Sunday, 23rd December
Although Erin’s temperature had dropped back down to near normal, (having peaked at 39.1c the same as the internal temperature aboard a Borg ship, from‘Star Trek’) she was still feeling under-the-weather, so we decided to just relax for the day and enjoy the calm before the proverbial storm that is Christmas. All this changed, however, at just after 20:00 hrs, when Erin decided that she was feeling better. So much better, in fact, that she decided to go for a walk… Alone. Out came the camera and soon videos were being taken of this milestone in her life. What an early, but great, Christmas present!
Monday, 24th December (Christmas Eve)
I was up slightly earlier than normal, as we were short staffed at work, so it important that we were all in early to make sure that everything was done in good time. Because of the extra work, time really flew and before we knew it, it was time to head home. As I walked through the door, Erin came tottering up to me, to show me that she had been practising her walk. Soon after dinner, Emma disappeared off to work, while I settled down for the evening. Erin soon awoke and began to show off her walking skills, again. It must have taken it out of her as, like the night before, she fell asleep earlier than normal. With Erin safely tucked up in bed, I brought all the presents down and placed them under the tree, ready for the morning. With not a lot on the TV I soon headed off to bed, myself.
Tuesday, 25th December (Christmas Day)
As per usual, I was up by 7 O’clock and sitting on the sofa when Emma came home, just after 07:30. Now, I know that Christmas is for the kids and they are usually the first up and I also know that Erin is only 13 months old, but not even I was expecting her to sleep in until 09:00!!! So, when she finally awoke she was given a bottle, sat on the sofa and surrounded (buried) with presents. She soon got the hang of it and, being the typical 13 month old, started to play with the empty envelopes, discarded paper and boxes. The presents were discarded until after we cleared up, at which point Alysha arrived and the whole cycle began again. With Erin playing with her new toys and Alysha reading the biography of Cheryl Cole, Emma got the dinner going. After I had carved the Roast Lamb (from Gibson’s butchers) and plated up the veg (sprouts, parsnips, carrots and broccoli), roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, stuffing and gravy, we all sat down to eat. Erin had juice. Alysha had a glass of Bucks Fizz, while Emma had a glass of alcohol-free wine and I had a glass of Bulgarian Merlot. Crackers were pulled, hats were worn, toys were lost and jokes were read. After dinner we cleared the table and finished the washing up, which Emma had been doing as she cooked, so there was little to do. We then all sat down to watch a DVD. Alysha had been bought ‘Ted’, so we sat down to watch that. Emma dozed off shortly after it started, while Erin busied herself by seeing how breakable her new toys were. ‘Ted’ was great fun and I know that I am going to have to watch it again. At just after 17:00, Alysha collected her things and headed over to my mum’s house, leaving Erin and myself trying to be quiet, so as not to wake Emma. After Emma did awake, we spent the rest of the evening relaxing, ready for Boxing Day.
Wednesday, 26th December (Boxing Day)
We spend our Boxing Day chillaxin’ throughout the morning, until our guests, if any, arrive. That’s the way it has always been and will probably continue to b. So, with that in mind, this year was no different. Emma’s sister, Rachel, and family were all in Cassiobury Park for a Boxing Day stroll, so Emma invited them round for a coffee, before they headed back to Chesham. They took up the invite and piled round the house; Rachel, Noel, Kane, Freya and Noah. Followed, shortly after, by Emma’s parents, David and Alyson. After Erin and the kids had wrecked the place, they made their farewells and left, just as Len, EmJ and Steve B arrived. Unlike previous Boxing Day’s, the day was very subdued and relaxing. The TV was on, as a distraction, while we all discussed our various presents and what we had been up to the previous day. Erin, having grown more and more confident in her walking ability, was very irritable as she didn’t want to sleep, in case she missed something. As the afternoon went on, drinks were had and stories were told until, Len and EmJ decided to make a move for home. As they had the car, they gave Steve B a lift home, too. Once everyone had left, Emma and I settled Erin down before heading off to bed ourselves. Once again, another peaceful Christmas in the Morrissey household.
Until next time
May it be well with you.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Erin's 1st Birthday
Sunday 11th November, 2012.
Erin allowed us a tiny lie-in before she woke up proper. The it was downstairs to open her presents and have some breakfast. Sitting beside Emma, on the sofa, Erin tore into the wrapping paper, before discarding the presents in favour of the paper. Erin's present from us was a 'ball-pond; with 300 balls to fill it with. We had decided that there was no point in buying too much as Erin wouldn't be able to appreciate them at such a young age. Besides, we knew that family and friends were going to spoil her rotten, as it was her 1st birthday. So, after lunch, we prepared the house by getting the party food ready and clearing as much space as possible, for all the guests. Then, at just before 14:00, people started to arrive. Nan and Granddad. Mum and Alysha. David and Alyson. Len and EmJ. Dave and his kids, Malakye and Nevaeh. Noel and Rachel with their kids Kane, Freya and Noah. Steve Brown and finally Uncle Martin. Before too long the house was full to bursting with. Every chair was taken, so I had to grab four more from the garage, which we then had to find a space for. The kids, of which there were 7, were happy just running around or finding a place to sit on the floor, to eat quietly, while the various parents snatched a few minutes to themselves whenever they could. Considering how busy the house was, Erin coped really well with the lack of space. Each new present got given its deserved thirty-seconds of her time, before she moved on to the next one. Then there was the constant flashes from a myriad of cameras, as she made her way from one person to the next. And, considering that she had missed her afternoon nap, Erin kept going. (Much like the 'Fluffling' that Dave, Malakye and Nevaeh had bought Erin!) The house soon got to be rather warm and very noisy, especially when a 'ball-fight' broke out, between the kids. As the afternoon drew on and the light started to fade, I went out in to the back garden to set up the fireworks. While I did this, Emma gave all the kids some sparklers, making sure that they were all wrapped up as the temperature had dropped considerably throughout the day. When the last of the sparklers had been extinguished, in some water, I lit the first firework. Erin was fascinated by the flashes and whistles but, as the fireworks got bigger and louder, Erin began to get a little upset. So, after leaving some fireworks in their box, we all headed back inside to get warm again. It wasn't long after this that people started to leave and, sooner rather than later, we were left alone with Erin and a lot of clearing up to do. Assuming that Erin would pass out as soon as everyone had left, was a mistake. Erin continued to play, and eat, before finally succumbing to fatigue just after 22:00. And it was not long after that Emma and I went to bed, either.
I think that Erin had a great day, and I am sure that she would join me in thanking all of our family and friends for making her 1st birthday such a special one.
Thank you.
Erin allowed us a tiny lie-in before she woke up proper. The it was downstairs to open her presents and have some breakfast. Sitting beside Emma, on the sofa, Erin tore into the wrapping paper, before discarding the presents in favour of the paper. Erin's present from us was a 'ball-pond; with 300 balls to fill it with. We had decided that there was no point in buying too much as Erin wouldn't be able to appreciate them at such a young age. Besides, we knew that family and friends were going to spoil her rotten, as it was her 1st birthday. So, after lunch, we prepared the house by getting the party food ready and clearing as much space as possible, for all the guests. Then, at just before 14:00, people started to arrive. Nan and Granddad. Mum and Alysha. David and Alyson. Len and EmJ. Dave and his kids, Malakye and Nevaeh. Noel and Rachel with their kids Kane, Freya and Noah. Steve Brown and finally Uncle Martin. Before too long the house was full to bursting with. Every chair was taken, so I had to grab four more from the garage, which we then had to find a space for. The kids, of which there were 7, were happy just running around or finding a place to sit on the floor, to eat quietly, while the various parents snatched a few minutes to themselves whenever they could. Considering how busy the house was, Erin coped really well with the lack of space. Each new present got given its deserved thirty-seconds of her time, before she moved on to the next one. Then there was the constant flashes from a myriad of cameras, as she made her way from one person to the next. And, considering that she had missed her afternoon nap, Erin kept going. (Much like the 'Fluffling' that Dave, Malakye and Nevaeh had bought Erin!) The house soon got to be rather warm and very noisy, especially when a 'ball-fight' broke out, between the kids. As the afternoon drew on and the light started to fade, I went out in to the back garden to set up the fireworks. While I did this, Emma gave all the kids some sparklers, making sure that they were all wrapped up as the temperature had dropped considerably throughout the day. When the last of the sparklers had been extinguished, in some water, I lit the first firework. Erin was fascinated by the flashes and whistles but, as the fireworks got bigger and louder, Erin began to get a little upset. So, after leaving some fireworks in their box, we all headed back inside to get warm again. It wasn't long after this that people started to leave and, sooner rather than later, we were left alone with Erin and a lot of clearing up to do. Assuming that Erin would pass out as soon as everyone had left, was a mistake. Erin continued to play, and eat, before finally succumbing to fatigue just after 22:00. And it was not long after that Emma and I went to bed, either.
I think that Erin had a great day, and I am sure that she would join me in thanking all of our family and friends for making her 1st birthday such a special one.
Thank you.
Friday, August 10, 2012
A Stroll Along the Grand Union Canal
Friday 27 July, 2012
After seven years of waiting and having listened to all the comments and negative vibes about what was to happen in the opening ceremony, I have to say that I was seriously impressed.
To start with, the Olympic Stadium looks really impressive and is a crown in what was once a contaminated wasteland, in the East End of London. The regeneration that has been achieved will benefit the area, and the City, for many years to come.
The introduction to the London Olympics 2012 began with with a journey along the River Thames, from its source to the Olympic Park. On reaching the Olympic Stadium, the countdown began. The ceremony proper started with 'Jerusalem' being sung in the Olympic Stadium, and with Northen Ireland joining in with 'Danny Boy', from the Giants Causeway, through to the children of Edinburgh singing 'Flower of Scotland' to 'Bread of Heaven' in Wales, then returning to the Stadium, which had been transformed into England's green and pleasant land, I began to get a real sense of what the Ceromony was going to be.
With cricket and football being played on the green grass lands of England, and children dancing around Maypoles, I felt we were taken back to a bygone era, where everyrhing was rosy. Edward Elgar's 'Nimrod' added so much to this scene. This soon changed, when men in suits and tall hats appeared and started to lay out plans for our future. Within moments, Glastonbury Tor spewed forth men and the grass was soon being ripped up, only to be replaced by many belching smokestacks; The Industrial Revolution was here. Amongst this change women appeared, parading with plackards with slogans about equality and the right to vote; The Suffragettes had arrived. With much of the grass being destroyed by the Industrial Revolution, there was a lot less green to be seen in the Stadium, but there were enough Poppy's left to show the inhumanity and waste of The Great War. One of the crowning moments of the Industrial Revolution scene, was the forging of the Olympic Rings. Then it was a chance to show off the NHS with a great seen involving the staff of the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children, which culminated in the arrival of a number of Mary Poppins, who banished the Demons from the Children's dreams. This was accentuated by a special appearance by Mike oldfield, performing an enriched version of his iconic 'Tubular Bells'. We were then taken on a musical journey from the sixties through to the present day, which showed off some of this countries greatest musicians, and the sound of the TARDIS could also be heard. This concluded with an appearance by Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web. A piece concerning the victims of the July 7th Terror attacks, was moving and a little overwhelming, unless you were watching in the United States of America, where NBC cut the scene and replaced it with an interview with Michael Phelps. Losers!
With the introductions of the 200+ competing coutries, a special mention has to be made to the Czech Republic who arrived in blazers, shorts, wellington boots and umbrellas. Each countries flag was then 'planted' on Glastonbury Tor, before the Olympic Flag entered the Stadium. Another emotional moment ensued as the flag stopped before the fragile figure of the Great Muhammad Ali. It was hard to imagine that this thin and fragile man, was once the greatest athlete on Earth. A man who can no longer function without an aide by his side. The Olympic Flame was then transported, via a speedboat driven by David Beckham, to the Olympic Stadium, where it was feceived by England's greatest Olympian, Sir Steve Redgrave. It was he who took the flame and passed it on to seven young up-and-coming British athletes, who proceeded to take the flame around the Olympic Stadium. With their lap of honour complete, they then each took a lit torch and headed into the centre of the Olympic Stadium and put their torch to what looked like metal plant petals. As the seven torches lit the petals, the fire spread and soon all 204 petals were aflame, at which point they began to rise into the shape of a cauldron. The Olympic Flame was back in London, for the third time and, within moments fireworks lit up the Olympic Park.
I have left a lot out, like the Red Arrows flypast. Or, the performing of Vangelis' 'Chariots of Fire', with Mister Bean adding his own unique talents to the score. Or, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who spoke just four words (Good evening, Mister Bond.) and Daniel Craig as James Bond in a short video filmed at Buckingham Palace, which eneded with them suppoesedly both parachuting into the Olympic Stadium. Or, various musical artists who added their talents to the proceedings. Or, the cast of countless volunteers that gave their time and effort to such a worthy cause. And Lord Sebastian Coe, who, despite ever mounting pressure over the past seven years, has managed to deliver so much.
I think that what Danny Boyle achieved, and pulled off, was one of the best opening ceremonies to any of the Modern Olympics... Ever!!!
Let the games begin!
After seven years of waiting and having listened to all the comments and negative vibes about what was to happen in the opening ceremony, I have to say that I was seriously impressed.
To start with, the Olympic Stadium looks really impressive and is a crown in what was once a contaminated wasteland, in the East End of London. The regeneration that has been achieved will benefit the area, and the City, for many years to come.
The introduction to the London Olympics 2012 began with with a journey along the River Thames, from its source to the Olympic Park. On reaching the Olympic Stadium, the countdown began. The ceremony proper started with 'Jerusalem' being sung in the Olympic Stadium, and with Northen Ireland joining in with 'Danny Boy', from the Giants Causeway, through to the children of Edinburgh singing 'Flower of Scotland' to 'Bread of Heaven' in Wales, then returning to the Stadium, which had been transformed into England's green and pleasant land, I began to get a real sense of what the Ceromony was going to be.
With cricket and football being played on the green grass lands of England, and children dancing around Maypoles, I felt we were taken back to a bygone era, where everyrhing was rosy. Edward Elgar's 'Nimrod' added so much to this scene. This soon changed, when men in suits and tall hats appeared and started to lay out plans for our future. Within moments, Glastonbury Tor spewed forth men and the grass was soon being ripped up, only to be replaced by many belching smokestacks; The Industrial Revolution was here. Amongst this change women appeared, parading with plackards with slogans about equality and the right to vote; The Suffragettes had arrived. With much of the grass being destroyed by the Industrial Revolution, there was a lot less green to be seen in the Stadium, but there were enough Poppy's left to show the inhumanity and waste of The Great War. One of the crowning moments of the Industrial Revolution scene, was the forging of the Olympic Rings. Then it was a chance to show off the NHS with a great seen involving the staff of the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children, which culminated in the arrival of a number of Mary Poppins, who banished the Demons from the Children's dreams. This was accentuated by a special appearance by Mike oldfield, performing an enriched version of his iconic 'Tubular Bells'. We were then taken on a musical journey from the sixties through to the present day, which showed off some of this countries greatest musicians, and the sound of the TARDIS could also be heard. This concluded with an appearance by Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web. A piece concerning the victims of the July 7th Terror attacks, was moving and a little overwhelming, unless you were watching in the United States of America, where NBC cut the scene and replaced it with an interview with Michael Phelps. Losers!
With the introductions of the 200+ competing coutries, a special mention has to be made to the Czech Republic who arrived in blazers, shorts, wellington boots and umbrellas. Each countries flag was then 'planted' on Glastonbury Tor, before the Olympic Flag entered the Stadium. Another emotional moment ensued as the flag stopped before the fragile figure of the Great Muhammad Ali. It was hard to imagine that this thin and fragile man, was once the greatest athlete on Earth. A man who can no longer function without an aide by his side. The Olympic Flame was then transported, via a speedboat driven by David Beckham, to the Olympic Stadium, where it was feceived by England's greatest Olympian, Sir Steve Redgrave. It was he who took the flame and passed it on to seven young up-and-coming British athletes, who proceeded to take the flame around the Olympic Stadium. With their lap of honour complete, they then each took a lit torch and headed into the centre of the Olympic Stadium and put their torch to what looked like metal plant petals. As the seven torches lit the petals, the fire spread and soon all 204 petals were aflame, at which point they began to rise into the shape of a cauldron. The Olympic Flame was back in London, for the third time and, within moments fireworks lit up the Olympic Park.
I have left a lot out, like the Red Arrows flypast. Or, the performing of Vangelis' 'Chariots of Fire', with Mister Bean adding his own unique talents to the score. Or, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who spoke just four words (Good evening, Mister Bond.) and Daniel Craig as James Bond in a short video filmed at Buckingham Palace, which eneded with them suppoesedly both parachuting into the Olympic Stadium. Or, various musical artists who added their talents to the proceedings. Or, the cast of countless volunteers that gave their time and effort to such a worthy cause. And Lord Sebastian Coe, who, despite ever mounting pressure over the past seven years, has managed to deliver so much.
I think that what Danny Boyle achieved, and pulled off, was one of the best opening ceremonies to any of the Modern Olympics... Ever!!!
Let the games begin!
Saturday, July 28, 2012
London 2012: Olympic Opening Ceremony
Friday 27 July, 2012
After seven years of waiting and having listened to all the comments and negative vibes about what was to happen in the opening ceremony, I have to say that I was seriously impressed.
To start with, the Olympic Stadium looks really impressive and is a crown in what was once a contaminated wasteland, in the East End of London. The regeneration that has been achieved will benefit the area, and the City, for many years to come.
The introduction to the London Olympics 2012 began with with a journey along the River Thames, from its source to the Olympic Park. On reaching the Olympic Stadium, the countdown began. The ceremony proper started with 'Jerusalem' being sung in the Olympic Stadium, and with Northen Ireland joining in with 'Danny Boy', from the Giants Causeway, through to the children of Edinburgh singing 'Flower of Scotland' to 'Bread of Heaven' in Wales, then returning to the Stadium, which had been transformed into England's green and pleasant land, I began to get a real sense of what the Ceromony was going to be.
With cricket and football being played on the green grass lands of England, and children dancing around Maypoles, I felt we were taken back to a bygone era, where everyrhing was rosy. Edward Elgar's 'Nimrod' added so much to this scene. This soon changed, when men in suits and tall hats appeared and started to lay out plans for our future. Within moments, Glastonbury Tor spewed forth men and the grass was soon being ripped up, only to be replaced by many belching smokestacks; The Industrial Revolution was here. Amongst this change women appeared, parading with plackards with slogans about equality and the right to vote; The Suffragettes had arrived. With much of the grass being destroyed by the Industrial Revolution, there was a lot less green to be seen in the Stadium, but there were enough Poppy's left to show the inhumanity and waste of The Great War. One of the crowning moments of the Industrial Revolution scene, was the forging of the Olympic Rings. Then it was a chance to show off the NHS with a great seen involving the staff of the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children, which culminated in the arrival of a number of Mary Poppins, who banished the Demons from the Children's dreams. This was accentuated by a special appearance by Mike oldfield, performing an enriched version of his iconic 'Tubular Bells'. We were then taken on a musical journey from the sixties through to the present day, which showed off some of this countries greatest musicians, and the sound of the TARDIS could also be heard. This concluded with an appearance by Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web. A piece concerning the victims of the July 7th Terror attacks, was moving and a little overwhelming, unless you were watching in the United States of America, where NBC cut the scene and replaced it with an interview with Michael Phelps. Losers!
With the introductions of the 200+ competing coutries, a special mention has to be made to the Czech Republic who arrived in blazers, shorts, wellington boots and umbrellas. Each countries flag was then 'planted' on Glastonbury Tor, before the Olympic Flag entered the Stadium. Another emotional moment ensued as the flag stopped before the fragile figure of the Great Muhammad Ali. It was hard to imagine that this thin and fragile man, was once the greatest athlete on Earth. A man who can no longer function without an aide by his side. The Olympic Flame was then transported, via a speedboat driven by David Beckham, to the Olympic Stadium, where it was feceived by England's greatest Olympian, Sir Steve Redgrave. It was he who took the flame and passed it on to seven young up-and-coming British athletes, who proceeded to take the flame around the Olympic Stadium. With their lap of honour complete, they then each took a lit torch and headed into the centre of the Olympic Stadium and put their torch to what looked like metal plant petals. As the seven torches lit the petals, the fire spread and soon all 204 petals were aflame, at which point they began to rise into the shape of a cauldron. The Olympic Flame was back in London, for the third time and, within moments fireworks lit up the Olympic Park.
I have left a lot out, like the Red Arrows flypast. Or, the performing of Vangelis' 'Chariots of Fire', with Mister Bean adding his own unique talents to the score. Or, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who spoke just four words (Good evening, Mister Bond.) and Daniel Craig as James Bond in a short video filmed at Buckingham Palace, which eneded with them suppoesedly both parachuting into the Olympic Stadium. Or, various musical artists who added their talents to the proceedings. Or, the cast of countless volunteers that gave their time and effort to such a worthy cause. And Lord Sebastian Coe, who, despite ever mounting pressure over the past seven years, has managed to deliver so much.
I think that what Danny Boyle achieved, and pulled off, was one of the best opening ceremonies to any of the Modern Olympics... Ever!!!
Let the games begin!
After seven years of waiting and having listened to all the comments and negative vibes about what was to happen in the opening ceremony, I have to say that I was seriously impressed.
To start with, the Olympic Stadium looks really impressive and is a crown in what was once a contaminated wasteland, in the East End of London. The regeneration that has been achieved will benefit the area, and the City, for many years to come.
The introduction to the London Olympics 2012 began with with a journey along the River Thames, from its source to the Olympic Park. On reaching the Olympic Stadium, the countdown began. The ceremony proper started with 'Jerusalem' being sung in the Olympic Stadium, and with Northen Ireland joining in with 'Danny Boy', from the Giants Causeway, through to the children of Edinburgh singing 'Flower of Scotland' to 'Bread of Heaven' in Wales, then returning to the Stadium, which had been transformed into England's green and pleasant land, I began to get a real sense of what the Ceromony was going to be.
With cricket and football being played on the green grass lands of England, and children dancing around Maypoles, I felt we were taken back to a bygone era, where everyrhing was rosy. Edward Elgar's 'Nimrod' added so much to this scene. This soon changed, when men in suits and tall hats appeared and started to lay out plans for our future. Within moments, Glastonbury Tor spewed forth men and the grass was soon being ripped up, only to be replaced by many belching smokestacks; The Industrial Revolution was here. Amongst this change women appeared, parading with plackards with slogans about equality and the right to vote; The Suffragettes had arrived. With much of the grass being destroyed by the Industrial Revolution, there was a lot less green to be seen in the Stadium, but there were enough Poppy's left to show the inhumanity and waste of The Great War. One of the crowning moments of the Industrial Revolution scene, was the forging of the Olympic Rings. Then it was a chance to show off the NHS with a great seen involving the staff of the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children, which culminated in the arrival of a number of Mary Poppins, who banished the Demons from the Children's dreams. This was accentuated by a special appearance by Mike oldfield, performing an enriched version of his iconic 'Tubular Bells'. We were then taken on a musical journey from the sixties through to the present day, which showed off some of this countries greatest musicians, and the sound of the TARDIS could also be heard. This concluded with an appearance by Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web. A piece concerning the victims of the July 7th Terror attacks, was moving and a little overwhelming, unless you were watching in the United States of America, where NBC cut the scene and replaced it with an interview with Michael Phelps. Losers!
With the introductions of the 200+ competing coutries, a special mention has to be made to the Czech Republic who arrived in blazers, shorts, wellington boots and umbrellas. Each countries flag was then 'planted' on Glastonbury Tor, before the Olympic Flag entered the Stadium. Another emotional moment ensued as the flag stopped before the fragile figure of the Great Muhammad Ali. It was hard to imagine that this thin and fragile man, was once the greatest athlete on Earth. A man who can no longer function without an aide by his side. The Olympic Flame was then transported, via a speedboat driven by David Beckham, to the Olympic Stadium, where it was feceived by England's greatest Olympian, Sir Steve Redgrave. It was he who took the flame and passed it on to seven young up-and-coming British athletes, who proceeded to take the flame around the Olympic Stadium. With their lap of honour complete, they then each took a lit torch and headed into the centre of the Olympic Stadium and put their torch to what looked like metal plant petals. As the seven torches lit the petals, the fire spread and soon all 204 petals were aflame, at which point they began to rise into the shape of a cauldron. The Olympic Flame was back in London, for the third time and, within moments fireworks lit up the Olympic Park.
I have left a lot out, like the Red Arrows flypast. Or, the performing of Vangelis' 'Chariots of Fire', with Mister Bean adding his own unique talents to the score. Or, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who spoke just four words (Good evening, Mister Bond.) and Daniel Craig as James Bond in a short video filmed at Buckingham Palace, which eneded with them suppoesedly both parachuting into the Olympic Stadium. Or, various musical artists who added their talents to the proceedings. Or, the cast of countless volunteers that gave their time and effort to such a worthy cause. And Lord Sebastian Coe, who, despite ever mounting pressure over the past seven years, has managed to deliver so much.
I think that what Danny Boyle achieved, and pulled off, was one of the best opening ceremonies to any of the Modern Olympics... Ever!!!
Let the games begin!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Olympic Torch Relay, St. Albans
Sunday 8th July, 2012
Although the weather wasn't brilliant, a few showers with the threat of sun, Emma and I took Erin to St. Albans to see the Olympic Torch Relay. We left the house and took a slow walk into Watford Town centre, where we bought lunch, before heading on to Watford Junction. We bought our tickets and headed for Platform 11 from which we would take the Abbey Line, or 'Abbey Flyer' as most people refer to it, to St. Albans Abbey Station. (The Abbey Line originally opened on 5th May, 1858 and was operated by the 'London and North Western Railway'. It was the first railway line to St. Albans and had only two stops, Bricket Wood and Park Street. In 1910, another station was opened at Callowland, now called Watford North. Garston station was opened in 1966, followed by How Wood in 1988. This was the same year that the line was electrified. The line is now operated by 'London Midland'.) While we were on the train, Emma fed Erin and managed to change herm before we arrived at St. Albans Abbey Station just before 13:30. We crossed Holywell Hill and walked passed the Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre and the Athletics Track amd continued into Verulamium Park. We walked through the park and, for a brief moment, the sun came out. We exited Verulamium Park on St. Michael's Street and headed up Branch Road and onto Verulam Road, to scout out a good viewpoint for the Olympic Torch. Since the relay wasn't due to reach Verualm Road until 16:50, we had some time to kill, so we headed along Verulam Road and onto Bluehouse Hill. Along Bluehouse Hill is the Roman Theatre of Verulamium, a place that I hadn't visited since school, so in we went. (The Roman Theatre of Verulamium was built in about 140AD and it is the only example of its kind in Great Britain. The arena would have been used for anything from religious processions and dancing, to wrestling, armed combat and wild beast shows. In 180AD the stage came into greater use and the auditorium was extended. By about 300AD the Theatre could seat 2000 spectators. In 1847 the ruins were unearthed and subsequent excavations have revealed a row of shop foundations, a Roman Villa and a secret shrine, all thought to date from the First Century.) As we entered the sky cleared and the sun came out and the temperature rose dramtically. After a good walkaround, where I took lots of photos, we headed back onto St. Michael's Street and wandered around looking at all the old buildings, with their small doorways and wonderful architecture. We then made our way up to Verulam Road, just as the crowds were starting to form. We found a space on the corner of Verulam Road and Branch Road and waited eagerly for the Torch. Erin had some yogurt and then gave her first proper wave, which I managed to photograph. With more people arriving all the time, I knew that getting any good photographs of the Olympic Torch was going to be a real mission, so I decided to video it instead. This proved to be a mission in itslef. As the entourage of cars and sponsorship vehicles approached, all I could do was set my phone to video, raise my arm above the crowds and hope. This actually worked and I managed to get some great footage, which was even more surprising as I couldn't see the phone screen when my arm was raised. After Sarah Toll, the Torch Bearer, had passed us, and before the crowds started to dissipate, we headed off down Branch Road. Once we reached Verulamium Park, we realised that the 'Abbey Flyer' would be busy, so we slowed our walk and sat down to feed Erin some food. Once Erin was fed, Emma and I had an ice cream each and took shelter beneath an Oak tree, while a rain shower passed over the park. We then made our way back towards the station and immediately took shelter on the platform as the Heavens opened. Ten minutes of the hardest rain came down with people scattering in all directions for the tiniest bit of cover. And as suddenly as it had started, it stopped. The rain had been so hard that not a cloud could be seen in the sky. Instead, the sun shone and the sky turned blue and the heat was incredible. The train arrived just before 18:30 and we boarded and headed for home. Emma took this time to change Erin and within minutes we were back at Watford junction. We then took a slow walk home. Another great, but unique, Sunday day out with my family.
Until next time,
May it be well with you.
Although the weather wasn't brilliant, a few showers with the threat of sun, Emma and I took Erin to St. Albans to see the Olympic Torch Relay. We left the house and took a slow walk into Watford Town centre, where we bought lunch, before heading on to Watford Junction. We bought our tickets and headed for Platform 11 from which we would take the Abbey Line, or 'Abbey Flyer' as most people refer to it, to St. Albans Abbey Station. (The Abbey Line originally opened on 5th May, 1858 and was operated by the 'London and North Western Railway'. It was the first railway line to St. Albans and had only two stops, Bricket Wood and Park Street. In 1910, another station was opened at Callowland, now called Watford North. Garston station was opened in 1966, followed by How Wood in 1988. This was the same year that the line was electrified. The line is now operated by 'London Midland'.) While we were on the train, Emma fed Erin and managed to change herm before we arrived at St. Albans Abbey Station just before 13:30. We crossed Holywell Hill and walked passed the Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre and the Athletics Track amd continued into Verulamium Park. We walked through the park and, for a brief moment, the sun came out. We exited Verulamium Park on St. Michael's Street and headed up Branch Road and onto Verulam Road, to scout out a good viewpoint for the Olympic Torch. Since the relay wasn't due to reach Verualm Road until 16:50, we had some time to kill, so we headed along Verulam Road and onto Bluehouse Hill. Along Bluehouse Hill is the Roman Theatre of Verulamium, a place that I hadn't visited since school, so in we went. (The Roman Theatre of Verulamium was built in about 140AD and it is the only example of its kind in Great Britain. The arena would have been used for anything from religious processions and dancing, to wrestling, armed combat and wild beast shows. In 180AD the stage came into greater use and the auditorium was extended. By about 300AD the Theatre could seat 2000 spectators. In 1847 the ruins were unearthed and subsequent excavations have revealed a row of shop foundations, a Roman Villa and a secret shrine, all thought to date from the First Century.) As we entered the sky cleared and the sun came out and the temperature rose dramtically. After a good walkaround, where I took lots of photos, we headed back onto St. Michael's Street and wandered around looking at all the old buildings, with their small doorways and wonderful architecture. We then made our way up to Verulam Road, just as the crowds were starting to form. We found a space on the corner of Verulam Road and Branch Road and waited eagerly for the Torch. Erin had some yogurt and then gave her first proper wave, which I managed to photograph. With more people arriving all the time, I knew that getting any good photographs of the Olympic Torch was going to be a real mission, so I decided to video it instead. This proved to be a mission in itslef. As the entourage of cars and sponsorship vehicles approached, all I could do was set my phone to video, raise my arm above the crowds and hope. This actually worked and I managed to get some great footage, which was even more surprising as I couldn't see the phone screen when my arm was raised. After Sarah Toll, the Torch Bearer, had passed us, and before the crowds started to dissipate, we headed off down Branch Road. Once we reached Verulamium Park, we realised that the 'Abbey Flyer' would be busy, so we slowed our walk and sat down to feed Erin some food. Once Erin was fed, Emma and I had an ice cream each and took shelter beneath an Oak tree, while a rain shower passed over the park. We then made our way back towards the station and immediately took shelter on the platform as the Heavens opened. Ten minutes of the hardest rain came down with people scattering in all directions for the tiniest bit of cover. And as suddenly as it had started, it stopped. The rain had been so hard that not a cloud could be seen in the sky. Instead, the sun shone and the sky turned blue and the heat was incredible. The train arrived just before 18:30 and we boarded and headed for home. Emma took this time to change Erin and within minutes we were back at Watford junction. We then took a slow walk home. Another great, but unique, Sunday day out with my family.
Until next time,
May it be well with you.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
The Ebury Way
Watford is 21miles (33km) from the centre of London, with the M1 and M25 close by. Watford Junction Station offers fast trains and London Overground trains that can get you to London Euston in 18 minutes and 47 minutes, respectively. The Metropolitan Line can get you to Aldgate in 64 minutes. Both of these stations are within walking distance of my house, and with the Croxley Rail Link due to open in the next few years, there will be a new station within 5 minutes walk of my house.
You would think that living in West Watford, I would be surrounded by urban blight, and to some extent I am. But, I am also surrounded by some wonderful countryside and open green spaces. Very close to my house I have access to the Ebury Way which is a pedestrian route that follows the route of the old Watford & Rickmansworth Railway. The Watford & Rickmansworth Railway was a three mile branch line, that opened in 1862. In 1927 the line was electrified but, with more passengers using the Metropolitan Line, the line closed in 1951. Now the 4 mile (6km) route can be walked or cycled from Oxhey Park, Watford to Rickmansworth.
If you begin your walk from Oxhey Park, you follow the River Colne to Riverside Park, where you join National Cycle Route 61. As you head along the Ebury Way, you will see the Lairage Land Nature Reserve, on your right-hand side. The Lairage Land comprises a group of meadows, rough grassland, plantation woodland and scrub, the river Colne, and its margins, and reedbed. There are many types of plant, bird and wildlife species to be found here, including; Yellow water lily, Musk thistle, Green woodpecker, Great-spotted woodpecker, Grey wagtail, Reed warbler, Linnet, Chiffchaff and Blackcap. Cuckoos can also be heard each spring. Gatekeeper, Smaller Skipper & Red Admiral butterflies, among others. Dragonflies and both species of Pipistrelle and Noctule, can also be seen here. Moving along, you soon cross the River Colne via an old railway bridge. On your left-hand side you will see the Electricity Transmission Station and the fields of Oxhey Hall and Oxhey Cottage. Roughlyy 300 metres from the bridge, along the edge of the river Colne, you can just make out a Type 27 variant WWII Pillbox. On the opposite side of the Colne is Brightwells Farm. Continuing your journey, the path begins to rise up slightly as you come to the entrance to Brightwells Farm. The path then drops down again and you pass Brightwells Farm fields to your left and Holywell Fields to your right. A littlle further along and you can see Old Merchant Taylor's School and, in the distance, you can just see Moor Park Mansion. You will then pass under Tolpits Lane, and pass the National Lottery HQ, Watford's Royal Mail sorting office and other industrial units. To your right you will see Croxley Common Moor, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.Croxley Common Moor Nature Reserve is 100 acres of historic grassland, that cover the River Gade's flood plain. Many rare plants and animals have been recorded on this site, including; Water Voles, Red Kites, Red Backed Shrike, Burnet Moth, Purging Flax, Large Thyme, Heath & Lady's Bedstraw, among others. As you reach the end of Croxley Common Moor, you pass under a bridge that carries the Metropolitan and Chiltern Line trains to and from London. From here the Ebury Way is a tree-lined route surrounded by natiral beauty. On your right is the continuation of the River Gade flood plain and to your left are the first of the fishing lakes, known as The Alders. You then come to a bridge that crosses the Grand Union Canal. To your right is Lock 81 and Lot Mead Lock House. From this bridge you have three choices; Continue along the Ebury Way. Follow the Grand Union Canal Towpath to Rickmansworth and beyond, or follow the Grand Union Canal Towpath to Watford and beyond. Following the Ebury Way you will see The Alders Fishing Lakes to your left and Croxley Hall Farm and Fishing Lakes, to your right. Behind Croxley Hall Farm is Croxley Great Barn. Croxley Great Barn is one of the largest of its type, in Hertfordshire. It was built sometime between 1396 and 1401 and measures 101ft by 40ft (31m by 12m). You then continue along until you cross another railway bridge, which crosses the Narrow-boat Permanent Mooring area, which is the end of the Ebury Way.
If you then follow the footpath alongside the Permanent Mooring area, you will come to Batchworth Lock Centre and the Cafe @ Lock 81, where refreshments can be purchased. From here you can follow the Grand Union Canal Towpath towards Watford or head South along the Grand Union Canal Towpath, which will lead you into Rickmansworth Aquadrome and onto Stocker's Lake, Stocker's Lock and the World Famous Stocker's Farm. Stocker's Farm has been used in many film and TVshows, including; The Adventures of Black Beauty, Withnail & I, Ashes to Ashes, Children of Men, Midsomer Murders & Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, to name but a few.
If you do take the Ebury Way, I would love to hear what you think of it.
You would think that living in West Watford, I would be surrounded by urban blight, and to some extent I am. But, I am also surrounded by some wonderful countryside and open green spaces. Very close to my house I have access to the Ebury Way which is a pedestrian route that follows the route of the old Watford & Rickmansworth Railway. The Watford & Rickmansworth Railway was a three mile branch line, that opened in 1862. In 1927 the line was electrified but, with more passengers using the Metropolitan Line, the line closed in 1951. Now the 4 mile (6km) route can be walked or cycled from Oxhey Park, Watford to Rickmansworth.
If you begin your walk from Oxhey Park, you follow the River Colne to Riverside Park, where you join National Cycle Route 61. As you head along the Ebury Way, you will see the Lairage Land Nature Reserve, on your right-hand side. The Lairage Land comprises a group of meadows, rough grassland, plantation woodland and scrub, the river Colne, and its margins, and reedbed. There are many types of plant, bird and wildlife species to be found here, including; Yellow water lily, Musk thistle, Green woodpecker, Great-spotted woodpecker, Grey wagtail, Reed warbler, Linnet, Chiffchaff and Blackcap. Cuckoos can also be heard each spring. Gatekeeper, Smaller Skipper & Red Admiral butterflies, among others. Dragonflies and both species of Pipistrelle and Noctule, can also be seen here. Moving along, you soon cross the River Colne via an old railway bridge. On your left-hand side you will see the Electricity Transmission Station and the fields of Oxhey Hall and Oxhey Cottage. Roughlyy 300 metres from the bridge, along the edge of the river Colne, you can just make out a Type 27 variant WWII Pillbox. On the opposite side of the Colne is Brightwells Farm. Continuing your journey, the path begins to rise up slightly as you come to the entrance to Brightwells Farm. The path then drops down again and you pass Brightwells Farm fields to your left and Holywell Fields to your right. A littlle further along and you can see Old Merchant Taylor's School and, in the distance, you can just see Moor Park Mansion. You will then pass under Tolpits Lane, and pass the National Lottery HQ, Watford's Royal Mail sorting office and other industrial units. To your right you will see Croxley Common Moor, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.Croxley Common Moor Nature Reserve is 100 acres of historic grassland, that cover the River Gade's flood plain. Many rare plants and animals have been recorded on this site, including; Water Voles, Red Kites, Red Backed Shrike, Burnet Moth, Purging Flax, Large Thyme, Heath & Lady's Bedstraw, among others. As you reach the end of Croxley Common Moor, you pass under a bridge that carries the Metropolitan and Chiltern Line trains to and from London. From here the Ebury Way is a tree-lined route surrounded by natiral beauty. On your right is the continuation of the River Gade flood plain and to your left are the first of the fishing lakes, known as The Alders. You then come to a bridge that crosses the Grand Union Canal. To your right is Lock 81 and Lot Mead Lock House. From this bridge you have three choices; Continue along the Ebury Way. Follow the Grand Union Canal Towpath to Rickmansworth and beyond, or follow the Grand Union Canal Towpath to Watford and beyond. Following the Ebury Way you will see The Alders Fishing Lakes to your left and Croxley Hall Farm and Fishing Lakes, to your right. Behind Croxley Hall Farm is Croxley Great Barn. Croxley Great Barn is one of the largest of its type, in Hertfordshire. It was built sometime between 1396 and 1401 and measures 101ft by 40ft (31m by 12m). You then continue along until you cross another railway bridge, which crosses the Narrow-boat Permanent Mooring area, which is the end of the Ebury Way.
If you then follow the footpath alongside the Permanent Mooring area, you will come to Batchworth Lock Centre and the Cafe @ Lock 81, where refreshments can be purchased. From here you can follow the Grand Union Canal Towpath towards Watford or head South along the Grand Union Canal Towpath, which will lead you into Rickmansworth Aquadrome and onto Stocker's Lake, Stocker's Lock and the World Famous Stocker's Farm. Stocker's Farm has been used in many film and TVshows, including; The Adventures of Black Beauty, Withnail & I, Ashes to Ashes, Children of Men, Midsomer Murders & Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, to name but a few.
If you do take the Ebury Way, I would love to hear what you think of it.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
A Blog to the Irrelevant
When I write my blogs, especially those about where I have visited or things that I have seen, I do a bit of research on it. I then include this to fill-out my blog and also to make them more interesting. Having just gone back and re-read all of my blogs, I discovered that I have picked up quite a bit of information, not all of it interesting, but still information. So I decided to collect these snippets and put them into this one blog. Taken completely out of context, this seems like a very random blog, but I believe it is still entertaining and informative.
Please enjoy this blog to the irrelevant.
G. Gibson's has had a stall on Watford Market since 1976, and their most famous product is the Gibson Sausage. Recently they opened a shop, at 13 Charter Place, where they sell fresh British meats, vegetables and exotic meats and burgers. These incude, Impala, Kangaroo, Ostrich, Zebra and Moufflon amongst others. They are definitely the best butchers in the Watford area and well worth a visit.
The Royal Naval College was based in Greenwich, from 1873 until 1998, as a college to teach all aspects of naval sciences. More courses were added as and when new skills were developed.
The Cutty Sark was built in 1869, and, on February 16th 1870, the Cutty Sark left London on the first of eight trips to China. Throughout her working life, Cutty Sark transported cargoes such as Tea, wool and coal. She travelled to China, Japan, South and North America, Angola and more. In 1895, the Cutty Sark was sold to a Portuguese company, and her name was changed to Ferreira. In 1922, she was sold to another Portuguese owner, and she was renamed Maria do Amparo. She was then bought by an Englishman and, in 1923, her true name and nationality were restored. After being berthed in Falmouth and then Greenhithe, before being moved to her current, and final resting place. On May 21st 2007, a fire gutted the Cutty Sark, while she was having restoration work undertaken.
'Company' is a musical comedy, set in New York, that first premiered in 1970. The play is centred on the central character of Robert, a 35 year old single man, via his 3 girlfriends and his married or soon-to-be married friends. Robert has hit a point in his life where he cannot commit to a long-term relationship and looks to his friends for guidance.
The Lansdowne Road Stadium is the oldest International Stadium in the World!
Borough Market is one of the largest food markets anywhere in the World, selling food from all around the globe. It is said that a market has been in this locale since Roman times, but it is first referenced in 1276.
Because the River Thames is tidal, the English sea coast continues all the way up to Teddington Lock. The river has a tidal rise and fall of 23 feet and is the longest river in England.
The old Wembley Stadium was opened in 1923 and was demolished in 2003. Arsenal played their European Games there from 1998 - 2000. The new Stadium was opened in 2007, over a year later than planned.
The 'London Stone' is a piece of Limestone that it is rumoured was the point that all measurements were made from, in Roman times.
Snakeheads are usually found in freshwater in Africa and Asia. There are a number of different species of Snakehead and they can grow from 25cm to over 1metre in length. They are predatory and eat everything from aquatic insects to rodents. They can also breathe air and when they are out of the water they use their muscles and fins to 'walk'. The female can lay up to 150,000 eggs a year! It is a great creature to see in a tank, but people have started to release them into the wild, especially in America, where they are causing havoc with the local ecosystems.
The Clink Prison was opened in 1144 and was one of England's oldest prisons, if not the oldest! It covered an area of 80 acres and was in use for nearly 400 years. Conditions in the clink were diabolical. You had to pay to be a prisoner, which meant that you might get food and clean water. If you didn't pay, you had to beg passersby for food at the 'Grates'. Children were held there and they were treated as small adults. If the weather was bad the prison was prone to flooding with dirty sewer water and waste. Many inmates caught rats to eat.
H.M.S. Belfast was launched on St. Patrick's Day 1938 and was commissioned in August 1939. in November of that year she struck a magnetic mine and spent two years undergoing repairs. She returned to action in 1942 protecting Arctic convoys. She played a major role in the sinking of the German Ship, 'Scharnhorst' in 1943. she also took part in the D-Day landings in 1944. In 1945 she joined the Pacific fleet and then saw action during the Korean conflict between 1950-52. She stayed in service until 1963 and was due to be scrapped in 1967. In 1971 the Government placed H.M.S. Belfast in the hands of the H.M.S. Belfast Trust. She is now part of the imperial War Museum. Her forward guns had a range of 14 land miles and are currently trained and elevated on the M1 Gateway, Scratchwood Services, 12.5 miles from the H.M.S. Belfast.
Please enjoy this blog to the irrelevant.
G. Gibson's has had a stall on Watford Market since 1976, and their most famous product is the Gibson Sausage. Recently they opened a shop, at 13 Charter Place, where they sell fresh British meats, vegetables and exotic meats and burgers. These incude, Impala, Kangaroo, Ostrich, Zebra and Moufflon amongst others. They are definitely the best butchers in the Watford area and well worth a visit.
The Royal Naval College was based in Greenwich, from 1873 until 1998, as a college to teach all aspects of naval sciences. More courses were added as and when new skills were developed.
The Cutty Sark was built in 1869, and, on February 16th 1870, the Cutty Sark left London on the first of eight trips to China. Throughout her working life, Cutty Sark transported cargoes such as Tea, wool and coal. She travelled to China, Japan, South and North America, Angola and more. In 1895, the Cutty Sark was sold to a Portuguese company, and her name was changed to Ferreira. In 1922, she was sold to another Portuguese owner, and she was renamed Maria do Amparo. She was then bought by an Englishman and, in 1923, her true name and nationality were restored. After being berthed in Falmouth and then Greenhithe, before being moved to her current, and final resting place. On May 21st 2007, a fire gutted the Cutty Sark, while she was having restoration work undertaken.
'Company' is a musical comedy, set in New York, that first premiered in 1970. The play is centred on the central character of Robert, a 35 year old single man, via his 3 girlfriends and his married or soon-to-be married friends. Robert has hit a point in his life where he cannot commit to a long-term relationship and looks to his friends for guidance.
The Lansdowne Road Stadium is the oldest International Stadium in the World!
Borough Market is one of the largest food markets anywhere in the World, selling food from all around the globe. It is said that a market has been in this locale since Roman times, but it is first referenced in 1276.
Because the River Thames is tidal, the English sea coast continues all the way up to Teddington Lock. The river has a tidal rise and fall of 23 feet and is the longest river in England.
The old Wembley Stadium was opened in 1923 and was demolished in 2003. Arsenal played their European Games there from 1998 - 2000. The new Stadium was opened in 2007, over a year later than planned.
The 'London Stone' is a piece of Limestone that it is rumoured was the point that all measurements were made from, in Roman times.
Snakeheads are usually found in freshwater in Africa and Asia. There are a number of different species of Snakehead and they can grow from 25cm to over 1metre in length. They are predatory and eat everything from aquatic insects to rodents. They can also breathe air and when they are out of the water they use their muscles and fins to 'walk'. The female can lay up to 150,000 eggs a year! It is a great creature to see in a tank, but people have started to release them into the wild, especially in America, where they are causing havoc with the local ecosystems.
The Clink Prison was opened in 1144 and was one of England's oldest prisons, if not the oldest! It covered an area of 80 acres and was in use for nearly 400 years. Conditions in the clink were diabolical. You had to pay to be a prisoner, which meant that you might get food and clean water. If you didn't pay, you had to beg passersby for food at the 'Grates'. Children were held there and they were treated as small adults. If the weather was bad the prison was prone to flooding with dirty sewer water and waste. Many inmates caught rats to eat.
H.M.S. Belfast was launched on St. Patrick's Day 1938 and was commissioned in August 1939. in November of that year she struck a magnetic mine and spent two years undergoing repairs. She returned to action in 1942 protecting Arctic convoys. She played a major role in the sinking of the German Ship, 'Scharnhorst' in 1943. she also took part in the D-Day landings in 1944. In 1945 she joined the Pacific fleet and then saw action during the Korean conflict between 1950-52. She stayed in service until 1963 and was due to be scrapped in 1967. In 1971 the Government placed H.M.S. Belfast in the hands of the H.M.S. Belfast Trust. She is now part of the imperial War Museum. Her forward guns had a range of 14 land miles and are currently trained and elevated on the M1 Gateway, Scratchwood Services, 12.5 miles from the H.M.S. Belfast.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
My Wedding Day
Saturday 10th March, 2012.
I had stayed at the 'White house' hotel, on the Friday night, at the request of my eldest daughter, who is very superstitious. On waking up I was hungry and ready for breakfast. I decided not to eat breakfast at the hotel, but instead opted for a full English breakfast at 'Ruby's Cafe' in Watford Market. After washing this down with a mug of coffee, I headed into 'Argos' to buy myself a new laptop bag, as my old one just didn't feel right. I then wandered into the 'Harlequin Centre' for a look around. I then headed back to the hotel to relax. A short while later, Steve called and asked if I wanted to meet up for lunch. So, I headed back into Watford and met Steve outside the market. We ordered our food from the 'Roast counter'. As we were waiting, Ben and Laurel arrived and ordered some lunch, too. We then all went and sat down to eat. Once we had eaten, Ben and Laurel headed off shopping, while Steve and I went for a look around 'HMV'. After nearly an hour, we said our goodbyes and I headed back to the hotel to get ready. A shave and a shower later, and with the time approaching 15:00hrs, I was ready in my Star Trek dress uniform, and waiting for Steve. A few miutes later and we were sitting in the hotel bar watching the Wales-Italy match, sipping a beer, while waiting for Len to arrive. Once Len had arrived, we had another drink before we left and made our way to 'The Orangery' on Hempstead Road. The sun was shining as we made the short walk, which was filled with light banter.
We arrived at 'The Orangery' just after 16:15, and were in time to see the previous couple, and their guests, leaving. My friend Rob was the first to arrive, followed soon after by my Mum and the rest of the family and friends. Emma was just pulling in to the car park, as Steve and I made my way to see the registrar. A few minutes later, with all relevant details entered, we made our way into the room to await Emma's arrival. By now most of the room was full of family members and friends, so after saying hello to as many people as I could, I made my way to the front with my best man, Steve. A few moments passed and then Emma's entrance music started. Alysha carried Erin followed by Freya, who was followed by Emma and her father, David. We took our vows and exchanged rings and Steve read the reading we had chosen. I kissed my bride and, too soon, it was over and we were walking up the aisle together as husband and wife. Halfway up the aisle, I felt my mobile vibrate in my pocket, and I knew, without looking, that it was a text. When I checked it a few minutes later, I discovered that my friend, Aaron, had messaged me the score of the Ireland-Scotland match. Ireland were winning at half-time. Ireland did go on to win the match, too!
Outside we walked around and spoke to all the guests, before marshalling everyone for the photographs. After about a thousand camera flashes, the photographs were done, and we made our way to the 'West Herts Sports Club', where we had our reception booked.
All of the guests, that had been to the marriage cermony, were at the reception, and more and more friends arrived as the time went on. When we thought that most of them had arrived, Emma and I cut the cake and took our first dance, which was to 'Amazed' by 'Lonestar'. Soon after this, Emma and I sat on stools in the middle of the dance floor, while Steve gave his 'best man speech'. Soon after he started, he asked Emma Jayne to hold his speech as he was too hot. At which point he began to remove his jacket and tie. As Emma, I and the rest of the guests looked on in bewilderment, he removed his shirt to reveal... A blue Star Trek Original Series shirt! I saluted him for that and he carried on with his speech, which I must say was brilliant. highly entertaining and not too embarrassing for myself and Emma. When Steve had finished, I said a few words on mine and Emma's behalf, and the party continued. Atfer what seemed like an age, and far too many photographs, the party started to wind down. The bar closed at 23:00 and Andi Rob, the best DJ in the business and a long-time friend, killed the music at 23:30, at which time the last of the family members and friends began to leave. A few stayed behind to help us clearaway the rubbish, and put the leftover food into boxes, which were then placed in Emma Jayne's car. When everything was finally done, Emma and I took a slow walk to the 'White House' hotel, where we would spend our first night as husband and wife. On entering the foyer, we were met by my cousin Mark and his fiancee Charlotte, who were having a night-cap. So we joined them. After relaxing and chatting, Emma and I made our way up to our room, very tired but extremely happy.
To all of the members of our families and to all of our friends, some of whom we see weekly or even daily and those that we see far too little and those who travelled great distances.
Thank you for making our day so special.
Special thanks must go to:-
David & Alyson (Emma's parents) - For letting me marry their daughter.
Lynda (My mum) - For simply being the best!
Steve Brown (Best Man) - There are no words.
Freya (Emma's Niece) - For being a superb bridesmaid.
Alysha & Erin (Our daughters) - For being the greatest and most beautiful daughters in the World.
Emma (Wife) - For making me the happiest man on Earth.
And to everyone else...
THANK YOU
Because we couldn't decide on what songs we wanted to play at the wedding ceremony, we decided it might be different to play movie soundtracks, so here is the track listing for our wedding:-
Music to be played while the guests are arriving:-
I had stayed at the 'White house' hotel, on the Friday night, at the request of my eldest daughter, who is very superstitious. On waking up I was hungry and ready for breakfast. I decided not to eat breakfast at the hotel, but instead opted for a full English breakfast at 'Ruby's Cafe' in Watford Market. After washing this down with a mug of coffee, I headed into 'Argos' to buy myself a new laptop bag, as my old one just didn't feel right. I then wandered into the 'Harlequin Centre' for a look around. I then headed back to the hotel to relax. A short while later, Steve called and asked if I wanted to meet up for lunch. So, I headed back into Watford and met Steve outside the market. We ordered our food from the 'Roast counter'. As we were waiting, Ben and Laurel arrived and ordered some lunch, too. We then all went and sat down to eat. Once we had eaten, Ben and Laurel headed off shopping, while Steve and I went for a look around 'HMV'. After nearly an hour, we said our goodbyes and I headed back to the hotel to get ready. A shave and a shower later, and with the time approaching 15:00hrs, I was ready in my Star Trek dress uniform, and waiting for Steve. A few miutes later and we were sitting in the hotel bar watching the Wales-Italy match, sipping a beer, while waiting for Len to arrive. Once Len had arrived, we had another drink before we left and made our way to 'The Orangery' on Hempstead Road. The sun was shining as we made the short walk, which was filled with light banter.
We arrived at 'The Orangery' just after 16:15, and were in time to see the previous couple, and their guests, leaving. My friend Rob was the first to arrive, followed soon after by my Mum and the rest of the family and friends. Emma was just pulling in to the car park, as Steve and I made my way to see the registrar. A few minutes later, with all relevant details entered, we made our way into the room to await Emma's arrival. By now most of the room was full of family members and friends, so after saying hello to as many people as I could, I made my way to the front with my best man, Steve. A few moments passed and then Emma's entrance music started. Alysha carried Erin followed by Freya, who was followed by Emma and her father, David. We took our vows and exchanged rings and Steve read the reading we had chosen. I kissed my bride and, too soon, it was over and we were walking up the aisle together as husband and wife. Halfway up the aisle, I felt my mobile vibrate in my pocket, and I knew, without looking, that it was a text. When I checked it a few minutes later, I discovered that my friend, Aaron, had messaged me the score of the Ireland-Scotland match. Ireland were winning at half-time. Ireland did go on to win the match, too!
Outside we walked around and spoke to all the guests, before marshalling everyone for the photographs. After about a thousand camera flashes, the photographs were done, and we made our way to the 'West Herts Sports Club', where we had our reception booked.
All of the guests, that had been to the marriage cermony, were at the reception, and more and more friends arrived as the time went on. When we thought that most of them had arrived, Emma and I cut the cake and took our first dance, which was to 'Amazed' by 'Lonestar'. Soon after this, Emma and I sat on stools in the middle of the dance floor, while Steve gave his 'best man speech'. Soon after he started, he asked Emma Jayne to hold his speech as he was too hot. At which point he began to remove his jacket and tie. As Emma, I and the rest of the guests looked on in bewilderment, he removed his shirt to reveal... A blue Star Trek Original Series shirt! I saluted him for that and he carried on with his speech, which I must say was brilliant. highly entertaining and not too embarrassing for myself and Emma. When Steve had finished, I said a few words on mine and Emma's behalf, and the party continued. Atfer what seemed like an age, and far too many photographs, the party started to wind down. The bar closed at 23:00 and Andi Rob, the best DJ in the business and a long-time friend, killed the music at 23:30, at which time the last of the family members and friends began to leave. A few stayed behind to help us clearaway the rubbish, and put the leftover food into boxes, which were then placed in Emma Jayne's car. When everything was finally done, Emma and I took a slow walk to the 'White House' hotel, where we would spend our first night as husband and wife. On entering the foyer, we were met by my cousin Mark and his fiancee Charlotte, who were having a night-cap. So we joined them. After relaxing and chatting, Emma and I made our way up to our room, very tired but extremely happy.
To all of the members of our families and to all of our friends, some of whom we see weekly or even daily and those that we see far too little and those who travelled great distances.
Thank you for making our day so special.
Special thanks must go to:-
David & Alyson (Emma's parents) - For letting me marry their daughter.
Lynda (My mum) - For simply being the best!
Steve Brown (Best Man) - There are no words.
Freya (Emma's Niece) - For being a superb bridesmaid.
Alysha & Erin (Our daughters) - For being the greatest and most beautiful daughters in the World.
Emma (Wife) - For making me the happiest man on Earth.
And to everyone else...
THANK YOU
Because we couldn't decide on what songs we wanted to play at the wedding ceremony, we decided it might be different to play movie soundtracks, so here is the track listing for our wedding:-
Music to be played while the guests are arriving:-
- Ilia's Theme - Star Trek: The Motion Picture - Jerry Goldsmith
- First Contact Suite - Star Trek: First Contact - Jerry Goldsmith
- Bruce & Linda - Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story - Randy Edelman
- Fellowship of the Ring - Lord of the Rings - Howard Shore
Emma's entrance music:-
- Sayuri's Theme - Memoirs of a Geisha - John Williams
Signing of the register:-
- I do believe in fairies - Peter Pan - James Newton Howard
- Concerto in E Major - The Boondock Saints - Bach
Leaving as Husband and Wife:-
- Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Op. 43 - Somewhere in Time - Rachmaninoff
Monday, February 27, 2012
A Distinctly Good Weekend
On Friday, at about lunchtime, I got a call from my daughter, Alysha. She had called to tell me that she had taken an exam, at college, and she had got the results. She needed a minimum 93 points to pass and 118 to pass with distinction. Alysha got 123 points, which was the highest in the class, so I am really proud of her, right now. A little later she called again. This time to tell me that while she had been in Watford for lunch, she had seen a film crew, so had gone to investigate. It turns out that some ‘TV Personality’, named Keith Lemon, was filming for his new show. From what I can gather from Alysha, Keith Lemon was interviewing everyday people about everyday things. Now Alysha, always the one to get into the papers or on TV, decided to stand behind the ‘everyday person’ being interviewed. This meant that she would be in the shot and, therefore, on TV. At this point a lady asked her to sign a declaration saying that they could show her on TV. I can imagine Alysha snapping the poor woman’s arm off to sign it. So, Alysha will be appearing on TV in the early spring, in a show called ‘Lemonaid’. After work, Jason and I went back to mine, as he was going to help me build my new ‘Garden Store’. A seven-foot tall plastic storage box, basically. An hour later, and it was done. A quick beer and then Jason headed home.
Saturday saw a lot of things get done. I managed to move the gardening tools into my new ‘Garden Store’, and go through everything in the garage. Emma phoned her brother, Adam, who for £20 would take away the rubbish. I then put some other things in the loft, put a plug on Emma’s hairdryer and fixed the bird box and reattached it to the wall. I then settled down to watch the Ireland v Italy match. Adam arrived just before half-time, at which point we emptied all the scrap and rubbish onto the back of his van. He was not a happy bunny. He thought it was just a small amount, not a van full. An extra tenner, shut him up. Jason arrived as Adam was leaving, so we had a beer each, before Jason had to leave. We were expecting Len and Emma Jayne to come round, but they decided to stay home, so we had a quite afternoon watching the rugby. With Ireland and Wales both winning, it was a happy household.
Sunday saw us up early. Erin was bathed and fed, before we headed out for a stroll. Last Sunday we had walked to and around Cassiobury Park. This week we decided to follow the Ebury Way to Rickmansworth. The weather was beautiful and we reached Rickmansworth in an hour, only to find ‘Annie’s Café’ was closed. A little disappointed, we headed into Rickmansworth Aquadrome to grab a bite and a drink at the ‘Café in the Park’. Once we had eaten, Erin awoke, so we fed her before continuing around the Aquadrome proper. I carried Erin for a while, and she couldn’t take her eyes off the water. Then she noticed the swans and geese. (In 16 weeks, Erin has barely noticed the cats, and every time we have seen other animals, Erin has been asleep.) So, these giant white things were intriguing to her. Eventually we headed to a little play area, where Erin took her first ride on a swing. (Check the vid on my ‘Movies’ page.) We then walked along Rickmansworth High Street, before heading onto the Grand union Canal towpath. To our surprise, the café was open. It turns out it is now under new management and is called ‘The café @ Lock 81’. So, we had a coffee before starting our walk home. Once home, we had a bite to eat and changed and fed Erin, before deciding to go to the ‘Oddfellows’ for a drink. We sat in the beer garden, and Erin had another go on a swing, and then we headed home. It worked out at a round trip of ten miles, or so.
Once again another great weekend.
Until next time,
May it be well with you.
Saturday saw a lot of things get done. I managed to move the gardening tools into my new ‘Garden Store’, and go through everything in the garage. Emma phoned her brother, Adam, who for £20 would take away the rubbish. I then put some other things in the loft, put a plug on Emma’s hairdryer and fixed the bird box and reattached it to the wall. I then settled down to watch the Ireland v Italy match. Adam arrived just before half-time, at which point we emptied all the scrap and rubbish onto the back of his van. He was not a happy bunny. He thought it was just a small amount, not a van full. An extra tenner, shut him up. Jason arrived as Adam was leaving, so we had a beer each, before Jason had to leave. We were expecting Len and Emma Jayne to come round, but they decided to stay home, so we had a quite afternoon watching the rugby. With Ireland and Wales both winning, it was a happy household.
Sunday saw us up early. Erin was bathed and fed, before we headed out for a stroll. Last Sunday we had walked to and around Cassiobury Park. This week we decided to follow the Ebury Way to Rickmansworth. The weather was beautiful and we reached Rickmansworth in an hour, only to find ‘Annie’s Café’ was closed. A little disappointed, we headed into Rickmansworth Aquadrome to grab a bite and a drink at the ‘Café in the Park’. Once we had eaten, Erin awoke, so we fed her before continuing around the Aquadrome proper. I carried Erin for a while, and she couldn’t take her eyes off the water. Then she noticed the swans and geese. (In 16 weeks, Erin has barely noticed the cats, and every time we have seen other animals, Erin has been asleep.) So, these giant white things were intriguing to her. Eventually we headed to a little play area, where Erin took her first ride on a swing. (Check the vid on my ‘Movies’ page.) We then walked along Rickmansworth High Street, before heading onto the Grand union Canal towpath. To our surprise, the café was open. It turns out it is now under new management and is called ‘The café @ Lock 81’. So, we had a coffee before starting our walk home. Once home, we had a bite to eat and changed and fed Erin, before deciding to go to the ‘Oddfellows’ for a drink. We sat in the beer garden, and Erin had another go on a swing, and then we headed home. It worked out at a round trip of ten miles, or so.
Once again another great weekend.
Until next time,
May it be well with you.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
It's Been A While...
It's been a while, since my last blog, and a lot has happened.
Christmas and New Year were exciting, as we now have Erin with us and, for the first time in years, I had the whole of the Christmas and New Year holiday off from work, so I was able to spend a lot more time with my family.
Once Christmas and New Year had been and gone, we turned our attention back to our wedding. My uniform for the wedding was ordered and has been delivered, after being tailor-made in Hong Kong. Emma's dress has been bought, as has Alysha's and Erin's. Also, my best man, Steve, has his suit, too. The invites have been sent out and the majority have accepted the invitation. My hotel room is booked for the night before the wedding, as well as for the night of the wedding. The cake is ordered and the food is sorted, too. Steve is organising my stag day, which will take place on Saturday 3rd March, with a trip to London.
By mid January Erin was sleeping right through the night in her newly decorated room.
Alysha is still doing well in her dance exams and competitions, and has decided to go into the sixth-form at school.
Recently, my friend Jason and I started to play darts again. Considering it has been about two years since I last played, it didn't take long for me to get back into the swing of it. I am currently winning five out of six games. I also gave Jason my PC, as I decided it was time to upgrade, so I bought Emma and Alysha laptop each, and myself a 'Chromebook'. (Hence one of the reasons why my blog hasn't been kept up-to-date.)
Towards the end of January, we tried Erin with some baby rice and some pureed apple. Since then she has gone onto porridge in the morning, followed by milk, and pureed fruit in the afternoons, along with milk inbetween.
Also, the RBS 6 Nations Rugby Championship has started, so I am back to supporting Ireland, who have lost their frst match, and had their second match postponed, due to a 'frozen pitch'. They will improve.
I think that pretty much brings everything up-to-date, so until next time... May it be well wiith you.
Christmas and New Year were exciting, as we now have Erin with us and, for the first time in years, I had the whole of the Christmas and New Year holiday off from work, so I was able to spend a lot more time with my family.
Once Christmas and New Year had been and gone, we turned our attention back to our wedding. My uniform for the wedding was ordered and has been delivered, after being tailor-made in Hong Kong. Emma's dress has been bought, as has Alysha's and Erin's. Also, my best man, Steve, has his suit, too. The invites have been sent out and the majority have accepted the invitation. My hotel room is booked for the night before the wedding, as well as for the night of the wedding. The cake is ordered and the food is sorted, too. Steve is organising my stag day, which will take place on Saturday 3rd March, with a trip to London.
By mid January Erin was sleeping right through the night in her newly decorated room.
Alysha is still doing well in her dance exams and competitions, and has decided to go into the sixth-form at school.
Recently, my friend Jason and I started to play darts again. Considering it has been about two years since I last played, it didn't take long for me to get back into the swing of it. I am currently winning five out of six games. I also gave Jason my PC, as I decided it was time to upgrade, so I bought Emma and Alysha laptop each, and myself a 'Chromebook'. (Hence one of the reasons why my blog hasn't been kept up-to-date.)
Towards the end of January, we tried Erin with some baby rice and some pureed apple. Since then she has gone onto porridge in the morning, followed by milk, and pureed fruit in the afternoons, along with milk inbetween.
Also, the RBS 6 Nations Rugby Championship has started, so I am back to supporting Ireland, who have lost their frst match, and had their second match postponed, due to a 'frozen pitch'. They will improve.
I think that pretty much brings everything up-to-date, so until next time... May it be well wiith you.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Slovakia Today: The Potravini Bench
Shortly after my father, Joseph Anthony Gerard Morrissey, passed away in 2009, I discovered some hand-written 'diary entries', written by one of his many Slovakian friends, on loose A4 sheets of paper. Many other 'diary entries' had already been typed up, by my father, and published on a Slovakian website, which is unfortunately no longer on-line. I do not know who wrote the following, or how to go about contacting anyone that may know the author, so I am placing them here, to finish what was started.
If anyone reading the following 'diary entries' does have any information, or thinks they may know someone, please feel free to get in touch, either by leaving me a message or by e-mailing me.
Enjoy.
There is a small village General Store, at the bottom of the three-kilometre lane from our village, to the parent village of Hronska Dubrava. In front of its steps is a dilapidated bench, lurching under a bedraggled conifer. In front of the bench are two used car tyres which, once upon a time, must have contained flowers. However, currently they contain nothing but assorted weeds and a million-or-so cigarette butts. These giant vehicular ashtrays are surrounded by dust in the summer and a quagmire of mud in the winter. In clement weather, the bench is occupied by a small congregation of out of work drunks, who gather there with their dogs, fags and the cheapest bottled beer in the village. In our village you can buy a bottle of beer, drink it outside and return the bottle for the deposit, which is put down on the next bottle. Of course, the beer is supplemented by surreptitious bottles of home-distilled Slivo.
Our village drunk and executive is Jay, a regular. The most regular regular. The bench has the inestimable advantage of being adjacent both to the nearest beer for Jay and, just a few metres away, the village graveyard, where his late partner lies buried. So Jay can kill two birds with one stone, or should I say, two kidneys with one beer. He can deposit an armful of half-dead flowers higgledy-piggledy on the grave and guzzle a bellyful of beer at the same time.
By some miracle, Jay gets a 4000 Koruna pension. This after a lifetimes non contribution to any known, or unknown, pension scheme. Jay had, on the death of his partner, discovered religion, but not the attributes that go with it, like sobriety, if not sobriety, and attributes to all and sundry that his undeserved pension is a blessing from God to his deserving 'returning to the fold' sheep. He has got the Bible thumping, self-justifying jargon of the borne again, to a tee. He ought to run for the American presidency: His ignorance, stupidity and incompetence, together with his cunning, should have him in with a good chance. His main handicap, is that he can speak in complete syntactically correct sentences, when not drunk. It is clear to the rest of us that his pension is the result of some monumental, post-communist, bureaucratic cock-up. Not divine intervention.
He receives his pension at the end of the month, so he is, for a few days at beginning of each month, a permanent fixture on the bench. And I mean permanent, whilst funds last. Even if it's raining, sleeting or snowing, Jay can be seen sitting on the bench. Happy as a King in his castle, his face aflame with booze, waving and shouting greetings to passersby. Inadequately dressed, with boots taped together, he wipes the beer foam together with rain, sleet or snow from his face with a dripping sleeve as he happily swigs from his latest umpteenth bottle. Even the other hardened drinkers have temporarily abandoned the bench and migrated to the more expensive, up-market, delights of the railway buffet bar. The only boozing alternative in the village, apart from domestic premises. Jay, needless to say, is not welcome in either. But, if the weather is reasonable, Jay is the life and soul of the bench congregation.
When, after two or three days, the money runs out, Jay walks twice a week to Budina, a village some ten kilometres away to cadge off the family of his late partner, who have a small holding. This small holding is devoted to the cultivation of cabbages and potatoes and to the raising of pigs and chickens. Unlike Jay, they work very hard for a modest living and fob him off with a few kilos of potatoes and cabbages, which he carries the ten kilometres back to our village. This vegetable marathon is made even more remarkable because, burdened by heavy plastic bags, he drunkenly zig-zags the ten kilometres back to our village. The centrifugal force of the swaying bags extravagantly exaggerating each zig-zag. In idle moments, I wonder how many extra kilometres these zig-zags cost him. I always know when he returns because, after cadging fire-wood from his long suffering good neighbours, he turns to me for a candle, paper, matches, salt and cooking oil. It is wise to give only one tea-light candle, two or three matches in a box, a pinch of salt and a plastic tumbler of oil. A long candle, a full box of matches, half a kilo of salt and a litre of oil would be promptly run down the three kilometre lane and exchanged, with a Gypsy, for beer. And, within the hour, he would be back on the cadge again, completely wasted and not even out of breath.
He cannot be bothered to collect free wood in the summer, which he could so easily do, as he makes three daily trips to his late partners grave. Dawn, midday and evening, including attending any church services. A total daily journey of eighteen kilometres, which must be some sort of grave visiting record. He is physically as strong as an ox, so picking up fallen timber on the three return journeys, which run through an extensive forest, could quickly accumulate into a decent winter stockpile. But, such forethought is beyond Jay and if by any mischance he did exercise forethought, he has the insufferable problem of finding someone daft enough to lend him an axe and saw.
The other day I was daft enough to do just that. Against my better judgement, I lent Jay my second best axe. A huge metre long, cumbersome, unbalanced, brute of an axe. It is a Communist era axe and is of a size suitable for King Henry VIII's public executioner, to behead his various wives. But, it is a useful size and weight for some wood chopping and I did inherit it along with the cottage. Jay had a large bough, still encrusted with snow and ice from the snow drift, from which he had plucked it. Poor quality wet firewood, but that's Jay. I did not permit him to take the axe away, I knew better than that. I showed him our woodshed, containing its own magnificent, rooted tree stump chopping block. Some previous owner had felled the huge beech tree and then built a substantial woodshed round the remaining stump. I concreted the floor at a later date. I laid the bough across the chopping block and, thinking that not even Jay could, in the circumstances, do anything untoward, returned to the cottage. I severely underestimated the man. I was barely inside, the cottage, when I heard not the thump of an axe on wood, but a series of ringing crashes followed by shouted curses. Rushing back out to the woodshed, I was dumbfounded to find the branch on the concrete floor, the sturdy axe splintered in two, the head ruined and three heavy gashes smashed into the concrete floor. The branch was unmarked and still encrusted with ice and snow.
Apparently, seeking more swinging space, Jay had laid the branch on the concrete floor and, swinging the axe wildly over his head, smashed it straight down into the concrete, entirely missing the branch. Not only that, in his wild swinging he had dislodged a number of tiles overhead, through which the piled up roof snow was now tumbling. All this expert wrecking had taken less than sixty seconds.
Staring at the shattered axe, ruined roof and damaged concrete, I, for the first time in our six-year relationship, completely lost my temper, cussing and shouting at him. But I discovered, as have all the villagers, that such invective was but water off a ducks back. Completely unabashed he asked for a saw. I shouted that I had not got a saw, because he had totally ruined my last one, just as he has now wrecked my axe. Whereupon he asked for my other axe - my best one. On my point-blank refusal he got aggressive. Shouting and slaking his ham-like fists at me. As he is as strong as an elephant and as destructive as a rogue one, I grabbed a spade and ran him off the property.
He later returned, sulkily, to retrieve his branch. He also offered, grudgingly, to repair the roof. The thought of Jay wrecking the rest of the roof or 'repairing' it with my tools, whilst simultaneously ruining them as well, made me laugh, which Jay joined in as if sharing a mutual joke. Ever quick on the uptake when cadging is at stake, he repeated his request to borrow my best axe. A second point-blank refusal brought back the sulks, and he stomped off with his branch over his shoulder.
I should have known better as Jay has personally 'lost' a wheelbarrow of mine. All I know is that it went down the lane and never returned. Last summer, Jay got through four wheelbarrows, only one of which was his own and ruined a saw, mine. Now, an axe, a shed roof and he had damaged a concrete floor, mine again.
His long suffering immediate good neighbour later reported that he had seen Jay, swinging his crude whacking ball, made of a heavy stone laced to a length of rope - his sole remaining, all-purpose, literally stone-age tool - down onto the branch pounding and pulverizing it into splinters. Its total lack of value means that Jay cannot even exchange it for beer. Jay lives in a stone-age world. All the metal in his late partner's cottage: electrical wiring, plumbing, water heater,bath, door and window fastenings have all been torn out and recycled into alcohol, followed by the pots, pans, cutlery and garden tools. Even his faithful wheelbarrow went.
But stone-age man, especially in the later stages, shaped flint into a bewildering array of beautifully crafted tools of amazing sharpness and complicity. He also indulged in stupendous stone engineering projects, such as Stone Henge, a gigantic astronomical calendar, both in purpose and size, that is still accurate to the millisecond many millennia later, to mark the passage of the equinox and hence calculate the seasons. Essential if you are implementing the greatest revolution in human history, by inventing agriculture.
Which brings us back to Jay, swinging his crude unshaped, primitive stone-age tool, down onto a branch. Jay already has to carry heavy loads, and has shunned agriculture as his piece of land, by the bench, he will not cultivate. And I am left pondering man's incorrigible tendency to regress, and as I do, Jay shrugs his shoulders and resumes his titanic task.
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