Tuesday, May 02, 2023

Published Tuesday, May 02, 2023 by with 0 comment

May Day Bank Holiday - 2023

On Monday I finally got round to fixing the puncture I got cycling home from the Mad Stad a couple of weeks ago. Fairly obvious what the problem was.
They're getting past their best but we have an impressive array of tulips out the front. 
And at the back.
Did a ride out to the Pike and Perch with Andy and Kelvin on Tuesday. It was a sunny day but still a bit cold out of the sun. Saw my first chicks of the year down by the Thames.
There were also some egyptian goslings.
M sent in the PhD chapter she has been working on. Bit of a lazy day on Wednesday, admin, band stuff and reading. Did my ride out along the Kennet and back through Mapledurham on Thurs. I'm trying to get back into the habit. Spotted a couple of interesting notices.
On Friday I went to the hygenist, dentists and the barbers so I'm like a new man. Went to a garden centre in the afternoon to beat the bank holiday rush. Amy went for her 20 week scan.
Everything OK. Her sister Kathryn and boyfriend Ross are over so Kathryn went to the scan instead of James. Cracking Up had a gig at The Maker Space in Nuffield on Saturday. It was part of The Henley Atrs Trail. We started about 4 and did 3 sets.
Mike's mate Steve Daniels played in between. He was really good. Thought we played OK and went down well although by the end there weren't many people left. We did get an encore though. They dont normally open in the evening but thought it went well so may ask us to play again. The guys doing the barbie also asked us if we were free to do a gig next Saturday which we aren't but they may be in touch about others. Chilled out on Sunday. M did lots of gardening. Madeline is learning The Wheels On The Bus. We went for a late afternoon walk on Monday to Southcote lock and back along the Kennet. Spotted a new bit of graffiti.
Took some photos of the murals they have put up showing the history of Coley that M advised on.

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Monday, April 24, 2023

Published Monday, April 24, 2023 by with 0 comment

Sunday 23rd April 2023

Finished off the wall prep on Monday with a good blast from the jet wash which got quite a bit off.
Found out John has covid. It's the first time he's had it and he's been very careful. Started painting the wall on Tuesday. Rob popped round to take me over to his place to pick up the car from Saturday night. Gave the wall a second coat on Wednesday. Had a close shave as one of my headphones fell into the paint tray. Fortunately it was at the shallow end so no real damage done.
Went to watch URZ against Luton in the evening with Ralph and Andy. We started off OK but then they started to boss the game so we were glad to get to half time at 0 0. Early in the second half Andy Carroll scored from a corner. A few minutes later we seemed to score from a corner again. By the way the players reacted it looked like it had gone straight in and ref signalled it was a goal. However Andy Carroll had used his arm so the goal didn't stand and he got a second yellow. Inevitably they eventually equalised but we hung on for point. Still in the bottom 3 though. Put the signs back on the wall on Thursday.
Had a band practice in the afternoon. Spent most of Friday house cleaning as hadn't done it for a while. On Saturday I did the sound at RSAC for an afternoon gig. The headliners were a singer songwriter called Barry Dolan who goes by the name of Non Canon and a poet called Suzannah Evans. There was also a local poet called Zannah Kearns and another singer songwriter called Pip Summers. All pretty good. Even the poetry although I quite often find myself drifting off during it. I helped that they explained what the poems were about ot what inspired them. Non Canon quite an amusing chap. Had a new sound guy, Wilston, shadowing me. URZ lost away to Coventry and the other results didn't go our way so we're still in the bottom 3 and its now out of our control. I was back at RSAC for a full members meeting on Sunday afternoon. They're losing money at the moment so looking for ways to bring more in. There's also some doubt about what might happen to the building as the owner is very ill. I thought about going to to see Kenny Wayne Shepherd in London in the evening as had a message from Roy who'd been to seem on Friday and said it was one of his best all time gigs. Didn't in the end mainly because tickets were getting on for fifty quid. M is getting close to finishing her final PhD chapter.
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Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Published Tuesday, April 11, 2023 by with 0 comment

Sunday 16th April 2023

The big news on Tuesday morning is that Paul Ince has been sacked as Reading manager. I'm surprised but think its probably the right decision. We just aren't playing with any confidence. Noel Hunt is taking over until the end of the season. He's currently the U21s manager. Spent a few hours preparing the wall for repainting and did some serious band practice. Had a RSAC sound team meeting in the evening. Did a bit more wall prep on Wednesday morning but it was a bit cold so came in after an hour or so. Did some more band practice. In the evening I went to see Jack Broadbent at the Jazz Cafe in London. Great gig. The last of a european tour. Just him and a bassist who turned out to be his dad. He plays a couple of semi acoustics. Hofners I think. One he plays on his lap and uses a hip flask as slide. He gets a great sound from both. Here he is changing strings on the way. You may notice he has a broken finger which he played the whole tour with.
Now the bad bits. On the way up the train was 30 mins late due to a tree on the tracks. I then noticed my phone was dying so switched it off as my ticket was on it. As ever its impossible to find out about stage times at these venues for some reason. Asked the guy on the door who didn't really know but thought 9 and wasn't sure whether there was a support act or just a DJ. So went for an excellent Pizza Pilgrim and went to venue about 8 30. My phone died just as I was about to show it on my way in but that wasn't a problem they just asked me my name and checked on a list. A pint of IPA was £6.80 which I didn't think was bad considering where it was. There was a support act but can't remember his name or find it anywhere. Got 3 rows back so had a great view. Left at 10 30 in plenty of time to get the 11 32. I managed to get a seat but it was crowded with a lot of people standing as it had been reduced from 9 to 5 carriages. Then there was an announcement that the train would be delayed due to a missing member of crew. The train then crawled along and eventually came to halt just before Slough. We told there was a broken down freight train ahead and although it was on a different track we couldn't go past because of a potentieal fire risk. Eventually we moved to Slough where passengers for Reading were advised to get on another train. This stopped at Maidenhead where we were told we'd have to reverse to get onto the main line. Shortly after a train went through on the main line which I think is safe to conclude was the train we'd just got off. We got to Reading at 1 50, almost 2 hours late. All this time I'd had a flat phone so nothing to read or do. Had good band practice on Thursday. The first one for a while. I was going for fish and chips after but found the car battery was dead. Called out Harry Seaman on Friday. He checked the battery and said it needed replacing. Found the receipt eventually with help from this blog and took the car to Halfords where they replaced it without any hassle. Then went for my first swim for a while. M was supposed to come but was stuck in the 18th centuary. Applied for a partial refund for the late running of the train on Wednesday. Fairly straightforward assuming I get one. The kitchen sink was blocked on Saturday mainly coffee grounds by the look of it. Went to watch URZ v top of the table and already promoted Burnley. It was a very enjoyable 0 0 draw. Good atmosphere with a big crowd. Lots of school kids. They just seemed a bit more positive. Still in the bottom 3 though. Went over to Rob and Anj's for an excellent meal in the evening. On Sunday we met up with the Lutonians in London for a delayed shenanigans. It normally takes place around Christmas but we haven't had one for a while because of covid apart from a couple of zooms. We met in the Lamb and Flag near Covent Garden and did a mistery tour which involved a walk round that neck of the woods solving clues.
We took in a couple of other pubs, the White Hart, French Horn (which only sold halves) and the Sun and 13 Cantons. We then went to Zedel for a meal. Great fun.
Went up and back on the Elizabeth Line to Tottenham Court Rd.
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Published Tuesday, April 11, 2023 by with 0 comment

Easter 2023

A bit of a rude awakening on Wednesday as a chap came to service the boiler at 8am. He was supposed to do the gas fires too but there was a mix up so he cameback to do them at 4pm. The one in the front room kept going out so hopefully he's fixed that. Managed a lie in on Thursday and spent most of the day getting to grips with Cubase. Jet washed the main patio and the table on Friday. Wore shorts for the first time in the year.
Then went to watch URZ with Ralph and Kelvin. Andy Carroll scored a good goal early on but they equalised with what looked like a free header. Huddersfield managed by Neil Warnock won so we are now in the bottom 3 and don't look very good. To cap it all I got a puncture on the way back. Jet washed the other end of the garden on Saturday and removed the dead ivy from the pillar opposite the back door. Another shorts day. Made ravioli for tea which turned out very good.
A good start to the day on Sunday, had the everyman done by 9 30. Started cleaning up the side wall for repainting. I was hoping the jet wash would remove a lot of the loose bits but it didn't so had to do by hand. Amy sent ys a recipe for delicious looking short ribs that we thought we'd try but could only get boned and rolled rib. I fojnd a very simlar recipe and it was delocious.
Had a bit of a lazy day on Easter Monday. Although it turned out to be a sunny afternoon I decided to watch URZ on the box v PNE. They really didn't look very good but made it to half time still 0 0. They conceded in the second half but remarkably pulled one back with about 10 minutes to go. They couldn't keep them out though so lost 2 1 and are still in the bottom 3.
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Wednesday, April 05, 2023

Published Wednesday, April 05, 2023 by with 0 comment

70th Birthday And A Trip To Glasgow

My 70th birthday on Monday.
Got some binoculars from M and Birkenstocks from Tom and Sally.
We got a train up to London and walked to Tate Modern then to the Seven Stars for a couple of pints.
The plan had been to go to Carluccios for a meal and then watch Elvis but we were a bit knacked so just got some MnS curries and chilled. Good day though. TnS flew out to Ibiza. I still have the NHS covid app on my phone but got a notification on Tuesday saying it will no longer be in use from 27th April. Travelled up to Glasgow on Wednesday. We originally planned to go on Thursday but moved it forward a day because of a planned rail strike. It was suspended in the end but tickets were still valid a day early. There was also a fire in the Maidenhead area so no trains running when we got to the station so had to get a later train from Euston. There were also engineering works on route so train took longer than usual. Had great fish and chips when we got there. The first night we stayed in the Albion Hotel as we hadn't been able to extend our AirBnB booking. Out earlish on Thursday to take Madeline to nursery. She walked a fair bit of the way. We then walked along the Kelvin to the Maryhill locks and aquaduct.
Had a pint in Machair on the way back.
Then picked Madeline up from nursery.
Cooked a lasagne. We were on grandparent duty all day Friday as Madeline doesn't go to nursery. Had a leisurely stroll to the park in the morning.
We attempted to get to the botanical gardens in the afternoon but didn't get very far. Cooked a chicken tagine. Saturday was my 70th birthday lunch at Cail Bruich. They only do a tasting menu which was brilliant both in terms of food, service and ambience. There were also some delicious petit fours not mentioned on the menu. It was difficult to pick the best dish but probably the langoustine if you had to pick.
JnA's friend Anna and her daughter Lily babysat for Madeline. We then headed back to JnAs to chill for a bit after the meal. Madeline tried to escape so we took her to the park again. 
Tried to go for a pint in the Doublet on the way back to the AirBnB but the front bar was full and it was noisy in the lounge so didn't bother. Hadn't realised how big it is. On Sunday we took Madeline to the park again and then met Andy for lunch at Cafe Andaluz. He'd bean on a walking holiday to Glen Coe and was staying with friends David and Madeline. Good fun and we met up with JAM in the botanical gardens after. Then went back and cooked roast chicken. A really sunny day on Monday. We took Madeline to the park in the morning. M had a nap whilst Madeline had hers. I went for a stroll. Found a street in Finneston that was dedicated to music.
Apart from the sax shop there was also a violin and a drum shop and just up the road was band supplies. Couldn't resist Tantrum Doughnuts.
Wondered back past the art gallery.
Amy had been shopping and bought Madeline her first duplo....
and a new bikee.
Then took Madeline to the swings again late afternoon and I went to pick up pizzas from Paesanos on the way back via Inn Deep for a swift pint of Northern Monk. Madeline enjoyed the pizza.
Heard from Andy on Tuesday morning that he had tested +ve for covid. JnA still thought it was OK to come round so we took Madeline to nursery. Amy went into to work so had to do a test and was -ve and so were we. There's a massive diversion on the West Coast Mainline at the moment you should be able to spot a couple of the Forth bridges where the train stops to change direction.
A good journey back nonetheless. Picked up MnS curries on the way back. The last day of my very enjoyable birthday celebration fortnight. My final set of birthday cards.
But found out on the way back that URZ have had another 6 point deduction.
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Monday, March 27, 2023

Published Monday, March 27, 2023 by with 0 comment

Coronavirus - Sunday March 26th 2023

Worked on a Cracking Up flyer on Monday. Madeline is really walking now. Did a speed awareness course on Tuesday. Changed a bit since the last with lots of references to new technology like sat navs and speed limiters. On Wednesday went on a ride to Wantage with Stuart, Kelvin and Andy. We got the the train to and from Didcot. As it was a drinking day I decided to maje it the start of my 70th birthday celebration fortnight. I fired up the pizza oven again in the evening and this time it was fine. M spent the last two days at the BRO. I was thinking of stopping the coronavirus posts as it will be 3 years on Thursday (23rd) since the first lockdown. However I heard from John that quite a few people he knows gave got it including his son James who has it worse than the last time. So its still around but you tend not to think about it unless you get it if course. On Thursday messaged the Turks, Retreat and Butler about gigs and sent an email to Sid. Found out Dave Kirkham also has covid. Watched England beat Italy 2 1 away in the evening. It was the first Euro qualifier. A classic game of 2 halves as we were 2 0 up af half time and cruising. Harry Kane got his 54th England goal and is now our top scorer. Spent Friday mostly doing housework. Mike and Judy popped round for a cuppa as they'd had to take their car in for an MOT. Both looked well but Judy has bad arthritis. Tom and Sally came over in the evening. Went to RSAC on Saturday afternoon for the HCTS (Here Comes The Sun) festival kick off meeting but unfortunately only 4 of us turned up. Keith and Fiona came round on the evening for my 70th birthday gourmet pizza night. Tom did a great job of cooking the pizzas and Sally made a pudding. A good time was had by all.
The clocks went forward so didn't get up until gone 2 on Sunday. Watched England beat Ukraine 2 0 in the second Euro qualifier. Got my ipod shuffle working.



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Monday, March 20, 2023

Published Monday, March 20, 2023 by with 0 comment

Coronavirus - Sunday March 19th 2023

I went to watch URZ v Millwall on Saturday. We conceded a penalty after about 10 minutes which they scored from and that was that. We tried to come back but didn't register a shot on target. It was a bit cold so I moved round to the East stand at half time as I thought it might be more sheltered.
Quiet day on Sunday. Cooked pulled pork. Stuart popped round with my bike. Took M to the library on Monday morning. Finished the new Cracking Up demo I've been working on. M went to the BRO on Tuesday morning. I did my ride along the Kennet to Theale and back through Mapledurham. The track between the M4 and the gravel pits has now been fully tarmaced.
Did the Brew Dog champions quiz in the evening. M had to go to a meeting first. If was to make a film as part of a bid to produce artwork for the new development near the station. So it started off with just me and Michael. If was a lot harder than the usual quiz. Top prize was £500 but that was nationwide. M arrived at about 7 45, halfway through the second round. We came 2nd. There was another team of top quizzers that Michael knew who beat us. Another quiet day on Wednesday. Started working on a recording of Watching The River Flow.  Watched URZ away to Blackburn on the box. 1 down after 2 mins. They pulled it back with a great first goal from Casadei but lost 2 1 and Loum got sent off.  Got a new sofa bed delivered on Thursday.
On Friday M went to the BRO and I went on a ride to Henley with Andy, Kelvin and Stuart. Stopped off at the newly refurbished Plough at Shiplake (used to be the Plowden Arms). Food OK but a bit on the pricey side. They have Ferryman's Gold on but keg not cask. OK though. Followed up with a pint at the Lodden Brewery. A good start to the day on Saturday, didn't get up until after midday. Tom phoned about next weeks pizza night. Went to watch URZ draw with Hull 1 1. We're not playing well at the moment. Steve Snook was there and spotted this down the away end.
Went straight to RSAC in the evening to do the sound for Tribute Night with Paul. It was Beyonce/Destiny's Child. Not my cup of tea but some good stuff all the same. Didn't get home til 12 15. Lazy day on Sunday. Thawed out the pizza oven for next weekend's gourmet event.
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