Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Wednesday
New thing was trying to get to the canal path and happening upon a car park and a sailing club.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Four festivals and a funeral
Thursday
Got some milk at a garage on the A303 that I’d never been to before!
Friday
Set off for a weekend of new things at Escot Park which was playing host to the wonderful Levellers and their “Beautiful Days” festival. We had a lovely relaxing drive down there, with lots of fellow T25 drivers waving at us. We arrived after waiting to turn off the A30 to join the queue to get in. It turned out that there was no queue at all –the delay was due to the air ambulance landing on the carriageway. Once that had gone, we breezed into the festival, parked up and then – for some reason - decided it would be cheap and filling to have a Pot Noodle. But let’s not dwell on that. We turned up in the nick of time for the Levellers to open the festival with their acoustic session. Which is more than can be said for their poor bassist Jeremy who also got stuck in traffic and didn’t make it in time. We then happened upon Hobo Jones and the Junkyard Dogs busking. Their hardcore following was underlined when the lead singer asked “Who’s seen us before?” to massive applause. Then “Who hasn’t seen us before?!” one woman piped up – “me”! Then Pama International, then finally a band I’d not seen before – a multi-talented and multi-tasking guy called Xavier Rudd (while I scoffed a very expensive meal of fish and chips which weren’t that great, but after the Pot Noodle, tasted like manna from heaven - should that be ‘mackerel from heaven’), then Nouvelle Vague – another first. Great band, but too much emphasis placed on the lead singers thinking they were great which got dull after a while. Then onto Seth Lakeman. Wow.
Saturday
Slept incredibly well for the first time for quite some time, so only just made it to Dan Donnelly who I now see was playing at 1.30pm! Yet again, he was superb. Then a little bit of a band called Blood and Whisky who were like the Pogues. It was also as hot as a Pogues gig in there as it was full to bursting – partly thanks to the talent of the performers – partly cos it was raining cats and dogs and cows and pigs. We then saw a really striking band called Dengue Fever, then my beloved 3 Daft Monkeys who were just so lively and awesome – their set seemed to fly by. Then another new band (for me!) Damien Dempsey who I really hope to see again, then the brilliant world of Ross Noble whose brain makes mine look clear and tidy! His act weaved from subject to subject including KumBaYa – in fact, how wanking is an old tradition of weaving, how being surrounded by crusties made him look smart and businesslike, about a blind man whose dog must be getting crushed at the front and about the effect the rain was having on the electricity! Then caught some of the Turin Brakes before deciding we were old and needed to get to bed to be fresh tomorrow; reluctantly missing Salsa Celtica.
Sunday
After having breakfast on the site, which was getting progressively muddier, we travelled slowly but surely up to Leicester, again passing lots of T25s and getting waved at – makes my day! New things included a few minutes’ worth of panic when we filled up the van and then couldn’t get the fuel cap back on. Then in a show of super human strength, I managed to break it, leaving us to ponder how safe it would be to tape the cap back on before getting it fixed. While Mabel went back to the service station for tape, a fat woman cut me up quite comprehensively; failing to move her fat neck to see where she was going, but frightening me so much I pulled over – not in the most sensible of places, I admit, but not blocking anyone. However, another woman drove over to me in a truck and told me not to “park there” as if I was about to enjoy a picnic, so I had to go back to the garage where Mabel announced that they didn’t have any tape. One last option was the service station itself where he asked for tape and was told – “ah yes, it’s over there next to the emergency fuel caps” – someone was looking after me that day! Other new things included a bar called Purveyor. This is opposite St Peter’s Church and provided a drink to calm my nerves before the service to welcome my Grandma’s body into the church ahead of the funeral tomorrow. I didn’t think I’d been to the church before until I suddenly recalled having my picture taken at a wedding more than 20 years ago outside. The service was emotional and I was stunned and appreciative of the number of people who came. Then onto the Napier where I ventured into the lounge instead of the main bar before we retired to the van again.
Monday
The funeral service was very touching and the church was full. My dad delivered the most beautiful speech which was a fitting tribute to our wonderful Grandma. As well as summing up her marvellous and giving life, he injected it with humour, however, his final words were so touching that no one could sing the hymn as we were all so choked. We then went to Gilroes Cemetery where she was buried next to our Grandad who died 20 years ago. It was a very sad day, but when we went for drinks and food at the West End Club (another new thing), I realised how lucky I am to have such a wonderful supportive family. A very sad day which I topped off with a visit to Tesco in Hemel Hempstead!
Tuesday
New thing today was venturing into Chorleywood where I collected a book that I’d ordered last week. I’d never been here before and it looks so old fashioned and hasn’t been overrun with chain stores. In fact, the bookshop there is independent, and then I went into a Peace Hospice charity shop and a grocers, where someone – bless her heart – asked me what country I was from – I must be the first foreigner to venture there!
Got some milk at a garage on the A303 that I’d never been to before!
Friday
Set off for a weekend of new things at Escot Park which was playing host to the wonderful Levellers and their “Beautiful Days” festival. We had a lovely relaxing drive down there, with lots of fellow T25 drivers waving at us. We arrived after waiting to turn off the A30 to join the queue to get in. It turned out that there was no queue at all –the delay was due to the air ambulance landing on the carriageway. Once that had gone, we breezed into the festival, parked up and then – for some reason - decided it would be cheap and filling to have a Pot Noodle. But let’s not dwell on that. We turned up in the nick of time for the Levellers to open the festival with their acoustic session. Which is more than can be said for their poor bassist Jeremy who also got stuck in traffic and didn’t make it in time. We then happened upon Hobo Jones and the Junkyard Dogs busking. Their hardcore following was underlined when the lead singer asked “Who’s seen us before?” to massive applause. Then “Who hasn’t seen us before?!” one woman piped up – “me”! Then Pama International, then finally a band I’d not seen before – a multi-talented and multi-tasking guy called Xavier Rudd (while I scoffed a very expensive meal of fish and chips which weren’t that great, but after the Pot Noodle, tasted like manna from heaven - should that be ‘mackerel from heaven’), then Nouvelle Vague – another first. Great band, but too much emphasis placed on the lead singers thinking they were great which got dull after a while. Then onto Seth Lakeman. Wow.
Saturday
Slept incredibly well for the first time for quite some time, so only just made it to Dan Donnelly who I now see was playing at 1.30pm! Yet again, he was superb. Then a little bit of a band called Blood and Whisky who were like the Pogues. It was also as hot as a Pogues gig in there as it was full to bursting – partly thanks to the talent of the performers – partly cos it was raining cats and dogs and cows and pigs. We then saw a really striking band called Dengue Fever, then my beloved 3 Daft Monkeys who were just so lively and awesome – their set seemed to fly by. Then another new band (for me!) Damien Dempsey who I really hope to see again, then the brilliant world of Ross Noble whose brain makes mine look clear and tidy! His act weaved from subject to subject including KumBaYa – in fact, how wanking is an old tradition of weaving, how being surrounded by crusties made him look smart and businesslike, about a blind man whose dog must be getting crushed at the front and about the effect the rain was having on the electricity! Then caught some of the Turin Brakes before deciding we were old and needed to get to bed to be fresh tomorrow; reluctantly missing Salsa Celtica.
Sunday
After having breakfast on the site, which was getting progressively muddier, we travelled slowly but surely up to Leicester, again passing lots of T25s and getting waved at – makes my day! New things included a few minutes’ worth of panic when we filled up the van and then couldn’t get the fuel cap back on. Then in a show of super human strength, I managed to break it, leaving us to ponder how safe it would be to tape the cap back on before getting it fixed. While Mabel went back to the service station for tape, a fat woman cut me up quite comprehensively; failing to move her fat neck to see where she was going, but frightening me so much I pulled over – not in the most sensible of places, I admit, but not blocking anyone. However, another woman drove over to me in a truck and told me not to “park there” as if I was about to enjoy a picnic, so I had to go back to the garage where Mabel announced that they didn’t have any tape. One last option was the service station itself where he asked for tape and was told – “ah yes, it’s over there next to the emergency fuel caps” – someone was looking after me that day! Other new things included a bar called Purveyor. This is opposite St Peter’s Church and provided a drink to calm my nerves before the service to welcome my Grandma’s body into the church ahead of the funeral tomorrow. I didn’t think I’d been to the church before until I suddenly recalled having my picture taken at a wedding more than 20 years ago outside. The service was emotional and I was stunned and appreciative of the number of people who came. Then onto the Napier where I ventured into the lounge instead of the main bar before we retired to the van again.
Monday
The funeral service was very touching and the church was full. My dad delivered the most beautiful speech which was a fitting tribute to our wonderful Grandma. As well as summing up her marvellous and giving life, he injected it with humour, however, his final words were so touching that no one could sing the hymn as we were all so choked. We then went to Gilroes Cemetery where she was buried next to our Grandad who died 20 years ago. It was a very sad day, but when we went for drinks and food at the West End Club (another new thing), I realised how lucky I am to have such a wonderful supportive family. A very sad day which I topped off with a visit to Tesco in Hemel Hempstead!
Tuesday
New thing today was venturing into Chorleywood where I collected a book that I’d ordered last week. I’d never been here before and it looks so old fashioned and hasn’t been overrun with chain stores. In fact, the bookshop there is independent, and then I went into a Peace Hospice charity shop and a grocers, where someone – bless her heart – asked me what country I was from – I must be the first foreigner to venture there!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Darting out after work
Wednesday
New thing was a random Sainsbury’s in Slough after my meeting there. More illustriously, new things after work involved three pubs I’d never been to before, although all three were within cooee of the office where I work! Two of my colleagues and I decided to play darts after work (in celebration of how sporty we feel as the Olympics is on – incidentally my mother was meant to be volunteering at the one of the equestrian events at the Olympics, but then couldn’t get out of work to do so!). We tried the first pub, called the King’s Arms, but were told that as someone was playing pool, we would “be in the way”, so we proceeded to the Harefield, (formerly the Pickle Jar), much to the amusement of the locals. Then tried a pub called the Swan where, as they say, we were third time lucky (and creating even more mirth for the landlord there, who said that you don’t get many “blue collar” [sic] workers wandering around the village looking for a dart board. But wait! Not only was there a darts board, but a machine that TELLS. YOU. YOUR. SCORE! I felt a little bit like Stanley must have felt when he met Dr Livingstone – quite simply the best invention I have ever come across, although it didn’t significantly reduce the time it took me to add my scores up, nor help with my darts ability, as my taller colleague pointed out to me and a couple of other punters!
New thing was a random Sainsbury’s in Slough after my meeting there. More illustriously, new things after work involved three pubs I’d never been to before, although all three were within cooee of the office where I work! Two of my colleagues and I decided to play darts after work (in celebration of how sporty we feel as the Olympics is on – incidentally my mother was meant to be volunteering at the one of the equestrian events at the Olympics, but then couldn’t get out of work to do so!). We tried the first pub, called the King’s Arms, but were told that as someone was playing pool, we would “be in the way”, so we proceeded to the Harefield, (formerly the Pickle Jar), much to the amusement of the locals. Then tried a pub called the Swan where, as they say, we were third time lucky (and creating even more mirth for the landlord there, who said that you don’t get many “blue collar” [sic] workers wandering around the village looking for a dart board. But wait! Not only was there a darts board, but a machine that TELLS. YOU. YOUR. SCORE! I felt a little bit like Stanley must have felt when he met Dr Livingstone – quite simply the best invention I have ever come across, although it didn’t significantly reduce the time it took me to add my scores up, nor help with my darts ability, as my taller colleague pointed out to me and a couple of other punters!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Monday
New thing was a rushed visit to Marks and Spencer in Amersham to get some things for dinner (which proved an interesting one to cook as I could only use the two back rings on the hob as using the front two fuses the whole house!). Bought some bits and bobs which would have cost half the price anywhere else. Still while the credit crunch bites, people can take comfort from the fact that I still have to do something new every day!
Tuesday
New thing was looking for a post office around the very posh streets of north Ealing. I found one after being quite awed by the massive houses in the tree lined avenues, and after that I went into a couple of other corner shops, one of which caught my eye as it was called Atari-Ya and sold Japanese food. However, I got shooed out of as “we’re not open” – showing for the second time in two days that the credit crunch isn’t biting the typical corner shop owner. I must have terrified the guy with the thought that I might want to buy something and put some business his way. I won’t do that again. Other new things included an office I’d not been into before.
Tuesday
New thing was looking for a post office around the very posh streets of north Ealing. I found one after being quite awed by the massive houses in the tree lined avenues, and after that I went into a couple of other corner shops, one of which caught my eye as it was called Atari-Ya and sold Japanese food. However, I got shooed out of as “we’re not open” – showing for the second time in two days that the credit crunch isn’t biting the typical corner shop owner. I must have terrified the guy with the thought that I might want to buy something and put some business his way. I won’t do that again. Other new things included an office I’d not been into before.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Friday continued....
Totally forgot about this morning's new things, so I also got the train to Chesham and then went into Waitrose on the way back where I had a good laugh about how snooty people are around here!
Saturday
My Grandma died in the small hours so new thing was stopping at a service station on the A416 on the way up to spend some time with the family.
Sunday
Chesham by bike – but nearly got knocked off my bike twice so decided it would be safer to take a jaunt up to Pednor before returning to Chesham and going to a cafe called the Drawing Room Cafe where the owner was charming but the waitress was not.
Saturday
My Grandma died in the small hours so new thing was stopping at a service station on the A416 on the way up to spend some time with the family.
Sunday
Chesham by bike – but nearly got knocked off my bike twice so decided it would be safer to take a jaunt up to Pednor before returning to Chesham and going to a cafe called the Drawing Room Cafe where the owner was charming but the waitress was not.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Wednesday
Showers at swimming pool in Chesham - I've been to the swimming pool itself, the outdoor one, but for some reason I didn't have a shower last time.
Thursday
My grandma is not well at all so new thing was the Royal Infirmary in Leicester, although thanks to me not knowing the difference between left and right, we ended up in Blaby which was new too.
Friday
Had to answer the phone while I was driving so new streets around Chalfont.
Thursday
My grandma is not well at all so new thing was the Royal Infirmary in Leicester, although thanks to me not knowing the difference between left and right, we ended up in Blaby which was new too.
Friday
Had to answer the phone while I was driving so new streets around Chalfont.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
New things in new house in Chesham
Friday
Sugar loaf Inn in Chalfont
Saturday
Oxfam in Chesham also the gym (where I got told “don’t shake your head at me Madam” because I thought £20 was a bit steep for a gym induction to satisfy “Health and safety” requirements), the Red Lion pub to compensate for my lack of workout and a hardware store where I forgot to come out with what I went in for – a plate drier for the new kitchen.
Sunday
New baby – saw Emma, Kate and Simon’s new baby daughter, who was rather pleasingly wearing the Levellers top I bought her (get them early I say – she’s already been to Beautiful Nights in utero!) and then went to the beautiful Riverside Inn and Swan Inn in Mount Sorrel for my uncle’s 60th which was a good laugh.
Monday
Recycling depot near Chesham!
Tuesday
Banbury again.
Sugar loaf Inn in Chalfont
Saturday
Oxfam in Chesham also the gym (where I got told “don’t shake your head at me Madam” because I thought £20 was a bit steep for a gym induction to satisfy “Health and safety” requirements), the Red Lion pub to compensate for my lack of workout and a hardware store where I forgot to come out with what I went in for – a plate drier for the new kitchen.
Sunday
New baby – saw Emma, Kate and Simon’s new baby daughter, who was rather pleasingly wearing the Levellers top I bought her (get them early I say – she’s already been to Beautiful Nights in utero!) and then went to the beautiful Riverside Inn and Swan Inn in Mount Sorrel for my uncle’s 60th which was a good laugh.
Monday
Recycling depot near Chesham!
Tuesday
Banbury again.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Thursday
Spent a lovely half hour doing my new thing down by the lake near Troy Wharf.
Friday
New thing was visiting Chesham to hand over the signed tenancy to the estate agent who took FOREVER to write out a receipt and count the money. I then had to point out that the receipt wasn’t headed in anyway and gave no indication as to what the whole thing was about. Also got to rush to the bank and out again.
Saturday
New thing was the train up to Birmingham on my way to Oulton Park. Thanks to the most officious train conductor, I also got to visit Leamington for an hour after being asked to leave the train because I had an off peak ticket and it wasn’t off peak (despite it being Saturday, you’ll observe if you’re concentrating). I decided while here to sit in the park with a few cans of cider before getting back on the train and meeting my colleague at Birmingham. We then travelled up to a hotel (not new), before the new things recommenced with a visit to the village of Frodsham for a game of darts in a pub that stank of pot, before a lovely meal at the Chinese Delight restaurant.
Sunday
Oulton Park. All new.
Monday
New thing was....totally forgotten. Scribbled it in my diary and now can’t remember where I put it. I seriously think there’s something wrong with my......what was I saying?
Tuesday
Banbury.
Wednesday
My dad’s van! Without question I have the most wonderful dad in the world – he’s so loving and kind that sometimes I really hope he doesn’t think that I take advatage. Anyway, today he gave up a day of work to come and help me move house. So new thing was the van which has something wrong with the handbrake which makes it “ping” incessantly. New things inlcuded new bits of Chesham, including the interior of my landlord’s house, and an Indian restaurant called the Rajasnthan where dad then proceeded to pay for dinner, even though I wanted to pay in an attempt to say thanks for his help.
Thursday
New thing was the Cock Tavern in Chesham for a drink to celebrate the move. And because it was the one of the few pubs that was open.
Friday
New thing was visiting Chesham to hand over the signed tenancy to the estate agent who took FOREVER to write out a receipt and count the money. I then had to point out that the receipt wasn’t headed in anyway and gave no indication as to what the whole thing was about. Also got to rush to the bank and out again.
Saturday
New thing was the train up to Birmingham on my way to Oulton Park. Thanks to the most officious train conductor, I also got to visit Leamington for an hour after being asked to leave the train because I had an off peak ticket and it wasn’t off peak (despite it being Saturday, you’ll observe if you’re concentrating). I decided while here to sit in the park with a few cans of cider before getting back on the train and meeting my colleague at Birmingham. We then travelled up to a hotel (not new), before the new things recommenced with a visit to the village of Frodsham for a game of darts in a pub that stank of pot, before a lovely meal at the Chinese Delight restaurant.
Sunday
Oulton Park. All new.
Monday
New thing was....totally forgotten. Scribbled it in my diary and now can’t remember where I put it. I seriously think there’s something wrong with my......what was I saying?
Tuesday
Banbury.
Wednesday
My dad’s van! Without question I have the most wonderful dad in the world – he’s so loving and kind that sometimes I really hope he doesn’t think that I take advatage. Anyway, today he gave up a day of work to come and help me move house. So new thing was the van which has something wrong with the handbrake which makes it “ping” incessantly. New things inlcuded new bits of Chesham, including the interior of my landlord’s house, and an Indian restaurant called the Rajasnthan where dad then proceeded to pay for dinner, even though I wanted to pay in an attempt to say thanks for his help.
Thursday
New thing was the Cock Tavern in Chesham for a drink to celebrate the move. And because it was the one of the few pubs that was open.
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