Nannie's 85th

Friday 25th February, 2011.

Emma, Alysha and I got to Watford Junction to catch the 14:01 train. The train was on time and we were on our way. A few stops later and we arrived at Queens Park where we crossed the platform and got straight onto a Bakerloo Line train headed for Paddington Station. We arrived at Paddington and had to wait for nearly 20 minutes for our third train. When it arrived we made our way to our reserved seats and relaxed. Alysha was over the moon that each seat had a TV, and after she sent a £1.50 text, she had full access to the content. So, she watched 'Outnumbered', 'The Simpson's' and various other programmes, until we arrived at Bristol Parkway. Another 15 minute wait for our fourth and final train, which would take us to Torquay. We arrived at Torquay Station at 18:45 and only had to wait a few minutes before Uncle Barry and Auntie Francesca arrived to take us to the hotel.  Barry and Francesca dropped us at the Toorak hotel and then drove off to see Nannie. So, the three of us went to reception and checked in. The receptionist issued us with a room key and gave us directions to our room. Our room was on the ground floor and was spacious and clean and it contained a double bed, two single beds, TV, kettle, safe, shower and plenty of storage. The view looked toward the sea, which you could just make out. Once Alysha had picked which of the single beds she was having and things were unpacked, we headed off to find my family. Francesca had told us that they were in the Aztec Bar, so we headed back towards reception where we were given more directions. It turns out that the hotel is actually four hotels, all linked together, so that no matter what hotel you stay in, you can use all the facilities of all the hotels. So we left followed the corridor and went into the Derwent hotel and then into the Carlton where we finally found them. My cousin Katherine was sitting at a table with her husband, as was Amanda's husband Dan and Joshua and his partner Tanya. Sean and Amanda were at the bar, so the three of us queued behind them until I was recognised. It didn't take long. Hugs and introductions were soon followed by drinks. My Auntie Maureen was also with us and she was charged with keeping us behaved and sober. She did this by drinking all the wine, as did Katherine, while Joshua and I drank some Guinness. We all stayed together until the early hours, before making our way back to our rooms. 

Saturday 26th february, 2011.

Up nice and early so that we could get breakfast. A few green faces from some family members but, apart from that, a great start to the day. Since Maureen had made an itinerary of what was happening and when, it turned out that we had most of the day to do as we wanted. So, we asked Alysha what she wanted to do, to which she said she wanted to stay at the hotel and spend some time with all the new cousins and family. We agreed and left her some money for the machines and lunch, etc., and then Emma and I disappeared off into Torquay. Directly opposite our hotel is Torre Abbey, so we walked through the gardens and I took some photos, before we continued down to the beach. We then walked along the marina wall and all around the sea wall before deciding to go into 'Living coasts'. It is kind of a Zoo that had penguins, seals, Inca terns, Fish, Rays and lots more. We must have spent a good hour-or-so going round, taking pictures before we sat down for a coffee. We then headed into Torquay itself, walking up the High Street and finally finding something to eat. We then headed back to the hotel. We found Alysha in the Kids Zone iwth Katherine and her kids and then Amanda, Dan and their kids arrived and they all had a game of ten-pin-bowling. I watched some of the rugby, before we headed to our room to get ready. Once we were ready, we made our way to the bar and awaited the arrival of Nannie. Considering her apartment overlooks the hotel complex, she had no idea that we were all here, apart from Maureen, Francesca, Barry and Diedre. Once she was seated in the Buckingham Room, Uncle Doug kept coming in to take different groups to see her. Daughters first followed by Katherine and her family, Sean and his, then Me and mine, then Amanda and hers followed by Joshua and Tanya. Then finally by Roisin and Aoife. Nannie seemed genuinely happy, but she also looked very old. We then made our way to the bar, where a professional photographer was on hand to take photographs of everyone. A group shot. One of Nannie with her children. Nannie with her grand and great grand children. Nannie with Francesca and her family. Etcetera, Etcetera. Then we had a photograph taken of the five cousins together. This was, after all, the first time all five of us had been together for nearly 28 years!!! So, the first shot was us sitting nicely, before the last shot of us all with a drink in our hands. Not entirely sure that some of the family were impressed with the last shot, but it had to be done! Then it was off to dinner. Not the best timing in the world, as John and myself wanted to watch the end of the England Rugby match. Thank God, for internet on the mobile! Dinner was a set starter followed by a selection of different main courses. Then dessert which I gave to Alysha. Katherine made a speech, in which I was singled out for a few jokes, in which she also thanked Auntie Maureen for organising the entire weekend, Nannie's friend stood up to make a speech. She obviously knows my Nan very well and I was a little upset when my Dad was mentioned, as I think Nannie misses him, too. After the coffee was served we all made our way back to the bar. Barry, Sean, John and myself went out onto the patio and each had a Cuban cigar to celebrate. The beer continued to flow, until it dawned on us that Joshua and myself had drunk the hotel out of Guinness! So, we switched to lager. The bar eventually closed, but we managed to get the night porter to reopen it a little later.

Sunday 27th February, 2011.

Another early start so that we could catch breakfast and see some more green faces. After breakfast Alysha went swimming with the other kids for an hour or so, while Emma and I sat with Amanda and Dan and caught up. Then we went to see Katherine and caught up with her, before heading back to our room to pack our things. We checked out of our room at 11:00 and left our things with reception, before heading to the bar for brunch with Nannie and her friends. After a few drinks it was time for us to leave to catch a taxi to the station. Plenty of hugs, kisses and handshakes as we said our goodbyes to Nannie and my family. Then we were off. The train to Exeter arrived on time (13:56) and we were on our way. The ticket inspector checked our tickets and when he saw that we were headed to Watford, we had a nice little chat. (Turns out he is from St. Albans!) A slight delay in our connecting train to Clapham Junction but the driver made up time, so that we arrived in time for our connecting train to Watford. We finally made it home for 20:00. All in all a great weekend with family. Hopefully it won't be too long until I see them all again!

Until next time...

May it be well with you!

Haiku: Snow

Winters evening

Cascading Heavenly vaults

White carpets abound

Painting, 6 Nations & A Proposal

Tuesday 1st February

Emma and I had booked the week off work, so that we could decorate the house. So, we up and into town early to get the paint and accessories that we needed. A quick trip to B&Q and a spot of lunch and then a taxi home. We moved all the furniture towards the centre of the room and began painting. We started with the two smaller walls, as these were going to be a 'dark teal' compared to the rest of the house, which was going to be a light 'gold' colour, similar to what was already in the house. By the end of the day, the two smaller walls were painted and one of the large walls had a coat of paint on it. I then popped out for a quick drink. On my return I went straight upstairs to Alysha's room as I needed to talk to her about something important. After our chat, we both went downstairs to where Emma was sitting on the sofa. It was then that I asked her to give me back her engagement ring. She didn't seem too happy about it, but she gave it back. I then told her that she could have it back on the condition that we had to be married by the end of March 2012. She agreed, so I gave her the ring back and she replaced it on her finger.

 

Wednesday 2nd

Up nice and early so that we could get a whole days painting done. Emma started touching up the 'dark teal' where we had missed a few bits and then started glossing. I carried on with painting the 'gold' on all the other walls, including upstairs. By the end of the day we had broken the back of it.

 

Thursday 3rd

Another earlyish start. Emma went into town for some shopping, while I went to my Uncle's house to help him put a new aerial in his loft. He then took me to B&Q to get another tin of gloss paint. (Our house has a lot of woodwork!) On my return home, Emma was busy glossing away and I carried on with the painting and touching up. By late afternoon we were almost done!

 

Friday 4th

A bit of a lie-in, before we got up and finished the painting. Everything was done with the exception of the radiators. They could wait a couple of days. So, after a spot of lunch we got all the furniture bak into its rightful places and chilled out. That evening we went to the Oddfellows to watch the opening match of the RBS 6 Nations Championship 2011, between Wales and England. Not the best of opening matches and not the start that Wales were looking for.

 

Saturday 5th

Another trip to the Oddfellows to watch Italy v Ireland and Scotland v France. Emma and I were joined by Len and Emma Jayne and Abigail from work. Emma and Abigail weren't staying for the whole afternoon as they were heading to their friend Kirsty's for a meal and drinks. Emma Jayne only stayed for the Ireland match before heading home, leaving me with an upset Len. Ireland didn't perform to their best and narrowly beat Italy. I was more shocked that I predicted the entire match to some friends before the match started. Right down to who would score and when. Spooky. Len, on the other hand, had been concentrating more on the Arsenal match. He was seriously upset when Arsenal, having been winning 4-0, drew the match. My Mum, who had been at the Emirates to watch the match, agreed with Len that the referee had obviously been bribed and should be shot at dawn! So, Len and I watched the Scotland v France match, with me still celebrating from the Irish win and Len still drowning his sorrows from the Arsenal draw.

 

All in all it was an eventful week.

 

Until my next blog...

 

May it be well with you.

January, 2011

New Year Weekend

Well, New Year came and went as normal. We didn't go out New Year's Eve, although Alysha did go to a friends, so we stayed in and watched the TV and waited until midnight to watch the fireworks, which were fairly impressive this year. Then it was off to bed. Emma was up early, as she had to work, where as I don't work weekends or bank holidays, so I stayed in bed for a bit. When I did get up I went for a wander, before returning home to watch some DVD's that I had received for Christmas. (Star Trek the Original series, all remastered). After that I just chillaxed for the remainder of the day. Sunday was spent watchin gmore episodes while Emma went to work, again. That is pretty much how I spent the whole of the New Year weekend.

 

Swany's Birthday

Swany ended up going out the night before his Birthday (11th) with some friends from work. They played pool and got drunk, before he ended up in the pond in Watford High Street... twice!! I popped round to his flat on the Wednesday (12th) to see how he was. He wasn't well at all, throwing up a couple of times while I was there. Then he asked me to take him to A+E as his foot hurt, from when he had fallen in the pond. So, I took him to A+E. A quick X-ray and it was discovered that his foot was just bruised. I then helped him back to his flat, where he proceeded to throw up, again. He wouldn't stop throwing up until four in the afternoon.

 

Five Fold Kiss

Saturday 12th January saw Five Fold Kiss perform their first Saturday night at The Horns. Steve B, Len, Emma Jayne, Swany, Pete, Adam and a few others all hit the pub at about eight-thirty, and waited for the band to start. Some more friends that I had told about Five Fold Kiss turned up, too. Helen and Russell, Valentina, Jenny and Anita. What a night! The band rocked and eveybody had a fantastic time. Ofcourse, my camera was their to capture the atmosphere of the night. After the band had finished, Len, Emma Jayne, Steve B, Swany, Pete and myself all went to Modello's for some more drinks. Then we all said our goodbyes and made our merry ways home. Steve B came back to mine as it was easier than trying to get back to Northwood.

 

Sunday 23rd January

Alysha was up early as she had a dance competition to go to. This wouold be her first of the year and she was really looking forward to it. (Alysha had only found out about it the afternoon before, when Bobby, her dance instructor, told her about it). So, off she went. Emma and I decided to just chill-out for the day, so we did. When Alysha finally arrived back, she had her arms full of trophies. It turns out that Alysha got a 3rd in couples, 3rd in Line Dance, 1st in Solos and qualified for the Nationals, in October!!! How proud am I?!

 

Sunday 30th January

Alysha was up early as she had her second dance competition of the year. As it turned out it wasn't her best performance, only getting a 4th place medal, but I am still proud of her.

 

Monday 31st January

Today would have been my Dad's 60th Birthday. It was also the first day of my week off work. We didn't get up to much, just relaxed and took it easy all day, as we had plans to decorate the house for the rest of the week.

 

Until my next blog...

 

May it be well with you.

Slovakia Today: Dog Adoption, Dubrava Style; or, The Shanghaiing of a neighbour by the village Press Gang

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 or something, please feel free to get in touch, by either leaving me a message or by e-mailing me.

Enjoy.

I have previously mentioned that after virtually every Christmas, one or two dogs are abandoned, in the snow, on the lane to our village. Their ex-owners tiring of their Christmas pets and, having no interest in the long-term responsibility of owning and training a puppy, and with their children back at school, simply drive up to our village and unceremoniously dump their dogs, like so much Christmas wrapping.

The village, again as previously mentioned, has an extravagant collection of dogs and this is an eyewitness account of how this heterogeneous pack came to be.

Last week, a little puppy was found, abandoned, freezing and starving to death - its ribs were starkly standing out - trapped deep in a roadside snowdrift. It was found by a good neighbour and was temporarily given to us to feed and warm up. We have, for unknown reasons, by far the warmest cottage in the village. It was very affectionate and desperately anxious to please, though, as we soon discovered, completely un-house trained, which, whilst speaking volumes about its original owners, kept us busy. The next day the finder, of the puppy, and some friends came round to discuss what was to be done with it. Most of the permanent residents are animal lovers. Between the half dozen of us in our cottage, that morning, I calculated that we had a grand total of five dogs (most of them abandoned outside the village). Four cats, five goats and three sheep. I have lost count of the chickens and rabbits, which count for eggs, meat and cash, therefore not counted as pets. The former all answer to individual names and are fed by hand. Oh, I forgot, there are a few million bees, who clearly 'know' their keeper. After much drink-fuelled discussion, (having the puppy put-down or put into a dog's home was simply not discussed, as this was unthinkable). Thank God a dog-less family in the parent village was fixed upon. The mother had intimated, in passing, to someone that they would like a dog for their two young daughters. That was it! We all set off, with the puppy, collecting on the way a growing throng of villagers, until virtually all the permanent, and semi-permanent, winter inhabitants (and their visitors) were in the Press Gang, some dozen or so. There was a metre of snow on either side of the lane, but the snowplough had recently visited and the lane was negotiable by two-wheel drives with chains and a bag of ash or by four-wheel drives. But it was a glorious, sunny midday, so we opted to make a festive walk of it, especially as many of us already had a number of drinks. Snacks, copious quantities of Pivo and home-distilled 'Slivo' were packed into rucksacks, and off we set. We walked three kilometre down to the family’s house. One of those four-storey houses - counting the capacious basement with its double garage that was self-built under the Communist regime - There was a huge pile of wood in the garden, as the modest means of the couple does not permit them to heat the large house by gas as was the case previously. (Current gas prices being way beyond them.)

We knocked and were welcomed in. The shanghaiing of the family, principally the father, by the Press Gang immediately commenced. It was an amazingly smooth, well rehearsed, sophisticated, psychological, psycho-social and totally ruthless operation. The head of the household, at least the nominal manifestation of it, was known to be partial to a drop or three of quality home distilled 60%-plus 'Slivo'. So a carefully selected bottle of the same was opened as was a packet of his favourite, pungent brand of hand-rolling tobacco, purchased at the village store adjacent to his house, where it was known to be kept especially for him. The unsuspecting victim was delighted by the 'Slivo' and the baccy, as well he might be. After all, this was just a party of friends and acquaintances, passing by. Slovak village hospitality is famous, or should I say, infamous.

After a few rounds of 'Slivo', his glass was always kept topped-up with the special 'Slivo', washed down with strong lager, the subject of the dog was introduced. It was gently, but firmly, eased into the general chit-chat about the snow, the local snowplough and its drunken driver, who considers himself a combination of Sterling Moss and Michael Schumacher rolled into one, when at the wheel of his racing snowplough, which he drives with prodigious, not to say reckless speed, enveloped in a self-generated small snow blizzard. A spectacular sight, both to behold thundering and flying along and carefully avoid. Yes, he sympathized with the Press Gang; it was indeed a criminally hard hearted thing to do to a puppy, as hard as Stalin, I added, knowing that his grandfather had vanished in the Communist takeover purges after the war. - My personal verbal contribution to the conspiracy. Fatally, he with much encouragement, stroked the puppy, which enthusiastically responded, at that very same instant, as if on cue, his two young daughters burst into the room, demanding to see 'their' new pet. The penny dropped. The bewildered man visibly, inwardly began gnashing his teeth, cursing his gullibility and feeling immediately less well pleased towards his unexpected guests, that he had welcomed with open arms. He had thought his daughters were safely out building a giant communal snowman. However, one of the Press Gang, on a 'lager replenishment trip', had slipped them the word that their Dad was adopting a puppy for them... NOW!

The father did not stand a dogs chance of refusing. The poor sap. How could he publicly disappoint his children? The reader can guess the rest: More 'Slivo' and lager followed, together with suggestions as how useful a guard dog would be. Though no one knew if the puppy would mature into a child-biting and intruder-licking dog. Exercise and companionship were mentioned, as was teaching the children responsibility. My partner and I played another small part in this shanghaiing by discreetly not mentioning that the puppy was totally un-house-trained.

At this point the mother, recognizing that discretion was the better part of valour, and as a woman being the head, as opposed to the nominal head, of the household, intervened saying, they did not have any dog food and that they would discuss the matter and let us know. Where upon the Press Gang triumphantly produced a five-kilo bag of dry dog food, three large tins of dog food and, to cap it all, a meaty bone. Most of them had much loved dogs, usually press-ganged upon them, hence the dog food and the zealous expertise in doing the return honour.

The thinking about the proposal was over. The inevitable accepted. The children marched out with their new dog, complete with collar and lead, also thoughtfully provided, to show their friends their new pet. We all celebrated the deal drinking to the happy family, including the chief victim, the happy Press Gang and last but not least a happy dog in a good home.

Deep down I know that after this, I am a marked man. Dog-less, an oddity in the village, resident for much of the year, so arguments about a small Bratislava flat and a seaside Croatian cottage will not wash. Therefore, sooner or later, the village Press Gang, with a strange dog in tow, will descend on me armed, not with cudgels, but with their knockout liquid equivalents. As I am known to be partial to wine and the odd cigar; a bottle of vintage wine and a fine Cuban cigar will be proffered along with home distilled 'fire-water', if past precedent is any guide.

Short of jumping out of a back window and heading for the the forests and hills, which once sheltered the anti-Nazi partisans, which is difficult in our case as we have no rear window to jump out of and there is, at this time of year, a metre-or-two of snow, the most likely time, making flight even more difficult.

So I know that the Press Gang will depart dog-less and our cat, much to its temporary disgust, will have a new companion, which hopefully will be house-trained.

I will keep you informed

A resigned to the inevitable

John

Christmas, 2010

Saturday, 25th December, 2010. Christmas!

 

I love Christmas! I count down to it every year from Boxing Day, much to the annoyance of some of my friends and family. This year was no different than any of the others. I was up and about just after 7 to feed the cats and fish. Then Alysha was up and so was Emma, once she had a coffee. Emma and I sat on the sofa while Alysha gave out the presents, which we then opened, throwing the discarded wrapping onto the floor. Suffice to say that it looked like a tornado had hit our living room afterwards. Just as we had finished opening them, we had a visit from Swany. More presents exchanged. He was over the moon with his presesnt, which we had had in the house for about 6 months! (Nothing like starting early!) After Swany left (nearly stacking it on the slippery path outside)we got ourselves together, at about 11, and headed over to my Nan's house to see the rest of the family. More presents exchanged, before we left for home and dinner. This year we had lamb with brussels, potatoes, carrots, broccoli and gravy. Last year we had steak. The year before we had a grill-up and the year before that was home-made pizzas. (We have something different every year, but we don't do turkey!) After dinner we sat and watched a bit of TV and then Alysha headed back to my Nan's. The rest of the day was quiet with Emma and I just chillaxin'.

 

Sunday, 26th December, 2010. Boxing Day!

 

I love Boxing Day as much as Christmas Day, if not more! Our Boxing Day consists of an 'Open House' party. Every year we invite friends over for food, drink, music and fun. Saves us having to go anywhere and also our friends help demolish all the food that is left. This year was no different. My friend Dave popped over in the morning and he loved his present. (An 'Il Duce' T-Shirt from the Boondock Saints! For anyone who hasn't yet seen these amazing movies, SEE THEM ASAP!!!) Then Swany arrived followed by Alysha, who had stayed at Nannie's Christmas night. Tracy and her kids, Madison, Sienna and Cheyanne then arrived follwed by Adam and Lauren and baby Kane. Len and Emma then arrived followed by Alysha's friend, Sam. Then my friend Colin arrived for an hour-or-so. What ensued was fun. Lots of laughing and joking while watching You Tube videos or listening to music. All this time drinks flowed and food was eaten. Tracy and the kids were the first to leave, as the kids were getting tired. Then we started on some drinking games. Shots of Chocolate and Chili Liqueur, Lemoncello, Teacher's, Bailey's, Toffoc, Etc.. Swany left soon after this as he had to work the next day. Lauren then took baby Kane home leaving Adam to stay at ours. Len and Emma were staying, too as was Sam. Luckily we had a spare room for Adam to stay in while Len and Emma had the sofa which converts into a double bed. Somehow, (it might have been the alcohol) Emma missed the bed, landing on the floor, knocking the coffee table flying. I managed to get a couple of photos before we helped her up. Luckily no damage was done to the coffee table or the floor. And, in case you were wondering, Emma didn't do herself any damage, either. Then it was off to the Land of Nod. Emma and I didn't surface until 12:30, (although, Emma had been up earlier to let Gerry out at stupid O'clock). That was when we heard movement from Len and Emma downstairs. That is not a pretty sight first thing in the morning and I am glad I don't have to wake up next to it everyday, and Emma didn't look too good either! (Only joking you two!) As it turns out, Adam had walked to Rickmansworth earlier in the morning and got a Taxi back to Amersham, so the house wasn't as full as it could have been. Alysha and Sam were just waking up as Emma and I headed into Watford for a little bit of shopping. We got back home minutes before Steve B arrived. Steve B had been away with friends for Christmas, so had missed our Boxing Day party. The rest of Monday was spent watching TV with more food and drink. We always buy four bottles of Snowballs every year, just for Steve B. 

 

Tuesday, 28th December, 2010. Grandad's 85th Birthday!

 

Up slightly earlier than the previous day, so that we could go to Grandad's to give him his Birthday presents. Not long after we got there, Alysha's friend Sam turned up and they headed off to Brent Cross to do some shopping. Then my Mum arrived and Emma and I headed home. Steve B was up and Emma said that she was going into Town, so Steve B and I walked into Watford with her. After a quick look around some shops, Steve B and I disappeared off to Mangan's for a drink with friends. Some time later, Emma met up with us and we headed to the Oddfellows to see more friends, before heading home. More food was eaten and drink drunk. Then, it was off to bed as Steve and I had to go to work the next morning.

 

A great Christmas was had by me and I think everyone else enjoyed it, too.

 

Merry Christams and Happy New Year, Everyone.

 

May it be well with you.

Massimo's Birthday

Sunday 31st October, 2010. Halloween (Samhain).

 

After the Saturday night, I expected a lie-in. That never really happened as I was awake early, as usual. Once I was up I went downstairs and made a coffee and waited for Steve B to get up. Emma was still in bed. When Steve B did finally surface, he didn't look too clever, so we sat and watched 'Arthur 2: On the Rocks'. Brilliant movie that we had not seen in a long time. Then Emma got up and Steve B collected his things and got ready to go. He was meant to be meeting up with some friends but all he met was his duvet, when he got home. After a spot of late lunch, Emma and I got ourselves ready to go to Zinco in Watford for Massimo's Birthday. We arrived at the restaurant at 6, where we were met by Kirsty who Emma helped put up Birthday banners and balloons. Once everyone had arrived we all ordered our meals and started to celebrate. 12 adults and 2 kids. I had the Calzone Misto Carne (Folded pizza filled with meatballs, home-made slow cooked meat sauce, chicken, mushrooms, sun blushed tomatoes, mozzarella & tomato). It was delicious but it was not the best that I have had. (If you want the best, go to Maurizio's in Rickmansworth). Once we had all eaten and finished our drinks, we settled the bill and Massimo had said 'goodbye' to some of his family and friends, we all headed over the road to 'O'Neill's'. Being a Sunday it was very quiet, so we only had the one drink before we headed down the High Street to 'Que Pasa'. Again it was quiet, but we made the most of it by having some Jager Bombs! I am not sure what was scarier, as it was Halloween I was expecting to see people in fancy dress, but I wasn't prepared for 'O'Neill's' and 'Que Pasa' to both have their Christmas Trees up. After a couple of drinks we all headed to 'Revolutions', where it was slightly busier. Best part was that all cocktails were half price! Fantastic! We stayed here until closing and Emma and I finally got a taxi home, just after midnight.

 

All in all, another great weekend.