Wednesday was a kind of no brainer day as the pulled muscle in my back wouldnt give me any respite. I spent the day doing as I was told and taking it easy. Painklillers and warmth were the orders of the day and by the evening It was starting to ease off sufficiently.
Wednesday night I just watched a bit of television and another couple of Clint Eastwood films.
Thursday was always going to be a long day and so it turned out to be. It started with a 8.30am rise and shine as we were expecting parcel deliveries. My pc was playing up so I decided to do some maintenance on it. Turns out it was once again riddled with spyware, though where from I have no idea. Still it was easily solved and now its back to its best.
Just after midday Janet (Tony's mum) turned up to take me to Morecambe to sort out her pc which was in worse state than mine. Deb came along to get a bit of time out and the journey there was a pleasant one. I got there to find out that there were two problems that needed sorting. The first was that every time Internet Explorer was opened it didn't just open the one page, but seventeen all at the same time. It had me confused for a while but after some searching through settings and internet pages I found out what was causing the problem. Strangely it was because of a site called gamewinners.com. Each game that Janet played logged into explorer memory so every time she opened explorer each game then tried to open in a separate window, I fixed this by disabling all the game windows in internet setting and add ons. Second problem was a continual https page protocol warning that appeared every time a new page was opened. I sorted this by changing privacy and security settings to enable https pages instead of prompting for them. Once these problems were fixed we had a brew then headed home.
This was not the end of my fixing duties for the day as Janet also had problems with her laptop and when we returned home I set about sorting this out. Problem here was that some program had infiltrated her system and had changed her home page and her search engine and no matter what she tried to change it wouldn't revert back or allow it to be altered. It was a virus/spyware program and it was a pain in the ass to sort. As she was on windows 8 I was a little confused as to how it operated. I tried to do a system restore but the program must have altered that too because no matter what date I set it too it still kept coming up with that days date for the restore. I decided to try a new tactic and accepted Microsoft's offer of a free Windows 8.1 upgrade. It took over an hour but when it was finished I managed to get explorer 11 on the system and this has appeared to fix the problem. So altogether my pc fixing duties took up over seven hours of the day. After we had talked for a while longer and had several drinks I noticed that it was in fact almost 12.30am !!!!!!!!!! Talk about time flies........ Needless to say we did nothing else after she had left.......ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz Earlier that evening I got a call from my mum telling me that Disability Resources were visiting her the next morning and she would have liked someone there to hear what they had to say. Deb suggested we could be there as the appointment was to be between 9.30am and 12.30pm. We arranged to be there just after 9.30.
Friday Morning and I awoke to hear the phone ringing. It was my mum and she suggested we have a taxi as it would take forever to get there on the bus at that time of the morning. So we did. Usually when people say between two times its usually towards the latter part of those two hours. Well its a good job we arrived just after 9.30 because the woman from DR turned up about 9.50 (good timing or what ). Well my mum was told about all the help that is available for her, from walking aids to vitaline, from hand rails to risers for the furniture. I had put her in touch with them because they were excellent when it came to sorting me out with the same things. After sorting out her computer (yes again) and having a drink we decided to kill two birds with one stone and go into town to get some more christmas presents. Argos were their usual self at this time of year. Two items needed, one in stock, one not.............grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Anyway there are a lot of places we can get the other one so not too much of a problem.
I kind of goofed a bit on friday afternoon and after talking to Sarah for thirty minutes and my sister for another forty minutes I realised that we had missed the village Christmas lights switch on, that's me talking again. Deb was quite understanding if not a little disappointed. I could have kicked myself but knowing my luck I would have missed. The evening didn't bring a lot other than me watching The Enforcer. Third in the Dirty Harry films it teams him with Tyne Daly (Cagney & Lacey) as a rookie Lieutenant and has them pitting their wits with a deranged terrorist who kidnaps the mayor and kills Harry's partner. Not the best of the films but its still a gritty portrayal of the era and well worth watching.
Well Saturday brought the season's first Merseyside Derby between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park and it proved to be one of the most entertaining for years. It started frantic and that's how it continued. Liverpool took the lead through Coutinho after Everton left him unmarked from a corner. Everton equalised soon after with Kevin Mirallas getting a similar goal from a free kick flick on. In the first half Mirallas should have been sent of for a horrendous high tackle on Suarez that left the striker with two stud marks on his leg (side of his knee). Soon after Suarez put Liverpool 2-1 up with a superb free kick that left goalkeeper Tim Howard helpless. Mignolet was kept busy with a string of saves but Liverpool led 2-1 at half time. Second half and once again it was end to end. Mignolet was outstanding on several occasions but was eventually beaten by Lukako who first side footed home to equalise and then rose above a static defence to head Everton into the lead. Liverpool had already missed guilt edged chances to wrap up the game and it looked like they were going to be punished. However with eighty-nine minutes on the clock Sturridge met a Gerrard cross and headed into the Everton goal to make it 3-3 and that's the way it ended. What a game!!!!!
After this had finished I watched the Stoke v Sunderland game and thought that Stoke played well and deserved their 2-0 win. I cant really understand why Brown got sent off for Sunderland. Still baffled now.
In the evening I watched The Gauntlet. Another gritty Eastwood film where he is assigned to get a witness (Sondra Locke) to city hall to testify against what turns out to be a police commissionaire. There is lots of action and more bullets fired than in any film I have ever seen. After this was done I moved onto the next film in the boxset which is the highly hilarious Every Which Way But Loose. Here Eastwood plays a character called Philo Beddo, a bare knuckle fighter who makes his living that way. His friends are a man called Orville and a Orangutan called Clyde. Its Clyde that makes for most of the hilarious moments in this film. It spawned a sequel called Any Which Way You Can and this was just as funny.
By the time this finished it was almost 2.00am so didnt do anything else other than sleeeeeeeeeeeppppppp.
Sunday morning and there was not a lot to do. Did some emails and sorted some stuff on the internet. In the early afternoon we went for a walk to Lidl and Farmfoods and I missed the Man City v Tottenham game and in a way I am glad to say I did. I am sorry but I dont care how good your opponents are you should not lose 6-0. It is an embarrassment and as professionals they should be ashamed of themselves. I know Liverpool have sometimes played bad but to lose 6-0 against a team that is in the same league as you is just plain ridiculous.
I did get to watch another good match that kicked of at 4.00pm. It was Cardiff v Man Utd. It ended 2-2 and was very entertaining. One thing I cant understand is how a player can openly kick another player, the referee sees it and still only gets a yellow card. Thats two in two days, first Mirallas and then Rooney. I know sometimes people say its a pay off or its not what you know its who you know and how the referees give decisions its no wonder people feel this way. Be consistent that is all we want.
Made It
Sunday 24 November 2013
Wednesday 20 November 2013
Birthday Joy and England Woe
Well Sunday night I did what I said and watched 'Kelly's Heroes'. Its a good film with some funny moments and although its down as starring Clint Eastwood and Telly Savalas, the actor that steals it for me is Donald Sutherland. He play a kooky hippy type soldier called Oddball (well named) and his antics are what make the film as funny as it is. Worth watching and I have to say its the first time I have seen it. I would give it **** (4 stars) for its humor and characterization.
I was only going to watch the one film but I decided to watch a second and this was the excellent 'Dirty Harry'. Now I know this is not everyone's cup of tea but to me it epitomizes what early 70's action films were. Nine times out of ten there was some killer who a bedraggled cop would spend the entire movie following and eventually either capture or kill. In this case its slightly different as the killer in question has no motive for what he does other than money and the fun of killing. He is a warped character who happens to fall on the wrong side of Clint Eastwood's dark character of Detective Harry Callaghan. He is the said Dirty Harry and throughout the film we get to witness a portrayal of a less than perfect cop. He is always prepared to do what is necessary to get the job done. This film is definitely a ***** (5 star) for me and certainly one of the best 1970's cop films. It was so good it went on to spawn four more sequels and its the second one of these (Magnum Force) that I should be watching tonight.
Monday 18th November and it was my lovely Deb's Birthday. I think she had a good day and I dedicated the whole day to her. Whatever she wanted to do, we did. This entailed going to town and spending a couple of hours shopping and browsing. We had a lovely meal in the evening of jacket potatoes (Deb's choice) and then in the evening we settled down to watch a film called Now You See Me. Its a clever film that is hard to define. It has the elements of a heist film, a thriller, a whodunit and a mystery. We enjoyed it and thought that it was very clever in its execution. The cast included Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson and Isla Fisher. It also had the great names of Sir Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman as supporting cast. All in all definitely worth watching and I would give it **** (4 stars).
Tuesday and the temperature appeared to have dropped or maybe it was just me. It was time for the thermals and two pairs of socks (am I getting old??). Didn't do a lot today other than a walk around the village and some emails and surveys. Deb found a cool site for the wedding preparations and we talked some more about various aspects of the wedding.
In the evening I watched the eagerly anticipated England v Germany friendly and to be honest I was a little disappointed. It ended 1-0 to Germany but I don't think any team deserved to win it and a draw would have been a fair result. Germany were ok at times but didn't really wow anyone. England tried hard to get a goal but other than an unlucky 30 yard strike from captain Steven Gerrard that just went over the bar and an equally long range strike from Andros Townsend that struck the base of the post, we didn't really look like we had any ideas. I know for certain that if there had been anything at stake then this would have been a much better encounter.
In contrast before this match started the England U21 played a world cup qualifier against the minnows of San Marino and absolutely wiped the floor with them. It ended 9-0 and yes you read it right 9-0. It could have been even more such was the difference in the teams on the pitch. It was a goal fest and though I enjoyed it I was startled to hear that San Marino have played I think its 90 competitive games and conceded over three hundred and sixty goals while only scoring twenty something. Absolutely amazing that they keep going !!!!!!!!
Did nothing after the football other than more emails and internet stuff.
I was only going to watch the one film but I decided to watch a second and this was the excellent 'Dirty Harry'. Now I know this is not everyone's cup of tea but to me it epitomizes what early 70's action films were. Nine times out of ten there was some killer who a bedraggled cop would spend the entire movie following and eventually either capture or kill. In this case its slightly different as the killer in question has no motive for what he does other than money and the fun of killing. He is a warped character who happens to fall on the wrong side of Clint Eastwood's dark character of Detective Harry Callaghan. He is the said Dirty Harry and throughout the film we get to witness a portrayal of a less than perfect cop. He is always prepared to do what is necessary to get the job done. This film is definitely a ***** (5 star) for me and certainly one of the best 1970's cop films. It was so good it went on to spawn four more sequels and its the second one of these (Magnum Force) that I should be watching tonight.
Monday 18th November and it was my lovely Deb's Birthday. I think she had a good day and I dedicated the whole day to her. Whatever she wanted to do, we did. This entailed going to town and spending a couple of hours shopping and browsing. We had a lovely meal in the evening of jacket potatoes (Deb's choice) and then in the evening we settled down to watch a film called Now You See Me. Its a clever film that is hard to define. It has the elements of a heist film, a thriller, a whodunit and a mystery. We enjoyed it and thought that it was very clever in its execution. The cast included Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson and Isla Fisher. It also had the great names of Sir Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman as supporting cast. All in all definitely worth watching and I would give it **** (4 stars).
Tuesday and the temperature appeared to have dropped or maybe it was just me. It was time for the thermals and two pairs of socks (am I getting old??). Didn't do a lot today other than a walk around the village and some emails and surveys. Deb found a cool site for the wedding preparations and we talked some more about various aspects of the wedding.
In the evening I watched the eagerly anticipated England v Germany friendly and to be honest I was a little disappointed. It ended 1-0 to Germany but I don't think any team deserved to win it and a draw would have been a fair result. Germany were ok at times but didn't really wow anyone. England tried hard to get a goal but other than an unlucky 30 yard strike from captain Steven Gerrard that just went over the bar and an equally long range strike from Andros Townsend that struck the base of the post, we didn't really look like we had any ideas. I know for certain that if there had been anything at stake then this would have been a much better encounter.
In contrast before this match started the England U21 played a world cup qualifier against the minnows of San Marino and absolutely wiped the floor with them. It ended 9-0 and yes you read it right 9-0. It could have been even more such was the difference in the teams on the pitch. It was a goal fest and though I enjoyed it I was startled to hear that San Marino have played I think its 90 competitive games and conceded over three hundred and sixty goals while only scoring twenty something. Absolutely amazing that they keep going !!!!!!!!
Did nothing after the football other than more emails and internet stuff.
Sunday 17 November 2013
Three Day Update and Scruff Alert !!
Ok its official, a beard and moustache don't suit me. I look like I am ten years older and I have never been so itchy...........lol. As I write this there are only 13 days left of Movember and the crew are doing well.
Friday was a day where we stayed in waiting for parcels and they did arrive. First of all there was a parcel of Leicester Sarah (we know two others). It contained Christmas cards for us and also birthday cards and presents for both birthday and Christmas. Arrived quickly as it was only sent the day before. It appears that Royal Mail can deliver stuff quick if they desire.
A new game arrived for me today to go with my growing collection of X-box Lego games (if you think I am sad, tough, I love the games and the genre so there..........lol) and besides this I am a big kid at heart with dvd collections of Danger Mouse, Wacky Races, Dastardly and Mutley, Hong Kong Phooey, Mr Ben and lots more. Anyway the game is DC Heroes and it is hilarious as all the lego games are. The game itself has lots of levels and over a hundred playable characters. Its the same style game as the others and I still can't get used to the characters having actual voices. In the first few games in the series they used to just make weird garbled sounds. I have so far played as Spiderman, Ironman, Mr Fantastic, The Hulk and Captain America. I have encountered The Abomination, The Sandman and Dr Octopus. No doubt there will be many more evil characters to fight and to unlock. So far though its a really good game and very involving.
Still staying on the same theme I also played the first couple of levels on Rayman Legends and could hardly play for laughing at the cool graphics and ludicrous humour. Right up my street !!!
Friday night and I watched England play a friendly against Chile and although I predicted a 2-1 result for Chile I was almost correct as we lost 2-0. I applauded the effort we put in but the South Americans were far more skillful and tactically superb. Their close skill on the ball made us look amateurish on the night although we didn't put out our strongest side by any means and having the likes of Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez in the squad proved that Roy was experimenting with his team. We play Germany on Tuesday and that will be................interesting shall we say. I was amused by one thing I read today. I have been hearing that Chelsea want to sign Wayne Rooney (no new news there), but what I think is funny is that Chelsea player Schurlle has said that Rooney wouldn't make the cut off for the German national squad. Just what you want to hear from a potential team mate...................LOL
Saturday and the day was quiet. In the morning it was just the usual round of emails and Facebook gaming. In the afternoon it was more of the same interspersed with phone calls from various family members. In the evening I watched the Skrill Premier match between Barnet and Cambridge. What an entertaining game and the skill of these lower league teams was astonishing. This is where the real meat of football is. These players don't suffer with over inflated ego's and financial motives. They play for the passion of the game. Its about winning not pulling out of a tackle because you might get hurt. A real cracker of a game and it ended 2-2.
I decided to finish of my dvd's of Band of Brothers as I only had two episodes left. The penultimate episode was the most moving and thought proving episode in the series. Its called 'Why We Fight' and I wondered why it was called that until about twenty minutes or so in when the soldiers encounter a concentration camp for the first time and have no idea what it is or why it is there. The actors in this particular episode were amazing as the horror and disbelief on their faces appeared so genuine that when it had finished I sat for several minutes contemplating the horrors and atrocities that happened in the second world war. I watched the final episode where the war ends and it tells you what happened to the soldiers that went back home. Some had good fortune and others had bad fortune but four or five were still alive and these were the ones whose true recollections made were the backbone of the series. I would give this a ***** (5 star rating). Its one of the best re-enacted dramatizations that I have ever seen. I am looking forward to watching The Pacific.
As I put this boxset back on the shelf I decided that I would make a start on my Clint Eastwood box. Its a dvd set of 35 of his films and I started with the classic war film Where Eagles Dare. I have seen this film several times and I still love it. From Richard Burton as Major Smith to the rest of the cast this is acting at its best. Its strange to see film without the benefit of modern day CGI. A film that is as raw today as it was back then in 1968. Definitely a ***** (5 star film). Tonight I am watching Kelly's Heroes.
Sunday morning and I was lazy and had a lie in. First thing was to get that morning cup of tea. I dont know about a lot of you but before I have that first drink I am impossible to communicate with. I spent some of the morning chatting to people on the phone and sorting out general stuff on the internet. In the early afternoon we had a visit from my brother-in-law Andy who had called to drop Deb's card of for tomorrow. We had a coffee and a good catch up chat. We don't see as much of him as we would like so its always nice to catch up. After he had gone we returned to our computers and while deb did her own thing I decided to watch another lower league football match between Bradford and Coventry. Again what a cracker and what an abundance of talent was on the pitch. It was end to end and entertaining from the first minute to the last. It ended 3-3 after a late penalty for Bradford.
Deb has just gone to watch her results shows from Strictly and X-Factor and I am just listening to my back catalogue from the amazing Within Temptation. Speaking of which they have a new cd coming out in the new year called Hydra. For more information on this amazing group go to http://www.within-temptation.com. You will not be disappointed. Also found out they have an amazing boxset coming out in early February. Might add it to my wedding list................HA HA HA HA
Friday was a day where we stayed in waiting for parcels and they did arrive. First of all there was a parcel of Leicester Sarah (we know two others). It contained Christmas cards for us and also birthday cards and presents for both birthday and Christmas. Arrived quickly as it was only sent the day before. It appears that Royal Mail can deliver stuff quick if they desire.
A new game arrived for me today to go with my growing collection of X-box Lego games (if you think I am sad, tough, I love the games and the genre so there..........lol) and besides this I am a big kid at heart with dvd collections of Danger Mouse, Wacky Races, Dastardly and Mutley, Hong Kong Phooey, Mr Ben and lots more. Anyway the game is DC Heroes and it is hilarious as all the lego games are. The game itself has lots of levels and over a hundred playable characters. Its the same style game as the others and I still can't get used to the characters having actual voices. In the first few games in the series they used to just make weird garbled sounds. I have so far played as Spiderman, Ironman, Mr Fantastic, The Hulk and Captain America. I have encountered The Abomination, The Sandman and Dr Octopus. No doubt there will be many more evil characters to fight and to unlock. So far though its a really good game and very involving.
Still staying on the same theme I also played the first couple of levels on Rayman Legends and could hardly play for laughing at the cool graphics and ludicrous humour. Right up my street !!!
Friday night and I watched England play a friendly against Chile and although I predicted a 2-1 result for Chile I was almost correct as we lost 2-0. I applauded the effort we put in but the South Americans were far more skillful and tactically superb. Their close skill on the ball made us look amateurish on the night although we didn't put out our strongest side by any means and having the likes of Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez in the squad proved that Roy was experimenting with his team. We play Germany on Tuesday and that will be................interesting shall we say. I was amused by one thing I read today. I have been hearing that Chelsea want to sign Wayne Rooney (no new news there), but what I think is funny is that Chelsea player Schurlle has said that Rooney wouldn't make the cut off for the German national squad. Just what you want to hear from a potential team mate...................LOL
Saturday and the day was quiet. In the morning it was just the usual round of emails and Facebook gaming. In the afternoon it was more of the same interspersed with phone calls from various family members. In the evening I watched the Skrill Premier match between Barnet and Cambridge. What an entertaining game and the skill of these lower league teams was astonishing. This is where the real meat of football is. These players don't suffer with over inflated ego's and financial motives. They play for the passion of the game. Its about winning not pulling out of a tackle because you might get hurt. A real cracker of a game and it ended 2-2.
I decided to finish of my dvd's of Band of Brothers as I only had two episodes left. The penultimate episode was the most moving and thought proving episode in the series. Its called 'Why We Fight' and I wondered why it was called that until about twenty minutes or so in when the soldiers encounter a concentration camp for the first time and have no idea what it is or why it is there. The actors in this particular episode were amazing as the horror and disbelief on their faces appeared so genuine that when it had finished I sat for several minutes contemplating the horrors and atrocities that happened in the second world war. I watched the final episode where the war ends and it tells you what happened to the soldiers that went back home. Some had good fortune and others had bad fortune but four or five were still alive and these were the ones whose true recollections made were the backbone of the series. I would give this a ***** (5 star rating). Its one of the best re-enacted dramatizations that I have ever seen. I am looking forward to watching The Pacific.
As I put this boxset back on the shelf I decided that I would make a start on my Clint Eastwood box. Its a dvd set of 35 of his films and I started with the classic war film Where Eagles Dare. I have seen this film several times and I still love it. From Richard Burton as Major Smith to the rest of the cast this is acting at its best. Its strange to see film without the benefit of modern day CGI. A film that is as raw today as it was back then in 1968. Definitely a ***** (5 star film). Tonight I am watching Kelly's Heroes.
Sunday morning and I was lazy and had a lie in. First thing was to get that morning cup of tea. I dont know about a lot of you but before I have that first drink I am impossible to communicate with. I spent some of the morning chatting to people on the phone and sorting out general stuff on the internet. In the early afternoon we had a visit from my brother-in-law Andy who had called to drop Deb's card of for tomorrow. We had a coffee and a good catch up chat. We don't see as much of him as we would like so its always nice to catch up. After he had gone we returned to our computers and while deb did her own thing I decided to watch another lower league football match between Bradford and Coventry. Again what a cracker and what an abundance of talent was on the pitch. It was end to end and entertaining from the first minute to the last. It ended 3-3 after a late penalty for Bradford.
Deb has just gone to watch her results shows from Strictly and X-Factor and I am just listening to my back catalogue from the amazing Within Temptation. Speaking of which they have a new cd coming out in the new year called Hydra. For more information on this amazing group go to http://www.within-temptation.com. You will not be disappointed. Also found out they have an amazing boxset coming out in early February. Might add it to my wedding list................HA HA HA HA
Friday 15 November 2013
Lack of Communication
First of all just to finish my last post. Port Vale won 4-0.
Right moving on. Tuesday started what can only be described as a prime example of mis-communication within companies. Tony took us up to Refurb and though we didn't find a wardrobe that was suitable we did find a three seater sofa and chair. We paid for these and arranged delivery for the following day between 1 and 2 pm. At the same time I inquired as to whether they could take our old two seater sofa and two chairs which are in really good condition. We were told that as long as the fire safety labels were on then there would be no problem. When we got back we checked and found that the fire labels were on and rang to let them know. They told us that there was no problem then.
Next morning we spent about an hour sorting the living room out and getting the old sofa ready for collection. Sure enough they turned up at the right time only to inform us that they couldn't take the old furniture because 'they didn't do that'. They were very helpful and assisted us in getting our old furniture into the front yard (because we don't have room for two lots of furniture in the living room) and also carried in the new furniture and put it exactly where we wanted it (can't fault them there). After they had gone I rang to arrange a collection with refurb and explained that I was not happy with the wrong information being given. I received an apology and was told that someone would collect it the next morning between 10 and 11am. I explained that the item was outside because of lack of room and was told it would not be a problem and they would just collect it from the yard. The next morning I heard a van pull up and came down to find them sitting in the van writing on a pad. As they saw me one approached me and informed me that they could not take the furniture because it was wet. I was furious because I had told them the day before that the furniture was outside. I am sorry to say that I can do nothing about making sure that it does not rain so the furniture will stay dry. It rained, the furniture got wet, logical. I sent an email yesterday and am waiting for a reply. Will keep you informed if I get a reply.
As well as this I rang the council this morning and tried to arrange a collection from our yard. I have now been informed that if it is wet it isn't described as a 'large bulky item' but a 'refuse item' and therefore the price will go from £18 to £30 to remove it !!!!!!!!!!!!
The other company I had a run in with this week is the glorious Royal Mail. We received a card for Debs birthday the other day and when it arrived it was completely open. It was from Deb's parents and I rang them to inform them of what had happened. I am glad I did because I found out that Deb's dad had actually taken the card into the Post Office to be weighed so it was definitely sealed when it left there. I sent an email to the Royal Mail and I got a reply this morning offering their sincere apologies and saying that it should have arrived in one of their plastic bags with a letter of apology for its condition. At lease they are bothered about their customers and got back to me.
Also on Tuesday we sorted more Christmas presents and as well as going to our local village for a walk and sorting out housework, not a lot else. On Tuesday night I did not do a lot other than sort emails and general internet stuff. The Movember campaign is in full flow and the Mo's are growing..............lol
Wednesday and we had to wait in for the furniture. After if had been delivered we went into town. Managed to order a wardrobe from argos and fingers crossed its going to be delivered on the 14th December (yeah right). We also did some more browsing for christmas presents. We went into Primark and I think their collection of Christmas and Winter clothes are brilliant. Where else can you get nice warm clothes for the price they sell them. I know people go on about how the people who make them are paid next to nothing in their country but to be honest not many in this country can afford to be choosy in that respect. I certainly cannot justify spending £25 on a winter jumper just because its more 'ethical'. We simply cant afford it !!!
Wednesday night and I watched another football match. This time it was between Fleetwood Town (just up the road from me) and Carlisle United. It was a Johnstone Paint trophy game and the winner went into the semi-finals of the Northern Section. I am pleased to say that Fleetwood Town won 2-0 and for most of the game they played really well. Go Fleetwood !!!
After the game had finished and I had sorted out more email we settled down to watch a movie and see how comfortable our new three seater sofa was. The dog was confused as her beloved chair was now outside in the rain. We watched X-Men Origins:The Wolverine. Not a bad film and it at least lets you see how he became Wolverine and why he is like he is. Worth watching if you are a fan of X-Men.
Thursday we had a day in because I was just recovering from a pulled muscle in my back and Deb wasn't feeling too good either. We did manage to get the dog walked which was the only real exercise we did yesterday. I did find out one interesting fact on my internet travels. Apparently there is a new legislation that has come into effect in the last six to eight weeks. Banks will no longer give a loan to anyone who is solely dependent on state benefits no matter what your circumstances are or how much money you have coming in. If you are solely dependent on state benefits........................tough. The thing that makes me laugh about this is if you have a job and take out a loan where is the guarantee that you will have that job for the duration of the loan payments. Where as if you take someone who is permanently disabled with a guaranteed income because they can never work again they are more of a risk. Someone please explain this to me. David Cameron is the worst prime minister in history, he has got to be. It appears that if you do not work (either because you are a slacker or you are unable to work through disability, to him its the same) then you should not be entitled to a quality of life or the privileges afforded to people who work. We don't count as part of society because we are not part of his 'big picture'. Angry, yep.
In the evening I watched the England U21 world cup qualifier against Finland and apart from a lot of show boating from the likes of Zaha and Ravel we played a good game. Get the win first and then do the showboating surely ?. We won 3-0 and the likes of Ward-Prowse and Berahino give me high hopes for the future of the England setup.
Right moving on. Tuesday started what can only be described as a prime example of mis-communication within companies. Tony took us up to Refurb and though we didn't find a wardrobe that was suitable we did find a three seater sofa and chair. We paid for these and arranged delivery for the following day between 1 and 2 pm. At the same time I inquired as to whether they could take our old two seater sofa and two chairs which are in really good condition. We were told that as long as the fire safety labels were on then there would be no problem. When we got back we checked and found that the fire labels were on and rang to let them know. They told us that there was no problem then.
Next morning we spent about an hour sorting the living room out and getting the old sofa ready for collection. Sure enough they turned up at the right time only to inform us that they couldn't take the old furniture because 'they didn't do that'. They were very helpful and assisted us in getting our old furniture into the front yard (because we don't have room for two lots of furniture in the living room) and also carried in the new furniture and put it exactly where we wanted it (can't fault them there). After they had gone I rang to arrange a collection with refurb and explained that I was not happy with the wrong information being given. I received an apology and was told that someone would collect it the next morning between 10 and 11am. I explained that the item was outside because of lack of room and was told it would not be a problem and they would just collect it from the yard. The next morning I heard a van pull up and came down to find them sitting in the van writing on a pad. As they saw me one approached me and informed me that they could not take the furniture because it was wet. I was furious because I had told them the day before that the furniture was outside. I am sorry to say that I can do nothing about making sure that it does not rain so the furniture will stay dry. It rained, the furniture got wet, logical. I sent an email yesterday and am waiting for a reply. Will keep you informed if I get a reply.
As well as this I rang the council this morning and tried to arrange a collection from our yard. I have now been informed that if it is wet it isn't described as a 'large bulky item' but a 'refuse item' and therefore the price will go from £18 to £30 to remove it !!!!!!!!!!!!
The other company I had a run in with this week is the glorious Royal Mail. We received a card for Debs birthday the other day and when it arrived it was completely open. It was from Deb's parents and I rang them to inform them of what had happened. I am glad I did because I found out that Deb's dad had actually taken the card into the Post Office to be weighed so it was definitely sealed when it left there. I sent an email to the Royal Mail and I got a reply this morning offering their sincere apologies and saying that it should have arrived in one of their plastic bags with a letter of apology for its condition. At lease they are bothered about their customers and got back to me.
Also on Tuesday we sorted more Christmas presents and as well as going to our local village for a walk and sorting out housework, not a lot else. On Tuesday night I did not do a lot other than sort emails and general internet stuff. The Movember campaign is in full flow and the Mo's are growing..............lol
Wednesday and we had to wait in for the furniture. After if had been delivered we went into town. Managed to order a wardrobe from argos and fingers crossed its going to be delivered on the 14th December (yeah right). We also did some more browsing for christmas presents. We went into Primark and I think their collection of Christmas and Winter clothes are brilliant. Where else can you get nice warm clothes for the price they sell them. I know people go on about how the people who make them are paid next to nothing in their country but to be honest not many in this country can afford to be choosy in that respect. I certainly cannot justify spending £25 on a winter jumper just because its more 'ethical'. We simply cant afford it !!!
Wednesday night and I watched another football match. This time it was between Fleetwood Town (just up the road from me) and Carlisle United. It was a Johnstone Paint trophy game and the winner went into the semi-finals of the Northern Section. I am pleased to say that Fleetwood Town won 2-0 and for most of the game they played really well. Go Fleetwood !!!
After the game had finished and I had sorted out more email we settled down to watch a movie and see how comfortable our new three seater sofa was. The dog was confused as her beloved chair was now outside in the rain. We watched X-Men Origins:The Wolverine. Not a bad film and it at least lets you see how he became Wolverine and why he is like he is. Worth watching if you are a fan of X-Men.
Thursday we had a day in because I was just recovering from a pulled muscle in my back and Deb wasn't feeling too good either. We did manage to get the dog walked which was the only real exercise we did yesterday. I did find out one interesting fact on my internet travels. Apparently there is a new legislation that has come into effect in the last six to eight weeks. Banks will no longer give a loan to anyone who is solely dependent on state benefits no matter what your circumstances are or how much money you have coming in. If you are solely dependent on state benefits........................tough. The thing that makes me laugh about this is if you have a job and take out a loan where is the guarantee that you will have that job for the duration of the loan payments. Where as if you take someone who is permanently disabled with a guaranteed income because they can never work again they are more of a risk. Someone please explain this to me. David Cameron is the worst prime minister in history, he has got to be. It appears that if you do not work (either because you are a slacker or you are unable to work through disability, to him its the same) then you should not be entitled to a quality of life or the privileges afforded to people who work. We don't count as part of society because we are not part of his 'big picture'. Angry, yep.
In the evening I watched the England U21 world cup qualifier against Finland and apart from a lot of show boating from the likes of Zaha and Ravel we played a good game. Get the win first and then do the showboating surely ?. We won 3-0 and the likes of Ward-Prowse and Berahino give me high hopes for the future of the England setup.
Monday 11 November 2013
Weekend Review
I have had quite an uneventful weekend in the fact that I didnt do much other than housework, gaming, email, dvd's and watching football. Ok so not really uneventful.
Saturday I watched Liverpool beat Fulham 4-0 and was very impressed by the way they attacked from the very start. I have to say that Fulham were atrocious and not the normal side that usually gives us a better game. All the results helped Liverpool at the weekend. Chelsea only managed a draw thanks to a injury time penalty (that was never in a million years). Everton only managed a draw. Tottenham lost to Newcasle 1-0 at White Hart Lane and Arsenal were beaten 1-0 by Man United. Add into that equation Sunderland beating Man City and I can honestly say that it was a great weekend.
On Saturday night I caught up with the Movember campaign and also sorted email and pictures that have been clogging up my pc. I did find some time to play some of Batman Arkham City which is the next game in the Batman franchise. Its more advanced than Asylum but at the moment I am just getting used to the complicated game structure. Didn't watch any television on Saturday night.
Sunday was taken up with football and I watched Tottenham game, Sunderland game and Swansea V Stoke. The last one of these was the most entertaining and had the most controversial moment in. It started with Stoke getting two goals in the opening thirty minutes and dominating the first half. The second half was totally different and Swansea tore Stoke apart again and again and deservedly turned the game around to lead 3-2. In the dying moments a penalty was given to Stoke and though I tried I couldnt make out anything definite or deliberate that merited the award. The penalty was converted and the match ended 3-3. Liverpool now sit in second place in the Premier League just two points behind Arsenal.
In the evening we settled down to watch the Blu-Ray of The Mist. Seen it a couple of times but not for three years and never on Blu-Ray. A really good, creepy horror film with one of the best endings ever.
Monday morning and we had already decided that we were going to go Cleveleys and meet up with my mum. It was drizzling with rain almost the entire day but we were not going to let that spoil things. We got down to Cleveleys and as usual met my mum outside what used to be Cleveleys market and is now going to be a huge Poundland store which has really made both us and the stall holders angry. It appears that the landlord only gave the stall holders 24 hours notice to clear out (though we don't know the full story). We did mange to pick up our Christmas ornament in memory of my Auntie Pauline and Uncle Tony who sadly passed away earlier this year. Its a musical christmas ferris wheel with lights and christmas carols. They would have loved it !!!!
Got back from there and took the dog for a lovely long walk (it had stopped raining). In the late afternoon I cleared down emails and ordered some more Christmas presents. As I am writing this its half time in the F.A.Cup match between Shortwood Town and Port Vale. Its currently 2-0 to Port Vale.
Saturday I watched Liverpool beat Fulham 4-0 and was very impressed by the way they attacked from the very start. I have to say that Fulham were atrocious and not the normal side that usually gives us a better game. All the results helped Liverpool at the weekend. Chelsea only managed a draw thanks to a injury time penalty (that was never in a million years). Everton only managed a draw. Tottenham lost to Newcasle 1-0 at White Hart Lane and Arsenal were beaten 1-0 by Man United. Add into that equation Sunderland beating Man City and I can honestly say that it was a great weekend.
On Saturday night I caught up with the Movember campaign and also sorted email and pictures that have been clogging up my pc. I did find some time to play some of Batman Arkham City which is the next game in the Batman franchise. Its more advanced than Asylum but at the moment I am just getting used to the complicated game structure. Didn't watch any television on Saturday night.
Sunday was taken up with football and I watched Tottenham game, Sunderland game and Swansea V Stoke. The last one of these was the most entertaining and had the most controversial moment in. It started with Stoke getting two goals in the opening thirty minutes and dominating the first half. The second half was totally different and Swansea tore Stoke apart again and again and deservedly turned the game around to lead 3-2. In the dying moments a penalty was given to Stoke and though I tried I couldnt make out anything definite or deliberate that merited the award. The penalty was converted and the match ended 3-3. Liverpool now sit in second place in the Premier League just two points behind Arsenal.
In the evening we settled down to watch the Blu-Ray of The Mist. Seen it a couple of times but not for three years and never on Blu-Ray. A really good, creepy horror film with one of the best endings ever.
Monday morning and we had already decided that we were going to go Cleveleys and meet up with my mum. It was drizzling with rain almost the entire day but we were not going to let that spoil things. We got down to Cleveleys and as usual met my mum outside what used to be Cleveleys market and is now going to be a huge Poundland store which has really made both us and the stall holders angry. It appears that the landlord only gave the stall holders 24 hours notice to clear out (though we don't know the full story). We did mange to pick up our Christmas ornament in memory of my Auntie Pauline and Uncle Tony who sadly passed away earlier this year. Its a musical christmas ferris wheel with lights and christmas carols. They would have loved it !!!!
Got back from there and took the dog for a lovely long walk (it had stopped raining). In the late afternoon I cleared down emails and ordered some more Christmas presents. As I am writing this its half time in the F.A.Cup match between Shortwood Town and Port Vale. Its currently 2-0 to Port Vale.
Friday 8 November 2013
How I Became
I was born to a life that left a lot to be desired
Taunted and teased by bullies and liars
My school life was hell and how I survived I just don't know
Many times I sat confused and let the tears flow
But I cant hold a grudge for the pain that I suffered
Or the taunts I absorbed and the insults that were muttered
For to me they are my past and I have to say
That is how I became the man I am today
Well my life continued and work life was bad
A sense of not belonging that was driving me mad
I wanted to scream at them all and just run
But I realized the rest of my life had begun
The people I worked with laughed behind my back
They opened a fissure that once was a crack
Well I would like to shake their hand and see what they say
Because that is how I became the man I am today
Well life got so cruel and much did I lose
Life played me an ace that turned out a ruse
For health was the next downhill slope for me
I asked myself then how much worse could it be
The answer came over time and the pain inside grew
I couldn't see the sun or the sky that was blue
Though sometimes I don't understand what I did to be this way
That's how I became the man I am today
Now life is much better and my future so bright
For out of the darkness came my shining light
She taught me about love and what it can do
The pain inside faded and the gray sky turned blue
So forget my childhood, my teens and my life
For my light next year will become my wife
I will look into her eyes and softly say
You are why I am the man I am today
Jason Cotton
08/11/2013
©Sonofdel2013
Taunted and teased by bullies and liars
My school life was hell and how I survived I just don't know
Many times I sat confused and let the tears flow
But I cant hold a grudge for the pain that I suffered
Or the taunts I absorbed and the insults that were muttered
For to me they are my past and I have to say
That is how I became the man I am today
Well my life continued and work life was bad
A sense of not belonging that was driving me mad
I wanted to scream at them all and just run
But I realized the rest of my life had begun
The people I worked with laughed behind my back
They opened a fissure that once was a crack
Well I would like to shake their hand and see what they say
Because that is how I became the man I am today
Well life got so cruel and much did I lose
Life played me an ace that turned out a ruse
For health was the next downhill slope for me
I asked myself then how much worse could it be
The answer came over time and the pain inside grew
I couldn't see the sun or the sky that was blue
Though sometimes I don't understand what I did to be this way
That's how I became the man I am today
Now life is much better and my future so bright
For out of the darkness came my shining light
She taught me about love and what it can do
The pain inside faded and the gray sky turned blue
So forget my childhood, my teens and my life
For my light next year will become my wife
I will look into her eyes and softly say
You are why I am the man I am today
Jason Cotton
08/11/2013
©Sonofdel2013
Christmas Shopping
Well today was our first genuine day of actual Christmas shopping and in one day we managed to get eight presents. The day started of dull and looked uncompromising but we decided that today was going to be day of action (well something like that). We arranged to meet my mum down in town center and after the usual drink and sandwich we set about our task. Not only were we Christmas shopping but we also needed some extra items too, which we failed on.
How hard can it be to find a woman's coat that not only fits on the body but also has sleeves that are long enough to cover their whole arm. This proved an impossible task as every coat Deb tried on was either too small or the arms were too short. When it looked like we had finally found one it turned out that there were only four buttons and no zip fastening and as Deb mainly wants it as a Winter coat this was no use what so ever.
Next stop was Deichmans for shoes. Another impossible situation as the only shoes there were either not very strong material or completely inappropriate for what we needed them for, namely wedding shoes and shoes for Winter so Deb could walk the dog without getting wet feet.
All the other Christmas presents we wanted we managed to pick up (cant write them on here as I don't know who might read it).
Yesterday was a little nondescript as we spent most of the day in the house waiting for a large sack of dog food to be delivered. This was the first time we had it delivered and so were a little apprehensive of what condition it would be in when it arrived. Well happy to say that we were very pleased and the item arrived in excellent condition. We were told it would be delivered yesterday and lo and behold it was. It arrived at about 3.00pm and so most of the day was over.
In the evening we settled down to do our own thing. Deb watched Oz on Blu-ray and I played some more Batman on my PC. In the later stages of the evening we finished of Season 8 of Bones and started on Season 8 of Supernatural. Only watched one episode and it was a little boring as it was mostly flashbacks on the characters, but I have no doubt that it will get better as it always does.
How hard can it be to find a woman's coat that not only fits on the body but also has sleeves that are long enough to cover their whole arm. This proved an impossible task as every coat Deb tried on was either too small or the arms were too short. When it looked like we had finally found one it turned out that there were only four buttons and no zip fastening and as Deb mainly wants it as a Winter coat this was no use what so ever.
Next stop was Deichmans for shoes. Another impossible situation as the only shoes there were either not very strong material or completely inappropriate for what we needed them for, namely wedding shoes and shoes for Winter so Deb could walk the dog without getting wet feet.
All the other Christmas presents we wanted we managed to pick up (cant write them on here as I don't know who might read it).
Yesterday was a little nondescript as we spent most of the day in the house waiting for a large sack of dog food to be delivered. This was the first time we had it delivered and so were a little apprehensive of what condition it would be in when it arrived. Well happy to say that we were very pleased and the item arrived in excellent condition. We were told it would be delivered yesterday and lo and behold it was. It arrived at about 3.00pm and so most of the day was over.
In the evening we settled down to do our own thing. Deb watched Oz on Blu-ray and I played some more Batman on my PC. In the later stages of the evening we finished of Season 8 of Bones and started on Season 8 of Supernatural. Only watched one episode and it was a little boring as it was mostly flashbacks on the characters, but I have no doubt that it will get better as it always does.
Thursday 7 November 2013
Another day another half-dollar
Arose to the lovely sound of heavy rain. You cant beat that sound for letting you know what kind of day it is going to be. Dark, dull and depressing.
Did the usual emails and stuff on my pc and then Tony took me to CAB to pick up a referral form for refurb. Got back just after 1.00pm and the repair man turned up to fix the washing machine (again !!!!) just after 3.00pm. He was here about thirty minutes and I am hoping this time the problem is finally sorted.
Did some more sorting out of the Movember campaign as well as uploading a couple more photos so people can see how team Mo Tiv Nation are doing. We are doing a lot better than I thought and the initial target of £50 is slowly fading into the distance. I feel like I need a shave..........lol. Oh well only 24 days to go !!!! I swear that by the time I am finished I will look like David Bellamy !!
In the evening I decided to write some more verses and hope to have a new poem posted on here tomorrow. Spent some time in the afternoon talking to various people, my mum, my sister and Sarah. Mum and sister was just the usual catching up but me and Sarah we discuss the world in general. It seems strange that no matter how many days and hours and years we have been speaking, we never run out of things to talk about. That is truly the sign of a lasting friendship. After a couple more hours sorting out emails and that I was drawn back to my Batman Arkham Asylum game.
This kind of a spoiler but not really. I was playing the game last night when I got to a room in the asylum. I was walking across it when suddenly my screen started to break up and there were bars of colour appearing at the top and bottom, the sound went all distorted and the screen went black. I waited for ten seconds or so and it came back on to show the start of the game but this time I was playing as joker. I went back to the main menu and reloaded the game but the same thing happened. I even tried to come out of the game completely and it happened again. I went on the internet to see if anyone else was having this problem only to find out that its supposed to happen and that its part of the game. What a relied but trust me its worrying !!!
Played it for about three hours and then last thing we watched three more episodes of Bones Season 8. Only the season finale to watch tonight and then its Supernatural Season 8 time.........
Did the usual emails and stuff on my pc and then Tony took me to CAB to pick up a referral form for refurb. Got back just after 1.00pm and the repair man turned up to fix the washing machine (again !!!!) just after 3.00pm. He was here about thirty minutes and I am hoping this time the problem is finally sorted.
Did some more sorting out of the Movember campaign as well as uploading a couple more photos so people can see how team Mo Tiv Nation are doing. We are doing a lot better than I thought and the initial target of £50 is slowly fading into the distance. I feel like I need a shave..........lol. Oh well only 24 days to go !!!! I swear that by the time I am finished I will look like David Bellamy !!
In the evening I decided to write some more verses and hope to have a new poem posted on here tomorrow. Spent some time in the afternoon talking to various people, my mum, my sister and Sarah. Mum and sister was just the usual catching up but me and Sarah we discuss the world in general. It seems strange that no matter how many days and hours and years we have been speaking, we never run out of things to talk about. That is truly the sign of a lasting friendship. After a couple more hours sorting out emails and that I was drawn back to my Batman Arkham Asylum game.
This kind of a spoiler but not really. I was playing the game last night when I got to a room in the asylum. I was walking across it when suddenly my screen started to break up and there were bars of colour appearing at the top and bottom, the sound went all distorted and the screen went black. I waited for ten seconds or so and it came back on to show the start of the game but this time I was playing as joker. I went back to the main menu and reloaded the game but the same thing happened. I even tried to come out of the game completely and it happened again. I went on the internet to see if anyone else was having this problem only to find out that its supposed to happen and that its part of the game. What a relied but trust me its worrying !!!
Played it for about three hours and then last thing we watched three more episodes of Bones Season 8. Only the season finale to watch tonight and then its Supernatural Season 8 time.........
Tuesday 5 November 2013
Cold Monday
Rise and shine just after nine with the sole intention of purchasing a second-hand wardrobe. Don't need a new top of the range one, just a make do. It was cold out so we decided that we would quickly go to town and check out what was available. Went a couple of shops and they were either extortionate or poor quality. Ended up coming back from town with a few Christmas present extras...........lol.
In the afternoon we made another discovery, namely the repair to our washing machine the previous Thursday had not worked. The service guy had decided to replace a damaged pipe with a new one and the new one we found out had a split in it. (we didn't find out until we had a nice puddle of water at the back of the machine). Rang the guy he is coming in the morning.
In the afternoon I cracked on with surveys and keeping the Movember page and information up to date. Its only been four days and I already feel like a scruff. I have no idea what I will look like after thirty days but as its for a good cause I don't mind. I am under strict orders that on December the 1st I am going to the barbers for a full shave and haircut...........lol
Didn't do a lot in the evening. Deb watched her last Harry Potter film and I played Batman Arkham Asylum for what I thought would be an hour or so, four hours later and I was addicted. Good game, lots to do, great graphics and very enjoyable. I like games where you cant complete everything from the start and you have to redo levels to get all the secrets and unlockables. I have Arkham City to look forward to once this is finished and then I might finish Prototype 2 (which I have had installed for a while).
We did finish the night with two more episodes of Bones season 8 and now have only seven left. Sometimes they are predictable but by and large they are enjoyable and keep you interested.
Who knows what tomorrow will bring ??
In the afternoon we made another discovery, namely the repair to our washing machine the previous Thursday had not worked. The service guy had decided to replace a damaged pipe with a new one and the new one we found out had a split in it. (we didn't find out until we had a nice puddle of water at the back of the machine). Rang the guy he is coming in the morning.
In the afternoon I cracked on with surveys and keeping the Movember page and information up to date. Its only been four days and I already feel like a scruff. I have no idea what I will look like after thirty days but as its for a good cause I don't mind. I am under strict orders that on December the 1st I am going to the barbers for a full shave and haircut...........lol
Didn't do a lot in the evening. Deb watched her last Harry Potter film and I played Batman Arkham Asylum for what I thought would be an hour or so, four hours later and I was addicted. Good game, lots to do, great graphics and very enjoyable. I like games where you cant complete everything from the start and you have to redo levels to get all the secrets and unlockables. I have Arkham City to look forward to once this is finished and then I might finish Prototype 2 (which I have had installed for a while).
We did finish the night with two more episodes of Bones season 8 and now have only seven left. Sometimes they are predictable but by and large they are enjoyable and keep you interested.
Who knows what tomorrow will bring ??
Monday 4 November 2013
Quiet day
Must have been tired because I didnt get up until after midday which is very unusual for me. I did emails and spent the afternoon watching the Cardiff v Swansea game which ended 1-0 to Cardiff. I did see the last ten minutes of the Everton v Tottenham game first and this ended 0-0. A good result for Liverpool as it means that none of the teams that played today went above them.
I did a small amount of Facebook gaming but became easily bored.
A friend of ours called Mick asked me to look at his laptop and create a backup image on his new 2tb hard drive. This kept me amused for an hour or so.
In the evening Deb decided to watch Harry Potter Year 6 followed by the results of both Strictly Come Dancing and X-factor. After these had finished she watched the rest of the year 6 Bluray and then watched year 7 part 1. I decided to watch a TV series that I have had on dvd for a while called Band of Brothers.
I did originally start watching it some time ago but only managed half way through episode 2 because other things came up and it got put to one side. Tonight however I decided to watch some more and now find myself only one and a half episodes from the end. Its a good dramatization of events in world war two experienced by a company of soldiers led by Damian Lewis. Each episode deals with a different battle that they were involved in and before almost every episode starts properly there are small snippets of interviews with the actual survivors from the company of soldiers. Its very dramatic and I would give it **** (4 stars)
A short day today and other than upload another twenty or so photos of Halloween onto facebook not a lot happened.
Its now 2.00am and I bid you all good night.
I did a small amount of Facebook gaming but became easily bored.
A friend of ours called Mick asked me to look at his laptop and create a backup image on his new 2tb hard drive. This kept me amused for an hour or so.
In the evening Deb decided to watch Harry Potter Year 6 followed by the results of both Strictly Come Dancing and X-factor. After these had finished she watched the rest of the year 6 Bluray and then watched year 7 part 1. I decided to watch a TV series that I have had on dvd for a while called Band of Brothers.
I did originally start watching it some time ago but only managed half way through episode 2 because other things came up and it got put to one side. Tonight however I decided to watch some more and now find myself only one and a half episodes from the end. Its a good dramatization of events in world war two experienced by a company of soldiers led by Damian Lewis. Each episode deals with a different battle that they were involved in and before almost every episode starts properly there are small snippets of interviews with the actual survivors from the company of soldiers. Its very dramatic and I would give it **** (4 stars)
A short day today and other than upload another twenty or so photos of Halloween onto facebook not a lot happened.
Its now 2.00am and I bid you all good night.
Sunday 3 November 2013
Interesting Saturday
Well the day started with horrible weather and it never really improved. My sister Mandi went home today but before she went we all went to see my other sister and our nephews (and great-niece). I don't know how my sister survives but if there are any medals for being a tolerant mother, she deserves one. We only stayed an hour or so before we came back home in the now pouring rain.
Mandi and nephew Oliver left at about 1.00pm and I then took time out to catch up on all my emails and surveys. I watched the Newcastle v Chelsea game and thought that Newcastle played well and deserved their 2-0 win. At 3.00pm I decided to watch the Stoke v Southampton game and was witness to a very bizarre and rarely seen incident. The ball was knocked back to the Stoke keeper and with only 12 seconds on the clock he kicked the ball up the other end of the pitch intending to pick out his forwards. The ball bounced once just outside the area and looped over the opposing keepers head straight into the goal. It was timed at 14 seconds !!!!!. Unfortunately it didn't turn out to be the winner as Southampton equalized and it ended 1-1.
While watching the match I started to fall asleep and by 3.45 I was in bed. I woke at just after 5.30 feeling a lot better and after spending a little time checking out how Liverpool were doing (they lost 2-0 at Arsenal but as I predicted 2-0 or 2-1 I wasn't that surprised). Saturday night is always Debs TV night and she usually watches X-Factor followed by Strictly Come Dancing followed by Casualty which gives me time to watch a couple of films.
Tonight I watched three films that were as different and diverse as you can get. I will write them in the order I watched them.
1) The Marine. This is a WWE film starring John Cena that has been out for a few years. Its your typical run of the mill thriller where a bad guy ends up kidnapping a mans wife and he goes in pursuit. Add in a few twists (that can be seen a mile off) and you get a good action film that does what it says on the tin. Also add the bonus of Robert Patrick playing the head bad guy and you get slightly more. I would give it **** (4 stars).
2) The Devils Business. This is a Metrodome film and as such it is quite low budget with a cast of only five that I can recall. Its a thriller/horror and the story is good if a little convoluted. Its basically about two men who go to a house to kill a man for their boss and get more than they bargained for. I would give it *** (3 stars).
3) Human Traffic. Ok so this was a weird film that has been out for years but which I had never got round to watching (until tonight). Anyone who has seen Trainspotting will love this. Its about five young adults and the rave drugs scene. It is told as a narrative and tried to give an insight into all the characters without focusing on one in particular. Having a cast including John Simm and Danny Dyer (also a cameo from Andrew Lincoln and Jo Brand playing the voice of reality) adds to the appeal also. I would give it **** (4 stars).
Its now 2.00am on Sunday morning so I will bid you all adieu.
Mandi and nephew Oliver left at about 1.00pm and I then took time out to catch up on all my emails and surveys. I watched the Newcastle v Chelsea game and thought that Newcastle played well and deserved their 2-0 win. At 3.00pm I decided to watch the Stoke v Southampton game and was witness to a very bizarre and rarely seen incident. The ball was knocked back to the Stoke keeper and with only 12 seconds on the clock he kicked the ball up the other end of the pitch intending to pick out his forwards. The ball bounced once just outside the area and looped over the opposing keepers head straight into the goal. It was timed at 14 seconds !!!!!. Unfortunately it didn't turn out to be the winner as Southampton equalized and it ended 1-1.
While watching the match I started to fall asleep and by 3.45 I was in bed. I woke at just after 5.30 feeling a lot better and after spending a little time checking out how Liverpool were doing (they lost 2-0 at Arsenal but as I predicted 2-0 or 2-1 I wasn't that surprised). Saturday night is always Debs TV night and she usually watches X-Factor followed by Strictly Come Dancing followed by Casualty which gives me time to watch a couple of films.
Tonight I watched three films that were as different and diverse as you can get. I will write them in the order I watched them.
1) The Marine. This is a WWE film starring John Cena that has been out for a few years. Its your typical run of the mill thriller where a bad guy ends up kidnapping a mans wife and he goes in pursuit. Add in a few twists (that can be seen a mile off) and you get a good action film that does what it says on the tin. Also add the bonus of Robert Patrick playing the head bad guy and you get slightly more. I would give it **** (4 stars).
2) The Devils Business. This is a Metrodome film and as such it is quite low budget with a cast of only five that I can recall. Its a thriller/horror and the story is good if a little convoluted. Its basically about two men who go to a house to kill a man for their boss and get more than they bargained for. I would give it *** (3 stars).
3) Human Traffic. Ok so this was a weird film that has been out for years but which I had never got round to watching (until tonight). Anyone who has seen Trainspotting will love this. Its about five young adults and the rave drugs scene. It is told as a narrative and tried to give an insight into all the characters without focusing on one in particular. Having a cast including John Simm and Danny Dyer (also a cameo from Andrew Lincoln and Jo Brand playing the voice of reality) adds to the appeal also. I would give it **** (4 stars).
Its now 2.00am on Sunday morning so I will bid you all adieu.
Friday 1 November 2013
Published Poem
Here is the poem that I recently had published.
Bee Peril
Sitting in my garden
Slowly drinking tea
A faint buzzing sound
In front of me a bee
It seemed to hover there
Just looking me in the eye
It had me hypnotized
As the time passed slowly by
I watched it fly from flower to flower
Then it settled on a rose
It flew towards my face
Stung me on the nose !!!
Once more it flew towards me
I panicked and tried to run
It seemed to follow me everywhere
I think it was having fun
I was just like a madman
Hands whirling like a windmill
I fell over a rake, a hose like a snake
And yet it followed me still
I ran into the house, all shaking
In blind panic and despair
Saw my reflection and started to smile
For there was a flower in my hair
It must have stuck there when I was
gardening
So that was the end of that
But from that day to this, no more
amiss
When gardening I wear a hat.
Jason Cotton
25/09/2013
©Sonodfel2013
Hell-O-Ween
As the vampires coffin releases him
The lights in the houses all flicker
and dim
Expression on faces all appear grim
Be afraid for its Halloween
As witches fly in darkest night
Faces glowing in awesome fright
Candles glow with hellish white
Beware, its Halloween
Graves disturbed as hands emerge
Zombies from their crypts do surge
A terror night is on the verge
Hide its Halloween
So run and hide while you still can
Every woman and every man
For evil has a nasty plan
Its name is Halloween
Jason Cotton
31/10/2013
©Sonofdel2013
4 months since my last post !!!!!!!!
Ok i know they say time flies but didnt realise it was super-sonic. I cant believe it has been over 4 months since my last post. Its been a hectic time both wedding plans and family matters. We have seen the hottest summer for many years, summer holidays and also halloween. Next up November 5th and then Christmas !!!
Well first of all our wedding day draws ever closer and we have gone from nine months to go to only five months !! Plans are going well and we have got a lot sorted out already, although there is still lots to organize and arrange. Debs parents came over at the beginning of September and helped sort out a lot of things I couldnt be involved with (wedding dress etc ....). We had a great week and it went really quick.
Summer lasted a lot longer than it usually does and me and Deb did our fair share of making the most of it (living in the UK you have to). The dog got walked two to three times a day and no matter how much she was walked she still wanted more (no idea where dogs get their energy). Saw a lot of the family as well with my sister Mandi coming up three times over Summer.
The football season has started again and after the abysmal showing by both the women and the u21 England teams this was a welcome. Liverpool are holding their own in the Premier League and sit third just behind Arsenal (who we play away tomorrow) and Chelsea (on goal difference). Apart from one or two dodgy results (most noticeably the 1-0 defeat at home to Southampton) we have played some good attacking football. Sturridge and Suarez appear to have a good understanding and the goals are flying in at present. Coutinho should be back soon and that could add another dimension to our attacking abilities. Hope it lasts.
Been doing quite a bit of gaming and recently discover the Batman games for pc (Arkham Asylum and Arkham City). Just started Asylum and its very involving and not just a smash em up. I know the Arkham Origins has just come out but it will be a while before I get that. I have both Game of the Year editions with the extra content so that should keep me amused for quite some time. Do to my power switch breaking i was without my Alienware pc for a week and boy did i miss it. I went from a 4gb ram, 1 gig graphics gaming system to a 1 gig and 128mb graphics. I couldnt do anything other than surveys and email. Still it was worth the wait and my pc is now back firing on all cylinders. Good job because these games need good graphics and RAM.
Had a few health scares and awaiting some test results at the moment but other than that all goes well and life is good. Glad to say that some of the family who have been ill are now recovering and getting back to normal. Also nice when doctors and specialists say something and then get proven wrong. Always good.
Been watching a lot of TV including Bones season 8 (very good but gets more gory every season). Also watched a fair few films (too many to through but suffice to say some have been good and some erm.............not so good).
As most of my friends and family know I am one day into my Movember campaign to raise both money for and awareness off Prostate Cancer. I have two other members of my team Mo Tiv Nation and they are Debs brother Paul and my mate Tony. We are all going to try and raise as much money as we can and have already had several pledges. Go team Mo Tiv Nation !!!!!!!!
Still on the same subject I was shocked after reading on www.prostatecanceruk.org that 1 in eight white men and 1 in four black men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives !!!!!!!!!!!
Havent done a lot of writing lately although I did write a Halloween poem the other day which I am posting here. I will be doing a lot more writing now as the other day I also had a poem published in the North Staffordshires monthly bee-keeping magazine and have been informed that they will publish more if I write them !!!!!!!
Yesterday we had our first Halloween party and when I have collected and sorted through all the photos that were taken by various people then I will be uploading them here.............watch these pages. Everyone had a great time and there were a lot of laughs had by all (particularly when we did speed mummy wrapping ..........dont ask.........lol). All in all a success and this may be the start of a regular thing.
Well first of all our wedding day draws ever closer and we have gone from nine months to go to only five months !! Plans are going well and we have got a lot sorted out already, although there is still lots to organize and arrange. Debs parents came over at the beginning of September and helped sort out a lot of things I couldnt be involved with (wedding dress etc ....). We had a great week and it went really quick.
Summer lasted a lot longer than it usually does and me and Deb did our fair share of making the most of it (living in the UK you have to). The dog got walked two to three times a day and no matter how much she was walked she still wanted more (no idea where dogs get their energy). Saw a lot of the family as well with my sister Mandi coming up three times over Summer.
The football season has started again and after the abysmal showing by both the women and the u21 England teams this was a welcome. Liverpool are holding their own in the Premier League and sit third just behind Arsenal (who we play away tomorrow) and Chelsea (on goal difference). Apart from one or two dodgy results (most noticeably the 1-0 defeat at home to Southampton) we have played some good attacking football. Sturridge and Suarez appear to have a good understanding and the goals are flying in at present. Coutinho should be back soon and that could add another dimension to our attacking abilities. Hope it lasts.
Been doing quite a bit of gaming and recently discover the Batman games for pc (Arkham Asylum and Arkham City). Just started Asylum and its very involving and not just a smash em up. I know the Arkham Origins has just come out but it will be a while before I get that. I have both Game of the Year editions with the extra content so that should keep me amused for quite some time. Do to my power switch breaking i was without my Alienware pc for a week and boy did i miss it. I went from a 4gb ram, 1 gig graphics gaming system to a 1 gig and 128mb graphics. I couldnt do anything other than surveys and email. Still it was worth the wait and my pc is now back firing on all cylinders. Good job because these games need good graphics and RAM.
Had a few health scares and awaiting some test results at the moment but other than that all goes well and life is good. Glad to say that some of the family who have been ill are now recovering and getting back to normal. Also nice when doctors and specialists say something and then get proven wrong. Always good.
Been watching a lot of TV including Bones season 8 (very good but gets more gory every season). Also watched a fair few films (too many to through but suffice to say some have been good and some erm.............not so good).
As most of my friends and family know I am one day into my Movember campaign to raise both money for and awareness off Prostate Cancer. I have two other members of my team Mo Tiv Nation and they are Debs brother Paul and my mate Tony. We are all going to try and raise as much money as we can and have already had several pledges. Go team Mo Tiv Nation !!!!!!!!
Still on the same subject I was shocked after reading on www.prostatecanceruk.org that 1 in eight white men and 1 in four black men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives !!!!!!!!!!!
Havent done a lot of writing lately although I did write a Halloween poem the other day which I am posting here. I will be doing a lot more writing now as the other day I also had a poem published in the North Staffordshires monthly bee-keeping magazine and have been informed that they will publish more if I write them !!!!!!!
Yesterday we had our first Halloween party and when I have collected and sorted through all the photos that were taken by various people then I will be uploading them here.............watch these pages. Everyone had a great time and there were a lot of laughs had by all (particularly when we did speed mummy wrapping ..........dont ask.........lol). All in all a success and this may be the start of a regular thing.
Friday 19 July 2013
Memories of You
I sit and think of all my days
Forgotten now in many ways
My childhood dreams, my hopes and fears
The laughs we shared, and cried the
tears
The times I spent with you and your
family
Now come back in the form of memory
To me I have lost more than an aunt
Never forget you, in my heart I cant
The images I keep in my heart and head
Replace the things I cant see instead
I want to reach out and call you and
talk
Visit you again and to the shops walk
I want to see you smile when you see me
Cringe when I joke and know you can
hear me
The days they have flown and the
seasons have passed
But the memories I have for eternity
will last
So goodbye to my aunt and also my
friend
Take with you my love and all the
memories I send
Jason Cotton
24/06/2013
That month has flown
Well what a month it has been. I have been on a complete emotional roller-coaster. In my last post we had recently lost my Uncle Tony through illness, well only five days later it was a double tragedy as my Auntie Pauline also died (his wife). I was very close to both of them as for three years (1995-1998) i lived with them. They were more like a mum and dad to me than an aunt and uncle and the loss was immense. We attended two cremations within nine days and that made three funerals in nine weeks. I hope that we are done with funerals for the rest of this year at least.
I was asked to write a poem to place in the coffin with my auntie and this i did (see my latest poem). Both occasions went ok and it was nice to see that most of the family turned up. I got to see some of my relatives that i don't see too often, my Uncle Phil and Auntie Linda, my cousins Nikki and Lee, also my second cousins Sarah and her husband Craig and her brother Michael. Its sad that the only time i get to see my relatives these days are at funerals.
This will change next year as ..................drum roll please.................We have finally booked our wedding for Tuesday 25th March 2014 and we are both over the moon. We have been together 13 years this year and want nothing more than to be married.
Also since i last wrote I have aged................lol
I am now the ripe young age of 41 (yesterday to be precise). I had a wonderful surprise about two weeks ago when i was told that Sarah (sis from Leicester) and Janet (Leicester mum) were coming up to spend the entire week of my birthday with us. They were going to leave it as a surprise but wanted to give me something to look forward to after the recent bereavements.
They arrived on Sunday and we spent the evening just chatting and catching up with each other. On Monday 15th we did a bit of grocery shopping and then after lunch we spent the afternoon in Blackpool town center taking pics and general larking about. It was a great afternoon and we were all worn out by the time we got back. Tuesday and we spent a lot of the day in Fleetwood, including the market. They all bought craft items from various places and we had a good meal at the Thomas Drummond just of Fleetwood high street. Very nice pub and highly recommended (especially as they do a Jack Daniels Tennessee Steak Burger, yum yum yum). Wednesday it was a chill day and we all just did our own thing really. We did emails, chatted, socialized and got our energy back.
Now we start on my birthday and man what a day !!!!!!!!!! I was informed at the start of the week that we would be going to Liverpool for the day and that i was going to be let loose in the LFC store (mistake !!!!!!!). I got up at about 8.00am and after the usual pleasantries and cup of tea (i cant live without my first brew) i opened my cards and my prezzies. I had the DVD boxset of Rock and Chips and Ian Rush scrapbook journal of Sarah. I had the new Liverpool home shirt of Janet and also another Liverpool top as well. I had a Dads Army piggy bank and a Dads Army mug (DONT PANIC, DONT PANIC !!!!) of Tony, Kieran and Mick (next door neighbours and good friends), a pack of four John Smiths of another Janet.....lol (Tony's mum). Deb had got me the dvd boxset of Boardwalk Empire 1 and 2 and later in the day also got me a awesome Liverpool jacket, a Liverpool dogtag necklace, a Liverpool scarf and a Liverpool phone sleeve (Coutinho shirt design)......................Liverpool being very much the thing here...................
Well we set off at about 9.30 and had a nice pleasant journey with the minimum amount of traffic. I had never been to Liverpool One and could not believe the size of the place. I am from Stoke on Trent and always though that the potteries shopping center was quite big. Its like a flea market in comparison to Liverpool One !!!!. There are literally hundreds of different shops that range from your typical high street shops to your boutiques (you can always tell them because nothing in the window is ever priced !!!!!!!). It was an absolute scorcher of a day and we found the shade wherever possible. After walking through the town centre and dodging in and out of various shops we went in the first of two LFC stores. This one was quite small and all on one level. It was while i was in here that i saw my jacket (see photo album) and immediately fell in love with it. I didnt buy it there and then as I was unsure of spending the amount that it was. Sarah took a picture of me wearing it and all three of them agreed that it suited me and i had to promise that if it was in the LFC superstore that i would buy it..........grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
We stopped for lunch at a lovely little cafe type place called Shiraz and although it was central to town it was very reasonably priced. After lunch (we managed to eat outside but in the shade), we once more ventured into Liverpool One looking for the LFC superstore and found it two doors down from the Everton shop (ironic). They had my jacket in and though i protested i was over the moon to finally own a LFC jacket and this is also when i picked up my dogtag, and phone case (the scarf i picked up off a market stall). All in all it was a fantastic day and the only frustrating thing was trying to find the car park at the end of the day (not very well signposted !!!!!). The journey back was ok and we narrowly avoided a traffic jam on the motorway. Later in the evening i was presented with a birthday cake and Deb filmed me blowing out the candles (41 or 5 ???? LOL). The rest of the night we spent drinking, chatting and laughing. A awesome birthday all round !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Its now almost 1.00pm and Deb, Sarah and Janet are at the Hunkydoory shop in Preston buying craft supplies..................
Catch breath and will write soon.
I was asked to write a poem to place in the coffin with my auntie and this i did (see my latest poem). Both occasions went ok and it was nice to see that most of the family turned up. I got to see some of my relatives that i don't see too often, my Uncle Phil and Auntie Linda, my cousins Nikki and Lee, also my second cousins Sarah and her husband Craig and her brother Michael. Its sad that the only time i get to see my relatives these days are at funerals.
This will change next year as ..................drum roll please.................We have finally booked our wedding for Tuesday 25th March 2014 and we are both over the moon. We have been together 13 years this year and want nothing more than to be married.
Also since i last wrote I have aged................lol
I am now the ripe young age of 41 (yesterday to be precise). I had a wonderful surprise about two weeks ago when i was told that Sarah (sis from Leicester) and Janet (Leicester mum) were coming up to spend the entire week of my birthday with us. They were going to leave it as a surprise but wanted to give me something to look forward to after the recent bereavements.
They arrived on Sunday and we spent the evening just chatting and catching up with each other. On Monday 15th we did a bit of grocery shopping and then after lunch we spent the afternoon in Blackpool town center taking pics and general larking about. It was a great afternoon and we were all worn out by the time we got back. Tuesday and we spent a lot of the day in Fleetwood, including the market. They all bought craft items from various places and we had a good meal at the Thomas Drummond just of Fleetwood high street. Very nice pub and highly recommended (especially as they do a Jack Daniels Tennessee Steak Burger, yum yum yum). Wednesday it was a chill day and we all just did our own thing really. We did emails, chatted, socialized and got our energy back.
Now we start on my birthday and man what a day !!!!!!!!!! I was informed at the start of the week that we would be going to Liverpool for the day and that i was going to be let loose in the LFC store (mistake !!!!!!!). I got up at about 8.00am and after the usual pleasantries and cup of tea (i cant live without my first brew) i opened my cards and my prezzies. I had the DVD boxset of Rock and Chips and Ian Rush scrapbook journal of Sarah. I had the new Liverpool home shirt of Janet and also another Liverpool top as well. I had a Dads Army piggy bank and a Dads Army mug (DONT PANIC, DONT PANIC !!!!) of Tony, Kieran and Mick (next door neighbours and good friends), a pack of four John Smiths of another Janet.....lol (Tony's mum). Deb had got me the dvd boxset of Boardwalk Empire 1 and 2 and later in the day also got me a awesome Liverpool jacket, a Liverpool dogtag necklace, a Liverpool scarf and a Liverpool phone sleeve (Coutinho shirt design)......................Liverpool being very much the thing here...................
Well we set off at about 9.30 and had a nice pleasant journey with the minimum amount of traffic. I had never been to Liverpool One and could not believe the size of the place. I am from Stoke on Trent and always though that the potteries shopping center was quite big. Its like a flea market in comparison to Liverpool One !!!!. There are literally hundreds of different shops that range from your typical high street shops to your boutiques (you can always tell them because nothing in the window is ever priced !!!!!!!). It was an absolute scorcher of a day and we found the shade wherever possible. After walking through the town centre and dodging in and out of various shops we went in the first of two LFC stores. This one was quite small and all on one level. It was while i was in here that i saw my jacket (see photo album) and immediately fell in love with it. I didnt buy it there and then as I was unsure of spending the amount that it was. Sarah took a picture of me wearing it and all three of them agreed that it suited me and i had to promise that if it was in the LFC superstore that i would buy it..........grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
We stopped for lunch at a lovely little cafe type place called Shiraz and although it was central to town it was very reasonably priced. After lunch (we managed to eat outside but in the shade), we once more ventured into Liverpool One looking for the LFC superstore and found it two doors down from the Everton shop (ironic). They had my jacket in and though i protested i was over the moon to finally own a LFC jacket and this is also when i picked up my dogtag, and phone case (the scarf i picked up off a market stall). All in all it was a fantastic day and the only frustrating thing was trying to find the car park at the end of the day (not very well signposted !!!!!). The journey back was ok and we narrowly avoided a traffic jam on the motorway. Later in the evening i was presented with a birthday cake and Deb filmed me blowing out the candles (41 or 5 ???? LOL). The rest of the night we spent drinking, chatting and laughing. A awesome birthday all round !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Its now almost 1.00pm and Deb, Sarah and Janet are at the Hunkydoory shop in Preston buying craft supplies..................
Catch breath and will write soon.
Friday 21 June 2013
Enjoying the warm weather?
Wow its definitely been a nice warm month. Its also a miracle that twice so far this year i have had to apply sunblock to stop me looking like a tomato (last year it didnt get used once). I am not a sun bunny by any stretch of the imagination but even i have been enjoying the recent spell of warm weather. Ok it hasnt been tropical or anything like that but we have reached 20 degrees on a couple of occasions and that is warm enough for me.
Plans for the wedding are well under way and arrangements are being made. We have lots to do and sort out in the coming weeks.
I am sorry to say that we lost a very dear relative in the last week. After a long battle with illness my Uncle Tony passed away. I lived with both him and his wife (Auntie Pauline) from 1995 to 1998 and i will always have those memories that even now bring a smile to me as i am typing this. We will really miss him as we shared some good times and they were there when i needed someone. R.I.P. you will be sorely missed.
The days where it has been sunny we have been out and about, either town, cleveleys or just the local village. On those days we have usually met up with my mum and ended up either going for a meal or just walking and doing shopping. In the evenings we have been going for some nice walks with our ever faithful and daft as a brush dog Jess (who almost wrapped Deb round a tree last night........lol). On the days where the weather has been bad i have done my usual surveys, emails, forums, blog and general surfing the net.
Havent really done a lot of gaming other than a couple of hours on Call of Juarez and i am still undecided if i like it yet.
Film wise i have been watching quite a lot. The other night i wanted to watch one of our older horror films so i picked 13 ghosts (excellent film). Last year for my 40th my fiancee Deb bought me the Bourne Trilogy on Bluray and the other day we managed to buy the Bourne Legacy so the quadrilogy is complete. This being the case we finally sat down to watch them a couple of nights ago and after seeing the first one and finding out how good it is i am looking forward to the other three. Last night we watched a very clever and intense horror film called Cabin in the Woods. I will avoid spoilers but needless to say that it isnt your ordinary run of the mill horror.
Deb bought me Boardwalk Empire season 1 and 2 on dvd for my birthday so i will be continuing from where i left of real soon. I love the show and its got me completely hooked. Its great to see Steve Buscemi on our screens as i think he is a very under-rated actor with immense talent. On that note i was shocked to hear about the death of James Gandolfini at the age of 51. I have heard a lot about the Sopranos series and its on my list (which grows every day) of television programs i want to watch (thanks to Sarah i am also edging towards Person of Interest as it sounds like my kind of program). Going back to the James Gandolfini comment, it just goes to show you how easy life can disappear and that is why i am always living for today.
I had a bit of a bee in my bonnet earlier this week and decided to confront some things that had been getting on my nerves and eating away at me in the last week or so. Its always good when you get things sorted and show people that you are not just there as a convenience friend. I think of myself a lot more highly than that these days.
I will leave you now and will keep you informed as to what happens in the next week or so.
Thursday 13 June 2013
Another two weeks almost
Ok so i set it in my mind (my diary) to keep this blog updated every two or three days and yet i find myself here and realise that its been almost two weeks since my last update !!!!!!!!!!!!
I know they say time flies but no one said that it went super sonic !!!!!!!
Ok not much of an update other than the wedding plans are going ok. A lot will be sorted in the next couple of weeks (fingers crossed). The weather had been really good for the last few days and even though there has been a lot of rain in the air and an awful lot more has been forecast for the next few days, the temperature seems to be holding out at about 15-16c (which isnt too bad). Not been a lot happening other than going town a couple of times and walking the dog.
Had a lot of free time in the evenings and we have been watching some good movies lately.
Horrible Bosses - A very funny and engaging comedy that literally had us both crying with laughter. Seeing Jennifer Anniston as a sex-mad dentist just about sealed the humour. Jason Bateman once again was the best thing in the film and he is definitely one of my favorite actors at present.
Identity Thief - Not as funny as i thought it would be but still a good laugh. Once again Jason Bateman starred, this time with Melissa Mccarthy. Its a good road trip kind of movie and with the added bonus of Robert Patrick playing an old but wizened bounty hunter. Good film but have seen better.
Dante 01. Ok this wouldnt be to everyones taste as its a French film that has been dubbed in english. Its a sci-fi horror about a mental asylum colony that is floating in space. A ship is rescued and the newest inmate appears to be something more than human. I would give this a go if you like out of the box - sci fi.
Now this last film really surprised me and to me its the best film I have seen in years. Its a brazilian film called Elite Squad (The Enemy Within). Its a fantastic action film that also has a lot of political agenda in it. The violence is realistic and the story (though fiction) is scarily realistic. I was hooked from the first five minutes and just lately have been giving foreign language films a go as its nice to see what other countries are capable of outside of Hollywood. Its in Brazilian but the subtitles are really easy to follow and not intrusive. I picked this up from Poundland and its the best value from a pound that i have had.
On the gaming front i am still playing Bioshock Infinite and i am hoping that i am getting close to the end as i am getting a little bored with it now. Its the same situation in different locations.
On that note i will disappear and will update soon
I know they say time flies but no one said that it went super sonic !!!!!!!
Ok not much of an update other than the wedding plans are going ok. A lot will be sorted in the next couple of weeks (fingers crossed). The weather had been really good for the last few days and even though there has been a lot of rain in the air and an awful lot more has been forecast for the next few days, the temperature seems to be holding out at about 15-16c (which isnt too bad). Not been a lot happening other than going town a couple of times and walking the dog.
Had a lot of free time in the evenings and we have been watching some good movies lately.
Horrible Bosses - A very funny and engaging comedy that literally had us both crying with laughter. Seeing Jennifer Anniston as a sex-mad dentist just about sealed the humour. Jason Bateman once again was the best thing in the film and he is definitely one of my favorite actors at present.
Identity Thief - Not as funny as i thought it would be but still a good laugh. Once again Jason Bateman starred, this time with Melissa Mccarthy. Its a good road trip kind of movie and with the added bonus of Robert Patrick playing an old but wizened bounty hunter. Good film but have seen better.
Dante 01. Ok this wouldnt be to everyones taste as its a French film that has been dubbed in english. Its a sci-fi horror about a mental asylum colony that is floating in space. A ship is rescued and the newest inmate appears to be something more than human. I would give this a go if you like out of the box - sci fi.
Now this last film really surprised me and to me its the best film I have seen in years. Its a brazilian film called Elite Squad (The Enemy Within). Its a fantastic action film that also has a lot of political agenda in it. The violence is realistic and the story (though fiction) is scarily realistic. I was hooked from the first five minutes and just lately have been giving foreign language films a go as its nice to see what other countries are capable of outside of Hollywood. Its in Brazilian but the subtitles are really easy to follow and not intrusive. I picked this up from Poundland and its the best value from a pound that i have had.
On the gaming front i am still playing Bioshock Infinite and i am hoping that i am getting close to the end as i am getting a little bored with it now. Its the same situation in different locations.
On that note i will disappear and will update soon
Monday 3 June 2013
Wow has it really been that long ???
I cant believe that its been over 3 months since my last post..............sheesh time flies. Well in that time we have lost another family member. My late dads wife passed away recently and although in the beginning we didnt really get on with each other by the end we were definitely friends and she will be deeply missed.
Family wise not a lot has happened. My sister is still looking for a new house to move to. My mum has settled into her new flat and is loving living in Blackpool. My time has been taken up with gaming, watching tv and oh erm....................planning a wedding yeyyyyyyyyyyyy
We are definitely getting there and the plans are coming together nicely. We have made a couple of stipulations and if people dont like them.........tough LOL
We have decided that we want it to be a child free day. No one under 18 (this will cause some problems) but its a matter of practicality. We need to arrange the catering and to do that with children included will times the amount by 1 and a half and we would rather put that extra money towards the day itself and not on a pile of food that will get wasted. The other thing is we want the adults to be able to relax and enjoy the day without having to keep checking on their kids every five minutes to see if they are misbehaving, sick, bored etc.........
Anyway its our day so why should we compromise ???
Me and Deb will have been together almost 14 years next year and we have been through a lot. We have been broke to the point of no return and come through it. There have been health scares (particularly me last year) where it didnt even look like i was going to be here. So i think we deserve to have the wedding that we both want.
A lot more will be sorted in the next few weeks and i will keep regular updates for those that are interested.
Well in the last three months i have played Dead Island and Riptide, Darksiders 2 and am now on Bioshock Infinite. Out of the games so far i would rate Bioshock 3 stars, Darksiders 4 stars and Dead Island 4 1/2 Stars. All three have their good points and they are all worth playing. Dead Island is sort of Rpg with first person as well. Darksiders is a hack and slash but also with a Rpg sytem of advancement and bioshock is a sort of adventure/first person action game. Will let you know what i play after.
On the film front i have watched literally dozens in the last three months, from Dark Skies to Last Exorcism 2, from Stranded to Chernobyl Diaries and from The Firm (not the Tom Cruise one) to Black Swan. A varied choice of films you must agree and there are even more on the agenda too.
I have finally succumbed and joined Twitter (my best friend is over the moon at the news and has already recommended me to her cronies lol). I actually joined by accident while signing up to be notified of upcoming Lionsgate films. I thought i was signing up for a newsletter, I was wrong.
Also during the day I have been listening to a lot of music and my personal favourites are Delta Machine by Depeche Mode and Euphoric Clubland. Delta Machine is a superb cd and its Mode at their best. The cd contains a nice diverse choice of tunes from the mood songs to dance hits. Euphoric Clubland is my kind of music. While i am not a fan of hardcore music i do like the more melodic euphoria or trance tunes and this compilation has the best of the last twenty years. Some superb tunes from Darude, Fragma, Tiesto, Paul Van Dyk etc............ Well worth a listen !!!!!!!!!!!
On the football front I was quite pleased with the way my beloved Liverpool finished the season with a nice unbeaten run and also happy that despite being without Luis Suarez (bite meeeeeeee) that we actually can still score goals and a lot more than people thought. I think Sturridge is a class player and the way that he has filled in for Suarez is a credit to the player. 10 goals in 14 matches is not a bad return so far and long may it continue. Coutinho is a world class player and at Liverpool i can see him going from strength to strength. Downing and Henderson have really improved in the second half of the season but whether they stay, who knows. I think we do need some more quality in the team and what with all the rumours in the press i am surprised that we have any team left for next year............lol. One thing i will add that is driving me nuts is to do with Suarez. Yes he is a class player of that there is no doubt, but he isnt bigger than the club. If he wants to leave, then leave, if he wants to stay, stay, but please sort it out one way or the other. Every day there are new stories about it and its getting a little tedious now.
Family wise not a lot has happened. My sister is still looking for a new house to move to. My mum has settled into her new flat and is loving living in Blackpool. My time has been taken up with gaming, watching tv and oh erm....................planning a wedding yeyyyyyyyyyyyy
We are definitely getting there and the plans are coming together nicely. We have made a couple of stipulations and if people dont like them.........tough LOL
We have decided that we want it to be a child free day. No one under 18 (this will cause some problems) but its a matter of practicality. We need to arrange the catering and to do that with children included will times the amount by 1 and a half and we would rather put that extra money towards the day itself and not on a pile of food that will get wasted. The other thing is we want the adults to be able to relax and enjoy the day without having to keep checking on their kids every five minutes to see if they are misbehaving, sick, bored etc.........
Anyway its our day so why should we compromise ???
Me and Deb will have been together almost 14 years next year and we have been through a lot. We have been broke to the point of no return and come through it. There have been health scares (particularly me last year) where it didnt even look like i was going to be here. So i think we deserve to have the wedding that we both want.
A lot more will be sorted in the next few weeks and i will keep regular updates for those that are interested.
Well in the last three months i have played Dead Island and Riptide, Darksiders 2 and am now on Bioshock Infinite. Out of the games so far i would rate Bioshock 3 stars, Darksiders 4 stars and Dead Island 4 1/2 Stars. All three have their good points and they are all worth playing. Dead Island is sort of Rpg with first person as well. Darksiders is a hack and slash but also with a Rpg sytem of advancement and bioshock is a sort of adventure/first person action game. Will let you know what i play after.
On the film front i have watched literally dozens in the last three months, from Dark Skies to Last Exorcism 2, from Stranded to Chernobyl Diaries and from The Firm (not the Tom Cruise one) to Black Swan. A varied choice of films you must agree and there are even more on the agenda too.
I have finally succumbed and joined Twitter (my best friend is over the moon at the news and has already recommended me to her cronies lol). I actually joined by accident while signing up to be notified of upcoming Lionsgate films. I thought i was signing up for a newsletter, I was wrong.
Also during the day I have been listening to a lot of music and my personal favourites are Delta Machine by Depeche Mode and Euphoric Clubland. Delta Machine is a superb cd and its Mode at their best. The cd contains a nice diverse choice of tunes from the mood songs to dance hits. Euphoric Clubland is my kind of music. While i am not a fan of hardcore music i do like the more melodic euphoria or trance tunes and this compilation has the best of the last twenty years. Some superb tunes from Darude, Fragma, Tiesto, Paul Van Dyk etc............ Well worth a listen !!!!!!!!!!!
On the football front I was quite pleased with the way my beloved Liverpool finished the season with a nice unbeaten run and also happy that despite being without Luis Suarez (bite meeeeeeee) that we actually can still score goals and a lot more than people thought. I think Sturridge is a class player and the way that he has filled in for Suarez is a credit to the player. 10 goals in 14 matches is not a bad return so far and long may it continue. Coutinho is a world class player and at Liverpool i can see him going from strength to strength. Downing and Henderson have really improved in the second half of the season but whether they stay, who knows. I think we do need some more quality in the team and what with all the rumours in the press i am surprised that we have any team left for next year............lol. One thing i will add that is driving me nuts is to do with Suarez. Yes he is a class player of that there is no doubt, but he isnt bigger than the club. If he wants to leave, then leave, if he wants to stay, stay, but please sort it out one way or the other. Every day there are new stories about it and its getting a little tedious now.
Friday 22 February 2013
Good and Bad
Well first the bad. Poor Deb is only just getting over her chest infection and has now been left with a rather nasty cough that is getting on her nerves. The weather doesn't help as the temperature has dropped again and last night it was -2 (not cold for some i know). Been having a lot of back pain and its now become a mystery as (GOOD NEWS) my scans on the base of my spine have come back and they show that there is no problem (good but now i am baffled as to what is causing it. Been told by various people that:
a: could be my condition (doctor and mum)
b: could be old age (sister and tony)
c: could be dry rot (Thanks mick)
On better news my Ipad3 arrived the other day and I have been playing with it, downloading apps and stuff. I really like it and once the cover I have ordered of Ebay arrives then I will feel safer transporting it around. One of the great things I like about it is the amount of apps that are available for it. My other devices for apps (Blackberry curve 8520 and Amazon Kindle Fire) are very limited in the number of apps available, but after doing some searching on the net I have found that there are literally thousands of apps available for the Ipad (the majority of them free). So i have been downloading everything from wallpapers to sports apps, from tv players to skype. Like a kid with a new toy...........lol
I like where Liverpool FC are going at the moment and I can see a lot of potential in the team. I am not saying we are going to win the league anytime soon, but we are building a team that can fight for its rightful top four place. This season has been a washout concerning trophies and even attempting to win them but i think that Brendan Rogers needs at least another season to show us what he can do. The players I liked the look of over the last week (the 5-0 hammering of Swansea and the impressive 3-1 defeat of Zenit last night in the Europa League) are the the new signing of Coutinho. He looks a pacy player who gets in to good positions and can finish too as he proved scoring on his full debut against Swansea. I also like the look of Assaidi who showed last night that he too has pace and ability and fits in with the way Brendan likes his teams to play. I have to say though that the player that I think will make a big difference to us is Suarez's new upfront partner Daniel Sturridge. I always knew he had pace and ability when he was at Chelsea and he has brought that to Liverpool. He can make a good partnership with Suarez and has already found the net several times. I thought we were really unlucky to go out of Europe last night and was over the moon with how the lads performed after going 3-0 down on aggregate (dont worry Jamie we all make mistakes, ask Martin Skrtel............). Suarez was on fire and his two free kicks were world class, especially the second one. It was nice to see Joe Allan score as well and if Shelvey had scored then it could have all been so different. Ah well no point on dwelling on what might have been, we have to cement our place in the top 6 by beating Wigan away at the weekend. Come on the Poooooooooooooool.
We finished Grimm season 1 and I have to say we thoroughly enjoyed it. There was just the right amount of gore, violence and humor to make it really involving and we are looking forward to watching the second season. Tonight we start on a series that was recommended to us a while ago but was never at the top of our viewing agenda. Game of Thrones. Both me and Deb have heard good things about it either word of mouth or social media comments and are looking forward to seeing if it is as good as people say it is.
Book wise I have finally finished Eric Sykes biography and have now started on a totally different book altogether. Miranda Hart - It it just me?. So far I am loving it and it has me giggling to myself the more i read. For anyone who has watched and enjoyed her Tv show then this is a must read. The anecdotes and stories from her life are hilarious and sometimes its just like watching an episode of Miranda.
Well not much else to say other than hope our Nephew Shaun makes a quick recovery and is back on his feet in next to no time. He has had an operation on his foot that took three hours. ouchhhhhhh !!!!
Bye for now and will update again soon.
a: could be my condition (doctor and mum)
b: could be old age (sister and tony)
c: could be dry rot (Thanks mick)
On better news my Ipad3 arrived the other day and I have been playing with it, downloading apps and stuff. I really like it and once the cover I have ordered of Ebay arrives then I will feel safer transporting it around. One of the great things I like about it is the amount of apps that are available for it. My other devices for apps (Blackberry curve 8520 and Amazon Kindle Fire) are very limited in the number of apps available, but after doing some searching on the net I have found that there are literally thousands of apps available for the Ipad (the majority of them free). So i have been downloading everything from wallpapers to sports apps, from tv players to skype. Like a kid with a new toy...........lol
I like where Liverpool FC are going at the moment and I can see a lot of potential in the team. I am not saying we are going to win the league anytime soon, but we are building a team that can fight for its rightful top four place. This season has been a washout concerning trophies and even attempting to win them but i think that Brendan Rogers needs at least another season to show us what he can do. The players I liked the look of over the last week (the 5-0 hammering of Swansea and the impressive 3-1 defeat of Zenit last night in the Europa League) are the the new signing of Coutinho. He looks a pacy player who gets in to good positions and can finish too as he proved scoring on his full debut against Swansea. I also like the look of Assaidi who showed last night that he too has pace and ability and fits in with the way Brendan likes his teams to play. I have to say though that the player that I think will make a big difference to us is Suarez's new upfront partner Daniel Sturridge. I always knew he had pace and ability when he was at Chelsea and he has brought that to Liverpool. He can make a good partnership with Suarez and has already found the net several times. I thought we were really unlucky to go out of Europe last night and was over the moon with how the lads performed after going 3-0 down on aggregate (dont worry Jamie we all make mistakes, ask Martin Skrtel............). Suarez was on fire and his two free kicks were world class, especially the second one. It was nice to see Joe Allan score as well and if Shelvey had scored then it could have all been so different. Ah well no point on dwelling on what might have been, we have to cement our place in the top 6 by beating Wigan away at the weekend. Come on the Poooooooooooooool.
We finished Grimm season 1 and I have to say we thoroughly enjoyed it. There was just the right amount of gore, violence and humor to make it really involving and we are looking forward to watching the second season. Tonight we start on a series that was recommended to us a while ago but was never at the top of our viewing agenda. Game of Thrones. Both me and Deb have heard good things about it either word of mouth or social media comments and are looking forward to seeing if it is as good as people say it is.
Book wise I have finally finished Eric Sykes biography and have now started on a totally different book altogether. Miranda Hart - It it just me?. So far I am loving it and it has me giggling to myself the more i read. For anyone who has watched and enjoyed her Tv show then this is a must read. The anecdotes and stories from her life are hilarious and sometimes its just like watching an episode of Miranda.
Well not much else to say other than hope our Nephew Shaun makes a quick recovery and is back on his feet in next to no time. He has had an operation on his foot that took three hours. ouchhhhhhh !!!!
Bye for now and will update again soon.
Saturday 16 February 2013
Start of the year illnesses
I suppose that if you are going to get ill then the January/February time is the best time to do it. I think that most of us get ill at this time, whether its a simple cold or full blown flu. I had a cold for a few days that thankfully didn't turn into anything more serious. A couple of days of nose running and fuzzy head (including a 36 hour headache that drove me nuts) and after taking some Beechams the symptoms subsided and I made a recovery. Deb wasn't so lucky. She got the full chest infection that lasted over a week and has left her with a chesty cough that she is only just getting over. As we have both been under the weather we haven't got out at all (except for the doctors, medical center and chemist). The one thing I will say is that being ill lets you catch up on your TV programs or films that you have wanted to watch.
We finally finished Lost season 6 (final season) and all i can say without giving too much away is it leaves more questions than answers and to me was just a big cop-out where it looks the writers have just run out of ideas.
We have also managed to watch the final season of Fringe and in contrast this actually had an ending that made sense and wrapped up the series nicely. I will miss this series as it has been one of the most gripping sci-fi dramas for a long time.
If anyone is thinking of buying the Universal Playback series of the UKTV series Bread i would think twice as they have completely messed up the series. Series 1 and 2 are fine and run in order without any mess up, however series 3 is down as being 6 episodes and series 4 as 7 episodes. After checking this i have found out that series 3 should be 13 episodes and the 7 episodes of series 4 are actually episodes 7-13 of series 3. What a mess up. Well unfortunately they didn't bring out any more series on DVD (as of yet) and if they did I have no idea how they are going to do it because series 5 will in reality be series 4 and so on. As there were only 7 series made I cant imagine how they will get away with it.
Started watching another two series. First one is called Once Upon a time and to be honest i am having a job getting into it. Its got a good story and good characters but to me its the kind of program that could be on in the afternoon, there is just no suspense in it (maybe i am getting old...........lol). As i have only watched three episodes i might be a bit pre-emptive in my judgement. Will let you know.
The second series is called Grimm and is right up my street. Its got a good story line, great specials, good cast and credible situations. We are watching the first series at the moment and are up to episode nine or ten (cant remember). I would recommend it to Supernatural fans as some elements are similar.
Also been watching more of the excellent series Boardwalk Empire and am one episode away from the end of the first season. I have season two on standby.
I have not bought much of the internet lately although i have pre-ordered the new Depeche Mode album and single that come out in March. The single is called heaven and this is the youtube link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy7FzXLin7o
The new album is called Delta Machine and comes out on 25th March.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Delta-Machine-Depeche-Mode/dp/B00B69UQEO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361027610&sr=8-1
Also managed to get the last four Pet Shop Boys singles to add to my collection as i have fell behind slightly.
Not done a lot else with being ill other than lots of surveys. Also heard of my survey home company to let me know that i will get my Ipad 3 in two weeks. Yeyyyyyyyyyyy
We finally finished Lost season 6 (final season) and all i can say without giving too much away is it leaves more questions than answers and to me was just a big cop-out where it looks the writers have just run out of ideas.
We have also managed to watch the final season of Fringe and in contrast this actually had an ending that made sense and wrapped up the series nicely. I will miss this series as it has been one of the most gripping sci-fi dramas for a long time.
If anyone is thinking of buying the Universal Playback series of the UKTV series Bread i would think twice as they have completely messed up the series. Series 1 and 2 are fine and run in order without any mess up, however series 3 is down as being 6 episodes and series 4 as 7 episodes. After checking this i have found out that series 3 should be 13 episodes and the 7 episodes of series 4 are actually episodes 7-13 of series 3. What a mess up. Well unfortunately they didn't bring out any more series on DVD (as of yet) and if they did I have no idea how they are going to do it because series 5 will in reality be series 4 and so on. As there were only 7 series made I cant imagine how they will get away with it.
Started watching another two series. First one is called Once Upon a time and to be honest i am having a job getting into it. Its got a good story and good characters but to me its the kind of program that could be on in the afternoon, there is just no suspense in it (maybe i am getting old...........lol). As i have only watched three episodes i might be a bit pre-emptive in my judgement. Will let you know.
The second series is called Grimm and is right up my street. Its got a good story line, great specials, good cast and credible situations. We are watching the first series at the moment and are up to episode nine or ten (cant remember). I would recommend it to Supernatural fans as some elements are similar.
Also been watching more of the excellent series Boardwalk Empire and am one episode away from the end of the first season. I have season two on standby.
I have not bought much of the internet lately although i have pre-ordered the new Depeche Mode album and single that come out in March. The single is called heaven and this is the youtube link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy7FzXLin7o
The new album is called Delta Machine and comes out on 25th March.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Delta-Machine-Depeche-Mode/dp/B00B69UQEO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361027610&sr=8-1
Also managed to get the last four Pet Shop Boys singles to add to my collection as i have fell behind slightly.
Not done a lot else with being ill other than lots of surveys. Also heard of my survey home company to let me know that i will get my Ipad 3 in two weeks. Yeyyyyyyyyyyy
from 30th jan til the 7th feb
Hello all and hope you have had a good few weeks since my last post. Hadnt really been doing a lot up until last week although there are a couple of tv programs i would like to mention. First there is the excellent and very clever three part series called Black Mirror. Its a rather dark look at technology and what the future or present might actually be capable of. Its both amusing and dark in equal portions and the way the stories are done reflects a lot on modern day ethics and practices. I believe the second series is due to start in a week or two. The other program is a five part supernatural drama called Marchlands. I know its been out a while but we hadnt watched it until recently. Its basically a ghost story that spans over 40 years, from the sixties right up to almost the present day. Marchlands is the name of the house in which all three families over the 40 years reside and the ghost that appears to haunt it. Its very good and some superb actors grace our screens. The main actors are Alex Kingston, Tessa Peake-Jones (raquel from only fools and horses), Denis Lawson, Shelley Conn and Anne Reid to name but a few. A gripping story and i would definitely recommend watching if you havent already seen it.
Well on 31st January my sis and her mum arrived for a few days. On Thursday 31st we all went to Fleetwood market and had a great time. The market was not very busy which surprised us but according to one of the stall holders we spoke to it was because more and more stalls were closing each week (so much for David Cameron(. While in Fleetwood we also had a lovely meal at a wetherspoons pub of the high street. Deb, sis and mum all went mental on the craft stall and i was the only one that didnt but anything in the whole day...............lol
Friday was a pyjama day and we all just chilled and relaxed. I was on my pc as usual and the rest were doing crafting stuff. It was a pretty uneventful day until later that night. I went on my and did my usual checking of email and stuff when i got the surprise of the week. I had been a member of a health and wellbeing forum for the last twelve weeks (filling in surveys telling them about my health issues etc.......). Well i knew that the forum ended on the 30th and that the grand prize draw was due to be held (each time you completed the weeks activities you gained tickets for the draw). Well i am pleased and excited to say that i won third prize which is a brand new Ipad 3 yeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy. Am so excited and cant believe i won.
Saturday the 2nd February will go down as one of the best days in my 40 year time on this planet. We all got up at 7.30am and after a couple of cups of tea and a morning rattle we left the house at about 8.30am. Destination Anfield. I was finally going to get to enjoy my 40th birthday present with my sis in attendance (Deb and mum went to Liverpool for the day shopping). Well we arrived at about 10.15 and after saying our goodbyes me and Sarah went our way and mum and Deb went theirs. We logged in at reception and after scanning our ticket we took the lifts to level two where we were taken into the European lounge. There were ten or fifteen tables each with seven people on and we were allocated to table fifteen. After getting a cup of tea and biscuit snack we sat ourselves down and we could feel the excitement from each other. The table contained a menu (from which we were to order our 3 course VIP lunch) and a printout of information about the two legends that we would be meeting later (Phil Neal and John Aldridge). We sat talking for about ten minutes although we were that excited i dont think we can remember what we said. After about twenty minutes one of the tour staff introduced herself and told us the itinerary for the day. It went like this.
11.00am Stadium Tour
12.00pm Museum and LFC Shop
1.00pm Meet on top floor in Executive Box 15
1.15pm Three course VIP lunch
2.30pm Return to European Lounge for signings and photos
3.00pm Q and A session with Phil Neal and John Aldridge
4.00pm leave with your limited edition souvenir and all the memories of a wonderful day
It all went like clockwork and the organisation behind the event was first class.
There are loads of photos that i have added so you can see for yourself how wonderful the day was.
11.am We were split into two groups and we were in the first one that did the tour of the stadium. First port of call and were taken into what is called the Legends room and given a little bit of history about past players and managers. From there were taken into the press area and were allowed to sit exactly where Brendan Rogers sits during press conferences. We then were taken into the home dressing room where it was a privilege to have my picture taken with the shirts of my beloved LFC all around me. It was quite empty in the room apart from a physio table and we were told this was because Bill Shankly (GOD) had wanted the players to know that when they went out onto the football pitch, they were working and as such shouldnt have access to sophisticated equipment. Melwood training ground is where all the modern technology resides, from jacuzzi's to pool rooms. Once we had taken several photos we then entered the away dressing room which was colder than a fridge. This was explained to us but its a secret so shhhhhhhhhh.
Down the hall from this was where both the home and away managers and players conducted the post match interviews. From there we got to have a photo taken of me and Sarah touching the Anfield sign that is above the stairs that lead onto the pitch. Sitting where Brendan Rogers sits during games was quite a thrill and seeing the pitch was equally as breath-taking. After being given another talk on when the stadium was built and a little history we were escorted to the most famous stand in football, the Kop. Sitting down in the Kop gives you such a rush of nostalgia and history that it really is overwhelming and almost brings you to tears. Again we were regaled with tales of the Kop and the history behind the stand and its supporters.
12.00pm This was when we were left to our own devices and could choose to tour the museum, shop or have a drink in the Boot Room cafe. We chose the museum first as we are both fascinated not just in Liverpool of the present day and our generation of players, but also by the teams that made Liverpool the legendary club that it is. We got to read the history of the managers from the early years to the like of Bill Shankly (god), Bob Paisley (close 2nd), Joe Fagan, Benitez (say no more), Houllier and many more. As you will see in the photos I have uploaded (taken mostly by Sarah) we managed to capture a broad range of it all. From the league titles to the FIVE (are you reading Man Utd, Chelsea and City), yes i said five European Cups. boast boast. We spent a good forty minutes in there and the only reason we left was because we wanted to look in the Liverpool Shop. Big mistake i can tell you. I spent over £150.00 in there mostly on some amazing designer LFC tops. Again I have uploaded some photos of them.
1.00pm After leaving the store laden down with carrier bags we made our way to the third floor and were led into executive box 15 where the rest of the people from our table were sitting waiting for their lunch. Our ordered drinks arrived and while waited for lunch we got to know the people around us. I am not sure if that was a big mistake or not but all through lunch i was continually asked questions about Liverpool and the squad. I do know a fair bit about the history of liverpool but there were times when i felt like a contestant on Mastermind. While were having lunch in walked our tour host with Phil Neal and John Aldridge. We both about choked because to use these were two of our heroes. We were actually in a room with the legendary Phil Neal (most honors and appearances) and John Aldridge (successor to Ian Rush when he left for Juventus). These were players i had watched and admired as i passed through my teens. They were the inspiration that led to my love of Liverpool FC. They introduced themselves (pointless) and asked if were having a good day. They also informed us that they would be available later for photos and would sign anything we wanted signing. I settled on my Liverpool shirt and a calendar (my face would have been a bit too much i think...............lol) On the table was a small floral arrangement in a very heavy base and they told us that as there were two women in our group only one could take it home as a souvenir. A coin was tossed and Sarah ended up with tails, and thats what it landed on. So Sarah got the bouquet. The meal was amazing (see photos again) and it was a very pleasant hour or so we spent there.
2.30pm After the meal was over we once again returned to the European Lounge and after twenty or so minutes of signings we were allowed to ask some questions to the legends. I am never short on words and proceeded to ask John Aldridge who the most difficult defender was that he had ever faced. After a few seconds he came up with a player that i also remember watching as i grew up Paul Mcgrath (Aston Villa). They told us a few stories about their football careers and the room often broke into roars of laughter. It was like talking to your mates in the pub, the atmosphere was so relaxed.
4.00pm The day was over and after making sure we had all our belongings (including a limited edition glass and a certificate signed by the entire Liverpool team we left and rejoined Deb and mum who were waiting in the car park for us. They had also had a fantastic day and were, like us, absolutely shattered. All the drive home we talked about the day and by the time we got home we were all ready for bed even though it was only about 6.00pm.
The rest of the evening we did nothing other than chill and i tried on my tops that i had bought.
Friday 18 January 2013
A New Year A New Challenge
Hi all and hope that 2013 has started good for you. I hope the weather isn't too bad and that you are not all laid up with flu...........Deb has had it and i just got a sniffle (usual cold stuff). Its 14.40pm and the snow has just stopped. Yes you heard me correct, we got snow in Blackpool (which doesn't happen very often. There isnt really a lot happening round here at this time of year. Most of the shops are closed, other than the high street ones. Me and Deb are soon to start looking for a church and hopefully by the beginning of 2014 (before) we should finally be man and wife...............lol.
Got some cool stuff coming up this year. To start with me and my sis Sarah are going Anfield on the 2nd February for the tour and three course VIP lunch that was part of my 40th birthday present last year. We also get to meet a Liverpool legend (any guesses which one??). We are so excited, its like being a kid at Christmas again. Looking forward to a great day out and Sarah's mum and Deb will be scouring Liverpool craft shops while we have to sit through a laborious lunch and VIP treatment (hard life eh...........lol)
Been doing some more writing and first page of new story is almost ready to put on here. A new genre this time. Not sci-fi but murder. Shall have to see what my audience wants he he. I set two resolutions and so far have stuck to them. I know its early days but my nails are already starting to get on my nerves. When you are a nail biter like me and you suddenly stop it takes some time to remember that nails are SHARP and where before I used to be able to scratch my face and thin nothing of it, now i cant.
Been watching a lot of films lately as we got a lot over Christmas and new year on Blu-ray. We finished watching the very entertaining and quite clever The Frighteners last night. I got the Blu-ray because its got 14 minutes more than the original theatrical version. Its been so long since i last saw it that i couldn't tell you where the extra 14 minutes are. Also last night we watched Snow White and the Huntsman and I would say that it was an ok film. On Blu-ray the colours of the scenery and the background images just leap of the screen and the locations where the film were shot (Scotland, Wales etc.........) were amazing. Good story with the right involvement of all the elements of the original fairy tale. I thought it was well filmed and the main plus for me was that they didn't turn it into a romance (which would have been easy). The main problem i found with it was that basically Kristen Stewart was still Bella. She could have played the same part in both parts. I would give it a 3 star for the cast, filming locations (reminiscent of the way Lord of the Rings was filmed) and story.
On another note I am pleased to say that Liverpool have finally started to look like a football team again and apart from a couple of glitches (3-1 home to Villa was the worst) we are starting to get some nice results. We play Norwich at Anfield tomorrow so will comment after that one.........lol). I thought that Mansfield deserved to get a replay against us in the FA cup and can count themselves unfortunate to lose to a handball goal. I don't hold Suarez responsible as no footballer would have not accepted the goal. I blame the officials for not seeing the handball as it was obvious. As for the comments about him kissing the part of the hand he used and gloating, crap, he always kissed that part of his wrist when he scored because I have been led to believe that he has his daughters name tattooed there. I watched the season review from 2011-2012 season and several times he is seen kissing his wrist (after scoring with feet and head). Its easy to say Mansfield were unlucky because its true, but then again after our second half performance against Man United (not first half) I thought we deserved a draw but as many can attest we don't always get what we deserve.
Ah well time to leave it there and hope to write some more Sunday. I might even have the first part of my story ready
Got some cool stuff coming up this year. To start with me and my sis Sarah are going Anfield on the 2nd February for the tour and three course VIP lunch that was part of my 40th birthday present last year. We also get to meet a Liverpool legend (any guesses which one??). We are so excited, its like being a kid at Christmas again. Looking forward to a great day out and Sarah's mum and Deb will be scouring Liverpool craft shops while we have to sit through a laborious lunch and VIP treatment (hard life eh...........lol)
Been doing some more writing and first page of new story is almost ready to put on here. A new genre this time. Not sci-fi but murder. Shall have to see what my audience wants he he. I set two resolutions and so far have stuck to them. I know its early days but my nails are already starting to get on my nerves. When you are a nail biter like me and you suddenly stop it takes some time to remember that nails are SHARP and where before I used to be able to scratch my face and thin nothing of it, now i cant.
Been watching a lot of films lately as we got a lot over Christmas and new year on Blu-ray. We finished watching the very entertaining and quite clever The Frighteners last night. I got the Blu-ray because its got 14 minutes more than the original theatrical version. Its been so long since i last saw it that i couldn't tell you where the extra 14 minutes are. Also last night we watched Snow White and the Huntsman and I would say that it was an ok film. On Blu-ray the colours of the scenery and the background images just leap of the screen and the locations where the film were shot (Scotland, Wales etc.........) were amazing. Good story with the right involvement of all the elements of the original fairy tale. I thought it was well filmed and the main plus for me was that they didn't turn it into a romance (which would have been easy). The main problem i found with it was that basically Kristen Stewart was still Bella. She could have played the same part in both parts. I would give it a 3 star for the cast, filming locations (reminiscent of the way Lord of the Rings was filmed) and story.
On another note I am pleased to say that Liverpool have finally started to look like a football team again and apart from a couple of glitches (3-1 home to Villa was the worst) we are starting to get some nice results. We play Norwich at Anfield tomorrow so will comment after that one.........lol). I thought that Mansfield deserved to get a replay against us in the FA cup and can count themselves unfortunate to lose to a handball goal. I don't hold Suarez responsible as no footballer would have not accepted the goal. I blame the officials for not seeing the handball as it was obvious. As for the comments about him kissing the part of the hand he used and gloating, crap, he always kissed that part of his wrist when he scored because I have been led to believe that he has his daughters name tattooed there. I watched the season review from 2011-2012 season and several times he is seen kissing his wrist (after scoring with feet and head). Its easy to say Mansfield were unlucky because its true, but then again after our second half performance against Man United (not first half) I thought we deserved a draw but as many can attest we don't always get what we deserve.
Ah well time to leave it there and hope to write some more Sunday. I might even have the first part of my story ready
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