Thursday 24 March 2011
Green Fingers
I am going to admit something here.
I am getting into this gardening mallarkey. It's not quite Kew Gardens. I wouldn't say it's better than a nice stroll through Central Park.
Yesterday I swept up what must have been a decades worth of leaves (or so it seemed) and got rid of the majority of weeds on the patio area.
Next up is digging up the weeds in the back border (that could be a big job) and strimming the hedge which could probably be mistaken for the Great Wall of China from the International Space Station!
I will post a follow up pic of my progress...
I write this at 11.30am Thursday morning. It's been a rather productive one so far:
1. Roasted chicken & made stock (enchiladas for dinner and plan to make some chicken tortilla soup too).
2. Made tomato and chickpea soup (first attempt).
3. Switched gas & electricity provider and made a good saving.
Am now watching what could be one of the best games of the cricket world cup so far...India v Australia. Aussie captain Ponting is unbeaten on 56, what odds a ton? Rumours of his demise were a tad premature I'd say.
I am getting into this gardening mallarkey. It's not quite Kew Gardens. I wouldn't say it's better than a nice stroll through Central Park.
Yesterday I swept up what must have been a decades worth of leaves (or so it seemed) and got rid of the majority of weeds on the patio area.
Next up is digging up the weeds in the back border (that could be a big job) and strimming the hedge which could probably be mistaken for the Great Wall of China from the International Space Station!
I will post a follow up pic of my progress...
I write this at 11.30am Thursday morning. It's been a rather productive one so far:
1. Roasted chicken & made stock (enchiladas for dinner and plan to make some chicken tortilla soup too).
2. Made tomato and chickpea soup (first attempt).
3. Switched gas & electricity provider and made a good saving.
Am now watching what could be one of the best games of the cricket world cup so far...India v Australia. Aussie captain Ponting is unbeaten on 56, what odds a ton? Rumours of his demise were a tad premature I'd say.
Tuesday 22 March 2011
Like A Virgin
It's been one of those days.
I got a new TV/broadband/phone package installed today...Virgin Media.
The day started off well. The (cable) guy (nothing like Jim Carrey) was due anytime between 8 and 1. I couldn't believe my luck when he arrived at 8 on the dot. The installation went reasonably well and he was out the door not long after 9.
So far so good.
What a hassle it was redirecting my emails through Windows Live Mail. It took a long time and I was getting frustrated. Add to that they forgot to add my sports package, so at least I have used the phone today - to call them!
It took me ages to change details on online bank, Amazon, travel websites, eBay etc. In hindsight I wish I'd done it as I'd gone along. Anyway all seems OK now. Fingers x'ed.
A pointless trip this morning to the postal depot to collect a parcel (new Blackberry charger - thanks eBay). It was small enough to fit through the damn letterbox!
Took advantage of the nice spring weather for a second consecutive walk in a long while. A good 2 mile stroll to Tynemouth and back via the coast.
Tuesday night is pub night and since I don't have to be up for work in the morning, I may as well make the most of it.
Ciao and I hope your having a good week.
I got a new TV/broadband/phone package installed today...Virgin Media.
The day started off well. The (cable) guy (nothing like Jim Carrey) was due anytime between 8 and 1. I couldn't believe my luck when he arrived at 8 on the dot. The installation went reasonably well and he was out the door not long after 9.
So far so good.
What a hassle it was redirecting my emails through Windows Live Mail. It took a long time and I was getting frustrated. Add to that they forgot to add my sports package, so at least I have used the phone today - to call them!
It took me ages to change details on online bank, Amazon, travel websites, eBay etc. In hindsight I wish I'd done it as I'd gone along. Anyway all seems OK now. Fingers x'ed.
A pointless trip this morning to the postal depot to collect a parcel (new Blackberry charger - thanks eBay). It was small enough to fit through the damn letterbox!
Took advantage of the nice spring weather for a second consecutive walk in a long while. A good 2 mile stroll to Tynemouth and back via the coast.
Tuesday night is pub night and since I don't have to be up for work in the morning, I may as well make the most of it.
Ciao and I hope your having a good week.
Monday 21 March 2011
I Could Have Had a Quieter Day at Work
It's perfectly true. Day one of holiday (or vacation...I never forget my American followers!) was busy. Well the morning was.
Up with the larks, quick breakfast and a load of laundry in then a quick walk. It is officially the first day of Spring and it seemed it. Barely a cloud in the sky and the temperature well into double digits (centigrade) made for a nice walk to Tynemouth. The breeze was flapping a bit but it was far from cold.
The hard work was about to begin. I decided to tackle the jungle that is my backyard. I'm not green fingered. Gardening frankly doesn't interest me but I figured it was time I tidied it up. So I took a few trips to the municipal tip with, well a load of crap really. Pulled some weeds out and put killer on the rest (takes a few days apparently).
It looks a lot better but is definitely work in progress. It won't win any awards but so long as it gets tidy and I keep it that way then it's a winner.
After lunch (scrambled eggs) I watched The Departed. Great cast, great movie. 8.5/10. I thought it was the best film I've seen Dicaprio in and Jack Nicholson was as good as ever. Great twist towards then end as the plot unfolded.
Dinner was king prawn (jumbo shrimp) burritos. The best I've done them yet. Delicious. Early evening spent watching No Country For Old Men, what a great film. Again I'm giving it 8.5/10. It's an Oscar winner and rightly so.
Plans for the rest of the week? Some more yard work almost certainly. I'm getting Virgin Media installed tomorrow (new broadband/TV/phone package) and from Thursday its the cricket world cup quarter finals. The pick of the games is India v Australia. Too close to call, home advantage for India may sway it. England play Sri Lanka in Colombo and, after being the most entertaining team on show so far, I fear England will be heading home.
So, next time I blog I will have a new ISP. Not that it should make any difference of course.
Up with the larks, quick breakfast and a load of laundry in then a quick walk. It is officially the first day of Spring and it seemed it. Barely a cloud in the sky and the temperature well into double digits (centigrade) made for a nice walk to Tynemouth. The breeze was flapping a bit but it was far from cold.
The hard work was about to begin. I decided to tackle the jungle that is my backyard. I'm not green fingered. Gardening frankly doesn't interest me but I figured it was time I tidied it up. So I took a few trips to the municipal tip with, well a load of crap really. Pulled some weeds out and put killer on the rest (takes a few days apparently).
It looks a lot better but is definitely work in progress. It won't win any awards but so long as it gets tidy and I keep it that way then it's a winner.
After lunch (scrambled eggs) I watched The Departed. Great cast, great movie. 8.5/10. I thought it was the best film I've seen Dicaprio in and Jack Nicholson was as good as ever. Great twist towards then end as the plot unfolded.
Dinner was king prawn (jumbo shrimp) burritos. The best I've done them yet. Delicious. Early evening spent watching No Country For Old Men, what a great film. Again I'm giving it 8.5/10. It's an Oscar winner and rightly so.
Plans for the rest of the week? Some more yard work almost certainly. I'm getting Virgin Media installed tomorrow (new broadband/TV/phone package) and from Thursday its the cricket world cup quarter finals. The pick of the games is India v Australia. Too close to call, home advantage for India may sway it. England play Sri Lanka in Colombo and, after being the most entertaining team on show so far, I fear England will be heading home.
So, next time I blog I will have a new ISP. Not that it should make any difference of course.
Tuesday 15 March 2011
Japan
Major world events in my lifetime include the fall of the Berlin Wall, Nelson Mandela released from prison, September 11th and the 2004 Asian tsunami.
The horrific scenes on our TV screens, websites and front pages of the printed media will live long in the memory of the tsunami and the near quarter of a million who perished.
Now, when I hear of an earthquake, especially in the Pacific I feel pensive. I awoke on Friday as the BBC were reporting the earthquake as breaking news. The magnitude of the quake indicated there could be severe damage.
By the time I got home the true horror of the tsunami was being played out on 24 hour news channels and the people of Japan have been on my mind since then. The pictures that have made their way on to our screens the last few days show the immense power of water and how it sweeps all before it. Cars tossed around like they are made of balsa wood. Houses like dolls houses. Even aircraft and ships.
Of course there is the ongoing drama surrounding the nuclear power plant. We can only hope meltdown doesn't occur.
There are countless thousand stories of human loss and misery. Each tale so tragic. Every one moving me to tears.
But, there is something about this tragedy that is different. A measured response by the authorities. Orderly queues in line for bread, water and fuel (taken for granted only a matter of days ago).
The people of Japan have such dignity and purpose. They are a credit to themselves. They are a credit to the human race and can teach us all, and I include me in that, a big lesson in dignity, humility and decency.
Japan is going to take years to get over this. The mental scars will never heal. The clean up operation is almost unimaginable. The economy is going to take a hit.
The land of the rising sun may be a leading developed nation, but it still needs - and deserves our help. The people deserve it.
They are an inspiration. They are in my thoughts.
The horrific scenes on our TV screens, websites and front pages of the printed media will live long in the memory of the tsunami and the near quarter of a million who perished.
Now, when I hear of an earthquake, especially in the Pacific I feel pensive. I awoke on Friday as the BBC were reporting the earthquake as breaking news. The magnitude of the quake indicated there could be severe damage.
By the time I got home the true horror of the tsunami was being played out on 24 hour news channels and the people of Japan have been on my mind since then. The pictures that have made their way on to our screens the last few days show the immense power of water and how it sweeps all before it. Cars tossed around like they are made of balsa wood. Houses like dolls houses. Even aircraft and ships.
Of course there is the ongoing drama surrounding the nuclear power plant. We can only hope meltdown doesn't occur.
There are countless thousand stories of human loss and misery. Each tale so tragic. Every one moving me to tears.
But, there is something about this tragedy that is different. A measured response by the authorities. Orderly queues in line for bread, water and fuel (taken for granted only a matter of days ago).
The people of Japan have such dignity and purpose. They are a credit to themselves. They are a credit to the human race and can teach us all, and I include me in that, a big lesson in dignity, humility and decency.
Japan is going to take years to get over this. The mental scars will never heal. The clean up operation is almost unimaginable. The economy is going to take a hit.
The land of the rising sun may be a leading developed nation, but it still needs - and deserves our help. The people deserve it.
They are an inspiration. They are in my thoughts.
Wednesday 9 March 2011
If I Was the Zimbabwe Cricket Captain...
...I'd like to be called Elton Chigumbura!
Yep, that's his name. Don't know why, I just like it. One of the great cricket names. Not as good as
*deep breath*
Srinivasraghavan Venkatravaghan!
OK back to reality. Or as close as I get. Another sunny day today but cold. I thought Spring had arrived last week but winter always seems to have a twist before you can be confident in these parts!
A long day at work. I organised some industry customer service training today (devised by the Canadians for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver last year). We are the first to roll the training out in the north of England so, for once, we are blazing a trail. Yeehah!
And some bad news...
I was too tired for badminton. So, no exercise, in turn led to no cooking (yes the only dexterity required for dinner tonight was dialing the phone). A delicious Indian it was -
- poppadoms and pickles
- tandoori chicken
- chicken rogan josh
- mushroom pilau rice
- garlic naan bread
And of course, why not go the whole hog! No exercise...check....take away...check...
...bottle of chianti open!
Ooops!
I promise a healthier day awaits tomorrow. Until then my good friends. I bid you good day.
Yep, that's his name. Don't know why, I just like it. One of the great cricket names. Not as good as
*deep breath*
Srinivasraghavan Venkatravaghan!
OK back to reality. Or as close as I get. Another sunny day today but cold. I thought Spring had arrived last week but winter always seems to have a twist before you can be confident in these parts!
A long day at work. I organised some industry customer service training today (devised by the Canadians for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver last year). We are the first to roll the training out in the north of England so, for once, we are blazing a trail. Yeehah!
And some bad news...
I was too tired for badminton. So, no exercise, in turn led to no cooking (yes the only dexterity required for dinner tonight was dialing the phone). A delicious Indian it was -
- poppadoms and pickles
- tandoori chicken
- chicken rogan josh
- mushroom pilau rice
- garlic naan bread
And of course, why not go the whole hog! No exercise...check....take away...check...
...bottle of chianti open!
Ooops!
I promise a healthier day awaits tomorrow. Until then my good friends. I bid you good day.
Tuesday 8 March 2011
Pancakes....yummy!
Pancakes are so tasty aren't they? I guess I used to only have them once a year as a kid. Pancake Tuesday. Well, Shrove Tuesday to give it it's proper name. Why once a year I don't know. They are...well...I was right...yummy!
I remember the first time I saw them on a diner menu in the USA (NYC most likely)..."pancakes with bacon AND syrup"? No. No.Yes. Yes. The flavours just go so well together. I guess you can work out what dinner was tonight.
I finally got my lazy ass out for a walk. It has been way too long. I have no excuse. I can look for some and perhaps invent many:
- It's raining.
- It looks like rain.
- It is forecast to rain later.
- It is the most sunny and glorious day in living memory...but you never know....it might rain later.
I remember the first time I saw them on a diner menu in the USA (NYC most likely)..."pancakes with bacon AND syrup"? No. No.Yes. Yes. The flavours just go so well together. I guess you can work out what dinner was tonight.
I finally got my lazy ass out for a walk. It has been way too long. I have no excuse. I can look for some and perhaps invent many:
- It's raining.
- It looks like rain.
- It is forecast to rain later.
- It is the most sunny and glorious day in living memory...but you never know....it might rain later.
For those who don't know where I live, a 2 mile 30 minute walk can take in a Georgian street, a priory and castle (the burial place of saints and kings) and 2 blue flag award winning golden sandy beaches with amazing sea views. Yes. NO excuse at all I know. This is Tynemouth Longsands below...
I am getting more and more angry with the British Government. The whole economic situation in this country was caused by the 1980s greed culture of Thatcherism and privatisation as well as irresponsible lending by banks.
Today it was announced that the Royal Bank of Scotland head is to get a £7.5 million bonus. The bank has made a loss of over a £1 billion this year and is over 80% owned by the tax payer. The news also reports that 12-28,000 police jobs are to go. There is only one word. Corruption. Cameron and his cronies are not much better than Gaddaffi and co they are keen to see deposed. It angers me beyond belief that it is ordinary people like myself, teachers, health workers etc who are paying, literally, the price. It was not our fault.
OK...that said it's almost Guinness time. I hope you enjoy(ed) your pancakes.
I know I did!
Wednesday 2 March 2011
Ballad of a Thin Man
OK so I played badminton today but I'm not getting carried away in thinking that I now have an Olympian physique (unless you are talking about a 1980s East German shot-putter - female at that!).
It just happened that as I type this I'm listening to Bob Dylan's Highway 61 Revisited. I almost forgot what a classic album it was. Or is.
So my second week of badminton and I'm enjoying it. I used to play a bit and am pleased I dusted down the racket. It is on a drop in basis at the sports centre. I don't know anyone else but they seem friendly enough and no one is either hopeless or a potential gold medal winner so it's a good mix.
2 months ago the England cricket team were victorious in Australia 3-1. Retaining the Ashes in memorable style. Today (albeit in a different form of the game) they lost in the world cup to Ireland. To put that into perspective to my American readers thats like getting a few guys from your town, going to Yankee Stadium and beating the Yanks!
Fair play to Ireland...a fully deserved win. As a Guinness drinker I almost feel like an honorary Irishman anyway.
Bob Dylan in the background, the shiraz tasting delicious and a smattering of stilton to compliment it. Not a bad midweek evening at all.
It just happened that as I type this I'm listening to Bob Dylan's Highway 61 Revisited. I almost forgot what a classic album it was. Or is.
So my second week of badminton and I'm enjoying it. I used to play a bit and am pleased I dusted down the racket. It is on a drop in basis at the sports centre. I don't know anyone else but they seem friendly enough and no one is either hopeless or a potential gold medal winner so it's a good mix.
2 months ago the England cricket team were victorious in Australia 3-1. Retaining the Ashes in memorable style. Today (albeit in a different form of the game) they lost in the world cup to Ireland. To put that into perspective to my American readers thats like getting a few guys from your town, going to Yankee Stadium and beating the Yanks!
Fair play to Ireland...a fully deserved win. As a Guinness drinker I almost feel like an honorary Irishman anyway.
Bob Dylan in the background, the shiraz tasting delicious and a smattering of stilton to compliment it. Not a bad midweek evening at all.
Tuesday 1 March 2011
35/1 9/2
No. It can't be. Surely?
Yes. It is. For sure.
1st March. 2011 is like an express train. Like a stellar object hurtling through space. A bullet speeding through the air, hurtling it's way to it's target. At this rate it won't be long until I'm drawing my pension.
You guessed it. It's fair to say that this year is speeding by.
Have you worked out the blog title yet? Yes...well done...top of the class. No...OK...I will explain.
35 blogs in January, 9 blogs in February. I need to better 9 in March. 1 day 1 blog = a good start.
So I have entered my last full month in my thirties. From a thirtysomething to a middle aged guy awaits in April. Scary? Maybe. But they do say life begins.
So the news. It's harder to decide who wins nutcase of the week this week. Gadaffi or Sheen. One a delusional despot with no grip on reality. The other a Hollywood star determined to isolate himself and see his acting career end.
I guess there is a moral there somewhere about power and fame. Maybe being me isn't such a bad thing. A small cog in a big wheel but in many respects and to many people an important cog. I may not be powerful or rich but I reckon I'm a decent guy and well liked. If I can put a smile on a face I can go to bed happy knowing I have accomplished something worthwhile.
There's probably a morale there too. I will let you decide.
Yes. It is. For sure.
1st March. 2011 is like an express train. Like a stellar object hurtling through space. A bullet speeding through the air, hurtling it's way to it's target. At this rate it won't be long until I'm drawing my pension.
You guessed it. It's fair to say that this year is speeding by.
Have you worked out the blog title yet? Yes...well done...top of the class. No...OK...I will explain.
35 blogs in January, 9 blogs in February. I need to better 9 in March. 1 day 1 blog = a good start.
So I have entered my last full month in my thirties. From a thirtysomething to a middle aged guy awaits in April. Scary? Maybe. But they do say life begins.
So the news. It's harder to decide who wins nutcase of the week this week. Gadaffi or Sheen. One a delusional despot with no grip on reality. The other a Hollywood star determined to isolate himself and see his acting career end.
I guess there is a moral there somewhere about power and fame. Maybe being me isn't such a bad thing. A small cog in a big wheel but in many respects and to many people an important cog. I may not be powerful or rich but I reckon I'm a decent guy and well liked. If I can put a smile on a face I can go to bed happy knowing I have accomplished something worthwhile.
There's probably a morale there too. I will let you decide.
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