Wednesday, October 28, 2009
10:10
A brilliant piece in the Guardian with a great idea called 10:10 for reducing carbon emissions. The idea is that your cut your personal footprint by 10% by next year. They quoted a teacher (not an English teacher though, so could be worse) from Whitby Community College saying they’re “seeking funding to increase the AMOUNT of solar panels”. Oh no! Amount of solar panelling – ok. Amount of solar panels – cue that famous Family Fortunes noise – uh er!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Old, new and burnt
Monday
Beaconsfield to collect my ebay purchase and then B&Q in High Wycombe.
Tuesday
Just by chance I forgot my lunch and mentioned to my colleagues that I thought I would venture to Gerrards Cross; the upshot being that our lovely boss treated us to lunch at a place called Fego. They provided a really nice chai latte but my croque madame was a burnt mushroom sandwich.
Then, a bit later, I was incredibly ill on the way home and my phone rang so I took a back road between Gerrards Cross and Farnham on the way home.
Wednesday
New thing was a beautiful residential street in Gerrards Cross which turns out to be a fabulous shortcut !
Beaconsfield to collect my ebay purchase and then B&Q in High Wycombe.
Tuesday
Just by chance I forgot my lunch and mentioned to my colleagues that I thought I would venture to Gerrards Cross; the upshot being that our lovely boss treated us to lunch at a place called Fego. They provided a really nice chai latte but my croque madame was a burnt mushroom sandwich.
Then, a bit later, I was incredibly ill on the way home and my phone rang so I took a back road between Gerrards Cross and Farnham on the way home.
Wednesday
New thing was a beautiful residential street in Gerrards Cross which turns out to be a fabulous shortcut !
Monday, October 26, 2009
Churches, babies, weddings!
Thursday
New thing was Harvil Road Post office in Harefield.
Friday
Camp Hopson to try out Joseph’s Restaurant. Although I decided against it by the time I got there after the same staff member had barged in front of me twice through the same door! Nice view from there though, although there’s a banner across the window at eyeline.
Saturday
A very sweaty me turned up in the Slug and lettuce in Clapham to meet some friends I hadn’t seen for ages – most of them with babies in tow. I had decided to take a “short cut from Clampham north” meaning that I had literally walked four miles further than I needed to.
Sunday
Firstly, the Newbury Hilton for a wedding fair for preliminary enquiries...except they wanted to know our names, addresses, phone number, date of wedding – when I said I didn’t know the woman on the door got really huffy. So, practically in tears, we wandered around the stalls from everything to rings, honeymoons, shoes, cushions (!?) to wahey! A MAGICIAN! I really cheered up now after participating in a couple of card tricks which were superb! We then went to Combe Manor to see what that was like as a location, but ended up at someone’s private house, via the Stockcross Art Fair held in the village hall. Didn’t go near Combe Manor but went into the grounds of St Swithin’s Church which is a beautiful 12th century building but unusually has architectural features from each century until the 18th.
New thing was Harvil Road Post office in Harefield.
Friday
Camp Hopson to try out Joseph’s Restaurant. Although I decided against it by the time I got there after the same staff member had barged in front of me twice through the same door! Nice view from there though, although there’s a banner across the window at eyeline.
Saturday
A very sweaty me turned up in the Slug and lettuce in Clapham to meet some friends I hadn’t seen for ages – most of them with babies in tow. I had decided to take a “short cut from Clampham north” meaning that I had literally walked four miles further than I needed to.
Sunday
Firstly, the Newbury Hilton for a wedding fair for preliminary enquiries...except they wanted to know our names, addresses, phone number, date of wedding – when I said I didn’t know the woman on the door got really huffy. So, practically in tears, we wandered around the stalls from everything to rings, honeymoons, shoes, cushions (!?) to wahey! A MAGICIAN! I really cheered up now after participating in a couple of card tricks which were superb! We then went to Combe Manor to see what that was like as a location, but ended up at someone’s private house, via the Stockcross Art Fair held in the village hall. Didn’t go near Combe Manor but went into the grounds of St Swithin’s Church which is a beautiful 12th century building but unusually has architectural features from each century until the 18th.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Newbury Manor
New thing for Tuesday was going to Newbury Manor Hotel which I thought I would scope out to see how much it might cost to host an event here. I couldn’t get a figure but had a look at the surroundings and it looks peaceful and elegant.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Pareeeeee!
Not the Harvester! Toby Carvery – whoops!
Friday
Karolinka – a Polish shop just off Northbrook Street in Newbury (ie it sells food from Poland, not cleaning materials).
Saturday
Went to the URC for a jumble sale!
Sunday
George and Pelican in Newbury, think it used to be B-Wise or something. Very nice, anyway.
Monday
Jill’s dry cleaning to find out how much it would cost to clean a suit. £10.
Tuesday
Paris! New things were our hotel; the Annexe in Rue Taylor. It bills itself as a boutique hotel and as it’s quite handy, it’s decent value for money, although terribly noisy – you can hear everything that’s being said in the room next door and also the sound of the front door slamming whenever someone comes in! Then we headed for my friend’s apartment near Faubourg St Jacques on foot, stopping off at various cafes en route, inlicuding Les Patios Brasseries, Le Cafe St Michel (where our beers were £7 a pint). We arrived at the apartment to find my friend sitting outside waiting for us, and then upstairs a meal of guinea fowl, chanterelles, gnocchi and green beans. We had a wonderful catch up with the best company, wine and cheese before getting the night bus home.
Wednesday
A brilliant day of new things. Cafes were Le Beaupre for a cafe crème and a 50cl Grimbergen that cost 9 Euros! 9!! Then Cafe Le Central, before a Segway tour which was just brilliant (apart from when I nearly hit a tree and a few minutes of wondering whether to proceed right at the beginning when I was wobbling about uncontrollably)). We then met L+P again for a meal (after they spent hours sorting out their hire car’s back window which had been hit by a city cleaning lorry), at a marvellous restaurant called L’Ordonnace a bit of cuisine traditionnelle. I had the coquilles st Jacques and the cod, and we had another wonderful chat. The waiter was simply charming. In fact, we didn’t meet one rude person all the time we were in Paris – where did they all go?! P, a chef, noted that in France, they don’t have flowers on the tables or music in restaurants. However, once everyone had finished their meals, the waiter let everyone choose a traditional French song to, so we walked home to the strains of George Brassens in our ears and La Mer by Charles Trenet - unbelievably this song has been covered more than 400 people, including Robbie Williams. What a perfect evening.
Thursday
We spent the day just wandering around The Louvre and pottering about the main streets before deciding against French cuisine and going to the Zen restaurant – a wide selection of Japanese food and fantastic value. We then wandered towards Gare du Nord and ended up in the Brasserie Alizee for a final expensive beer while we waited for our train (which arrived in London an hour and a half late as some poor soul had thrown herself under a previous train).
Friday
New thing was going to M&P Hardware in Hungerford.
Saturday
We went to friends who have just moved to the lovely village of Boughton under Blean near Canterbury before heading (laden with a lovely Sicillian pasta dish) into Canterbury – the Dolphin Pub on St Radigunds Street before heading across to the Parrot which is the oldest pub in the city, and in fact The History of The Parrot 1370 - 2008 The Parrot is not just the oldest pub in Canterbury, it is one of the oldest buildings in the city (even though the name the Parrot is new - think it was called Simple Simon’s until quite recently). It’s absolutely fantastic inside and the staff are nice (although one of the women behind the bar looked thoroughly fed up when I asked where the parrot was).Sunday
New thing was a back street out of Boughton the next day and then Motorcycle Diaries on DVD.
Monday
New thing was the new recycling centre in Newbury.
Friday
Karolinka – a Polish shop just off Northbrook Street in Newbury (ie it sells food from Poland, not cleaning materials).
Saturday
Went to the URC for a jumble sale!
Sunday
George and Pelican in Newbury, think it used to be B-Wise or something. Very nice, anyway.
Monday
Jill’s dry cleaning to find out how much it would cost to clean a suit. £10.
Tuesday
Paris! New things were our hotel; the Annexe in Rue Taylor. It bills itself as a boutique hotel and as it’s quite handy, it’s decent value for money, although terribly noisy – you can hear everything that’s being said in the room next door and also the sound of the front door slamming whenever someone comes in! Then we headed for my friend’s apartment near Faubourg St Jacques on foot, stopping off at various cafes en route, inlicuding Les Patios Brasseries, Le Cafe St Michel (where our beers were £7 a pint). We arrived at the apartment to find my friend sitting outside waiting for us, and then upstairs a meal of guinea fowl, chanterelles, gnocchi and green beans. We had a wonderful catch up with the best company, wine and cheese before getting the night bus home.
Wednesday
A brilliant day of new things. Cafes were Le Beaupre for a cafe crème and a 50cl Grimbergen that cost 9 Euros! 9!! Then Cafe Le Central, before a Segway tour which was just brilliant (apart from when I nearly hit a tree and a few minutes of wondering whether to proceed right at the beginning when I was wobbling about uncontrollably)). We then met L+P again for a meal (after they spent hours sorting out their hire car’s back window which had been hit by a city cleaning lorry), at a marvellous restaurant called L’Ordonnace a bit of cuisine traditionnelle. I had the coquilles st Jacques and the cod, and we had another wonderful chat. The waiter was simply charming. In fact, we didn’t meet one rude person all the time we were in Paris – where did they all go?! P, a chef, noted that in France, they don’t have flowers on the tables or music in restaurants. However, once everyone had finished their meals, the waiter let everyone choose a traditional French song to, so we walked home to the strains of George Brassens in our ears and La Mer by Charles Trenet - unbelievably this song has been covered more than 400 people, including Robbie Williams. What a perfect evening.
Thursday
We spent the day just wandering around The Louvre and pottering about the main streets before deciding against French cuisine and going to the Zen restaurant – a wide selection of Japanese food and fantastic value. We then wandered towards Gare du Nord and ended up in the Brasserie Alizee for a final expensive beer while we waited for our train (which arrived in London an hour and a half late as some poor soul had thrown herself under a previous train).
Friday
New thing was going to M&P Hardware in Hungerford.
Saturday
We went to friends who have just moved to the lovely village of Boughton under Blean near Canterbury before heading (laden with a lovely Sicillian pasta dish) into Canterbury – the Dolphin Pub on St Radigunds Street before heading across to the Parrot which is the oldest pub in the city, and in fact The History of The Parrot 1370 - 2008 The Parrot is not just the oldest pub in Canterbury, it is one of the oldest buildings in the city (even though the name the Parrot is new - think it was called Simple Simon’s until quite recently). It’s absolutely fantastic inside and the staff are nice (although one of the women behind the bar looked thoroughly fed up when I asked where the parrot was).Sunday
New thing was a back street out of Boughton the next day and then Motorcycle Diaries on DVD.
Monday
New thing was the new recycling centre in Newbury.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Wednesday
New thing was going to the Harvester in Newbury. I’ve driven past it so many times but have never been in, but am now glad I did. I couldn’t believe how big it is and how busy!
Thursday
New thing was a panicked visit to the BP petrol station in Gerrards Cross to fill up when my car had been in the red for miles and miles. I was delighted that I remembered a voucher I had for double nectar points...but no nectar card – boo. Had to use a really old one that I think may have expired....
Thursday
New thing was a panicked visit to the BP petrol station in Gerrards Cross to fill up when my car had been in the red for miles and miles. I was delighted that I remembered a voucher I had for double nectar points...but no nectar card – boo. Had to use a really old one that I think may have expired....
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Tuesday - Wet and miserable day so difficult to do anything new.
Stopped off on my way home to get some eggs for a cake I’m going to make, and was accompanied all the way from my car to the supermarket by a guy blowing his nose into his hand and then wiping it on the ground. Is this standard practice in Thatcham? Felt a bit too intimidated to do anything new as there were hoodies everywhere and a feeling of foreboding, so decided to do something new in Newbury. Fortunately took a wrong turning and had to do a U-turn in Nideggen Close. Bingo. New thing!
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Friday - Ah, if music be the food of love....
New thing was meant to be going out somewhere for lunch with my colleague for our usual Friday lunch date. However, he was in such a bad mood that we cancelled it which meant I entrusted Mabel with finding something new and he made a smashing job of this as we headed for the RAFA Club in St Nicholas Road for the Ace Space night; an evening of open mic music. And what a night! Starting with a guy who played Cavatina and then Recuerdos de la Alhambra – what a start to the evening. There was then a fantastic spread of music from various performers, all with one thing in common – talent. And it was marvellous to see a roomful of people listening carefully and appreciating the music. There were many performers, but highlights included a rendition of Don McLean’s Starry Starry night, with the lyrics changed to “Wheely wheely bins”, there was a jazz duo called Idle Words where the guy on the guitar was brilliant and the woman had the most angelic voice, a guy on the guitar accompanied on the violin to songs such as “I’m the breeze” about his leaf blower, a song about bin Laden, and a song about being a minicab driver. There was a folk duo; a man and his 19-year-old son, who played Star of the County Down and then they played a fantastic Irish jig. I couldn’t quite place it, and they then said the youngster had written it – amazing!
Saturday
New thing was the most amazing Japanese restaurant called Sen Nin on Upper Street for my lovely sister’s birthday! Absolutely brilliant and theatrical performance from the chefs there who managed to combine egg catching with flipping the food straight into the diners’ mouths! We had a great time here before heading down the road to Keston Lodge for a cool mix of 80s cheese and dance tracks!
Sunday
I didn’t know where we were heading for lunch today so assumed that would be my new thing, however, it turned out we had been here for “Christmas shopping” two years before when we went into one shop and then straight into the Phoenix on Cavendish Square to get drunk! So new thing was a hasty visit to a nearby Rymans!
Monday
New thing today was going to a shop called Glynnis’ Garden in Newbury – a cute shop selling beautiful gifts, before heading around the corner to Toomers the famous hardware store to get some brewing stuff.
Saturday
New thing was the most amazing Japanese restaurant called Sen Nin on Upper Street for my lovely sister’s birthday! Absolutely brilliant and theatrical performance from the chefs there who managed to combine egg catching with flipping the food straight into the diners’ mouths! We had a great time here before heading down the road to Keston Lodge for a cool mix of 80s cheese and dance tracks!
Sunday
I didn’t know where we were heading for lunch today so assumed that would be my new thing, however, it turned out we had been here for “Christmas shopping” two years before when we went into one shop and then straight into the Phoenix on Cavendish Square to get drunk! So new thing was a hasty visit to a nearby Rymans!
Monday
New thing today was going to a shop called Glynnis’ Garden in Newbury – a cute shop selling beautiful gifts, before heading around the corner to Toomers the famous hardware store to get some brewing stuff.
Friday, October 02, 2009
Tuesday
Tuesday contd
Forgot to mention after the car and lamppost incident that I did manage to do something new: Best One in Gerrards Cross!
Thursday
Wanted to drop off some rubbish at the Hillingdon recycling centre but was asked to pay £10 as I didn’t have a “Residents Plus” card whatever that is. Anyway, new things continued in Ickenham where I went to the French bakers there, the hospice shop and another sandwich shop where I felt sorry for the salad as it looked very unhappy, and returning to the first bakers for a Panini. The new things continued in the evening when I went to High Wycombe and spent about two hours in the massive library looking for a suitable audio book and the rest of the time going up and down the stairs, before heading to the Hellfire Comedy Club. It was a funny night (and that’s the way it should be!). The compere, a guy called Quincy, had moments of brilliance, but for the most part was quite average. The first act Tom Rhodes had flashes of brilliance, but had such an awkward faltering delivery and started to tell everyone how badly it was going very early on which is always a recipe for disaster. The headliner Gordon Southern was brilliant – he saved the night even though he was extremely late thanks to our marvellous train services, so Quincy filled in for hours and hours and hours and even when the headliner had arrived, none of the thousand-strong team of staff at the venue (outnumbering the paying customers) bothered telling Quincy who rambled on for aeons. Decent night though – at least I got my money’s worth time-wise!
Forgot to mention after the car and lamppost incident that I did manage to do something new: Best One in Gerrards Cross!
Thursday
Wanted to drop off some rubbish at the Hillingdon recycling centre but was asked to pay £10 as I didn’t have a “Residents Plus” card whatever that is. Anyway, new things continued in Ickenham where I went to the French bakers there, the hospice shop and another sandwich shop where I felt sorry for the salad as it looked very unhappy, and returning to the first bakers for a Panini. The new things continued in the evening when I went to High Wycombe and spent about two hours in the massive library looking for a suitable audio book and the rest of the time going up and down the stairs, before heading to the Hellfire Comedy Club. It was a funny night (and that’s the way it should be!). The compere, a guy called Quincy, had moments of brilliance, but for the most part was quite average. The first act Tom Rhodes had flashes of brilliance, but had such an awkward faltering delivery and started to tell everyone how badly it was going very early on which is always a recipe for disaster. The headliner Gordon Southern was brilliant – he saved the night even though he was extremely late thanks to our marvellous train services, so Quincy filled in for hours and hours and hours and even when the headliner had arrived, none of the thousand-strong team of staff at the venue (outnumbering the paying customers) bothered telling Quincy who rambled on for aeons. Decent night though – at least I got my money’s worth time-wise!
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Crashes and carrot cake
Tuesday
Absolutely hectic day at work, so went out in search of something new to do at lunchtime. However, I happened to witness a guy spin off the roundabout near my work and into a lamppost, so ran over to see if he was ok. Fortunately he was, despite the car being totally wrecked and there being powder going everywhere from the airbag. A delivery driver also stopped and called an ambulance to check the driver over. So my new thing was reaching inside the wreck of a Mercedes to help this guy out of the car (and being told by the other guy that I did totally the wrong thing – I hope I didn’t worsen him at all, just didn’t want the car to catch fire, or for him to keep inhaling the powder. Also wanted to see if his legs were ok. Hope he is...
Wednesday
Was working at home today so went in search of my new thing at lunchtime. Nipped into Hethertons Bakery for carrot cake – yum! However, is this a young person’s thing though – when I placed my order, the girl behind the counter didn’t answer, so I asked her again and she got annoyed. Why not just say “yes” when someone orders something?
Absolutely hectic day at work, so went out in search of something new to do at lunchtime. However, I happened to witness a guy spin off the roundabout near my work and into a lamppost, so ran over to see if he was ok. Fortunately he was, despite the car being totally wrecked and there being powder going everywhere from the airbag. A delivery driver also stopped and called an ambulance to check the driver over. So my new thing was reaching inside the wreck of a Mercedes to help this guy out of the car (and being told by the other guy that I did totally the wrong thing – I hope I didn’t worsen him at all, just didn’t want the car to catch fire, or for him to keep inhaling the powder. Also wanted to see if his legs were ok. Hope he is...
Wednesday
Was working at home today so went in search of my new thing at lunchtime. Nipped into Hethertons Bakery for carrot cake – yum! However, is this a young person’s thing though – when I placed my order, the girl behind the counter didn’t answer, so I asked her again and she got annoyed. Why not just say “yes” when someone orders something?
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