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What a day!

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Yesterday truly was a day of polar opposites. It also happened to be the hottest day of the year so you can imagine how frazzled Richard and I are today following yesterdays escapades.

We spent the day in Buckinghamshire as our friends Andrea and Lee had their daughter, Grace, christened. I cannot believe Grace is a year old already, the time has really passed but quickly and she has grown remarkably since we last saw her (but then ago that was Christmas!).

Following the christening we all headed back to Andrea and Lee's for Grace's first birthday party. As you can imagine it was quite a hectic occasion as there must have been at least 50 adults in attendance as well as all the children. I am amazed how cool and organised Lee and Andrea were. Especially as they had all these people in their home.

It was a lovely afternoon though (if not a tad too hot in the back garden). Lee's birthday speech was very touching and yet entertaining. I always knew Andrea and Lee would make great parents and this all proves me right.

More photo's from Grace's Christening are on Flickr

On the flip side we then came back home following Grace's party where we quickly showered and changed and made our way into London to celebrate Paul's birthday.

We met up with them at the Texas Embassy Cantina in Trafalgar Square and were greeted by this shrill American woman who was wearing what could only be described as a potato sack! Anyway we got our Margaritas and made our way to our table where we enjoyed great conversation and a few bevvies. Cannot say the food was particularly great to be honest but it was an interesting experience to say the least.

Following the meal we met up with Wayne at the National Portrait Gallery before heading off to Leicester Square. We planned to get ourselves ice cream either at the Ben & Jerry shop or the Haagen Daas store but it was way to busy. We took the sensible decision to head into Soho ;0)

We ended up in the Duke of Wellington and it really felt like we were holding court. Most of the Mary's were outside but we opted to stay inside in the comfort of the large sofas and chairs. It made for an entertaining evening. We were all having quite a laugh watching the patrons mincing about, cruising around the pub. I think it's safe to say that each and every one of us attracted at least one piece of trade last night - not that any of us were looking.

It was quite entertaining to see the reactions we go and our reactions to them... it made for a fun evening which could not have been more different from our day.

Sadly our day was ruined by First Capital Connect who were not only conducting engineering works but managed to totally fuck up the journey home. We ended up waiting an hour for a train to arrive (an hours delay) - we then had to run for a train before they stopped people getting on. Typically FCC managed to ruin a perfectly good day.

Labels: Friends, London

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Doors to manual

Saturday, July 19, 2008

We've had a great day at Farnborough International Air Show and this
year there was a group of us in attendance.

I write this as we're travelling back bit it's been very good. The weather has held off and we got to see the displays we wanted. Richard even got to see the Vulcan bomber take flight. Something dear to his heart as he donated to get it restored.

As I write Dan is kipping in the back of the car and I am obviously testing my iPhone en route.

More photos (and the odd video) are available here - I am especially proud of my shots of the A380 and the fantastic display from the Red Arrows.

Lawrence and Gwyneth are still there, enjoying the flying displays.

I think it's safe to say we all had a great day.

Labels: Friends, Richard, Travel, UK

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Washed out

Monday, May 26, 2008

Well it's safe to say this weekend has been as predictable as any other British Bank Holiday - the weather for the majority of the time has been appalling.

We drove to Hampton Court Palace in atrocious conditions yesterday but thankfully it cleared up while we were in the house.

Unusually I didn't take many photographs this weekend (which was a shame considering it was Robs birthday yesterday). I am very proud of some of the shots from the palace though. Please feel free to have a browse and leave a comment or two.

I was lovely to see Andy and Rob and as ever it's been far too long between visits. Richard and I will make every effort to see them again as soon as we can.

I am sure we all had a nice weekend regardless of the weather. The decision to have dinner in Richmond by the Thames yesterday was inspired - we all returned home very fat and full following our hearty meals.

We need a couple days to recover but sadly I am staring a week of work chaos straight in the face :(

Labels: Friends, holiday, Photography, UK, Weather

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What a week!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

I have not had any time to think or barely breath this week - it's been f*****g chaos! Thankfully tomorrow is Friday. That said it will be a chaotic day as I am spending the day with a film crew.

I did manage to record a series of Releases which I am most grateful for - it means I can produce Release 4 without worrying about having to record something! This Release features the last video pod cast from our recent trip to Spain. I hope you enjoy joining us on the drive along the coast.

There has been the odd bit of news I wanted to cover this week but I have come home so tired I simply haven't had the energy. I'll break it down to a digest.

Janet is touring (should put Grandma-donna in the shade), I feel the natural catastrophes in Burma and China are shocking and upsetting, we want to visit Pompeii, people updating their Facebook profiles with inane crap annoy me oh and it's Eurovision this weekend (not sure whether that's a good think or not!).

Anyway it'll probably quiet over the weekend as it's a public holiday here in the UK and Andy and Rob are visiting so I doubt there will be time for blogging etc - please let there be some nice weather so we can get out and about!

Adios amigos - until the next five minutes when I have a breather to write something!

Labels: Facebook, Friends, holiday, Janet, Release, Weather, Work

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Bursting!

Sunday, March 30, 2008

We've had a lovely day today. Stephen and Robin came down today and it was fabulous to catch up with them. Stephen has been travelling a great deal this year so this was the first opportunity for us all to hook up.

The weather has taken a real turn too which means we got to enjoy a walk in the park.

I think we may have pushed our luck as we left the first restaurant to take a walk across the park to The Waffle House where we had dessert! I can barely move, I have eaten so much. Stephen and Robin were already aching due to a recent Snow Boarding training session. I think the food tipped the balance ;)

I cannot grumble though as it's been a lovely day. I hope the weather picks up so we can enjoy many more like this one.

Labels: Friends, Weather

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8 Years Old Already!

Saturday, March 29, 2008

On Friday I enjoyed a lovely evening with friends. Sarah and Steve paid a visit to London as they had brought my god daughter, Laura, up to see the Tutankhamen Exhibition in the 02. It is a birthday treat for Laura and her sister Rachel as Laura is 8 this weekend.

We met up at the Tower of London before heading off for a nice meal and a catch up.

As you can see they all look very relaxed and happy (although you don't see Steve in these pics and that's not to say he doesn't look relaxed either!).

Trunk Cast 129 is also live - have a listen to find out more.

Labels: Friends, London, Photography, Trunk Cast, UK

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Happy Easter!

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Even though it's been forecast I still cannot believe the appalling weather we have been experiencing during the Easter break. Yesterday was a day of contrasts, heavy snow fall, torrential hail and blue sky, all fitted into the weather cycle like it was perfectly natural. Today we wake up to this... it's still snowing and as the wind has died down it is starting to settle. This isn't as much snow as received by the north of the country but it's enough, It's March! Next week the clocks change to British Summer Time - what's going on?

The break has been relaxing for now. We took Good Friday as a day to relax, this meant I did some clearing out in the house and Richard did some baking.

Yesterday Liz and Colin came to ours for afternoon tea and we had a very civilized time. It was lovely to spend the day with them. We got to hear all about their honeymoon in St Petersburg and I also got to help them set up a few things on their brand new Mac Book.

Putting their new Mac Book next to my iBook does prove how the technology has moved on (although I feel my older iBook is actually lighter (even though it's bigger)). That said the screen and the speed of the new Mac Book was fantastic. You can test these things in store but until you use them for real things, I don't think you can truly get a feel for them.

I like the Mac Book but to be honest for me the screen is a bit too small. I have the 14" iBook and I like the screen size, I think the new widescreen models look a bit narrow when down to 13". I still am keeping with my decision to upgrade to a 15" Mac Book pro.

The wallpaper I created on Friday was picked up by the owner of Sabet.tv, it's a social network for artists so I took the invitation to join. I am really pleased nat the feed back I have received already regarding my work.
Anyway it's been a restful holiday so far. We both felt last night that it was Sunday. Therefore I guess this means we now start another weekend ;0)

Labels: Apple, Friends, Photography, Weather, Winter

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Saturday, March 01, 2008

It's been a while since I updated my friends page and to be honest I have not had the time to put together a new collage. Well guess what - I have now!

I hope all of you featured are not too disturbed with the choice of photo I have picked. In some cases the photo I used was the only one available with both of you in (where appropriate) and as for the rest, I simply picked the pic I liked ;0)

Now I wonder if i should run some competition for regular blog readers/trunk cast listeners to identify them all? I wonder... ;0)

Labels: Friends, Trunk Cast

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Blustry Day

It's been a very blustery couple of days - we lost the bin last night (thankfully it was only as far as the end of the garden). I don't quite understand the weather at the moment, one minute it's really dry and mild the next it's freezing cold or raining heavily. It's very unseasonal for February (especially it's now March!).

I published Trunk Cast 125 this morning and it's a particularly long show - I decided to include a full run down of my thoughts of the new Janet album Discipline. Be sure to have a listen as I have included the odd sneaky sound bite too.

We're having a quiet weekend following our trip home last weekend. I am off to Greece Monday after next so I had the time to pop into town to look for a few bits to take with me - not sure I achieved anything though having only come back with some socks and a shirt! I must be getting too picky. That or the latest fashions are just hideous. You either look like an Emo, a goth or some middle aged sad surfing type - where are all the nice clothes?

One thing that won't go out of fashion is the Apple Mac and since the announced upgrade to the Mac Book range this week I am tempted to upgrade my iBook as soon as I can (although not for a Mac Book Air as it's simply impractical as my only machine). Of course my enthusiasm will be fired up if Liz and Colin turn up this weekend - they called for some Apple related advice this morning as they are purchasing a Mac Book - I don't think I will be able to resist if I see a new one in the flesh!

I took a number of shots this week but didn't get a chance to upload them until now - this I have done and they are included in the Capture collection on Flickr (displayed below):

It's been a very busy week really. In fact there have been a number of things that I didn't even think to blog about which I could have - most notably was the horrendous situation at Blackfriars Station on Thursday evening. Passengers were not allowed down the external part of the platform as someone had jumped off the railway bridge onto one of the old bridge columns and was planning to jump - when I was there there was a team of police negotiators trying to stop him from jumping. The poor guy was still there when Richard came home and sadly I don't know the outcome.

Richard also set up a new HP Media Server and a Squeezebox - now all our music is in one place, is playable for any iTunes computer, brows-able on the web and playable from any of our internet radios/stereos etc ;0) Don't you just love technology when it works? (Just don't mention Tiscali gggrrr!)

Labels: Cats, Devon, Friends, Gallery, Janet, London, Music, Photography, Plymouth, Richard, Shopping, Trunk Cast, UK

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Relax, don't do it...

Sunday, February 10, 2008

And we sure did - relax that is! We spent the day by the coast with a couple of friends. Richard and I picked up Paul before heading down to Hove in Sussex.

The weather was very bright and sunny, more like a spring day than a typical February day.

We cannot complain though as it made our day at the coast even better.

Richard and I met up with Lisa and Paul met his friend Hillary and two of her children. The afternoon consisted of a relaxing meal in a fab gastro pub recommended by Lisa.

Richard and I have long said it's nice to do things on Saturdays, it's a day that is usually wasted with house work and grocery shopping. To actually have such a relaxing Saturday is rare but very enjoyable.

The beach was full of flotsam and jepson from a cargo ship that shed it's load of timber - this happened weeks ago but there is still lots of wood along the shore.

I managed to capture some really interesting shots as the light was really crisp.

We were very full from our lovely meal but this didn't stop us having a gentle stroll down to the promonade to the best ice cream parlour in Hove. Us adults sensibly had teas and coffees to warm up, little Lilly had a whopping great Mint Chocolate and Bubblegum flavoured cone - which seemed to take ages to eat!

All in all we had a fantastic day and already I can say I have throughly enjoyed this weekend (this is without our plans for today ;0) )

Starting to get chilly now the sun has gone to bed

Labels: Friends, Photography, UK

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Mr & Mrs Prest

Sunday, February 03, 2008

Many congratulations to our friends Colin and Liz who got married yesterday.

They had a splendid day and I can safely say we all had a wonderful time helping them celebrate their union.

Here is a selection of photographs I took during the day

I have also uploaded a short video of the first dance!

Labels: Friends

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And relax...

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

It's been a nice festive period although as ever it all seems to be over far too quickly.

Richard and I enjoyed a nice quiet time at home where we snuggled up in front of a roaring fire, full of Christmas roast (beef not turkey) and lots of nibbles.

On Boxing Day we travelled down to Devon where we visited our friends and families. Miraculously we managed to avoid Christmas dinner until Saturday when Richard and I enjoyed a turkey roast with my parents.

Of course Richard's nephews had heaps of presents, as did my god daughter and her sisters.

My parents have extended the family by adopting two kittens from their neighbour (long story). As you can imagine having two 12 week old kittens running about the house was very entertaining.

Here I am relaxing with Jinx, the little girl.

This photo was taken after our Christmas lunch on Saturday and as you can see I was very tired! In fact I think we all enjoyed 40 winks that afternoon.

I've had a bit of a trauma rebuilding my iBook as my start up sectors became corrupt. It took most of New Years Eve to reinstall everything but 99% of it appears to be working now (I just need to iron out some kinks). Hopefully I'll have it working fully today so that I can put together a podcast.

I cannot quite believe we're in 2008 already - I still think of us being somewhere around the year 2000 but we're not! Where does the time go?

2007 was a good year but it had a number of upsets and I hope this isn't the case throughout 2008.

Thanks to all of you who sent lovely festive and New Years messages and as I have noticed Happy New Rear was very popular!

All the best and here's to a great 2008.

I'll leave you with a photo of Jinx's brother Jasper.

Labels: Cats, Christmas, Devon, Friends, Happy New Year, Humour, Plymouth, UK

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Gringo in London!

Saturday, December 15, 2007

It's been a very busy week what with work, Christmas celebrations and of course Richard and my trip to Paris on Wednesday (video podcast is online). I ended the week on a high as I met up with Gayborhood Gringo who is currently on holiday in London from Dallas.

It's always interesting to meet new people and he's a throughly nice guy - we spent the evening wandering around the sites, we took in some art at the Tate modern, had a wander through the Christmas market, down the South Bank for dinner and then across to Somerset House to see the skating before heading down the Strand for a coffee.

Sadly our time together seemed to go really quickly and I am sure his trip will be ovr before he knows it.

Hopefully we'll manage to hook up for a coffee before he has to jet off back home on Tuesday.

I have also managed to take some other shots of Christmas trees from around London and of course Paris. As soon as I have them transferred from my mobile I will upload them. There is also a couple shots from the office as we had a school choir in our foyer this week singing Christmas carols ;o) Check out my Christmas 2007 set to see more.

Labels: Christmas, Friends

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Busy on both sides

Friday, November 02, 2007

This week has been busy both at work and socially which has been rather nice (well the social bit at least).

Thankfully this is due to continue through the weekend to. It's Guy Fawkes Day on Monday which means that the weekend will be busy with firework displays. For once we are going to a local display tomorrow. We don't normally as we stay home to look after B. We are going tomorrow though and we will do everything to make sure she is not scared by all the commotion.

Sunday has us visiting friends in Cambridge which will be lovely as we have not seen Steve and Robin in ages.

Here's to a wonderful, relaxing and fun weekend.

Labels: Friends, London, UK, Work

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Cool as Ice!

Saturday, September 08, 2007

It's been a very long and tiring week. As I said last week I spent it away on the next part of my training with work.

I did find the training very interesting but I have to say it's been pretty packed throughout the week. It doesn't help that I have a follow up training session next week (but thankfully only for one day this time).

It was really great to see the group again as they are such a diverse and friendly bunch. Sadly one of the Russian girls was victim to company restructure so has left and another wonderful young lady, Anke is no longer attending as she leaves the company in October (best of luck Anke).

We had a few new members from Spain, Ireland and Germany so there was s further cultural mix this time.

I think some of the highlights from this week had to be when we got lost on our evening ramble (well it was a talking point), seeing one of the Russian girls talking to someone in Moscow whilst on the ramble and experiencing the level of feedback we gain from focus groups.

I didn't take many photographs this time (other people certainly did!) but the ones I did take I added to my set on Flickr.

I don't know if it's got something to do with being with a group of people who are predominately younger than me but I have just spent the afternoon wandering around St Albans trying to find some nice clothes for work and for the autumn. I cannot find anything. I see people with stacks of bags laden down with shopping and yet I cannot find anything I like. All the shirts in the shops look cheap and nasty (even the expensive ones) and no one does any decent shoes.

I look at the clothes on sale at the moment and wonder who would actually wear any one it. In one shop they had a perfectly nice tweed coat but it had a hoody attached to it - yes you could remove it but why did it need the hoody in the first place?

I had a hiccup with this weeks Trunk Cast so I have decided to put together a small edited show which lets you into The Secret World of Brandy. The original show included much of what I have mentioned above so I don't think I have missed to much by publishing the edit.

Labels: Foundation, Friends, Photography, Shopping

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Hot Thing

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

I cannot believe it - Prince was smoking last night!

The two day rest must have done him some good as last nights concert was hotter than Saturdays.

He really tore up the stage, managing to dance and gyrate all night, it did seem that he didn't want to end. With four encores it felt like he didn't too.

The arrangement was different last night starting with a like video to get us all in the mood and then he started the concert with Little Red Corvette and an acoustic guitar set.

The band joined him later followed by the Wonderful World interlude followed by a fantastic 25 minutes session of Prince and his piano. He really belted out some old skool hits last night and the crowd really appreciated it.

Songs that differed from Saturdays performance included, Do Me Baby (which we also heard him rehearse), Diamonds and Pearls, The Beautiful Ones, I Could Never Take the Place of your Man, Alphabet Street, DMSR, Somewhere Here on Earth and Condition of the Heart.

As well as the audience members who got up and danced, one lucky guy was privileged enough to be on the mic to sing Play That Funky Music

The support was a Texan Meringue band called Fantasma. We weren't that bothered by them when they performed their own material but the final encore seen them return to the stage to tear into Get on the Boat with Prince and the Band.

Oh what a night!

(Of course this means I want to go again...)

Labels: Friends, Prince

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Here we go again!

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

I cannot believe it's Tuesday already. I am on my way into London to meet Ness for lunch before we head off to tonight's Prince concert.

I am very interested to see how tonights set list will change.

Labels: Friends, Prince

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Tired but happy

Monday, August 06, 2007

I thought I had recovered from Saturdays jubilations but this morning I am not so sure.

Thankfully I had the foresight to load my iPod with additional Prince tunes (although I forgot to sync them all!)

At least it's a short working week for me. I am back it the 02 with Ness tomorrow for Planet Earth Round 2. I am really looking forward to next weekend too as Carol and Dave are visiting.

Labels: Friends, Prince

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Beautiful Night

Sunday, August 05, 2007

Last night's Prince concert at the 02 was amazing. He really is on form, jumping, dancing, spinning and gyrating around the stage like he has always done.

The concert was very good and the short dude (to quote Dean) was on stage for around 2 and a half hours.

The set was very tight and this incarnation of the band are very good. Of course the inclusion of Maceo Parker means lots of Sly and James Brown tracks being kicked out to the masses.

Dean and I were both quite interested to see Vanessa's reaction as she was so excited. When Prince came up through the floor of the stage she was speechless. Ness also managed a tear or two during Purple Rain. I am not criticising though as I had tears rolling down my face during Sometimes it Snows in April.

Prince managed three encores during the main concert and he certainly mixed up his repertoire. The opener was Let's Go Crazy which really got the audience in the mood. Other songs (that I remember) were Guitar, Controversy, Raspberry Beret, Pass the Peas, Play that Funky Music, Lolita, Kiss, Musicology, If I was Your Girlfriend, U Got the Look, Shhh, Sexy Dancer/Le Freak, I Feel 4 You, Cream, Pink Cashmere, Black Sweat, Take Me with You, I Would Die for You (although that may have been the after show party), Little Red Corvette and Nothing Compares 2 U.

I think that was it!

I just want to say a quick note about the venue as I am really impressed with the way they have changed the venue since it was the Millennium Dome. It's like a small village inside with the stadium at it's center. it was clean, Light, spacious, everyone got a good view and the acoustics were very good.

I wouldn't want to pay for the £250 front seats though cause I fear being sat at the front by the top of the symbol would mean you wouldn't see very much (Prince seem to spend the majority of the concert on the point).

It was a bit of a crush getting out too - I don't think it helped that out of the 20,000 people, 2,000 of us were making our way to the night club for the after show party.

Now what can I say about the party? I enjoyed it. It was fun. The DJ had a cool knack of mixing Prince tracks in with more contemporary ( and not so contemporary) stuff, I am just ashamed by the behaviour of some of the crowd.

a) I cannot believe just how drunk some people were and b) I cannot believe how rude people were.

We were all told the after show party was a strict no camera affair and people didn't listen, much to their own undoing.

Nikka Costa (who also opened the main concert) came on stage around 1.30 (we had gotten into the club round midnight) and she opened with a very strong set. During Like a Feather, Prince joined her on stage. The song was really tight but sadly our attention was drawn to the bouncer hauling people out of the club for taking photos.

At this point Ness and I did throw glances as we noticed Prince didn't seem to happy. Sure enough we were right as he didn't come back on stage. The band joined Nikka for a rousing rendition of Every body's Got Their Something but after this people started to heckle her.

Nikka really did seem to be struggling to keep the crowds attention and I found it very embarrassing to her this wonderful woman sing whilst a small percentage were chanting "We want Prince".

Nikka Costa left the stage around 2.30 and we noticed the stage wasn't being prepared but it looked like It was being dismantled. It was at this point we'd decided we'd had a great night, enjoyed the concert and had a good ol' dance at the after show party and called it a day. I eventually got home just before 4am!

Reading 3121 this morning it appears that we were right to leave when we did as Prince didn't come back on stage. I am not worried though as we had an excellent time and a free Nikka Costa closed concert to boot (and she had the worlds hottest guitar players backing her up at one point ;o) ).

All in all a fantastic show and my poor aching back and feet are proof of how much dancing we did last night.

Roll on Tuesday when we get to do it all over again!

Labels: 365, Friends, Music, Prince

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Maybe...

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Maybe the course wasn't so bad after all...

I think the great thing about this week has been the other attendees and our excellent tutor. It was kind of awkward to have all those nationalities in one room at first (English, Swiss, Russian, German, French and Belgium), but we soon all relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed one anothers' company.

I would like to think I have made some great new friends this week and learnt a great deal in the process.

Roll on our next get together in September!

Labels: 365, Foundation, Friends, Photography, Work

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Another Round?

Sunday, June 17, 2007

As you can see from this photo we left London rather late last night - this followed our day in town with Carol and Dave.

They had had a cultural day looking around sights such as Tower Bridge and the Cabinet War Rooms, Richard went to the gym and I went shopping. By 4 o'clock we had all met at Piccadilly where we went to Richoux for afternoon tea.

This was a very refined and civilized way to start our day and an excellent opportunity to catch up with Carol and Dave.

When we left Richoux we decided to go walk about and gave them a tour of London.

We certainly gained a lot of ground on our tour and managed to take in the West End, Soho (where we happened to bump into Lee and Elvis!) and then found our way into our first pub.

Dave capturing us in the Disappearing Rooms

From there we made out way down to the river, we tried out the new Disappearing Rooms installation on the South Bank (see above) before heading along the Thames to another pub for more bevvies and some food.

All in all we had a wonderfully chilled out day, the weather behaved itself but I cannot say we did! It really was refreshing to see Carol and Dave again and we're looking froward to seeing them again in the not too distant future.

Thankfully it's much sunnier today so Dave will have good weather when he takes part in the Falklands parade this afternoon.

I am sure when they visit in a August there will be quite a fierce Wii tournament (especially as I bought Richard Wii Play yesterday!).

Oh well, I guess I had better pack for this course tomorrow :(

Labels: Friends, London, Weather, Wii

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Nice Package

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Last nights recording of French and Saunders at the BBC was hilarious.

As ever Dawn and Jennifer were even funnier off script than on it.

We were treated to a bevvy of clips from old shows and lots of new material. This is because the show in production is a 20 year celebration of work.

It's great to see that after that much time their comedy still remains fresh, funny and relevant.

This is even more relevant as the Head of Comedy for the BBC, John Plowman, presented Dawn with a Rockie Award which she had won from the Canadian Comedy Awards for The Vicar of Dibley.

As you can see from the photo, the BBC are definitely capitalizing on the success of Dr Who and have placed a Tardis outside the audience entrance, I couldn't resist getting my photo snapped inside it.

Unfortunately Richard was unable to make it due to work commitments but the mirth was shared with Dan and Matt.

We've quite a busy weekend ahead of us as Carol and Dave are in London this weekend as Dave is taking part in the Commemorative Falklands March tomorrow.

I doubt I may blog for a while as next week I am away on a course for work (boo). Straight after we are off to Paris for the Air show (yay!) - so at least you can expect lots of photos very soon!

After a short sabbatical Trunk Guy.com Trunk Casts returns to your ears in the form of show 94 ;o)

This show really builds on my blog entries and photos from the past couple of weeks with the odd twist. There is an appearance from a special guest too ;0)

Labels: 365, Friends, Humour, News, Pic-a-Day, Trunk Cast

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Weeeiiii!

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Well it certainly has been a busy weekend!

It started with Richard and I travelling down to Southend to meet with Dan and Matt. As you may recall we went down a couple weeks ago as Dan was due to take a flying lesson - a gift from Matt.

The weather originally was terrible but thankfully this weekend was much better.

We had a lovely morning and Dan (albeit with two planes) managed to get off the ground.

As you can see from the photo's he was as pleased as punch!

Afterwards we all headed into Southend for celebratory fish and chips and a stroll along the prom.

Richard had the crazy idea to go to Lakeside on the way back where we managed to get our hands on a Wii (with extra controller, Sonic, Red Steel, Wii Sports and a GT).

Needless to say the majority of last night was spent with Richard and I swinging our arms around like we were demented.

I can certainly tell why the Wii has been such a big hit though. It's so much fun to play and to be honest I think you easily curb the amount of time playing as the games are so physical. I am sure I have wii tennis elbow already.

I do think wii sports is the best and I especially love the amount of aggression I can shed with the boxing ;0) Richard is a natural bowler although we did nearly loose our lamp shade on a couple of occasions!

Keep a look out for our Mii's as they are out in the wii-lderness!

Of course Saturday night also saw the BBC's broadcast of the Pet Shop Boys concert I attended on Monday... For this week only you can download it.

(p.s. you can blame Dan for the lack of pod cast this week as I have been editing the video of his flying lesson..) ;0)

Labels: 365, Friends, Pet Shop Boys, Photography, Pic-a-Day, Shopping, Wii, You Tube

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Turfalgar Square

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Until Sunday Trafalgar Square is covered in grass creating a temporary park in the middle of London. Of all the schemes dreamt up for Trafalgar Square, this has to be one of my favourites.

It looks like it's going to be a busy weekend, bit of a shame really as it's been a hell of a week! As well as my usually duties I have also been setting up a major team event at the beginning of June. It's virgin territory for me but it's fun nonetheless. Whilst searching for venues I have been to places in London I never knew existed (and as I am planning it I have made sure it's in Central London). We're off to a fab new location on the river - I get to meet with the team there tomorrow to finalise details.

Richard's sister and family are paying a visit for the Bank Holiday weekend. It should be interesting, Richard still has the scar from last years visit (quite literally!).

Sunday I am off to Hammersmith Apollo with Steve to see the Pet Shop Boys in concert. Even though we saw them at Thetford last August and I have been listening to Cubism on my iPod; I am still really excited.

It'll be a crowded house though as Steve is also crashing at ours! Still it'll be fun.

Right I had better start learning those lyrics (like I need to!). " M I N I M A ..."

Labels: 365, Friends, London, Music, Pet Shop Boys, Photography, Pic-a-Day, UK, Weather

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What a weekend!

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

This weekend in Cheshire with Andy and Rob was lovely.

We had such a lovely relaxing time, I am really glad we paid them a visit.

From the moment we arrived they made us feel very welcome and we all took ther weekend as it came, relaxing and laid back.

There were no grand plans for the weekend but we did end up at Jodrell Bank and Tatton Park. Rob even let us play with his Raclette Set ;0)

Watch my video of the main astronomic radio telescope moving to line up with the Earth's Axis (this is the third largest telescope in the world).

A bevvy of photo's are on Flickr (in three separate sets... Cheshire, Jodrell Bank and Tatton Park).

It's been a while since I have uploaded anything, find out all about the last two weeks in Trunk Cast 92.

Labels: Friends, holiday, Photography, Pic-a-Day, Trunk Cast, UK, Weather, You Tube

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Bit Breezy 'innit?

Sunday, May 13, 2007

We spent yesterday in Essex at Dan and Matt's invitation. We were going to down to watch Dan have his first flying lesson but sadly the weather was aginst him. There were some heavy showers at the start of the day but (as you can see from the photo's), the main problem was the high winds.

Still we had a good day out. We went into Southend with Matt's friend Lee for lunch and a wander around before heading back to Matt's home for a birthday party for Dan.

Matt's parents were very hospitable and welcoming. It was a fun day and now I can say I have been to Southend and Canvey Island.

Labels: 365, Friends

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I'm a Speedy Boarder! (not)

Friday, May 11, 2007

First evening, looking very relaxed already (64)

Written on holiday as my daily journal

What is it about airports and holidays that really brings out the worst in people?

At the airport we all queued in a patient and english manner for our turn to board the plane but this calm was punctuated by an arrogant so and so who thought his speedy boarding ticket allowed him to jump the queue in front of everyone else (including other speedy boarders).

I find it bizarre that Sleazy Jet can charge upwards of £3.50 per person per flight just to put 20 people in a queue ahead of other passengers. Especially when these people treat it as Sleazy's equivalent First Class.

Let's face it, everyone has to queue and you all get as much chance as the next person at a seat (and it's not as if anyone will have to stand). And yet there is still this chaos.

This even spilled over to the plane where the two Spanish gents in question (both speedy boarders, both wanting to get on first)), had an altercation. It's not worth it!

Monday We spent the rest of the day relaxing at the apartment before heading out for dinner in the evening. The weather is crisp, warm and sunny - the exact opposite of what we left behind (yes after all this time the nice weather has finally decided to move on from the South East of England).

We soon fell into our Spanish holiday routine and found ourselves in our favourtie restaurant in the evening.

Usually our evenings are punctuated with the odd German vocal but oddly this week there appears to be more Brits here than Germans.

We wouldn't have minded except for the family from hell who decided to sit behind us. With four adults and equal number of children you would expect there to be order but as seems to be the case at home, parents seem completely unable to control their children.

So our peace was broken by hearing this horrible Essex shrill from the mother asking the waiter for E-g-g AND C-h-i-p-s for each of her darling children.

We found this rather amusing, especially as here father and the waiter were trying to explain what the Spanish was (and any English equivalent).

Of course the darling children got their food and ate it with gusto - not! It was too hot, it was too runny, it was anything but edible! And what did the adults in the party do about it? Nothing? They let them sit there, complain, whinge and kick up a fuss. Richard and I commented to one another that when we were that age we ate it when it was served or went without...

Tuesday Today was much more relaxed affair, we got to do what we enjoy on these holidays; lay in till late, have a relaxing (and filling) breakfast on the balcony, shop, lunch, a couple hours on the beach, a shag or two, siesta and then out for dinner :) (Not necessarily in that order).

The beach was quite quiet yesterday but this didn't matter as it meant Rich and I could snooze as much as we wanted in the sun - I think it must have been around 30 yesterday so it was hot enough to bronze out lilly white skin. I think I have managed to catch some sun but I don't like to go too mad... (Until the bevy of German prunes wandering around).

Mickey came with us to the beach too - he had his usually holiday snap taken as well as the swarm of ladybirds that appeared to be occupying the beach.

We both bought some new clothes, something I try to do on every trip - if I don't I end up having to look like all the other clones at home. My only concern is fitting it all into an already packed suitcase!

Lasts nights meal was at a different restaurant as our favourite closes on Tuesday but at least there wasn't enough room for the family from hell to accompany us!

Wednesday Tonight we plan to have the cameras at the ready - for two nights we have been passed by two particularly hot young Spanish guys jogging. Clothed on Monday and topless last night. Believe me, they are well worth the odd digital snap! Hopefully we will see them again tonight!

Surprisingly we didn't spend any time on the beach today, instead we decided to use our time walking along the headland, taking in the sights. This was a great opportunity to use the new camcorder although I am conscious that carrying a video camera really does make you look like a tourist.

Still it was worth the walk especially as there were a couple of Spanish hotties larking about on the rocks (see Trunk Cast 91).

All in all though it was a very calm and relaxing day which culminated in our usual siesta and trip to the beach front restaurant for dinner. Of course we have to fit some sangria into at least one trip so tonight was the night. I don't know if it's the recipe, the restaurant or the location but you cannot beat sangria made by the Spanish in Spain.

Unfortunately the two hot Spanish joggers were not spotted on the prom - only one of them jogging solo. I did capture him on my Olympus (he's in the video for Trunk Cast 91), nor was he topless I am afraid but you'll still get the general idea!

It's been a hot break (in more ways than one), and the weather seems to be getting hotter. It was a balmy 28 yesterday and the report for Thursday is hotter still.

Thursday I can see why birds migrate and take the routes they do - we have had a lot of swifts flying overhead since we have been here and they really do have a fantastic life. They may spend it all on the wing but they do tend to be in the right place at the right time... In a couple of weeks they'll be flying over our house in England - isn't it amazing how they navigate?

So it's Thursday and we need to think about getting the apartment tided up for when we leave. It's nice having access to such a place but that's the difference from a hotel - you have to make you own bed and tidy your own mess! (Not that we are at all messy!).

We had a text from Liz this morning explaining that Brandy has become very needy since we have been away. I think this is true testament to how much she is missing Jerry. I am sure we'll be in no end of trouble when we return tonight!

I had some great news from home today as Ness and Liz have worked Liz crazy to acquire tickets for Prince's forthcoming concerts in London. Thanks to their tanacity, Vanessa and I will be attending two nights in August :)

So I am going to make the most of the warm weather, the birds chirping and the sea view... When you read this we will be home. The photo's should be uploaded to Flickr and Trunk Cast (Video) 91 will be available for download.

Enjoy viewing them, at least as much as we have had taking them.

Labels: 365, Cats, Friends, holiday, Pic-a-Day, Prince, Weather

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Oh we do like to be...

Saturday, April 14, 2007

...beside the seaside!

Lisa and her large portion of (ice) cream

Lisa invited us down to her neck of the woods today and it meant spending one of the warmest days of the year on the coast.

Needless to say we had a lovely day.

We met a couple of Lisa's friends; Barry and Jamie who were also very nice.

It was a bit of a drive but worth the time spent circumnavigating the M25 to be near the sea with a cool breeze and great company. We had a nice al fresco lunch followed by lots of ice cream on the beach (see photo eh Lisa!).

I hope this weather spell continues as I think we'll make the most of the garden tomorrow.

I hope we all manage to get together again soon.

Labels: 365, Friends, Richard, UK, Weather

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C.S.D.*

Friday, April 13, 2007

We went to see Pam Ann at our local Den of Inequity last night. Much to my surprise we had a really great evening.

Pam Ann was an act booked at a launch party for a web site I worked on several years ago and back then I didn't think she was very funny.

last night's performance however has changed my perception of her. She was very funny, very filthy and didn't hold any hostages.

This was particularly present when she decided to rip into all the local parochial queens who seemed to crawl out from the nearest rocks to attend. You know the type - the sharks fin hair cut, wearing flip flop and Calvin's hosted up around their necks!

Still it was a fun evening and I think it is safe to say Dan, Matt, Richard and I all awoke this morning feeling very tired as we had been crying through so much laughter :)

* C@!t Standing by the Door

Labels: Friends, Richard

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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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