So today is a special day, the 29th of February - a rare occurrence, and yes, I am pleased to report that I received a proposal of marriage. The even better news is that it was from the person I most want to be married to in the whole wide world.
It's also amusing to think that the last time we had a Wednesday 29th February was in 1984, and I was still at junior school!
Talking of schools, I gave Jake a lift to his this morning, before heading off to the office. He wasn't quite up and fully functioning in time to get the bus, and Nicky needed to stay at home to await the arrival of the BT Engineer. The appointed time was anywhere between 8am and 1pm, but we were his first port of call for the day, and as a result, we are now BT Infinity customers. Hopefully we will end up paying a little bit less for our phone and internet service from BT compared with the BT phone and Sky internet that we had up until today, and we are already enjoying considerably faster speeds. I ran a speed test this evening, and it came out at 17MB download and 1.7MB upload, which is pretty good. Apparently, it should get a little bit quicker over the next few weeks as well - maybe the line needs to warm up a bit?
Anyway, once I'd dropped Jake off at school I spent the morning in the office before heading down to Brighton for the afternoon (making sure I was there in time for the Big Hank as per the previous post). Heading out of Brighton at the end of the day, I decided to bypass the petrol station, even though my range estimate on the car was saying a little bit over 60 miles of petrol in the tank. I didn't run out, but the range estimate was saying 1 mile as I pulled into the Esso station on the way up Bluebell Hill. Still, as per a previous post, I think that the low petrol light, the gauge and the range estimate are all considerably off, given that I still only put in 35 litres to fill up my 45 litre tank. Miles per gallon is creeping up a little bit - perhaps a combination of the engine getting run it (passed 3000 miles today) and the warmer weather.
Sad news today about Davy Jones - I remember watching (Hey Hey We're) The Monkees when I was little. I don't remember a whole lot of detail about it, other than silliness and singing. Looking at clips on YouTube, it certainly looks silly, but I did find this rather nice cover.
Finally, today is also a special day at the wonderful world of Disney. As I mentioned my "leaping" post in January, the Magic Kingdom is staying open all day today (well from 6am this morning until 6am tomorrow). I wonder how busy it has been and whether many people will manage the full 24 hours - I'd certainly have loved to give it a try. I'm sure with a quick power nap whilst pretending to watch something like the Hall of Presidents or the Carousel of Progress, along with a few pulled pork sandwiches and a regular infusion of the Disney sugary hot chocolate brew, I would have been fine. Maybe next time - perhaps this will become a regular four-yearly event?
There are a few pictures from the "One More Disney Day" event here.
So, daydreaming of Disney, I will leave you with a rather lovely video which captures a whole day at the Magic Kingdom in just over three minutes.
Fun - wasn't it?!
OK - that was going to be the last thing for today, but I've just found this as well, which has been made by Disney to mark the Leap Day - split screen video well worth a look.
Right, I'm going now!
Wednesday 29 February 2012
Brighton
Arrived Brighton. In time to have big hank for lunch and wrap up another scrabble victory.
Marvellous!
Sent from my iPad
Marvellous!
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday 28 February 2012
Blogless
Once again a day went by without a blog - will have to sneak in a couple of blogs in the same day some time soon just to keep the averages on track!
I am working from home today, and so have a number of screens open in front of me at the same time, one of which is the Macbook, and so I can occasionally stop to type a few things on here. Alongside it I have my work computer, and then also the ipad, so that I can make the occasional Scrabble move!
I am working from home today, and so have a number of screens open in front of me at the same time, one of which is the Macbook, and so I can occasionally stop to type a few things on here. Alongside it I have my work computer, and then also the ipad, so that I can make the occasional Scrabble move!
Sunday 26 February 2012
Scores
A bit of a mixed bag in the scores department today.
- Jake was captain of his football team for their match today, and led them to a 3-3 draw.
- The North London derby wasn't particularly pleasant viewing with Spurs taking a two goal lead, only to then concede five. Need to hang on to that third place and not let Arsenal and Chelsea creep up on us.
- We all felt sorry for that Cardiff's valiant efforts against Liverpool in the League Cup final came to nothing, and in the most cruel of ways with a penalty shoot out.
- Outside of the football scores, Grandad has introduced us to a scrabble game that you can play online on the ipad or iphone. So far with Grandad I am played two, lost two!
Finally for today, a photo that I wanted to upload and share yesterday, but which hadn't transferred itself it time from Nicky's phone to mine. It has now, and so here it is.
By the way, Dad - you definitely win the prize for most observant - just realised that the sunset is missing on my Mac as well!!
- Jake was captain of his football team for their match today, and led them to a 3-3 draw.
- The North London derby wasn't particularly pleasant viewing with Spurs taking a two goal lead, only to then concede five. Need to hang on to that third place and not let Arsenal and Chelsea creep up on us.
- We all felt sorry for that Cardiff's valiant efforts against Liverpool in the League Cup final came to nothing, and in the most cruel of ways with a penalty shoot out.
- Outside of the football scores, Grandad has introduced us to a scrabble game that you can play online on the ipad or iphone. So far with Grandad I am played two, lost two!
Finally for today, a photo that I wanted to upload and share yesterday, but which hadn't transferred itself it time from Nicky's phone to mine. It has now, and so here it is.
Saturday 25 February 2012
London prepares
Off to Stratford today after Nicky had done her one and only lesson, and we'd dropped off the dog to spend the day with her grandparents! Got the train just after 11, and had a little wander around Westfield and an early lunch before meeting up with the Crockford family.
We went straight in to the Aquatic Centre and were impressed with it. We enjoyed the diving - even if we were only watching a preliminary round, it was great to be at an event in the Olympic Village.
After the diving we had dinner at Strada, and enjoyed spending some time catching up with the Crockfords - hopefully we'll be seeing them again soon - we're going to try hard not to leave it quite so long this time!
We went straight in to the Aquatic Centre and were impressed with it. We enjoyed the diving - even if we were only watching a preliminary round, it was great to be at an event in the Olympic Village.
After the diving we had dinner at Strada, and enjoyed spending some time catching up with the Crockfords - hopefully we'll be seeing them again soon - we're going to try hard not to leave it quite so long this time!
Friday 24 February 2012
Thursday 23 February 2012
Wednesday 22 February 2012
Vita
Big news of the day is that the Vita has arrived, and I think it is fair to say that Jake is pleased. The only reason he's not sleeping with it clutched to him is that it needs to be charged up overnight for another big session tomorrow!
Tuesday 21 February 2012
Note Taker
This evening I have acquired a new App for the iPad. It is called Note Taker HD, and it is designed to enable you to use the iPad as a notebook, but with lots more features than an ordinary paper notebook in that you can organise your documents into folders, email them, and so on.
It is a great App for just 2.99, but my only challenge at the moment is being able to write legibly on the screen using a stylus. I know that bad workmen blame their tools, but I think that I might have to try out some other styluses (styli?) to see if that helps!
It is a great App for just 2.99, but my only challenge at the moment is being able to write legibly on the screen using a stylus. I know that bad workmen blame their tools, but I think that I might have to try out some other styluses (styli?) to see if that helps!
Daily
I get upset if I don't average a daily blog, and seeing as I missed out on Sunday I need to have a day of two blogs to get back on track.
So, this is the extra blog for today!
More later ...
So, this is the extra blog for today!
More later ...
Monday 20 February 2012
Missing
Again a missing blog – twice in a week – poor form!
Yesterday’s reason some flimsy excuse about a headache.
Must try harder.
Saturday 18 February 2012
Friday 17 February 2012
Turner
Today Nicky and I had a trip to the seaside (whilst Jake and Barley spent the day with Nanny and Granddad). We went to Margate to visit the new Turner Contemporary, and to see the Turner exhibition that they are currently showing.
Turner pictures impressive, gallery itself slightly less so - admittedly not helped by being a grey February day - maybe we should try it out again in June. Also impressions of the place not helped by some saddo protestors in their tents just next to the entrance. Shame they couldn't afford the train fare to London and go protest somewhere else.
Had lunch in a nice cafe on the front just along from the gallery, and picked up some cupcakes to bring home from the Cupcake Cafe. A few nice places in the Old Town, but still needs a fairly huge amount of investment.
Turner pictures impressive, gallery itself slightly less so - admittedly not helped by being a grey February day - maybe we should try it out again in June. Also impressions of the place not helped by some saddo protestors in their tents just next to the entrance. Shame they couldn't afford the train fare to London and go protest somewhere else.
Had lunch in a nice cafe on the front just along from the gallery, and picked up some cupcakes to bring home from the Cupcake Cafe. A few nice places in the Old Town, but still needs a fairly huge amount of investment.
Thursday 16 February 2012
Muppets
So, as per my earlier post of today, I took Jake and Owen over to Bluewater this morning, loaded them up with sweets and drinks, and pointed them in the direction of screen number 4. Then I beat a hasty retreat to have a leisurely look around the shops for a couple of hours whilst they laughed along with the Muppets.
No major purchases to report - the most pleasing ones being a copy of the newspaper, a cheap biro from Smiths (so that I could do the puzzles) and a hot chocolate and a couple of biscuits.
Tempted by several books in Smiths and Waterstones, but made mental notes rather than purchases as I now have even more Amazon vouchers to contemplate spending (thanks very much Bec!).
No major purchases to report - the most pleasing ones being a copy of the newspaper, a cheap biro from Smiths (so that I could do the puzzles) and a hot chocolate and a couple of biscuits.
Tempted by several books in Smiths and Waterstones, but made mental notes rather than purchases as I now have even more Amazon vouchers to contemplate spending (thanks very much Bec!).
Oops
Forgot to blog last night.
Am now at Costa in Bluey - about to pick up Jake and Owen from seeing the Muppet movie. Jake turning into a bit of a film buff this half term - we all saw War Horse yesterday - excellent film.
Am now at Costa in Bluey - about to pick up Jake and Owen from seeing the Muppet movie. Jake turning into a bit of a film buff this half term - we all saw War Horse yesterday - excellent film.
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Screensaver
Once an Apple device gets turned on in our house, it very rarely gets turned off again. Probably terribly bad for both the environment and for the electricity bill, but handy when you want to look something up on Google!
Up until a few days ago, the screensaver on the Big Mac showed random pictures that came installed on the machine - ranging from pretty flowers all the way through to planets and stars. Jake has since changed the settings so that we now have a slide show of pictures from the Monterey area and of 17-mile drive.
This is lovely, but it is rather increasing the longing for another trip to California.
Up until a few days ago, the screensaver on the Big Mac showed random pictures that came installed on the machine - ranging from pretty flowers all the way through to planets and stars. Jake has since changed the settings so that we now have a slide show of pictures from the Monterey area and of 17-mile drive.
This is lovely, but it is rather increasing the longing for another trip to California.
Monday 13 February 2012
Plans
So, plans for half term were coming together nicely, to include a trip to London to see the Grayson Perry exhibition on Friday.
However, plans took a bit of a knock when looking at the British Museum website this evening.
Mum and Dad - will talk to you again tomorrow.
However, plans took a bit of a knock when looking at the British Museum website this evening.
Mum and Dad - will talk to you again tomorrow.
Sunday 12 February 2012
Saturday 11 February 2012
Handshake
A good line up of Saturday Premier League games is always something to look forward to, and the early kick off today looked pretty promising - Man United against Liverpool at Old Trafford.
However, something was overshadowing the actual football a little bit. Still, no need to worry, as a quick handshake before the game would put that to bed, and we could concentrate on the football.
Unfortunately, a certain player ruined that plan by refusing the offered hand. The opportunity was there for a clean slate - punishment taken, all friends now and time to move on. However, the opportunity was missed, and Suarez essentially confirmed our suspicions about him that he is really not a very nice young man.
What does it matter, we might say. And yes, it is only a game after all. Let the silly little rich boys get on with their nonsense, and we can all rise above it. Well, yes and no. For lots of young people (including one who lives in this house) Premier League footballers are important, people to look up to, to aspire to be like, to be considered as role models. And that's why it matters. That's why we should expect better - demand better from them.
I hope that the FA has something to say about today, including some form of further punishment to reinforce the message that this is just not acceptable.
As for the interviews with the managers after the game, I know that Sir Alex was being a little harsh, but at least he had something to say, rather than the bluster and feigned ignorance which was all that Kenny could manage.
Anyway, I'm off to watch Match of the Day, to see a decent team winning 5-0 at home!
However, something was overshadowing the actual football a little bit. Still, no need to worry, as a quick handshake before the game would put that to bed, and we could concentrate on the football.
Unfortunately, a certain player ruined that plan by refusing the offered hand. The opportunity was there for a clean slate - punishment taken, all friends now and time to move on. However, the opportunity was missed, and Suarez essentially confirmed our suspicions about him that he is really not a very nice young man.
What does it matter, we might say. And yes, it is only a game after all. Let the silly little rich boys get on with their nonsense, and we can all rise above it. Well, yes and no. For lots of young people (including one who lives in this house) Premier League footballers are important, people to look up to, to aspire to be like, to be considered as role models. And that's why it matters. That's why we should expect better - demand better from them.
I hope that the FA has something to say about today, including some form of further punishment to reinforce the message that this is just not acceptable.
As for the interviews with the managers after the game, I know that Sir Alex was being a little harsh, but at least he had something to say, rather than the bluster and feigned ignorance which was all that Kenny could manage.
Anyway, I'm off to watch Match of the Day, to see a decent team winning 5-0 at home!
Friday 10 February 2012
Pressies
Just been playing with my new Apple TV!
Thanks to everyone for all of my lovely pressies.
Aren't I lucky!
Thanks to everyone for all of my lovely pressies.
Aren't I lucky!
Thursday 9 February 2012
Picture in picture
Been working from home today, as this morning I had my mole-removing appointment (although the doctor corrected me and told me they were warts actually!). Only took a few minutes and was pretty painless - all I have to show for it so far is a couple of plasters!
One thing spotted on twitter which I thought was rather good (as retweeted by Kate), commenting on the Prime Minister expressing his views on the Capello saga - if Cameron says that Terry can't be captain whilst he still has questions to answer, does that mean that he can't be Prime Minister for the same reason?
Good question!
Finally for today, our Photopass picture from our Christmas holiday has arrived, and is already installed in a frame in the lounge.
One thing spotted on twitter which I thought was rather good (as retweeted by Kate), commenting on the Prime Minister expressing his views on the Capello saga - if Cameron says that Terry can't be captain whilst he still has questions to answer, does that mean that he can't be Prime Minister for the same reason?
Good question!
Finally for today, our Photopass picture from our Christmas holiday has arrived, and is already installed in a frame in the lounge.
Wednesday 8 February 2012
Tuesday 7 February 2012
Lumpy
Been to the doctor today (think that this may become a bit of a repeating theme - watch out for Thursday's post). Doctor happy that my lumps are nothing to be concerned about, but is going to take them out anyway, probably some time early next month.
Monday 6 February 2012
Draw
Spurs get a draw at Anfield and it feels like two points dropped - must be a sign of a good team.
No idea what has happened to my flickr banner - what's an API key?!
No idea what has happened to my flickr banner - what's an API key?!
Sunday 5 February 2012
Deep pan
Sure enough, the snow came overnight, about six inches deep by this morning. However, the roads are pretty clear and no more snow is forecast, so it looks like it will be off to school and work in the morning.
Jake is disappointed.
So am I.
(I would post some pictures, but the flickr app on the phone is being temperamental, so I'll have to try again later.)
Jake is disappointed.
So am I.
(I would post some pictures, but the flickr app on the phone is being temperamental, so I'll have to try again later.)
Saturday 4 February 2012
Snow
It's cold. I walked the dog on the two wood route around midday and it was face-numbingly nippy. Jake was quite surprised when I wasn't keen on going straight back out to kick a ball around when I got back.
And now it has started snowing.
I wonder if it will be very deep in the morning ...
And now it has started snowing.
I wonder if it will be very deep in the morning ...
Friday 3 February 2012
Pet piccies
Following on from yesterday's theme, here are some more pet pictures.
Firstly, a possessed pussycat, taken this evening.
And secondly, a perplexed pooch. Translating the expression on her face: "Who are you, and where have you taken my Dad?". Still, all is well now, and even as I type, I expect she is snuggled up with her Lord and Master, in their shared armchair.
Firstly, a possessed pussycat, taken this evening.
And secondly, a perplexed pooch. Translating the expression on her face: "Who are you, and where have you taken my Dad?". Still, all is well now, and even as I type, I expect she is snuggled up with her Lord and Master, in their shared armchair.
Thursday 2 February 2012
Poorly paw
Barley broke one of her claws out on her walk this morning, and so was taken to the vet, where they cleaned her up and applied a fetching red bandage.
Now she is officially poorly, and making the most of it.
Now she is officially poorly, and making the most of it.
Wednesday 1 February 2012
Vapours
My car has a "cruising range" indicator telling me how many miles worth of petrol are left in the tank.
Coming along the M26 this evening, I chickened out and turned off at Wrotham and filled the tank, as according to the readout, I had 8 miles left before empty.
I bet there was loads left really!
(In fact I've just looked it up and apparently the fuel tank has a capacity of 45 litres, and it only took 35 litres to fill up - so I probably could have done another 100 miles!)
Coming along the M26 this evening, I chickened out and turned off at Wrotham and filled the tank, as according to the readout, I had 8 miles left before empty.
I bet there was loads left really!
(In fact I've just looked it up and apparently the fuel tank has a capacity of 45 litres, and it only took 35 litres to fill up - so I probably could have done another 100 miles!)
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