So, Fred the Shred is no longer Sir Fred.
Mr Hester is no longer taking home his million pound bonus.
And the politicians are no doubt proud of what they've achieved.
Hmmm.
Never mind all that nonsense. How about making sure that the people running the bank are doing a decent job and getting the business set so that I can be put back into the private sector and the taxpayers can get their money back.
Tuesday 31 January 2012
Monday 30 January 2012
Torrey Pines
Torrey Pines is a golf course on the California coast, on the northern edge of San Diego. Over the last four days it played host to a PGA tournament. Whilst some of golf's biggest names were battling it out in Abu Dhabi, the rest of the PGA pros were playing in the "Farmers Insurance Open". The man to watch was Kyle Stanley, a young American who had turned professional in 2010, and was looking for his first win since then.
Stanley raced out into the lead on day one, shooting a 62, and continued his good form for the next couple of days, ending up taking a six shot lead into the final round on Sunday.
One of the other players, Brandt Snedeker, had a good round on Sunday, and when he walked off the 18th green, he'd managed to close the gap to three shots, but it looked for all the world like Stanley would be taking the trophy home. Snedeker gave a relaxed interview to the press, saying how he was really pleased with the way he'd played on Sunday and how second place was a good result. Stanley stood on the 18th tee (a par 5), knowing that a 7 or better would be good enough, and confidently smashed his tee shot down the middle.
The 18th green is protected by a small water hazard, and after a long tee shot, the question facing all of the players was whether to play it safe and hit a short second shot in front of the water, or whether to be bold and go for the green. With so many shots in hand, Stanley did the sensible thing and laid up, leaving about 80 yards over the water to the pin, which was towards the front of the green.
So, 80 yards to go, and five or fewer shots from here would be fine. Stanley pitched over the water, and the ball landed past the pin and bounced forward.
And then it span.
And rolled back past the pin.
Off the front of the green.
Trundled down the slope.
Came to a halt.
Started rolling again.
And plopped into the water.
OK, no need to panic. Another pitch over the water, and a couple of putts, and Stanley would still be fine. He decided to move even closer to the hole, and take a drop nearer to the water, in the semi rough (to reduce the amount of spin on the ball), and he pitched (this time his fifth shot) over the water once again.
This time the shot was a little strong, and landed towards the back of the green, and of course this time didn't spin back towards the hole.
Now things were getting a bit tense. Two putts to win, and three to tie, and Stanley putted tentatively back down the slope and left the ball almost four feet from the hole. The second putt slipped past the left hand edge, and all of a sudden he'd taken an eight, given up a three shot lead on one hole, and rather than preparing himself for the presentation ceremony and lifting the trophy, he was preparing for a sudden death play-off.
In a cruel twist, the first play-off hole was the 18th once again, but amazingly having just taken a triple bogey, next time around Stanley went for the green with his second ending up in the fringe at the back, chipped back close to the hole, and made his birdie putt.
The only problem was that Snedeker made birdie as well.
So, another play-off hole required, and this time it was the par 3 16th. Stanley played safely onto the green, and then Snedeker hit his tee shot way too long, and it would probably have ended up in the ocean if it hadn't hit a TV camera tower behind the green.
As the rules permit, Snedeker was allowed a free drop shot away from the tower, and chipped onto the green, about five feet past the hole. Stanley putted, and again a little tentatively, leaving his ball a similar distance away.
After a measure, it was decided that Snedeker should putt first, and having lined it up, he clattered his ball into the cup to save his par, leaving Stanley with a five foot putt to stay in it.
And he missed.
Oh the heartbreak!
To quote from the article on the PGA tour website, referring to the post game press conference:
Someone asked Stanley how he'd deal with the kick in the gut he'd just taken as he squandered a three stroke lead on the final hole. Stanley's chin trembled as he tried to compose himself. He blinked several times and his index finger flicked away a tear from the corner of his right eye, the first of many to come. He took a deep breath before he spoke.
"I don't know right now", Stanley said quietly and deliberately. "It's tough. I mean, it's really tough to take."
Oh the heartbreak!
And why am I able to waffle on at inordinate length about a golf tournament taking place thousands of miles away?
Simple really, because we can all relax a bit now. Dad had his operation this morning. Mum and I have been to see him this afternoon and he's doing really well, and hopefully he'll be home tomorrow.
Magic!
Stanley raced out into the lead on day one, shooting a 62, and continued his good form for the next couple of days, ending up taking a six shot lead into the final round on Sunday.
One of the other players, Brandt Snedeker, had a good round on Sunday, and when he walked off the 18th green, he'd managed to close the gap to three shots, but it looked for all the world like Stanley would be taking the trophy home. Snedeker gave a relaxed interview to the press, saying how he was really pleased with the way he'd played on Sunday and how second place was a good result. Stanley stood on the 18th tee (a par 5), knowing that a 7 or better would be good enough, and confidently smashed his tee shot down the middle.
The 18th green is protected by a small water hazard, and after a long tee shot, the question facing all of the players was whether to play it safe and hit a short second shot in front of the water, or whether to be bold and go for the green. With so many shots in hand, Stanley did the sensible thing and laid up, leaving about 80 yards over the water to the pin, which was towards the front of the green.
So, 80 yards to go, and five or fewer shots from here would be fine. Stanley pitched over the water, and the ball landed past the pin and bounced forward.
And then it span.
And rolled back past the pin.
Off the front of the green.
Trundled down the slope.
Came to a halt.
Started rolling again.
And plopped into the water.
OK, no need to panic. Another pitch over the water, and a couple of putts, and Stanley would still be fine. He decided to move even closer to the hole, and take a drop nearer to the water, in the semi rough (to reduce the amount of spin on the ball), and he pitched (this time his fifth shot) over the water once again.
This time the shot was a little strong, and landed towards the back of the green, and of course this time didn't spin back towards the hole.
Now things were getting a bit tense. Two putts to win, and three to tie, and Stanley putted tentatively back down the slope and left the ball almost four feet from the hole. The second putt slipped past the left hand edge, and all of a sudden he'd taken an eight, given up a three shot lead on one hole, and rather than preparing himself for the presentation ceremony and lifting the trophy, he was preparing for a sudden death play-off.
In a cruel twist, the first play-off hole was the 18th once again, but amazingly having just taken a triple bogey, next time around Stanley went for the green with his second ending up in the fringe at the back, chipped back close to the hole, and made his birdie putt.
The only problem was that Snedeker made birdie as well.
So, another play-off hole required, and this time it was the par 3 16th. Stanley played safely onto the green, and then Snedeker hit his tee shot way too long, and it would probably have ended up in the ocean if it hadn't hit a TV camera tower behind the green.
As the rules permit, Snedeker was allowed a free drop shot away from the tower, and chipped onto the green, about five feet past the hole. Stanley putted, and again a little tentatively, leaving his ball a similar distance away.
After a measure, it was decided that Snedeker should putt first, and having lined it up, he clattered his ball into the cup to save his par, leaving Stanley with a five foot putt to stay in it.
And he missed.
Oh the heartbreak!
To quote from the article on the PGA tour website, referring to the post game press conference:
Someone asked Stanley how he'd deal with the kick in the gut he'd just taken as he squandered a three stroke lead on the final hole. Stanley's chin trembled as he tried to compose himself. He blinked several times and his index finger flicked away a tear from the corner of his right eye, the first of many to come. He took a deep breath before he spoke.
"I don't know right now", Stanley said quietly and deliberately. "It's tough. I mean, it's really tough to take."
Oh the heartbreak!
And why am I able to waffle on at inordinate length about a golf tournament taking place thousands of miles away?
Simple really, because we can all relax a bit now. Dad had his operation this morning. Mum and I have been to see him this afternoon and he's doing really well, and hopefully he'll be home tomorrow.
Magic!
Sunday 29 January 2012
Winchester
So, rewinding a little way, our evening at the Comedy Club last night went well. We got the train to Victoria and then back out to Clapham Junction, and arrived with plenty of time to get something to eat, so we wandered along the road to Pizza Express. The doors of the Comedy Club opened at seven, and we were there at about half past, which worked out nicely as the first act came on at eight, so there was time to get a drink and find a seat (at the back - we're all for audience participation in stand up comedy, just so long as we aren't the audience members doing the participating!).
All of the acts were good, but they definitely got better as the evening progressed, and once the last one was one, we were pretty sure we'd seen him on TV, and he was proper funny.
Coming home we just missed the fast train from Victoria, and so had to wait another 30 minutes for the stopping service, and didn't get back home until after midnight.
Church this morning (turns out that Phil is leaving soon) and then into the car and down to Winchester in time for Sunday lunch. This afternoon we've taken Dad down to Southampton, and Mum's just spoken to him again and it sounds like we're all systems go for tomorrow morning.
All of the acts were good, but they definitely got better as the evening progressed, and once the last one was one, we were pretty sure we'd seen him on TV, and he was proper funny.
Coming home we just missed the fast train from Victoria, and so had to wait another 30 minutes for the stopping service, and didn't get back home until after midnight.
Church this morning (turns out that Phil is leaving soon) and then into the car and down to Winchester in time for Sunday lunch. This afternoon we've taken Dad down to Southampton, and Mum's just spoken to him again and it sounds like we're all systems go for tomorrow morning.
Comedy
No time for long post this evening as it's late and I am supposed to be up in time for church in the morning.
Just got back from a fun evening with Jen and John at the Grand Comedy Club in Clapham. A good night out was had by all!
Just got back from a fun evening with Jen and John at the Grand Comedy Club in Clapham. A good night out was had by all!
Friday 27 January 2012
Missing out
Poor old Andy. Beaten by Djokovic again in the Australian Open (same as last year - see posts from last January!). However, sounds like it was something of an epic match - 7-5 in the 5th set. Hopefully he's getting closer and closer to the breakthrough, and that major title will turn up someday soon. Roll on the first weekend in July! We were keeping an eye on it on the BBC web commentary in Brighton this morning, and had to put it on the radio (whilst we all carried on working obviously!) when Murray broke back in the final set.
In other "sport" news, Harry's trial continues to entertain. One of the key planks of his defence seems to be that he is too thick to fiddle the tax man! Still, looking for positives, maybe this trial might take the shine off his reputation such that when the England job comes up after the Euro championships in the summer, he may not get the call. Might mean that he stays with Spurs!
I've had my new car for exactly two weeks now, and have already done my first thousand miles. Not getting anything like the advertised nearly 70 to the gallon just yet - more like the low 50s. Still, chatting to Graham in the office the other day (who by coincidence has also just bought one) the garage was telling him that it will take a good few thousand miles before the engine is fully run in, so hopefully I will see the MPG creeping up over the next couple of months.
In other "sport" news, Harry's trial continues to entertain. One of the key planks of his defence seems to be that he is too thick to fiddle the tax man! Still, looking for positives, maybe this trial might take the shine off his reputation such that when the England job comes up after the Euro championships in the summer, he may not get the call. Might mean that he stays with Spurs!
I've had my new car for exactly two weeks now, and have already done my first thousand miles. Not getting anything like the advertised nearly 70 to the gallon just yet - more like the low 50s. Still, chatting to Graham in the office the other day (who by coincidence has also just bought one) the garage was telling him that it will take a good few thousand miles before the engine is fully run in, so hopefully I will see the MPG creeping up over the next couple of months.
Thursday 26 January 2012
Landlocked
Shockingly a whole day has gone by without a trip to the seaside.
So, to avoid withdrawal symptoms becoming too severe I'm off to Brighton for the morning tomorrow!
So, to avoid withdrawal symptoms becoming too severe I'm off to Brighton for the morning tomorrow!
Testing
I've been testing out some of the programs on the MacBook (even though I'd already got them on the Big Mac, I hadn't played with them very much), and in particular I've been trying to get to grips with Garage Band.
It's early days, but just to prove that I have managed to do something with the midi keyboard that Nicky got me for my birthday last year, I wanted to upload some music to the site. This proved to be something of a challenge, as I don't think it is possible to upload music files directly to blogger.
So, solution was to have a play with another bit of the Apple software - iMovie.
As you can see below, I have made the dullest movie ever, consisting of a random holiday photo and nothing else!
Having uploaded the video to Flickr, I can embed it in the site.
So, here is my first effort.
I guess they can only get better!
It's early days, but just to prove that I have managed to do something with the midi keyboard that Nicky got me for my birthday last year, I wanted to upload some music to the site. This proved to be something of a challenge, as I don't think it is possible to upload music files directly to blogger.
So, solution was to have a play with another bit of the Apple software - iMovie.
As you can see below, I have made the dullest movie ever, consisting of a random holiday photo and nothing else!
Having uploaded the video to Flickr, I can embed it in the site.
So, here is my first effort.
I guess they can only get better!
Tuesday 24 January 2012
Service
Car service today - Nicky found a new garage to take her car to, and pleasingly it sailed through its MOT and didn't need anything major done (dare I point out that it doesn't help the campaign for a replacement).
I went to the doctor for a quick MOT myself, and seemed to pass as well (again, hopefully not too much of a campaign for a replacement there either)!
Here's a picture for Kate, in response to her blog. Even if we failed with lining it up properly, a guarantee that the tower shouldn't fall over any time soon!
I went to the doctor for a quick MOT myself, and seemed to pass as well (again, hopefully not too much of a campaign for a replacement there either)!
Here's a picture for Kate, in response to her blog. Even if we failed with lining it up properly, a guarantee that the tower shouldn't fall over any time soon!
Monday 23 January 2012
Trial
Then again, maybe it is just a game, especially when you're up in court on tax evasion charges!
Sunday 22 January 2012
Stoppage
That could well be a defining few moments in the Spurs 11/12 season. Having fought back from 2-0 down to be level against Man City, we go into the four minutes of stoppage time still hoping to come away with a point, and just maybe pinch all three.
Bales breaks down the left, and squares the ball inside the box. Defoe lunges, catches the ball with the end of his boot, and it squirts just outside the post. I scream at the telly.
Barely a minute later a long ball comes in towards the Tottenham box, is nodded on to Balotelli, who hustles his way into a danger area and collapses in a heap. We'll gloss over the fact that it is doubtful whether Balotelli should even have been on the pitch by this stage in proceedings, having appeared to stamp on Scott Parker not long previously.
The play is no longer important, as I watch to see what Howard Webb is going to do. He puts whistle to mouth, and points to the spot. I scream at the telly again.
Balotelli puts the penalty past Friedel, and it's all for nothing.
I go off in a huff.
A win today would have put us within two points of City. A draw would have kept the gap at five.
As it is, we are eight points back.
The next few weeks are going to be tough. Our fixture list makes for some nervy reading. We've got Wigan at home a week on Tuesday, but then our next four are Liverpool, Newcastle, Arsenal and Man United. We're going to need to dig deep if we are hoping to still be in contention come the start of March.
Bales breaks down the left, and squares the ball inside the box. Defoe lunges, catches the ball with the end of his boot, and it squirts just outside the post. I scream at the telly.
Barely a minute later a long ball comes in towards the Tottenham box, is nodded on to Balotelli, who hustles his way into a danger area and collapses in a heap. We'll gloss over the fact that it is doubtful whether Balotelli should even have been on the pitch by this stage in proceedings, having appeared to stamp on Scott Parker not long previously.
The play is no longer important, as I watch to see what Howard Webb is going to do. He puts whistle to mouth, and points to the spot. I scream at the telly again.
Balotelli puts the penalty past Friedel, and it's all for nothing.
I go off in a huff.
A win today would have put us within two points of City. A draw would have kept the gap at five.
As it is, we are eight points back.
The next few weeks are going to be tough. Our fixture list makes for some nervy reading. We've got Wigan at home a week on Tuesday, but then our next four are Liverpool, Newcastle, Arsenal and Man United. We're going to need to dig deep if we are hoping to still be in contention come the start of March.
Saturday 21 January 2012
Home sharing
Discovering the joys of "home sharing" with iTunes today. Currently I don't have a whole lot of music on the MacBook Air, and I'd like to start sync'ing my iPhone with the MacBook (I want to get a my favourite music onto my phone as I've discovered how to use my phone as a music player in the car) and the challenge is that all of the iTunes library currently resides on the "Big Mac".
Turns out that the answer is two-fold and is nice and easy (and having no disc drive on the MacBook is officially not a problem). Firstly, for music that has been previously purchased through iTunes, Apple are clever enough to have remembered all of the things we've bought, and is happy for us to download it again onto another computer. Splendid. Secondly, for music that we've uploaded to the Big Mac library from CD, if I turn on "home sharing" on both computers, I can review the library from the MacBook, and import whatever I fancy. Magic!
Turns out that the answer is two-fold and is nice and easy (and having no disc drive on the MacBook is officially not a problem). Firstly, for music that has been previously purchased through iTunes, Apple are clever enough to have remembered all of the things we've bought, and is happy for us to download it again onto another computer. Splendid. Secondly, for music that we've uploaded to the Big Mac library from CD, if I turn on "home sharing" on both computers, I can review the library from the MacBook, and import whatever I fancy. Magic!
Friday 20 January 2012
Special visitor
It's not just me, all of the most important people go to Disney World.
If you don't believe me, try this.
If you don't believe me, try this.
Thursday 19 January 2012
Wednesday 18 January 2012
Operation
Stage one complete at work - report sent at reasonable time, so came home this evening, and have been hearing tales of operation cancelled at the last minute.
Tuesday 17 January 2012
Late
Bit of a late finish this evening - still at the office, but thought that a quick blog before it's tomorrow would be in order.
Signing off (for the first time) tomorrow - hopefully with an earlier finish ...?
Signing off (for the first time) tomorrow - hopefully with an earlier finish ...?
Monday 16 January 2012
Running on empty
Late finish today.
Let's hope that no-one is having to deal with the effects of a flat battery in the morning.
Let's hope that no-one is having to deal with the effects of a flat battery in the morning.
Sunday 15 January 2012
Superior
I thought about calling this post "Deja vu", but that had a vague ring of the familiar about it, maybe like a half forgotten dream (or the ripples from a pebble someone tosses in a stream), but then I looked at this post and realised why.
It was supposed to be football again this morning, and once again we had a lift with John and Owen. However, after we'd arrived (Greenhithe) and the boys had had a kick around, it was decided that the game should be called off due to a frozen pitch, so we turned around and came back home.
(By the way, in the above, is it had had or had? After all, Smith, where Jones had had had had had had had had had had had the examiner's approval?!)
Lunch was soup and rolls (after Nicky and Margaret had "borrowed" a shower), and then this afternoon we were at home, apart from a quick spin in my new car to show off to Grandad and a quick kick around outside with Jake (see what I mean about the deja vu).
Nicky did a super supper of roast pork, which we all devoured, and then soon after it was time to pack a bag and come back to Brighton.
Have discovered what about a quarter of the buttons do in my car so far. Can now play music from my phone through the Bluetooth connection. If I get bored this week, I could always start ploughing my way through the 500 or so pages of the owner's manual.
Perhaps it will be an exciting week, but I suppose I'd gladly settle for mundane!
Oh yes, and one other thing, I am no longer Standard, I am Superior. Mind you, I'm not going up in the world - still orange.
Anyone interested in nice hotels in Oxford could try out this link.
It was supposed to be football again this morning, and once again we had a lift with John and Owen. However, after we'd arrived (Greenhithe) and the boys had had a kick around, it was decided that the game should be called off due to a frozen pitch, so we turned around and came back home.
(By the way, in the above, is it had had or had? After all, Smith, where Jones had had had had had had had had had had had the examiner's approval?!)
Lunch was soup and rolls (after Nicky and Margaret had "borrowed" a shower), and then this afternoon we were at home, apart from a quick spin in my new car to show off to Grandad and a quick kick around outside with Jake (see what I mean about the deja vu).
Nicky did a super supper of roast pork, which we all devoured, and then soon after it was time to pack a bag and come back to Brighton.
Have discovered what about a quarter of the buttons do in my car so far. Can now play music from my phone through the Bluetooth connection. If I get bored this week, I could always start ploughing my way through the 500 or so pages of the owner's manual.
Perhaps it will be an exciting week, but I suppose I'd gladly settle for mundane!
Oh yes, and one other thing, I am no longer Standard, I am Superior. Mind you, I'm not going up in the world - still orange.
Anyone interested in nice hotels in Oxford could try out this link.
Saturday 14 January 2012
Weekend
A good weekend day today. Nicky only had one lesson this morning, and so once this was done, we were took the dog out for a walk, and then headed out to Bluey (in my new car). After grabbing some lunch, we did a little bit of shopping - Jake did very well with new game, Nikes, and headphones.
This evening we've been round to Carolyn and Chris's for dinner and to admire their finished home improvements - all very impressive.
The only disappointment of the day being that Spurs spurned a great opportunity to go level on points with the league leaders!
This evening we've been round to Carolyn and Chris's for dinner and to admire their finished home improvements - all very impressive.
The only disappointment of the day being that Spurs spurned a great opportunity to go level on points with the league leaders!
Friday 13 January 2012
Home
Back home for the weekend, and my new car has arrived today.
Will have to play with it tomorrow!
Will have to play with it tomorrow!
Thursday 12 January 2012
Leveson
Hotel Internet packed up so keeping it brief as blogging from the phone.
Just a quick comment on the Leveson enquiry. In giving his evidence, Richard Desmond asks for a definition of ethics because he says he doesn't know what it means. Why are we not surprised!
Just a quick comment on the Leveson enquiry. In giving his evidence, Richard Desmond asks for a definition of ethics because he says he doesn't know what it means. Why are we not surprised!
Wednesday 11 January 2012
Only in Brighton
The hotel I'm staying in is at the bottom end of the Lanes in Brighton, and the office that I'm working in is at the top end of the Lanes. So, each morning and each evening I get to walk through them, looking at all of the quirky shops and boutiques that are unique to this city.
I try to make a point of walking a slightly different route from time to time, to take in the sights, and one particular sign caught my attention walking back to the hotel this evening:
"Organic hairdressers"
Only in Brighton!
I try to make a point of walking a slightly different route from time to time, to take in the sights, and one particular sign caught my attention walking back to the hotel this evening:
"Organic hairdressers"
Only in Brighton!
Tuesday 10 January 2012
Exciting
At the end of the day here in Brighton and I'm wondering what to post about. Uneventful here - up and off to the office this morning, where I stayed all day, had some food on the way back to the hotel this evening, and that's about it.
What an exciting life I lead!
What an exciting life I lead!
Monday 9 January 2012
Sunday 8 January 2012
Standard
Here I am, back in Brighton once again, looking forward to a busy week of year-end fun and games.
What seems like a long time ago now, we had a nice lunch at the Pippin in Maidstone, before going to see Nanny in the hospital. Despite obviously being very tired, she seemed to be doing well, although we are not expecting her to come home tomorrow.
I came down to Brighton this evening, and we have successfully been face-timing from here to home, which is nice - got to make use of these technological advances now that I have the Macbook Air.
My room at my-hotel is a little disappointing - I am in a "standard" double, which is not what I am used to and is rather small. I asked the front desk if they could move me, but it looks like the hotel is pretty much full on Wednesday, so there are no other rooms that I could have, apart from the "Bamboo" suite, which I had a look at. It is very nice, and might be a good idea for a weekend away some time, but didn't really suit for a week at work, and besides which, my employer might have grumbled a little about the expense claim!
What seems like a long time ago now, we had a nice lunch at the Pippin in Maidstone, before going to see Nanny in the hospital. Despite obviously being very tired, she seemed to be doing well, although we are not expecting her to come home tomorrow.
I came down to Brighton this evening, and we have successfully been face-timing from here to home, which is nice - got to make use of these technological advances now that I have the Macbook Air.
My room at my-hotel is a little disappointing - I am in a "standard" double, which is not what I am used to and is rather small. I asked the front desk if they could move me, but it looks like the hotel is pretty much full on Wednesday, so there are no other rooms that I could have, apart from the "Bamboo" suite, which I had a look at. It is very nice, and might be a good idea for a weekend away some time, but didn't really suit for a week at work, and besides which, my employer might have grumbled a little about the expense claim!
Saturday 7 January 2012
Apps
A lot of familiar Saturday stuff today - walking the dog in the woods, Nicky teaching, playing ball with Jake out on the road, and Saturday tea sat around the bar in the kitchen. All good!
This evening I have been getting the Macbook Air sorted out with some software. (Alas, a little hardware damage to report - a small dent in one corner, but it doesn't cause any problems - just a bit disappointing as it is no longer in showroom condition. Maybe something to do with putting in my hand luggage in a carrier bag to bring it home from the US! At least the US to UK adaptor that I ordered from Amazon for a couple of pounds has arrived, and seems to be working OK.) On the software front, I have installed Office for Mac (thanks to a special offer through work - £8.95!) and also a couple Apps, including Evernote, which looks quite good. I've also purchased iBank, and if I can get it up and running as I want it, it may well be the end of the road for the trusty (old - 2005?) Vaio laptop.
Nicky and John both went to see Margaret at the hospital, and whilst it sounds like Margaret didn't have a particularly settled night yesterday, today she has been out of bed and upright on her new knee, so this is progress indeed. We're having lunch in Maidstone tomorrow, so will pop in and see her whilst we are there.
This evening I have been getting the Macbook Air sorted out with some software. (Alas, a little hardware damage to report - a small dent in one corner, but it doesn't cause any problems - just a bit disappointing as it is no longer in showroom condition. Maybe something to do with putting in my hand luggage in a carrier bag to bring it home from the US! At least the US to UK adaptor that I ordered from Amazon for a couple of pounds has arrived, and seems to be working OK.) On the software front, I have installed Office for Mac (thanks to a special offer through work - £8.95!) and also a couple Apps, including Evernote, which looks quite good. I've also purchased iBank, and if I can get it up and running as I want it, it may well be the end of the road for the trusty (old - 2005?) Vaio laptop.
Nicky and John both went to see Margaret at the hospital, and whilst it sounds like Margaret didn't have a particularly settled night yesterday, today she has been out of bed and upright on her new knee, so this is progress indeed. We're having lunch in Maidstone tomorrow, so will pop in and see her whilst we are there.
Friday 6 January 2012
New Knee Day
Today is new knee day.
Lots of love to Nanny - hopefully see you tomorrow.
It's new saucepan day (wedding present ones finally worn out) as well, but that's not as exciting!
Lots of love to Nanny - hopefully see you tomorrow.
It's new saucepan day (wedding present ones finally worn out) as well, but that's not as exciting!
Thursday 5 January 2012
Not flying
Brighton this morning, followed by a meeting in London this afternoon (at which I got given a pair of pants!!).
As a result, I went to Gatwick and got on the Express into London. It was rubbish. Glad I normally get the Ebbsfleet train these days.
Also, it was a bit sad going to Gatwick so soon after holiday - I went past the Virgin holidays screens showing pictures of Epcot and Animal Kingdom, and on one of them they even had a picture of the Beach Club villas where we stayed a couple of years ago.
Boo hoo!
As a result, I went to Gatwick and got on the Express into London. It was rubbish. Glad I normally get the Ebbsfleet train these days.
Also, it was a bit sad going to Gatwick so soon after holiday - I went past the Virgin holidays screens showing pictures of Epcot and Animal Kingdom, and on one of them they even had a picture of the Beach Club villas where we stayed a couple of years ago.
Boo hoo!
Wednesday 4 January 2012
Leaping
When we were in Orlando, Jake and I did a very early morning start at the Magic Kingdom one day. We were there for rope drop (for hotel guests only) at 7am, and on that particular day MK was staying open for another 20 hours all the way through to 3am.
To prove our dedication, here are a couple of photos - one of the Castle (surprise surprise) before the sun had come up, and one, not much later, of Jake and I having just completed our fourth ride of the day on Splash Mountain.
Anyway, with the park open for a non stop 20 hours, Jake asked whether the park ever stayed open for a whole 24 hours at a time. Nicky and I both confidently said that this had never happened (and I think we are right about that), but whilst we were still on holiday, rumours began to appear on the local news that Disney might be planning something special for the 2012 leap year.
Sure enough, at the start of this year, it was confirmed - both the Magic Kingdom and the Disneyland park in California will be staying open for a continuous 24 hours starting on 29th February this year.
You can see Disney's video about "One More Disney Day" here.
So, good question Jake!
Anyone fancy making a trip for to enjoy One More Disney Day then?!
I've also finally realised that I needed to update the holiday countdown counter on here, as it was still saying "Florida: Now", and sadly this is no longer true, so it is now showing the countdown to our Easter break in the Forest of Dean and to our canal boat trip in the summer.
Finally for today, another photo, to show that the utensil pot is already in use - thanks Mum!
To prove our dedication, here are a couple of photos - one of the Castle (surprise surprise) before the sun had come up, and one, not much later, of Jake and I having just completed our fourth ride of the day on Splash Mountain.
Anyway, with the park open for a non stop 20 hours, Jake asked whether the park ever stayed open for a whole 24 hours at a time. Nicky and I both confidently said that this had never happened (and I think we are right about that), but whilst we were still on holiday, rumours began to appear on the local news that Disney might be planning something special for the 2012 leap year.
Sure enough, at the start of this year, it was confirmed - both the Magic Kingdom and the Disneyland park in California will be staying open for a continuous 24 hours starting on 29th February this year.
You can see Disney's video about "One More Disney Day" here.
So, good question Jake!
Anyone fancy making a trip for to enjoy One More Disney Day then?!
I've also finally realised that I needed to update the holiday countdown counter on here, as it was still saying "Florida: Now", and sadly this is no longer true, so it is now showing the countdown to our Easter break in the Forest of Dean and to our canal boat trip in the summer.
Finally for today, another photo, to show that the utensil pot is already in use - thanks Mum!
Tuesday 3 January 2012
Stormy weather
Welcome back to work with a gusty day then!
However, whilst the weather outside may be frightful, it seems to have taken a colder turn in Orlando following the unseasonably warm weather there over Christmas.
Check this out.
However, whilst the weather outside may be frightful, it seems to have taken a colder turn in Orlando following the unseasonably warm weather there over Christmas.
Check this out.
Monday 2 January 2012
Holiday's end
Here we are at the end of the holidays. I really should be tucked up in bed by now, as the (Mickey) alarm clock will be going off all too soon.
Not too much to report from our last day of freedom together - a trip to the shops (new telephones purchased - we now have four handsets to lose around the house), and an Indian takeaway for tea this evening.
A link to finish off today - thanks to DVC News for tweeting it - worth a read.
Not too much to report from our last day of freedom together - a trip to the shops (new telephones purchased - we now have four handsets to lose around the house), and an Indian takeaway for tea this evening.
A link to finish off today - thanks to DVC News for tweeting it - worth a read.
Sunday 1 January 2012
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