Shirl, my sister, came over on Friday night. She was very welcome but she didn't give me my LiveStrong yellow bracelet, which she has apparently lost! I hope she finds it and posts it to me as she keeps promising to do.
Shirl had come over to go and see the musical Blitz with us. As children, the soundtrack to Blitz was one of about 4 LPs that the family owned, and we played it over and over again until we'd learnt all the words. Later, Shirl acquired the CD but gave it to Mum and probably Dad has sold it! In case you don't know, the story is about a Jewish family and a Cockney family, who are big rivals in the Petticoat Lane market, and how the Blitz and young love bring them together, kind of a reworking of Romeo and Juliet.
The company performing the musical was Farnham Amateur Operatic Society. I expected it to be not all that polished, but in fact everyone was very well rehearsed, it was just as good as some of the professional musicals I've seen in Cardiff, and only £12 for the best seats. The ushers were dressed as ARP Wardens (Grandad was one, apparently). The ladies playing Mrs Blitzstein and Carol in particular were excellent singers and actors. The costumes and sets looked fantastic, and they had an orchestra as well (a violin out of tune!!). Shirl and I sang along happily, but Shirl said the lady sat next to her moved away! Some people hate you to have fun!!
Really enjoyed the evening. We went to the Lamb afterwards for some Shepherd Neame beer to lubricate our strained vocal chords, and found a band in there as well. Some Pink Floyd/Radiohead/Soft Cell type things for Bill to sing along to, and Shirl and I had a little dance to Tainted Love.
Shirl went on to London next morning to visit a friend, Bill went to see Weymouth v Basingstoke
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Train Wars - over?
My morning journey has been a lot less stressful recently - I haven't been tricked, sneered at or laughed-at-in-face since Clive helped me with my bike (see Train Nightmares posting). In fact he and his main buddies have been looking rather shamefaced. I have been spied on but then I mentioned loudly that I was fed up with it and the spying too ceased.
What I think happened is this. Shortly after Clive squeezed himself onto the train at North Camp the announcement comes that the train had been delayed due to a suicide at Salfords. I smiled at this, thinking it would be a cool way to pay back a trainload of arseholes who had made your life a misery. Clive sees me smile and thinks I'm thinking about topping myself (I wouldn't, don't worry!)
Anyhow Clive, though I annoy him, wouldn't want to dance on my grave. So he is disposed to feel some compassion and help me politely with the bike. And that's why he asks me if I'm all right.
Then he puts me on suicide watch, which is what all the spying was about. Somebody else, not Clive, bitches about me to Solitaire but Clive sticks up for me, and Solitaire tries to be friendly again (too late I fear).
I think it's reasonable if I wouldn't ever trust Clive again, or any of his mates. But the atmosphere of a morning is a lot better.
What I think happened is this. Shortly after Clive squeezed himself onto the train at North Camp the announcement comes that the train had been delayed due to a suicide at Salfords. I smiled at this, thinking it would be a cool way to pay back a trainload of arseholes who had made your life a misery. Clive sees me smile and thinks I'm thinking about topping myself (I wouldn't, don't worry!)
Anyhow Clive, though I annoy him, wouldn't want to dance on my grave. So he is disposed to feel some compassion and help me politely with the bike. And that's why he asks me if I'm all right.
Then he puts me on suicide watch, which is what all the spying was about. Somebody else, not Clive, bitches about me to Solitaire but Clive sticks up for me, and Solitaire tries to be friendly again (too late I fear).
I think it's reasonable if I wouldn't ever trust Clive again, or any of his mates. But the atmosphere of a morning is a lot better.
Come with a full bladder
...what the consultant put on my note for my ultrasound today!
Val, Bob, Bill and I had a very enjoyable pub crawl yesterday but I expect you can read about it on their blogspots, save me typing it all!
Today I decided to cycle over to Frimley Park hospital but arrived in Frimley a bit early. I popped into the McDonalds Drive Thru (cycle thru?) and bought a Chicken Sandwich meal, did some people watching (mums and toddlers comingling with truckers and businessmen having working lunches).
After the Diet Coke my bladder didn't feel that full, but there was a bit of a wait in the ultrasound room, despite the waiting room containing only 2 teenage girls. I drank the litre of water I'd brought with me, nervously wondering how long it was going to take, trying to time it so that my bladder was inflated but not bursting!
Eventually, half an hour late, I had an untrasound on my tummy. The screen was to my right and difficult to see, so not as exciting as a pregnancy scan. The next step was a pee and then another scan, but the doctor could find nothing wrong with my bladder. Then the ultrasound of my women's bits! The probe looked like something out of an Ann Summers shop, about 12 inches long, and she put a bit of blue cream on the top :-O It was rather uncomfortable but again she didn't find anything, only 2 small fibroids which she said were normal and not problem-causing.
After the scans I had an appointment with the consultant to discuss the findings so far. Tissue samples OK, so not cancer - phew!! Hormone levels OK, but one of the blood tests has to be repeated, so more time off work needed, which is a nuisance. We also pencilled in a time for the laparoscopy, at the end of February. That will be at Woking Nuffield, further from me another nuisance. I hope they bloody well find out what's wrong with me, that's all! ;-)
Val, Bob, Bill and I had a very enjoyable pub crawl yesterday but I expect you can read about it on their blogspots, save me typing it all!
Today I decided to cycle over to Frimley Park hospital but arrived in Frimley a bit early. I popped into the McDonalds Drive Thru (cycle thru?) and bought a Chicken Sandwich meal, did some people watching (mums and toddlers comingling with truckers and businessmen having working lunches).
After the Diet Coke my bladder didn't feel that full, but there was a bit of a wait in the ultrasound room, despite the waiting room containing only 2 teenage girls. I drank the litre of water I'd brought with me, nervously wondering how long it was going to take, trying to time it so that my bladder was inflated but not bursting!
Eventually, half an hour late, I had an untrasound on my tummy. The screen was to my right and difficult to see, so not as exciting as a pregnancy scan. The next step was a pee and then another scan, but the doctor could find nothing wrong with my bladder. Then the ultrasound of my women's bits! The probe looked like something out of an Ann Summers shop, about 12 inches long, and she put a bit of blue cream on the top :-O It was rather uncomfortable but again she didn't find anything, only 2 small fibroids which she said were normal and not problem-causing.
After the scans I had an appointment with the consultant to discuss the findings so far. Tissue samples OK, so not cancer - phew!! Hormone levels OK, but one of the blood tests has to be repeated, so more time off work needed, which is a nuisance. We also pencilled in a time for the laparoscopy, at the end of February. That will be at Woking Nuffield, further from me another nuisance. I hope they bloody well find out what's wrong with me, that's all! ;-)
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Burns Night
Bill has gone to the pub with Johnny P, leaving me to celebrate Burns Night with my 'Trainspotting' CD and some of his Laproaig;-)
It is good to be able to get on OUR computer again, after Bill hogged it all evening yesterday, pausing only to eat. Admittedly I did kick the connection out a few times on the way to the kitchen, but then he should 1) nail the cable down and 2) save his work more often.
I have missed mentioning the folking.com 'party' at Farnham Maltings a few days ago - Steve Winchester started proceedings; it was gentle acoustic guitar music, not party music, but I enjoyed it and was quite tempted with a CD. Martha Tilston (Steve's daughter) was also pretty good, another acoustic guitar merchant - liked her 'Tribal Dancing' song.
There followed a jamming session at which I spotted Tim Cotterell from Legacy - I'm quite friendly with Mal Simms, their bodrhan player/singer, who teaches me bodrhan once a year at Fareham and Gosport Folk Festival.
However, the dance band on at the end of the evening, 'Ted Can't Hear You' left a lot to be desired! The lead singer/guitarist was pretty good, and the mandolin produced a lively Levellers-like style, but the mandolinist could not sing (he was somehow required to sing all the Irish songs). The bassist seemed to be just twanging one string, the drummer stole the show and he was one of the folking.com guys drafted in at the last minute. Next time guys, book 'Drunk in Public'! :-D
It is good to be able to get on OUR computer again, after Bill hogged it all evening yesterday, pausing only to eat. Admittedly I did kick the connection out a few times on the way to the kitchen, but then he should 1) nail the cable down and 2) save his work more often.
I have missed mentioning the folking.com 'party' at Farnham Maltings a few days ago - Steve Winchester started proceedings; it was gentle acoustic guitar music, not party music, but I enjoyed it and was quite tempted with a CD. Martha Tilston (Steve's daughter) was also pretty good, another acoustic guitar merchant - liked her 'Tribal Dancing' song.
There followed a jamming session at which I spotted Tim Cotterell from Legacy - I'm quite friendly with Mal Simms, their bodrhan player/singer, who teaches me bodrhan once a year at Fareham and Gosport Folk Festival.
However, the dance band on at the end of the evening, 'Ted Can't Hear You' left a lot to be desired! The lead singer/guitarist was pretty good, and the mandolin produced a lively Levellers-like style, but the mandolinist could not sing (he was somehow required to sing all the Irish songs). The bassist seemed to be just twanging one string, the drummer stole the show and he was one of the folking.com guys drafted in at the last minute. Next time guys, book 'Drunk in Public'! :-D
Monday, January 24, 2005
Steve Tilston and Brooks Williams, Bedales School
Val and Bill were also there, so just a very small review...computer is up and running but haven't had the chance to get on it at home...
Bedales School is a very good venue if a little hard to find (it's near Petersfield somewhere). One of the teachers is into folk music and real ale, so there's always good stuff on of both kinds! The Ballards Trotton bitter, straight from the cask, was in excellent form and so was Steve Tilston, even if he did have trouble remembering the lyrics at times! I really like his style of music, and the stories behind the songs are interesting too. We bought his latest album and the songs could easily be hits, so catchy.
Brooks Williams was the more polished of the two, and a very skilful guitarist, but I didn't enjoy his music so much. I would have liked to hear a bit more about where he came from (Georgia, USA) and how he came to be touring with Steve etc etc. Still, the two worked well together, concert was great.
Bedales School is a very good venue if a little hard to find (it's near Petersfield somewhere). One of the teachers is into folk music and real ale, so there's always good stuff on of both kinds! The Ballards Trotton bitter, straight from the cask, was in excellent form and so was Steve Tilston, even if he did have trouble remembering the lyrics at times! I really like his style of music, and the stories behind the songs are interesting too. We bought his latest album and the songs could easily be hits, so catchy.
Brooks Williams was the more polished of the two, and a very skilful guitarist, but I didn't enjoy his music so much. I would have liked to hear a bit more about where he came from (Georgia, USA) and how he came to be touring with Steve etc etc. Still, the two worked well together, concert was great.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Know your Enemy
Yesterday there was more evidence of bad-mouthing against me on the train, as Solitaire, who is usually chats a little to me, didn't return my 'hi' and wouldn't even meet my eye when I tried to raise a smile. I noticed Mr Beige Jumper, a crony of Clive's, smirking and watching my reaction. Bastard! What have he/they been saying about me? Anyhow once more I plucked up the courage to confront Clive this morning (Beige Jumper wasn't there) in case I'd upset him again - it seemed like a good idea as he's been slightly less confrontational recently.
I followed Clive (remember it's not his real name) off of the train, but he's very fast on his feet and on getting to the bike sheds I feared I'd lost him. Seeing a little pale balding man stooped over a bike, I said 'Clive, can I talk to you' and he answered 'Yes, what is it' without looking up. So I started to say very sorry if you feel I've treated you badly in the past blah-de-blah but can we please stop this war and get back to some semblance of normality and grownupness. I hadn't got very far with this carefully thought out speech when Clive said 'Are you sure you mean me?' It was another Clive the Cyclist! There are two of them!! This one could have been enemy Clive's twin except that he had blue eyes, spooky. It was like Gollum and Smeagol, honestly!
Anyhow Other Clive the Cyclist was very nice about it and said 'don't worry, be happy' probably good advice, and what any decent man would say about things that have happened well in the past. He probably thought I was totally nuts though, how embarrassing. O well, try again some other time...
I followed Clive (remember it's not his real name) off of the train, but he's very fast on his feet and on getting to the bike sheds I feared I'd lost him. Seeing a little pale balding man stooped over a bike, I said 'Clive, can I talk to you' and he answered 'Yes, what is it' without looking up. So I started to say very sorry if you feel I've treated you badly in the past blah-de-blah but can we please stop this war and get back to some semblance of normality and grownupness. I hadn't got very far with this carefully thought out speech when Clive said 'Are you sure you mean me?' It was another Clive the Cyclist! There are two of them!! This one could have been enemy Clive's twin except that he had blue eyes, spooky. It was like Gollum and Smeagol, honestly!
Anyhow Other Clive the Cyclist was very nice about it and said 'don't worry, be happy' probably good advice, and what any decent man would say about things that have happened well in the past. He probably thought I was totally nuts though, how embarrassing. O well, try again some other time...
Monday, January 17, 2005
A Boozy Weekend
Didn't we have a luvverly time on Saturday. Ian organised a superb minibus crawl of (mainly) country pubs in north Hampshire, with an itinerary given to all of us, to make sure nobody lingered over their beer and made us late for the next pub! Other Val has written a list of all the pubs on Eric the Cat's Blogspot.
My favourite of the day was definitely the Hawkley Inn, Hawkley. A characterful, community pub with excellent beer and good pub grub, I'd reccommend it to all real ale freaks out there.
By Alton I'd had enough lunchtime drinking so decided to catch the train home (I had to walk back all the way from Ash Vale due to missing the stopping service from North Camp). But Ian kindly picked me up after the crawl to take Bill, Val and I to a jazz session at the Bee in Windlesham, before heading home for a well earned rest.
The band was led by Jackie Linton, and they played a variety of blues, jazz, boogie and rock n' roll numbers. They were very good musicians, also very loud! We had more beer and had a good dance, especially when they played a Status Quo medley at the end. Air guitars all round!! Matt joined us later to pick up the wreckage and deposit us back home - thanks Matt.
Lazy day on Sunday, didn't get up till gone 12. Took the computer over to Simon and Jane's house and also met Helen, who was looking very chic in a black velvet dress and black tights. We took Simon to the Sandrock and bought him a couple of beers which I thought only fair, as we are missing our computer terribly and it is good of him to volunteer to fix it for us. Jane stayed to entertain Helen, as she doesn't drink.
Had difficulty getting out of bed this morning - it was so cold! But there's lots of work to be done...
My favourite of the day was definitely the Hawkley Inn, Hawkley. A characterful, community pub with excellent beer and good pub grub, I'd reccommend it to all real ale freaks out there.
By Alton I'd had enough lunchtime drinking so decided to catch the train home (I had to walk back all the way from Ash Vale due to missing the stopping service from North Camp). But Ian kindly picked me up after the crawl to take Bill, Val and I to a jazz session at the Bee in Windlesham, before heading home for a well earned rest.
The band was led by Jackie Linton, and they played a variety of blues, jazz, boogie and rock n' roll numbers. They were very good musicians, also very loud! We had more beer and had a good dance, especially when they played a Status Quo medley at the end. Air guitars all round!! Matt joined us later to pick up the wreckage and deposit us back home - thanks Matt.
Lazy day on Sunday, didn't get up till gone 12. Took the computer over to Simon and Jane's house and also met Helen, who was looking very chic in a black velvet dress and black tights. We took Simon to the Sandrock and bought him a couple of beers which I thought only fair, as we are missing our computer terribly and it is good of him to volunteer to fix it for us. Jane stayed to entertain Helen, as she doesn't drink.
Had difficulty getting out of bed this morning - it was so cold! But there's lots of work to be done...
Friday, January 14, 2005
Computer problems
I'm having to use the computer at work to write my blog, as our home computer is not working. Bill was in the middle of emailing someone and it switched itself off and started beeping loudly, and did the same every time we tried to boot up. Apparently this indicates a problem with the hard drive. I hope it's not a virus, or we've lost all our digital photos including the wonderful ones of our holiday in Iceland.
I've had a few mild warnings for my posting about the lab audit, so I've edited it a bit. I think I'll go back to my original idea of just writing about my social life, that way I won't risk getting the sack. But anyone who writes a blog, or indeed anything always risks upsetting someone! At least you can edit blog posts.
Also Hello seems to be blocked from work computer - it's sexually explicit, apparently!! I knew I shouldn't have posted that picture of my pussy!
I've had a few mild warnings for my posting about the lab audit, so I've edited it a bit. I think I'll go back to my original idea of just writing about my social life, that way I won't risk getting the sack. But anyone who writes a blog, or indeed anything always risks upsetting someone! At least you can edit blog posts.
Also Hello seems to be blocked from work computer - it's sexually explicit, apparently!! I knew I shouldn't have posted that picture of my pussy!
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Lab Audit Day 1
In the morning, another attack from Clive. I had dozed off somewhere past Gomshall, and woke with a start at Reigate. 'She was asleep, look' came a whisper from behind. I scowled and looked behind but everyone was acting innocent. Clive, if it was him, had pissed off. This was coupled with an incident yesterday night when one man said 'She was just reading a book' to another of Clive's cronies as they were getting off the train at Guildford. Part of me thinks, you sad bastards. Another part thinks WHY ARE THEY SPYING ON ME? Why can't they just leave me alone? Any advice welcome.
Gerry the Auditor arrived amidst many heartily obsequious welcomes today, the lab being unusually clean and tidy, we all in clean labcoats, etc etc. He arrived in the morning to chat to Peter about pesticide analysis, who already had his hands full with urgent ochratoxins. I was getting on with ATNC, which decided not to work just because the auditor was there, but of course I was listening to how Pete was getting on. Gerry asked to see the standards and I caught the look of panic on Pete's face - they had all expired over 6 months ago!! This, of course, is my fault as much as Pete's as we both do the analysis.
Pete tried to blag his way out of it by saying it was the preparation date not the expiry date, to which Gerry replied 'He's good, isn't he?' knowing the X by the date meant expiry. I resisted the temptation to smile, knowing poor Pete was probably kicking himself.
Gerry is a little bloke in his late 40s with a strong Essex accent, and bears a resemblance to Columbo both physically and in auditing style. You think you've got away with it till Gerry says 'Just one more thing'! But he's not nasty to people, you get the impression he's just doing his job.
Gerry the Auditor arrived amidst many heartily obsequious welcomes today, the lab being unusually clean and tidy, we all in clean labcoats, etc etc. He arrived in the morning to chat to Peter about pesticide analysis, who already had his hands full with urgent ochratoxins. I was getting on with ATNC, which decided not to work just because the auditor was there, but of course I was listening to how Pete was getting on. Gerry asked to see the standards and I caught the look of panic on Pete's face - they had all expired over 6 months ago!! This, of course, is my fault as much as Pete's as we both do the analysis.
Pete tried to blag his way out of it by saying it was the preparation date not the expiry date, to which Gerry replied 'He's good, isn't he?' knowing the X by the date meant expiry. I resisted the temptation to smile, knowing poor Pete was probably kicking himself.
Gerry is a little bloke in his late 40s with a strong Essex accent, and bears a resemblance to Columbo both physically and in auditing style. You think you've got away with it till Gerry says 'Just one more thing'! But he's not nasty to people, you get the impression he's just doing his job.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Budgies Reunited
Today is the day before the dreaded UKAS audit, so my first instinct this morning was to go round calibrating things, tidying, cleaning and hiding stuff. However, Ian asked me to analyse some NDMA malts instead, a batch which he had prepared earlier, and that took all day. There was time between GC injections to do some washing up, but calibrations have to be done upstairs because that's where the accurate balance is. So, we'll just have to not use all the uncalibrated stuff.
Joan and Pete hid the malt samples which have been cluttering the place up, and Maria, star woman, cleaned the benches even though she's only a guest in the lab, not a full time occupant.
At lunch I met an old friend from Cardiff CAMRA and my Sealed Knot Regiment (Gerards, aka the Budgies), who grandly appeared on the Weekly Arrangements as Dr Katharine Gammon. Kathy applied for a 6 month contract job, not actually working for us but for one of our customers but using our facilities. I tipped her the wink for the job, and she passed the interviews, she just has to decide whether she wants the job. She seemed quite positive after meeting Caroline. It would be cool to have an old friend working at the same site and to socialise with her again.
Steve left a bottle of Bordeaux on the Round Table in the canteen, I couldn't believe it when no-one else took it! Well I couldn't leave it there all lonely, and it is now amongst many of its kin in the Booze Cupboard.
Thought I would have to work late to get the malts done but lovely Ian volunteered to finish them for me.
Invited Simon and Jane out to the pub - but Simon's given up midweek drinking!! I just might have to beat Bill at Scrabble again instead! (Later edit - I lost :-[ )
Joan and Pete hid the malt samples which have been cluttering the place up, and Maria, star woman, cleaned the benches even though she's only a guest in the lab, not a full time occupant.
At lunch I met an old friend from Cardiff CAMRA and my Sealed Knot Regiment (Gerards, aka the Budgies), who grandly appeared on the Weekly Arrangements as Dr Katharine Gammon. Kathy applied for a 6 month contract job, not actually working for us but for one of our customers but using our facilities. I tipped her the wink for the job, and she passed the interviews, she just has to decide whether she wants the job. She seemed quite positive after meeting Caroline. It would be cool to have an old friend working at the same site and to socialise with her again.
Steve left a bottle of Bordeaux on the Round Table in the canteen, I couldn't believe it when no-one else took it! Well I couldn't leave it there all lonely, and it is now amongst many of its kin in the Booze Cupboard.
Thought I would have to work late to get the malts done but lovely Ian volunteered to finish them for me.
Invited Simon and Jane out to the pub - but Simon's given up midweek drinking!! I just might have to beat Bill at Scrabble again instead! (Later edit - I lost :-[ )
Monday, January 10, 2005
Tom Robinson's Castaway Concert, 9/1/05
There will be photos at Valerie's Gallery - as soon as I get round to posting them there!
Other Val kindly drove us all the way to London, with Bill in the front navigating, offering advice on where to park, how to drive etc. Luckily she didn't seem to mind, I would have done but then I'm not such a sweetie!
Bill had picked the Landor in Clapham North as the pub in which we were to have Sunday lunch, but when we got there at 12pm there was a snag - they didn't start serving food till 1.15pm, too late for us. So we wandered back towards the tube station, eventually finding a little pizza place. The pizzas were fine, and we headed off to Clapham Town Hall suitably fired up.
We were kept waiting in the hallway whilst Tom and his friends did soundchecks, not the usual practice but they were filming the concert for a DVD, so I guesseverything had to be spot on. Tom kicked off proceedings, singing old favourites like '2-4-6-8', 'Atmospherics' and 'Martin'. His voice sounded OK with the slower songs but the more punky ones like 'Don't Jump' sounded very croaky. But for punk it doesn't matter so much. Adam's guitar playing was truly fantastic, I noticed there was a camera pointed almost permanently at his hands!
Next up was Lee Griffiths. He seemed a bit moody, perhaps he'd had a row with his girlfriend as he also played a few 'why are you treating me so badly' type songs. But I like Lee, I enjoyed his act very much.
After Lee came silver fox TV Smith, bouncy and smiley yet playing serious angry songs. He played his Christmas Single, lyrics included 'Christmas bloody Christmas, you know I hate this time of year' - yes I can relate to that!!
Then after the break Tom again, Roddy Frame with just an acoustic guitar (very good), some rapper called Q Boy (or was it Cue Ball?) who I was deeply unimpressed with, Adam on his own with some of his own songs which were awl right, then big band finale at the end.
And all the proceeds went to the Tsunami disaster fund well done lads!
Other Val kindly drove us all the way to London, with Bill in the front navigating, offering advice on where to park, how to drive etc. Luckily she didn't seem to mind, I would have done but then I'm not such a sweetie!
Bill had picked the Landor in Clapham North as the pub in which we were to have Sunday lunch, but when we got there at 12pm there was a snag - they didn't start serving food till 1.15pm, too late for us. So we wandered back towards the tube station, eventually finding a little pizza place. The pizzas were fine, and we headed off to Clapham Town Hall suitably fired up.
We were kept waiting in the hallway whilst Tom and his friends did soundchecks, not the usual practice but they were filming the concert for a DVD, so I guesseverything had to be spot on. Tom kicked off proceedings, singing old favourites like '2-4-6-8', 'Atmospherics' and 'Martin'. His voice sounded OK with the slower songs but the more punky ones like 'Don't Jump' sounded very croaky. But for punk it doesn't matter so much. Adam's guitar playing was truly fantastic, I noticed there was a camera pointed almost permanently at his hands!
Next up was Lee Griffiths. He seemed a bit moody, perhaps he'd had a row with his girlfriend as he also played a few 'why are you treating me so badly' type songs. But I like Lee, I enjoyed his act very much.
After Lee came silver fox TV Smith, bouncy and smiley yet playing serious angry songs. He played his Christmas Single, lyrics included 'Christmas bloody Christmas, you know I hate this time of year' - yes I can relate to that!!
Then after the break Tom again, Roddy Frame with just an acoustic guitar (very good), some rapper called Q Boy (or was it Cue Ball?) who I was deeply unimpressed with, Adam on his own with some of his own songs which were awl right, then big band finale at the end.
And all the proceeds went to the Tsunami disaster fund well done lads!
Saturday, January 08, 2005
CAMRA Skittles Evening, Foresters Arms, Bagshot
Many thanks to Ian for organising this event, it was great fun! I took the train straight from work to get to Bagshot, changing at Guildford to get the 18.01 service. I met up with Hilary who was on her way home, sadly she couldn't come out to play last night as she was visiting her mother. Hilary is a really sweet person, a newish addition to SHB CAMRA, I get on with her well.
Then I had to walk from Bagshot station to the Foresters which was a bit awkward, since I was carrying a big cardboard box for my Xmas decorations which I'd acquired from work, and it was blowing a gale. Silly Val! I should have brought it home another night.
First off, Ian produced a list of names in random order, and we played one against one to see who scored the most from 3 balls, the winner going into the next round. I was knocked out on the first round by Brian's sister Celia, Bill was knocked out first round as well. We consoled ourselves with the Taylor's Dark Mild, Taylor's Landlord and Wychwood Festive Spirits that were on offer. I blame the very unusual alley at the Foresters - very short, bumpy and steep alley, fat skittles, and the pink rubber bowling balls that you weren't allowed to bounce off the back. Bizarre.
Julie won the knockout competition, she was far better than the rest of us! Then the food arrived. My fish and chips was good if a bit meagre, and I was starving hungry, could have done with a pud as well.
The next competition was what we used to call 'Killer' in Cardiff. We were again listed randomly and had one ball each to throw at the skittles. If you missed you lost a life, of which you had three. Any skittles you knocked down stayed down for the next person (so the good tactic was to leave the next person with one awkward-to-get one). I managed to get a bit further on this one, but as I had more beer (Titanic Full Steam Ahead and Nethergate Umbel Ale, tasting fresher than previous offerings) my ability decreased! Julie won again, but Bob Southwell and Nick came close. Other Val took lots of photos - I expect they will appear soon at Eric the Cat's Blogspot.Lastly we played 'Killer' again except in 2 teams picked randomly. Unfortunately one team had more of the good players (Bill's team, not my team) so that one lost least lives and won the game. Still, all good fun.
By 5 past 11 I was absolutely shattered but still had a lot of walking to do - 20 minutes to Bagshot station, 25 minutes from Frimley station to home. Thankfully Bill carried my cardboard box for me and only complained a little bit!
Then I had to walk from Bagshot station to the Foresters which was a bit awkward, since I was carrying a big cardboard box for my Xmas decorations which I'd acquired from work, and it was blowing a gale. Silly Val! I should have brought it home another night.
First off, Ian produced a list of names in random order, and we played one against one to see who scored the most from 3 balls, the winner going into the next round. I was knocked out on the first round by Brian's sister Celia, Bill was knocked out first round as well. We consoled ourselves with the Taylor's Dark Mild, Taylor's Landlord and Wychwood Festive Spirits that were on offer. I blame the very unusual alley at the Foresters - very short, bumpy and steep alley, fat skittles, and the pink rubber bowling balls that you weren't allowed to bounce off the back. Bizarre.
Julie won the knockout competition, she was far better than the rest of us! Then the food arrived. My fish and chips was good if a bit meagre, and I was starving hungry, could have done with a pud as well.
The next competition was what we used to call 'Killer' in Cardiff. We were again listed randomly and had one ball each to throw at the skittles. If you missed you lost a life, of which you had three. Any skittles you knocked down stayed down for the next person (so the good tactic was to leave the next person with one awkward-to-get one). I managed to get a bit further on this one, but as I had more beer (Titanic Full Steam Ahead and Nethergate Umbel Ale, tasting fresher than previous offerings) my ability decreased! Julie won again, but Bob Southwell and Nick came close. Other Val took lots of photos - I expect they will appear soon at Eric the Cat's Blogspot.Lastly we played 'Killer' again except in 2 teams picked randomly. Unfortunately one team had more of the good players (Bill's team, not my team) so that one lost least lives and won the game. Still, all good fun.
By 5 past 11 I was absolutely shattered but still had a lot of walking to do - 20 minutes to Bagshot station, 25 minutes from Frimley station to home. Thankfully Bill carried my cardboard box for me and only complained a little bit!
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Women's Problems
I won't go into the gory details, I don't want to put off any of my readers!
I've been having a few Women's Problems and had to go to Frimley Park Hospital today to find out what's wrong. The consultant had a good look and a rummage first, and couldn't find anything amiss. She then took some tissue samples to check for infection or cancer, and a blood sample to check my hormone levels. The (obviously inexperienced) staff nurse couldn't find a vein, she was feeling my arm for ages and I was becoming more and more nervous. Eventually she called the junior matron who found one (in my good arm) after some time, but by then I was having to take deep breaths. She took the sample and I watched the vial fill with blood - then I came over faint all of a sudden and had to lie down, much to my embarrassment. The nurses were really nice about it though, even making me a cup of tea - I guess that's what comes of using my BUPA cover. When I was thrown off the blood donor's registry for fainting, the NHS nurses were really rude!
Anyhow I've got to go back to the hospital twice, for an ultrasound and a laparoscopy, and to the doctors next week for another blood test. I don't like having to take more time off work, especially as we're so busy at the moment, but I suppose it'll mean less time off in the long run if they can get the problem sorted out.
I cheered myself up after the hospital visit with a new haircut and a bit of shopping in Farnborough.
There are some dreadful sounds coming from downstairs, either Bill's strangling the cat or he's practising his tin whistle again...
I've been having a few Women's Problems and had to go to Frimley Park Hospital today to find out what's wrong. The consultant had a good look and a rummage first, and couldn't find anything amiss. She then took some tissue samples to check for infection or cancer, and a blood sample to check my hormone levels. The (obviously inexperienced) staff nurse couldn't find a vein, she was feeling my arm for ages and I was becoming more and more nervous. Eventually she called the junior matron who found one (in my good arm) after some time, but by then I was having to take deep breaths. She took the sample and I watched the vial fill with blood - then I came over faint all of a sudden and had to lie down, much to my embarrassment. The nurses were really nice about it though, even making me a cup of tea - I guess that's what comes of using my BUPA cover. When I was thrown off the blood donor's registry for fainting, the NHS nurses were really rude!
Anyhow I've got to go back to the hospital twice, for an ultrasound and a laparoscopy, and to the doctors next week for another blood test. I don't like having to take more time off work, especially as we're so busy at the moment, but I suppose it'll mean less time off in the long run if they can get the problem sorted out.
I cheered myself up after the hospital visit with a new haircut and a bit of shopping in Farnborough.
There are some dreadful sounds coming from downstairs, either Bill's strangling the cat or he's practising his tin whistle again...
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
New Year's Resolutions
Here are mine for 2005 - if I'm still on this blogspot next year, you can check to see if I've kept them!
1. I will learn to drive
2. I will eat more healthy foods, especially fruit and (more difficult) fresh vegetables
3. I will find some way of using my newly-acquired brewing qualification (Diploma in Brewing) at work, rather than just being a lab technician
4. I will daydream less (a real hard one!!)
5. I will keep my fitness up, and sign up for a few Bike Events to give myself something to train for
6. I will use the computer a lot less (he he)
...oh sorry, miles away there. Well, must get back to work!
1. I will learn to drive
2. I will eat more healthy foods, especially fruit and (more difficult) fresh vegetables
3. I will find some way of using my newly-acquired brewing qualification (Diploma in Brewing) at work, rather than just being a lab technician
4. I will daydream less (a real hard one!!)
5. I will keep my fitness up, and sign up for a few Bike Events to give myself something to train for
6. I will use the computer a lot less (he he)
...oh sorry, miles away there. Well, must get back to work!
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
First Day Back At Work :-(
Actually I didn't feel too bad getting up this morning, I think it was a smart move getting an early night the night before. Same old crowd at the station this morning, had a chat with Sean the Architect who was only expecting a light day at work today, as opposed to me, fully expecting a terracotta-army of samples lined up on my bench. The train was fairly empty, although TDK Lady told me the early train was jam-packed with folk heading for Gatwick.
Said hi to the bosses this morning, and asked about priorities, but Ian only grunted at me, as is his way when he's concentrating on something else. Peter and Joan were more talkative - poor Pete had to work over Christmas and the floor polishers couldn't do our lab because he was in the way!! So Food Safety alone has a matt surface in the midst of the swimming-pool like floors of the rest of the building.
Eventually Ian came down and gave me Cereal Pesticide Residues to do - very sensible as there are loads of them, yet I could only select about a quarter of them to do over 2 days. Ian gave me yet another calendar, with some very nice photos of (we think) Scotland, but I may swap it for one from home as it's a bit big for my corner of the lab.
Pete put on some awful punk CD this morning, but as soon as he left to do some milling I put on my Oysterband 'Granite Years' tape, cheers cheers! Maria, my Spanish colleague, likes that tape as it's got a Spanish folk song part translated into English, which she always finds strange!
Had to dash for the train on the way back, as the minibus now leaves at 17.05 for a 6 mile journey to the station, where my train departs 17.14. Luckily said train was 2 minutes late - there's not another one till 18.14.
Well, must be off to cook my couscous! Mmm, those sausages smell nice, I'm glad I'm not on a diet ;-)
Said hi to the bosses this morning, and asked about priorities, but Ian only grunted at me, as is his way when he's concentrating on something else. Peter and Joan were more talkative - poor Pete had to work over Christmas and the floor polishers couldn't do our lab because he was in the way!! So Food Safety alone has a matt surface in the midst of the swimming-pool like floors of the rest of the building.
Eventually Ian came down and gave me Cereal Pesticide Residues to do - very sensible as there are loads of them, yet I could only select about a quarter of them to do over 2 days. Ian gave me yet another calendar, with some very nice photos of (we think) Scotland, but I may swap it for one from home as it's a bit big for my corner of the lab.
Pete put on some awful punk CD this morning, but as soon as he left to do some milling I put on my Oysterband 'Granite Years' tape, cheers cheers! Maria, my Spanish colleague, likes that tape as it's got a Spanish folk song part translated into English, which she always finds strange!
Had to dash for the train on the way back, as the minibus now leaves at 17.05 for a 6 mile journey to the station, where my train departs 17.14. Luckily said train was 2 minutes late - there's not another one till 18.14.
Well, must be off to cook my couscous! Mmm, those sausages smell nice, I'm glad I'm not on a diet ;-)
Monday, January 03, 2005
Quiet Day
Good news! Photos are now on line at Valerie's Gallery!
Relatively quiet day today as I had woke up with a really bad sinus headache this morning and didn't get up till 12. Took the train to Guildford, and returned previously mentioned corduroy skirt for a size 10 (I'm still well pleased with that!) and swopped a sweater I'd bought for Bill for a larger size (a bonus was, the sweater had been reduced a second time so I got a refund of £6). I met Bill in Guildford Station on the way back, he'd been walking (see Bill's blog) We'd both been to Sainsbury's as well, but luckily had bought different things!
Must go now, my turn to cook dinner, and it's 'Carry on Screaming' at 7.15...:-D
Relatively quiet day today as I had woke up with a really bad sinus headache this morning and didn't get up till 12. Took the train to Guildford, and returned previously mentioned corduroy skirt for a size 10 (I'm still well pleased with that!) and swopped a sweater I'd bought for Bill for a larger size (a bonus was, the sweater had been reduced a second time so I got a refund of £6). I met Bill in Guildford Station on the way back, he'd been walking (see Bill's blog) We'd both been to Sainsbury's as well, but luckily had bought different things!
Must go now, my turn to cook dinner, and it's 'Carry on Screaming' at 7.15...:-D
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Cycle Ride to the Four Horseshoes, Long Sutton
As it was such a lovely sunny day, and I felt the need for exercise after all that seasonal over-indulging, I decided to take the bike ('Lindy') out for the day. The Four Horseshoes seemed like a good goal, because it is difficult to get to any other way, is set in beautiful countryside and promises rich rewards to the discerning beer drinker. Bill did not want to go with me, deciding to spend the day with the computer!!
Almost as soon as I set off, I realised how unfit I had become, as pedalling uphill was a lot harder than it had been during the summer. Somewhat disheartened, I called in at Farnborough Main station to check the train times - but I'd just missed one, the next not due for another 55 minutes. I started cycling towards Fleet, thinking if I became too tired I could always jump on the train at Fleet station. The streets of Cove were nice and quiet, if not scenic, and even the A3013 wasn't too bad.
Another change of plan when I got to Fleet - it was still 30 minutes till the train, but by now some of the cobwebs had been blown away, and I decided it wasn't too far to Long Sutton. So I headed through the town centre and then out towards Crookham Village. Out into the countryside at last! The sun was shining in a clear blue sky, and the meadows were very peaceful, with birdsong and the occasional buzz of a light aircraft overhead.
Across the A287 and into Crondall - by now the road had a few more ups and downs, it was 12.30 and I was feeling hungry. I couln't resist the smells wafting from the Plume of Feathers and decided to call in for a bite. The Plume is a lovely old Tudor building, the staff were friendly and the locals polite, even though I was a lycra-clad lone female! And the licencees are Julian and Ann Badgery!! The food was a bit pricey, over £9 for one course Sunday lunch, but it came in huge portions, as I noticed when I ordered a burger and chips (£7.25). The bun was a bit crusty but the beefburger was tasty, chips were nice but couldn't manage all of them! I washed it down with a Greene King IPA (they also did Abbot and Ruddles County) which was in good condition.
After the meal I hoisted myself back on the bike and headed past Travers Farm, through Well, to Long Sutton. When I got to the pub they had both real fires going, a welcome sight. The landlord,Tony, wasn't about which was a shame, as I like to chat with him. No mild on, which was surprising, only Gales Bitter, HSB and Winter Brew. I had a half of the Winter Brew, spicy and chocolatey, delicious.
I reluctantly headed out into the cold again and took the road through Long Sutton Village (very pretty) turning right at Four Lanes End onto the B3349 to Hook. This time I had timed it better with the trains and only had 15 minutes to wait for a train back to Farnborough.
A good day's cycling - but my legs are a bit sore!!
Almost as soon as I set off, I realised how unfit I had become, as pedalling uphill was a lot harder than it had been during the summer. Somewhat disheartened, I called in at Farnborough Main station to check the train times - but I'd just missed one, the next not due for another 55 minutes. I started cycling towards Fleet, thinking if I became too tired I could always jump on the train at Fleet station. The streets of Cove were nice and quiet, if not scenic, and even the A3013 wasn't too bad.
Another change of plan when I got to Fleet - it was still 30 minutes till the train, but by now some of the cobwebs had been blown away, and I decided it wasn't too far to Long Sutton. So I headed through the town centre and then out towards Crookham Village. Out into the countryside at last! The sun was shining in a clear blue sky, and the meadows were very peaceful, with birdsong and the occasional buzz of a light aircraft overhead.
Across the A287 and into Crondall - by now the road had a few more ups and downs, it was 12.30 and I was feeling hungry. I couln't resist the smells wafting from the Plume of Feathers and decided to call in for a bite. The Plume is a lovely old Tudor building, the staff were friendly and the locals polite, even though I was a lycra-clad lone female! And the licencees are Julian and Ann Badgery!! The food was a bit pricey, over £9 for one course Sunday lunch, but it came in huge portions, as I noticed when I ordered a burger and chips (£7.25). The bun was a bit crusty but the beefburger was tasty, chips were nice but couldn't manage all of them! I washed it down with a Greene King IPA (they also did Abbot and Ruddles County) which was in good condition.
After the meal I hoisted myself back on the bike and headed past Travers Farm, through Well, to Long Sutton. When I got to the pub they had both real fires going, a welcome sight. The landlord,Tony, wasn't about which was a shame, as I like to chat with him. No mild on, which was surprising, only Gales Bitter, HSB and Winter Brew. I had a half of the Winter Brew, spicy and chocolatey, delicious.
I reluctantly headed out into the cold again and took the road through Long Sutton Village (very pretty) turning right at Four Lanes End onto the B3349 to Hook. This time I had timed it better with the trains and only had 15 minutes to wait for a train back to Farnborough.
A good day's cycling - but my legs are a bit sore!!
Saturday, January 01, 2005
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
What a swell party it was down at the Prince of Wales last night. Bill, Steve and I were like the 3 Amigos in our sombreros and other kit! Steve and I sported black handlebar moustaches, Bill had a 4 day beard. We had 2 cowboy guns and a musket between us, well prepared for the bandido lifestyle! I had my poncho as well, I haven't been that trendy for 20 years! Other Val arrived a bit later, with a nice black outfit with turquoise tassels, and black stetson.
We were sat right under the speaker, which ws playing genu-ine Mexican music, including La Cocoracha and the dancing-around-your-Guinness music, the tables had chili-pepper tablecloths on them, and there were various cacti and anacondas of the inflatable variety aroungd the pub. My tash got a bit uncomfortable after a while so I stuck it on the nearest anaconda. Sally the salamander had a great time lapping at other people's pints.
The gang of professional dresser-uppers were there again - I remember from last year that they have access to BBC costumes - and they looked great. Their costumes included a padre, a cuatro-playing bandido, a Mexican chief of police, an 18-th century looking soldier, a Mexican floozie and a woman painted green (we later worked out that she was supposed to be a cactus!). Anyhow they were collecting for Tsunami Disaster Fund so I gave them a contribution in return for a photo (photo gallery to come, unfortunately the web is very slow at the moment so can't set one up just yet).
Food arrived at about 9.30 as did Simon, Jane and Simon's Mum. There was loads of food - a 5 layer dip consisting of soured cream, cheese sauce, salsa, guacamole and refried beans, nachos and cheese, and various bits of finger food including cream cheese stuffed Jalapenos, quesilladas, pizza-type slices and beef roll-ups.
I met Cropredy Man, who turned out to be a nice chap, and some neighbours from opposite, thanks to Other Val being her usual outgoing self. Then at midnight the balloons were released and we sang 'Auld Langs Eyne' with arms crossed, in a big chain around the room. There was some decent dance music and we were all pretty drunk by then (I think I'd had 3 pints and 2 whiskies). Bill and Steve were being particularly rowdy, I vaguely recall :-D
Anyhow not at my best today surprisingly enough, the internet is painfully slow, it's raining and I need a new mouse. Oh well, there's still hair of the dog! I noticed that another bottle of Glen Moray has mysteriously appeared in our booze-cupboard (although Bill refused to believe me), probbly a present from recent guests. Thankyou, whoever it was!!
2005 here I come LOL!
We were sat right under the speaker, which ws playing genu-ine Mexican music, including La Cocoracha and the dancing-around-your-Guinness music, the tables had chili-pepper tablecloths on them, and there were various cacti and anacondas of the inflatable variety aroungd the pub. My tash got a bit uncomfortable after a while so I stuck it on the nearest anaconda. Sally the salamander had a great time lapping at other people's pints.
The gang of professional dresser-uppers were there again - I remember from last year that they have access to BBC costumes - and they looked great. Their costumes included a padre, a cuatro-playing bandido, a Mexican chief of police, an 18-th century looking soldier, a Mexican floozie and a woman painted green (we later worked out that she was supposed to be a cactus!). Anyhow they were collecting for Tsunami Disaster Fund so I gave them a contribution in return for a photo (photo gallery to come, unfortunately the web is very slow at the moment so can't set one up just yet).
Food arrived at about 9.30 as did Simon, Jane and Simon's Mum. There was loads of food - a 5 layer dip consisting of soured cream, cheese sauce, salsa, guacamole and refried beans, nachos and cheese, and various bits of finger food including cream cheese stuffed Jalapenos, quesilladas, pizza-type slices and beef roll-ups.
I met Cropredy Man, who turned out to be a nice chap, and some neighbours from opposite, thanks to Other Val being her usual outgoing self. Then at midnight the balloons were released and we sang 'Auld Langs Eyne' with arms crossed, in a big chain around the room. There was some decent dance music and we were all pretty drunk by then (I think I'd had 3 pints and 2 whiskies). Bill and Steve were being particularly rowdy, I vaguely recall :-D
Anyhow not at my best today surprisingly enough, the internet is painfully slow, it's raining and I need a new mouse. Oh well, there's still hair of the dog! I noticed that another bottle of Glen Moray has mysteriously appeared in our booze-cupboard (although Bill refused to believe me), probbly a present from recent guests. Thankyou, whoever it was!!
2005 here I come LOL!
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