Saturday, 30 June 2007
Not A Problem!
For once the rain did us a favour this weekend. Our opposition were flying away at the top end of the league and had convincingly beaten us last season when we had a stronger side. Rain prevented a start and we shared the points. Not a problem for us, maybe for them...
Friday, 29 June 2007
Thursday, 28 June 2007
Digital Conundrum
Following a change of address my digital life took another turn today as I invested in a new mobile phone. The Nokia N95 comes with a 5 megapixel camera, DVD quality video recorder, MP3 player, satellite navigation, radio and web access, it even makes the tea for you if you ask kindly ;-)
This little box of tricks, smaller than a packet of cigarettes, could be my lifeblood whilst I am away. It would ensure that I can keep in contact with all those that I care about and enable me to take the pictures of my travels. It will help keep me occupied when I need some music and ensure that this blog can be kept up-to-date at least somewhat. I'm hoping that I can also get maps for the places that I visit so that I need not get lost.
All that said though I feel that when I'm making a journey like this, a once in a lifetime opportunity, it would be nicer to detach myself from the digital world and spend some time enjoying the more substantial world that surrounds me.
The natural beauty of the places I will be will no doubt need recording and the camera will be the most used component of the phone. So, will having the digital connections close to hand blur what should be an experience of a lifetime or will it help to ensure that it remains unforgettable?
In answer, the best times of my life remain memories as clear as if they were happening right in front of me today, no camera, blog or phone will make these new memories stand out any clearer than they aught to for it's the experience that creates the memory. They will however let me create a picture and story for those I leave at home, giving them an insight into the things that I will remember for a lifetime.
This little box of tricks, smaller than a packet of cigarettes, could be my lifeblood whilst I am away. It would ensure that I can keep in contact with all those that I care about and enable me to take the pictures of my travels. It will help keep me occupied when I need some music and ensure that this blog can be kept up-to-date at least somewhat. I'm hoping that I can also get maps for the places that I visit so that I need not get lost.
All that said though I feel that when I'm making a journey like this, a once in a lifetime opportunity, it would be nicer to detach myself from the digital world and spend some time enjoying the more substantial world that surrounds me.
The natural beauty of the places I will be will no doubt need recording and the camera will be the most used component of the phone. So, will having the digital connections close to hand blur what should be an experience of a lifetime or will it help to ensure that it remains unforgettable?
In answer, the best times of my life remain memories as clear as if they were happening right in front of me today, no camera, blog or phone will make these new memories stand out any clearer than they aught to for it's the experience that creates the memory. They will however let me create a picture and story for those I leave at home, giving them an insight into the things that I will remember for a lifetime.
Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Homeward Bound
Everything went smoothly this morning and there were even reports that the motorway may be opened later on.
I left at about 1pm in the end, having to go back via the hotel to check-out as I wasn't sure if I was going to end up having to stay another night or not. I had a call from Chief which was good, I needed to catch up with him and he always makes me laugh. It was a nice way to start my return journey.
The drive itself was quite smooth. The motorway was still closed near Yorkshire but a diversion around the closed junctions was almost as quick as if it had been opened anyway. I made it home in very good time and quickly got ready before heading out to see how brown she had got.
We spent ages catching up again and I listened intently to the stories of her holiday. She showed me the photos she had taken and all of the places that she used to call home. It's a place that I would love to see before it gets too commercialised, whilst it still looks something like her hometown.
I left at about 1pm in the end, having to go back via the hotel to check-out as I wasn't sure if I was going to end up having to stay another night or not. I had a call from Chief which was good, I needed to catch up with him and he always makes me laugh. It was a nice way to start my return journey.
The drive itself was quite smooth. The motorway was still closed near Yorkshire but a diversion around the closed junctions was almost as quick as if it had been opened anyway. I made it home in very good time and quickly got ready before heading out to see how brown she had got.
We spent ages catching up again and I listened intently to the stories of her holiday. She showed me the photos she had taken and all of the places that she used to call home. It's a place that I would love to see before it gets too commercialised, whilst it still looks something like her hometown.
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
Floods
The news filtered through during the morning that there had been serious flooding throughout Yorkshire and that the M1 in that region had been closed. The closure had actually taken place yesterday, shortly after I had driven through the area. There were fears that a bank was going to burst and damage the motorway nearby. The newscaster said that the motorway was likely to be closed for a number of days as the rains were set in for quite some time.
So periodically during the day I checked the weather reports and news reports, things didn't look like they were going to change so I spoke to a number of the locals to work out what alternative route I could take.
As it was things had not gone so smoothly today and another late night meant that I was going to have to come back tomorrow. My fears of not making it back in time resurfaced and were redoubled by the news that the alternative route I had planned was also affected by flooding. I was to be trapped over 300 miles away from where I desperately wanted to be...
So periodically during the day I checked the weather reports and news reports, things didn't look like they were going to change so I spoke to a number of the locals to work out what alternative route I could take.
As it was things had not gone so smoothly today and another late night meant that I was going to have to come back tomorrow. My fears of not making it back in time resurfaced and were redoubled by the news that the alternative route I had planned was also affected by flooding. I was to be trapped over 300 miles away from where I desperately wanted to be...
Monday, 25 June 2007
Driving Rain
The trip started and ended in puring rain. Fortunately the hire car had some incredibly fast wiper action and I was able to make the road out for most of the journey :S At one point, given the early start and concentration required just to see the end of the bonnet, I begun to feel so tired that I pulled over into a service station, locked the car and had an hour's sleep. A stop for breakfast and then a long haul to get to the destination and give myself enough time to make good inroads on the project.
I tried to check-in at the hotel early but they wouldn't allow it so I made my way to the Hall and started working on the plan that would see me finish by Wednesday and head home to see her.
The call to head North again had been unexpected. Before she had left I had agreed to meet on the Wednesday evening after she returned and there was no way on earth that I was going to miss it. So I worked until late and made a big dent in the tasks I needed to complete.
I tried to check-in at the hotel early but they wouldn't allow it so I made my way to the Hall and started working on the plan that would see me finish by Wednesday and head home to see her.
The call to head North again had been unexpected. Before she had left I had agreed to meet on the Wednesday evening after she returned and there was no way on earth that I was going to miss it. So I worked until late and made a big dent in the tasks I needed to complete.
Sunday, 24 June 2007
Detox
After four days of solid drinking it was time to get my life back in order and spend at least 24 hours clearing my system of alcohol. We all met up at the Club for a review of the previous night and early hours. Coffee and a McDonalds breakfast were the order of the day and they certainly did the trick for me.
With today's game washed out we all decided that a nice lunch and possibly a movie to be the way forward. So we headed for a nice pub which overlooked a beautiful cricket ground. We each opted for a Sunday roast and were more than happy with the meals laid in front of us.
With the film, Pirates of the Cairribean: At World's End, decided upon we left for the cinema. The start time was a way off yet so we went to the local arcade and played around on the fruit machines and computer games until we needed to head back to buy our tickets.
I took my seat a did my best not to fall asleep in the gloom. I can honestly say that I really enjoyed the film. Johnny Depp is a masterpiece as Cap'n Jack Sparrow and anything with Keira Knightly in is worth a watch in my eyes.
All that remained was to head home and get some shut eye before a very early trip to the North East.
With today's game washed out we all decided that a nice lunch and possibly a movie to be the way forward. So we headed for a nice pub which overlooked a beautiful cricket ground. We each opted for a Sunday roast and were more than happy with the meals laid in front of us.
With the film, Pirates of the Cairribean: At World's End, decided upon we left for the cinema. The start time was a way off yet so we went to the local arcade and played around on the fruit machines and computer games until we needed to head back to buy our tickets.
I took my seat a did my best not to fall asleep in the gloom. I can honestly say that I really enjoyed the film. Johnny Depp is a masterpiece as Cap'n Jack Sparrow and anything with Keira Knightly in is worth a watch in my eyes.
All that remained was to head home and get some shut eye before a very early trip to the North East.
Saturday, 23 June 2007
Race(y) Night
Cricket was doomed before we even set off for the opposition ground. The rain was falling pretty hard where we were the away ground was at best only 30 minutes away but we had to travel and give it the best shot of playing. This after all was a match we fancied ourselves to win.
As we arrived Pritts let us know that there had just been a huge downpour there and the track was looking decidedly dodgy. We all wandered out to the square and knew straight away that the game would be called off without a ball being bowled...
...we hadn't accounted for their eccentric umpire though. "It'll drain in 30 minutes, give it until the hour and we'll make a start."
"Umps, there is water soaking into my boots when I tread on the track!" Skip retorted but to no avail. He was dead set on a start so at 2pm we took to the field and bowled. 2 overs and 2 balls went by before SemiPro slipped through his delivery stride and landed flat on his ar5e. At this point the game was stopped until conditions improved.
As the minutes ticked by and a couple more rain clouds dropped their payload onto the sodden wicket, we waited and still the umpire believed we would resume. To break the monotiny we took to their outfield in what was a rare dry spell and started some catching practice. We played a game called "Kings and Sluts" where the catcher on the hook is the king and the catchter on the cover drive is the slut, these grades are relevant to the difficulty in catching from these positions. A dropped catch sends you to the end of the semi-cirle and you become the slut in turn promoting each of the other players by one. A missfeild on a grounded ball costs you one place to the catcher's left. We each took out turns as king and slut, our catching is atrocious, before we moved onto some big outfield catches.
Finally the game was abandoned at almost 5pm. We had a few beers at their clubhouse (on the toilet floor of which we had found a sample of human faeces) and then made a move home to get ready for our annual Race Night.
If you have never been to one of these nights I can thoroughly recommend them. It a bit of harmless gambling and a great social event rounded off with plenty of alchohol amongst great friends. SemiPro's housmate had brought with her a good looking friend who quickly found her feet amongst the welcoming pack that we must have appeared. The beers flowed freely and when they were running low we moved onto Malibu, or should I say all but Nayling and me. No, we had some very cheap vodka which I'm sure is normally used to strip back paint. A punt on 'Beef-Eater' at the end of the night saw C-Bear, Nayling and me rake in some big winnings so jugs of beer and more shots were called for.
As people started to leave the hardcore turned their thoughts to a round of poker, with money not an option the currency was clothing. Now, I am not the best poker player in the world so starting the round with only 4 pieces of clothing on, and that included my necklace, was not the best idea. 4 hands later and I was stark bo**ock naked!
Fortunately the others started to lose some hands too and I was soon joined in the "free" world by Bandai, SemiPro, Robins, C-Bear and Nayling with Herman and Pritts fighting it out at the end. For those of us that made the naked state early forfeits were ordered for a failed hand.
Before the end of the night SemiPro and I took on the role of naked barmen!
"Two pints of lager and a packet of crisps? Certainly sir! Can I get you anything else?"
As we arrived Pritts let us know that there had just been a huge downpour there and the track was looking decidedly dodgy. We all wandered out to the square and knew straight away that the game would be called off without a ball being bowled...
...we hadn't accounted for their eccentric umpire though. "It'll drain in 30 minutes, give it until the hour and we'll make a start."
"Umps, there is water soaking into my boots when I tread on the track!" Skip retorted but to no avail. He was dead set on a start so at 2pm we took to the field and bowled. 2 overs and 2 balls went by before SemiPro slipped through his delivery stride and landed flat on his ar5e. At this point the game was stopped until conditions improved.
As the minutes ticked by and a couple more rain clouds dropped their payload onto the sodden wicket, we waited and still the umpire believed we would resume. To break the monotiny we took to their outfield in what was a rare dry spell and started some catching practice. We played a game called "Kings and Sluts" where the catcher on the hook is the king and the catchter on the cover drive is the slut, these grades are relevant to the difficulty in catching from these positions. A dropped catch sends you to the end of the semi-cirle and you become the slut in turn promoting each of the other players by one. A missfeild on a grounded ball costs you one place to the catcher's left. We each took out turns as king and slut, our catching is atrocious, before we moved onto some big outfield catches.
Finally the game was abandoned at almost 5pm. We had a few beers at their clubhouse (on the toilet floor of which we had found a sample of human faeces) and then made a move home to get ready for our annual Race Night.
If you have never been to one of these nights I can thoroughly recommend them. It a bit of harmless gambling and a great social event rounded off with plenty of alchohol amongst great friends. SemiPro's housmate had brought with her a good looking friend who quickly found her feet amongst the welcoming pack that we must have appeared. The beers flowed freely and when they were running low we moved onto Malibu, or should I say all but Nayling and me. No, we had some very cheap vodka which I'm sure is normally used to strip back paint. A punt on 'Beef-Eater' at the end of the night saw C-Bear, Nayling and me rake in some big winnings so jugs of beer and more shots were called for.
As people started to leave the hardcore turned their thoughts to a round of poker, with money not an option the currency was clothing. Now, I am not the best poker player in the world so starting the round with only 4 pieces of clothing on, and that included my necklace, was not the best idea. 4 hands later and I was stark bo**ock naked!
Fortunately the others started to lose some hands too and I was soon joined in the "free" world by Bandai, SemiPro, Robins, C-Bear and Nayling with Herman and Pritts fighting it out at the end. For those of us that made the naked state early forfeits were ordered for a failed hand.
Before the end of the night SemiPro and I took on the role of naked barmen!
"Two pints of lager and a packet of crisps? Certainly sir! Can I get you anything else?"
Friday, 22 June 2007
Congratulations Robins!
Having had two big sessions in a row I was in no mood to have a beer...
"I've just passed the hardest module of my course and I'm going to get smashed!" shouts Robins as he storms into the Club.
"Ah!" I say, almost to myself.
So it was that we started session number 3 and began celebrating his good news. The place emptied till it was just me and him sat with a stubby, toasting his success. A group of local youths had congregated outside so it seemed a good time to lock up and make a move. We went via Mum and Dad's where Robins popped in to introduce himself and I picked up some clothes to change into. Half way to the pub Herman called to inquire our whereabouts and was staggered to hear that we had opted for pub a) when pub b) was closer and as he put it "not a sh1t hole". It being too late we carried on and arranged to meet him somewhat later.
For a young guy Robins can be surprisingly savvy. We sat and talked in great depth about a number of things. It turns out we have both been having some rough times lately for a number of different reasons but we were able to drown our sorrows together.
When Herman arrived our thoughts had just started to wander toward extending the night and heading for town. He kindly gave us a lift and we entered JB's with a night of promise ahead of us.
Robins pulled a girl who turned out to be the sister of an old school friend of mine. I hadn't seen him in years but sort of remembered his sister. As we piled out of the club it transpired that the other sister and a mate were about too and we all headed off for a few more.
Later on I headed back to Mum's leaving Robins to walk home still receiving texts from one of the three girls, which one now escapes me.
"I've just passed the hardest module of my course and I'm going to get smashed!" shouts Robins as he storms into the Club.
"Ah!" I say, almost to myself.
So it was that we started session number 3 and began celebrating his good news. The place emptied till it was just me and him sat with a stubby, toasting his success. A group of local youths had congregated outside so it seemed a good time to lock up and make a move. We went via Mum and Dad's where Robins popped in to introduce himself and I picked up some clothes to change into. Half way to the pub Herman called to inquire our whereabouts and was staggered to hear that we had opted for pub a) when pub b) was closer and as he put it "not a sh1t hole". It being too late we carried on and arranged to meet him somewhat later.
For a young guy Robins can be surprisingly savvy. We sat and talked in great depth about a number of things. It turns out we have both been having some rough times lately for a number of different reasons but we were able to drown our sorrows together.
When Herman arrived our thoughts had just started to wander toward extending the night and heading for town. He kindly gave us a lift and we entered JB's with a night of promise ahead of us.
Robins pulled a girl who turned out to be the sister of an old school friend of mine. I hadn't seen him in years but sort of remembered his sister. As we piled out of the club it transpired that the other sister and a mate were about too and we all headed off for a few more.
Later on I headed back to Mum's leaving Robins to walk home still receiving texts from one of the three girls, which one now escapes me.
Thursday, 21 June 2007
Unplanned Session
I was only supposed to be dropping some boxes off at Teed's place. Still "one would do no harm" I said to myself.
We decided to head to the pub for a curry and a quick pint. At this point deja vu is probably kicking in as I have certainly been here before. That quick pint turned into 7 or 8 as Big Al turned up and tried to play catch up. We all staggered back to their place extremely well fed and very, very drunk. I was ready to climb onto the couch and close my eyes but Big Al had different ideas. They had put a bottle of Vodka in the freezer a few days earlier and now seemed as good a time as any to crack it open and knock back a few Vodka and Cokes.
2 or 3 strong examples were polished off before I fell into a stupour waking early in the morning and preparing myself for a quiet Friday.
We decided to head to the pub for a curry and a quick pint. At this point deja vu is probably kicking in as I have certainly been here before. That quick pint turned into 7 or 8 as Big Al turned up and tried to play catch up. We all staggered back to their place extremely well fed and very, very drunk. I was ready to climb onto the couch and close my eyes but Big Al had different ideas. They had put a bottle of Vodka in the freezer a few days earlier and now seemed as good a time as any to crack it open and knock back a few Vodka and Cokes.
2 or 3 strong examples were polished off before I fell into a stupour waking early in the morning and preparing myself for a quiet Friday.
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
Victory!
Our Under 15 side were victorious tonight, having bowled the opposition out for just 74 they plndered the runs in just 12 overs. Our star in that age range made 54 before being forced to retire, which was a monumental effort considering that there were only 75 runs available at the beginning of the innings.
I never hoped that any of our sides would win a match this year given that they all had never played a game of cricket in their lives before. So to achieve a win and in the Under 15 age group was such a fantastic result. It's moments like this that make the slog of organising and coaching the sides worth it. The elation on their faces said it all and every credit to them. They went out and approached this match in the right manner and deserved the victory.
That evening I had dinner at Mum and Dad's. My brothers and sister-in-law were there too so it was a bit of a family affair. They had all been down at the ground watching as the boys had won so our family meal included a bit of a celebration for the team too. A number of vinos later and I was sparko on their couch.
I never hoped that any of our sides would win a match this year given that they all had never played a game of cricket in their lives before. So to achieve a win and in the Under 15 age group was such a fantastic result. It's moments like this that make the slog of organising and coaching the sides worth it. The elation on their faces said it all and every credit to them. They went out and approached this match in the right manner and deserved the victory.
That evening I had dinner at Mum and Dad's. My brothers and sister-in-law were there too so it was a bit of a family affair. They had all been down at the ground watching as the boys had won so our family meal included a bit of a celebration for the team too. A number of vinos later and I was sparko on their couch.
Tuesday, 19 June 2007
"Suits you sir"
I went for a suit fitting today. I have always had suits that were off the hanger and never felt that I could afford a tailor made suit. However, a few days ago I found a tailor's online called King & Allen. Their prices were extremely reasonable and their website very informative so I booked an appointment for today. I was also impressed by the fact that a fitting appointment didn't mean that you were committing to actually purchasing a suit.
I wandered into the hotel where they had a fitting room and waiting until I was called through. Two very good looking young girls waited for me and as I glanced around the room searching out the male fitter they greeted me with a smile. I'm far from sexist, it was just my childish embarrasment of undressing in front of the two lovely girls.
For all my concerns though they did a fantastic job of relaxing me and throughout the fitting chatted easily about what I was looking for in my suit. They both spoke with confidence in their field and gave a strong impression of expertise which belied their age.
With all my choices made and measurements taken I paid my deposit and made my way back to the car. Instantly I started to picture what my suit would look like. They had told me it would take 6 to 8 weeks to be made and then I would have to return to try it; if alterations were required they would be covered in the total price.
I feel foolish saying it but I'm really excited about collecting the finished article.
I wandered into the hotel where they had a fitting room and waiting until I was called through. Two very good looking young girls waited for me and as I glanced around the room searching out the male fitter they greeted me with a smile. I'm far from sexist, it was just my childish embarrasment of undressing in front of the two lovely girls.
For all my concerns though they did a fantastic job of relaxing me and throughout the fitting chatted easily about what I was looking for in my suit. They both spoke with confidence in their field and gave a strong impression of expertise which belied their age.
With all my choices made and measurements taken I paid my deposit and made my way back to the car. Instantly I started to picture what my suit would look like. They had told me it would take 6 to 8 weeks to be made and then I would have to return to try it; if alterations were required they would be covered in the total price.
I feel foolish saying it but I'm really excited about collecting the finished article.
Monday, 18 June 2007
Route Planner
With both our sabbaticals approved all that remained was for Herman and I to plan our trip. By the end of the evening we had worked out where we wanted to go, in what order and had booked the key round the world trip. Deposit paid we finally felt we were on our way!
Sunday, 17 June 2007
Run Fest
Today was like lambs to the slaughter. One by one we went to the crease and smashed the opposition bowling into oblivion. Bandai opened in explosive form with a quickfire 60 ably supported by Pritts making 40 odd. I batted conservatively compared to the others and finished on 65 not out but plaudits go to Herman who dismissed the oppo's bowling attack as he stormed to 85.
With a big run chase staring them in the face the opposition took to the crease and to be fair made a pretty good fist of it all things considered. Laugh of the day though was following his dismissal a young batsman who had looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights turned to our keeper and said "Cheers" in what was the most sincere voice possible.
With a big run chase staring them in the face the opposition took to the crease and to be fair made a pretty good fist of it all things considered. Laugh of the day though was following his dismissal a young batsman who had looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights turned to our keeper and said "Cheers" in what was the most sincere voice possible.
Saturday, 16 June 2007
Happy Birthday Skip!
For a 30th birthday not a great dal had been planned. It's funny how those are usually the days that you remember though isn't it? :D
Skip had hired a minibus to take us to the ground for today's game, we all chipped in a fiver to cover costs and then set off to play a league game that we had high hopes for. As the rain hammered onto the metal roof of the bus we all knew the likely outcome of todays match. Shared points and a long journey home. Our league have applied a rule which forces sides to travel to away games before a match can be called off. So we had to make the journey and in an amazing turn of ridiculousness the umpire made us wait until 4:30pm before calling the game off.
A beer or two at the oppos ground whet the appetite so we picked up a few crates for the journey home. 2 of the other players weren't able to join us on the bus so they were treated to some interesting views from the window as they followed or passed us on the motorway!
A detour via a well known local watering hole gave us a chance for the calls of nature to be answered and a few more beers to set us on our way. I think we got back to the Club by 7:00pm by which point we were beyond salvation. The 2nd XI were just wrapping up their match so we all got yet another beer and took a turn around the boundary hurling abuse at both the players we know and those that we didn't. Umpires were not excluded either as we all barracked them for their "poor decisions" :-)
It was a terrible mistake to bring his new girlfriend down to the cricket club on a night like this and Teed had tried to avoid it but she was adamant that she wanted to meet his mates. They walked toward the clubrooms with us all seated outside getting further toward a comatose state and my brother's heart must have sank. I stood up and shouted "F**K OFF!!!" at our club Vice Chairman for no good reason and then when Herman advised me that he wouldn't of known that it directed at him particularly I followed up with "GPS F**K OFF!!! Owzat Herm?". It was at this point that a) GPS ignored me (thankfully) and b) Teed said "Casper, this is my new Girlfriend."
Whoops.
The drinking continued unabated and Teed's new lass didn't let the side down. A new big drinker is just what the family needs. So off to the local nightclub herein referred to as JB's for some crazy dancing and more drinks.
Skip had hired a minibus to take us to the ground for today's game, we all chipped in a fiver to cover costs and then set off to play a league game that we had high hopes for. As the rain hammered onto the metal roof of the bus we all knew the likely outcome of todays match. Shared points and a long journey home. Our league have applied a rule which forces sides to travel to away games before a match can be called off. So we had to make the journey and in an amazing turn of ridiculousness the umpire made us wait until 4:30pm before calling the game off.
A beer or two at the oppos ground whet the appetite so we picked up a few crates for the journey home. 2 of the other players weren't able to join us on the bus so they were treated to some interesting views from the window as they followed or passed us on the motorway!
A detour via a well known local watering hole gave us a chance for the calls of nature to be answered and a few more beers to set us on our way. I think we got back to the Club by 7:00pm by which point we were beyond salvation. The 2nd XI were just wrapping up their match so we all got yet another beer and took a turn around the boundary hurling abuse at both the players we know and those that we didn't. Umpires were not excluded either as we all barracked them for their "poor decisions" :-)
It was a terrible mistake to bring his new girlfriend down to the cricket club on a night like this and Teed had tried to avoid it but she was adamant that she wanted to meet his mates. They walked toward the clubrooms with us all seated outside getting further toward a comatose state and my brother's heart must have sank. I stood up and shouted "F**K OFF!!!" at our club Vice Chairman for no good reason and then when Herman advised me that he wouldn't of known that it directed at him particularly I followed up with "GPS F**K OFF!!! Owzat Herm?". It was at this point that a) GPS ignored me (thankfully) and b) Teed said "Casper, this is my new Girlfriend."
Whoops.
The drinking continued unabated and Teed's new lass didn't let the side down. A new big drinker is just what the family needs. So off to the local nightclub herein referred to as JB's for some crazy dancing and more drinks.
Friday, 15 June 2007
Quiz Night
The Quiz Master put on a pretty tough show this evening for the Club's annual Quiz Night. 4 rounds battled out by 6 teams lubricated with a wide range of drinks were tonight's fayre and a pretty close run thing it was too.
Why don't you have a go?
Cakes and Confectionary:
Scene for a famous mutiny
Dusty coastal plain less than 30 miles from Athens that ended up lending its name to a
chocolate bar
Who reputedly said 'let them eat cake' when told that the populace was revolting over
their lack of bread
Family name at the time of his birth of a member of the Royal Family assassinated in 1979
How is Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte commonly known in this country
Where are Whipple-Scrumptious-Fudgemallow-Delights produced
'All because the lady loves __________' Please give one of two possible answers
Which British city is the home of chocolate-makers Rowntrees & Terrys
London Routemaster is the most famous ….
To what piece of music does David Bowie fall to Earth in the film of that name
Whose bite from a small cake - a madeleine - revived his childhood experiences and provoked
him to spend the rest of his life writing a huge novel based on his recollections
Portuguese-owned territory in the Atlantic …Original home of Christiano Ronaldo
Having completed two starters, a main course and several pints of lager what did Phil Lion
consume 36 of at the 2004 FCC Annual Dinner
Subject of a 1991 Court Case to decide whether it's a cake or a biscuit
Top-class urban thoroughfare
Sports Injuries and Illness
Bone in the foot broken by David Beckham & Wayne Rooney prior to the last two World Cups
NBA star who announced that he had contracted HIV in 1991 and temporarily retired before
returning to play in the 'Dreamteam' at the 1992 Olympics
Talismanic Australian who stepped on a cricket ball during a game of touch-rugby and
arguably lost the 2005 Ashes
Who recovered from cancer to ride to victory in the 1981 Grand National
The injury-prone horse on which he rode
Who 'dropped for World Cup Glory' in 2003 but hardly played for club or country for the next
three years
In what circumstances was Herbert Jones seriously injured in the 1913 Derby
What did Canadian snooker player Bill Werbenuik drink during matches to counteract benign
familial tremor
Whose tackle ended the career of footballer Alf Inger Harland
Glasgow-born top ten player who missed this month's French Open due to injury
Having been hit under the heart and seen a team-mate hit in the head, who famously
proclaimed that only one team was playing cricket in the 1932-3 Ashes series
Which member of the 1966 World Cup winning side had undergone an operation for cancer the
previous year
400m runner whose hamstring snapped in a heat at the Barcelona Olympics and who was helped
to the finishing-line by his father
Whose battle against illness is recorded in his book 'It's not about the bike'
Number of Indian batsmen absent hurt in second innings of 1976 Jamaica test
Numbers
What is the next number …. 1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21____
Distance in hours of Gene Pitney from Tulsa
In Shakespeare play how may daughters did King Lear have
Including current one how many Big Brother series (ignore Celebrity version)
Value of Mayfair on a Monopoly Board
How many individual scores in test cricket between 350 and 400 inclusive
Cube root of 512
How many Benedicts before the current Pope
Age of the Earth according to Creationists (10% leeway)
How many King Williams so far in English history
1994 Film starring Morgan Freeman & Brad Pitt
Motorway linking London and Reading
If all 10 wickets fall clean bowled to the first ten balls of an innings
which batsman is not out
Number of minutes for light from the sun to reach the Earth
Answer to the meaning of life, the universe and everything
Asia
Lake holding 20% of world's freshwater
City served by Chattrapathi Shivaji International Airport
Cricket stadium devastated by Tsunami
Only Carry On film set in Asia
World's leading golfer is half American, half ______
Colonial name of Myanmar
Location of Petronas Towers
World's most heavily-armed frontier divides which two countries
Miss Malaysia 1984, Bond Girl, Geisha and most recently astronaut
Oscar-nominated Bollywood epic about a cricket match between British Army
and Indian villagers
Kazan - Perm - Yekaterinberg - Omsk …. Which railway
What draws tourists to the Chinese city of Xian
Ignoring countries with less than 50 million inhabitants, which is the planet's
most densely populated country
Great Pakistan batsman only ever out once LBW in a home test over
17 year period
President of Afghanistan
Why don't you have a go?
Cakes and Confectionary:
Scene for a famous mutiny
Dusty coastal plain less than 30 miles from Athens that ended up lending its name to a
chocolate bar
Who reputedly said 'let them eat cake' when told that the populace was revolting over
their lack of bread
Family name at the time of his birth of a member of the Royal Family assassinated in 1979
How is Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte commonly known in this country
Where are Whipple-Scrumptious-Fudgemallow-Delights produced
'All because the lady loves __________' Please give one of two possible answers
Which British city is the home of chocolate-makers Rowntrees & Terrys
London Routemaster is the most famous ….
To what piece of music does David Bowie fall to Earth in the film of that name
Whose bite from a small cake - a madeleine - revived his childhood experiences and provoked
him to spend the rest of his life writing a huge novel based on his recollections
Portuguese-owned territory in the Atlantic …Original home of Christiano Ronaldo
Having completed two starters, a main course and several pints of lager what did Phil Lion
consume 36 of at the 2004 FCC Annual Dinner
Subject of a 1991 Court Case to decide whether it's a cake or a biscuit
Top-class urban thoroughfare
Sports Injuries and Illness
Bone in the foot broken by David Beckham & Wayne Rooney prior to the last two World Cups
NBA star who announced that he had contracted HIV in 1991 and temporarily retired before
returning to play in the 'Dreamteam' at the 1992 Olympics
Talismanic Australian who stepped on a cricket ball during a game of touch-rugby and
arguably lost the 2005 Ashes
Who recovered from cancer to ride to victory in the 1981 Grand National
The injury-prone horse on which he rode
Who 'dropped for World Cup Glory' in 2003 but hardly played for club or country for the next
three years
In what circumstances was Herbert Jones seriously injured in the 1913 Derby
What did Canadian snooker player Bill Werbenuik drink during matches to counteract benign
familial tremor
Whose tackle ended the career of footballer Alf Inger Harland
Glasgow-born top ten player who missed this month's French Open due to injury
Having been hit under the heart and seen a team-mate hit in the head, who famously
proclaimed that only one team was playing cricket in the 1932-3 Ashes series
Which member of the 1966 World Cup winning side had undergone an operation for cancer the
previous year
400m runner whose hamstring snapped in a heat at the Barcelona Olympics and who was helped
to the finishing-line by his father
Whose battle against illness is recorded in his book 'It's not about the bike'
Number of Indian batsmen absent hurt in second innings of 1976 Jamaica test
Numbers
What is the next number …. 1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21____
Distance in hours of Gene Pitney from Tulsa
In Shakespeare play how may daughters did King Lear have
Including current one how many Big Brother series (ignore Celebrity version)
Value of Mayfair on a Monopoly Board
How many individual scores in test cricket between 350 and 400 inclusive
Cube root of 512
How many Benedicts before the current Pope
Age of the Earth according to Creationists (10% leeway)
How many King Williams so far in English history
1994 Film starring Morgan Freeman & Brad Pitt
Motorway linking London and Reading
If all 10 wickets fall clean bowled to the first ten balls of an innings
which batsman is not out
Number of minutes for light from the sun to reach the Earth
Answer to the meaning of life, the universe and everything
Asia
Lake holding 20% of world's freshwater
City served by Chattrapathi Shivaji International Airport
Cricket stadium devastated by Tsunami
Only Carry On film set in Asia
World's leading golfer is half American, half ______
Colonial name of Myanmar
Location of Petronas Towers
World's most heavily-armed frontier divides which two countries
Miss Malaysia 1984, Bond Girl, Geisha and most recently astronaut
Oscar-nominated Bollywood epic about a cricket match between British Army
and Indian villagers
Kazan - Perm - Yekaterinberg - Omsk …. Which railway
What draws tourists to the Chinese city of Xian
Ignoring countries with less than 50 million inhabitants, which is the planet's
most densely populated country
Great Pakistan batsman only ever out once LBW in a home test over
17 year period
President of Afghanistan
Thursday, 14 June 2007
Fruitless Comparison
"It's like comparing chalk and cheese, oranges and bananas... ...melons and... ...well, I'll not go there."
Everyone roared out laughing and admittedly it was funny in the context, unfortunately the salient point was lost in the mirth.
Everyone roared out laughing and admittedly it was funny in the context, unfortunately the salient point was lost in the mirth.
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
Sabbatical
I wasn't sure how it was going to go, I have to be completely honest, but my 6 month sabbatical was approved and now I can make my plans in earnest for the trip of a lifetime.
Everyone has been so fantastic since this opportunity arose and I have to pass them my heartfelt thanks.
I have had support on a number of levels throughout what has been a hard time. Those people I am indebted to in a way that I can never imagine being able to repay. They know who they are and I hope they know that I am always here should they need me to be.
I once heard an approach to repaying a debt which sits well with me. Rather than try to repay the kindness shown to you by another, ensure that when someone else needs it they get it from you. This way you spread the good deed further.
I'm heading off now to start my planning. Keep your eyes peeled for updates.
Everyone has been so fantastic since this opportunity arose and I have to pass them my heartfelt thanks.
I have had support on a number of levels throughout what has been a hard time. Those people I am indebted to in a way that I can never imagine being able to repay. They know who they are and I hope they know that I am always here should they need me to be.
I once heard an approach to repaying a debt which sits well with me. Rather than try to repay the kindness shown to you by another, ensure that when someone else needs it they get it from you. This way you spread the good deed further.
I'm heading off now to start my planning. Keep your eyes peeled for updates.
Tuesday, 12 June 2007
Monday, 11 June 2007
Another long drive
Not quite Sunderland admittedly but Warringotn is still a bit of a hike. I had to make the return journey the same day as well which made matters worse. The purpose of the trip was a success though and I even got to spend 3 hours in the most wonderful sunshine thanks to a mixup with the location info.
The reason for the return journey being on the same day almost got scuppered by mother making plans for me when she didn't realise I needed to see someone and very soon. Still I did what was needed and managed to make the trip I wanted and the evening was everything I had hoped it would be when I had decided to throw caution to the wind and drive all the way back.
Life is good :)
The reason for the return journey being on the same day almost got scuppered by mother making plans for me when she didn't realise I needed to see someone and very soon. Still I did what was needed and managed to make the trip I wanted and the evening was everything I had hoped it would be when I had decided to throw caution to the wind and drive all the way back.
Life is good :)
Sunday, 10 June 2007
A walk in the sun
We met up and decided to walk together to find the pub we planned to go to for lunch. The weather had decided to turn and was for once sunny. We enjoyed the stroll along the canal bank passing under overhanging branches which offered some respite from the midday sun.
A Corona each whilst we chatted and caught up with one another's lives saw the time fly past and our reverie was broken by my alarm. I needed to be somewhere else though I didn't wish to be.
A Corona each whilst we chatted and caught up with one another's lives saw the time fly past and our reverie was broken by my alarm. I needed to be somewhere else though I didn't wish to be.
Saturday, 9 June 2007
Weather lends a hand...
We drew today against a fairly strong side. We were helped in the main by the weather which gave forced us to leave the field of play when the opposition had us where they wanted us. Thankfully the downpour was vehement enought that it was in fact the oppo that took the decision out of our hands. We had played enough overs to make it a game rather than an abandonment so we shared the points.
This is in stark contrast to a previous post where our opposition deliberately called the game off denying us a certain victory when conditions were not unplayable.
This is in stark contrast to a previous post where our opposition deliberately called the game off denying us a certain victory when conditions were not unplayable.
Friday, 8 June 2007
Home Sweet Home
Whilst I had undoubtedly had a fantastic time out during the week and had been completely successful in all my tasks I was extremely happy to be heading home. The drive was long but problem free and my mind was filled with the exciting evening that stretched before me. I didn't have a clue how things were going to go tonight or even where it was all going on but at that minute I was heady with the thrill of things to come.
Suffice to say that the evening did not disappoint :)
Suffice to say that the evening did not disappoint :)
Thursday, 7 June 2007
Morning after the night before...
He must have escaped her clutches at some point as he drifted in around 10am. Some of the others came later and Mawson never made it at all. A quick text to make sure he got home ok was fruitful.
This morning was the first time that my wake-up call had worked for me. 2 sober nights in a row and I sleep straight through it, big head on after late night binge drinking and I'm up at sparrow's fart just to make sure that I get a full day's hangover in. Believe me though, last night was well worth anything that could be thrown at me today! I was in by 9am and had made good progress byt the time the others showed up. I was feeling like utter sh1te but seemed to have a resolve about my tasks which saw me motor through them efficiently. In juxtaposition to the way in which the alcohol from last night was making me feel I was approaching today with a renewed vigour.
I can only imagine that this superhuman feat of charging on through my hangover was instigated when I first awoke to find that I had 'lost' (sorry for the pun) my mobile phone. I freaked out wondering whether I had dropped it in the cab or even in the nightclub. I knew I had been texting on it all night but couldn't find it anywhere in the hotel room. Calling it proved futile as it went straight to voicemail; someone had obviously found it and removed the SIM card! So resigned to having to explain away the loss of a mobile phone and the unenviable task of rebuilding my contacts list I decided to make the bed and leave. One flick of the duvet and hey presto, as if by magic, my phone flew into the air and landed neatly in front of me. The feeling of relief was astounding when you consider that this is just a piece of electronics inside a plastic case. It's funny how something like this can become your lifeblood...
...especially when there is someone you really want to get in touch with.
This morning was the first time that my wake-up call had worked for me. 2 sober nights in a row and I sleep straight through it, big head on after late night binge drinking and I'm up at sparrow's fart just to make sure that I get a full day's hangover in. Believe me though, last night was well worth anything that could be thrown at me today! I was in by 9am and had made good progress byt the time the others showed up. I was feeling like utter sh1te but seemed to have a resolve about my tasks which saw me motor through them efficiently. In juxtaposition to the way in which the alcohol from last night was making me feel I was approaching today with a renewed vigour.
I can only imagine that this superhuman feat of charging on through my hangover was instigated when I first awoke to find that I had 'lost' (sorry for the pun) my mobile phone. I freaked out wondering whether I had dropped it in the cab or even in the nightclub. I knew I had been texting on it all night but couldn't find it anywhere in the hotel room. Calling it proved futile as it went straight to voicemail; someone had obviously found it and removed the SIM card! So resigned to having to explain away the loss of a mobile phone and the unenviable task of rebuilding my contacts list I decided to make the bed and leave. One flick of the duvet and hey presto, as if by magic, my phone flew into the air and landed neatly in front of me. The feeling of relief was astounding when you consider that this is just a piece of electronics inside a plastic case. It's funny how something like this can become your lifeblood...
...especially when there is someone you really want to get in touch with.
Wednesday, 6 June 2007
"7th best nightspot in the world..."
It's a lofty claim but one that is made of Newcastle by some residents that I know. "...one place behind Rio." Well I'm glad that Rio pips Newcastle even if it is just for the weather however the comparisons between the two cities are some what closer in other areas. Both have huge constructs with splayed arms, the Angel of the North and the Statue of Christ the Redeemer and both have a buzzing night life.
It was the night life that I got to sample tonight. We headed for Shearer's Bar under St James' Park in order to catch the England match. A win got the night off to a good start and after a few beers there we all headed for The Gate which is like a covered shopping mall rammed to the hilt with pubs and night clubs! The first bar we drifted into I was met by busty young barmaids dressed only in skimpy bikinis! My jaw hit the floor and it took Mawson 3 attempts to get my attention to find out what I wanted to drink. I thought I had died and found heaven when two of the girls climbed the steps from the bar to a small dancefloor and started to gyrate to the heady sounds thumping out of the speakers. This was trully an awesome start to the evening!!!
A serious number of JD's later and we were drifting from pub to pub soaking up the atmosphere as we went. We finished up in a nightclub and spent the night dancing and drinking away with a bevvy of beautiful girls surrounding us. My memory from that point on is a little hazy but I think I remember Stu being cornered by this brute of a woman and being scared to say anything to her; the lads providing her with answers.
I got a taxi back to Sunderland and drifted off to the land of nod almost as soon as my head hit the comfy pillows.
It was the night life that I got to sample tonight. We headed for Shearer's Bar under St James' Park in order to catch the England match. A win got the night off to a good start and after a few beers there we all headed for The Gate which is like a covered shopping mall rammed to the hilt with pubs and night clubs! The first bar we drifted into I was met by busty young barmaids dressed only in skimpy bikinis! My jaw hit the floor and it took Mawson 3 attempts to get my attention to find out what I wanted to drink. I thought I had died and found heaven when two of the girls climbed the steps from the bar to a small dancefloor and started to gyrate to the heady sounds thumping out of the speakers. This was trully an awesome start to the evening!!!
A serious number of JD's later and we were drifting from pub to pub soaking up the atmosphere as we went. We finished up in a nightclub and spent the night dancing and drinking away with a bevvy of beautiful girls surrounding us. My memory from that point on is a little hazy but I think I remember Stu being cornered by this brute of a woman and being scared to say anything to her; the lads providing her with answers.
I got a taxi back to Sunderland and drifted off to the land of nod almost as soon as my head hit the comfy pillows.
Tuesday, 5 June 2007
Audio relief
Having bought Now 66 on my way up here yesterday I spent the journey to and from The Hall listening to a number of great tracks and flicking through a greater number of sh1t ones. In my defence the petrol station I picked the CD up from gave me a choice of the Carpenter's or this so I plumped for it. Typically today when needing to top up for the remainder of the week I went into another petrol station that was more like a music store, such was the range available!
There are a few tracks which stood out for me for one reason or another, I wont go into details but they are, in no particular order:
There are a few tracks which stood out for me for one reason or another, I wont go into details but they are, in no particular order:
- Ordinary Boys - I Luv U
- Robbie Williams with Pet Shop Boys - She's Madonna
- Justin Timberlake - What Goes Around... ...Comes Around
- Nelly Furtado - Say It Right
- Seamus Haji - Last Night A DJ Saved My Life
- Jamie T - Calm Down Dearest
Monday, 4 June 2007
Mackem
The drive to Sunderland went quite smoothly. It took me about 7 hours with a couple of lengthy stops and a small detour through Bedale (thanks to the kind lady that gave me the directions I need to find the A1M again).
The Marriot hotel in Sunderland was very nice indeed. The surroundings were a little bleak but this probably wasn't helped by the weather, which ever since the Watford gap had been solid cloud. I'm sure there was a sun up there somewhere but I didn't get to see it. A king size bed suited me just fine though and the meal was very good fayre indeed.
Hopefully the rest of the week will go as smoothly.
The Marriot hotel in Sunderland was very nice indeed. The surroundings were a little bleak but this probably wasn't helped by the weather, which ever since the Watford gap had been solid cloud. I'm sure there was a sun up there somewhere but I didn't get to see it. A king size bed suited me just fine though and the meal was very good fayre indeed.
Hopefully the rest of the week will go as smoothly.
Sunday, 3 June 2007
Pair
My second duck of the weekend completed the dreaded "pair" that every batsman fears. All the lads were as supportive as would expect from teamates and friends that always look out for their own...
"So Casp, whats your favourite fruit?"
...was the line that seemed to raise the most laughs.
The game was won quite comfortably in the end. We were playing a local side and we knew 2 or 3 of their team, they being past players at our club. It was at least something that it wasn't one of those guys that had got me out :)
My average has now plummeted from a healthy 43 to just 21. Oopsie!
"So Casp, whats your favourite fruit?"
...was the line that seemed to raise the most laughs.
The game was won quite comfortably in the end. We were playing a local side and we knew 2 or 3 of their team, they being past players at our club. It was at least something that it wasn't one of those guys that had got me out :)
My average has now plummeted from a healthy 43 to just 21. Oopsie!
Saturday, 2 June 2007
Stand and Deliver
That is exactly what their number 4 bat did today.
Having got in amongst some wickets early on we all felt bouyed. We had defeated this side in the league cup at the beginning of the season and now were confident of making it 2 nil. When someone like that comes to the crease in that kind of form though you just have to accept it. He's a better player than us and I can honestly say that it was a pleasure to watch him bat. He couldn't be a nicer guy either which is why you find it hard to dislike him even though he is setting about our bowling attack with aplomb. A quickfire century was well deserved and he had pretty much dragged his side into a position that they should win from. As the same guy took the ball at the beginning of their innings you started to realise that without him the opposition would have been destroyed. His left arm spin was bowled with guile and after a 23 over spell his figures were pretty impressive.
We had been comprehensively beaten by one man. Cricket is funny like that, its one of the only sports I can think of that it is made up almost exclusively of one on one battles between individuals and yet can be affected in such a huge way by a strong team spirit and work ethic.
Having got in amongst some wickets early on we all felt bouyed. We had defeated this side in the league cup at the beginning of the season and now were confident of making it 2 nil. When someone like that comes to the crease in that kind of form though you just have to accept it. He's a better player than us and I can honestly say that it was a pleasure to watch him bat. He couldn't be a nicer guy either which is why you find it hard to dislike him even though he is setting about our bowling attack with aplomb. A quickfire century was well deserved and he had pretty much dragged his side into a position that they should win from. As the same guy took the ball at the beginning of their innings you started to realise that without him the opposition would have been destroyed. His left arm spin was bowled with guile and after a 23 over spell his figures were pretty impressive.
We had been comprehensively beaten by one man. Cricket is funny like that, its one of the only sports I can think of that it is made up almost exclusively of one on one battles between individuals and yet can be affected in such a huge way by a strong team spirit and work ethic.
Friday, 1 June 2007
Change of Address
Not only will my postal address be changing in the not too distant future but today my e-mail address changed too. It's amazing when you come to do something like this how many different online registrations you find you have made using your current account.
It was like a spring clean going through them all and either updating the information for ones I wanted or needed to keep and cancelling ones that were no longer of use. Iwould like to have been able to have told a story about some bizarre registrations that I had made but sadly no my online life is pretty mundane.
One thing that I will be registering for soon, using my new account, will be round the world travel sites. Herman and I have decided to throw caution to the wind and set off around the world to see places and friends that we would otherwise maybe never have done. I'll be keeping you all posted (no pun intended) on the progress of our plans.
It was like a spring clean going through them all and either updating the information for ones I wanted or needed to keep and cancelling ones that were no longer of use. Iwould like to have been able to have told a story about some bizarre registrations that I had made but sadly no my online life is pretty mundane.
One thing that I will be registering for soon, using my new account, will be round the world travel sites. Herman and I have decided to throw caution to the wind and set off around the world to see places and friends that we would otherwise maybe never have done. I'll be keeping you all posted (no pun intended) on the progress of our plans.
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