Another very successful week nearly over, and an interesting weekend to follow.
We are meant to be going to my sister's new house on Sunday, and Sod's Law means that Maggot 2 has a bout of his usual non-specific viral type illness, so things are in the balance as to which of the Scobi clan will actually be visiting. Here's hoping it is the full monty.
We are also out Saturday evening, with my parents baby-sitting and even acting as the taxi, which is wonderful. Welcome back Scobi seniors.
Next week I am going fishing, taking a day off on Tuesday. Now, I know that fishing in any location and in any weather is not everyone's idea of fun. I can accept that. However, if you happen to be someone who does like fishing, then going next Tuesday, on a day which is starting to look like it will be dry but very very cold, may still not be something that would particularly appeal. I can accept that also. Nevertheless, go I am, with Brad, and very much am I looking forward to a day with nothing but me, a rod, and the good company of Brad. Quite what we will get to talk about for the many hours cannot possibly be determined, even by Brian Cox, however it will undoubtedly be a day full of chat and general camaraderie and fun. I have even been doing a bit of research, asking Uncle Google and Aunty YouTube some very probing questions, only to get ten million answers in under a second. I now know the main principles of winter fishing, and will just see whether or not I can actually put any of it to good use that enables me to actually catch something. You see, cold weather does not do much for the fish, them going off their food a bit, and the lack of sun and week growth means the water is very clear, and both these facts means you need a particular approach, which involves ground-baiting with smelly and tasty stuff that has no food value, lest the little darlings eat all the groundbait and then go off their food, and using bait that is visible (sweetcorn for example) but ground-bait that is not (spooks the fish). I can tell I have gone on too long, since eyelids are drooping. Sadly for you, I shall be telling you all about it next week.
Have a good weekend, speak next week.
Monday, 4 March 2013
Monday Monday here again
Well, wasn't that an entirely agreeable weekend. Maggot 2 went on his enrichment day, and despite initially the "old lady talking to us like babies" it soon picked up and she started to "talk to us normally", and there was also a kind old man who they seemed to take a liking to, or rather, to which they took a liking, probably.
The other three members of the Scobi clan were not so lucky. We decided on a few hours and light lunch in Haywards Heath, but sadly that turned out to be a perfect example of high street decay and decline. It was almost like being up north*. So, we had to hastily reconvene the locations committee, and decided to take a run down to Brighton, where we had an American Diner experience (very satisfactory, especially Maggot 1's milk shake . . .) and a quick bit of shopping, before heading back to pick up Maggot 2 at "2.30pm sharp". Sadly, on the A23, the sign said left, the Sat Nav said straight on**, and we chose to follow the Sat Nav, which would have been OK except for the traffic works that had closed the exit Satty really wanted to use. The clock was ticking*** and we made it 1 minute late, only to find the children's return being 2 minutes late. Disaster averted and the world slid back in to its correct orbit.
In the evening we went to David and Samantha's for a lovely evening, returning home and midnight with Maggots, in a taxi. Thanks to David for picking us up in his car, so we did not have a Sunday car pick up to do, since we were then out to lunch with the outlaws in Chichester for a pretty decent pizza.
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* Now, before I get letters, I know this is mere geographical stereotyping for cheap laughs. I remember a long weekend we took in Leeds some years ago, with LO expecting flat caps, fat lasses and ferrets on leads, only to find a vibrant city with great shops and a well groomed local population.
** Surely one of modern life's big dilemmas - follow the sign or the Sat Nav?
*** It was just like an episode of Countdown
The other three members of the Scobi clan were not so lucky. We decided on a few hours and light lunch in Haywards Heath, but sadly that turned out to be a perfect example of high street decay and decline. It was almost like being up north*. So, we had to hastily reconvene the locations committee, and decided to take a run down to Brighton, where we had an American Diner experience (very satisfactory, especially Maggot 1's milk shake . . .) and a quick bit of shopping, before heading back to pick up Maggot 2 at "2.30pm sharp". Sadly, on the A23, the sign said left, the Sat Nav said straight on**, and we chose to follow the Sat Nav, which would have been OK except for the traffic works that had closed the exit Satty really wanted to use. The clock was ticking*** and we made it 1 minute late, only to find the children's return being 2 minutes late. Disaster averted and the world slid back in to its correct orbit.
In the evening we went to David and Samantha's for a lovely evening, returning home and midnight with Maggots, in a taxi. Thanks to David for picking us up in his car, so we did not have a Sunday car pick up to do, since we were then out to lunch with the outlaws in Chichester for a pretty decent pizza.
===========================================
* Now, before I get letters, I know this is mere geographical stereotyping for cheap laughs. I remember a long weekend we took in Leeds some years ago, with LO expecting flat caps, fat lasses and ferrets on leads, only to find a vibrant city with great shops and a well groomed local population.
** Surely one of modern life's big dilemmas - follow the sign or the Sat Nav?
*** It was just like an episode of Countdown
Friday, 1 March 2013
And . . . relax
Another week over, this one being fairly instantly forgettable.
We have had some good news for Maggot 1, who has managed to get in to his/our first choice school. It may well be one that some of his good friends will not be going to, so there is an element of parental fretting as to whether we are doing the right thing, since his circle of friends is lovely. However, we prefer this school to the other choices we have, and even he, the sensible little Maggot that he is, has declared his preference for this school, so hopefully all will be well. It is a mixed school, so if for no other reason, the totty argument should win out.
This weekend we have a busy Saturday, with Maggot 2 on an "enrichment day" up country, on a 4 hour science workshop. Having decided that he no longer wants to do football club on Tuesday, because "I don't want to be a professional footballer, I want to be a scientist", hopefully he will really enjoy the session. As is the process with anything to do with Maggot 2, there has been plenty of "I don't want to go" conversations, however we are picking up and taking his best friend, so hopefully all will be well. The rest of us then get to have a few hours shopping and the taking of a little light lunch.
In the afternoon and evening, we are at A&E for an evening of fun, food and drink, not necessarily in that order. Sunday then sees us having lunch out with the outlaws.
Having just written that, I realise what a decadent life we lead.
Hoping your weekend is as decadent, and speak next week.
We have had some good news for Maggot 1, who has managed to get in to his/our first choice school. It may well be one that some of his good friends will not be going to, so there is an element of parental fretting as to whether we are doing the right thing, since his circle of friends is lovely. However, we prefer this school to the other choices we have, and even he, the sensible little Maggot that he is, has declared his preference for this school, so hopefully all will be well. It is a mixed school, so if for no other reason, the totty argument should win out.
This weekend we have a busy Saturday, with Maggot 2 on an "enrichment day" up country, on a 4 hour science workshop. Having decided that he no longer wants to do football club on Tuesday, because "I don't want to be a professional footballer, I want to be a scientist", hopefully he will really enjoy the session. As is the process with anything to do with Maggot 2, there has been plenty of "I don't want to go" conversations, however we are picking up and taking his best friend, so hopefully all will be well. The rest of us then get to have a few hours shopping and the taking of a little light lunch.
In the afternoon and evening, we are at A&E for an evening of fun, food and drink, not necessarily in that order. Sunday then sees us having lunch out with the outlaws.
Having just written that, I realise what a decadent life we lead.
Hoping your weekend is as decadent, and speak next week.
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
In the office
I am, unusually, in the office on a Tuesday. Such irregularity could cause a lesser chap to spill his G&T, but not so SWK who is soldiering on and making a good fist of being an adult.
A few days off has given me one or two urgencies, but to be honest, they likely pale in to insignificance compared to the nightmare couple of weeks facing both Bad Man and Golfy. Knowing, as I do, what they get up to*, I know fairly well what kind of horrors await them, so I wish them well and suggest they Luge it**.
Had a great time away, even if it was a bit cold. Did a Go Ape, where I intended to conquer my age-onset fear of heights, which I did with a flourish. It was actually great fun, and maybe it was the safety gear, but I had no "moments" and simply enjoyed a very good afternoon climbing and swinging and sliding.
We also had fish 'n' chips, aka "fi & chi", in Lymington on the Saturday, stopping at the best hardware store in the area, as is the law, and even making a purchase, us with some portable oven gloves (oh, the glamour) and E with a pair of off-the-shelf reading glasses with, wait for it, built in LED lights. "Perfect for under-dashboard repairs etc" apparently, and something to behold for sure. In fact, the last time I saw anything similar it was The Chemical Brothers on the NME Stage at Glastonbury, and we all know they are off their rockers***.
** I suspect, as faithful readers, you know this already, but on the off-chance you were looking for some Star Wars porn and stumbled upon this page, to Luge it is simply to "lie flat and don't die".
*** in the nicest possible way, of course.
A few days off has given me one or two urgencies, but to be honest, they likely pale in to insignificance compared to the nightmare couple of weeks facing both Bad Man and Golfy. Knowing, as I do, what they get up to*, I know fairly well what kind of horrors await them, so I wish them well and suggest they Luge it**.
Had a great time away, even if it was a bit cold. Did a Go Ape, where I intended to conquer my age-onset fear of heights, which I did with a flourish. It was actually great fun, and maybe it was the safety gear, but I had no "moments" and simply enjoyed a very good afternoon climbing and swinging and sliding.
We also had fish 'n' chips, aka "fi & chi", in Lymington on the Saturday, stopping at the best hardware store in the area, as is the law, and even making a purchase, us with some portable oven gloves (oh, the glamour) and E with a pair of off-the-shelf reading glasses with, wait for it, built in LED lights. "Perfect for under-dashboard repairs etc" apparently, and something to behold for sure. In fact, the last time I saw anything similar it was The Chemical Brothers on the NME Stage at Glastonbury, and we all know they are off their rockers***.
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* At least, during the week, quite what abhorrent activities they get up to at the weekend is, of course, of interest only to themselves and their local farm-yard animals** I suspect, as faithful readers, you know this already, but on the off-chance you were looking for some Star Wars porn and stumbled upon this page, to Luge it is simply to "lie flat and don't die".
*** in the nicest possible way, of course.
Monday, 25 February 2013
New Car
Here's the new car, slightly out of focus due to it being minus something and on a very steep hill*.
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* one of these facts may be false.
Friday, 15 February 2013
And . . . relax
Another week draws to a close, and a chap is left pondering what lasting good has come from it.
On this Friday, I have reason to be quite chipper. I am now over my illness, a good five pounds lighter, with half term ahead of us, including four days in the 'van down at Lytton Lawns. I also managed to spend an hour and a half at LO's school giving them some advice on IT. They actually have a very tidy little setup, and with the plans they have to upgrade servers and to avail themselves of the services of a local support organisation, including cloud backup, I would say they are starting from a strong position with clarity as to where they need to take it next. In fact, I was slightly concerned at one stage that I could add no value, however I was able to advise on the specifics of the server specification, the UPS and the proposed new racking, and also was able to validate all the decisions that have already been made, and that apparently was exactly the kind of help they wanted. So, a happy customer, and a good sense of well-being from a job well done, and possibly even one of those rare events; a selfless act. Sadly, as Phoebe* concluded, the fact that I had pleasure from helping probably discounts it as 100% selfless.
On other news, I have now arranged two dates for fishing with Brad, one as our primary date, the second just in case we have to call off the first due to bad weather. It is easier for both of us to book and work round two dates, and then cancel one, rather than book only one then try to panic book a second if the first is cancelled. This meets one of my key working rules; get the holidays in the diary as soon as you can, so you get first dibs.
This weekend is fairly normal. We likely have David and Samantha and associated Maggots over for an afternoon and evening, to celebrate David's birthday, and "just because" as well.
We also need to start planning for the 'vannin' trip, which will include me swapping over the winter awning for the summer awning. I know it is not actually summer yet, but we are there for four nights, so need the space, and the trip after this one will be solidly into Spring.
Have a great weekend, and speak in just over a week, unless I get to blog from my phone, which is a possibility. I may even post a picture of the 'van**.
================================
* from Friends, where they had a whole episode on whether a selfless act could actually be done
** I know, exciting...
On this Friday, I have reason to be quite chipper. I am now over my illness, a good five pounds lighter, with half term ahead of us, including four days in the 'van down at Lytton Lawns. I also managed to spend an hour and a half at LO's school giving them some advice on IT. They actually have a very tidy little setup, and with the plans they have to upgrade servers and to avail themselves of the services of a local support organisation, including cloud backup, I would say they are starting from a strong position with clarity as to where they need to take it next. In fact, I was slightly concerned at one stage that I could add no value, however I was able to advise on the specifics of the server specification, the UPS and the proposed new racking, and also was able to validate all the decisions that have already been made, and that apparently was exactly the kind of help they wanted. So, a happy customer, and a good sense of well-being from a job well done, and possibly even one of those rare events; a selfless act. Sadly, as Phoebe* concluded, the fact that I had pleasure from helping probably discounts it as 100% selfless.
On other news, I have now arranged two dates for fishing with Brad, one as our primary date, the second just in case we have to call off the first due to bad weather. It is easier for both of us to book and work round two dates, and then cancel one, rather than book only one then try to panic book a second if the first is cancelled. This meets one of my key working rules; get the holidays in the diary as soon as you can, so you get first dibs.
This weekend is fairly normal. We likely have David and Samantha and associated Maggots over for an afternoon and evening, to celebrate David's birthday, and "just because" as well.
We also need to start planning for the 'vannin' trip, which will include me swapping over the winter awning for the summer awning. I know it is not actually summer yet, but we are there for four nights, so need the space, and the trip after this one will be solidly into Spring.
Have a great weekend, and speak in just over a week, unless I get to blog from my phone, which is a possibility. I may even post a picture of the 'van**.
================================
* from Friends, where they had a whole episode on whether a selfless act could actually be done
** I know, exciting...
Monday, 11 February 2013
And . . . not too relaxed
I missed the usual Friday post, so on Monday I find myself reflecting on a dismal five days in the Scobi household.
We have all been down with a "sickness bug", something akin to Norovirus, if not the very chap himself. This started Tuesday night with Maggot 2, then Maggot 1 at 11am Thursday evening, followed by yours truly Friday at 3am, followed reluctantly by LO Friday lunchtime. By Friday evening, we were all desolately sprawled on the sofas and chairs, spending nearly an hour planning to moment at which we were all going to drag our sorry carcasses off to bed, such was our lacklustre nature.
All I will say, be a chap of discretion and tact, is that with it being one of those "both ends" types of illnesses, relaxing is the last thing I needed to be doing.
We spent all of Saturday doing nothing but lying down, with Sunday starting to return to normal, although both Maggots are off today just to get a final recovery in.
I am back at work, and feeling somewhat shell-shocked by the experience, but hey ho, such is life, and no doubt worse is seen at sea.
The sadness was we had a lovely weekend planned away at Brad and Angelina's, so sorry to you chaps, hope you are well, and let's rearrange when we can (though with our combined diaries, finding a slot . . . )
We have all been down with a "sickness bug", something akin to Norovirus, if not the very chap himself. This started Tuesday night with Maggot 2, then Maggot 1 at 11am Thursday evening, followed by yours truly Friday at 3am, followed reluctantly by LO Friday lunchtime. By Friday evening, we were all desolately sprawled on the sofas and chairs, spending nearly an hour planning to moment at which we were all going to drag our sorry carcasses off to bed, such was our lacklustre nature.
All I will say, be a chap of discretion and tact, is that with it being one of those "both ends" types of illnesses, relaxing is the last thing I needed to be doing.
We spent all of Saturday doing nothing but lying down, with Sunday starting to return to normal, although both Maggots are off today just to get a final recovery in.
I am back at work, and feeling somewhat shell-shocked by the experience, but hey ho, such is life, and no doubt worse is seen at sea.
The sadness was we had a lovely weekend planned away at Brad and Angelina's, so sorry to you chaps, hope you are well, and let's rearrange when we can (though with our combined diaries, finding a slot . . . )
Tuesday, 5 February 2013
Well that went OK
With LO away for the weekend, it was left to the chaps to keep things together. It is fair to say that we had a fantastic couple of days, and eating, drinking and wenching was all done in the correct proportions (50/50/0 in case you were wondering) and we seem to have emerged from the weekend unscathed, as has the house and our immediate surroundings.
Needless to say that while LO "missed us lots", this did not impair to any great extent her ability to shop and to spend money. Every phone call with M, with whom she spent the weekend, tend to be about clothes, so a weekend away together in Bristol is likely to be a retail-intensive experience. In fairness, we all got something from the trip, so quid pro quo and Hortus est in porto etc.
I was in the office yesterday, and there is nothing like a change of routine to bring on the sweats. To be fair, it was an easy day because I had previously booked a doctor's appointment (for my foot) first thing so I went up north* at a fairly respectable time, which also meant missing the traffic.
LO goes out at 7pm so I had to leave at 4.45pm as well to ensure I was home in time. So, as arduous days go, this was not one.
Today I do need to line up some of the team to pick up various bits of work that has suddenly landed on our laps, and then I will most likely have to also project manage the tracking of activity. Ho hum.
Needless to say that while LO "missed us lots", this did not impair to any great extent her ability to shop and to spend money. Every phone call with M, with whom she spent the weekend, tend to be about clothes, so a weekend away together in Bristol is likely to be a retail-intensive experience. In fairness, we all got something from the trip, so quid pro quo and Hortus est in porto etc.
I was in the office yesterday, and there is nothing like a change of routine to bring on the sweats. To be fair, it was an easy day because I had previously booked a doctor's appointment (for my foot) first thing so I went up north* at a fairly respectable time, which also meant missing the traffic.
LO goes out at 7pm so I had to leave at 4.45pm as well to ensure I was home in time. So, as arduous days go, this was not one.
Today I do need to line up some of the team to pick up various bits of work that has suddenly landed on our laps, and then I will most likely have to also project manage the tracking of activity. Ho hum.
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* to Epsom, and not a flat cap or pigeon in sight
Friday, 1 February 2013
And . . . relax
LO is away this weekend, from Saturday AM until Monday afternoon, so it is just us lads at home, looking after ourselves and doing some stuff. i.e. not quite sure what the hell we are going to do or eat or anything else, but time will pass, food of some sort will be eaten* and tidiness will broadly be kept.
I do know we have vouchers for Prezzo for Saturday lunch, and we may go either bowling, swimming or a bike ride in the afternoon, with the normal swimming for Maggot 2 in the morning, and Maggot 1 being away on a Friday sleepover and Saturday "enrichment morning". So that is Saturday sorted. I think I may be looking to re-watch The Big Lebowski on Saturday evening when the Maggots are in their maggot-holes, unless I get a better TV offer**.
Sunday is a different story, so I will have to get creative so that we do not get cabin fever and slowly kill each other with nothing more than a bad temper and cutting sarcasm.
Have a great weekend, and speak next week.
** and on Saturday night, not that likely
I do know we have vouchers for Prezzo for Saturday lunch, and we may go either bowling, swimming or a bike ride in the afternoon, with the normal swimming for Maggot 2 in the morning, and Maggot 1 being away on a Friday sleepover and Saturday "enrichment morning". So that is Saturday sorted. I think I may be looking to re-watch The Big Lebowski on Saturday evening when the Maggots are in their maggot-holes, unless I get a better TV offer**.
Sunday is a different story, so I will have to get creative so that we do not get cabin fever and slowly kill each other with nothing more than a bad temper and cutting sarcasm.
Have a great weekend, and speak next week.
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* House rules being that what is done in the house stays in the house, so LO need not know anything of the detail** and on Saturday night, not that likely
Tuesday, 29 January 2013
Move along, there is nothing happening here
Today will be one of those days that does not linger long in the memory. Work will be done, and food eaten, and a nice coffee drunk at 11am (ish, don't want to sound OCD), but otherwise, it will be a day to get over.
That is sad, wasting away our lives, but then that is, sometimes, what working is about. I enjoy my job, in the round, but I also like my home life, and one will always interfere with the other.
Maggot 2 is visiting a recycling plant with school today, and in the afternoon has "drinks and nibbles" by way of the launch of this half-term's subject, an event for all Year 6 where they have to wear smart civvies. Needless to say it is hard to know whether it is the girls or the boys who are spending more time discussing and comparing what they will wear for the event. Oh to be young again, and have nothing to worry about except which trousers to wear.
That is sad, wasting away our lives, but then that is, sometimes, what working is about. I enjoy my job, in the round, but I also like my home life, and one will always interfere with the other.
Maggot 2 is visiting a recycling plant with school today, and in the afternoon has "drinks and nibbles" by way of the launch of this half-term's subject, an event for all Year 6 where they have to wear smart civvies. Needless to say it is hard to know whether it is the girls or the boys who are spending more time discussing and comparing what they will wear for the event. Oh to be young again, and have nothing to worry about except which trousers to wear.
Monday, 28 January 2013
Quickie
Had a great weekend, and am really getting in to my remixing of tracks. Got my first comment back yesterday from a fellow remix artist (I suspect that is what we would be putting on our Equity Cards) that was very positive, which is nice. Not sure whether this is my new career*, but at least a pleasant hobby.
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* so probably not a chance to put a tick against my new year resolution around career.Friday, 25 January 2013
And . . . relax
Another week under her belt for LO in her new role, and things are starting to shake out. That means that at this moment her head is spinning with all the new processes, the new people, all the things she is observing may need changing, other things she is considering that are for future implementation. In short, there is a lot of information buzzing round her head, and this means she is, probably for the first time in her life, not sleeping so well. Not that she is anywhere near as bad as me, but worse then she used to be. This means that we rarely need waking for the 6am news, although getting out of bed is still a challenge.
We have David and Samantha over on Saturday, so the weekend is shaping up nicely, and the weather is even threatening to be warmer, and there may even be sun.
May the sun shine on you this weekend.
We have David and Samantha over on Saturday, so the weekend is shaping up nicely, and the weather is even threatening to be warmer, and there may even be sun.
May the sun shine on you this weekend.
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