22.02 hrs

Stuck at school with two of the nicest carpenters known to man, a cuppa and some biscuits.
Just hoping (before hope turns to prayer) that they can get their work finished reasonably soon.

With management responsibility comes a set of keys and alarm codes.

Facebook voyeurism

Search that kid you taught 15 years ago, the one with the unforgettable and unusual name.

Then discover he's Facebooked almost every other kid you taught at that school except that they are now all in their mid twenties.

Amused to see one or two of them have used images from their primary years.

It's one way of whiling away an hour.

I don't recommend this.

This, doing 60mph on a wide and straight country road at night.


meeting this, jumping right in front of me, appearing in my headlights about 4 feet away.


Absolutely horrible. Not to mention rather expensive.

Neighbours

We looked at an 18th century cottage yesterday. We're toying with the idea of a bigger space and there seem to be a few bargains around.
The place that we looked at had been empty for a while and had a small, shared courtyard.

We soon found out that the neighbours were experts at dealing with pesky estate agents spoiling their saturday morning peace.
Frau Random Doubt did wonder wether old man scratching himself in his underpants came included in the asking price whilst I marvelled at the charming yappity small dog that was released as I inspected the grounds.




The place was a non starter. I have since discovered that a good friend had an identical experience. 4 YEARS AGO.

I've also discovered (from same friend) that the building has issues with a scary sounding phenomenon known as 'chemical damp'.

Lovely.

The Grand fantastic Simon is 40 Subbuteo tournament!

My brother is about to turn 40. It was time to turn back the clock, return to our parent's kitchen, gather some old friends on a Friday night and play some serious subbuteo. I organised a subbuteo tournament just like the ones we used to have thirty years ago.
Two groups of four, semi finals and a final. Ten minutes each way. A table in the kitchen (Wembley) and one in the living room (Goodison Park).

The tournament had it all, a nervous start, concerns about the pitches and the lack of goals, some outstanding performances from all concerned as well as some controversial moments. The best match of the tournament was probably the semi final between Silver Fox and Birthday Boy (see the action shot below). The eventual winner was a bit of a dark horse but thoroughly deserved (well, he beat me anyway). All in all a top night of beer, banter and small plastic footballers.




We had the trophy, a magnificent thing borrowed from another time and place. I like to think she polished up rather well and no doubt thoroughly enjoyed being the centre of attention for the evening.



Proper man food for a proper evening of man sport. Beer, Scotch eggs and pork pies.



Tom ponders his defence at Goodison Park.



The only known real time action shot ever taken during a subbuteo match. The Silver Fox concedes an absolute cracker during the semi final against his elder son.



Pete was somewhat surprised to make it to the final. Simon was the firm favourite. Everyone was surprised and excited when the game went to extra time and then penalties.



We all knew that an Englishman would end up losing a penalty shoot out. I present the trophy to the victor, Pete.



"Eeh Aye Addio, I've gone and won the cup!"

Well done Pete, a surprising, yet deserving winner.

Book learning # 51

Fatherland by Robert Harris

I wanted to like this so much more.
This was a book that suffered greatly from the fact that my peak reading hours are the twilight snoozy sessions shortly before my tired head hits the pillow.
Not a dreadful read, just, well, predictable.
Maybe it's 'thrillers'?
Maybe it's me?

I need some serious suggestions.

Relegation

It is March.
I have become resigned to our fate.