Update - Buddy Guy - Scottish Proms - Night Out

Well Howdy - how time has flown again - phew! Need to give you an update as to what ahs been happening in my life sine London Town

Reading Sonia Choquette - Ask Your Guides which I am finding very interesting and a friend of mine has just given me a set of motivational CD's by Joe Vitale which I am listening to whilst driving to and from work every day . . . so keeping myself busy.

Speaking of work this is my last two weeks now - finish off on 11 July - looking unlikely that they will keep me on after that - spoke to K and she has been very helpful and made a proposal which would be to everyone's benefit - but I am not sure that they will be able to work like that . . .

So where to from here - a couple of applications pending - I am optimistic - one way or the other something will turn up . . .

Haven't really been up to a lot so I will just inform you of the highlights . .

Thursday 26 June went to Carling Academy - to see Buddy Guy - now way back in 80's I used to be in the music industry (in a past life . . . lol - that's how it feels sometimes) - [couldn't got to Blue Chip evening] - I used to see 'A man e the Blues' - it was a regular seller - so I was really looking forward to the concert - he is an outstanding blues guitarist . . . I was mildly disappointed with the concert - I might be a bit old fashioned - I expected him to work through a repertoire of his music and give good value for money at the end of the day I felt he was there to enjoy himself and give a few Blues standards not even necessarily his own material - just a few bones for the pack of dogs so to speak - enough to satisfy them - keep them quiet - I enjoyed most of what he played - I just felt it was understated and he could have was capable of doing more but that he at no time actually pushed himself . . . spent and extended period of time in the audience - doing nothing much other than checking out the local talent - another colleague from work was there and said they knew what I meant but that his concert last time was very similar - when he left stage no encore - my friend said that was how it was last time as well - he is over 70 he said . . . as I say I enjoyed but remain mildly disappointed.

Friday night went out with a whole bunch of people on Friday night - to West End of Glasgow - venue (The Salon) was a pleasant setting - an old cinema which has been converted - nice a spacious - not too impressed with service - food was good - Vietnamese chicken curry. But being shown to 3 different tables all of which were the wrong one's was a nuisance - had the whole group of us 12 people moving back and forth . . . went somewhere else and then ended up back at the Hilton . . . was an enjoyable evening - just caught a taxi home.

Went on Saturday evening to the Scottish Proms at the Royal Concert Hall which was great - the conductor is a lively character - at times looked as though he himself was loosing himself in the music . . a massive ensemble the Royal Scottish National Orchestra are somewhere in the region of about 70 musicians - they then had the National Chorus there who must have numbered about 100 - a pipe band joined in towards the end - the first half of the evening was devoted more to traditional classics with the second half becoming more of a truly Scootish event - some reels - Highland Academy; Flower of Scotland; Auld Lang Syne; etc., What was interesting was the full front section had had the seats removed so that people could perhaps let themselves go with flag waving and a wee jig etc., - a much older crowd present and they burst into spontaneous song with the more well known tunes - I found it quite moving really.

Just back from the pictures saw Narnia - Prince Caspian - to drawn out and basically a kids film . . . not all that good I'm afraid - I have my doubts about Will Smith in 'Hancock' a superhero with attitude - just all sounds a bit iffy . . . seems they don't make a lot of films for me these days - what am I going to do about it - Read! lol

London

Hiya

Well I am off to London to visit Sam & Hud - supposedly an engagement barbecue - but it can be misinterpreted as I overheard my Mum telling my sister that she was not invited - you need to be invited before you can go . . . . It is actually because Hud's Mum & step father are here and so they thought they'll have an official engagement party - so they can meet some of the friends who might be going to the wedding and basically that is why I am going down as well . . . remember the wedding is in Bali after all so will be good to meet them now in case we need to discuss arrangements etc., - won't just be two voices so to speak - should make things easier - always makes a difference I think once you've met someone.

Well today I rushed through to Edinburgh for a meeting and then I couldn't find anyone - only to discover they were in Livingstone - Oops! had to jump into the car and drive through - of course I had never been to that office before - but we found it and all worked out OK in the end.

Big news - I bought a bicycle - started of small - not too much money we'll see how it goes and if I stick with it we can always upgrade as we go along rather than start of expensive and then not use it . . . lots of ride to work / green schemes at the moment - encourage you to spend quite a bit of money - more than you would normally - its a lease scheme actually - so I'm glad I went this route.

chow for now . . . starting a brand new Blog next week - more about that later . . .

Love
A

Week ends

(photo's: T; Bowling yacht basin; me in Lewis; Milngavie phone booth)

Well still persevering with my photo blog . . . I must say I am still enjoying it if it gets to the stage where I cant be bothered then I'll have to re-evaluate - I don't think that it is going to be a problem as long as the sun is shining and we have our late sunsets . . . however winter is where I foresee problems - we'll just have to get inventive and more creative - anyone volunteering . . .lol!

Well after my Bishopbriggs sortie I was on my way home and my phone rang it was D and I had set up a meeting with him - which I was sure was next week Wednesday turns out he was waiting for me - so a quick u-turn and Merchant City - O'Neil here we came - a fruitful and interesting meeting - plus a few beers thrown in - I have in principle agreed to get involved and become a trustee of the charity - so I am interesting to see how it all develops - watch this space.

Paul & Co., invited me along for a curry on Friday at lunch time and I was glad to tag along - went to Mother India - I've been before a while back with a lovely lass EM from Aberdeen . . . now there was weekend - we done a Thai restaurant the evening before . . . but I digress . . . for lunch Mother India does small portions like a tapas bar - just a nice amount of food actually -well two of them anyway . . .was great - seems like we will do it more often - if there are some other suggestions - T was not impressed when she heard as it never happened whilst she was there and as soon as she has left we are going out for a big group lunch - not impressed she said . . . lol

Friday night was Ashton Lane -T's official cheers evening - K & A came along - we went to Ashoka for dinner (my lunchtime crew had told me it won't be as good as lunch) - I have to agree - but it wasn't bad at all . . T and I met for a drink prior to Ashoka - I was amazed I left my Mum's place at about 17h05 and I was in Ashton Lane for 17h20 the wonders of modern transport system - I caught a bus to Cessnock and a tube from there - and everything was just there when I needed it . . . we waited for K & A and then went into Ashoka - I thought they were fine - service attentive - maybe a little pushy but they are there to make a profit - so fair do's - we had starters and I had Lamb Breyani and I was quite happy with it - could have been spicier but it was very tasty . . . we then went across the road to Brel and sat there - it was a lovely evening - got to know A a little bit better - different setting context etc., - weather was nice as well - managed to sit outside the whole evening - almost had to share a table with two guys - who looking at our party were doing the maths - K & I were married (according to these 2 guys) and that left A & T - open season . . . lol - an interesting debate ensued wrt paintings and photographs as to which was art and which a shallow or hollow resemblance to art . . . lol - as they say in the classics beauty is in the eye of the beholder . . . K & A shared a taxi and T & I shared a taxi - guess who we bumped into whilst getting into our taxi - Graeme from Amy MacDonald & Pam his girlfriend - I said to them - good heavens can I not go out without bumping into them . . .lol

Saturday - shopping with Mum - what a scorcher it turned out to be - we went to a little Italian coffee bar for breakfast and knocked around a few shops

Spent the afternoon in Glasgow - milling around was going to go to movies but I was not really into Sex & the city and the weather was great - so nothing really caught my fancy . . . . so i just walked around a bit and sat down and people watched for a while and came home and relaxed. Tried in vain to get a new lead for my lawnmower - unsuccessful - it turns out that my type of lead is obsolete - this effectively means I need to buy a new lawn mower ???? I can repair the lead but there will always be strain on it and if the grass is wet which it often is it is not safe to work with it like this - so dilemma - garden services or a new lawn mower????

I was watching Blade II - found it too disturbing (I've seen it before . . .) just all blood and guts - and frankly the different strain of vampires are more like aliens than anything else . . . . channel hopped and there was another vampire movie on . . . .

I've just had a lazy Sunday and off to Dumfries tomorrow Edinburgh Tuesday and Thursday - so a fair bit of travelling this week . . .all for now . . .

Farewell T

Photo's - Blackness - taken a while ago - and a photo of T with Chris . . . at our night out . . .

Well - contracts nearly at an end T decided to jump ship and today was her final day at work . . .we are going out on Friday evening for dinner and a few drinks . . looking forward to it - not sure how long I will still be there - speculatively another 6 weeks - most of group are talking about end of July but I am not sure that will include myself.

I will miss T as we have built up a good working relationship - I'll pick up on one or two things she has finalised - if there are any queries but apart from this I will now be alone - it has been quite a comfort as we have had lunch and gone for coffee together etc., - so it will be a bit lonely without her . . .

But time stands still for no one - have tog et on with things . . . personally think there is another 6 months work still to be done so we will see . . . K is pretty much tied up herself these days . . .

All for now . . .

cheers
A

Blackberry; Tron; Amy Macdonald; Indiana Jones; Grass

Phew! been a while - OK so what's happening with me - well this evening I got out there and started cutting me lawn and let me tell you there is plenty of it - I attacked in my usual unstructured fashion and for the first time in my life managed to cut the power lead . . . phew that was the end of that . . .hard work . . . lol (cut it on purpose - not!) Anyway I'll have to get another lead tomorrow and pick up where I left off - I estimate that I have completed about one quarter of what needs to be done . . .

I have had my mobile phone upgraded I took a Blackberry (see picture) and I am still getting to know its ins and outs - had it delivered to work and immediately plugged it in when I got home - the next evening I thought I'll switch it on and see what's going on - it had been charging for about 24 hours - I couldn't work out how to switch it on so against my better judgement (I never do this) I decided to consult the manual - only to find - guess what - I found the battery - so I had been charging a phone with no battery in it . . . . Then later in the week the phone stopped working - my old sim card had been problematic from the beginning - phone could only read about a dozen of the contacts everything else was not there according to the phone . . .anyway later int eh week the phne stopped working and I scratched around in my delivery package and low and behold I found the new sim in there as well . . . I wonder what else might be in there????

Well Thursday last week saw the release of the new Indiana Jones - OK I admit it I'm a big kid at heart - and a sucker for this type of thing . . . anyway straight after work I went to Cineworld and they must have had it showing in about seven different cinemas all at slightly different times - I just missed the 17h45 and managed to get tickets for the 18h15 - it was mobbed - and it wasn't bad - very much the same winning formula - Indy has to go and find some treasure for someone (this varies -i.e. the person /s) usually involves finding the Treasure and then loosing it to the other person and this goes on - back and fro - all of this is usually preceded by a car chase or two . . . .

Friday I was at the Tron on Friday evening - went to see The Drawer Boy - I thoroughly enjoyed - it was captioned - first time I've seen that - just the time of thing my Mum needs. Full marks to the Management for presenting a varied and entertaining programme . . . I've embedded the trailer - and I think you'll see its very interesting . . . . well worth the effort.


Saturday evening saw me at Carling Academy - to see Amy MacDonald - I wasn't sure what to expect - she is from Glasgow and played Friday & Saturday evening . . . what a queue tog et in and loads of young 15 year olds - but a varied audience . . . so I was in the queue - just almost at the door when two women - shout out oh here you are xyz - thank goodness you kept our place - it was so obvious anyway - I just played along and they ended up buying me a beer - for my trouble - everyone was happy - except of course for the people behind me . . . . lol - anyway I was strolling around and I heard someone call my name it was Graeme (whom I used to work with at Bellsmyre) and his girlfriend (who I had met once before at Dumbarton football club) she now stays with him as she is at uni for the year . . . .so I spent the evening with them and I pleased to say I thought it was great . . . I actually know quite a few of her songs and she done an acoustic version of Bruce Springsteen's Dancing in the Dark . . . which was amazing . . . she really impressed me - a lot of energy and it turned into quite a fun evening - sometimes its the evenings your not too sure about that turn out the best . . . .


Today was a bank holiday - and I decided to work - my colleague had told me that a lot of people would be off and I had decided that it was a casual day - I've actually been in the office myself before when its been a holiday - so whose me - got up late - shorts and t-shirt and sandals - oh my God - the whole office was there - all with the usual suits / shirts / ties the works and here is me comes sauntering in about 09h25 and I felt a right clown . . .some the guys were laughing - asked me if I just stopped in on the way to the beach . . . . Trish came sauntering in about 10h30 . . lol - I refused to go across to the main canteen - I was too conscious of what some of the other people might say . . . . lol

Wii'ers

Took the Wii down to the Computer club as I had promised I would . . . after breaking a chair connecting it up to the data projector - I gave a quick demo and then let other people have a go - you know, I've hardly played with it myself and even discovered some of its intricacies myself this evening - I was a tennis man up until now but I must say I really enjoyed the golf - this evening . . . so some more experimentation to be done . . .lol

Photo's going well - find myself driving down little roads I don't know . . . always looking for the ultimate photograph . . .

All the post-mortem's at work today - the football last night - I'd have to say the best team won . . . I think Rangers rode there luck to get into the final - they done well.

Still no news on job front i.e. when we finish will be a few days at least - the process . . .

Supporting one team at work - and having to send out multiple bulletins - beginning to approach the News now - as it keeps changing - even at this late stage . . . 3 notices of changes today alone - and when one of them phoned me late afternoon I thought it was to be notice number 4 . . . but looks like it might be (I'm hoping) a misunderstanding . .

Been feeling very tired lately - not sure why . . . will need to monitor.

Had a dust up with T - I was a bit aggressive - trying to get to the bottom of something and was really pushy - she was having a bad day and it was a straw which broke the back . . .

Bought a new book this week - this is the cover - looks really interesting . . . will keep you posted of any developements.

Approved - Phew!

Howdy folks - I am pleased to announce the investigation is now over and I am allowed to display all my nude photos (not) on my photo-a-day blog . . . it has been given the official rubber stamp of approval . . . not that I was notified - went in this evening and all of a sudden - I can once again post to the other blog.

Well Glasgow ground to a halt this evening as Glasgow Rangers played in the final against FC Zenit from Russia - sadly they were unable to return victorious . . . I just wish they had started more optimistically and less defensively - they started game 4-2-3-1 . . . which is very defensive . . . after about 30 minutes in the second half the defence were cut wide open with a telling pass - difficult to defend against and just before full time they conceded another goal. Rangers played well at times but - gave the ball and possession away far too easily - Zenit looked the better side - with Advokaat having spent about £40m over the last year . . . aluta Rangers - they done very well to get this far and the domestic fixtures and football association could I think have done more to assist - instead of hampering matters.

Oh hell such is life . . .

should hear soon how long work is going to last - at the moment till the end of May - hoping 'till end June . .

chow
A

Under Investigation

Possible Blogger Terms of Service Violations

Well there you have it - seems my photo-a-day blog is under investigation . . . .

This blog is under review due to possible Blogger Terms of Service violations and is currently unpublished. You can view your blog's posts here in Blogger, but you may not make any changes.

Now your thinking, Hmm! - What kinda photo's is he putting up anyway . . lol - all innocent - I assure you . . . . I thought nudity was common place these days . . . only joking - quite enjoying this taking a photo a day - however, annoying now that I can't post them . . .

in search of Paris . . .

Howdy - well the work's night out came and went . . . and it was good fun - I danced all night . . . well nearly . . . problems with bed.

Started off in the morning - driving through to Stirling - some of the most amazing scenery I have see for a long time - of course my decision to take at least a single photograph every day - seems to have had an immediate effect on me - somehow the fields seem greener - things seem to have taken on a significance of there own . . . quite fascinating really - eyes of new - a different way of looking at everything??? (The night before I had spent the whole evening - putting together my playlist - of course you might be cursing my taste of music . . . and maybe I should allow you to decide whether you want to turn it on or not - instead of it suddenly erupting regardless . . . of your choice . . . . lol)

Anyway back to Glasgow around lunch time - went to McDonald's for a quick burger . . .drove in the exit by mistake . . . my goodness you would have sworn WorldWar 3 had erupted the way this person carried on - I just shrugged my shoulders and was out of my car - this person was still carrying on . . . lol. Back to office - some useful progress on a number of issues . . . left early about 15h50 - went to pick up Kilt - traffic was horrendous . . . hold your horses a picture is coming . . . lol - took me almost one hour to cover 4 or 5 miles . . . managed in the end . . . but it was extremely humid and it was quite rushed . . . had a quick shower and started getting dressed - ended up sending K & T (in picture with me) a text which said . 'I think I have everything in the correct place . . . just not sure about this hairy handbag . . . ' and had been winding them up at the office telling them that as the evening progresses might have to adjust my skirt . . .

I have to say that I really enjoyed wearing the kilt outfit and felt very comfortable with it on . . . had to pop out to get batteries . . so there I was strolling around Byers Rd in the West End and felt completely comfortable with it on . . . I might consider buying one - but for the time being I'll stick with hire . .

Only got to bed about 04h00 . . . speaking of which I am no longer used to single bed - nearly fell off a few times . . . used to my King size now . . . up for Hilton Breakfast and then usual shopping run with me Mum

Wii or not to Wii

Well after a long spell of wanting to buy one - I took the leap . . . Report back from the work front . . . beer with T . . . Street Kings - Rosario - Proposal / Model - Rangers and Celtic.

(All photo's courtesy of Nina and her trip to Port Nolloth, near Namibia - her home town and she is truly objective about the place [not]. This time all Namaqualand flowers . . . )

Well I finally purchased a Wii and I am well impressed - my living room has been converted into a virtual Wimbledon tennis courts and I have the sore arms to prove it . . . mind you I have also been bowling - hitting home runs - practising my swing and trying to maintain my under par scores - so I have been busy - however I have now taken delivery of a virtual tennis racket / a baseball bat / a golf club / and a steering wheel . . . so look out Bjorg; McEnroe - showing my age now - Tiger Woods - Babe Ruth - Lewis Hamilton . . . . Time will tell . . . not to mention the arms . . .

Well all quiet on the western front - we had a quick meeting on Monday at work . . . all of us round the table and within 5 minutes we had a working agreement - all's well that ends well . . . at the end of the day a lot of the problems can quite simply be ascribed to a lack of communication . . . we have all addressed this and I think we now understand each other and guess what - the major problems we had were caused by a comedy of errors - but clearly data integrity - i.e. we were not entering the information correctly . . . and then to top it all off we were working in GIS and forgot to commit and post our changes . . . so the guys must think - oh-oh that lot again . . .lol

Went out on Friday evening - simply going for a beer but then it turned out T was meeting G and drinks were to be had - well not being one to miss out - I tagged along and needless to say half a dozen later - walked up to Cine - saw Street Kings - the new Keanu Reeves; Forest Whitaker and Hugh Laurie - not bad but in my opinion it tries to be too clever - plots within plots and Hugh Laurie - does not quite make it in my opinion - bottom line - give it a miss! (thumbs down)

Hard at work putting the finishing touches to my proposal for university - sent it to Sam this evening and awaiting her feedback - just to get an objective viewpoint - limited time - and it is just to give them an idea of how you would put something together - it would still be negotiated and it is difficult question . . . oh well here goes - nothing ventured nothing gained . . .

What a cracker again Rangers and Celtic on Sunday - 1 - 0 to Celtic - then 'Gers equalised - then they went ahead - just before half time Celtic equalised - and even although it was Rangers turn to have a penalty - Celtic were awarded a penalty and they ended winning 3 - 2 - a cracker of a game - Setanta - money well spent . . . lol . . .

Rosario's birthday - my niece's little boy - what a cracker he is - all over the place as 2 year olds are - I got him in the bathroom - standing on the bath and he had turned the hot water on - there was face cloth in the sink so it would have over-flowed in another few seconds - very dangerous as he was precariously balanced as it was - let alone burning himself and pulling back and falling . . . needs lots of boundaries which I am afraid to say he ain't getting . . . . now my niece has found a job - working night shift so not sure how that is all going to work . . . even fewer boundaries if you ask me . . . lol - phew - many problems to come I fear . . .

Had a strange and very interesting dream - I am in some large dormitory . . . . lots of people sleeping together - single beds - difficult to describe . . . suddenly I am aware that this person Yvette who used to study at University of Cape Town but whom I don't know but have accepted an invitation to become her friend on Facebook on the Internet (what actually happened Facebook saw we both studied at UCT the same year and probably sent us both emails - I thought she had sent it and thought it might have been one of the girls in my class - I didn't read it properly and clicked on it to accept - Facebook then sent her an email and she eventually accepted - so we don't actually know each other but the wonder of technology somehow joined us / connected us - haven't spoken to her) - anyway weird as it may seem in my dream I suddenly become aware of the fact that she has been trying to get in touch with me via Skype (which is like an Internet telephone set up) - in my dream I still thought that is strange as we don't even know each other why would she try and get in touch with me?? Anyway I am going to phone her back (don't know how . . . but its a dream remember ) but then I realise it is getting late and if I go on to Skype now everyone will be trying to get to sleep and I will be on phone . . . . then suddenly Nina is in my head and she wants me to explain something / she wants clarity on something - what I do? and what this dormitory is all about and how it all works and I seem to remember something about children as well - I don't know whose or who they are ?? and I am afraid that is all I can remember . . . .??? Anyway the weird thing is I send Nina a text and ask her if she is OK and is there anything she wants to know - she comes back says - funny I should ask because she dreamt about me and in the dream she was asking me something but she can't remember what . . . .???? Weird yet wonderful . . .

Received an email from Benita - first really cold day in South Africa - she had on the scarf I bought her . . . . how diametrically opposite could we be - I email her back and tell her really first day of really hot weather here . . . .

All a bit weird as you say but amazing . . .

Work continues to get busier and somehow I ma getting bogged down and exhausted - problems with systems again - lack of information - half the story etc., - but then still having to train people under these circumstances as work has to be done . . . . for the second time in less than a week - I've had to basically go straight to bed on coming home - now I don't about you guys but that is not a good sign - I don't think! Hmmmm!

This Friday evening is the big Hilton Bash . . . and I am going ala Bonnie Prince Charlie . . . lol - watch this space!

Just not Cricket

Wow! All hell breaks loose on the work front - I rant / Senior Manager phones back with rant - we are all ranting . . . lol - wasn't sure I had a job to go back to on the Monday . . . lol - Phew!

Went to see In Bruges - I thoroughly recommend - a black comedy - dark humour at times - but brilliant a breath of fresh air - I thought!

IKEA 21st Birthday (21% discount) - a waste really - not really looking for anything at the moment - lovely layouts - kitchens / lounges etc., !

Lazy weekend - let work get to me more than I should. Looking at some courses again - had some brief feedback now its all guns blazing! Taxidemist??? What a weird film - interesting - Hungarian I think? I'll look it up.

Wii finally twists my heart strings - it's on its way - I like the look of Wii Fit . . . but it is not out yet - but having said that looks like pre-release orders have already bought every single copy available . . .lol.

Setanta continues to grow on me - what with Man U - Blackburn and then the Bundesliga Cup Final and IPL 2o/20 cricket - its got something on all the time at the moment as we speak Porto are playing Benfica - PSV have just taken the Dutch league - I like the fact that it is not just English Premier division . . . sick of that being the only league worth watching - just a pity the Spanish league is not featured but I think that is because of Sky commitments.

Work in Progress . . . .

1 week later

Had a Spring clean - way overdue - threw out futon bed - how relieving - to finally get shot of it - and now being able to move more freely in all sorts of areas. Whistler is very happy - he can get moving around a lot more now . . . . what a difference - ???

Well things are drawing to an end with my current position and a number of people will be affected - to cut a long story short - it looks as if the end of May will be the end of everything - well nearly everything . . . . so an evening is to be held at the Grosvenor Hilton - in the West End - a slap up meal and an open bar will be there to accompany an evening of prize giving . . . so yours truly is going to go the full hog and is considered getting himself kitted out for the evening (a black tie evening) so let us see where we end up . . . . lol - looks like Trish; Kirsteen & I will have to paint the town red . . . so to speak - should be fun.

Well been scanning the Internet and I have now booked for Amy MacDonald and Buddy Guy - both forthcoming events and Friday night went to see Unconquered - a very interesting play that was on at the Tron . . . . - I left work Friday - thought I'd rather come home first - well got as far as the back road to Milngavie and there was a sign in the road " Road Closed " - now I was in two minds anyway as I had the play to go to . . . but I thought - it's silly to stay in town - I could just as well go home first . . . but when I had a road closed sign - I thought - what the hell - who am I to argue with the forces of nature . . . . synchro-destiny as they say - anyway turned out that my usual parking garage (opposite Concert Hall & Cineworld) was also closed - so I was forced to use one further up Sauchiehall street - and then just as I was leaving the car park - who should I bump into but Sonia ??? Now that was fate for you - had circumstances not conspired I would never have bumped into her . . . . and then I went to Waterstone's and would I not bump into someone else . . . weird - don't you think??

I never mentioned Wednesday at work was a very difficult day - why? well things were very frustrating - things were not quite hanging together - then I received an email from a division that I work very closely with - and they were being very pedantic - in my opinion . . . . anyway to top it all I had had a phone call from my agency and I thought wow - they must have something for me (job wise) and it turned out that it was some misunderstanding about pay structures - so it was very dis-heartening - in fact I took it very much to heart and was upset about the whole thing until I decided - what the hell its only money and hell maybe I did mis-understand someone or maybe I just heard what I wanted to . . .when I did this and let go - how much lighter the whole thing became rather than arguing and insisting I was correct - I just said this is what I understood - maybe I got it wrong - who cares - water under the bridge - lets decide how we deal with it now??

Trish is away on 2 weeks holiday in Tunisia - received a text today - another scorcher she tells me . . . .

Went back to Bowling on the weekend took some more photo's of the canals and boats - not sure hat it is but I am fascinated by the water . . . . must be in my blood . . . ???? What a difference some sunlight can make. Even popped in at Magic cycles - a bicycle still very high on my wish list of wish lists . . . Bill from my Monday evening computer drop in swears by Magic Cycles and better still there is now a scheme whereby a company can get a tax break by sponsoring a staff member to cycle to work . . . I will need to investigate this.

I can't believe the football - I wanted Arsenal to beat Liver's in the second leg of the Champions League . . . they totally outplayed them but unfortunately no one to clinically finish-off for them??? An area Wenger needs to spend money . . .but to play so well but to not get a result - Wenger's pain is understandable . . . . And what a finish by Rangers against Sporting - what a finish . . . most of the game might not have been attractive to watch . . . but they are into the last 4 of the UEFA cup - so next round is Fiorentina - a very useful side - not an asy game - hope to get tickets after watching the Sporting game (home leg) at Ibrox . . . .

In a moment of madness I subscribed to Setanta Sports - all I know they have some games that Sky do not have - and tomorrow evening I'll be able to put my feet up and watch Rangers Celtic match - I think there is another game still outstanding after this game though . . . . so a must win for Celtic .... (It turned out to be a classic game - not necessarily the result I would have wanted - but thrilling!)

Tuesday - so it must be Dundee again - and yes that is where I spent the day again - visiting my current favourite coffee maker . . . lol - and guess what - I somehow did not get lost on the way home - so no I did not have drive through Dounne twice today . . . . lol - had a Training session again - was warned before the time - lots of difficult questions - Hey! I can only do what I can do - If I can't answer I can't answer - for whatever reason - I can surely find out for you though and if need be escalate problems to the next level and the powers that be can decide whether or not they have an issue. It was no problem in the end - chaos at times -but what else is new . . .

Came across thinking pictures some really stunning photo's - see what you think . . . .

Went to BCCC and for the first time managed to see how my tablet works - seeing as I only bought more than 4 months ago - interesting - would have to experiment more with it. Suggested we start a wii fitness club . . . lol - I am very interested in buying one now - I've even bought the Sega Superstars tennis game already - console to follow shortly . . . watch this space . . . lol

cya - A

on Safari - in photo's

Safari - Aquila - South Africa

Cape Town in photo's

Cape Town - SA 2008

Birthday celebrations in photo's

Cape Town - Birthday - Big 50

Post party; sunset; Table Mountain; Fish braai

Photo's - starts with Jenny's place and extension she is having done - Table Mountain from Table View (Yep - you know how it got it's name . . .) - two photo's taken from on top of Table Mountain - the first one clearly shows Lion's Head (larger mountain) and Signal Hill - with Robben Island in Table Bay - (other photo in earlier blog of Cape Town harbour through a fissure (also taken on my birthday) and you can just see the coast line - gives you an idea of where the shot of Table Mountain was taken from) - photo 12Bells - roaring fire . . . . V&A Waterfront - please note Jonathan in the photo (Jonathan who? Livingstone Seagull - of course) - a slightly different view of Waterfront - lastly 12 Bells

And so that was the party over . . . . quite some time in the planning – almost a year . . with a few changes along the way, venue etc., - sometimes even by choice . . . but mostly fate have a little hand in everything . . . and slowly quietly leading proceedings.

That was Sat 15 March . . . the next morning I was at Jenny’s place early morning – as she was leaving for Durban that same afternoon – so had I not seen her that morning – we were not sure of when I might have seen her . . . . spent a couple of hours with her Allison and her Dad, who is now staying with her . . . In fact her place is / was in shambles – as she has a Granny or in this case Grandfather flat being built on – this extension is almost as big as her existing house . . . well not quite but one hell of an extension. And there is building sand all over and the South Easter is blowing away sweeping up everything before it – sand everywhere – all you can do is to try and keep it damp – a hopeless task given that wind just dry’s it out again . . . only other option is to place a tarpaulin over it.

Later on in the afternoon met up with Sam, Hud & Jessila for sundowners some of my nicest photo’s across the bay again - almost the same quintessential photo of Cape Town . . . lol . Done very little – went back to Jess’s place and had a bite to eat and then back to 12Bells . . . the next day was my Birthday.

Took Mum & Cathie to Parow-Valley where they were to stay for 2 days – with Maureen. Hud and I went up Table Mountain – free for me on my Birthday and what a day it turned out to be – absolutely stunning almost no wind at all – I had to stop and buy myself a hat which affords some protection for neck as well . . . not a cloud in the sky and amazing weather . . . (see photo's) That evening Jessila; Arran; Elaine; Denise; Johan & Fransie; Stoffel & Mariette as well as Nina came round for a sea food braai (barbecue) – Sam made a sea food pot (potjie) and I attempted to braai some snoek . . . but Johan just took over and I must admit the Snoek (Cape Town delicacy) fish come out lovely. We even had fish spring rolls as well as calamari for starters . . . a roaring success – everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves. Sam & Hud went to bed early - I kept topping up everyone's glasses with red wine - we sat and chatted until around midnight then Johan and Fransie as well Stoffel and Mariette went home. Put some more wood on the fire and Nina and I blethered into the wee hours of the morning – seems there is a new found love in her life – I hope things turn out as she hopes . . . don’t we all – in fact I suppose, for most of us that is life . . .

The next evening was with Morney, Benita and their two lovely kids - Armin (8) and Mika (4) - I had given Armin an All Blacks top and he loved it from the moment he received - he said he was going to sleep in it . . . get on very well with them all and used to work with Morney - went round to his place when Benita gave birth to Armin and we had a braai and sat up drinking and talking a load of rubbish into the wee small hours . . . Benita is a email buddy in that she and I stay in touch but I rarely speak to Morney on line - funnily enough it is the same with Stoffel - get on really well with them and Mariette is an email buddy - they must both be the strong silent alpha males . . . lol - who knows - it seems to work and are all able to stay in touch with each other . . . only recently have I phoned on the odd occasion . . . Anyway braaied at Morney and Benita's - we had sort of a snack braai - you make chicken wings and nibble on that and then braai some steak and allt he time there are different things to eat whilst talking / chatting . . . was lovely and we ended going down the spirtuality route - actually they did - Benita has been saying for ages she has a list of things she wants to discuss with me - just things in general that we've discussed in emails but that somehow you can't really give them their due consideration because its almost a case of having to be with the person to truly be able to discuss and get your point across . . . . there wasn't really time - I had been up once before but they had guest at the time and Morney being such a keen cyclist he had the Argus tour on the nect day - so I knew he needed his sleep and they know sometimes you can't get rid of me . . . well I've been known to ahng around a bit . . . . so we sat outside a lovely cloudless evening - absolutely stunning and as I said intelligent conversation - what more can a person ask for??

Wednesday was retail therapy day for me - I had been given a number of gift vouchers as presents - so I set off for Canal Walk and bought a couple of CD's at Look and Listen - Chick Corea - Return to Forever; Louis Mhlanga; Kenny Burrel; Then off to Exclusive books I bought the Passion Test - its not what your thinking; lastly Musica where I bought a Shakira DVD - so that was me . . . shopping over - This was the day there was a horrific accident on the N1 - which is the main high way into Cape Town - a truck had overturned and a number of people and vehicles had been involved with fatalities - what happened was that the highway was closed for hours - and all the roads were absolute chaos . . . Sam & Hud had been going to do a tour of the Townships but after half an hour had only moved 3 or 4 miles - so they just came home and decided to do that the next day. I had been to the SPur with Nina as I felt I owed her a lunch after all the running around she had done for me organising things - we had a quick lunch and she left to go back to work and I left to pick my Mum and Cathie up - we drove through to Cape Town - we had us an appointment with Eva at Permanent Trust - she looks after my Mum's place in Parow. Cathie had said she was starving as she had nothing since breakfast (I felt a bit guilty - just having had lunch - but I had told them when I was coming - so not sure why they had not been given lunch???) I picked them up about 14h30 and against all the odds we actually made it in time - I walked in to Permanent Trust office at 15h14 our appointment was for 15h15 - just as well - I didn't realise Eva was German - you know what they are like with time . . . . anyway it was good to meet her - have been dealing with her via email for years now there is a face to put with name. Sorted out quite a few things and my Mum has about £3000 worth of maintenance that has to be done - ironically my Mum never even paid that much for the property when she bought initially. But it needs to be done - and rather now before the Cape winter.

This was my last evening in Cape Town and I had booked a table at Bloemendal - which is on one of the Durbanville hills with beautiful views - so much food again - you know its just ridiculous - you've got about seven starters you can try and 14/ 15 main courses - and of course I will be greedy . . . then dessert . . . lol - no wonder when I came back I felt I had had half a dozen Christmases (at least) . . . .

I left the next evening - OK - technically Friday morning 00h25 - well that was the scheduled time - however they over booked the air plane and 2 people got on board with a boarding pass for the same seat . . .lol - needless to say this caused chaos and eventually KLM offered anyone who was willing to give up their seat 350Euro's plus a night in hotel etc., - I was still considering it when someone else jumped up - by this time everyone applauded as we thought that would be it sorted - but of course this persons luggage had to be taken of - so it was about an hour later the scheduled time - and my return trip reminded me how uncomfortable seats in a plane can be . . . which is funny because going I was in between two people coming back I had an aisle seat . . . Iwas in my shorts a t-shirt and my crocs - true to form Amsterdam welcomed me back with European weather - it really started to snow quite heavily when we taxied on to the runway - so much so that we had to go back and have the plane hosed down to prevent ice build up on the wings . . . Glasgow welcomed me with hail - I was freezing in my African gear.

I had had a great time - yes tensions ran a little high at times but I am really looking forward to Bali next year . . . .Yoohoo! The big wedding - Sam & Hud.

Story Continues 2

Photo's - Clifton 4th Beach and then 1st Beach. Our accommodation in Milnerton '12 Bells' - Chapman's Peak Drive with Hout Bay in the background - the Lapa where I had my birthday party


So as I was saying - Aquila was great fun and in all honesty a new experience for me! One which I really enjoyed - having lived in Africa for most of my life but never having been on a Safari - I was both intrigued and because I thought I was not really in Darkest Africa (only on the tip of Africa) - I had my reservations . . . . lol - but as I say it was really well worth it.

Came back and the very next day we were off to Madame Zagara - entertainment - more contortionists and a couple of singers - but very professionally done . . . throughly enjoyed the whole evening - food included . . . mine was meat with a chocolate sauce . . . .

The following evening it was another restaurant - Stardust - basically Arts students - who performed in between courses . . . also good fun - all acted as a good prelude to my actual birthday - the star of the show.

The party was to be held at the Goodwood Sports Club - I went through on Thursday and the woman kept talking about finalising the menu - and I thought what is she talking about - but it turned out (I think it was all set up) they wanted me to use their caterer - which is supposedly a prerequisite for hiring the premises . . . needless to say I had my own caterer and had signed a contract with them - so there was no way I could suddenly say - fine lets use someone else - well they made it quite a long story and the penalty was a plate of food for the person who would have done the catering - which I thought was quite strange i.e. why would someone like that want a plate of food???? Anyway I was at this stage just happy they were allowing me to carry on - as I had visions of at the last moment trying to find somewhere else . . . . which I can assure you I did not want to do!

The whole thing had been planned initially to take place at Big Bay - but at the last minute that was being used for a National competition . . . . and they decided that I could no longer have the booking / venue - argh! Not a problem - I will switch everything at the last minute .... lol.

Anyway Sat night 15 - fast approached and I am pleased to say everything went well . . . could have been more people - but I must admit the majority of people did turn up so all n all - we did not badly for someone who lives in Scotland . . . . I must say that I felt as if I was runnign around when I would have preferred to just have sat back and relaxed more . . .

The food - Brusce's Catering - we had 3 starters and a lamb spit roast as well as a Veggie pot roast and salads / rolls etc., - there were 2 desserts - Malva Pudding & as well as custard and ice cream as well. I really enjoyed the music Boab Tree - thoguht they were outstanding - very Jazzy - quite South American - very pleasant indeed.

My only other comment - could have been because I was running around - was that it was a bit dis-jointed - i.e. not everyone knew everyone else - so there were little cliques - my fault to a degree I suppose ???

Anyway on the whole I thought it was a mild success . . . . lol

That was the first 50 years of my life on this planet . . . . .

My speech:
First I stated that I was very grateful that people who knew me so well and had sahred so many years with me were there - starting with my Mum and of course my sister - as well as Jessila (my ex-wife) with whom I had spent 20 wonderful years - then of course my children Samantha and Arran - and then people like Sharon, whom I was at school with - Graeme my nephew as well as all my friends from Telkom etc.,

I was struck by an analogy for life one morning just before going for a swim - the swimming pool was without a wave and it suddenly struck that that was what life was all about i.e. we come into life and we make waves - which ripple through life and even when you get out of the pool they are still there - so you interact and are part of things you didn't even realise - even although you yourself are not consciously aware of them.

I had bought a book just prior to my party - it was all about the meaning of life - the eternal question and there was a recurring theme - one of Love - which linked in very well with a present I had been given - and I would like to quote from Khalil Gibran

Think not you can direct the course of love
For Love, if it finds you worthy,
directs your course.

Basically I would just like to thank everyone for joining me in seeing the sun set on the first 50 years of my life
and I'd just like to point out that it is all a matter of perception
and rather than seeing this as the end please join me in seeing this as a new beginning - as one thing ends another begins
and so it is with life.

The Story Continues . . . Arrive; Aquila

So as I said we were still in the air when in actual fact we should have boarded our plane already . . . .

We basically had to run (not easy with 2 x 80+ members of the group) from where we landed to where we had to board . . . Schipol is a big airport - and along the way I tried to get a golf cart for my Mum & Cathie - but to no avail - these things have to be booked in advance - they do not believe in responding reactively . . . We eventually made it and we were not that late - as we approached we were ushered into a shorter queue - we made it on board and Maureen; Mum & Cathie were together - whereas I was miles away - that cost me a lot of money . . . lol - not at all - they have 3 seats next to each other - so I was excess baggage really - they were in 3 D, E & F or something like that - I was 41 B - yes the sought after middle seat (not) . . . ended up sitting next to an Opera singer - Edmondo - quite an interesting character - whenever the trolley came past he would ask "Cognac Andrew" and I would smile and nod my head . . .

It was a day flight - we left early morning and arrived in Cape Town at about 22h30 . . . It wasn't bad at all actually - found the return flight (a night flight) was a lot worse . . . .

We arrived on time and because of my permanent residence in South Africa - I am allowed to stand in the SA passport holders queue - which was much shorter than all those tourist types . . lol (like me) - so I was through in no time . . . however, I was no sooner through than I heard my name being announced and being told to report to lost property - and I thought I know what this is about - it will be the luggage - we just made it in time for the plane but guaranteed our luggage did not make it - and true enough it was the luggage - we were told they would be on the next KLM flight . . but that was only the following evening - and of course they would only be delivered the following day - so we landed Monday evening - all going well - we should get it on Wednesday morning . . . . Now I don't know about you, but, I consider myself to be a fairly seasoned traveller, however, I do not carry spare speedo's in my hand luggage - a laptop yes . . . and I had had toothpaste / deodorant confiscated - anything over 100ml - not allowed / verboten in your hand luggage . . . . We were told we could spend up to 100 Euro's on basic toiletries and some clothes etc., We had a taxi / shuttle service waiting to take Mum; Cathie & myself through to Milnerton - we left Maureen with Graeme as she was staying with him. We arrived at our accommodation at approximately 00h15

I was in the pool first thing the following morning . . . . shortly afterwards we hit Centre Point (local shopping centre) and bought a number of things - I went to Mr Price (SA Primark) and bought some shorts / t-shirts / sandals and then went to Clicks and stocked up on the toiletries
as did Mum & Cathie. On way back to 12 Bells - our accommodation - I was describing Stoffel's jeep and lo and behold I saw a jeep parked nearby and I said just like that one - with that I saw Stoffel crossing the road . . . I shouted but he never heard me - I stood next his jeep and waited for him . . . met him and went home with him to pick up the BMW - which he gave me for the duration of my stay . . . .

Had a braai the first evening (Tuesday) Jessila, Arran and Elaine popped round . . . visited Graeme and Maureen / Kyra-Lee; went to Spur; had some more braai's - generally just chilled - weather was absolutely stunning ; could not have asked for more; wind blew a bit - the old Cape Doctor - the South Easter was blowing by the time Samantha arrived on the following Monday morning. The Sunday went to 'Riverside' in Franschoek on the Sunday for lunch - they had a musician playing popular songs - food was good - service was terrible . . . . and loads of flies all over the place - an idyllic setting.

Sam and Hud arrived early Monday morning - and Tuesday we left for Aquila - private game reserve . . . I had my reservations as I didn't quite know what to expect . . . was also not sure that they would have what one normally associates with a safari . . . . I was soon to realise it was the real thing - it is about 100km from Cape Town - 10km before Touwsrivier - take the R46 for Ceres and it is about 2km down that road - all very well organised and a success story as Touwsrivier has no real industry and this employs most of its staff from here . . . it has identified a niche market as a lot of people only come to Cape Town and do not venture inland in South Africa. Now I am not saying this is a mini Kruger national park - but it does have everything you are looking for . . . the big five: Lions; Elephant; Rhino; Buffalo; Hippo; Giraffe etc., - so it was very impressive. The accommodation was outstanding as was the catering . . . .

We went on an evening game drive and then 06h00 the next morning - I have to safe it was freezing the evening - and I am talking about 17h00 - Sam sat with 2 blankets around her - I even had a blanket for the morning 06h00 game drive and that was the better of the two as most of the animals seemed more active at this time . . . .

We had dinner; breakfast and lunch - all a buffet and the selection was outstanding and the food exquisite - a sea food potjie; meats everything you could dream of - and lovely dessert . . . my only regret - I didn't have a swim . . .

Silence - no more! Work - Cape Town South Africa March 2008

Photo's - all mine - 1 & 2 Table Mountain from Table View - (Sam & Hud) 3 - a gorge from on top of Table Mountain (CPT harbour in background) - 4 Canal Walk



Wow! It has been quite some time since I posted - my humble apologies . . . a lot has happened since I wrote to you last - I want to get back into the swing of writing / maintaining my Blog . . . this will start with a posting and may in fact instead of 1 massive posting may evolve into a series of postings . . . let us see how it evolves . . .

A quick update then - what have I been up to - working hard - I can tell you - but that was all for a specific goal and culminated in a night out with Kirsteen; Trish; Ian & Linda - this was followed shortly there after with my trip to Cape Town to celebrate my 50 years on this planet. Who all went along - My Mum & Cathie (her friend) Sam & Hud - we hired a house in Milnerton (near Centre Point . . . .) but as usual I am getting ahead of my self . . . .

So how did the work go - I hear you ask . . . well numerous Teams / different Processes and IT Systems - at times it was impossible to get everything to talk to each other . . . which made end to end examples and walk through's virtually impossible - it then became a case of explaining this is how it will work - with a few raised eyebrows as in 'so you say' but where is the proof. I ended up following UAT (user acceptance testing) scripts so that I could get a complete and integrated picture of how it all works - this enabled me to document the whole process including actual screen dumps / captures - so that we had step-by-step dummy guides . . .

How would I rate the Training - it was problematic because of integration problems and everything being so dynamic - IT were still developing and ironing things out whilst we approached launch date . . . . all very challenging but exciting times . . . right up my street - I love nothing better than being faced with the unknown - and diving in and sorting it out for myself and then attempting to impart that knowledge to others . . . I can be very critical of myself . . . I have been in the game long enough to know when I have done well and when I could have done better . . . . and on some occasions I could have done better . . . .

Well as I said everything worked itself up into a nice little frenzy - with even myself having to work 7 days a week towards those crucial deadlines . . . . everything - for me peeked the end of February - as I had come into the project with my South Africa trip booked - so it was non negotiable . . .

The Friday 29 Feb - don't get them every year - lol - we went out for a few drinks - for me it was the beginning of my holiday - had spent the day in Edinburgh - met my SA mytjie - doing Training - in attempt to tick another few boxes - managed to do about 60 percent but just couldn't do it all - so somewhat frustrating - but we can only do what we can do . . . . not so? Anyway had a good night out . . . champagne right at the end of the evening - I think is worse than shooters - if you ask me . . . .Trish & I shared a taxi home - I got her home safe and I slept over at my Mum's - left my car at work and picked it up on the Sat morning . . .

So it was now all systems GO! for the South African tour . . . I ended up deciding to park my car at the airport - NCP - flightpath - cost a bit of money as it was almost 3 weeks - but benefit is it is right at the airport - could of got cheaper parking - but then its at least 20 minutes away and you have to give them your keys and they move the car - etc., and HEY! I only just bought my car (a Nissan Micra tjie) the middle of Feb - so I didn't like the idea of Tom Dick and Harry driving around in my car - and the difference over the 3 weeks was something like £4 ???? so it was really a no brainer which one I was going to opt for . . .

Well 3 March arrived - departure date - and would we not have a blizzard . . . the worst weather we have had in the last year . . . I mean what is that about - the country throws a damn site more than a hissy fit . . . . what a confusing set up Maureen (my sister) stays just round the corner from my Mum - gets her own taxi - I drive by myself - leaving the two old yins ( my Mum & Cathie) both over 80 to see to themselves . . . quirky - to say the least - I got their first and booked everyone in (kind of) - woman told me they are old enough to look after themselves - but she did group everyone together - or so I thought . . .

When I arrived at the flightpath (had to circle the airport twice before I found it) as I had said the weather was terrible - so the shuttle bus arrived just as I was parking so I kinda hurried to catch it . . .made it no problem - but as we drove off I realised that in my haste I had forgot to lock my car - what now - we were already driving away . . . took a chance and pressed the lock on my keys and in the distance saw the car indicators respond - just before we turned the corner . . . lol. Arrived in the departure hall - flying KLM - too early - desks not even open - what time was it you are saying - this was 03h45 - I think - flight was 05h55 or something . . . my suitcase was overweight and had get a heavy tag - no problem though - I can vouch for it it was damn heavy - don't talk about hand luggage - it was dfficult to lift . . . anyway done and hauled out the names of the rest of my party . . . .and pre-booked them all in . . . they arrived in drips and drabs . . . .

When we got on to the plane it was still snowing heavily - they ended up having to clear the runway (this is the first plane out in the morning) and hose the ice off the plane - to cut a long story short we only left somewhere around 06h30 . . . we were still in the air approaching Amsterdam when we were supposed to have boarded our plane for Cape Town . . . .

Judi - Chinese New Year - Year of the Rat - Lent - Waitangi day?

Yes its the Chinese New Year - year of the Rat actually . . . but before we go there . . . some sad news - Judi & I have split up - It has unfortunately not worked out and I am saddened but we have now parted.

So yesterday 6 Feb was the Chinese New Year - New Zealand's national day and lent . . . . all on 1 day - wow! What next reminds me of an alingment of the planets - waited with baited breath but it came and went - and as far as I know nothing untoward or extraordinary took place.

I have just started 'Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini - (link to his blog) - I have seen the film (unfortunately - not that it wasn't a very good film) so I know the story - it is just the sequence that I don't approve of - i.e. would probably have preferred to ahve read the book first - but that normally means I don't enjoy the film - trade-off's - the book is very well written and has already won me over.

I am following the US elections with interest - the main interest is between Obama and Clinton - it is proving to be a neck and neck race - rumour has it Clinton for president with Obama as vice president - whether the two will speaking to each other by the time of the Democratic congress is another matter. (Lets not talk about the rumours of Blair wanting (I'll bet he does) to be the first European president . . . . lol.

Cinema - I've started off viewing a number of new films:

No Country for Old Men (best of the bunch)
Sweeney Todd ( excellent - exceptionally well made - Tim Burton is the director - very clever and well made)
Valley of Elah (interesting . . . not as good as the other two.

Still working away at the Utility Co., - things have both slowed down and intensified strange as it sounds - now learning and integrating processes with the IT Systems - now realising the process documents do not always mirror or give the full detail of the steps involved in the IT systems. I will actually be conducting some of the Training myself now.

Whee - Shopping - been taking out membership of ACM - IEEE - BCS - full membership for each always wanted ACM membership as I have found no better publications than there's - in most areas of study. In going forward I think this will be critical / crucial for any PhD applications - Yes, I am still interested in persuing this and in fact found some this week which I intend applying for . . . in fact one closes on 12 Feb - so I'll need to get oraganised.

Rugger - went to the France Scotland 6 nations game - Scotland started of well but unfortunately faded - I believe the first France try was a forward pass - but they did score a fantastic try in front of Phil (who went with me - thank goodness it was cold as he had his England jerseyon under his cardigan . . . lol) and I. It was a good day . . . . just waited for ages for the bus afterwards.

Fabio Cappello is the new England manager and last night they had their first game under him - the first half they looked very mediocre - a good goal by Jenas and in the second half almost an identical move and Shaun Wright-Phillips scored . . . . the jury is out - early days - one striker up front the fans were losing patience until the goal was scored - a good equaliser by Switzerland . . . lets see how it all develops and how long the honeymoon lasts - on paper Cappello is the best manager but its the results that count.

As mentioned earlier my SA trip is just around the corner and I am really really looking forward to some quality time in the sun . . . .