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Following the flock

Monday, June 23, 2008

We had a nice weekend at home in Devon. Sadly it went by far too quickly.

My mum is recovering well from her operation and although she won't admit it she is very battered and bruised. I just wish she would take more time to rest!

I don't envy her one bit.

My dad's looking well too.

For once the weather at home was really nice but Richard and I chose to take it easy.

Annoyingly our trip home was shortened by a day (long story), so we didn't get the full benefit of our four days off. Mustn't grumble though as we are back down there again in a fortnight!

There are a number of photos from Richard's mums retirement celebration here.

I thought I'd follow the latest trend and take part in this quiz. Here are my results:

The questions:

1. What is your first name? *******
2. What is your favorite food right now? Strawberries and Cream
3. What high school did you go to? Plymstock
4. What is your favorite color? Red
5. Who is your celebrity crush? Ben Cohen
6. What is your favorite drink right now? Strawberry Milshake
7. What is your dream vacation? Egypt
8. What is your favorite dessert? Jelly
9. What do you want to be when you grow up? Free
10. What do you love most in life? Richard
11. What is one word that describes you? Honest
12. What is your flickr name? trunkguysw

1. Keith Richards, 2. Strawberry and Cream Cupcake, 3. Radford Park Serenity, 4. the Army of the Brave Milk Bottles, 5. Ben Cohen, 6. Strawberry Milk Splash, 7. Giza, 8. got water ?, 9. Mulher Maravilha, 10. Jonathan Livingston Seagull “I am ready,” he said at last. And Jonathan Livingston Seagull rose with the two star-bright gulls to disappear into a perfect dark sky., 11. 20050815-vs-0110, 12. Rainbow Phone

Labels: Flickr, Plymouth

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Fat Bottomed Girls

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

I am saddened to hear the news that local (and internationally renowned) artist Beryl Cook passed away today.

Who will fill the galleries full of cheerful candid portraits now?

Labels: Plymouth

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Adios Amigos!

Sunday, May 04, 2008

As we prepare to head off to sunnier climbs I am reminded about an image people from my neck of the woods have. It's an image that people from Plymouth (and or Devon I am not clear how far this thought extends), don't travel too far. They don't drive too far and they certainly don't leave the country.

It's a really old fashioned stereo type but nonetheless one I grew up with. It has a lot to do with it's location and the road infrastructure but I am sure as time goes by the image may have been somewhat diluted. I cannot guarantee this either way as I have not been living in Devon for the best part of ten years.

I moved that long ago and as it would appear so did a high proportion of the people I went to school with. There are a number of them left in Plymouth, Facebook is testament to that. I am not criticizing them I am simply noting my observations.

I like to think I buck the trend either with the amount of travel I achieve annual through work (believe me though it could be much more if I were in a different position) or the holidays Richard and I take as often as we can.

Anyway I digress, we're out to El Morche for our annual week of switching off, enjoying nothing but one anothers company, the sun, the sea, the sand, the pool and the odd siesta. It really is a great time away and we both feel we are really in need of some down time.

Sadly I have been unable to find anything to take to read as all the book shops stock the same commercial rubbish - I just hope I might find some hidden gem at the airport tomorrow (although I don't hold out too much hope).

Adios for now - see you on the other side!

P.S. I promise not to come back this year and scare you with images of me in my Aussiebums!

Labels: holiday, Plymouth, Travel

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Moorland Runner

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Every night I walk home I pass the Cotswold Camping Shop and the latest advertising hoarding has really got my attention!

I can't think why...

It won't get me running but it does have me longing for the wide open spaces of Dartmoor and Devon (amongst other things!).

Labels: Devon, Hunks, Plymouth, UK

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Blustry Day

Saturday, March 01, 2008

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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Dad's 60th

Sunday, February 24, 2008

We just arrived back from a lovely weekend at home.

It was nice to see mum in good form following her spell in hospital this week. She's not fully recovered and requires another operation but at least part one of two is out of the way.

My Dad celebrated his 60th birthday and last night we went out for a lovely (and filling), meal. Dad invited Richard's mum and her husband. We had a really nice time - in fact (with all things like this) - it went far too quickly.

This trip was an opportunity to see how the kittens are growing up, they are certainly acquiring their own characters and are quite a handful - they keep my parents entertained though ;)

Hopefully next time we go home it will be for a longer stay. I am sure it'll be soon though as dad wants to book his Clay Pigeon Shooting experience which Richard and I gave him for his birthday.

I took a fair mix of photos while home- have a browse through them here.

Labels: Cats, Devon, Photography, Plymouth, Richard, UK

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An English, Swedish and Italian Weekend

Sunday, February 17, 2008

We have had a fairly low key weekend - considering what we have been up to since the beginning of February I think this is just as well.

Saturday was spent lounging about at home just taking time to relax and unwind - we have both been very busy at work and were at melting point. Yesterday was a great way to recharge our batteries.

Today was more about getting my mind off events at home and just having a nice day together, doing simple things.

To start off we headed up the M1 to ~~Ikea~~ iQueer where we made a few small purchases - not the most stress free way to spend a Sunday but a bit of retail therapy (no matter where), is always good.

Afterwards we took a drive to the local Fiat dealership where we test drove on the the fab new Fiat 500's. For all of you who don't know the Fiat 500 is a design icon and a wonderful little town car, Fiat have taken the success of the Smart car and the re birth of the Mini to update the 500. As you can see from the photo, it's a small car but it is certainly very well built and very nippy. We took out the diesel version and all we can say is that James Mays' review is totally inaccurate - it was a joy to drive.

In an age of gas guzzlers and 4x4's is great to see you can still get a great individual drive out of a small motor.

Of course next weekend will be fairly hectic as we're heading home to help my dad celebrate his 60th birthday. Hopefully mum will be out of hospital and on her way to recovery by then.

Right I am off to watch the TV while Richard swears at the Swedish flat pack! (If only it was all as easy as this...)

Labels: Plymouth, Richard

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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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Happy Christmas

Saturday, December 22, 2007

It finally feels like Christmas.

Thanks to a very generous gift from our boss, the whole team (50 of us) were taken to the Royal Albert Hall to see the Christmas Concert. I cannot think of a better way to get in the Christmas spirit.

Fantastic seats, great view and a wonderful start to my Chirstmas break

As you will see from this photo we had excellent seats - right at the stage, next to the choir and the orchestra.

It's been far too long since I joined in on a proper old fashioned Christmas sing song and the majority of the show included audience participation.

I am not sure if Milly and I look like we were ready to sing but as you can see we certainly look happy.

The set included lots of traditional favourites as well as contemporary classics.

I cannot think of a better way to spend my last working afternoon of the year than in such wonderful surroundings with such good company.

So my presents are purchased, wrapped and under the tree. The kitchen is stocked for the big day and there is enough coal in the cellar to heat the living room for a year (well maybe not that much).

~~Tonight is the final of Strictly Come Dancing and I am rooting for Matt all the way - if that awful woman wins I am not watching it any more!~~

Sadly Aleysha Dixon won Strictly Come Dancing, I have no faith in the British public now. It looks like the cult of celebrity has won out. Matt Di Angelo was by far the best dancer, giving the most effort and technically the best routines. Bad luck Matt - we voted for you in this house!

Be sure to check out Trunk Cast 116 as it is a run down of the year and there is a special Christmas message from me to you all.

We're spending Christmas together before heading home on Boxing day for the mad run around Plymouth to see everyone. Hopefully this year we'll managed to see more friends!

All that remains is for Richard and I to wish you all a Happy Christmas and wonderful New Year. See you all in 2008!

Labels: Christmas, Devon, London, Plymouth, Richard, UK

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Little Dickies

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

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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Nice but dirty!

Friday, December 29, 2006

So far it's been a nice, but hectic break at home. We've managed to see everyone we planned too with the exception of a few friends.

I think today will be our last roast dinner for a while as we are both so bloated after eating so much during use festive season.

Unfortunately we decided to pop into Plymouth city centre to see the new shopping complex and we were shocked by what greeted us. Although all this money has been ploughed into the city it's a shame that the locals don't appreciate it. The public just seemed rude and the streets and shops were an absolute mess. The city has been offered an olive branch of sorts to move forward but sadly none of the locals seem too bothered or worried about thier home.

We are both disappointed that this once vibrant sea side city could end up in such a mess. Maybe the local rag needs to stop ripping apart the few good things about the city and try to inspire people to get off their asses and clean it up!

Labels: Christmas, Devon, Plymouth

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Rain? In Devon?

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Of course! Typically a couple hours after arriving home we see the first rain we have seen in weeks!

Its been lovely to see my folks and to pay my friends and my god daughter a visit.

I think it was wise to only visit for a short period as we both look really tired.

Hopefully the weather will buck up tomorrow and Richard and I will be prepared for our next Christmas dinner.

Labels: Christmas, Devon, Plymouth, Weather

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Cue Chris Rea

Well we're driving home for Christmas, well post Christmas.

I did plan to take a photo of the drive but the flash is too distracting.

We've had a lovely quiet time, chilling out, eating too much and snoozing by the coal fire. As you can see this is something Jerry capitalised on.

We're in Devon for a couple days before returning home for New Years. I think after the running around visiting our folks, we'll need a rest before we go back to work!

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas. Thanks for all very kind messages.

Labels: Christmas, Devon, Plymouth

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