I know it has been a while since my last blog, so here it is.
St. Patrick's Day. (March 17th for those who don't know)
I started celebrating at 1 O'clock on the Wednesday afternoon at O'Neill's, Watford, with a friend of mine, who I hadn't seen in months. We spent the first hour or so, just catching up with what we had been up to since our last encounter, before heading off to the moon Under Water for some more Guinness. We stayed there for a few rounds before heading off to Mangan's. When we arrived at Mangan's we bumped into some more friends with whom to celebrate. While at Mangan's I noticed that the barman had sprayed his hair green, so I asked if he had any spray left. I am pleased to say he did, and within a couple of minutes I had green hair!!! After a few more pints of Liffey Water we all made our way to the Oddfellows for some more celebrating. I walked into the Oddfellows with a Guinness Hat on, green hair and an Ireland flag draped across my back. (It had to be done.) The landlord was serving Irish Stew with Soda bread, so we all tucked in, while he poured our refreshments. We spent the rest of the afternoon at the Oddfellows, before I headed home at about 8.
Recovery Day. (March 18th)
Up bright and early and messed around on the computer. Watched Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day. (Again). And pretty much chilled out all day for the next few days.
Super Saturday (March 20th)
It was the Super Saturday of the RBS 6 Nations, with all teams playing their final matches on that one day.
1st up, Wales V Italy. Wales and Italy both entered this match with 3 losses each and only 1 win each. The scene was set for a great match, unfortunately Italy forgot to show up until the second half.
Final score 33-10 Wales.
2nd up, Ireland V Scotland. Ireland had won 3 matches and only had one defeat in the championship, which had been against France. Scotland had lost 3 and drawn 1, so it would have seemed like a simple matter for Ireland to walk away with this match. Well, no! Ireland didn't seem to be as together as usual, with Sexton missing kick after kick and some clumsy passing from other players. Scotland on the other hand came out like a team reborn. Barely putting a foot wrong. Although I hate to say it, it was a much deserved win by Scotland.
Final Score 20-23 Scotland.
3rd up, France V England. England entered their last match with 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. France entered with 4 wins. This turned out to be a truly great match. France were not their usual dominating selves, and England had found a renewed sense of purpose against the old enemy. The scores were close right the way through the game. England deserved to win for being the better side, but too many penalties meant that France kept their nose in front.
Final score 12-10 France.
This left the 6 Nations table looking like this:
1. France
2. Ireland
3. England
4. Wales
5. Scotland
6. Italy
Sunday 21st.
I spent most of Sunday Chillaxin' and preparing myself for the week ahead. I was going back to work on the Monday and then on the Friday it would be my Birthday.
That should be fun and will tell how it went in my next blog.
As always, may it be well with you.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Reasons to be Cheerful...
1. Saturday.
It started with a hair cut for me. (3mm all over!!!) Then it was a case of listening to music and some lunch before heading to the Oddfellows to watch the rugby. While listening to Ace of Spades by Motorhead, Emma commented that she preferred Five Fold Kiss's version! (That's how good they are, so go see them if you get the chance!) http://www.fivefoldkiss.org.uk/ We got to the pub a little early (about 13:30) as Watford were playing football at home and the pub was full of Peterborough supporters. Me in my Ireland Jersey and Emma in her Wales jersey. All the TV's in the pub were showing Tottenham v Blackburn, until 14:30 when suddenly the main screen was turned to the clash of the weekend. Ireland v Wales. (Always a great match for us.) After Sexton missed a penalty in the first two minutes and Wales managed to score a penalty, I knew it was going to be a good match. For an Irish pub, there weren't that many Irish supporters at the start, and only one Welsh supporter. (Emma.) As the match progressed more Irish arrived and the match turned in our favour.
Final score 27-12 IRELAND.
After the match we returned home and watched a little of the Calcutta Cup match between Scotland and England. What a poor showing from England. Scotland really did deserve to win but all they could muster was a draw.
Final score 15-15.
We had planned to go to the Dome Bar later Saturday night, to watch Five Fold Kiss, but unfortunately the gig had to be cancelled at the last minute. So, we had some dinner and watched the normal Saturday night rubbish on the Telly. The only good bit being Rufus Hound on Sport Relief dancing to Cheryl Cole's Fight for this Love. Bloody Brilliant!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsABh6QoxVo
2. Sunday.
Sunday was spent doing pretty much nothing. After lunch we went to my nan's house to see my Mum, my auntie and the grand parents. After a cup of coffee and watching the first half of the France v Italy game, we returned home. France were in control of the match from the start, until 20 minutes from the end, when Italy decided to make a comeback. Suddenly Italy were scoring try after try. A far better match than the Scotland v England match.
Final score 46-20 France.
The rest of the day was spent chillaxin' and making the most of the peace and quiet.
3. Monday.
Both Emma and I had the day off (I actually have the whole week off as it's St. Patrick's Day tomorrow!) so that we were both here for when Alysha arrived back from Spain. New linen had been put on Alysha's bed and all the washing had been done, ready for all of her holiday clothes.
Alysha's aeroplane touched down at Stansted at 14:28, and she text me to say she was back in England at 14:45. Then at 16:16 she sent another text to say that were in Watford. We put on our coats and headed for the school and she arrived minutes after us. A big hug for me as soon as he got off the minibus and then she said her goodbyes to her friends and teachers and we headed home. My Mum met us at the house and we all piled in for coffee and biscuits. Then Alysha proceeded to tell us everything!!! It was obvious she had had a great time! Then she gave out some presents. An ornament from Aljaferia for my mum. A scarf and a box of Chocolates for Emma. And, a small pot of dried Chilli's for me. Does my daughter know me or what?!?!?! I tried one of the chilli's and soon wished I hadn't. Now, I like Chilli's and the hotter the better, but these things were not Hot. They were more like licking the Surface of the Sun!!! It turns out Alysha had asked the assistant in the shop for the hottest ones they had. Then Alysha uploaded her photo's on to the PC. 549 of them! Once they were uploaded we all gathered around and looked at them. There are some fantastic shots in there and I could tell immediately how much fun she had had in Zaragosa. After looking at all the photo's my Mum headed home and we settled down for dinner. The rest of the evening was chilled out, apart from my PC playing up. I sorted it though.
As I Sit here writing this, listening to Five Fold Kiss and various other Rock bands on the PC, I realise how much I missed Alysha last week. Daughters are wonderful!
I might go for a stroll later on, once I have put the washing out, and then I have the rest of the week to look forward to, starting with St. Patrick's day tomorrow.
May it be well with you all.
It started with a hair cut for me. (3mm all over!!!) Then it was a case of listening to music and some lunch before heading to the Oddfellows to watch the rugby. While listening to Ace of Spades by Motorhead, Emma commented that she preferred Five Fold Kiss's version! (That's how good they are, so go see them if you get the chance!) http://www.fivefoldkiss.org.uk/ We got to the pub a little early (about 13:30) as Watford were playing football at home and the pub was full of Peterborough supporters. Me in my Ireland Jersey and Emma in her Wales jersey. All the TV's in the pub were showing Tottenham v Blackburn, until 14:30 when suddenly the main screen was turned to the clash of the weekend. Ireland v Wales. (Always a great match for us.) After Sexton missed a penalty in the first two minutes and Wales managed to score a penalty, I knew it was going to be a good match. For an Irish pub, there weren't that many Irish supporters at the start, and only one Welsh supporter. (Emma.) As the match progressed more Irish arrived and the match turned in our favour.
Final score 27-12 IRELAND.
After the match we returned home and watched a little of the Calcutta Cup match between Scotland and England. What a poor showing from England. Scotland really did deserve to win but all they could muster was a draw.
Final score 15-15.
We had planned to go to the Dome Bar later Saturday night, to watch Five Fold Kiss, but unfortunately the gig had to be cancelled at the last minute. So, we had some dinner and watched the normal Saturday night rubbish on the Telly. The only good bit being Rufus Hound on Sport Relief dancing to Cheryl Cole's Fight for this Love. Bloody Brilliant!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsABh6QoxVo
2. Sunday.
Sunday was spent doing pretty much nothing. After lunch we went to my nan's house to see my Mum, my auntie and the grand parents. After a cup of coffee and watching the first half of the France v Italy game, we returned home. France were in control of the match from the start, until 20 minutes from the end, when Italy decided to make a comeback. Suddenly Italy were scoring try after try. A far better match than the Scotland v England match.
Final score 46-20 France.
The rest of the day was spent chillaxin' and making the most of the peace and quiet.
3. Monday.
Both Emma and I had the day off (I actually have the whole week off as it's St. Patrick's Day tomorrow!) so that we were both here for when Alysha arrived back from Spain. New linen had been put on Alysha's bed and all the washing had been done, ready for all of her holiday clothes.
Alysha's aeroplane touched down at Stansted at 14:28, and she text me to say she was back in England at 14:45. Then at 16:16 she sent another text to say that were in Watford. We put on our coats and headed for the school and she arrived minutes after us. A big hug for me as soon as he got off the minibus and then she said her goodbyes to her friends and teachers and we headed home. My Mum met us at the house and we all piled in for coffee and biscuits. Then Alysha proceeded to tell us everything!!! It was obvious she had had a great time! Then she gave out some presents. An ornament from Aljaferia for my mum. A scarf and a box of Chocolates for Emma. And, a small pot of dried Chilli's for me. Does my daughter know me or what?!?!?! I tried one of the chilli's and soon wished I hadn't. Now, I like Chilli's and the hotter the better, but these things were not Hot. They were more like licking the Surface of the Sun!!! It turns out Alysha had asked the assistant in the shop for the hottest ones they had. Then Alysha uploaded her photo's on to the PC. 549 of them! Once they were uploaded we all gathered around and looked at them. There are some fantastic shots in there and I could tell immediately how much fun she had had in Zaragosa. After looking at all the photo's my Mum headed home and we settled down for dinner. The rest of the evening was chilled out, apart from my PC playing up. I sorted it though.
As I Sit here writing this, listening to Five Fold Kiss and various other Rock bands on the PC, I realise how much I missed Alysha last week. Daughters are wonderful!
I might go for a stroll later on, once I have put the washing out, and then I have the rest of the week to look forward to, starting with St. Patrick's day tomorrow.
May it be well with you all.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
A Stroll & Five Fold Kiss
It all started on Friday when my friend, Len, popped in for a few drinks after work. Music was playing, beer was flowing and to top it all off… BBC Four were doing the history of British Metal, from 9 O’clock, followed by Iron maiden filmed in Concert from 2008.
What a start to the weekend.
Then it was Saturday.
Not a lot doing around the house. Alysha wasn’t at dance because of her trip and Emma and I were doing as little as possible. Swany rang about 11ish and said that he would be ready just after noon. I ate some lunch and got myself ready. Swany turned up with Pete about 1 O’clock and we began our stroll. We walked down to the Ebury Way and turned left towards Watford. We then took a right and headed for the power station, which would lead us into the fields containing the pillbox. As we clambered over an old tree stump toward the bridge that led to the pillbox, the sight of a newly installed locked gate across the bridge, with barbwire across the top, faced us. I was not impressed, at all! We clambered over it anyway and carried on toward the pillbox. As we approached the pillbox, I noticed that both the entrances were now sealed. Unbelievable!! Swany and I took some photos of it and the mini waterfall, before continuing our journey. We followed the river until we came to the old green, plate Girder Bridge that is all that is left of the salt line. The three of us crossed this and arrived in a field full of Canada Geese. More photos were taken as we made our way towards Hamper Mill. A few more photos were taken before we headed back towards the Ebury Way. We arrived back at my house just after half two and enjoyed a cold beer. Swany and Pete left soon after and I headed indoors to get showered.
At about 6ish I left home to go and meet Colin for a few birthday drinks, while Emma wandered off to meet her friend, Jess. They would meet up with me in the pub later.
When I got to the pub Colin was a little worse for wear, having been in there since four thirty! We had a few drinks together before he wobbled off home, just before Emma and Jess walked in. We had a drink all together at Que Pasa, before I headed home leaving Emma and Jess to party.
Then it was Sunday.
Alysha had been up for a while before I woke up. A quick last minute rush to make sure that everything was packed, then it was off to School. We made it to School for exactly 7 and were met by my Mum, who had come to see Alysha off. A few quick hugs before Alysha, and the other exchangers were on the minibus and on their way to the Airport. As soon as the minibus was out of sight, it was back home. Emma went back to bed and I messed around on the PC. My friend Dave called round just after 10, for a coffee, then left. Not much else happened until after lunch, when it was time to head for the pub. Not our normal pub but the Horns. Our friends, Five Fold Kiss, were due on stage at three thirty for their first performance at the Horns. When we arrived we spoke briefly to a few band members. Chantal, Gary and Graham. Chantal admitted to being a bit ‘anxious’, while everyone else seemed to be taking it in their stride and seeing it as just another gig. Just before the band was ready, our friends Len, Barry and Jo arrived. A few quick words were spoken and then the band started. Well! What a gig! After a few dodgy bits in the first few songs, the band suddenly woke up and the audience noticed and woke up too! The rest of the gig was bloody brilliant! The audience were really good and some people were up dancing. Lots of people had come along just to see the band, while others had come for a meal and a drink and ended up staying until the end. Lots of people were taking photos, including me, and I shall upload some soon. After the gig, and after we had said our goodbyes, Emma, Jess, Len and I all headed back to mine for pizzas and beer.
What a start to the weekend.
Then it was Saturday.
Not a lot doing around the house. Alysha wasn’t at dance because of her trip and Emma and I were doing as little as possible. Swany rang about 11ish and said that he would be ready just after noon. I ate some lunch and got myself ready. Swany turned up with Pete about 1 O’clock and we began our stroll. We walked down to the Ebury Way and turned left towards Watford. We then took a right and headed for the power station, which would lead us into the fields containing the pillbox. As we clambered over an old tree stump toward the bridge that led to the pillbox, the sight of a newly installed locked gate across the bridge, with barbwire across the top, faced us. I was not impressed, at all! We clambered over it anyway and carried on toward the pillbox. As we approached the pillbox, I noticed that both the entrances were now sealed. Unbelievable!! Swany and I took some photos of it and the mini waterfall, before continuing our journey. We followed the river until we came to the old green, plate Girder Bridge that is all that is left of the salt line. The three of us crossed this and arrived in a field full of Canada Geese. More photos were taken as we made our way towards Hamper Mill. A few more photos were taken before we headed back towards the Ebury Way. We arrived back at my house just after half two and enjoyed a cold beer. Swany and Pete left soon after and I headed indoors to get showered.
At about 6ish I left home to go and meet Colin for a few birthday drinks, while Emma wandered off to meet her friend, Jess. They would meet up with me in the pub later.
When I got to the pub Colin was a little worse for wear, having been in there since four thirty! We had a few drinks together before he wobbled off home, just before Emma and Jess walked in. We had a drink all together at Que Pasa, before I headed home leaving Emma and Jess to party.
Then it was Sunday.
Alysha had been up for a while before I woke up. A quick last minute rush to make sure that everything was packed, then it was off to School. We made it to School for exactly 7 and were met by my Mum, who had come to see Alysha off. A few quick hugs before Alysha, and the other exchangers were on the minibus and on their way to the Airport. As soon as the minibus was out of sight, it was back home. Emma went back to bed and I messed around on the PC. My friend Dave called round just after 10, for a coffee, then left. Not much else happened until after lunch, when it was time to head for the pub. Not our normal pub but the Horns. Our friends, Five Fold Kiss, were due on stage at three thirty for their first performance at the Horns. When we arrived we spoke briefly to a few band members. Chantal, Gary and Graham. Chantal admitted to being a bit ‘anxious’, while everyone else seemed to be taking it in their stride and seeing it as just another gig. Just before the band was ready, our friends Len, Barry and Jo arrived. A few quick words were spoken and then the band started. Well! What a gig! After a few dodgy bits in the first few songs, the band suddenly woke up and the audience noticed and woke up too! The rest of the gig was bloody brilliant! The audience were really good and some people were up dancing. Lots of people had come along just to see the band, while others had come for a meal and a drink and ended up staying until the end. Lots of people were taking photos, including me, and I shall upload some soon. After the gig, and after we had said our goodbyes, Emma, Jess, Len and I all headed back to mine for pizzas and beer.
Friday, March 05, 2010
It's Our Theatre, etc.
On Tuesday 22nd Feb, Alysha joined an after school group called, “It’s our theatre”. They were using the school facilities for four nights to teach, whoever was interested, dance, graffiti, rap, etc. All for free. It gave Alysha some different skills to compliment her existing dance steps, which she had learned at Moonglow. On Friday (26th), the group put on a ‘Slam Night’, where family and friends were invited along to see a two-hour show of dance, rap, art, graffiti, etc. I went along with my Mum, to see what Alysha had learnt. Some of the kids had been to all three nights (like Alysha), while others had only been to one or two. The kids were brilliant! A few nerves crept in to a few of them and the odd mistake occurred, but it did not stop them. Every single kid had fun and you could just tell how much enjoyment they had. Of course, Alysha was superb and I have uploaded two videos to my site. Have a look and leave a comment if you wish.
On Saturday 27th, Alysha went to her Moonglow dance class and Emma and I went in to Watford to get some last minute bits and pieces for Alysha to take to Spain. We met up with our friend Deano, who came back to our house for lunch. Once Alysha had returned from dance, she ate and packed her things so that she could stay at Nannie’s for the night. Once Alysha headed off, Emma, Deano and I headed to the Oddfellows pub, to watch the rugby, with more friends. (England v Ireland). A good, close match with Ireland coming out the eventual, and deserved, winners! We left there with some more friends and headed home to listen to some music and have a few more drinks. Deano ended up crashing on the sofa!
On Tuesday 30th, I started to feel a little unwell, and came down with a cold, so I have been feeling very tired when I got in from work all this week.
As of today the cold seems to have dissipated and I am looking forward to the weekend.
On Saturday, I am going for a stroll with Swany, then out for a few drinks in the afternoon for my friend Colin’s Birthday.
On Sunday, Alysha has to be at school for 07:00 for the start of her week long trip to Spain, and then at 15:30 it is off to ‘The Horns’, Watford, to watch Five Fold Kiss!
So it should be a great weekend, and I shall keep you all informed!
May it be well with you.
P.S.
My Chilli's are doing really well and I shall be uploading some more pics soon.
On Saturday 27th, Alysha went to her Moonglow dance class and Emma and I went in to Watford to get some last minute bits and pieces for Alysha to take to Spain. We met up with our friend Deano, who came back to our house for lunch. Once Alysha had returned from dance, she ate and packed her things so that she could stay at Nannie’s for the night. Once Alysha headed off, Emma, Deano and I headed to the Oddfellows pub, to watch the rugby, with more friends. (England v Ireland). A good, close match with Ireland coming out the eventual, and deserved, winners! We left there with some more friends and headed home to listen to some music and have a few more drinks. Deano ended up crashing on the sofa!
On Tuesday 30th, I started to feel a little unwell, and came down with a cold, so I have been feeling very tired when I got in from work all this week.
As of today the cold seems to have dissipated and I am looking forward to the weekend.
On Saturday, I am going for a stroll with Swany, then out for a few drinks in the afternoon for my friend Colin’s Birthday.
On Sunday, Alysha has to be at school for 07:00 for the start of her week long trip to Spain, and then at 15:30 it is off to ‘The Horns’, Watford, to watch Five Fold Kiss!
So it should be a great weekend, and I shall keep you all informed!
May it be well with you.
P.S.
My Chilli's are doing really well and I shall be uploading some more pics soon.
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