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Thursday 30 November 2017

It's all getting more real



So the fixtures were released yesterday and the three 'mustgetbeers' managed to arrange to meet up. A swift call to the Headingley Lodge got the bookings sorted and now I can just sit back and wait..............something that I am not very good at I can tell you.

I was sad to see that the Festival week at Scarbados is not with Nottinghamshire, it is with  second best, Worcestershire. I was swiftly rumbled by Gary as to my delight at this fixture.
As there is no HRR this season to photograph I have to find myself another subject for goodness sake!

And talking Worcestershire, there is some terrible news coming from the club regarding a young player.


back in next season, there are more day/night matches going on , which means that I can get into my jimjams early and watch from the warmth of my room, always a bonus.

And after all the flurry of fixture action we can now settle down and await the arrival of Pere Noel, and this year I will apparently be meeting him in person in the local bar in Damedididomain.

Lots to look forward to.


Like ships in the night BNOTF and I will be passing each other at Yuletide, however I have agreed to let him come and stay  at the chateau for the festive season and look after things for me. I visualise a mound of washing up that never made the dishwasher on my return!

Thoughts are also turning to case packing, and I think that I may have to make a start soon.

However the new TV arrives on Friday so I may just have figured out how to set that up by the time I leave for France.

New dining room light fitting goes up next week after having to cancel it because of being ill.

Yes its all going on, and I am now going off line and up the A167. another hour to go 8 miles. The joy of the road system.

have a splendid Thursday.





Wednesday 29 November 2017

It's the big one!


well today is the 'biggy',the day of the County Championship fixtures, I will get to see how many matches I will be able to see over next season.

This is a sure sign that spring is on the way, its all go now for the new season.

yesterday the T20 fixtures were released and I was straight on the phone to The Headingley Lodge to book a room for August 17th. The Annual get together, although it appears that one of the trio is going to let us down! Oh Jim! our partner in hi jinx!!!

We have however asked him to send a replacement and put in a special request.

If that falls through then I am sure that Sophie and I can make up for him!


I never really had a look at the others, I will have a good look tonight after hanging some wallpaper.

In other news Travis Head has been named captain of The Strikers for the forthcoming BBL.

The ECB are still denying rumours that Ben Stokes will join up with the team  after flying to New Zealia. As I never believe anything that the ECB say it could be that he is just inching closer to a place.
if not then he certainly picked his time to go on holiday to see family! Any publicity and all that!!


I am well on the mend from the lurgy ( touch wood ). Upside is that I have found my hip bones which have been missing in action since 1999, at first, when I was laid in bed the other night I though that I had developed some other malady, then the realisation dawned on me that I have lost so much weight that my padding had decreased.

Hopefully the rear end decreases too, I am beginning to look like Kim Kardashian, and that is not a pleasant thought.

so onward and upward.

The fixtures are so close I can smell them, and my sense of smell is on over drive at the moment, I still cannot bear the smell of coffee or toast or any food really, so plain spaghetti for me again today.

Hopefully I will have my appetite back soon. Not wanting to eat is the most alien thing to me.

Now I am off to do battle with a mound of paper work and brave the cold and wet that is Wednesday.


Have a great fixtures day.

Its Wednesday, its mid week, smile!









Tuesday 28 November 2017

T20 Tuesday




So today we see some of our 'fanxiety, put to rest. If I am correct in the understanding that today will be the day that the T20 fixtures are released and the CC will come later this week

This means that the 'cete of badgers' will be able to organise their yearly meet up and get the hotel booked!! YEAY!!!!

It also means that I can see which Fridays I can head down to Headingley after half day at work, that is such a great thing with the new job!

It's good to look forward to the new season.

I need it, I  think we are going to have a long tour down under!

The  press and rumour mill are having the time of their lives with the 'Jonny B' headbutting  incident. It has taken over from the Stokes incident which in turn took over from..................................well you get the drift.
There does however seem to be a common theme in all the threads, bars and drink.
Of course we are constantly being told there is no drinking culture in the England dressing room. maybe its time to drop the champers in celebrations for Perrier water and see what happens on  night out.

Just a thought.


So back to today, off to the office, watch out for fixtures at 11am, book hotel at 11.05am. Have some plain spaghetti for lunch ( yes I am still on plain food and still no coffee). Take Northlands Road print to the framers to be transformed and then at 5pm sit in traffic for an hour swearing at everyone as I want to get home and go to bed!


Full on day if you factor in the 14 O & M manuals to be done like yesterday!

Ah the joy of work.

however it is a means to an end.

And with that I must end the blog and head off for another 'happy hour' in the car as I fight my way to work.


Have a great Tuesday, smile its fixture day.










Monday 27 November 2017

Nearly back to normal ( whatever that is)



well, new day, new week, and I am standing upright finally.
after succumbing to the 'winter vomiting bug' according to the NHS helpline, I am now 1/2 stone lighter, have a total dislike of coffee (WHHHHATTTT!!!!???) and  am about to head back to work.

I have managed in past years to avoid this complaint and believe me after having it I am going to do my best never to get it again. The upside ( if there was an upside) is that I managed to sleep through the first test which  many of you may have wished you had too.

I struggled to work for my meeting on Friday, somehow managed to drive myself home. Crawled in the front door, and that is not an exaggeration, my neighbours must have been into total curtain twitching mode to see that. got into bed fully clothed due to being so cold that even the electric blanket on both sides didn't penetrate, and slept on and off for 17 hours ( of which 16 was probably full on sleep).
Saturday was  much the same apart from drinking litres of water, juice, dioralyte  ( I am considering buying shares) and Andrews.

By yesterday I was feeling well enough to put the washing in ( some things never change) and got showered and hairwashed ( although that made no impression on the fact that I was a white as the sheets I had just washed).

I have managed to eat 3 pieces of dry toast in the last 2 days, but the smell of food is still leaving me a little queasy.

Due to past problems with the temperature spiking, heart palpitating lurgy, I had been advised  that I couldn't fight this and had to let it take its course, which resulted in 2 missed blogs, something that I have rarely done in 5.5 years of blogging.

I'd like to say thank you for all your good wishes, I managed to reply to most when I was lucid, and some when I wasn't!!!

What can we say about England though, well lets just move onto the next test I think!

Meanwhile I am moving onto another week and lets hope it passes without any unnecessary drama.


Thoughts also today with the family of Phillip Hughes.


wishing you all a happy and healthy week.

I can now continue with the decorating!










Sunday 26 November 2017

I'm back ( sort of)





An urn no larger than a flea
Is known to cause such rivalry 
as fans in both countries would agree
these are the matches they waited for patiently.

Families in both hemispheres
Make the boundary lines very clear
they make it known to relations dear
Which team it is, that they will cheer.

'A matter of pride' is the communal cry
as each hold their national team on high
'lets hang those boys out to dry'
A common chant when the test is nigh.

A war of words on paper and screen
What the out come is, is yet to be seen
As players, bowl and bat and preen
And try to keep their sledging clean.

Seven weeks of serious tongue lashes
Seven weeks of cricket matches
Seven weeks of odd looking Aussies 'taches'
Sevens weeks of cricket, that is the Ashes


Thursday 23 November 2017

It's cricket





Yes it is all going  on as I type, the first test has started.
I toddled off to bed with the intention of just seeing what had happened this morning, but due to a wild raging storm I was woken up just after midnight and decided to put the radio on, to hear Tuffers bleating away, I was back to sleep  in no time and woke up refreshed at 5.15am as normal.
And before the keyboard warriors hone up their 2 finger typing skills to say 'call yourself a cricket fan?',
I had already made the decision not to listen based on a day of meetings. I love cricket, I just have a very busy couple of days ahead.


So here is how it stands ( although all of you will already know this)

Cook went for 2 bowled by Mitch Starc
Stoneman was gone for 53 and  the Vince was run out for 83.

Root and Malan are at the crease

score is 143-3

In other news Glamorgan have signed Shaun Marsh for two seasons which seems to be the way that it is going at the moment. Yorkshire have been lucky to sign an overseas player for 2 weeks let alone 2 years.
We are still waiting on news of a new arrival. I fear the great niece will be here before we get that news.

Much speculation about whether will take on a Kolpak player. Even though we all know that it is much talked about that we won't

I. just hope that we get a player that is not Australian,as I feel that they have let us down somewhat in the last few seasons.
Just my opinion.

Current score 148-3 and I am off out the door.

Places to go and people to meet and all that stuff.

I will be listening on the drive into work and then checking what happened up to close of play on twitter at lunchtime.


have a fabulous day, luckily the storm has passed here.

And remember we are less than a month from the shortest day...................and then it is nearly the cricket season.


Wednesday 22 November 2017

Midweek



Well not long now to wait for the fixtures and then everything can settle down in the chateau and I can get organised for 'le grand tour' to the Champagne region. I have lots to do in the next week.

Last night I was busy sorting out some things as my friend from the Rotary Club is trying to help a young family who have been re homed and have  to start from scratch. its been heart warming to see the amount of help he has received from everyone and hopefully it will give the family a start to make a home before Xmas.


After the news yesterday of the injury scare to David Warner, I see that the little the  'work experience Tyke' from a couple of seasons ago, Glenn Maxwell has been called into the side as cover.
Warner is sure that he will be fit for the game starting tomorrow but precautions are being taken.

There still seems to be unrest in the IPL, and we are only months away. Its all very complicated and is along the lines of retention of players and being able to buy players back. They should make this into a board game, it would be a great play on a cold evening.


Former Captain Cook says he is unfazed by the 'verbals' that are being reported in the build up to the first test, I personally am bored with it all. Let the game commence is what I say.


Well this isn't helping me to get out the door this morning, and traffic at the moment is worse than ever, so I think it is time to stop typing and start the engine.

Have a super Wednesday, we are midweek, and by the weekend I should have a new light fitting in the dining room.

How rock n roll!









Tuesday 21 November 2017

Positive Tuesday




Yes we have woken to rain, and cold and another 'fabulous' hair do courtesy of  my pillow, I think that I may soon find myself looking like Ena Sharples as I head to bed as I am now convinced that a hair net is the only way to have halfway decent hair in the morning................either that or don a wig!

I had forgotten how much my hair hates winter.


Over in cricket world, the talk is in full flow in the build up to the first test. To be honest I think that they should just let the bat and ball do the talking.

News from the  County champions, that they have appointed 'our own' Anthony Mcgrath as their new head coach, he has moved up from assistant to take the role.
He has obviously brought a bit of Yorkshire sparkle to the team who managed to sneak up on everyone unawares last season to take the title.
I wish him all the luck in the world in his new position he deserves it.


News from down under, David Warner has left the nets this morning with a suspected neck injury................maybe he should wind it in a bit!

just saying!

and Tim Paine, who has caused many furrowed brows in Australia with his selection, has said that the intends to make the most of the opportunity.


Well we are only a couple of days away from the start of the showdown and  after having a few nights of full sleep I  am beginning to wonder if I really should break the cycle by having the radio on all night. Its a  big decision with sleep being something that I  am needing badly.

I think that you all know how it will turn out.


Well turn out I must now, into the dark.

have a great Tuesday..................the start of cricket is nearly upon us.









Monday 20 November 2017

here we go!




Well its Monday, new week and all that it brings with it.

Yesterday  we got the news that the new baby, to whom I will be Great Aunt Lainey, is going to be a girl.
Luckily she will be born in Yorkshire and I hope that she will show more promise than her Dad as a cricketer.

The decision with names is with the parents but, I was toying with suggestions for them,  Drew, being a nod to our Hoddy, Ryana, obviously, but my personal fave at the moment is 'Jackalean'. Not sure what the monster nephew will have to say about this.

so now it will be all stations go as they collect things in pink! (yuk!) Personally I think anything with yellow and two shades of blue is fine for either sex!

Well now, is Usain Bolt going to be putting his name into the hat for future Australian coach, well after giving the team tips on 'explosive' running between the wickets, I am beginning to wonder.

What next?

Fatima Whitbread giving fielding talks on how to throw?

The all new Perth Stadium will be host its opening match on 28th January for the fifth ODI.. Should be worth a view.

All the chatter is now in full flow in the build up to Thursday, everyone having their day on who is best, who will work well etc, etc, etc.

Not long now to see how it goes.

How it is going here is that after heading  to bed with slightly damp hair, I show little resemblance to my normal afro, I have  a very 'nice' upright area of curls in the centre of my head and at the moment nothing will make them lie down, so off to the shower I go to try to sort it out.

I hope the week is a good one for you.

happy Monday




Sunday 19 November 2017

Cold and frosty Sunday






It's Sunday and its a cold crispy winter morning, I have lots to do and am trying to get organised.

Good news for all the cricket lovers, as we now know that the end of the month is the release of the fixtures.

So nails will remain in tact and I can get the diary ready for the dates.

All crickety news is the build up to the first test  which starts on Thursday. I have the bedside radio tuned in ready and will not be having much sleep I am guessing.


we will all be waiting to see what the England starting line up is.

Both team coaches have been having their say about what they think. Australia talking Stokes and England  saying they are ready to 'hit hard'.

Interesting to see how this all pans out.

well there is a veg casserole to go in the slow cooker and some chutney to be made, as well as cakes to be put in the oven. its a full on cooking day here, the house will be very toasty and hopefully smell delightful.

I am heading off to drop off a bag of 'stuff' at the charity shop which should make some more space, I am not sure how all of this turns up in my house, I am sure someone sneaks in with it when I am at work.

This is super short so have a peaceful Sunday, and if you are baking I hope you find the cake tins!











Saturday 18 November 2017

Let the weekend begin


right! I'm up and dressed and about to walk to the sorting office, then onto the decorating thing! however this weekend sees  me being slightly saddened by a couple of old friends from London who have on a whim bought a house in France and moved. A chat with them last night has opened my eyes to the fact that  when things are not going well for you, its easy to take it out on others.

House bought on first sight  and now sadly turns out to be a shambles.
They  want to only spend time with English people who actually are not interested in them.
neither of them speak French and have no intention of learning , and so are living in the middle of nowhere sad and lonely.

as they had not switched off their phone at the end of a 'whatsapp' call, it was interesting to hear what they really thought of me.

I guess its true that eavesdroppers never hear any good of themselves,

So back to today, and what's happening in the cricket world,

well every form of social media was alive yesterday with the news about Tim Paine being selected for Australia, it appears that he is not a popular choice. For some reason though my computer corrected his name to Tim Peake, now that would  have been 'out of this world' if he had been selected!!!

Jake Ball is expected to be fit for the first test , which is good news.

England drew their last warm up match against Australia XI, and we now move onto the main event this week.

Sophie and I are both suffering from 'fanxiety', this little known affliction is caused by the long drawn out wait for the fixture list to be released.
the only known antidote for this, is the ECB getting their finger out and give us the news we have been waiting for.

I am sure that their are a lot of you out their with the same symptoms as us,

irritability, from the wait.

finger ache from constantly tapping on any ECB posts on twitter

crossed eyes from staring at your phone or media device for too long.

inflamed liver from drinking to while away the off season.

well, we will be waiting a little bit longer for the news, so off to the sorting office I go.

happy Saturday, one and all.



Friday 17 November 2017

half day Friday




HOOOOFLIPPINGRAH!!!! It's half day Friday, I am shattered this morning, nothing to do with partying more to do with 'eedjit' that lives over the road, who came in at 11.30pm and sat in car for a full half hour with the engine running and music playing. He was asked to turn either or both off but did neither, the sounds of the baby in the house next to him, screaming didn't help either.

How to integrate into the neighbourhood!


In cricket, Otis Gibson has finally selected his coaching team and has gone with an all South African back room team.
Dale Benkenstein comes in as batting coach.
 Gibson had a complete clear out of the staff and I think that some counties in the UK should do the same, after all.

seven must be the magic year number, as Australia recall wicketkeeper Tim Paine., as I pointed out the other day, when Ryan ten Deschate was recalled by the Netherlands, 'HWMNBNITB' must  now be getting his abacus out to count how many years he has until England recall him!!!

Methinks no abacus with that many counters mate!


The days are getting shorter and catching a few glimpses of daylight are getting harder, however it is just over a month until the shortest day and then it will be all guns blazing for the start of  the cricket season.

I have to put a positive spin on it, as I am STILL waiting for some fixture news.

I have a busy day ahead and am hoping to be home and at least 5 lengths of wallpaper hung before 'wine time'.
Then I foresee an evening of  watching rubbish TV and knitting before I head off to bed.

Oh, there may be a quick chutney making session if I can fit it in.

Have a cracking Friday.



Thursday 16 November 2017

Another day begins



Another day begins and after the  fun of yesterday it is back to meetings and lots of work.

I had decided that instead of taking cake to work for my colleagues I would take a selection of cheese and crackers and lots of home made chutney, well that kept them quiet and full most of the day and also helped me to get through some of the tons of chutney that I had made.

The results in on the 3 types of chutney on offer were that they were all good, which for someone that doesn't eat it, was excellent to hear.


Food was also causing a problem in cricket, during a Sheffield Shield match in Australia, Nathan Lyon decided to make himself some toast which set off the fire alarms and caused the  Stuart Law stand to be evacuated!
 Luckily the match was able to continue after the Fire Brigade had given the all clear.
Lyon is Australia's first choice  test spinner so lets hope he doesn't get peckish during the test!

No news on the county front and I know that we are all waiting for the release of the fixtures, which will cause lots of excitement and Booking.com to crash!

In my huge house  clear out I found my old china tea set, which had given me many hours of joy when I was a child, it had seen more 'orange squash' tea parties than I care to mention.
I toyed with sending it to the charity shop but knew that if I saw it I would have to buy it back. I was chatting to my assistant Elaine at work and she was talking about her Grand daughter Jessica and what they do when she comes to stay. I offered her the tea set and yesterday got a beautiful note and picture from Jess to say thank you.

it really made my day and I am pleased to know that it is being used and loved as much as when I had it.

I am now off to pack my new handbag for work, don my new earrings, put on my new face cream and have a glug of gin( only joking) before I head out the door.

The stunning bouquet that arrived when I got home is so fragrant that you can smell it right through the house.

Well off I go, hope that you all have a wonderful day.


Wednesday 15 November 2017

It's my birthday!







Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday to me
I may be only 21
But I look 23 (stone)


Happy Wednesday and Happy Birthday to me!

I have opened all my cards and pressies that have arrived and I am absolutely over the moon, how well everyone knows me.

A fabulous framed set of Concorde stamps, a new handbag, gin, special ( make me look younger) face cream from France and a wonderful selection of North African goodies are just some of the fabulous pressies as well as a beautiful ring and an outstanding bracelet.
I am well and truly spoilt that is for sure.

I have to nip to the sorting office on the way to work and pick up another pressie so I am super excited!

It's all too much and although I have to go to work, I don't care a jot.

I've just had messages from New Zealia and Australia ( from my favourite rock drummer/cricketer) and had a chat with my friend in South Africa, its been epic already.

I just hope that I have some super cricket news too.

lets have a look.


Well Steven Mullaney, has been appointed Nottinghamshire Captain next season. a great player and many congratulations to him.

Ryan ten Doeschate has returned to the Netherlands  national side after a break of 7 years,  I fear this might put ideas into the head of 'HWMNBNITB'.

Best birthday news in the world is that Dale 'The Stare' Steyn is to return to cricket after a year out , he will feature in a T20 match tonight.
Now that is cracking birthday news.

Sussex are looking for a new Head Coach, I think that I might put myself forward.

now though, I am getting myself into gear for a day in the office.

Well even birthday Lady's have to go to work sometimes.

have a great Wednesday





Tuesday 14 November 2017

Tired old Tuesday!



Its Tuesday, its cold, and I am a little bit tired. I was busy moving furniture around last night and before I knew it, it was time for bed!
I can see that I will be counting down the hours until I can crawl back in.

Yesterday saw the unveiling of the new Yorkshire kit for 2018, its very nice but looking very similar to last seasons I think. I still love the pale blue though.

The England boys had a day out experiencing Australian wildlife, the pics of Moeen  with a koala are priceless. He doesn't look too sure!

There is s flurry of activity ahead of the IPL and I don't mean cricketers, it is to do with the media and title rights. tendering for the rights will come in January less than 2 months ahead of the first game.

I'm wondering if this is to hype up the game or have the 'wheels' fallen off the 'flagship' version of the T20 game.
It is being said that there will be huge bids for the rights and so only time will tell.

I'm trying to read as much of this as I can but time is not on my side this morning.

I hope that the ECB are watching this carefully.

Well I am hoping  we get some extra cricket news this week, or I may have to start to make it up.

However in other news.....................................I'm super excited because it is my birthday coming up and although I will be at work, I am going to make the most of it.

Right off to crack the whip and then home for a visit and an early night

have a good day and wrap up warm, its freezing out there.






Monday 13 November 2017

back to the real world



Well I am up and not a seagull sound to be heard, which was the first indication that I am home! Second indication was the fact that I was putting washing on at stupid o' clock.


now I am preparing for another week in the world of water treatment.

The weekend has flown by and was absolutely what I needed. Lots of fresh air, and lots of laughter, which was non stop, and catching up with Sophie, it was a dull drive home over the moors in torrential rain.

I was intending to have a nap when I got home, but ended up in bed before 8pm, which was not bad thing.

The hotel that we stayed in was very good, central, ( opposite the station), stacks of hot water which for me was perfect as there was a bath!!
The breakfasts were great and again for me being vegan, just perfect.
And there was a bar! Always handy.


Cricket news has been the furthest thing from my mind, although I am sure that we will  get some big news this week, which in my birthday week will be wonderful.

Good to hear that Jake Ball  could be fit for the first test.

Also spotted that Aaron Finch has signed a 2 year T20 deal with Surrey. Well we didn't want him to come back to Yorkshire!
I'm hoping that we go down the South African route this coming season, the Aussies that we have had previously haven;t really performed on the field.

Just my opinion.


well short one this morning  as the A167 is calling to me, I need to try to run my fingers through the afro and head off.

Happy Monday.

Don't work too hard.




Sunday 12 November 2017

Scarborough Saturday



Saturday began with a hearty breakfast and the decision to head up to the castle.
All wrap up we walked off into the sunshine.

After heading up a street that turned out to be steeper than the north face of Everest, we arrived at the castle out of breath and slightly red faced.

Realising that we would have to pay the price of several Dirty Martinis  to get in. We headed back down to sea level and made our way up North Marine Road.

We were expecting to poke our noses through the gates at the cricket ground  but no! The tea room was open and into the ground we went.
After a coffee and a bite to eat we had a gentle wander around the ground and then sat in the pavilion just letting the sunshine and peace and quiet wash over us.


Eventually (an hour and a half later) we headed back towards the hotel. Via the Art Gallery  where we purchased some prints and the artist very kindly signed them

Back to our hotel we found a blue plaque  saying that in the hotel, Charles Laughton  the actor was born. It seems his parents had owned it.
This explains why the rooms all have actors names.
We are in the 'Rita Hayworth' although we pass the 'Laurel and Hardy ' room and thank our lucky stars!!!

We rounded off our day with 3 pints of old speckled hen and wandering down to the local Greek family restaurant.
George Michaels! It was called.
It was brilliant that I could just order from the menu without any fuss.
Great food and the Metaxa was just what we needed before heading back to the hotel.

In bed by 9.30pm!
Yes really.
There was a disco going on downstairs  but these party girls know their limits.
 And now we are preparing to head off for brekkie.

It's been a great weekend.


Saturday 11 November 2017

Hello from Scarbs

  This is not really a blog it's just to say that it was full on busy yesterday and then off to Scarbados.
Sophie arrived about 5pm and we started on the Martinis.
Went to the bar and then fell into bed.

Today we are off  to the castle to blow the cobwebs off .

So great to be in Scarborough with Sophie.
Hope you all have a great weekend

Friday 10 November 2017

Woooooooooooo




I'm going to Scarbados.

Wooooo land of the B & B,

Woooo I'm going to meet Fun Sophie,

By the freezing cold  North sea!


yes today is the day when I venture back over the Moors and head off to Scarbados for a weekend of fun and belly laughs with Sophie!

The weather is not going to be as warm as August ( although you never know) , so I am full of beans this morning and raring to go!

Lots to do before I head off though.



Firstlu some cricket news.

The injury list is getting longer as Jake Ball has sprained his ankle in the England warm up match.

Sprained ankles, torn cartilage, back strain, shin splints, fractured eyelashes, the list of possible cricket injuries is a minefield for players.

It is hard to believe that these boys are going to make it through to Christmas at this rate.


Lets hope that we don't lose any more before Brisbane!

Good to see that Glenn Maxwell is fighting to get his number 6 slot in the Ashes team.
the man with a reputation for big hitting ( although we were slightly underwhelmed when he was at Yorkshire) is  determined to get on the team sheet for the first test.


well that's all folks!


I cannot guarantee that there will be blog an an unearthly hour tomorrow but I am sure that there will be one!

Happy Friday !







Thursday 9 November 2017

Nearly there



So it's Thursday and nearly the end of the week.......................and then holibobs!

L have my bag nearly ready and I am good  to go.................. think!

Over in Australia England are playing their second warm up match against Australia XI and  were allout for 293, Australia XI are currently on a drinks break and are 66-5.

In County news, Matthew Maynard is rejoining Glamorgan as the consultant batting coach, this is a part time position and see Maynard return to the county where  he has been Captain and also Director of cricket.

I wonder if we will be seeing more of these 'part time' coaches in the future.

Some counties have so many 'coaches' that the wages bill alone  would probably pay my mortgage fora few years!

It is cold and stormy outside this morning and I am keeping it short as my drive to work this week, all 8 miles of it has been taking over an hour, and don't get me started about my drive home!

Never mind lots to look forward to and hopefully England will have cleaned out the Aussies by the time I am at my desk.


No decorating tonight I am taking a weeks break and will crack on next week to get things finished.

Have a great Thursday, wrap up warm






Wednesday 8 November 2017

Wednesday




Well pack the 'Janet and John' books and fold away the speedos, the news from Down Under is that  the ECB tourist is to be sent home! sadly for him, the scan on his knee has showen up a torn cartilage and home he must come.

he has to be the unluckiest bowler in the history of England.
Don't say I didn't warn you though!

And onto his lounger comes Tom Curran. Lets see how this pans out then!

In the Australia warm up match, Mitchell Starc made history by taking a second hat trick in the match against Western Australia.

The ECB cricket bosses have been talking about how to handle Ben Stokes when/if he returns to the fold. 'censure and support' is the way forward they say.
Surely this should be something that is in place for all the players?
Are they saying that they just pick them and leave then to it?


there is a lot of chatter about the forthcoming IPL series as the big wigs get their heads together, more on this when they publish their findings.

England coach Trevor Bayliss has said that he does not have a problem with playing Mason Crane in a test..............well to be honest it may be a 'must have to' situation if the breakdowns continue.


So yesterday saw 5 months of hard work pay off, a meeting with one of our clients, was really positive and as I have been trying to clear a years backlog, they were very surprised at the way things had moved forward. Another meeting next Thursday should hopefully  see us well and truly top of the class.

Lots of work to do before then, finishing off the projects.

I am  in the process of repacking my bag for the weekend, but now I must head out the door and off to the office.

have a great Wednesday




.

Tuesday 7 November 2017

BRRRRRR!!!!



Ahh the heady days of Summer are well and truly behind us a it now seems to be winter coat weather.
To be honest I am not sure where the summer went or if it came at all, but it was slightly warmer than this morning. Upside is there is no frost!

we are closer to the release of  the fixtures and I am getting a tad excited about this. it will mean that I have to get into full on planning mode and will be hunting for hotels to stay in. Ah the joy of the new season!.

In cricket there is still no Stokes news.

David Willey has re signed for The Scorchers in the BBL, which is great for them and hopefully will pay off for us next season.

Glenn McGrath has joined Sky for the Ashes which will make my viewing a lot more bearable.he is in my top 10 all time bowlers.

one of my up and coming bowlers to the top ten, Mitchell Starc took a hat trick in the warm up match, as he heads to full fitness for the forthcoming series.

BBC cricket site was asking you to pick your all time Ashes XI they mentioned Jeff Thomson.
My experience with the said man was at a cricket dinner, when he singled me out of the crowd and spent a good part of the evening heckling me!.
He did however buy me a drink at the end of the evening.
his mention of bouncers had nothing to do with cricket however!!!!

I had an evening off from decorating, whilst planning my next job with military precision. I will be cracking on this week ( well tonight to Thursday) to get the bathroom sorted and then I will be ready for my weekend away.
Did I mention that I was going to Scarborough to meet Fun Sophie??

Well I am, and I cannot wait!

Wrap up warm its cold out there!



Monday 6 November 2017

Once more into the frost dear friends



After a fabulously clear Bonfire night, it  is again very frosty this morning, luckily the limo is safely tucked up in the garage awaiting the impending drive to work.

Yesterday was very busy as I tidied up the dining room, put up the new curtain pole and curtains and steam cleaned the toilet floor. Two rooms completed and it only half killed me!

Over the years I have spent a small fortune on toilet seats, wooden ones, self closing ones, multi coloured one and always have the same problem. They never fit properly, move around and with the wooden ones break away from the fittings.
So in the search for the perfect loo seat, I bought a bog ( excuse the pun) standard plastic one to see me through until I found it.!!
Low and behold, this is the perfect toilet seat!
Fits perfectly, does not move and is tightly fitted and looks good.
Result!

I bet you never imagined when you opened the blog this morning that toilet seats would be the order of the day !

 I then headed off with besty friend Chris to get a new Ikea chair bed. Handy little thing to go in the home office, metal action wooden slatted single bed which folds up into a chair. Brilliant and will look excellent when I have the strength to carry it up stairs!

England did OK on the 2nd day of the warm up match with James Anderson taking four wickets.
Andrew Strauss has been talking about Stokes and depending where you read it ,it reads differently.

he is reported to have said that not having Stokes with the team is a huge blow to them.
And he is also seeking 'clarity' in the case as he is expecting Stokes to rejoin the team down under.

Lets see what this week holds if anything.
Was his talking about it a signal that something is about to happen?

Who knows.

well as news is scarce this morning I will head off to start my week.

Only 4 more sleeps and I am off to Scarbados!


Woooohoooo









Sunday 5 November 2017

Jack Frost has been!



I have woken up to frost this morning, I have to say it was a little chilly last night....................but did you see the moon? That was some full moon and due to the very clear skies here it was in all its glory.
My garden was lit up beautifully.

I had a busy day which included playing 'throw the squeaky toy' for Benji when I went to the garage to get the car serviced. This went on for much longer and I usually had to go and collect the said toy for him!
Somehow I think that he has me very well trained!

I have been lucky enough to know Benji since the first day he arrived. he is very funny and has a habit of pinning you to the sofa and staring straight into your eyes! very off putting it is I can tell you.

Got home and finished the dining room papering , then set too on other things until I was very unwell. I began to feel slightly sick and was preparing to go out for the evening, I ended up in bed at 7.30pm and stayed there right through until 6.30am!

I am now up, feeling much better and washing is in the machine, the dining room is about to be hoovered and I will make some cakes too.

over in Australia England are fielding and Western Australia are currently 245-5.

Englands women are also in action and fighting hard.


STILL no news on the Stokes saga, although some of the England cricketers are saying they expect him to play a part  in The Ashes.............I'm not so sure.

Well the sun is breaking through and it looks as if it will be a lovely day, if a little cold.

I have lots to do, so I will keep this very short this morning and head off to do stuff.

Have a peaceful Sunday, it is the day of rest after all!






Saturday 4 November 2017

cold and wet



well it is cold and wet this morning and I'm off to get the barnet cut, car serviced, and take a load of stuff to the tip.
 I hope to get the dining room put back into some kind of order as I crack on with the decorating.

It seems to be going on forever but as I am doing most of it in the evenings when I get home and I have a lot to do, well it will be finished when its finished.

Its going to be a busy weekend.

England are currently playing a warm up match against Western Australia and are  252-4

News form the counties is that Shivnarine Chanderpaul has signed for another year with Lancashire. The 43 year old is looking forward to the 2018 season..

Well now, little bit of gossip from Oz, it is rumoured that the captain of the national team picks his friends to play in the side with him. he has gone on record to deny this...........................you wouldn't find that happening in county sides would you! or would you????


News from our national Moeen and the tourist will miss two warm up matches, lets just count the tourist as on the bench for the remainder of the tour. Hope he has a good stash of 'Janet and John'.

Well it is nearly time to get on with the mundane chores, like fitting the new toilet seat, I had forgotten that I had removed the old one last night and got a bit of a shock this morning at 5am!

short one, but lots to do here at the chateau.

Happy Saturday and don't work too hard, I will be doing enough for everyone

Friday 3 November 2017

weekend here I come!


Praise be!, It is Friday and it is half day too!

Nearly time for the weekend and all that entails, which in my case is a bit of decorating , a bit of partying and a bit of interior shuffling around.

After a very fitful nights sleep, when I dreamt that I was having a wind turbine installed in the extensive grounds, by Joe Root, who informed me that when he has a spare moment he does it to get some extra money because he has a family now!
AA Gill (sadly no longer with us) was helping him and he made us his own blend of tea!
Weird to say the least!

I am now  showered and about to put some slap on and head out of the door.

however before that some cricket news.

I was reminded that I had forgotten to mention the birthday of the lovely Ollie Raynor,  well after forgetting the birthday of TLJL, I fear that I am getting forgetful in my dotage!

and more news!

As I  predicted,  The ECB tourist is crocked and  about to have a scan  on a knee injury which was apparently picked up in the nets.....................more like in the race for the sunbeds!.

Words fail me on this piece of news!

Moeen Ali is also set for a scan, and once again England seem to have flown out a somewhat near crocked team. I'm betting on Broad being the next man down.

Well after that news, there is little more to tell and I have to get a wriggle on.

so very short, but lots to do in half a day.

have a fab Friday.



Thursday 2 November 2017

nearer to the weekend



It's Thursday, the dining room is looking less bare and I am moving on at a  rate of knots ( sort of) in the decorating thing.
Its all go here  and with the start of birthday things this weekend, I need to get a wriggle on.

Work is good and I am ploughing my way through the 18 months of backlog, which is great a huge relief.
Who would believe that I am now into my 5th month.

Working with a great team helps and I am not only learning Afrikaans ( albeit the naughty words) I am now moving onto Russian, my new favourite phrase is a drinking  salute which is hilarious.

We do have a radio and we do have singing, Ray who speaks Russian is the leading of the songs and he knows all the words( a blessing in itself). he is our own special 'Raydio'

Today is my assistant, Elaines'  birthday, so it should make for a good day.

In cricket it is good to see the ECB tourist aiming for glory, I am guessing that is in the 'Best tan' category or maybe ' reader of the most books'!

After Joe Root said there is not a drinking culture within the England team, it has been announced that the team have agreed sensible drinking rules! Lets see how long that lasts?

a nice piece on the BBC website about the 'other' Ryan Sidebottom, but in reality there is only one Ryan Sidebottom. end of!

Notts continue to firm up their team for greater success this coming season, as they signed Chris Nash.

 The Aussies are talking about 'body language' in there run up to the Ashes, which makes a change from other things that they usually talk about.


I am now heading out the door.

Have a cracking Thursday, the weekend is just working hours away.



Wednesday 1 November 2017

It's November !!!!



It's November,  It's all souls Day,it's Wednesday and I am shattered!

After a full on day at work and a full on evening of decorating, the dining room is taking shape!

I am going to struggle through today I think, but hey its closer to the weekend.

I can hear outside the wind, which is blowing a gale, I think that thermals may be the order of the day again today.

However lets see if there is any cricket news.

well the top news is that England have replaced Otis Gibson with Chris Silverwood, Head Coach of Essex.. Now that is a good placement by England, but fancy leaving your team when they are championship winners!
I am feeling some predictions for next season coming on!

Northants have signed Lancashire all rounder Luke Procter. Luke went to the club on loan in September, scoring 235 runs in 2 championship games.
Good luck  Luke.


I had a few knocks on the door for Halloween, children are funny, they dress up as ghosts and witches and clowns and zombies and knock on your door to frighten you.
You then produce some jelly sweets and ask them if they want some  pork or beef jelly sweet and they run away !
They were pretending to be their chosen 'scary person' I was just telling them the truth!
Needless to say these will now be in my office and as some had E numbers in, no doubt the office boys will be hyper by lunchtime after scoffing the lot!

Well as news is in short supply today, I am heading off early to get one step closer to finishing the latest O & M.

Have a great Wednesday.

It's November my favourite month of the year!