Day 54 (19/02/10)

Went to www.zizzi.co.uk last night, it was very nice but started badly.

The menu's are quite large so when choosing a glass a wine I laid the menu down to see it and was unaware of the small candle in the centre of the table. I had seen the brown mark on the menu getting larger but was too busy concentrating on choosing a White or Rose (too young for Red). It was only when the smell of burning was clearly coming from our table and not the kitchen did the wife realise what I had done and tell me. Oops!. I later knocked over a bottle of Olive Oil. It was like Mr Bean meets Mr Magoo.

Anyway I can recommend the Antipasto Zizzi (you can see the candle in the picture).


No rain today so will have to go out on my bike.

Update - 10:15 - It's snowing, quite heavy, me and the snow that is.

Update - 12:30 - It's stopped snowing and the sun is out so I must get out on my bike.

The wife saw a woodpecker in the back garden but only had time for a few pictures.



Update - 15:00 - Longest cycle ride so far. Now totally knackered.

When cycling round was nearly attacked by a dog being walked by a middle-aged woman. Luckily I know how to instantly incapacitate a vicious dog, unluckily I didn't have a loaded gun with me, so I was forced to give them both a nasty stare.

Now relaxing with a slice on Christmas Cake and a bottle of water.

Day 53 (18/02/10)

Over-react, me, no never. Anyway, I did offer my car to Kelly this morning but she was going somewhere she didn't know, so wanted a lift.

I went to the Council today and handed over the plastic bits from my soup and filled out my complaint.

Heavy rain all day so far, so I will have another day off from the bike.

Going out for dinner with the wife tonight as she complained last week that I never take her out. I mentioned all the times we had been out, but apparently that didn't count as we had been out as a family. So I pointed out I had taken her out, just the two of us, quite a few times at the start of the year, but apparently driving her to work when it was snowing didn't count. She is just so picky, I can't win any arguments lately. It's just not fair.

Day 52 (17/02/10)

Went out for a Chinese last night to celebrate Kelly passing her driving test a couple of weeks ago. We were too full for pancakes (shocking).

Got back and watched the Brits and I decided I am old, as it was crap.

Today I didn't go out on my bike as me and the wife went to see Sherlock Holmes (Orange Wednesday) at lunch time. It was OK. Then we went out for a bite to eat at a nice place in Taunton that we go to occasionally. We went for soup, cup of tea and we shared a piece of cake. I had Mushroom soup, which I had to send back as it had loads of little bits of red plastic in.


I changed it for the Vegetable soup (which the wife had had) but soon realised this also had bits of red plastics in.


I later phoned Trading Standards and made a complaint and will be dropping off some of the plastic bits tomorrow. Why are these people trying to kill me?

Made pancakes in the evening, but it didn't go well.


Had a slight disagreement with Kelly, over her messing about and hiding my phone all the time (which is now more than annoying) so I took all my car keys away and told her to get her own car. She is going out tonight and had planned to drive her friends so that's her stuffed.

Update - 20:30 - Got told off by my wife, so Kelly now has the keys and has my car. Oh well, lost again.

Day 51 (16/02/10)

Big disappointment. I fancied Frosties for breakfast and got the pack out of the cupboard to find that Thomas had put back an empty box. I was forced to have Cheerios and although I have never had dried pet food I can't help but think that this is just pet food sold to humans. Anyway I eat it.

I can't decide if my hair is looking shiny because of using the kids expensive shampoo and my new the cycling regime is due to my strong will power; Or is my glossy coat and improved vitality due to the pet food I seem to be having for breakfast.

Oh well

Update - 11:55 - Went to the bank in town to set up some on-line banking stuff. I visited the bank early to pay in a cheque, like a normal customer, then came back an hour later for my appointment with my Business Manager. As I was early the usual meeting room downstairs was busy so I was shown upstairs where the Premier Account holders are usually served. This is a very nice plush area, where there is even free tea and coffee. After I finished my meeting I walked downstairs and the door was opened for me by a female member of staff who had earlier watched as I had to open my own door.

Could it be that Premier Account holders are treated better by HSBC staff.

Update - 14:45 - Well I tried to get my wife to talk me into not going out on my bike as it was a bit overcast but she said it is good for me. Good for me my arse, I got half way round and it started hailing. It was like being shot at when going fast on the downhill bit. I cycled the same route but got back soaked thru. Had lunch now time for a warm shower.

Day 50 (15/02/10)

Wow 24hrs without my computer and I made it. I don't think checking my emails and twitter on my phone counts as cheating.

Kelly has been asked to go in to cover at the office in The Brewhouse for a few days, so a few more quid for her this month. I might ask her to pay something towards the running costs of my, sorry our, car.

Thomas is still fast asleep in bed, lucky sod.

I have a few work thing to do, then out on my bike (in the rain) then hopefully starting to sort thru the junk in the house.

I'm betting that the family will want to keep everyone of the 200 odd video's we have, despite the fact that the video recorded isn't even plugged in. I will agree that the Disney ones might be worth keeping but some of the films we have were crap when we bought them. And anyway who watches video's nowadays, no-one. If the film is that good lets get the dvd. They are not worth selling on e-bay, let's punish a charity shop and give them all of our old video's.

Hang about, I think I haver a Neneh Cherry video, well that's staying obviously. I might even look on e-bay for her dvd as well.

Update - 14:30 - Well I was feeling sick and exhausted before I got on my bike. Cycled further than ever and felt better at the end then I did at the start, I just couldn't talk, breath or stand, but apart from that I was feeling better.

I mentioned getting rid of the old vhs video's to the wife, it didn't go down well. I think our house will be full of crap until we die and then the kids will have to get the council in to clear it out. I have managed to clear some stuff out of the fridge and the bread bin but that was lunch.

Day 48 & 49 (13 & 14/02/10)

Everyone (except me) is now off for a week. It would be nice if they actually went thru the house & garage and got rid of all the rubbish and stuff we haven't used for he last few years, but I'm not holding my breath.

Anyway only got a few reports to do, so hopefully will get tomorrow off.

Might go out on my bike today.

Update - Sat 22:30 - The girls went up to Bristol, Thomas was out in town with his mates. I did nearly all my work then went out on my bike and cycled too closely to a spiky bush and cut my other leg today.


With all of these injuries this cycling isn't making me any healthier.

Got home and made me and Thomas a lovely Chicken Korma (from a jar but I added the chicken and mushrooms).


We didn't eat it all, but it was the best Korma I have ever tasted (and I have had a few), finished off with a pint of larger and then a nap in front of the telly.

Day off from the computer on Sunday

Day 47 (12/02/10)

Thomas finished his photography at 1am this morning. It looked really good but I can't help but think if he had spent a few weeks doing it instead of a few days it could have been even better or just as good but he would have had longer in bed.

Went out on my bike and went even further today. My legs were aching at the start and killing me at the end but I carried on.

To be fair it was the thought of making myself an omelette for lunch that kept me going.


My omelette was very nice and today I used a different child's plate. I say children, when tonight one is driving herself to the theatre and the other is going out to a nightclub, albeit an under 18's. Makes me feel old.

More work to do and a new client that is even further up North. What a lovely drive that will be.

Just had a problem with the Sky+ Box. Phoned the call centre and managed to fix it but in the process have cleared the hard drive and lost all the programmes that everyone was waiting to see. Don't think I will be popular when they find out.

Day 46 (11/02/10)

Nice to be back into my shorts & t-shirt and not to have a 3hr drive.

Work to do but aiming to go out on my bike later.

I realised I have not included many pictures lately, so looking for something interesting to photograph and include.

Update - 15:30 - Well I went out on my bike. I thought it looked nice and sunny so I thought I would not wear my big fleece but my fleecy rugby shirt instead. Well that was a mistake as I was bloody freezing.

However the worse thing was that when I was getting my bike out of the shed I caught my calf on the peddle and cut my leg.


That hurt and wasn't the sort of picture I was thinking about including today.

Anyway I went on my longest most up hill cycle so far. I felt knackered. If I was a horse they would shoot me.

Although if I was a horse that could cycle 4 miles on a mountain bike I think that shooting me would be a waste, surely with that sort of talent I would be at least a finalist on Britain's Got Talent.

I could duet with Susan Boyle and recreate the scene in "Butch Cassidy and the Sun Dance Kid", where they cycle round to "Rain Drops Are Falling On My Head"

Anyway after getting back had a nice cup of tea and some warm muffins and strawberry jam. I'm sure they are low fat.


Yes, we are still using the children's baby plates. We don't use them when we have visitors, we use the proper plates then.

Day 45 (10/02/10)

Two things I hate (the full list is somewhat longer) but driving and wearing a suit, and this morning I'm doing both.

In London first thing, couldn't resist taking a picture of the Lucozade sign on the M4. Not a good picture as I was just crushing the ice for my Martini, shaken not stirred and no Olive, driving in style.


By the time I got to Brentford I was desperate for the toilet and was forced to park in an underground car park which contained only two other cars and had numerous signs about criminals operating in the area. Decided it was Russian Roulette to leave my car here as it would probably not be there when I came back but I needed the loo.

I was so desperate that I would have used an open sewer, luckily Brentford is the sort of place were an open sewer is a request that can be met. No disrespect to Brentford but some of it is not very nice.

Spent a few hours in court (as a witness) where I heard a great quote about how to judge a house.

"It's what we call a minor executive house, as the garage is just big enough for a Ferrari, but it only has one."

I decided not to mention that there is so much crap that I cant' get a toy car in my garage or that I drive 206, not exactly Magnum PI, I couldn't even grow the mustache.

Anyway the car was OK when I got back to it and then drove home by 7(ish) and now have things to. Looking forward to going out on my bike tomorrow.

Day 44 (09/02/10)

Its cold and I've got work to do. Its boring, I want time to go out on my bike and go to college. I got half my work done yesterday, still loads to do before setting off early tomorrow for London.

Not feeling guilty (as if) about putting my suit on expenses as I would have worn it for three days in two weeks. More comfortable in shorts in t-shirt.

Time to start work, again.

Day 43 (08/02/10)

A weekend with some work done but mostly spent my time listening to Richard Herring pod-casts and youtube stuff. Very funny but wish I had got some more work done.

Have about 10 reports to do and 2 emails to send out. Must pace myself and start now, will try and go out on my bike at lunchtime.

Update - 17:30 - Just had it confirmed that I have to go to London to be a witness at Court. The money is nice but it means I am away for a couple of days and have to be there early on Wednesday so can't go to college on Tuesday night. Plus I will have to get a lot of work done today and tomorrow so don't have time to go out on my my bike.

I know what will happen. I will get to court and then be told that they are accepting my evidence so I will have to turn around and drive all the way back. Plus whatever I have to wear my suit, not happy.

Day 41 & 42 (06 & 07/02/10)

The weekend is here but I can't take the time off as I have to try and catch up after having had a few meetings this week.

Next week I might have to be in London again but for two days as I am due to be a witness at court. Hopefully I will be cancelled on Tuesday and not needed as I have better things to do.

Anyway Kelly has gone out to the cinema with some friends and taken my car.

I can't decide if it was better being a taxi driver who had full use of his car or a parent whose daughter has the keys to his car.

Anyway work to do whilst listening to the radio.

Day 40 (05/02/10)

Back in the office, but have hardly done any paid work this week. Got loads to do but been busy doing other things.

Kelly had her driving test today and this is her coming back having PASSED.


Well done girl.

I thought we should go out to the Pizza Hut to celebrate. If she had failed I would have thought that we should have gone out to the Pizza Hut to commiserate.


She drove back.

She has now gone out by herself to pick Thomas up from school. I wasn't this worried when she went away with the army cadets and was shooting guns. I will update to let you know that they get back safely.

Update - 16:00 - Both kids and car back safely. I now have more grey hairs and may have to have a drink to calm me down. When do you stop worrying about your kids (and your car).

Must get some paid work done.

Obviously I didn't get to go out on my bike today as I was celebrating with Kelly and a pizza, so might go out tomorrow.


Update - 21:30 - Still working, but stopped for some nice cake which Kim made, as a well done cake for Kelly.

Day 39 (04/02/10)

Busy day, had to go to the old smoke for a meeting, so a day of landmarks. It started with Stonehenge.


I know its not a great picture but I was driving past at 50 miles an hour at the time and had to be careful I didn't spill my pint.

Then into Twickenham, past the rugby ground.


Again trying to take the picture, drive and butter my toast meant I didn't have time to take a proper photo.

Into Richmond and the underground. Better picture as I was now of foot.


Caught the train to the city centre, it was clear I was not a local; I didn't have an oyster card, I gave up my seat to a middle aged lady and I kept giggling, saying "a train that goes underground, whatever next"

Got to the centre with time to kill so a quick visit to Starbucks, but the cakes weren't as nice as Gary's.


Finally got to the meeting, strange day, bit of an outsider.


Got home late.

Day 38 (03/02/10)

Took Thomas to school and then straight to the garage to refuel. Funny smell of Fish & Chips in the car.

The weather is awful, really cold rain. Have a meeting in Bristol at lunchtime, so might not be able to go cycling in the cold rain. That's a result.

Update - 19:00 - Had an interesting meeting in Bristol, not met the guy for about 8 years but nice to know he came to me to get some stuff done. When I left I came across all the news crews, but they weren't there for me.


When I got back to the car park I think I bought parking space number 127 in the car park. I had only meant to stay there once but at £4.90 for less than 2hours surely I must now own it.

Stopped off for Tea & Cakes with the family, that was nice.

Drove back and popped in for a new printer cartridge, but decided to get a laser printer, as printing the training material takes ages and uses up about four cartridges every time.


I hadn't meant to spend that much but thankfully it can charge it all to work stuff. The printing is lovely and clear, better than my deskjet, hopefully it will work out cheaper in the long run.

Early night to night, as I have to be up early tomorrow.

Day 37 (02/02/10)

A very busy day, lots of reports to do, home work to write, haircut and other stuff. I was just about to go out cycling but saw it was raining, so will have to delay it.

Update - 14:30 - I had smart(ish) haircut for the meetings this week. I have to take my passport with me, but that makes me look like a prisoner on day release, which could cause problems. Even in my suit I look like crap.

Must do my homework now. Looking forward to my chips on my way home tonight.

Update - late - I put my blue fleece with my zipped pockets in the wash, so had to wear my grey fleece, without zipped up pockets. Don't worry there is a point to this story. Plus my wife had put my very casual trousers (which have deep pockets) in the wash, so I had to wear my tracksuit trousers, which only have shalow open pockets.

With this in mind I thought I wont take my wallet with me in case it falls out one of the open pockets, I will just take a £5 note (al the cash i had) with me to college. Just enough for my Fish & Chips.

The trouble was whilst driving to college I realized how little fuel I had, in fact the warning light came on whilst driving there. What to do, buy £5 worth of diesel and get home hungry or get my fish and chips and risk not having enough fuel to get home.

It was a worry that stayed with me throughout the lesson.

I won't say which option I went for but I got home.

Day 36 (01/02/10)

I wore my new not sporty trainers yesterday. I now understand how the hoodie youth of today can wear these things without doing their laces up, as there is some internal elastic which keeps it together. Very comfortable.

Admittedly the people that design and market these trainers probably didn't think people like me would be wearing them.

When I woke up this morning, before seeing all the ice, I thought, "Oh no I have to go on my bike today". Do people really like and enjoy exercise, I don't, but I will carry on.

Update - 14:15 - I went out on my bike wearing my new trainers. I felt taller, I think I may have flattened my old trainers over time. Anyway despite there being lots of ice round this morning it was quite warm. Cycled further, starting to do a second circuit, feeling better but still the same size / shape as a womble or teletubby for younger readers. Might help if I eat less, but that ain't going happen.

Whilst cycling I realised that, having made an appointment to see someone in Bristol about work on Wednesday lunchtime, and having a meeting to attend in London on Thursday, I will only be able to go out cycling three times this week. Decided I must cycle harder rather than the leisurely pace I usually go at.

Day 34 & 35 (30 & 31/01/10)

The weekend is here, still some stuff to do on the computer and what joy I have to go shopping, on a Saturday. It is going to spoil a nice weekend.

My idea of hell, shopping. My idea of double hell, shopping on a Saturday.

I need new trainers and I need to get a present. I should have done it on-line a month ago but I need to buy it in the next 4 hours as I have been let down by my usual supplier, which means my wife didn't buy the present, now I have to do it. I suppose its only fair as it for my mum's birthday.

Looking forward to going out as a family later, although Kelly, whose hair cut looks really good and makes her look different, is going to a friends party, so she is sad to be missing out.

Update - Sat 16:30 - Got back from town, only wanted to headbutt about 37 teenagers and kill about 2 dozen other people who kept getting in my way.

Do you remember the days when shoe shops were nice gentle places where someone helped you with your selection and went out the back to get your size for you. Well buying trainers in a sports shop on a Saturday is like being at a UN feeding station after a natural disaster. Survival of the fittest or in my case the largest.

My old trainers are now destined for the bin.


I now have a nice sporty pair, I just hope they make me more sporty.


And another pair of trainers to walk around in (think the Notorious B.I.G. meets the Wurzells).


Also bought myself a watch for work.

I did buy my mum a present, hopefully she will like it, after all it's the thought that counts and I thought the fact that I even bothered going in to town on a Saturday was more than enough.

I was also going to buy her a book but came out of the book shop with 2 books, one on contract killers and the other on informants. I will probably keep them myself as I think she would have preferred a biography on a film star. How ungrateful.

Anyway stuff to do before going out tonight.

Update - Sat 16:45 - Also bought lots on new sports socks as I realised all mine were very old and quite holey. It may sound flash but my 2 pairs of trainers and 9 pairs off socks were a lot less than Thomas's last pair of trainers, though I admit his are slightly more trendy than mine.

Update - Sun 12:00 - Had a fantastic time last night, all meeting up for a meal for mum's birthday. She liked the present and the fact that I had put some photo's in the frames.


The meal at The Globe in Milverton (www.theglobemilverton.co.uk) was brilliant. I ordered the slow cooked lamb but ended up with half a sheep on my plate. Luckily it was the tasty half.


We must go back as the rest of the menu looked lovely as well.

It was snowing this morning, but I still went out in my shorts to get the wife's car headlamp bulb replaced.

I know most men like to think of themselves as capable of anything, but I class doing anything to the car other than putting fuel in, as manual labour and therefore beyond me. I was happy to pay a small girl at Halfords to do it, I am not proud, but I do have nice clean hands, unlike her after she had finished changing the bulb. Money well spent.

Day 33 (29/01/10)

I spent the day waiting for the slimy git headmaster to phone telling me that Thomas's hair wasn't acceptable. Thankfully he didn't call but he is still a slimy git.

It was rainy today but not enough for an excuse for me not to go out. I did a little bit more up-hill bits today but it was the same distance. Felt better when I got back, might even go out on my bike tomorrow.

Kelly had here hair cut today, quite (very) short but looks really good.

Both kids out for the night, youngest at a club (under 18's) and eldest at a pizza place for a friends birthday. Taxi driver duties split between me and my wife.

Still got things to do and might have an omelette later.

Day 32 (28/01/10)

I am getting into the routine of going out on my bike, though do not look forward to it. However I have noticed that as the week has gone on that it is getting harder to get on my bike.

Although I like to think of myself as a Ninja and a coiled spring, I'm actually thinking I'm getting like an old fat knight in his heavy armour needing to get winched on his horse.

I just looked for a picture of this on Google, the knight being winched onto a horse not me getting on my bike, only to find it is a myth.

Update - 15:30 - meant to go out on my bike at 12:00 but had an email I had to deal with then a call, with a request for assistance (I should be registered as a charity). I finally go out at 14:15 and felt better with the one t-shirt and fleece.

Now to catch up on work, again.

Update - 19:00 - Thomas talked about having his haircut the other day and my wife dropped him at his trendy hairdressers tonight, so why did she say "Oh My God" when he walked in, having his haircut the way he said he would.


Well I suppose it takes a bit of getting used to. The other side is still long. It's a bit of a one off.

I'm glad I'm not trendy. It's easier just getting a crew-cut from a hairdressers that is part of a pet shop. Plus its cheaper.

Day 31 (27/01/10)

I had to scrape ice of my car this morning.

On my way back from dropping Kelly off at College I was behind a lady on a bike, who was twice my size, which made me feel better.

Why is it fat people doing exercise are just a figure of fun. Well that's what I thought whilst I was thinking that she should be display a sign saying "wide load". However I felt bad when I realised she had a very similar bike to mine, which she had obviously bought to stop the tyres from bursting when she sat on it. That's why I bought mine.

Work, why is it feast or famine. Oh for a few days off, but I need the dosh.

As it was obviously so cold out I decided to put on two t-shirts under my fleece and go out on my bike. It was cold but within half a mile I was feeling hot. Damn you weather. Oh to live in a hot country, where you know every day it is OK to go out in t-shirt and shorts.

Back home and sat in-front of my computer, probably until very late.

Day 30 (26/01/10)

Still lots of things to do. Planning on going out on my bike at lunch time. Must get everything done early as I have college tonight.

Update - 14:30 - WTF, that's was colder than yesterday. I was still cold by the time I had finished cycling. Did the same route as yesterday. Will try longer route next week.

Work to do before college.

Update - 22:15 - I got to college (without dong any more work) and as soon as I sat down I started thinking about my supper. As I leave home for college before dinner I get something on the way back, I either have a Kebab or Fish & Chips. I spent the first hour just thinking about Fish & Chips.

I then had to revue someone's work. I didn't take any in so was not popular, I must try harder next week.

The trouble is how honest should you be when reviewing someone's work. I thought I would be gentle, even though the other month someone was really harsh to me.

On the way back I stopped off to get my dinner. Being good I just got a small bag of chips, which I eat whilst listening to Radcliffe and Maconie on Radio 2. How perfect. In fact things could only get better if Kylie was waiting for me in my bed with a bag of Cadbury's Creme Eggs.

What a disappointment, I have checked my bed, No Kylie and No Cadbury's Creme Eggs.

Day 29 (25/01/10)

Woke with a headache, so it was not looking good for going out on my bike, plus it was cold and I had loads to do.

Did some work but forced myself to go out on my bike. F**K it was cold. My hands were lovely and warm in my gloves, which I love, but I was frozen. Felt good so added a bit to the end of my ride, might try another uphill bit tomorrow.

Busy doing things. Had a lovely Steak & Ale pie for dinner followed by a Tesco's Finest Banoffee Pie. I don't usually like Banoffee Pie, but this is so light and creamy. Probably a good job I was on my bike earlier.

Day 27 & 28 (23 & 24/01/10)

Well I didn't go out on my bike yesterday and ended up working till midnight and missing all of the Friday night telly.

Must get lots more done this morning, so I don't feel guilty going out tonight.

Update - Sat 11:15 - Decided that the last makes me sound really dull and that I worked all day, which I am and which I did, but I now have Windows 7 (all people on Mac's please stop laughing)and really like the Chess game that included. I played 3 games yesterday and won all three.

I also have a little gadget on my desktop that shows random photo's from my photo's folder. I must have several thousand photo's in this folder, so if its random why has it started on the same photo for the last three days and why sometimes does it show consecutive photo's, from the same event. It's not really random.

Back to work

Update - Sun 14:45 - Had a great night at the Tobacco Factory watching Simon Munnery and Stewart Lee, both really funny. Saw Stewart Lee before the show and held the door open for him when he was carrying in his large box of merchandise. Not really a claim to fame.

Glad they have got air conditioning now, as it was really hot when I saw Richard Herring there.

No pictures allowed during the show.

Had a busy morning picking up and dropping kids off, hopefully I will get sometime this afternoon and this evening to do some work, as I still have loads to clear.

Day 26 (22/01/10)

OK, I started doing some work, which was not a nice easy trace but a really complex one that I couldn't finish. So by the time I went downstairs for a cup of tea it was too late for piece of cake. Damn.

Today its raining and I have sheds loads to do, so might not get out on my bike. I might go out cycling tomorrow to make up for it.

Looking forward to tomorrow as I am seeing Stewart Lee in Bristol.

Must get lots of work done today and tomorrow morning.

Day 25 (21/01/10)

Back in the office, loads to catch up and really busy. Really too busy to go out for a cycle, but will try.

Thomas has been off sick, but he struggled in today, as he has a fashion show later, which this year he is letting us attend. Last year he did one but did not want us there and everyone said he was great. My wife was a bit upset to have missed it.

I think he has a whole life that does not involve his family. It's quite sad when you realise your kids have grown up and are at that stage where they are quite embarrassed by you.

Oh well, now to work.

Update - 20:45 - Spent all day sending out emails and sorting things out, updating things after being away, loads of work in but haven't done any yet.

My wife made curry for us as she thought it would be good for Thomas's cold. I did point out it was my third curry of the week.

Went to the school Fashion Show as Thomas was involved, modeling some stuff and showing the shirt he made in textiles, which he has worked hard in the last two months to finish. He could have made it slowly over the last two years but left it to the last two months.



It went well and Thomas ended up winning the best original design. So hopefully that should be another GCSE, now just to get that English GCSE and he has his college place sorted.

Well should I have a cup of tea and some of Kim's cake that she made for us, or should I start doing some work. I will let you know tomorrow

Day 24 (20/01/10)

Finished the course and then had a long awful drive home. I didn't get back till really late so not a lot happened.

Day 23 (19/01/10)

Today started badly as the shower is not very powerful and I spent ages trying to get the soap off.

The first day of the course went well, as usual, but it’s a day when I know I have been working, teaching is rewarding but tiring and hot in-front of a projector all day.

Back to the hotel room and did a few bits and had a nice green tea with lemon. Stayed in to eat at the Travelodge again but tonight went for the Beef Madras.


On the way back to the room I went past the ice cream vending machine, so thought I would treat myself to a Ben & Jerry’s Caramel Chew Chew. Very nice.


Just eaten a banana, that was left over from the buffet, now to work.

Day 22 (18/01/10)

Well I am up North, a lovely 4hr drive, with loads of "average speed cameras" along the length of the M6 just to make sure that i couldn't do it any faster. I arrived a bit later than I wanted, so that and a little bit of rain meant that I did not get to walk to a curry house but stayed at the travelodge and had a crap curry here. I dropped some of the Chicken Tikka Masala on my wrist when I was eating it, it was really hot and stained my arm, so now I have what looks like a tattoo of the the Isle of White on my arm. I am sure it will fade in a few days, but wonder what it is doing to my inside.


Then I spent a couple of hours trying to get my mobile broadband working. Eventually after waiting on hold for ages (during which I seemed to eat half a pack of Digestives) the helpline got me connected, as some settings had changed.

Now its 10pm and I have loads of work to do but would rather just put a dvd on, as I have bought a dvd player for my netbook and want to relax as tomorrow will be busy.

Day 20 & 21 (16 & 17/01/10)

Well another weekend.

Spent nearly all Saturday preparing stuff for going up North. So a day spent printing and laminating things. I printed out 8 out of 10 handouts before I realised that when I updated it from 2009 to 2010 I accidental moved things down a line and altered the whole handout.

AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

That was about 100 pages wasted (well put into the growing pill of scrap paper to be used later) and a lot of printer cartridge ink. Oh well.

Sunday will be a bit more printing.

Day 19 (15/01/10)

This morning most of the snow and ice had gone. I did all the quick jobs I could at work, played a game of chess on the computer (and won) and then ran out of excuses, so I had to go out on my bike.

I did about 3.5 miles and am now exhausted, though I feel better than I did two weeks ago when I first went out. The hills didn't seem so steep and I didn't have to go in the lower gears.

It's a shame I can't go every day from now-on, but I am up North for a few days next week. I might try and walk to a curry house rather than eat at the travel-inn, though I have tried the nearest one before and they play girls aloud and don't give you a hot flannel after your meal. The food was OK, but an Indian is the whole package.

I have a busy weekend, as I have to do all the stuff for working up North next week and write an article for college.

Update - 16:00 - breathing back to normal legs feeling a bit wobbly.

Thomas has put some of his stuff on Flickr and it seems to be well received;

http://www.flickr.com/photos/44039568@N02/

Worth a look.

Day 18 (14/01/10)

The snow and ice have just about gone, so will probably go out on my bike tomorrow.

This evening I spoke to an old friend, who I hadn't spoken to for nearly 20yrs. He sounded just the same but happier. Life is going well for him.

Thomas had an exam today that went quite well, so we went out for a curry at a local pub, as its one of his favourites.


They do a curry and a pint (or glass of wine) for £5.99 plus a £1 for a naan bread and papadum. Thomas didn't have the whole pint, but did well.

Day 17 (13/01/10)

The snow settled overnight, so the view from my office window has hardly changed for a week.

I drove my wife to work as it is so slippery and found that the police have closed one of the main roads, so I'm guesing that there has been a big accident nearby.

No chance of cycling this week, might see if the pool is open and risk going swimming. Hopefully there are no Japanese Whalers in town, other wise I'm done for.

Thomas has gone down with the family cold, so that's all of us now. Hopefully he will be OK tomorrow as he has his biology exam.

Decided that although we have had a lot of snow that we are quite lucky as it has fallen both times the day after bin day, so our bins have been empties both weeks. On the news some people have been waiting over a month to have their bins emptied.

Update - 16:15 - There is a thick white foggy mist covering the area, think the weather might be getting worse. Have to travel way up North next Monday, so hope its improves.

Have noticed that lots of the roads round here have really bad pot holes now the snow is melting. Must be careful when I go out on my bike.

Update - 21:00 - One of my best Christmas presents was a kitchen blowtorch. I used it tonight for the first time, to caramelize some sugar on the top of some pink grapefruit. Much more fun thanmelting the sugar under the grill.

Day 16 (12/01/10)

Today I drove the route that I cycle and what an interesting drive it was. As it is a lot of back roads it is very snowy and icy still and the car was all over the place, so not safe enough to go out on my bike yet.

I could cycle another way, but this route is just right, with a few gradual hills and I can easily extend it if I am feeling fitter. Anywhere else from here would involve a massive hill to start with, followed by a heart attack.

Anyway the road outside my house is still very slippery.

Went to college last night, starting the next Creative Writing Course. Learning a bit and I will write a book this year.

The journey back was interesting as it was snowing heavily and the dark country lanes made it look like the scene in Star Wars, when they go into hyperdrive.

Day 15 (11/01/10)

Well there is still a lot of snow and ice around, so not back on my bike yet. If the weather keeps up it might be OK in a couple of days. The snowman has started melting and needed his head being put back on.


The schools are open now, but apparently Thomas lost his blazer before Christmas and lost his tie last week. Seems a waste of money to buy new ones for only a couple more months, but how do these kids do it.

Anyway good news the headmaster, who I hate, is leaving at the end of the summer. It's a just a shame he is retiring and that nothing horrible is happening to him instead.

Day 13 & 14 (09 & 10/01/10)

The weekends are not included in my cycling days, so even though I have not gone out on my bike for the last few days (due to my cold) these remain my official rest days.

I did go on the wii, but even in a virtual world I am crap at basket ball. I won at sword fighting and bowling.

I have a bit of work to do and might clear out some stuff as so far my good intentions have not meant that I have actually got rid of anything other than some computer magazines.

Day 12 (08/01/10)

Still covered in snow and ice, but took Kelly to college and then took my wife to work, but Thomas stayed at a friends then came home for some revising for next weeks exam.

In the afternoon Kelly had a driving lesson in the snow, which meant she got to practice skid control in a car park, good fun and highly recommend to all drivers. Although seeing as she was driving a mini it might have looked like a practice for the Italian Job.


I am still full of a cold so not going out on my bike.

Day 11 (07/01/10)

The view from my office is much the same as yesterday and the kids are both still off school / college. I drove my wife to work, the main roads were clear so it was not bad. At least we were able to stock up on a few things, just in case we ran out of food or drink in the next 18months (we still have loads left from Christmas).


I have a cold and am taking beachems lemon & honey, so may just stay at home and chill.

As the snow is starting to melt today I might get out on my bike tomorrow, if my cold is better.

Day 10 (06/01/10)

09:00 - Well woke up to lots of snow. First picture taken out of the office window at 8.00 the next at 8.55 and it is still snowing, quite heavy now. Both kids school / colleges are closed, which is a shame as we were up until around 1.30am finishing off some photography course work (parents really should be given the same GCSE's or Degrees as their children, we earn it).



My wife is still thinking about walking to work but I can't see the point and don't fancy offering to drive her. I know I managed to get into my office without any problem, but then its only about a 15' walk from the bedroom. She has just come into the office and said she phoned work and the manager has a 4 wheel drive and is collecting staff, what joy.

Kids now getting up and thinking about making snowmen. I say kids they are 18 and 15 but have only had deep snow twice before, so it's still a novelty.

With all the snow I don't think I will be going out on my bike, so after work may get round to clearing out some boxes of stuff.

Update - 15:30 - As my wife didn't get to work in the end (she's now clearing stuff off the sky+) we needed a lottery ticket. I could have got them on-line but thought I would walk to the newsagents and get one, so that way I would still get some exercise. It was quite slippery on the way, although that might have something to do with the fact that I couldn't get to my two pairs of army / hiking boots that are in the garage, so went out in my trainers.


Got home and found that Kelly had built a snowman (Thomas has gone to meet friends).

Now time for work.

Day 9 (05/01/10)

I put the cover on the car last night, as the ice is here to stay. Normally when I do this it doesn't freeze and I just end up with a wet cover to put in the boot, but this morning it was minus 3, so worth doing.


Update - It's midday and it has now started snowing. This might stop me from going out on my bike.

Update - 14:15 - It has stopped snowing, but still icy cold and now slushy. Just got back from slightly longer cycle ride, now frozen and knackered. I will go and sit down with a cup of tea and a mince pie. I know I shouldn't have the mince pie (and cream) but we have so much food and chocolate left over from Christmas that if I don't eat them then someone else might and they will only get fat, so really I'm just being kind.

Day 8 (04/01/10)

It's been a busy day so far. It was minus 8 when I was scraping the ice from the cars before taking the kids to school and College. I've never known it so cold but was still wearing my shorts.


I also had to hover up in the porch as I put out a load of dishwasher salt (it was all that Tesco's had left) to help clear the drive but ended up walking loads of it back into the house.

After dropping the kids off I went to Halfords to buy a nice pair of gloves for cycling, so I am now running out of excuses not to go out cycling.


I also popped into PC World to buy some cartridges and some stuff for my netbook (I know PC World is crap but they are cheaper for things like cartridges and disc drives but I get my computers made for m,e by a local shop) The lady that served me sounded just like Nessa from Gavin & Stacey. Wen she said "do you want a bag" I thought it would of been better if she had just said "Oh, what's occuring"

Then home for a few minutes before going out for a haircut. Hopefully I might get out on my bike for a few minutes later.

Update - OMG. Went out on my bike, my hands were lovely and warm but my ears!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is freezing out there. Went a little bit further than last week as I had to drop a letter of at the doctors surgery, declining the offer of swine flu jab.

Now to recover with a cup of tea, but will give cake a miss for now.

Update - Well I had a nice cup of tea but gave in and had a sandwich and a mince pie. Feel much better now.

Day 7 (03/01/10)

Not much done, apart from cooking for guests. Said good bye to my mother-in-law after she had stayed for the last few days. It went OK apart from her falling over on the icy driveway when she got here, landing on her broken wrist that was already in plaster from the Christmas Day fall. If only we had that on video, we might have got £250 for it.

Next week should be back to working normal but will get some cycling and tidying up done, but must get some nice gloves first as it looks like its going to be cold for the next few weeks.

BTW thought I would include a picture of when my avatar thing was being set up on the wii.

Day 6 (02/01/10)

It snowed over night and was still a bit icy so decided against going out on my bike. Took a picture from my ofice window.


I decided to take all the re-cycling to the tip, unfortunately so did everyone else and the queue was quite long.


Not much else done today.

Day 5

Happy New Year.

Well you guessed it, yet another day of laying round and chilling out. Lots of telly to watch tonight and guest still staying so can't do much, but next week will be different.

Day 4

Well it was new years eve and I had to prepare dinner for everyone and get the house sorted. So no activity and no boxes gone thru but I did empty a few bottles.

Day 3

Well, OK another day of inactivity, as I had to be at home for most of the day and then drive some of my daughters friends around. Oh well.