With August came the Ride100 for Tricia. 100 miles cycling in and around London. We travelled in on the Saturday the 2nd, and stayed over at a Travelodge near the city airport. Tricia had an enormous Pizza, before off to bed and up early to get her to the start line near the Olympic Stadium. All went well, Tricia there in plenty of time. I drove back to the hotel, had some breakfast and then drove out, around the M25 and parked at Baker Street. Tricia meanwhile had set off. And was doing really well… The problem she faced later was congestion slowing everyone down, and then a couple of accidents meant that she didn’t do the full 100, only 86 as they were diverted, and she missed the hills she had been training for. So when she finished later in the afternoon she wasn’t particularly pleased… and even less so when she discovered they had run out of medals! Hers turned up in the post a week later. Me… I wandered around Oxford St etc, and managed to find a new pair of trainers. I was rather pleased with this as I do have difficulty finding ones that fit in terms of length

With the ride complete we went back to the car. Tricia changed and went to Bill’s for a meal. We were even recognised as regulars! Then a drive home with a very tired Tricia. Monday evening, the 5th Aug, I was at rehearsal, and Tuesday evening we went up to the Pilgrim for Turkish night, with Matt and Ellie.

After the hard work of decorating the living room, the new furniture arrived on Friday. In particular I love the coffee table… but the room has been refreshed and is looking good. I am glad to be shot of the old sofa.

Saturday was the start of the football season. Tricia was off to a meditation, whilst Bob and myself travelled to the Olympic stadium to watch West Ham against Man City… last seasons champions. We were 0-1 down at half time, but had played pretty well. Second half though we were over run, and lost by 0-5 in the end. Same old.

Sunday was family prayers, followed by family lunch. On Tuesday 13th Tricia went up to London and visited Buckingham Palace. Friday was our 33rd wedding anniversary. I surprised Tricia with a new Ipad. Th old one was just running far too slowly, it made it difficult to do anything.

Saturday 17th we went to Wendy and Robs for lunch, Ellie and Matt came with us, and we had a pleasant afternoon catching up with all. On the upside West Ham got a point away at Brighton. Nice recovery from the previous weeks heavy defeat.

On the Monday, Roy was in doing the work tops, sanding down and oiling them up. As it meant that Tricia could not do anything in the kitchen she took the opportunity of a day out, going down to Salisbury with Janet. On the Tuesday, with oil drying, Tricia took Isabelle to Woburn – her birthday present.

Ellie was in MK Friday evening catching up with some old friends, and then on the Saturday finished her summer stint at M&S. In the evening Tricia and me went to the Village Hall, where Peter York was celebrating his 70th birthday. West Ham won at Watford. All of a sudden the start the new season was ok. Meanwhile, there were major fires in the Amazon rainforest that were the focus of the media. Made a change from Brexit, but it didn’t make for comforting news. What was rather exciting was England rescuing a Test match that seemed dead and buried. Ben Stokes made 135 not out, for England to win by one wicket. One of the all time great performances… it made for compelling viewing.

The final week in August was a short one, with the Monday being the Bank Holiday. On Friday 30th Tricia was away on the Girly Weekend, this time they were all down on the Somerset levels. On the Saturday I went with Bob to watch West Ham play well, and have a comfortable home victory. Nice. In the news, Boris, the new PM, asked the PM to suspend Parliament until October 14th… by stopping Parliament it was looking like he was trying to force through a hard Brexit. This led to demonstrations in a number of parts of the country.

Iona was the same as before. Peaceful. We settled into the ways of the house quickly. Morning service, breakfast… then out, back for lunch, for me a sit (and snooze) in the library. Evening meal and service in the lovely lit chapel. One highlight though was our trip to Lunga on the Wednesday, and the beautiful Puffins. Then onto Staffa and Fingal’s cave. Fantastic columnar basalt formations. Breathtaking. There was excitement one evening when Tricia saw some dolphins in the strait between Iona and Mull. Tricia went to services at the Abbey, I didn’t, but I did find a little shop that did a nice Flat White. On the Tuesday evening we tried to pick up some signal try and watch the England ladies football team in their World Cup semi final, sadly they lost to USA 2-1.

On the Friday, 5th July, we were off on Iona and straight across Mull to the ferry then Oban. We had a light lunch with Janet, Jan and Elizabeth before we set off to find Castle and Loch Sween, old seat of the Sween clan. I was hoping for some kind of spiritual connection, but no. The castle itself is on part of a set of holiday homes with limited access. We drove miles down a road with a dead end… but we did come across a great little chapel in Kilmory, featuring ‘the carved stones of kilmory’. Back up the road we headed through Inveraray, at the top of Loch Fyne, and then down to a lovely B&B in Cairndow. This was a lovely house, brilliantly decorated… I almost thought we were in the wrong place. Next day, to avoid traffic we went round the east side of Loch Lomond, down towards and through Glasgow and its cobweb of motorways, then south. About 50 miles south of Glasgow we came off the motorway and went to a place called Moffat. Much better than a service station, the sun was out and we sat and late lunch on a street café. Then we walked around and found some great ‘nick-nack’ shops. A visit to a large shop featuring woollens proved beneficial as I got myself a great jumper to wear to football in the winter… all very odd on a hot day.

Back in the car we drove back south, over the English border and found our B&B for the night, just off the motorway near Lancaster. This time we stayed in an old hotel, that was in need of some tlc. The food was ok though. Sunday morning we went into Lancaster, visiting the castle, and cathedral. Late afternoon Tricia finally agreed that the holiday was over and we completed the last leg of the journey home.

Back from Scotland, it was straight back in to usual life, well for a few days anyway. All the washing to do… back to work for me on Monday, and a new role as a ‘Service Owner’ looking after E mail services. For Tricia, Brownies at the Sports field, but more sadly it was catering for the funeral of one of the characters of the village on the Tuesday. Guy had passed away, just over 90. Tricia went to the funeral and said it was a good village turn out. Much loved, and now much missed.

Come Thursday though, Tricia was off on her travels again. This time she was off to Edinburgh with Robbie to order hilt and outfit for the wedding. They flew out Thursday evening and came back in on Sunday evening. They took the opportunity of a spot of walking whilst up there. Tartan and kilt all sorted, Rob just has to wait until is made now. I took the opportunity of a fairly quiet Sunday to watch England against New Zealand in the cricket World Cup final. England had finally found form, beating India and New Zealand to get a semi final slot. They hammered Australia in the semi and went to the final. A nail biting final, where Ben Stokes somehow got the game to a tied situation after 50 overs… and then England won the super over. Shredded nerves. England finally won a one day World Cup.

On the 18th, Ellie went in as a day patient to have her wisdom teeth out. They had been causing her problems for a while, so whilst it was painful and uncomfortable for her it was the best thing to do in the long run. The evening of Saturday 20th, we went up to the Docwra’s with the usual crew for the evening. Sunday 21st was Clive’s birthday present… a surprise visit to Crossness pumping station. This was a bit of a trek into and then across London, and a taxi ride, but we got there in the end. Nikki and Matt joined us. At the end of the day, we travelled back across London and had a meal in Bill’s.

Tricia was busy the following week prepping a wedding cake for Kate and Luke. Saturday I met up with Big John and we went to see West Ham play at Fulham, we walked along the Thames and stopped for lunch. I had booked tickets a couple of days before and was told I could pick them up at the ticket office… except when we got there they weren’t there. Eventually the tickets turned up. A good game and win for West Ham and a walk back along the river.

The month ended with Tricia having a day out to Salisbury with Janet on the 30th and then Pub quiz in the evening on the 31st. It also ended with a new prime minister, with Boris Johnson becoming the new leader of the Tory party, and therefore Prime Minister.

June

Saturday 1st June we hosted a meal for all those going on the Iona trip, a discussion around arrangements, and some introductions for those who didn’t know each other. The weekend was quiet apart from that. The following Thursday was the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings. There was lots of press coverage, and remembrance ceremonies. Tricia and myself went with the history club to Biggin Hill museum. Biggin Hill being a famous aerodrome from the Second World War and the Battle of Britain. It was an excellent trip. The museum wasn’t big, but you were able to get a feel for how the place would have been in the war. There was a particularly moving flag ceremony.

On Friday the 7th we met up with Juliet and John at the Five Elms in Weedon. A lovely meal and good company. Saturday, Tricia was at a Meditation lunch, I stayed in and worked on the decoration for the ‘snug’ as we were now calling the former dining room / study. On Sunday, I continued with the decoration, whilst Tricia got some miles in her legs on the bike, and then went to Granborough Flower festival.

Monday evening, the 11th, Tricia and me went into London to the British museum for a private viewing of drawings, which included some Rembrandts, arranged by BP. The event was hosted by a couple of museum experts, who provided context and insight. On the way home we popped into Bill’s near Holborn for a meal. A lovely evening out.

On the Friday, it was a birthday meal for Tricia, at the Chequers Inn at Weston Turville, with Ellie and Matt. Great food, which is what you would expect from a ‘fine dining’ pub. On Saturday I popped across to see my Dad ahead of Father’s Day. In the evening Tricia went off for a birthday celebration to ‘Pink Punters’, whilst I went to Aylesbury to see a Genesis tribute band called ‘Book of Genesis’. A group of us went, Alan, Rob and Amy, Bob and Adam… they were both a little non-plussed, expecting it to be more modern Genesis. Alan loved it. Sunday, Tricia went to church, whilst I went to Aylesbury to check out some potential new furniture for the living room… which was good. Then we had a Father’s Day and Tricia birthday bbq over at Nikki’s. Reg loved seeing his bro’s and chased around with them. In the evening Tricia dropped Ellie and Matt off at Luton for their little holiday to Paris. What you might call a busy weekend!

Monday I was speaking at a Microsoft event in London, on adoption of o365 services, which went down well. Wednesday evening Tricia was at Rachels for a Girly night, and then on Friday we had a curry night with the usual suspects, and attempted ‘blankety blank’. I also finished work for a few weeks. On Saturday Tricia cycled to Waterperry and back, as part of the Ride 100 prep. Then on Sunday, Wendy and Rob came up for lunch, and we were joined by Pat and Clive, Ellie and Matt.

On Monday, having finished the snug decorating, I started on the living room. I had pretty much finished on the Wednesday evening before we went away. We also got the Mazda thru it’s MOT, had my car checked for an error that had come up, been to the pub quiz and had a little visit to Claydon house (we had gone to Waddesdon but it was shut). On the Wednesday, a chunk fell off of one of Tricia’s teeth… so an emergency visit was made to the dentist for repair before we drove north to the Lakes. Reg was housed at Nikki’s for the week. Ellie left in charge of the house.

We drove up went Tricia got back from the dentist, a lovely day, we stopped at Sizergh Castle and Garden on the edge of the Lake District. After going round the house and gardens it was an ice cream, and back in the car to stay at Les and Les’s. Except they were not there, away themselves. We had a meal with Dan, Chris and Hannah. On the Friday we went and walked up Helvellyn, which is the third highest peak in England, and one we missed on the coast to coast walk. A lovely day, with plenty of sun and breeze it was a good climb. A small lunch at the top before returning. In the evening we went out to a pub for a meal with Dan, Chris and Hannah.

Saturday we set off on the next leg of our journey, with a drive up to Oban. A reasonable drive up, we arrived late afternoon. We met up with everyone else going to Iona, who had arrived via different routes. An evening meal in the town, and the acquisition of a bottle of Oban whisky and I was happy :-). Sunday morning was damp… a bit of breakfast in the B&Bm and we set off for the ferry to Mull. Tricia and me went off up to Tobermory, with Paul, Les and mad Helen in the back. Tea / coffee, a wander round, more whisky from the distillery and we were happy. We drove down the ‘scenic’ route and picked up the ferry to Iona…. And settled in at Bishop’s House.

A busy month … and busy elsewhere. Liverpool won the Champions League against the Totts, Theresa May resigned as leader of the Tory Party, meaning we would have a new Prime Minister. This was all on the back of her unsuccessful attempts at driving through her Brexit bill. Parliament made compelling viewing, with MP’s changing parties, and hard in fighting around Brexit. England were playing in the cricket World Cup, and making heavy weather for qualifying for the semi finals, having beaten South Africa in the opener, they then went and lost to Pakistan, then they beat Bangladesh, the West Indies and Afghanistan before losing to Sri Lanka and then Australia.

May promised to be a busy month, with two little holidays planned, and many other things. On Thursday 2nd Tricia was on her first official duty as a Church Warden at Jade and Adam’s rehearsal. The nervous father of the bride, Bob, had been round earlier in the day to dry run his speech with me. Friday was the wedding itself, Tricia having to announce the bride. I went to the evening reception, Tricia went off with Sara on an arts weekend at Hartlington Hall in the Peak District.

On the Saturday, I was at West Ham to see them play Southampton, the final league game of the season. Bob couldn’t come as he was on family duty, so I went with Big John, who was back after his Australian trip. A good afternoon and a comfortable 3-0 win for West Ham. Monday was a Bank Holiday, I got on with some work in the garden. Tricia arriving back later afternoon. Wednesday evening I went and watched the final rehearsal of the Winslow Players production…. Which I couldn’t be in because I had got confused about dates.

Thursday saw the start off our first mini holiday, when Tricia, me and Pat and Clive travelled down to Gatwick in the evening. Reg was off at Nikki’s for the weekend. We had a nice meal in a pub local to Gatwick, then we dropped the car off at the car park and returned to the Gatwick Premier Inn and slept. Up early we were off to South Terminal and our flight to Guernsey. Once over to Guernsey we were immediately into tourist mode, visiting an excellent museum on the wartime occupation. We then went to see the ‘Little Chapel’, a miniature chapel. We checked into our accommodation which was very comfortable, and at the pub on the first night. Pat and Clive weren’t too happy at the noise from the bar, late into the night, and so were moved to a suite! Very nice.

Saturday we looked around St Peter port, gathering various ‘passport stamps’, a stop for coffee and what felt like a second breakfast, before a local traffic warden tipped us off about getting up Victoria Tower, not common knowledge that you could get the keys apparently. When we were up there it gave a magnificent view of the area.

Sunday we took a boat trip out to Herm. Lovely weather, and a beautiful place. We walked around the island, lovely views and sand, we could have been in the Caribbean. Monday we looked around, stopping in St Martin we went into some gardens for a cup of tea, and ended helping some old feller who was running a model boat and fell in the pond! We flew back on the Monday afternoon. A lovely weekend.

Tuesday I had a team building day in London. I survived without getting frustrated with it all :-). Thursday 16th we went to Buckingham Church for a service for church wardens, which Tricia now was. Ellie and Matt came to support, and a number of villagers to support Tricia and Ally. Friday Tricia was off to Hertford with Sara to see an art exhibition, then in the evening it was curry night at Pete and Sara’s. Saturday 18th was FA Cup Final day… I did all my jobs and settled in to watch Man City v Watford. I had no vested interest in either side, I just wanted to see a competitive fixture. And for about 15 minutes it was… Watford could have gone ahead. But… City took full control and won 6-0 in a very one sided final. So City did the treble. Mainly on account of them having the most money, via rich owners. The gap between the top few clubs and even a club like Watford that finished in the top 8 of the Premier League now seems vast. Sadly.

Sunday we had a family lunch. Tricia had to take some time out in the afternoon to go to Waddesdon church.  Tuesday 21st, Tricia took Ellie up to Lincoln for her final exam of the year. On Wednesday after the exam Tricia joined Ellie and some of her friends for a little celebration, before returning back. Meanwhile I was being put through my paces at a BUPA medical. Everything is in working order.

Thursday Tricia and me travelled to Hay on Wye for the Literary festival. I had always wanted to go. We stopped on the way near Abergavenny and walked up ‘Sugar Loaf’, before getting to Hay. We ate from a limited menu in the Blue Boar, and then went down to look at the festival site. Over the course of the weekend we saw Simon Schama, Marcus Brigstock, Bill Bailey (brilliant), Stephen Fry, Jo Brand, Keir Starmer, various people in the BBC tent, including a heart surgeon who had written the ‘angina monologues’. It was a wonderful experience. In between items at the festival we went into town where I browsed books, Tricia went for some walks, and our stay and the company at Elmsleigh was excellent. On the Monday we finished with a recital in the local church, recorded by Radio 3, it was piano and violin, a lovely way to finish.

Whilst all this was happening, Robbie and Amy were having their respective Stag and Hen do’s. Both survived :-). Tuesday 28th we went up for the pub quiz, and won :-). The 30th Tricia went to Hidcote with Nikki, and the month finished on Friday 31st with a meal at Ally and David Perrets… a coming together of the two church warden. A lovely evening, and I particularly enjoyed looking at Ally’s book collection.

It was a quiet start to April. There was the boiler service on the Tuesday, and Tricia hosted lent lunches. On the Saturday Pat and Clive came round and and we watched The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society film… and ate a rather nice potato peel pie Tricia had made. This was all ahead of our planned trip to Guernsey in May. What made it all the better, was watching it on the new TV, a 49” Samsung smart TV…  what with the new Q box, we are all up to date televisually :-).

On Sunday Tricia did the lent walk from Oving. Lent was getting to the back end now, and about time, I needed a drink :-). On the Thursday following Tricia went up to Lincoln, and then came back with Ellie and a car full of her items on the Friday. In the evening we – Tricia, Ellie, Matt & me – went across to Aylesbury to a quiz supporting Laura’s trip to Africa – Ellie’s former dance partner and daughter of Juliet and John.

On Saturday Tricia went to a meditation lunch. Sunday was Palm Sunday, Tricia went to the traditional church breakfast, and then in the afternoon did the final Lent walk. On the Tuesday, Tricia took Isobel and Sarah Michelle to Whipsnade zoo, for their respective Christmas and Birthday presents.

Easter arrived… always good to have a long weekend and two short working weeks. On the Saturday Tricia and Carole travelled up to London with Bob and myself. We visited the Olympic Park, walking around in excellent weather, before Bob and myself went into the football whilst the Ladies went into the shopping centre. A terrific game of football, which ended 2-2… West Ham conceding a late equaliser. But we played far better than in the Everton game. On the way back we dined at Bills Baker St… a very pleasant day.

Easter Sunday was roast lamb in red wine, family over and Reg enjoyed the lamb bone. A quiet Easter Monday heralded a quiet week, but it was a warm Easter Monday, the Met Office reporting it was the warmest on record. On Saturday evening Tricia and me went over Granborough for their poetry evening. Sunday was Rachels 50th meal at the Hand & Flowers in Marlow… an excellent meal, laughs and a good time.

The month ended with two fillings on Tuesday 30th for me :-(. Re bores, drilling out old fillings and replacing. The white replacements look far better!

March 1st started with the delivery and install of the a new Sky Q box. The Sky engineer also put a new satellite dish up. The new Q box has more storage, and allows you to watch and record more at the same time, so a good upgrade :-). Saturday the 2nd and Bob and I were at the football, for West Ham v Newcastle. This wasn’t just another game of football though, today one of the stands was named after Billy Bonds, one of my favourite players. It was great to sing his name, and see the old feller parade in front of the fans. Six foot two, eyes of blue… Billy Bonds is after you :-).  The game that followed was a good one, with West Ham getting the game won, 2-0. On the Sunday Tricia was at a Thinking Day Service.

The following week we had Tom the electrician in to fit some new fans in the bathroom and ‘downlighters’ as well. A nice job. Wednesday was the start of Lent, and Tricia and I had decided to give up alcohol this year. It was also my birthday, 58… not that I really celebrated it. But a nice gf cake from Tricia, and one from Amy, pics below. Thursday the decorator came back to try and rectify the paint issue on the walls. He tried a new Dulux paint… it bubbled like the others. He then tried two coats of a primer which wasn’t perfect either. Hmmm. After he left I went to B&Q and got a Valspar paint mixed up. I spent all day Saturday painting, and it went on like a dream… At the end of the weekend the dining room was finished. At last. Over the course of the month I managed to get the bathroom finished as well, some tiling edging, refreshed the paintwork etc.

Sunday 10th was a family lunch. Ellie was home for the weekend and had an appointment in Amersham on the Monday for her problematic wisdom teeth. Afterwards Tricia drove her back to Lincoln, and stayed over with her before returning on the Tuesday. Friday evening and I was off to Pats to see the film of the MADS play. Tricia hosted Clive and treated him to Gammon egg and chips! On Saturday it was football, no Bob this time he was away on the stag night of Adam his future son in law, so I took my old Safeway colleague Keith. West Ham started well, 1-0 up after 16 minutes… but then went half to sleep, and on the hour mark we were 1-3 down. Somehow West Ham upped their game and not only got level, but managed to win the game. Exciting to watch, but disappointing we were so sloppy defending and got ourselves in bother to start with. Here we have Clive with his meal, Robbie cleaning up the Thames with work colleagues, Reg with a stick and Tricia with various animals

Sunday 17th, Tricia did the lent walk in the afternoon, whilst I went across to Bracknell to see my Mum and Dad, ahead of Dad’s 83rd birthday on the 19th. Monday and Tuesday Tricia was on a retreat at Stanton. Thursday 21st in the evening Tricia, Pat, Clive and myself went to see the Stewkley production of Stepping Out… Helene was performing in it. Then Friday evening we met Juliet and John at the Five Elms in Weedon for a meal… it was excellent, good gluten free options, including a gf bread and butter pudding. Marvellous!

Saturday 23rd we travelled over to Deb and Carlos’s … with Robbie and Reg. Ellie travelled there by train. Reg had a great time chasing a ball up and down the stairs, and was absolutely worn out. A quiet Sunday for me, Tricia did the lent walk. Tuesday wa the pub quiz, and also a 59th wedding anniversary for my Mum and Dad. Wednesday night Tricia was at a girly night at Cathy’s. Reg here getting some attention from Matt, and a couple of Reg on walks.

Friday 29th was a curry night at ours, then Saturday Tricia was at a county training day, whilst I went off to football with Bob to witness a miserable half hearted performance by West Ham, losing 0-2 at home. We could have been beat by 6. Sunday… was Mother’s Day, and also the end of the month.

The end of the month should have been when we left the EU. March was gripping and fascinating as Parliament voted down Teresa Mays deal twice, making it three failures overall. There were indicative votes, MP’s leaving political parties and forming new ones, there intrigue and political posturing. But no resolution other than having to go to the EU and ask for an extension as we did not quite know how we were going to leave… so it is now October 31st we leave.

February started with some snow, not significant but enough to remind us it was still winter. Tricia had lunch with Juliet, once on the main roads it was clear from snow, so didn’t stop Tricia getting out. On the Saturday we went over to Rob and Amy’s to look at a problem Rob had with his bathroom extractor fan. Whilst Rob had a new extractor, there was condensation leaking down from the extractor pipe, so that needed a clean out first. On Sunday morning we had a trip to the vets for Reg, to get his stitches checked out. In the afternoon we went across to Brackley Antique cellar with Rob and Amy… we had tea, and it was a pleasant afternoon. We then had cake… a Tiger cake Robbie had made… for Amy’s birthday.

Monday it was one of the big games of the season. West Ham v Liverpool… An evening kick off, I travelled off with Bob, knowing that defeat was the likely outcome, as they could win the title this year. Liverpool took the lead, with what looked like, and was later confirmed, to be an offside goal. Oh dear… but West Ham showed great character, equalising before half time, and matching Liverpool in a good game. 1-1. We left happy. The rest of the week was run of the mill, Tricia went to the Wesley Flicks, and caught up with her old mate Pat Pitts. On Friday the 8, with the Robinsons now recovered we went to Malcolms and celebrated the New Year again. Saturday, Tricia was at a meditation lunch during the day. In the evening I went across to Winslow Players and did box office for the evening performance of the panto. Afterward, we all went around to Pat and Clive’s for drinks. Sunday was a family lunch… after which everyone helped clear the dining room, in readiness for the ceiling to be repaired.

Monday the 11th the builder arrived to start work on the shower / bathroom, after the leak. Things were slowed down by finding the old shower tray, which we hoped to reuse, was cracked… So, we managed to get Steve the plumber to source and fit a new one. End of the week though, the shower area looked better. End of the week, Tricia and me went into London to visit the Ashurbanipal exhibition (BP sponsored) at the British Museum. After we went and did some ‘jeans shopping’ for Tricia and then had a meal at Bill’s near Baker St. A nice day out. It was our late Valentines day out :-).  Sunday morning and Tricia was leading the service at the Wesley Centre. In the afternoon it was a long rehearsal for me…. MADS and ‘Keeping Down with the Jones’ was imminent.

It was half term week now…not that it means much to me and Tricia now. But Feb half term means MADS, and so it was rehearsal every evening, and the play itself on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. On Tuesday Tricia went to look at flowers with Amy, who stayed and helped Tricia with the cakes after. Deb and Carlos, Amy and Rob came to the first night of the play, and all went well. Friday, I had a day off and I drove up to Lincoln to pick up Ellie and bring her back for the weekend. Tricia, Ellie and Matt (and Matt’s parents), Nikki and Matt, Tricia’s parents and Sally all came along to the play. Saturday… the decorator was in to paint the dining room walls. Using a premium paint, it bubbled and blotched, and so the guy abandoned for the day while we took stock. Tricia went up to the church to see Pip Randles wedding. Ellies Matt played rugby for the first time in years and did his ankle… In the evening it was something of a sluggish audience and a slow end to the MADS shows. I was glad it was over, and am now determined to have a little break from learning lines. After the play I was off to Buckingham Golf Club where everyone else was, to celebrate Dave’s 40th. Sunday was the usual work to get the set and stage down… the set was so good this year (better then the acting) that we took forever in doing so. After a roast lunch it was then on the road to Lincoln to drop Ellie off and return. Long weekend. Knackered.

We finished the month with the pub quiz on the Tuesday. Tricia had been to RHS Wisley with Janet G during the day. Then on Thursday 28th, it was off to Malcolms with the Robinsons, Webbs and Docies for a social evening. Alright for those retired who didn’t have to work the next day!

After a restful day, which was to be expected after a late New Years Eve, I sat and watched Michael van Gerwen become World Champ again, beating Michael Smith in a pretty good final. No argument, he is the best, so should be World Champ.  Tuesday the 2nd and it was a return to the normality you get after the Christmas and New Year celebrations… in the evening Tricia was at the Wesley Flicks, and I went off with Bob to see West Ham play Brighton… they are something of a bogey side, always seeming to beat us, and at 0-2 down it looked that would be the way again. However, two Arnautovic goals got us back to 2-2 and we managed a draw. Outside on the way back to catch the train we saw some trouble between supporters, Brighton fans looking for trouble. The 3rd and for Tricia it was one of those things that you don’t want to do, but seem to have to do… breast screening. Uncomfortable, but worth it for the peace of mind when the scan showed no issues.

Saturday and Bob and I were off to the football again, the FA Cup 3rd round game at home to Birmingham. A comfortable win for West Ham and into the hat for the next round… sadly there was more trouble on the way back. This time police and horses had to see off a number of Birmingham fans looking for trouble. Not a good week, it was like being back in the 1970’s. In the evening we were at Elizabeth’s for cheese and wine.

The following week Tricia had the Xmas meal for the Watercolour group at the Crown in Granboro’. I had the car serviced and had a few minor items sorted out. Ellie returned to Lincoln briefly for an exam, before coming back for a dentist appointment and then off for a short holiday in Norfolk with Matt.

Saturday the 12th and Tricia was hosting a meditation lunch at home… I escaped for the day, off with Bob to the football again. This time home to Arsenal, a lunch time kick off. We played really well, and won 1-0! A first league goal for Declan Rice as well. Tricia’s lunch went well. In the evening we went over to see Matt’s new house, enjoy a meal, and play the train game ‘Ticket to Ride’.

Monday 14th and Tricia was back at Brownies. On the Tuesday she was at a rotary dinner with Roy, to say thank you for the funds raised for the Brownies. Saturday 19th, and it was a return to Lincoln for Ellie. Not a good day for West Ham when their recent good form deserted them with a 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth. A few pictures from a lovely frosty walk with Reg on Sunday morning, and Nikki with the animals when she popped in one evening, and Ellie when she was away in Norfolk.

Monday 21st and Tricia took the Brownies to Hazard Alley. Tuesday I was in the Sunbury office, and it started to snow as I left at 5pm… Took me 4 hours to get home. Not a happy bunny. I was in the BP Milton Keynes office on the Wednesday doing some presentations. it was cold but a lot of the snow had gone, just that in the fields. On a walk with Reg, Tricia bumped into Jim Tattam, who gave her a brace of pheasant. Tricia plucked and prepared them…made for a good meal! Friday night and we had a slight change to a curry night standard. We had a taster night, each couple preparing samples for a course. We started at Alan and Rachel’s, and then went onto Pete and Sara’s…. we did the dessert course at Pete and Sara’s as we were still waiting to have the dining room ceiling done. A good evening, as pictured below… then a couple of pictures taken from the car on the long drive home…

And so to the final week of January. On the Monday I was taking Reg out for a lunch time play over the sports field. In chasing a ball he slid into a set of goal posts laid down in the grass and gashed his back leg open… oh dear. A visit to the vets resulted in him having stitches, and the cone of shame for a while. Poor lad, even though he had hurt his leg he was only interested in chasing another ball. :-). A good pub quiz on the Tuesday evening. But Thursday the 31st was a sad day. Oli, the son of our former neighbours in Buckingham, Tim and Jayne, was buried. The funeral was difficult. Oli used to play with Robbie before we moved.

Saturday December 1^st , and first business was to go to the Bell at Winslow over lunch, where we helped Les celebrate his 60^th. In the evening we joined the Grays in going over to dinner at Helene and Jonathan’s. A good start to the month for West Ham, with a 3-0 victory at Newcastle.

Sunday 2^nd December we put the advent wreath together. Well, when I say ‘we’, I mean Tricia J. In the evening I went across to a curry house near Didcot, where I met up with my two brothers for a catch up and a curry. Robbie and Amy went over to Blenheim for the Christmas lights, which they enjoyed as much as we did the previous year. Monday 3^rd was the Brownie Xmas Disco.

Wednesday I went to the football with Bob in the evening. West Ham 3 Cardiff 1. Two wins in a few days, we needed that. During the day Tricia had been across to visit Dorchester Abbey near Oxford with Pat, Clive and Janet. In the evening Tricia went to ‘Wesley Flix’, a film showing at the Wesley Ctr. The film was ‘A Street Cat named Bob’.

On the 7^th, Tricia was at the local church to see the Stewkley Singers. On the Saturday Bob and I were yet again off to London. This time West Ham beat Crystal Palace 3-2… 3 wins in a week! In the afternoon Tricia had been across at Waddesdon to see the lights. She didn’t think they were up to much. The following week Tricia went up to Lincoln to collect Ellie. I finished painting the ensuite. On Sunday we finally got the lights up outside.

Ellie did Christmas dinner for her flatmates before coming back.

On the Saturday we went to a tea house at Bedford with Nikki and Matt. The winning streak continued… Fulham 0 West Ham 2. On the Sunday Tricia went up to the Lights of Friendship service. She took Reg, who was very well behaved in church apparently. Monday evening Tricia was with the Rotary float around North Marston, raising money for the Brownie unit. Tuesday evening I was at the school in the evening with Ellie for her A Level certificate presentation evening. Ellie was by this time, back working for M&S for the Christmas period.

Wednesday didn’t start so well. My breakfast seemed crunchy… seems this was on account of one of my teeth breaking. So I was off to the dentist, who did a fine job in repairing it. The cost of a filling and a new car battery for Tricia’s car was not what was wanted just before Christmas. In the evening I was out with Tricia helping do the Rotary float in Granboro’. Here we have the lights at Waddesdon, Reg out on a walk, Roy Randles as Father Christmas on the Rotary float, the Christmas tree, replete with Pickles the cat… and part of the mass mince pie production!

Thursday evening  I was in a ‘Mummers’ play… something we had been rehearsing for a few weeks, putting on a small seasonal sketch in the Wesley Centre, pubs in Quainton, Oving and North Marston. All went very well, and we raised a few hundred pounds for charity. Tricia was at a girly evening.

Tricia shut up shop in TLC on Friday 21^st, after being flat out for a month. Saturday, Bob and I went off to see West Ham against Watford… hoping to see our 5^th win in a row. But it wasn’t to be. We lost 0-2. Sunday morning I went with Tricia to a spin class. A good workout. Then in the afternoon we went to Cathy and Trevor Lane’s for a Christmas social.

On Christmas Eve Ellie and I read at the local church in the Carol service. Matt came along with us. Then back home we had a Chinese, before Ellie and Matt went up to the pub. Peter York made his customary ‘Father Christmas’ visit. Tricia went up to midnight mass.

Christmas morning I was up before everyone else and took Reg for a good walk. Very peaceful. And then we had a traditional day, breakfast with Bucks Fizz, presents, big Christmas lunch, Nikki and Matt came over, we watched a film and then bed. Boxing Day was similar, I was up early for a walk with Reg, and then there was a lot of prep before we had a visit from Tricia’s family, and Rob and Amy and Nikki came across. A full table. In the evening I went with Tricia to Pat and Clive’s where we had a drink before going up to the pub for the Quiz. Nikki joined us. A good evening.

I took advantage of being at home on the 27^th to go to a spin class. In the evening Tricia and me went across to Bracknell for Scott’s 21^st. Then on the 28^th, I went to spin again. And the 29^th. And the 30^th. Can’t say I didn’t get my exercise in over the Christmas period. Tricia joined me on the 30^th. In the afternoon of the 30^th we went up to London with Robbie and Amy to see the lights at London Zoo. Originally we had intended to go with Pat and Clive, but they were down with some horrible lurgy. Here we have Scott with Tricia and me, then with Mum and Dad… and finally Scott showing off a dreadful Liverpool shirt! And then some pics from the trip to London Zoo.

New Year’s Eve was spent with the Webbs and Docwras … the usual yearly bash, Webbs were hosting. I did a quiz. No Robinsons as they were still ill. Tricia had taken Reg out for a few hours earlier in the day. We got home just after 1, made sure the hound was ok and off to bed. Here we are … nice loud suit from me. 🙂

Today… 1^st Jan. A relatively quiet day. I took Reg out for a good walk. Ellie and Matt had lunch with us… we then played a game called ‘Ticket to Ride’. I am not normally a board gam,es person, but this was quite good. This evening Tricia has taken down the tree and returned it and all its baubles to the loft for another year. Tonight is the World Darts Final. Game on :-).

November entered the world with me feeling tired after getting home late from the previous evening’s football… Friday came along though on the 2^nd, and a curry night at Pete and Sara’s, which lightened the mood up somewhat. Mind you, not before a heap of work on Thursday and Friday for Tricia, getting the wedding cake for Claire and Ieuan sorted out.

Saturday was the wedding day. I had an early start, getting down to Nikki’s B&B in Hartspury to pick her up. She was unable to drive on account of her broken leg. We then drove across to Cold Ash… meanwhile Tricia was driving directly to Cold Ash in the morning with the cake, in order to get it set up. Ellie was travelling down with Deb and Carlos. She had got the train from Lincoln to Market Harboro’ the previous evening. Nikki and I met up with Ellie at the hotel. A quick change into my suite and then we were off to the church… where we met up with Tricia. A lovely, lovely service. Deb did a Reading. Carlos was the chauffeur.

Then to Wendy and Robs, a short walk, and we enjoyed the wedding. I had to do the introductions to the speakers, a kind of ‘MC’. A terrific afternoon and evening. Good news from London as well, West Ham had won 4-2 against Burnley. In the morning I was up early, as I had to get Nikki back to her class in Hartspury for 9am. We made it… and then it was home. Two hours later I was back home. Tricia and Ellie stayed on for lunch in the marquee in Cold Ash. I then had to pack, and get ready to go to Hungary for work.

I flew out to Budapest from Luton, arriving in the hotel around 11pm. The old buildings in Budapest were floodlit and looked beautiful along the Danube. Monday was in the Budapest office in the morning, and then travelling to Szeged in the afternoon. Tuesday was spent presenting in the Szeged office before returning to Budapest. Wednesday was spent presenting… and then a flight home. Knackered. I must go back with Tricia, what I saw was lovely and definitely worth more exploring.

Saturday 10^th. Tricia was off to a Meditation Lunch. West Ham struggled to a 1-1 draw at Huddersfield. The 11^th was Remembrance Sunday. Tricia marched with her Brownie unit at the local parade… I stayed at home to reflect. One Grandfather who fought in the First World War, and was buried at the age of 90 exactly 30 years to the day. He would have been 120 today! Another Grandfather who was evacuated from Dunkirk.

The following week Tricia went into London with Gill and Janet to visit the Churchill War Rooms, and the Cenotaph. I picked them up, and was off again myself. This time to Hull. It was a little like a trip down memory lane … 11 years since I used to do the trip with Kcom.

The Saturday was the 17^th, and Nikki’s birthday. 30… gosh. Made me feel old having a daughter that old. Tricia did the Xmas bazaar at Granborough. On the Sunday we had a late afternoon meal for Nikki’s birthday, before Matt N and I went off to see the Illegal Eagles at Aylesbury Waterside. They were brilliant… great performance.

During the following week, Tricia took Nikki to the hospital for a check up on her leg – all was progressing very nicely. Friday 23^rd I was up to Lincoln to pick Ellie up from uni, and bring back a pile of washing J. Ellie came in, went thru some hellos with Tricia and Reg, then it was make up and the pub to catch up with her friends. Saturday was Nikkis 30^th birthday bash in the evening. I sneaked off to watch the football with Bob during the afternoon. West Ham 0 Man City 4. And we didn’t play that badly either! Oh well. On the way there I could feel a lump on my elbow… this had given me some grief when in Norfolk. Now, for some unknown reason I had a golf ball size lump on my elbow…. Turns out it was a ‘elbow bursitis’. When we got back it was change and then onto Nikki’s do at the Wesley Ctr. A racing night. All very random, Isabelle won a prize, and she was just guessing all evening.

Sunday was slow starting. A roast lunch then I packed Ellie and all her clean clothes into the car and we were off to Lincoln. I got back home about 8:30pm. Tricia was out, she had gone with Pat to see ‘The Carpenters Story’ which they both enjoyed. The following Friday we hosted Curry Night…. A few laughs to see out the month.