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I'll sleep well tonight

Saturday, March 31, 2007

At last the weather has held out long enough to allow me to get out in to the garden with the power tools! Seriously though it is great to have a dry day where the garden isn't too damp so that can at least get the mower out and tidy the lawn up.

I also managed to spend some time trimming back tress and hedges - although I do know I can get carried away with this!

The garden does look much tidier, even if I do say so myself!

I just wish the wind would drop so that we can enjoy the garden. It's Easter weekend next week and it seems that the year is zipping by (mind you Easter is early so my perception may be a little off).

Gardening can be fairly tiring though, especially when I haven't done any for so long.

It's just as well I am not attending this years Chelsea Flower Show, I think the RHS would have a fit if it could see the natural state of our green space!

David Beckham as styled by Flymo

Talking of mowing and trimming, have you seen David Beckhams new do? WTF was he thinking when he had this done? Did Stick Insect Beckham find him shagging another fella and run through his prized mop while he was sleeping as punishment.

One thing is certain; no matter how ghastly I think this hair cut is, it'll be sure to be seen very soon across building sits, Chav estates and Soho.

I find it amazing that after all these years in the limelight men still copy Beckhams style like Lemmings plummeting to their death!

Labels: Weather

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Nearly Missed This...

Friday, March 30, 2007

Hey BestGayBlogs, thanks for the heads up!

If it wasn't for the fab widget from MyBlogLog I would have missed your review.

Thanks for such kind and flattering words. I am honoured.

Labels: Digital Media, News

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Missed

Thursday, March 29, 2007

I found some lovely photographs of Jerry and Brandy on a CD. They range mainly from around 2003, which must be when we first got them.

They both look so young and Jerry looks as bright and as busy tailed as he ever did.

I didn't have to create this new wallpaper as I had already done so. Event with th effect I love Jerry's facial expression. He was such a rascal.

Pop by Flickr to see my other recent uploads.

Labels: Cats, Photography, Wallpaper

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Jogging My Memory!

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Joggers! I cannot seem to escape them!

Find out what I really think of them in this weeks Trunk Cast.

At least I can feel superior to all these sweaty joggers. The BBC carried a story this morning stating that Walking was far better for mind, body and soul than jogging and frequent trips to the gym. I always knew my daily walks were worth the effort (if you can call it effort).

Labels: Trunk Cast

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The Human Touch

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

I think we have all got too used to automatic announcements.

I enjoyed chuckling at the error the human announcer made at the station this morning.

Basically he was running through the list of destinations for my train and forgot where it was going - it was really refreshing to hear a human being stumble and publicly apologise.

These innocent acts are missing from our society and it's a shame as it's what makes us all human.

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Brisith Sausage Time

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Right here's the deal. I knew it was the start of BST this weekend. I informed my foreign work mates of this.

Richard and I even discussed it yesterday.

So why did I forget to set the clocks last night?

When the clocks change (especially when they go forward, loosing us an hour), I like to change the clocks before we go to bed. Unfortunately we forgot and our leisurely lay in followed by fresh croissants at 9.20 was spoilt when we realised it was actually 10.30.

Don't get me wrong, we didn't plan anything today but it does feel like the day is running away with us.

I have therefore decided to upload another 365days photo to Flickr which proves how sleepy I am! No doubt I'll get my wrist slapped by the petty moderators in the group for posting two pics in one day but do I care?

Labels: Photography, Pic-a-Day, UK

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Me x 4

You may recall a cloned photo I uploaded of Richard sometime ago, well I eventually got around to doing my version and have added it to my 365days set today :)

Labels: Photography, Pic-a-Day

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Chuc(ik)l(ea)!

Hee hee - spotted here!

Labels: Cats

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The Joy of Freebies!

Saturday, March 24, 2007

As I am sure lots of people do, I spend some time browsing around the web and I enjoy reading articles on multiple web sites. I especially like little treats like free music etc (who wouldn't).

It was one such freebie on Arjans web site that led me to Nate James.

I am sure I have seen him featured on other sites but have not heard him sing. Arjans freebie of Funk Defining was enough to get me over to Lavamus where I plugged into the rest of the material available there.

I have now purchased the EP and the last album and am very impressed.

Nate is from Suffolk in the UK and notes his influences as Prince, Jamiroquai and Stevie Wonder and boy can you tell! He has a wonderful soul voice and I would go so far to say that I think he is better than John Legend.

Pop over to Arjans for the download.

The new Abercrombie and Fitch store opened in London yesterday and it's as dark and depressing as the store on 6th Avenue.

I guess it's time to throw away my Abercrombie clothes and find something new and unique to wear. With this store in London, everyone will be wearing it now.

Labels: Music

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Bureaucracy Gone Mad

Friday, March 23, 2007

I know that the Labour party has well and truly fucked up this country and I know that breaking apart government run businesses was a bad move but I never realised that simple tasks could be so damn complicated to correct.

My annual season ticket (which costs me £2,500 a year), started to jam in various gates at stations. As this is my main ticket and it cost so much I decided to get a replacement.

I went to City Thameslink today and asked for a new ticket.

I thought this would be a simple process of man takes ticket, man checks my ID, man puts blank ticket in machine, man gives me shiny new ticket. Boy was I wrong!

First off the ticket man said my ticket was playing up because the gates at City Thameslink were playing up.

I stipulated I have never been through this station and that this was happening in various stations.

He then said I couldn't exchange my ticket as I'd have to do that at the station where I got my ticket.

I informed him that was online.

He didn't know what to suggest.

I stated that the ticket had proof of my ID (including my photo and signature) and that it was arranged through my employer.

He still stated I'd have to go back to the original place of purchase (a web site) and talk to them.

He then corrected himself and told me to contact my HR department. At this stage I walked away for fear of loosing my temper.

When I got back to the office I logged into the First Crapital Disconnect website to find there was no way of getting a replacement ticket online. So I called them.

Only to be told that they don't issue tickets. The TrainLine does.

Thankfully FCD gave me The TrainLines number as they do not advertise any number online.

I called them several times before getting through.

They informed me they would have to mail me a letter which I would take to any station to get issued with a new ticket.

I asked why I couldn't just do this anyway and she couldn't answer the question.

Considering the woman on the phone only asked for my photo id number and my post code I was bemused as to why this could not be done at any station counter.

So my ID was confirmed (!) and I was informed that a letter would be with me within a couple of days!

By chance I checked my email and it had actually been emailed to me not posted.

I printed and went back to the station (a different one this time).

The guy at the counter tutted, sighed and took my letter (which contained more information than he could possibly need about me and my season ticket).

He then proceeded to produce a set of forms which I had to fill in in order for him to issue my replacement (remember he has the letter of authority already!).

I started to fill them in when he then asked if "I could leave a mobile number and come back as it would take some time...".

I think the look on my face said it all. I wasn't moving for anything.

He eventually processed all the paperwork (after asking several questions which were all answered by the letter and not me), which only took a couple of minutes.

I now (eventually), have a new season ticket.

I still don't know if it's correct though as it states something my old ticket didn't. The counter guy assures me it's right.

I cannot believe so many people, so much time and effort was needed to issue me with a replacement ticket.

What the hell is wrong with this country?

I pay more than enough to go the minimal distance to work each day and when I have a problem with their flimsy tickets, I am treated like dirt.

What is wrong with these companies and this country?

(The icing on the cake - I read in the letter that I am only entitled to three replacement tickets in one year. How do they work that out?).

No doubt (when I have calmed down), I will be sending a letter to the various rail bodies with my grievances.

And why won't Blogger display the £ porperly?

Labels: Politics, Work

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Blowing hot and cold!

Monday, March 19, 2007

OK so last week I was driving you all crazy by telling you how lovely the weather was and that spring had finally arrived.

This morning I wake up the temperature has dropped significantly and we had a dusting of snow.

In the City it was quite mild (apart from the wind) but when I arrived home it was windy, freezing cold and we've had freak flurries of snow.

What's going on?

(Please excuse the state of the garden and the back yard, I planned to attack it on Sunday but the weather turned!)

Labels: Weather

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Poor Excuses

Sunday, March 18, 2007

This afternoon we paid a visit to our local RSPCA Rescue Center, the same center that we acquired Brandy and Jerry.

We like to pay a routine visit as we take food and donations up there whilst also spending some time with the cats.

We were looking around at the occupants and although there are no replacements for Jerry, there are a few candidates that could keep Brandy and us company.

We're not looking for a new cat, I still feel it is too soon and I still haven't quite come to grasp the concept that Jerry is no longer with us.

What annoys me about centers like the one we visited is the reasons that some of the animals are there. Some are ill treated (one poor in-mate was just 1 kg when found) whilst others are abandoned for selfish reasons. One old family cat had been put into the center as the children would tickle his tummy and he didn't like it - obviously the children could not be taught not to do it, the reaction was to get rid of the cat!

Another poor soul was being re-homed because his owners were moving to China the next day! How one earth do people let situations like this happen? Surely if you're making such a monumental move you have to consider your pets early on?

I think we may pay the center a few more visits in the coming weeks just to see how the current occupants are doing. For now we're happy to shower all our love and attention on Brandy (and let's face it, she isn't complaining!).

Labels: Cats

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Waffle-ing on!

Saturday, March 17, 2007

It's been a really chilled day today.

Luke paid me a visit which was really nice as we have not seen on another in ages.

We stopped by my favourite eatery and had breakfast waffles with mushrooms and bacon. Thankfully I was much brighter than Luke who was nursing a hang over.

Still he looked really well and as chatty as ever.

You can follow his adventures as he maintains his own set of 365 photos (although watch out for the horrible toenail removal shot!).

We made the most of the spring weather as all the reports are forecasting a dramatic drop in temperature and snow at the beginning of the week. I do wish Mother Nature would make up her mind!

Labels: Friends, Weather

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Is Blair Bothered?

Catherine Tate's jokes are wearing very thin but this was a very good spin on the Lauren sketches.

I can't help thinking that bLIAR got involved because he and the Labour party love such chav comedy? I reckon that the government is actually proud to have spawned a nation full of Laurens

I shouldn't complain, it was sketches like this that helped raise over £40M last night for Comic Relief

Labels: Humour, Politics

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Which one?

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Sorry mate, you know I am only teasing.

Labels: Friends, Hunks

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Collect this!

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Hurray! Flickr now features Collections so I can organise my photos further :)

Thank you Flickr!

Labels: Digital Media, Photography, Pic-a-Day

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Feline Forum

Monday, March 12, 2007

It seems that my blog is turning into a bit of a cat forum!

I spoke to my mum today as she took the family cat Steamy to the vet. For some time now he has been wandering around the house at all hours crying. It's got so bad he was doing it last weekend when I was home, as he was drinking from his water bowl!

I thought it may have something to do with his age (he's 16) and I wasn't too far off. Unfortunately wasn't prepared for the early diagnosis.

The vet reckons Steamy may have dementia. He had suffer a fit a while ago (something that also affect my parents old cat Tigger) and the vet reckons this has caused some brain damage. Apparently he's perfectly alright except that he has not idea what time of day it is or where he is. (Before you ask; no, I have no idea how the vet worked this out!)

As you can understand my parents are pretty upset with the news.

They have taken some blood to test which will rule out issues with his kidneys etc. Once this is confirmed the vet will decide on a course of action. Apparently there is treatment but I am not sure what you can do to help a cat through a mental illness.

I feel really sorry for mum and dad and of course Steamy. Especially as they lost Tigger last year.

Following on from our loss of Jerry it doesn't seem to be a great year for family cats so far :(

Brandy is currently driving Richard and I nuts as she's not sleeping. Instead spending the evenings crying (possibly looking for Jerry). It's understandable that she may be grieving but it's keeping us up at all hours and our patience is running a little thin. We will persevere but I don't know for how much longer. Sounds like I may be making a call to our vet sometime soon!

Update: My parents have had the blood results back and Steamy is actual well apart from this propose dementia. The vet has prescribed a month on low anti-depressants to see if there is any improvement.

Labels: Cats

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Weekend

Sunday, March 11, 2007

It's been a good weekend so far, apart from Brandy waking us each day at 6:30 for food! She can't help it, I know she's adjusting to not having Jerry around but I wish I could get back to sleep.

It's currently 8:03 on Sunday and I have been making updates to the site since I fed her at 6:30!

As well as Brandy's crying I have to cope with Monkey trying to steal my cuppa!

We had a nice day yesterday as we met up with Stephen and Robin for lunch. It was great to catch up with them.

The weather has been very kind to us this weekend and I hope it continues as we are out with friends later today.

Labels: Cats, Weather

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From the archives

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Isn't it amazing what you can find in your family archives? I didn't know my family had such cool photographs :)

Talking of archives I have dug out The Jewel Box for one evening - I'm getting my groove on to rare treats such as Welcome to the Rat Race and There's others here with us (I'd better check my Databank!):)

Labels: Photography, Prince

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Dashboard Widget (OSX)

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Do you use MAC OSX? Are you tired of subscribing to individual pod cast addresses?

Then why not download my OSX Dashboard widget. This funky little widget links you direct to my Trunk Casts ensuring you never miss a show again :)

(Please note Apple Mac OSX version 10.4.3 is required to run this widget. This is version 1.0. Please inform me by email of any problems that you may encounter. This widget is distributed as freeware but please make sure all references link back here to trunkguy.com. Please do not link directly to this file from other web sites.)

Labels: Apple

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Little Dickies

After the horrendous week the preceded it, last weekend ended up being quite nice.

I must admit that neither Richard nor I really wanted to make the trek down to Devon but it was worth it. Of course we did the usual trips to see family etc but we had another reason for venturing south.

A very good friend of mine, Helen, got married in Antigua a couple weeks ago and she had her wedding party this weekend at Crownhill Fort. It's a venue in Plymouth neither of us have been to before but it made for an interesting setting.

I was very pleased to catch up with Helen and co. Especially as I hadn't seen the likes of Charlie for nearly ten years.

Helen looked so very happy and glowing in her wedding dress. Possibly helped by a gorgeous post Caribbean tan.

I on the other hand (as well as Richard) felt very uncomfortable in black tie. At least it was the rule so we didn't stand out! LOL

I do think the visit home did us some good and it helped put our mind at rest about Brandy as the people looking after her contacted us to let us know that she was doing OK in the house on her own. As it was so soon after loosing Jerry I was worried how she cope.

We could have done without the 6 hour drive home on Sunday though. The weather was truly awful and the whole delay was caused by the amount of water on the roads as a result of the torrential rain.

Labels: Plymouth

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