22-Oct to 28-Oct 2011

Sat 22-Oct: With Linda feverishly ironing ready for our trip to Scotland I managed to escape for a long walk in the afternoon. Unfortunately abortive at the start... aimed for the longer Holywell walk that takes me along the Ouse Valley Way, but just as the best bit was starting found I was preceded by a couple with three dogs and also I'd forgotten my water bottle. A quick trip back home and an hour and a half later off to Monks Wood to replenish my stick supply. Started to think about the forked rosewood stick I'd lost a few years ago and how comfortable it was to use, so the return to its origin enable me to search for a replacement. In fact ended up with a supply for life, a couple of smaller ones for the grandsons, and a few cuts from the thorns. Here's the 6 rosewood sticks gathered and the birch stick I arrived with on the right. Do get attached to a stick when it accompanies me on all my walks and gets me through thick and thin.

Sun 23-Oct: Here's me and David cycling home about 22:30 after an evening's darts and pool at The Legion. Straight home this time, no stop off for spicey potatoes (me) or a burger and chips (David). I'm supposed to be in front since David's bike has neither lights nor brakes... hmmmm, never thought might be the most vulnerable location to be if he's no brakes, in front of him! Anyway, on the look out for a replacement bike from Hyperion auctions, where his current bike came from. John wasn't able to make the evening, suffering from Saturday night fever (= hangover). Was a close fought evening, going down to a tie breaker pool game... unfortunately I can't remember who won! If I ask Dave will he tell me the truth?

Mon 24-Oct: Afternoon of jobs today. After starting a bread baking, bottled up 1.5 litres of sloe vodka as pictured above. Should be ready for consumption the week before Christmas. Then went on to clean the bathroom, on my task list since retiring. Linda couldn't believe I took 90 minutes on the job and that didn't include the toilet bowl... Linda does that, I mustn't have the necessary skill set. Wonder if they do an evening class on it at the local college?

Tue 25-Oct: School holidays and hey presto... vandalism on the allotment site. This time it's three sheds set alight last night with the Police and Fire Service called to attend. One allotment association member thought it was sooooo important I know he called telephoned me at 06:00! Wonder what he expected me to do at that time???

Wed 26-Oct: Packing almost finished for our trip to Scotland by train tomorrow. Usual story... I packed in about 30 minutes, Linda took a bit longer. Not sure if I've got enough library books with me. Think a nervous breakdown would be in the offing if I found myself without a good book or my radio.

Thu 27-Oct: Reasons to be happy number 1: Tea (Tea? Did I say Tea??... Er, serious evening dinner!) round at my brother Robert's house. Top class cooking and great company with Amanda and Bob added up to a great first night in Scone. Here's the plate of beef bourguignon for main course, followed by sticky toffee pudding... accompanied by a sherry aperitif and several accompanying glasses of red wine. Will sleep well tonight. Reasons to be happy number 2: I've got an open wifi connection at the bed and breakfast!

Fri 28-Oct: Had one of the best surprises of my whole life this evening. There I was in Scone bowling club psyching myself up for the pool and dominoes competitions when my mobile 'phone rang. Beth calling... probably grandson Connor wanting to tell me what he's been up to in St Ives. Went to the entrance vestibule so I could hear better and, as I stood there trying to hear what he was saying, the door opened and there not only was he, but Beth, Chris and Paige, Becky, Barry, Sammy and Izzy!!! You could have knocked me over with a piece of bird's apparel. I thought they were all some 400 miles away... they'd travelled up by car or train to be at the dinner tomorrow evening. After shedding a few tears of joy at seeing them they proceeded to take the place over. Here we all are shortly after they arrived, granddaughters on the far left gearing up for another dance down the corridor. And this is one of the images 'One Moment Each Day' is all about. Other highlights of the evening were... * Sammy... "We spent four hours on a train just for you!" * Getting walloped at dominoes by six year old Paige... no wonder I then lost my semi final match against Ronnie shortly afterwards! * Brother Andy whitewashing me in the pool quarter final (not) * Sammy shouting from the gents toilets... "Connor's doing a long one". * Getting a photo of Linda with Becky and Beth (only took four attempts). * And just about everything else that happened in the evening with my fantastic family.