Tuesday, August 31, 2010





A few jobs about the house today but generally taking it easy, in preparation for work tomorrow.
Trip out to allotment this evening to see how the Community payback team had got on with the digging. Measuring and planning and looking at other allotments for ideas. Lottie is having a strawberry bed and Dan a wildlife pond, Karin wants six raised beds, I'd be happy with a big pumpkin patch.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Went to check out an Allotment this morning over at the Rowditch. Karin signed on the dotted line and Lottie and Dan are already making plans.








Went for a short walk in the afternoon with my sister to see the Steam Engine at Leawood pumphouse in operation, then up to Lea Gardens for tea and cake.

Watched Cloverfield on TV in the evening, not recommended.

Definitely feel some improvement today although feeling tired by the end of it.

Sunday, August 29, 2010














Afternoon spent 'gathering' at Foremark.

Rather nice Veg Shepherds Pie for tea with lots of produce from the garden.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Shopping this morning followed by a trip to walk Peggy and pick blackberries not sure if it was a good idea going in shorts and sandals ?

Also managed to catch a little of The Great Climb on BBC 2 Scotland. Will try and catch the rest on iplayer Sron Uladail is a very impressive place, my visit many years ago consisted of a run through driving rain to the crag and back while Karin sat in the car.

Home for pizza followed by plum and blackberry crumble whilst watching Serenity. Feeling a little better today, will just have to take it easy and hopefully I'll continue to improve over the next few days.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Shiatzu cancelled this morning but rearranged for a fortnights time. Programme upgraded a little on BTE but feeling tired and only managed 3.5k ? on exercise bike rather than the usual four, also lost concentration at 9 mins on the treadmill and ended up coming to an abrupt stop as I came of the end and triggered the emergency stop! Into work to find where the team has been moved to, looks as if we've not come off too bad with the office move. Looking forward in some ways to returning to work next week even if its only for a few hours.

Visit from Dave, Caroline and baby Chloe early evening, then Dave and Kerri later on.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Another easy day but with a little Wii action in the afternoon shooting zombies, doing a few balance exercises then being thrashed on Mario Kart by Dan when he returned home from School.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Easy day doing very little as not feeling brill. Morning in bed and afternoon on the sofa.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Last day of the holidays for Lottie, Dan and Karin. Suma order arrived early but as I wasn't allowed to help with the unloading I returned to bed. Easy day doing very little as not feeling brill, so this evening we headed up to Alport Heights with fish and chips from Georges. Clear sky and full moon but a little too windy for the planned sky lanterns.

Monday, August 23, 2010

A little late for Heavy Workshop this morning and take it easy, only 5 mins on the Treadmill and didn't manage to fit in all my programme. Did however book in for some Shiatsu on Friday. Back home to do a few jobs around the house and watch Hidalgo with Dan.

Sunday, August 22, 2010




Lovely sunny day in Ible. Visit from Tom and a short walk before lunch. Game of Scrabble in the afternoon. Lottie bakes a cake for Charlotte and we get to see the cake decoration we bought at Snape Maltings before a game of Happy Families and Tell Me :-)


Saturday, August 21, 2010

Quiet day in Ible mainly spent watching Firefly DVD's !



But also managed to catch Two Broad Arrows a great short film being screened on the Rapha site. Enjoy my short film!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Snape Maltings in the morning before heading north. Nice cafe and expensive retail, purchases to be revealed later.
Straight to Ible as we are looking after dogs, chickens, ducks, etc this weekend.

Thursday, August 19, 2010







Dunwich Heath/ Dunwich Beach this morning sandcastle building followed by tea and cake. Lottie was chased inside by wasps that took a fancy to her jam.


Afternoon on Southwold Pier looking and playing the Tim Hunkin machines.















Back via Saxmundham where we picked up a Chinese takeaway. Still feeling knackered but a little better today I think.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010




Seem to feel a little better this morning. Trip to the Meare at Thorpeness in the morning and much fun had rowing in and around the network of man-made Peter Pan themed islands and water ways. Picnic at the castle, before rowing back to the car and Peggy. Trip to Sizewell in the afternoon where I had a snooze in car whilst Karin, Lottie, Dan and Peggy walked on the beach near the Nuclear Power Station and had a paddle in the warm sea.
Back to Sweffling where a knock on door informed us that a Combine was working in a nearby field if we wanted a look. A very impressive bit of kit.






Back for 'the game of life' before Firefly on the big TV.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Karin's Birthday




A little overcast so decided to spend some of the day at Sutton Hoo. Although the mounds in themselves are not that impressive the site interpretation is very good.
Back to Sweffling and I was left to have a nap whilst the others went shopping in Saxmundham. Evening spent having a game of Just Dance on the Wii /large TV combination and a birthday tea on the decking.


Monday, August 16, 2010




Karin has found some accommodation still available in Suffolk and after a quick pack we are soon on our way. We arrived late afternoon to find a brand new barn conversion waiting for us, with all new mod cons including under floor heating, a wood burner, enormous flat screen TV and decking overlooking the field of hemp!





Evening spent in Aldeburg to see the controversial sculpture, catch the last day of the carnival and test out what is reputed to be one of the best Fish and Chip shops in the Country. We didn't stay for the fireworks as I was knackered but by the looks of the large gangs of teenagers roaming the beach with cans it wasn't going to be pretty ! The chips and sculpture were however fab.




Sunday, August 15, 2010


A late start for everyone in Ible, then we say our goodbyes as we have the annual Pete's picnic to attend. Dan and my brother attempt to catch a Signal Crayfish with a mini pork pie without success before the usual game of Cricket ensues. Another early night and still feeling wiped out.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Ible today as Lisa is heading back to Belarus on Monday. An afternoon nap for me is closely followed by an early night, whilst everyone else goes for a walk, watches a film then plays on the Wii :-)

Friday, August 13, 2010

Almost didn't make it to Heavy Workshop this morning and when I got there it was a short session only managed 5 mins on the treadmill and no rowing machine as feeling very tired. Back home and to bed. Up for some lunch and to see Marc who called in with kids and jam :-), then back to bed for another snooze in the afternoon. Lottie had a pyjama day whilst Dan went Kayaking. A frustrating day but hopefully I'll feel a little better tomorrow.

Thursday, August 12, 2010







Another party shot sent by Charlotte, spot Dan.

An easy day with a morning in bed and not much else for the rest of the day.
Karin and the kids went shopping and came back with a lost baby hedgehog! Hedgehog safely delivered to the Hedgehog hospital in Mickleover!

I listened to some music on Spotify and came up with my August playlist.
augustselector

The Herbaliser – Same As It Never Was
Marlena Shaw – California Soul
Colourbox – The Moon Is Blue
Detroit Grand Pubahs – Sandwiches
Aloe Blacc – I Need A Dollar
XTC – Senses Working Overtime
Youngblood Brass Band – Brooklyn
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings – I Learned the Hard Way
Broken Bells – The High Road
I Am Kloot – I Still Do
Gram Parsons – Pride Of Man
Groove Armada – At The River
Debruit – Nigeria What?
Average White Band – Put It Where You Want It
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings – 100 Days, 100 Nights
The Kissaway Trail – SDP - Radio edit
Roxy Music – Editions Of You
The National – Bloodbuzz Ohio
Surfer Blood – Swim
Funkadelic – Can You Get To That
Dinah Washington – What A Diff'rence A Day Makes
Mr. Scruff – Shanty Town
Ray Barretto – Acid
Caribou – Odessa
Los Campesinos! – Death To Los Campesinos!
The National – Conversation 16
LCD Soundsystem – I Can Change
Common – The 6th Sense
The Heavy – How You Like Me Now?
Bombay Bicycle Club – Evening / Morning
Wild Beasts – We Still Got The Taste Dancin' On Our Tongues
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons – Beggin'
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings – This Land Is Your Land
Cuban Boys – Cognoscenti vs Intelligentsia
Boston – More Than A Feeling

Watched Jaws in the evening with Lottie and Dan although I'm sure it was Karin that jumped the highest when the head rolled out of the boat, and she's seen it before.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010







Popped into the office first thing, boxes have arrived for the move up stairs but I think I just need a skip!
Dan returned with his comic that he has been producing over the last few days at Quad. hopefully I'll get an electronic copy to share soon.
Afternoon spent over in Belper a short dog walk with Hugo the labradoodle and Peggy before chips from George's then up to Alport heights for the sunset then we all settled down to wait for some shooting stars. Shooting stars courtesy of 'the most dangerous object known to man' Swift-Tuttle, check nasa for more info.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010




Nipped out this morning to have a look at proposals for a signed cycle route from Normanton Road to the Railway Station then back home to take it easy before Linda, Ellie and Isaac visited. Barbecue in the garden whilst the kids built Dens.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Heavy workshop this morning hard going as I was feeling tired. Didn't get on the treadmill but did Wii and BTE which both showed an improvement. Snooze in the afternoon, then helped Dan make a Dragon for his Comic book workshop.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Didn't feel any worse this morning thankfully, but Karin took me home to have a snooze and rest whilst they headed out to the Bentley Brook to meet up with folk from the party. Frustrating but a sensible idea as hopefully I'll recover to do some other things with the family later in the week. Booked some tickets to see Richard Hawley at the Buxton Opera House in September :-)
Richard Hawley – Open Up Your Door

Karin, Lottie and Dan returned home bringing a curry to have whilst watching Tomb Raider and Sherlock together.

Saturday, August 7, 2010





















Oscar's Bar Mitzvah this morning over in Nottingham. A shame we couldn't make the evening do in Belper but we had Charlotte's Fancy dress/masked ball to attend.



60yearsofno1

Eileen Barton – If I Knew You Were Coming I'd Have Baked A Cake
Rosemary Clooney – Come On-a My House
Al Martino – Here In My Heart
Guy Mitchell – She Wears Red Feathers
Doris Day – Secret Love
Rosemary Clooney – Mambo Italiano
Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers – Why Do Fools Fall In Love
Elvis Presley – All Shook Up
Kalin Twins – When - Single Version
Bobby Darin – Dream Lover
The Shadows – Apache
Del Shannon – Runaway
Elvis Presley – Return To Sender
Gerry & The Pacemakers – I Like It (Mono) (Main)
The Kinks – You Really Got Me
The Beach Boys – Good Vibrations
Tommy James & The Shondells – Mony Mony
Desmond Dekker & The Aces – Israelites
Jimi Hendrix Experience – Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
The Rolling Stones – (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - Mono Version
Status Quo – Down Down - Single Edit
T. Rex – Get It On
The Monkees – I'm A Believer
Chicory Tip – Son Of My Father
Abba – Waterloo
Tina Charles – I Love To Love
Sweet – Blockbuster
Donna Summer – I Feel Love - Edit
Bee Gees – Night Fever
Blondie – Heart Of Glass (7" Version)
Dexys Midnight Runners – Geno
Soft Cell – Tainted Love
The Jam – Town Called Malice
David Bowie – Let's Dance
Frankie Goes to Hollywood – Relax
Madonna – Into The Groove
Pet Shop Boys – West End Girls (7'' Mix)
M – Pump Up The Volume (7")
Yazz – The Only Way Is Up
Soul II Soul – Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)
Beats International – Dub Be Good To Me
The K.L.F. – 3 A.m. Eternal - Growling Machines Remix
The Shamen – Ebeneezer Goode
Ace of Base – All That She Wants
Whigfield – Saturday Night
Blur – Country House
Prodigy – Firestarter
The Chemical Brothers – Block Rockin' Beats
Cornershop – Brimful Of Asha - The Norman Cook Remix (Single Version)
Britney Spears – ...Baby One More Time
Spiller – Groovejet - If This Ain't Love (Radio Edit)
Kylie Minogue – Can't Get You Out Of My Head
Las Ketchup – The Ketchup Song (Aserejé) - Spanglish Version
Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z – Crazy In Love
The Shapeshifters – Lola's Theme (Radio Edit)
Tony Christie – (Is This The Way To) Amarillo - Single Version
Gnarls Barkley – Crazy
Kaiser Chiefs – Ruby
Dizzee Rascal – Dance Wiv Me
Lady Gaga – Poker Face
Lady Gaga – Telephone

Friday, August 6, 2010

Heavy workshop this morning was hard work as I was feeling tired. Then into town to meet Rachel for a coffee and chat about the latest regarding work.

Afternoon spent taking it easy before we went and collected 100 Samosa and Pakora from the Shahenshah to take up to Ible in preparation for Charlotte party tomorrow, then home for an early night.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Still feeling tired today, so take it easy with just a short afternoon walk on Allestree Park with Lottie, Dan and Peggy and a trip to the supermarket to pick up some essentials; a fluorescent tube, a toilet brush and a thorn-less blackberry!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010


Feeling wiped out today so a slow start with breakfast in bed courtesy of Lottie. Then off to Osmaston Park to deliver Karin a sandwich, and watch the ferret racing and try on armour!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Morning spent at Heavy workshop feeling tired so didn't complete my whole programme but did manage 1233m on rowing machine. A trip to the bank with Lottie and Dan, followed by some shopping this afternoon. Evening in Starkholmes sorting out the last bits of the Probate valuation. Back home to a game of Rayman Raving Rabbids on the Wii with Lottie, Dan (aka bubbles ;-) and Karin . I seemed to lose every game, but still a good laugh!

Monday, August 2, 2010


Meeting with Occupational Health this morning. Nothing really new out of the meeting as they agreed with everyone else that I shouldn't be at work at the moment but should be able to start with a phased return in September.
Picnic lunch with Karin and Peggy on Allestree Park.
Then up to Ible to collect Dan and Lottie. Arrived to see the aftermath of a water fight, good timing on my part :-)
Back home to test my Wii ebay purchase, purely for my rehab . . . honest !

Sunday, August 1, 2010


Charlotte and the kids go face painting at Starkholmes Village Hall while Ian takes me for a spin in the new sports car to Hathersage and back. Back home to check on Karin who has been working the weekend on top of not feeling well. Watched The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.