It will have to be part 1, as there is plenty to write, and I will have to do it in stages. This last week, we have all (with the sad exception of Nikki who is at uni) been on a med cruise. It has been a wonderful week, with loads of lovely weather, and good company. Going back to last Wednesday, I managed to get away from work on schedule, and get home on schedule. All of which surprised Tricia, who was expecting me to be late. On Wednesday, Nikki was making her debut for the Herts Uni Ladies rugby team. She was playing full back, and scored a try in a 41-0 thrashing of the opposition. My main concern was that she didn’t get hurt, which thankfully was the case.

We left North Marston at a little after 4pm, and headed for a hotel near Gatwick, where we were staying overnight, before our early morning departure. We hit the M25, and it was all pretty clear… at least that is what I said, and put the mockers on the trip, as five minutes later we were caught up in traffic. We were going as part of a group, and we were swapping texts.about traffic along the way. Tricia was driving, so we arrived first. .

Once we had all gathered (all 16 of us), we had a pleasant meal, before going up to bed at 10. As we had to be up at 4am, for a 7:15 flight, we thought we ought to try and get some sleep in. When the alarm went at 4, we were all primed and got ready quickly. We set off for the long stay car park in a convoy. In the haste we lost the first two cars in the convoy, which meant Tricia (driving) and Paul (reading the directions) had to lead the way. Not a happy combination (I have a reputation for a poor sense of direction), that lead to some tension in the car as we tried to find the ‘summer special parking’ lot, on a dark, cold autumn morning. However, it sorted itself out, we parked, grabbed our luggage, and took the bus to the terminal, where the arduous checking in process started. It took a couple of attempts to explain that we were McSweeney’s not Sweeney’s to the checking in clerk who initially couldn’t find us on the flight booking schedule…. but we got there in the end. After the long drag through security, we parked in the departure lounge and waited.

Here are Alex, Jack, and Robbie waiting for the call to the gate. The flight left on time, and we had a smooth flight until we landed in Heraklion. The pilot took us down with quite a bump (a few anguished shouts come from those on board – particularly from one of our group, Pat, who is an anxious flyer), but thankfully we were in one piece. Once disembarked, and through security we were then onto the port, and we went through yet another set of security checks, and signing in, in order to get onto the ship. Heraklion in Crete is 2 hours ahead of UK time, and we finally got on board around 2:15 / 2:30pm.

We wasted no time in getting into the swing of things. The ship we were on is called ‘Ocean Village 2’, which was exactly the same ship that we were on a few years back, so we immediately recalled where everything was situated and got on with the holiday.

Ellie and me made our way into the hot tubs on the ship deck in no time. The other picture has all the other ladies on the trip (with the exception of Tricia who took the photo), from the left, Jane, Wendy, Pat and Carol with Wendy’s husband Rob at the end. Wendy is an old school friend of mine, all other families on the trip were from the village.

In the evening, there was a bbq on deck, and a show, with a display of Greek dancing. We all sat as a group, and a great evening.

Then at about 10pm, the ship sailed and we were off to sea…

  I was invited on a team night out last night, to celebrate the finishing of two projects. The fact that it was the night before going off on holiday was inconvenient, but I decided to go nonetheless. We had a nice meal in a chinese restaurant near Leicester Sq. Taxis had been arranged for 10pm. However, when we came out, there were taxis for everyone but me. Anyway, to cut a long story short, and to avoid going into the frustration of the situation, my Taxi turned up at 11:15pm. We then got stuck in traffic…. so it was 1am when I got home, and it’s going to be a busy day today. Oh boy.

Couple of photo’s here from the weekend courtesy of Deb.

First off, Ellie with her cake, and then a picture of her nails, which she had done, and was very proud of.

Tricia has packed everything. I leave the office at 2pm, and we all leave home at 4pm to go off on our hols. So, no updates on here for a week.

My little girl was 9 today. Growing up fast… half way to 18, as somebody pointed out to me today. We have been at our friends, Deb and Carlos, for the last few days. We went across to Market Harborough on Saturday lunchtime. Ellie had her birthday money, and she and Tricia and Deb went off shopping for the afternoon. Ellie had a great time, buying all sorts – but, to be fair mainly practical things. A new raincoat with matching wellies, scarf, hat, gloves, High School musical outfit… and so on. Carlos, Robbie and me met up with them mid afternoon, for a cream tea. It was also a chance to catch up with Deb’s Mum, Yvonne. Deb has been a friend since we were both 16, and her Mum used to put up with not only me, but many others diving round her house for coffee – Deb’s house was very close to the school. So, it was nice to see Yvonne as well.

Late afternoon, Carlos and I went and played tennis. Nothing much has changed since we last played, he beat me easily, but it was good exercise, and I enjoyed the simplicity of hitting the balls. I did thrash him on the wii though, which helped!

Deb put on a birthday breakfast for Ellie this morning, including a ‘High School Musical’ cake. Needless to say Ellie has enjoyed her birthday weekend. It was a nice weekend all round, good company as always, and good food and drink!

Back home this afternoon, and I have spent the early evening doing some packing. We go off on hols on Wednesday evening.

I’m not really a grammar / spelling snob, although I do tend to point out mistakes. However, I couldn’t resist the following when I saw it in Tesco Extra in Watford. I initially stopped and laughed. Then I went and found a member of staff, and tried to point the error out. Imagine my bewilderment when I had to actually explain the issue….

Whilst on the photo theme, one of the Mystic Wizards (Apoth) dug out some old Wizard photo’s of a visit to Charlbury and the Ambient Field from Feb 1981. Boy did they take me back. Apoth, otherwise known as Bard is putting together a 30 year Wizard anniversary CD and booklet. A fine sample of the Vulture Song can be found on the Audio page.

The three photo’s here, are me (Speed the Honourable Wizard), then Speed and the Apothecary Wizard (aka Bard) looking out across a frosty Ambient field, and then Speed (me) and the Cardinal Wizard (aka Longead). Halcyon days and fond memories of my silver boots..

As usual, a frantic Friday. Dash back from work, pick up Tricia, and then off dancing. Straight from dancing to rehearsal. Tomorrow I have an eye test, then it is off to Market Harboro’ and spending a few days with our old friends Deb and Carlos.

When we get back on Sunday I have to get my packing done. It is also Ellie’s birthday on Sunday. 9. In other news, Nikki has been picked to play wing for the Ladies Rugby team at Herts Uni… Not the kind of dainty thing you envisage for your daughter when she is a babe in arms, but she will probably be quite good at it, she is a strong and quick runner after all. I just hope she doesn’t get hurt. 

Well what a beautiful weekend. The weather has been fantastic, clear skies and warm sunshine. But where was this weather in July and August. It seems all out of kilter. Not that I am complaining, I am pleased just to get some sun. Some of the weekends over the last month have been glorious.

As usual it has been somewhat busy and frenetic over the last week. I was on a course in London this last week, and took an exam on Friday. Some years back I passed an exam in ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library). It is all about how to run an IT environment. Since I took the exam, the detail has been updated, and so I took the refresher course last week. The exam on Friday was tough, and I shall have to wait an see how I got on. The pass mark is an unreasonable 80%. The result should be through by the time I get back from holiday.

After dashing back from London on Friday, Tricia and I were off dancing. Still doing the cha cha cha and Jive, but we have learnt some more steps over the last few weeks, so we are progressing nicely. Then straight after dance it was off to rehearsal for the village panto we will be doing early next year. I get to play a comic baddie. Typecast again.

Saturday morning, Tricia was leading a team of people around the village, planting bulbs for the spring. This was her idea, she wants the village to look good in the spring. Some local funding helped provide the bulbs (1000) and so she spent most of the morning, and early afternoon planting. Most of the bulbs have been planted on the roadside verge at the village entrances. I had gone off to Buckingham for a haircut – cycled there and back in the lovely weather – and when I got back I helped with some of the planting. Ellie was a willing volunteer.

Nikki came back Friday evening, and then was off playing hockey on Saturday morning before going back to Hatfield. Her team won 5-0, and are doing well. It’s nice to see Nikki enjoying her sport again after so many injury problems. This photo was taken in a game a few weeks back – Nikki in the green, going in for a tackle.

On Saturday evening Tricia went to see a Welsh choir singing at the local church. Which she thought was quite good. I did the reading in church on Sunday morning, and Tricia and Robbie went off shopping in Bicester village for some holiday wear. All of a sudden the cruise is nearly upon us. We go next Thursday.

Speaking of which, I have finally got my passport renewed, so I can go .

On Saturday, whilst biking, I must have somehow accidentally knocked my phone and it dialled out – it called my Mum and Dad’s number. All they could hear was garbled noise, so were concerned something had happened. When I called back, Dad said he was in the hospital today, seeing a consultant about his upcoming op. It seems the visit went ok, particularly as the hospital is near a model railway shop, which is of course of greater interest !

Knowing I was in London today, and that an early start would be required, I had a soak in the bath last night, and then had a shave, so that I didn’t have to have one this morning. I somehow (not sure how), nicked my ear lobe…. and it bled, and bled… perhaps I nicked an artery that was somehow routed incorrectly.  I ended up going to bed with a towel on the pillow in case I caught it again in the night. I reassured Tricia that if she woke up and the bed was soaked in blood, not to worry, it wasn’t the mafia slipping the odd horses head or two in the sheets, it was my ear lobe bleeding.

This morning, I went out and discovered a frost on the car. This was not expected. I then had to move the other car in order to get off the drive. In doing so I absent mindedly drove off with the keys for the other car… which Tricia would need during the day. About 2 miles out of the village I remembered (thankfully, as Tricia wouldn’t have forgiven me for leaving her without a car for the day), so I turned round came back dropped the keys off, and went to the railway station. I missed the train I had been planning to catch, but fortunately got to the training centre on time, for the course I am on this week.

I am doing an upgrade on a certification I passed a number of years back. The material has been updated, and BP agreed to send me on the course. There is a lot of material to cover, and an exam on the Friday. If I pass I will be an ‘ITIL expert’ (if I pass). When I did the original certification course, I did a two week course. By the Wednesday of the first week the instructor had taken to calling me ‘a pedantic little shit’ on account of me asking too many questions, and in doing so, making life a little difficult for him (poor man had to earn his money).

Well I haven’t quiet achieved that level of annoyance yet, but we finished a half hour later than expected today, on account of me asking loads of questions. Fortunately the instructor seems a little more placid than the other guy. Having travelled into Marylebone this morning, I walked to Baker St, and took the circle line to Tower Hill, and made the 5 minute walk to the training centre. This afternoon, and I have no idea why the thought jumped into my head, it occurred to me that this evening I could carry on around the circle line to Embankment, and jump on the Bakerloo line, straight into Marylebone. Seemed like a plan….

And so, I went and jumped on the appropriate train, which eventually left…. and then stopped due to a delay. Eventually, I got off at Embankment, thinking it wasn’t such a good idea after all, and heard a station announcement that all trains on the Bakerloo line were suspended. It was then I confirmed with myself that it hadn’t been such a good idea at all. I jumped on the Northern line, and out at Warren St, and had a 20 minute walk to Marylebone. The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.

I eventually got home at 7:40pm. Rats. Oh well, I have had my tea, and now I have to do homework!

Tricia is back from Brownies, and sat with a drink. Robbie is in his room (as usual), communicating with fellow neanderthals and pretty young ladies in cyberspace. Ellie is in bed. She is quite into Egyptian culture at the moment, and I had to sit and listen to a story she had written this evening about Isis, Osiris and Horus. All I can remember was that they drank barley tea…..

Homework, bed, shave (being careful of ears) and off to London tomorrow.

Quick edit; Tricia would like to point out her drink was hot chocolate. Nothing alcoholic.

A busy week again, both at work and at home. The main focus of the week was drawn towards a ball at the school Robbie goes to. Tricia was booked to cater for the event, and as a member of the pta, I was involved in some of the organisation. Pretty much all of Thursday and Friday, Tricia was working on the catering, and cooking all day Saturday. There were 122 people at the ball and she did very well getting everything organised and completed. It was a nice occasion, the sixth formers provided all the waiting / waitressing, there was a string quartet – pupils from the school who played at the reception, and then a pianist from the sixth form, and a singer – who would only be 15 / 16  performed. She sang beautifully. We raised a good sum of money for the school, and had a good evening.

Deb and Carlos came across and joined us for the evening. It was good to catch up with them, as we haven’t seen them for a while.

Nikki came back to help Tricia. Nikki has helped Tricia with the catering a number of times, and they work well together. She came back Friday afternoon – but was a bit later coming back than expected. One of her housemates has not been pulling her weight with the washing up it seems, so they had a house meeting to sort it out. When I asked Nikki how the housemate took the conversation, she said ‘just like a stroppy teenager’ … which made me laugh out loud. Takes one to know one I said

Nikki played hockey for Bicester on Saturday morning, and they won 4-1, so another victory and they are top of the league. She then came back and worked really hard for Tricia, managing the sixth formers while they waited tables. She then helped clear everything, took a load of equipment home before coming back to pick Deb, Carlos, Tricia and myself up. She then drove back to Hatfield. She has been working in Homebase today, so she will be very tired this evening.

This morning was the harvest festival in church. Ellie did a reading, and even Robbie came to church. One of the church wardens, Clive, turned 60 today. Tricia had done him a cake, and and we all sang him happy birthday at the end of the service. Clive is one of those quiet, and reliable people that we all like to have around. His wife Pat played Edith in ‘all ‘allo last year, and together they are very good friends to us. They are coming on the cruise in a few weeks, so, more celebrations then !

Being Harvest Festival, people bought a number of items along. Most of which were locally produced. Last year I was badgered into auctioning the items off at the end of the service, and was asked to do so again today. It raised £75, which goes into the church funds.

Friday evening we had a meeting of the acting group, and it seems we are doing a panto in Feb next year, ‘Babes in the Wood’. I can’t say that I am enthralled at the idea. These last 4 years we have done farces / plays, and I have enjoyed doing those more, as it is more of a challenge. But if the group wants to do it, I have to go along with it.

This coming week I am on a course in London, with an exam at the end of it , so looks like my evenings will be spent studying….

Tricia is just about to watch Tess of the D’Urbervilles… don’t suppose anything has changed and Tess will end up getting hanged… Good cheery stuff for a Sunday evening.