Showers

We are into day 342 of not having a shower. I'm certain that all truly dull bloggers have blogged about their bathrooms at some point or another, and truth be told I don't mind the 'two litre jug of water method' but a working shower and a tiled bathroom would be realy freakin nice right now.

We have a shower, it's been fitted but the plumber (that's another story) had to leave it unplumbed because the boiler people had not connected something to something else.

My poor wife has to deal with all these people and make all these calls while I work all day, a very long way away.

It's almost March isn't it? They put an extra day in this year just to put summer one day further away.

But we still have no shower.

EARTHQUAKE!!

Gosh.
That's what woke us up at 1am.
For real!

The Honorable order of the Market Cross

I've just been awarded the Market Cross!
This is the highest award that Norfolk can bestow upon one of it's citizens. In the 15 years since the order was created only four have ever been awarded. Rather like the US Presidency it's always gone to white guys of non jewish ancestry but hey, we're working on that. I got the award for my part in furthering the cause of all things Norfolk in the USA but especially because I met theEngland team in New Jersey in May 2005. A fellow winner on friday night was current Norfolk President Mr Wood who managed to organize a kickabout for all his friends at Carrow Road in 2006.

I am massively proud of this recognition and I dedicate the award to all Norfolk Americans, You know who you are and you deserve it.

Gert lush cup run!!

The Gas are in the bloody Sixth round!!!!!

Bollards update!

You may remember this post from a few months ago.

I thought you might like an update.

Someone has stolen a bollard!

Oh joy unrestrained!

I'm guessing that it's one of the local youngsters who take such delight in obscure and sometimes amusing acts of vandalism.

let not a word be said about the antics of today's youth!

Cemetery Lane

The cemetery in this old town is quite beautiful. When walking through it it's easy to lose all sense of it being tucked between a railway, a highway and some factories.

Middleton street, 10am.

Out for a stroll when I chanced upon this timeless scene.
Two old fellas stopping for a mardle.

Radiators

The trouble with talking about our new central heating system is that people misunderstand me. They think it's a replacement for the 'old' central heating system.
No, It's a new one which replaces the aged gas wall units we had, until today, heated our home with.

To be without central heating in 2008 is a bit like being without a telly or a phone.

People are shocked and bewildered.

We are warm and happy.

Obama '08

It's all been said before, If you want realtime insight you would be advised elsewhere.
This is from the gut.

I had wanted to write something before Super Tuesday, to place my bet ahead of the race. It's not been easy following this amazing race from this distant place, to be honest I've more intimate knowledge of David Cameron's composting habits and Gordon Brown's snarl. Such is the way of the transcontinental political junkie.

It is interesting to note that unlike any other US race in my memory (back to 1984 when school chum Matt Solomon asked me if I thought Walter Mondale would win, he thought yes, I thought no) this one has impacted UK popular culture at such a reasonably early stage. Not just the highbrow late night BBC radio politics shows but real, early morning popular stuff. Ordinary people texting the DJs with jokes and questions. It is perhaps more of an event than we realise. real zietgiest.

So why Obama?
It's less about policy than persona, less track record than possibility.
I strive hard to not be a cynic, I aim constantly to rise above the beast in the field in almost everything I do.

But it's hard.

And politics is hard and dirty and mean.
I'm not looking for the shining knight and I'm pretty sure he's not out there.
I just want someone to do the job and do it well.
But there is something about the momentum, the way the race has been regained and turned into a nailbiting competition. After months of assuming that Hilary was the shoo-in Obama came back and took a bite.

I like that.

As it is for the sports fan, for the political junkie it's all about the sport, the excitement.
Will he lead without division? I doubt it.
Will he make no mistakes? No.
But does he represent the opportunity for the optimist?

Yes.

Does he offer something for the hopeless romantic political junkie?

Yes.

Is he the most interesting thing to happen to politics, any politics, for ages?

Yes.

There will be a time for close analysis, scrutiny and criticism, but not quite yet, let's enjoy the race while it lasts.

Shed.

Everybody needs a good shed. Perhaps you just don't know it yet.


Old shed. Small, full of snails and spiders , a tumble dryer, freezer and lots of tools and 'stuff'.


Mondale and Silverfox dismantling old shed.



Old shed on it's side. "it's the only way to get the roof orf" said Silverfox. As it's about to become his shed I go with his advice.



The entire procedure was watched intently by the wee hen whilst he nibbled some chickpeas and tangerines.


The ugly underbelly of shedlife, years and years of garden detritus and crap.


The roof is gently prised from the four walls using a subtle combination of crowbar and subtlety.



The Silverfox gathers his tools, He's the proud new owner of a rather old shed. "There's nothing wrong with it, perfect for the allotment".


A few days later the new shed arrives! Double the size, brand spanking new and soon to be full of Tumble dryer, freezer, bikes and 'stuff'.