows you to configure the site to meet your personal preference.
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
Bank Holiday Weekend...
In the UK Bank Holiday Weekends are notorious for their bad weather and, according to reports, the Whit weekend was threatening to be the same. In the end it was actually very nice and sunny.
The weekend started late for me as I needed to get a quote out to a client and we were missing some crucial information from our French colleagues. Some of us were stuck at work for a few extra hours until we managed to knock something together. Sue and I were going to go around to friends to watch the last Friends episode, but we ended up flopping in front of the TV at home.
Saturday we spent some time out in the garden and at the allotment, planting and weeding (again). That afternoon we drove up to Joyce & Terry’s where we sorted out plans for our upcoming holiday to Italy and cracked open a bottle or two before dinner. Friends joined us for a lovely meal, entertaining and lively conversation and a bit more to drink (I am going to have to learn to drink some water – I had the worst case of sweats, headache and queasiness during that night... ever!).
On Sunday we talked to my folks in NZ about the upcoming holiday - they are joining us here in the UK and in Italy too (something we are all looking forward to very much). Afterwards we took the dog for a walk in the woods where we saw some deer. As the ground was still quite muddy we made Sue swap her girlie flip-flops for ‘lesbian’ rambling boots. Later on (Sue having changed back into girlie footware) we went up to walk around the gardens at the nearby Waddesdon Manor…
Waddesdon Manor
…a truly over the top mish-mash of styles and influences, all covered in layers of gilt.
We also visited their garden shop and bought a few plants for home (and a few for the allotment to make up for the occasional seed failure).
Bank Holiday Monday we went back down to the allotment where we worked until our neighbours rang and invited us out to lunch. We met up and walked through the park to The Grange where again we ate and drank (hmm… a theme develops, no wonder we have not lost any more weight recently).
But then it was all over… now back to work (last week for Sue. After Friday she becomes a kept woman). We found out that our neighbour and another friend have Mondays off, so I can see them becoming the ladies-that-lunch (I am totaly jealous).
The weekend started late for me as I needed to get a quote out to a client and we were missing some crucial information from our French colleagues. Some of us were stuck at work for a few extra hours until we managed to knock something together. Sue and I were going to go around to friends to watch the last Friends episode, but we ended up flopping in front of the TV at home.
Saturday we spent some time out in the garden and at the allotment, planting and weeding (again). That afternoon we drove up to Joyce & Terry’s where we sorted out plans for our upcoming holiday to Italy and cracked open a bottle or two before dinner. Friends joined us for a lovely meal, entertaining and lively conversation and a bit more to drink (I am going to have to learn to drink some water – I had the worst case of sweats, headache and queasiness during that night... ever!).
On Sunday we talked to my folks in NZ about the upcoming holiday - they are joining us here in the UK and in Italy too (something we are all looking forward to very much). Afterwards we took the dog for a walk in the woods where we saw some deer. As the ground was still quite muddy we made Sue swap her girlie flip-flops for ‘lesbian’ rambling boots. Later on (Sue having changed back into girlie footware) we went up to walk around the gardens at the nearby Waddesdon Manor…
Waddesdon Manor
…a truly over the top mish-mash of styles and influences, all covered in layers of gilt.
We also visited their garden shop and bought a few plants for home (and a few for the allotment to make up for the occasional seed failure).
Bank Holiday Monday we went back down to the allotment where we worked until our neighbours rang and invited us out to lunch. We met up and walked through the park to The Grange where again we ate and drank (hmm… a theme develops, no wonder we have not lost any more weight recently).
But then it was all over… now back to work (last week for Sue. After Friday she becomes a kept woman). We found out that our neighbour and another friend have Mondays off, so I can see them becoming the ladies-that-lunch (I am totaly jealous).
I know who did it!
As many of you will know I have been playing around with the idea of being an author. I like the idea – it is just all the writing stuff that is a problem. Anyway I have been submitting stories every month to the Student Discussion Group that I belong to that includes other aspiring authors and the tutors from the Writing Stories for Children course I did a while back.
New Zealand Institute of Business Studies
Each month the tutor sets a ‘competition’ by giving a story title, a target audience and word count limit. The students write the story and then everybody votes on their favourite. This month I won! The story I wrote was a bit last minute too… I had been busy doing other writing for the BBC3 End-Of-Story competition. The title I found to be a bit confrontational, and some of the other stories written were focused on how it is not nice to tell tales. I think there is a fine line between telling kids not to be snitches and making sure they do tell the authorities if there is a real problem. My solution was to write a deliberately old-fashioned style of story that tried to be positive. Here it is…
I know who did it!
For children ages 6 to 8 years old.
400 words max
My name is Rosie and today is my seventh birthday.
I couldn’t wait for the school day to finish. I was so excited because my Granddad was throwing a party for me and all my friends would be coming.
Where I sat at my desk in class I could see out the window onto the High Street. Lots of people had been walking up and down all day.
As soon as the school bell rang I ran down to Granddads place. He greeted me at the door all dressed up in his best suit. He gave me a big hug and said, “Come and look at the front room.”
It was all decorated beautifully. In the middle of the table was the biggest birthday cake I had ever seen.
“Who made that?” I asked.
“Guess.”
Well, I remembered that I saw Mr. Bobble walking down the road carrying a big box. His hands were all covered with different colours, just like the icing on the cake.
“Was it Mr. Bobble?”
“No. Mr. Bobble made the banner.” It was a wonderful Happy Birthday Rosie banner painted in many different colours.
I also saw Mrs. Tinker cycle down the road with her basket on her bike. She was waving at bees that buzzed after her. They could have smelled sugar like that in the cake.
“Was it Mrs. Tinker?”
“No. Mrs. Tinker brought the flowers.” There was a lovely smelling bunch of roses in a vase.
I did see Mrs. Fannaker-Pants walk down the road pushing her trolley. I am sure I saw some ribbon sticking out of the top, just like that around the cake.
“Was it Mrs. Fannaker-Pants?”
“No. Mrs. Fannaker-Pants made you a party dress.” There hanging behind the door was a pretty pink dress with a ribbon bow at the middle.
“Put it on before everybody turns up." Granddad said. “I’ll be in the kitchen.”
I was just fastening my party dress up, when I noticed white footprints on the carpet. I followed them to the kitchen and when I opened the door there was Granddad at the sink. He was washing a big bowl and a big tin. There was a packet of currents on the bench and flour all over the floor.
“I know who did it!” I shouted, “It was you Granddad. You made my birthday cake!”
“I did, just for my special little Rosie.”
New Zealand Institute of Business Studies
Each month the tutor sets a ‘competition’ by giving a story title, a target audience and word count limit. The students write the story and then everybody votes on their favourite. This month I won! The story I wrote was a bit last minute too… I had been busy doing other writing for the BBC3 End-Of-Story competition. The title I found to be a bit confrontational, and some of the other stories written were focused on how it is not nice to tell tales. I think there is a fine line between telling kids not to be snitches and making sure they do tell the authorities if there is a real problem. My solution was to write a deliberately old-fashioned style of story that tried to be positive. Here it is…
I know who did it!
For children ages 6 to 8 years old.
400 words max
My name is Rosie and today is my seventh birthday.
I couldn’t wait for the school day to finish. I was so excited because my Granddad was throwing a party for me and all my friends would be coming.
Where I sat at my desk in class I could see out the window onto the High Street. Lots of people had been walking up and down all day.
As soon as the school bell rang I ran down to Granddads place. He greeted me at the door all dressed up in his best suit. He gave me a big hug and said, “Come and look at the front room.”
It was all decorated beautifully. In the middle of the table was the biggest birthday cake I had ever seen.
“Who made that?” I asked.
“Guess.”
Well, I remembered that I saw Mr. Bobble walking down the road carrying a big box. His hands were all covered with different colours, just like the icing on the cake.
“Was it Mr. Bobble?”
“No. Mr. Bobble made the banner.” It was a wonderful Happy Birthday Rosie banner painted in many different colours.
I also saw Mrs. Tinker cycle down the road with her basket on her bike. She was waving at bees that buzzed after her. They could have smelled sugar like that in the cake.
“Was it Mrs. Tinker?”
“No. Mrs. Tinker brought the flowers.” There was a lovely smelling bunch of roses in a vase.
I did see Mrs. Fannaker-Pants walk down the road pushing her trolley. I am sure I saw some ribbon sticking out of the top, just like that around the cake.
“Was it Mrs. Fannaker-Pants?”
“No. Mrs. Fannaker-Pants made you a party dress.” There hanging behind the door was a pretty pink dress with a ribbon bow at the middle.
“Put it on before everybody turns up." Granddad said. “I’ll be in the kitchen.”
I was just fastening my party dress up, when I noticed white footprints on the carpet. I followed them to the kitchen and when I opened the door there was Granddad at the sink. He was washing a big bowl and a big tin. There was a packet of currents on the bench and flour all over the floor.
“I know who did it!” I shouted, “It was you Granddad. You made my birthday cake!”
“I did, just for my special little Rosie.”
Sunday, May 23, 2004
big things are afoot...
It has been quite a while since I have written of what we have been up to. We have been busy but much of it has been in the planning stages.
Sue
Sue has finally decided that the company she works for are not going to get their act together any time soon so, after many weeks of soul searching, she has handed her notice in. Anyone who knows Sue we understand that she doesn’t like being a quitter. The job has become too much of a burden and it was actually making her sick. Anyway, with the other things that are happening she will find plenty to keep her busy.
Jamie
It was Jamie’s 18th birthday last week, a big deal here in the UK, as important if not more so than a persons 21st. Jamie is not one for big parties or being the centre of attention so he opted for a family dinner at a local Chinese restaurant, and a family barbeque at home on the evening of his actual birthday. He has had his first ‘A’ level exam on Friday and so he has been studying quite hard in the hope he make up his grades to get into the University he wants. This didn’t stop him from accepting an invitation from his cousin to go out for a few drinks on Friday night.
Mark
Things are pretty much the same for me. Work is still just work, though I do have an opportunity to go to one of our companies head offices in California at the end of next month. They are in the process of designing a new software tool to help in the pricing of quotations for one of our product ranges, and as I put together most of these quotes in the UK I have been asked to join the development team for a week. On the creative side I have still been writing my children stories each month for the discussion group I belong to and I have also submitted an end-of-story for the BBC 3 competition. I chose Sue Townsends story to complete…
end-of-story
Holiday, My Folks and Joyce & Terry
Another big thing in the planning has been a family holiday to Italy. As many of you know my Aunt Joyce has been dealing with cancer for some time now. Well, she has had to go back onto chemo and radio therapy treatment as it has returned, so plans for a holiday to their favourite destination of Italy were scheduled around the treatment. We have been on several holidays with them abroad including Italy and we have found that we have very compatible interests – a little bit of culture and a large helping of good food and wine. We had also talked with my folks who were interested in a holiday abroad and wanted to get together with us so we put it all together and we are off to a lovely farm stay in Italy for a week…
Montebello
My folks are also going to see other family and friends while they are over here in the UK.
The House
We have finally had the decorators in to fix the water damaged dinning room ceiling, but the carpet is waiting until we have done some more work on the rest of the house (well, by ‘we’ I mean mostly Sue – she has volunteered to decorate after she leaves work). In fact as I write she is in the bathroom cleaning down the paintwork with sugar soap. We have managed to do some work on the garden at home though again it has mostly been Sue as I spend a great deal of my time down at the allotment.
The Allotment
It is all go at the allotment at the moment, the sunshine and intermittent wet weather are making everything grow, mostly the weeds which take a great deal of time to keep down. We only have a few spaces empty on the plot and for these the small plants are either growing in the greenhouse or on a seed bed.
Music
I haven’t bought any new music for some time now, though I do have quite a few on my Amazon Wish List. I did get the D12 CD for Jamie’s birthday which is a collaboration by Eminem and friends. Sue did find a new group called Keane, they are very much from the same mould as Coldplay – very good background music…
Keane
Just For Fun
I know this is quite old but I don’t know how many of you have seen Bush and Blair sing Gay Bar…
Bush & Blair sing Gay Bar
If you are interested in the Games Workshop table top game called BloodBowl, a friend of mine has found this on-line version…
BloodBowl on-line
Ok. Now I think you are all up to speed with what we have been doing.
Sue
Sue has finally decided that the company she works for are not going to get their act together any time soon so, after many weeks of soul searching, she has handed her notice in. Anyone who knows Sue we understand that she doesn’t like being a quitter. The job has become too much of a burden and it was actually making her sick. Anyway, with the other things that are happening she will find plenty to keep her busy.
Jamie
It was Jamie’s 18th birthday last week, a big deal here in the UK, as important if not more so than a persons 21st. Jamie is not one for big parties or being the centre of attention so he opted for a family dinner at a local Chinese restaurant, and a family barbeque at home on the evening of his actual birthday. He has had his first ‘A’ level exam on Friday and so he has been studying quite hard in the hope he make up his grades to get into the University he wants. This didn’t stop him from accepting an invitation from his cousin to go out for a few drinks on Friday night.
Mark
Things are pretty much the same for me. Work is still just work, though I do have an opportunity to go to one of our companies head offices in California at the end of next month. They are in the process of designing a new software tool to help in the pricing of quotations for one of our product ranges, and as I put together most of these quotes in the UK I have been asked to join the development team for a week. On the creative side I have still been writing my children stories each month for the discussion group I belong to and I have also submitted an end-of-story for the BBC 3 competition. I chose Sue Townsends story to complete…
end-of-story
Holiday, My Folks and Joyce & Terry
Another big thing in the planning has been a family holiday to Italy. As many of you know my Aunt Joyce has been dealing with cancer for some time now. Well, she has had to go back onto chemo and radio therapy treatment as it has returned, so plans for a holiday to their favourite destination of Italy were scheduled around the treatment. We have been on several holidays with them abroad including Italy and we have found that we have very compatible interests – a little bit of culture and a large helping of good food and wine. We had also talked with my folks who were interested in a holiday abroad and wanted to get together with us so we put it all together and we are off to a lovely farm stay in Italy for a week…
Montebello
My folks are also going to see other family and friends while they are over here in the UK.
The House
We have finally had the decorators in to fix the water damaged dinning room ceiling, but the carpet is waiting until we have done some more work on the rest of the house (well, by ‘we’ I mean mostly Sue – she has volunteered to decorate after she leaves work). In fact as I write she is in the bathroom cleaning down the paintwork with sugar soap. We have managed to do some work on the garden at home though again it has mostly been Sue as I spend a great deal of my time down at the allotment.
The Allotment
It is all go at the allotment at the moment, the sunshine and intermittent wet weather are making everything grow, mostly the weeds which take a great deal of time to keep down. We only have a few spaces empty on the plot and for these the small plants are either growing in the greenhouse or on a seed bed.
Music
I haven’t bought any new music for some time now, though I do have quite a few on my Amazon Wish List. I did get the D12 CD for Jamie’s birthday which is a collaboration by Eminem and friends. Sue did find a new group called Keane, they are very much from the same mould as Coldplay – very good background music…
Keane
Just For Fun
I know this is quite old but I don’t know how many of you have seen Bush and Blair sing Gay Bar…
Bush & Blair sing Gay Bar
If you are interested in the Games Workshop table top game called BloodBowl, a friend of mine has found this on-line version…
BloodBowl on-line
Ok. Now I think you are all up to speed with what we have been doing.
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
the worm within...
Here is a great 'story-blog' site I have just found where people put their own literary creations...
{fray}
The lead story I found and read is the 'Worm Within'. Beware do not read this if you are a of a nervous disposition - it is enough to put you off meat. Make mine Well-Done!
worm within
Whew!!
{fray}
The lead story I found and read is the 'Worm Within'. Beware do not read this if you are a of a nervous disposition - it is enough to put you off meat. Make mine Well-Done!
worm within
Whew!!
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
well, I'll be blogged!
Blogger has been given a face-lift.
I have taken advantage of this to alter the appearance of Virtually Nothing...
What do you think of it so far?
It doesn't change the content though...
...sorry.
I have taken advantage of this to alter the appearance of Virtually Nothing...
What do you think of it so far?
It doesn't change the content though...
...sorry.
Monday, May 10, 2004
The best radio station in the world…
I found KEXP while I was surfing the net looking for something to listen to at work. What attracted me to this station was the variety of music with minimum of interference by the DJ’s and no commercials. As an avid buyer of non-mainstream music I also found the on-line real-time play-list a boon. I can look back and find the name of the track, artist and label of any song I have heard.
Some information about KEXP from their web-site;
Beginning as a tiny 10-watt station back in 1972, KEXP has grown over the years into an innovative, influential cultural force in the Seattle community and beyond
KEXP Public Radio is not an ordinary community-supported station. Offering a rare, unrivalled mix of music that can’t be found anyplace else, KEXP serves listeners in Seattle and around the globe through its online streaming services.
KEXP, a non-profit organization with its broadcast license held by the University of Washington, relies on a growing level of support from individuals, businesses and foundations.
In addition to community contributions, KEXP has also received three years of investment from the Experience Music Project. This partnership will allow KEXP to build and expand its broadcast services, and by the end of 2005, KEXP will be self-sufficient.
All gifts to KEXP are helping to build a strong foundation as an independent public radio station. Contributions are tax-deductible, and are a wise investment in ensuring this creative force in radio thrives for years to come.
KEXP, where the music matters
Some information about KEXP from their web-site;
Beginning as a tiny 10-watt station back in 1972, KEXP has grown over the years into an innovative, influential cultural force in the Seattle community and beyond
KEXP Public Radio is not an ordinary community-supported station. Offering a rare, unrivalled mix of music that can’t be found anyplace else, KEXP serves listeners in Seattle and around the globe through its online streaming services.
KEXP, a non-profit organization with its broadcast license held by the University of Washington, relies on a growing level of support from individuals, businesses and foundations.
In addition to community contributions, KEXP has also received three years of investment from the Experience Music Project. This partnership will allow KEXP to build and expand its broadcast services, and by the end of 2005, KEXP will be self-sufficient.
All gifts to KEXP are helping to build a strong foundation as an independent public radio station. Contributions are tax-deductible, and are a wise investment in ensuring this creative force in radio thrives for years to come.
KEXP, where the music matters
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