Random Thoughts

Silver Wedding Celebration 31st January 2012

2012-02-03T10:02:00.003Z

It is our 25th Wedding Anniverary on 31st January.

The original plan is a short break in Bruges, but eventually we opt to return to Keswick, where we spent our Honeymoon.

We left on Monday 30th January.

The weather is not brilliant as we drive via the Hartside Fell.

Cold and a bit murky on the east side of the Pennines.

But, it begins to brighten as we head west, by the time we join the A66 after Penrith, the cloud is breaking and there is sun on the snow capped hills.

It could be Switzerland, but, it is the English Lake District.

The apartment we have rented is just perfect, warm and cosy, near the town, but tucked away with a view over the river Greta.

This is the view from the living room window.

By the time we have unpacked, it is too late for a "serious" walking experience.

We settle for a little circuit along the shore of Derwent Water.

Past the Theatre by the lake, and a little diversion through Hope Park, for this view of the snow covered hills, before heading past the boat landings.

Here there are always lots of ducks and geese, waiting for passers by to supplement their diet with bread and scraps.

Soon, we leave the "town strollers" behind, and head for Friars Crag, this must be one of the most photographed places in the Lake District, but today, we have it to ourselves, except for the odd dog walker.

We head along the shore, it is flat and open, easy walking, so a good introduction to the next few days.

Through a small wooded area, to join up with a path heading back toward Keswick, where we (well, I) undo the good work with coffee and Malt Loaf, in the Skiddaw Hotel, in the Market Square, Kathleen is her usual restrained self and just has the coffee.

On Tuesday, the actual day of our anniversary, it begins overcast and damp, as well as cold. The plan is to walk the circuit of Derwentwater.

Armed with a flask of coffee and some sandwiches, we head off across the fields, to the village of Portinscale at the head of the lake, then following along the lake toward Manesty and Grange.

This side of the lake is much quieter than the Keswick shore, there are fewer houses and the road is much smaller, but most of our route is off the road in any case. We fail to spot any wildlife, not even a squirrel! Our Indian tracker skills are clearly lacking.

We do hear a woodpecker, making the familiar tap tap tap noise as it pecks at a tree trunk, but although I wait quietly, as Kathleen marches on, I fail to actually see it!

As we approach Manesty, the path runs close to the shore again, and I take the opportunity to try some artistic shots, I leave it to you to judge the degree of success.

It is lunch time and we find a fallen tree to sit on and have our sandwiches and a hot drink. We are only yards from the Keswick to Borrowdale road, but this is the view from our picnic site and not a person in sight.

Unfortunately, it remains cold and overcaste.

But, as we head back along the lake shore, past Lodore and toward Keswick, the cloud begins to break up, and we even see a little blue sky.

But, the brightness does not last, and soon we have cloud again, although it does produce some dramatic sky scenes.

After just a little short of ten miles, we retire to the pub to warm ourselves infront of the fire.

The first of February, and as I clear away the breakfast dishes, the sun is shining. It looks as if it is going to be a beautiful day, so the decision is taken, we are going to do a walk which involves climbing Latrigg.

There are several routes.

We have chosen a one which takes us through Fitz Park, to the old railway station and then along the old railway line, before crossing the River Greta.

Passing under the A66, and then following the opposite bank of the river through a beautiful wooded area, which I think is called Brundleholm Woods.

The climb is slow and steady,

until we are high above the river,

then on through the woods, an easy route to follow, there are not too many options!

Eventually, we emerge from the woods, into brilliant sunshine,

with sweeping views on our right.

and now a choice or which way to go, we must turn right, up the hill,

and over the stile, and up and up.

almost at the top, and a pause for breath, with the excuse of taking a photograph!

and eventually, we are on top of the world, well, on top of Latrigg that is, and at since it is a 1292 foot climb, that will do for me.

This would be a prime spot to have lunch, but, despite the sunshine, it is freezing cold, with a brisk wind blowing from the east.

So, we descend a little, and find a handy picnic spot, in the sun, and with a tree trunk as a seat and table combined,

but with superb all round views.

So, on down, back to Fitz Park, and after 7 miles, Kathleen is ready to partake of a cream scone.

So, it is off to Brysons's cake shop, coffee and a cream scone for her, hot chocolate and a pice of "sly cake" for me.

Another good day.

Cycling and Ruling out a Career as a Film Maker

2011-11-16T11:13:00.000Z

Saturday 12th November 2011.

In the interests of keeping fit, and losing weight, we embark ona 20 mile cycle ride, using one of our "regular" routes, to Whitburn, along the coast to South Shields, and home via Jarrow.

I take the opportunity to use my new toy, ie my Drift Action Camera to record the event for posterity.

I am still very inexpert, the first half or more of the trip is shot with the camera in the wrong orientation (by 90 degrees).

Apart from playing, sorry, experimenting, with the camera the ride is quite enjoyable. We even see a squirrel hopping across our path, as we cycle through Jarrow.

This time I make use of video editing software to join it all up into one piece and reduce the length. What a task that is!, it is so slow. The editing is bad enough, although I suspect faster disk drive(s) and more RAM in the computer may overcome that. The upload time to the internet is also painfully long, not really sure how that can be overcome!

It is all still very amateurish, but given I am a total amateur, I am reasonably pleased with the result. Now there is the whole area of adding a soundtrack and captions to explore!

Sunday evening I amuse myself copying the megabytes of precious recorded video to my PC, and learning how to edit it in the most rudimentary way.

The edit and uploading takes so long, it spreads over Monday and Tuesday too.

In moments of boredom, waiting.... I attempt a few shots of the birds feeding as if their lives depend on it (which I suppose thet do, actually) at the bird feeders.

I also try a few attempts with the video, but without much success.

It is clearly not designed for close up shots.

A weighty problem.

2011-11-07T19:21:00.000Z

A quick check on the bathroom scales reveals that by riding about on a motorbike instead of my bicycle, I have managed to gain 10lb in weight.

I have now returned to my regular exercise regime, and have managed to lose 2lb, without having to significantly reduce my food intake (I like eating, and drinking). This is much to Kathleen's annoyance, since she has lost only 1lb!

The weather for the most part continues to be kind, quite amazing, since it is early November.

The sun shines on Sunday, and after filling the bird feeders, I feel I have done enough exercise to justify a spin out on my motorbike.

New Toy

2011-11-03T14:01:00.000Z

I have been buying a new toy, or as Kathleen would say, "yet another new toy". A Drift Action Video camera. The idea is to capture some of my outings, so I can watch them in the future in the Nursing Home, which is probably where we are all going to end up unless we are lucky enough to just fall off the perch nice and neatly, no long period of dependancy or illness, just a nice quick end.

On that happy note.....

This is my first attempt at using the camera. It is on my bicycle. As you can probably tell, I did not manage to get the mounting angle correct, so the whole things looks like I am riding along at 45 degrees to the vertical!

All I can say of this rather poor effort is, the camera has done its job admirably, ie the quality of the image is spot on, the least said about my contribution the better.

What a great life I have!

2011-09-29T17:30:00.000+01:00

It is the second last day of September, but the weather is like it is supposed to be in July, dry, sunny and very warm!

Hard labour in the morning, cutting two metres off the neighbours Leyllandi hedge (with his agreement of course).

After lunch, I turn my efforts to fitting the rear hugger to my motorcycle.

The fitting instructions which came with it are scant to say the least, and yesterday evening I retired defeated.

But having slept on it, I have it cracked, the part which was giving me a problem was this bracket on the right hand side of the bike, it was not clear which way round it should go.

Not that any one is interested I suspect, but it goes with the studs towards the tyre.

I think I could do a better job than "Powerbronze" at writing the fitting instructions, that is if I wanted a job, which I most definately do not!

I am having a great time, I just have to be careful not to let Kathleen see how much I am enjoying myself, otherwise she will dream up some chore which needs doing!

By the time I have finished tinkering with my motorbike, Kathleen has gone out walking, so this leaves me free to go out for a spin, great fun.

I think I should have taken the winter liner out of my jacket and trousers however, because the weather is so hot, I am sweating profusely as I cruise around, it does nothing to add to my "cool" image!

Hey, what a great life!

Tuesday, Wednesday 27th/28th September 2011

2011-09-28T19:46:00.000+01:00

The day starts with a beautiful morning. The weather certainly seems to be improving, not before time.

I manage to fit in a lot today, a trip out on my motorbike, to have a check on Martin's allotment. At this time of year there is not a lot to do except pick the crops. Tomatoes, beans, beetroot. The fact I am on the motorbike limits me to just a haversack full!

The rest of the day is spent walking and gardening.

Wednesday and the weather is even better, it is like a summers day. After the chore of food shopping at ASDA, we go cycling.

I spend the evning attempting to fit the recently purchased "hugger" to my motorbike. I am usually pretty good at this sort of thing, but I retire defeated. I will have to consult Google for inspiration.

Bikers Protest

2011-09-27T17:53:00.000+01:00

Bikers are protesting because the EU are trying to impose new rules on riders and pillion passengers relating to Dayglo clothing, preventing modifications to bikes, and banning motorcycles over 7 years old from urban areas.

Not very well publicised!

Monday 26th September 2011

2011-09-26T19:40:00.000+01:00

During our last campervan trip, we had (another) puncture. Our plan is for another trip away in the van next week, so I need to get the puncture fixed.

You need to understand that, according to Kathleen, I do nothing except enjoy myself, but today, almost before she is out of bed, I have the van spare wheel out from it's mounting under the van and in the boot of the car, ready to be taken to ATS Tyreservices.

It turns out, it is not a puncture, but a faulty valve, which the tyre fitter changes for free. I shall use ATS again, that is service.

I put the spare back in it's place under the van, and then knock off another little chore which is waiting to be done, ie apply silicone sealer around the frame of our new garage door.

It is a beautiful day, too good to spend it working, so I convince Kathleen we should go out cycling.

This is a beautiful time of year, even in urban Tyneside, the autumn colours are absolutely stunning.

This is the view from the track leading to Fellgate Metro Station, beautiful colours.

Soon we are past Monkton Village and heading along the disused railway line (now a cycle track), towards Pelaw.

Then along the banks of the Tyne, towards Newcastle.

Nothing to obstruct the view as we approach Newcastle, very nice for us, but not so good for jobs of course. Once upon a time the river would have been full of ships, not any more.

We cross the Millenium Bridge at the Sage, and settle down in the sun outside of the Pitcher and Piano, on the Quayside, Coffees all round.

We are even treated to a trial opening of the bridge, which we have not seen before.

Suitably refreshed, we set off along the north bank of the Tyne, following the Hadrians Way cycle track, towards the Pedestrian/Cycle Tunnel. A pleasant surprise when we arrive there, the lifts are working, and we even have a choice of lift or escalator at the south (Jarrow) side. This is a bonus, it is not funny having to carry two bicycles up a broken down escalator I can tell you (from past experience).

The "Runkeeper" App on my iphone, says we have cycled 27 miles, I think it is confused, more like 19 miles I think, you can't always trust technology.

My plan now is have lunch and then slip out on my motorbike. Nothing doing, Kathleen insists we do some gardening. So instead of a spin on the motorbike, I get to finish off trimming the hedge in the back garden. At least it is one more chore out of the way, before winter comes.

Back to taking some exercise.

2011-09-19T15:16:00.000+01:00

It is sunny, and warm, so out cycling with Kathleen.

Met brother John, he was just about to start a 50 mile, makes our 14 miles with a coffee stop look a bit tame.

After lunch, I indulge in my other hobby, ie practicing riding my motorcycle. I make my first "useful" trip, to the Customs House to buy tickets for a show.

I could not help but feel it was a bit incongruous to walk into the box office, dressed in my full motorcycle gear, and ask for two "Pensioner Concession" tickets.

I am slowly but surely feeling more "at home" on the ER6-F, beginning to relax and enjoy it.

Collect my Motorcycle, September 7th 2011

2011-09-07T20:52:00.000+01:00

Having chosen the motorcycle I wanted to buy (Kawasaki ER6-F), on Saturday last, I of course wanted it immediately, at the very least, on Moday.

But as always, it was not to be, the bike had to be "checked over", serviced etc etc. Why is it that dealers (both bike and car), leave the final preparation until after you have said you will buy, rather than doing it before hand?

The promised delivery day was Friday (9th), but with a bit of pleading on my part, this was brought forward to today, Wednesday 7th.

Kathleen kindly bought me an early birthday present, in the form of a Motor Cycle jacket from Hein Gericke. It is very smart, and makes me look like a real motorcyclist!

Given that I already have Helmet and Gloves, I now have the basics. Suitable motor cycle pants are inhand, this leaves boots to be aquired, but in the short term I can manage with the old pair of walking boots, I used whilst learning.

Pick-up is arranged for 13:00, and Kathleen gives me a lift to Newcastle, thus saving me the dubious pleasure of travelling to Newcastle on the Metro, dressed in my motor cycle "gear".

The bike is all ready to go, when we arrive, Alan (the Salesman), gives me a full tour of the controls, and off I go, launched into the Newcastle traffic.

I am very pleased with the bike, it looks brand new, despite the fact it is three years old. It has done only 3780 miles, unlike the driving school bike which had done almost 30,000 hard miles, plus at 650cc, it is 150cc bigger. The result, as I see it as I ride off, is, it is very "sharp", throttle, clutch and brakes are all hair trigger responsive. This is recommended as a beginners bike, so I shudder to think what it must be like to ride a Super Sports job, best not think about it.

I manage to negotiate the Quayside, and across the Swing Bridge, without making a fool of myself. Kathleen follows at a respectful distance, and we even make a detour to call at Jarrow, Kevin and Maria's, (here we have a much needed cup of tea), and then home.

The weather is not kind, windy, and constantly threatening to rain.

But, I cannot resist a ride out, to familiarise myself with the controls, so, off I go for a run along the coast at South Shields.

I manage to resist the urge to park at Minchella's on the sea front, and join the "coffee bar cowboys" who are always in attendance there, drinking coffee, and admiring their motorcycles!

Even if I say so myself (well, there is only me on the bike), I feel I am getting the hang of it, another few rides, and I should have it cracked.

I keep asking myself, "how did I end up here", I started with the intention of learning to ride a 100cc motor scooter, and somehow that morphed in a Direct Access course on a 500cc machine, and now I am riding around on a 650cc bike.

Great fun, I would recommend it.

Motorcycle Module 2 test

2011-09-03T16:38:00.000+01:00

My test was scheduled for 1st September, 2011.

Last lesson was Tuesday 30th August, what a disaster.

I did just about everything wrong, the high point of the lesson was probably falling off the bike at traffic lights in Newcastle City Centre, closely followed by pulling away from the curb without observing a large bright orange transit van comming up behind me. He was speeding by a significant amount, as van drivers do, but that is no excuse for not even seeing him!

So Thursday came, I gave myself a good talking too, and set off to the driving school, to go for my test.

It went great, a couple of minor faults for my favourite errors (ie sometimes missing my "lifesaver" blind spot checks after passing parked cars, sometimes not making use of the full lane width when passing parked cars, and on a couple of occasions not keeping up with the traffic flow), but I passed!, I was truly amazed.

So, Thursday afternoon, Kathleen and I went shopping for a motorbike. The sum total of our knowledge on the subject could be written on a pin head.

Saturday, after a bit of research on the subject, we embarked on the quest again, and I am now the proud owner of a lurid green, 2008, Kawasaki ER6-F, 650cc, with ABS.

Kathleen says the bright colour is an advantage, since other drivers will at least see me before they mow me down.

This not my actual bike, I have to wait until next week to get it. I have already been pestering the dealer to try and bring forward the hand over day from Friday (9th), to Wednesday (7th).

Motorcycle Module 1 Test

2011-08-16T16:44:00.001+01:00

Several weeks ago, I embarked on what many people tell me is an idiot course of action, at my age, ie to pass my motorcycle test and obtain a full motorcycle licence.

To be honest, most people told me it was an idiot course of action an any age!

The initial idea was to be able to ride a small (ie 100cc) scooter, (with Kathleen on the back), during our campervan trips.

But, I listened to various people, some supposed experts and some just enthusiasts, and allowed myself to be persuaded that the way to go was for a full licence, thus allowing me to ride any size of bike.

Accordingly, I enrolled on a Direct Access Course with D and J Motorcycle Training, Hebburn.

It has not been plain sailing, no problem with D and J, the problems were all mine.

Since I have been driving a car for 46 years, and I can ride a bicycle, I thought it would be a piece of cake to learn to ride a motorcycle.

How wrong can you be!

Before you are allowed out on the public roads, you need to pass your theory and hazard perception test and complete a CBT, (C)ompulsory (B)asic (T)raining Course.

Son-in-law, Dave, loaned me his book and DVD's to learn and practice the theory test and hazrd perception. Many a happy hour was spent on this, during our recent campervan trip to France, Germany and Switzerland.

The Theory test was duly taken and passed, I was on my way.

Then the CBT, this I did on a 125cc machine. Not too traumatic, for me at least, I am not sure if Lisa, my instructor will share that opinion.

My next lesson was a "cross over" to riding a 500cc Kawasaki machine. I do not mind admitting, I was terrified. Alan (Instructor), patiently took me through the simple stuff, ie pulling away from rest without doing a "wheelie", and then stopping again, without falling off!.

I know anyone reading this, who is a seasoned motorcyclist, with think a Kawasaki E5 500cc is pretty tame, but believe me, to a beginner it was very scary, just a little twist of the throttle, blink, and you are suddenly over the speed limit in an urban area. Press those brakes too hard and you screech to a halt in a most undignified way. The prospect of loosing your balance and having the thing fall on you, just does not bear thinking about!

Eventually, with lots of calming words from Alan, out we went onto the roads of Hebburn. It was fantastic. About five minutes of sheer terror as I negotiated two right turns in a row, followed by a set of traffic lights.

After the initial terror, I began to settle down, I had been told by many people that riding the 500cc would actually be easier than riding the 125cc. I did not believe them, but, amazingly, it is true. It is like being part of the machine.

Two hours later, at the end of the lesson, I was hooked, it is great. No 100cc scooter for me, I have set my sights on bigger things!

I rewarded myself with the purchase of a Safety Helmet (mustn't call them Crash Helmets, Lisa tells me) and a pair of gloves.

While buying the helmet, I got chatting to the fellow who worked in the motorcycle clothing shop. "are you a motorcyclist?", I asked him. "Sure", he replied, "but I would not dream of going on the roads, far too dangerous, with all of those cars, I just do off road stuff". Interesting.

Now, reality settled in. I was going to have to learn to manoevre this thing, in an off road yard, in order to pass my Module 1 test, that was only the beginning of course, then I have to do the Module 2 test!

Lisa and Alan in turns (I don't think any one of them could stick it for too long), patiently instructed me how to weave between cones (without knocking them over) in a slalom, do a figure of eight around two cones, move forward at a walking pace, and do a "U" turn, all without putting your feet on the ground. In between manoeuvres it was necessary to bring the thing to a controlled stop, neatly between a set of cones, without knocking any over. Then, the real excitement, doing a controlled emergency stop, and a controlled collision avoidance (swerve), without falling off, or knocking any cones over, both from a minimum speed of 32mph (50kpm). I thought I would never get it right, in particular the "U" turn was my nightmare, as I messed it up time and time again.

But, wonder of wonders, today, I managed to pass my Module 1 Test!

Module 2 here I come!

Sunday 14th August 2011

2011-08-14T16:35:00.001+01:00

I have been a bit, well completely, out of touch on the blog, since I came back from my Campervan trip.

My only excuse, not a very good one, is that I have been busy doing my motorcycle driving lessons.

Today, went cycling with Kathleen on her new bicycle.

All very uneventful, we cycled to Whitburn, then through Sunderland to Dana's house. Arrived to find that Dana, Martin etc are out at the coast, but we are ably looked after by Emily, Lauren and Lauren's friend Nadine.

We head back, not so good now, a big black cloud has appeared, we are going to get wet. We make it to the Queen Alexandra Bridge, at which point, it begins to pour with rain.

We shelter in a bus shelter until it "brightens up" and is only raining quite heavily, before we cross the bridge and wend our way home by the shortest route we can work out.

Easter Sunday, waiting for lunch

2011-04-24T11:43:00.001+01:00

Why "New Labour" got us into this mess, and the Coalition are keeping us in it.

And a preview of the dress rehearsal for THAT! wedding;

What has "T Mobile" got to do with it?

McCaffery's Comeback Tour 2011

2011-04-11T13:58:00.000+01:00

Sorry this is a little bit late to appear, I had to figure out how to post to YouTube, and I am past my "best before date".

McCaffery's Come Back Tour 2011, Grey Horse. The performance is split into four parts, because I could not contain my excitement. At the end of their session, to save them from their admiring fans, the group were led from the stage (amid wild applause) via a rear exit from the building. Once in the safety of the car park, they were driven off at high speed by their roadie (Val). A return session is promised, but, the Police ask, could the audience please park their zimmer frames and mobility scooters with due consideration to the needs of nearby residents.

There are, as yet unconfirmed, reports that the Group are to appear at the Cricket Club, East Boldon, next Thursday evening.

Beautiful Weather

2011-04-11T11:10:00.001+01:00

For the past week, we have enjoyed beautiful sunny weather, with temperatures up to 18C. This is most unusual for April in the North East of England (in fact it is unusual for July!).

We have made the most of the sunshine with plenty of cycling and walking, and I have become a technology nerd, using RunKeeper on my iPhone to log the distances and times, and post them to Facebook.

Today, I thought I had better do some work around the house and garden, there were rumblings of discontent from you know who.

Got the ladders out, to unblock the rain gutter at the back of the house. This is the second time, in only a month, I have had to do this. Pesky birds try to build nests in the guttering and block the water channel. This time a starling has completely blocked the down pipe, by stuffing straw and other nest building materials down it. I have bought and fitted some bird spikes, to prevent the birds from perching there and filling the gutter with crap and debris.

The products are supplied by Jones and Son , they are really effective, but rather expensive (I think), it is this latter point which was my downfall. I tried to skimp on the number of strips of spikes I put on the rain gutter. This was a mistake, the birds simply perched in the gaps and crapped as usual. So today, I ventured up the ladders and added more strips of spikes, to fill any gaps.

Just have to do the front of the house now.

Work was brought to a stop by rain, (my prayers were answered), hence I am wasting away my day on the computer, whilst the boss is ironing.

Non Jobs

2011-04-03T10:50:00.002+01:00

Just Beautiful, so well put.

2011-03-31T17:20:00.000+01:00

How can you possibly not support the poor little things?

Libya, what on earth are we doing now?

2011-03-26T13:45:00.000Z

Based on what Joe Biden (current Vice President of the USA) said in 2007, could Obama be impeached over his actions against Libya?

Red Nose Day (over for another year thank god!)

2011-03-23T08:46:00.000Z

Why all Governments are crap at actually doing things.

2011-03-17T19:45:00.000Z

Watch and think about it, how frighteningly true it is, we have to survive in this world, so isn't it time we got stuck into doing new things, in new ways and stopped doing the old things in old ways?

Bird variety, shy birds

2011-03-13T13:06:00.000Z

The goldfinches continue to gorge themselves on sunflower seeds from the bird feeders.

I have started to be slow to re-fill the feeders, because they are going through sunflower seeds at an incredible rate. I am buying 20kg bags of the stuff on the internet, just to keep pace with them!

I predict a worldwide shortage of black sunflower seeds, or of obese goldfinches!

We do get different types of birds (in addition to the goldfinches and the more common sparrows), visiting the feeders, but they all seem much more nervous than the Goldfinches and so far I have not succeeded in getting photographs of all of them.

We get what appear to be two types of tit. They both look very similar, but one is significantly bigger than the other. They are both very nervous and quick, and are therefore very difficult to get a photograph of.

Today I managed to snap this fellow, a blue tit I believe.

The bigger version which visits has a prominent black strip down the centre of its chest, and I think it is a great tit.

I use the RSPB website to try and identify the different birds we get.

Today we got a couple of new ones.

I managed to get a slightly blurred photograph of one of them. It is very slightly bigger than the goldfinches, and cannot quite manage to perch on the feeder to get at the sunflower seeds.

I am not sure what it is, a Chaffinch or a male Linnet, is my guess.

The other new visitor I have not succeeded in photographing, it must be camera shy. It is a small bird (ie about the size of a robin) and has yellowish green plumage with some white markings on its wings. A Siskin of a Greenfinch I think.

Bede Walk

2011-03-08T12:18:00.001Z

Some months ago, in fact, it may even be some years ago, I printed a map of a local walk, called "Bedes Walk".

The walk is between St Pauls Church, Jarrow and St Peters Church, Sunderland. According to the literature, the distance is 12.01 Miles, but more of this later.

I very much doubt there is any historical evidence to suggest Saint Bede ever actually made this walk, but let us not be spoil sports and get in the way of a good Public Relations line by the local tourist board.

I repeatedly suggested to Kathleen that we should do this walk, but always she had an excuse not to do it. Then, on a day when I was busy with the cycling group, she took my map and did the walk with her brother, Peter.

This of course, I fully understand, it gave her a chance to check out the route, and to ensure she could be "in charge" when we did eventually do the walk. Kathleen likes to be "in charge".

We have been experiencing a few spring like days recently, plus, eldest daughter, Dana, had a few days holiday (she gets almost as much holiday as a school teacher), so, it was decided we would do "the walk" today. Monday 7th March 2011.

Kathleen and myself set off to catch the (approximately) 9:30 number 9 bus, to Sunderland, using our "pensioners" bus passes.

It does not start well, as we board the bus and flash our "Pensioner" pass, the bus driver looks at his watch and informs us, it is not yet 9:30, (apparently bus passes cannot be used before 9:30). This is news to me, but I adopt my best friendly, smiling approach, explain we did not know that, we are, after all, only just pensioners, and offer to pay the fare if he wishes. Kathleen as an apprentice argumentitive, sharp elbowed, pensioner, tells him this is supposed to be the 9:30 bus. I am not sure which approach won him over, but we are allowed on the bus.

True to form as we progress through Boldon Colliery, West Boldon, and East Boldon, the bus fills up with pensioners, all of course flashing their bus pass.

We get off at "the Wheatsheaf" pub, Sunderland, this being the nearest stop to St Peters metro station.

We walk towards the Metro station to meet up with Dana, and then on to St Peters Church to begin the walk.

This being 2011, the latest technology is called into action, and Dana starts the "Cardiac Trainer App" on her mobile phone to monitor our progress.

At this point, there is a perfectly good walkway along the banks of the River Wear, away from the main road and the associated traffic noise.

But, the official route is clearly sign posted. and we must follow the official route.

As you can see from the photographs, it is a beautiful spring day. There is a bit of a chill in the air, but the sun is shining and it looks set fair.

We walk on towards Roker and the coast, along a road I believe is called Roker Avenue.

We reach the coast, here the road turns sharp left to run along the seafront.

For any fellow pensioners who may be inspired to follow in our footsteps, after reading this, there is a toilet stop here if you want or need it.

We are "young" pensioners, with working bladder control still, (well, Dana is not actually a pensioner at all, but she is approaching a birthday with a zero on the end), we walk on.

The walk continues along the seafront, on a beautiful day like today, Roker seafront looks magnificent, particularly since, in a photograph, you cannot feel the cool wind blowing in off the North Sea.

If the tide is out, which it was for us, you can make a small detour onto the beach, and thus continue on the promenade all the way to Seaburn, but if the tide is in, you need to rejoin the footpath along the coast road for a short distance.

Because, I suppose, it is a sunny day, almost everyone in Sunderland is unemployed, and the world (well the UK) now seems to be filled with pensioners roaming about using their bus passes, there are a surprising number of people, walking their dogs, or sitting outside of beach front cafes drinking coffee.

None of this idling in the sun, reading the newspaper and drinking coffee for us, of course, we are doing a serious walk, and so we walk steadily north along the promenade admiring the view as we go.

Dana is the official photographer for today, tasked with recording the walk for posterity.

This, of course, means Dana will not be in any of the photographs, whilst Kathleen and myself will feature in many of the photographs, as you can see, as we walk past Seaburn seafront.

No need to despair, they are almost exclusively pictures from the rear, since the walk leader does not believe in pausing for any reason, certainly not something as trivial as photographs.

The route continues to the edge of Whitburn, where there are some rather nice "fishermans cottages". It is a long time since a Fisherman lived in any of them I suspect, they are all very gentrified and expensive looking now. Unfortunately the official photographer omitted to take a picture of them, so you will just have to take my word for it.

At the fishermans cottages, the route crosses the coast road and follows a footpath alongside Whitburn Park, to reach this rather imposing house.

The house is next to the parish church, and is very unusual for this area.

I must remember, on the next rainy day, to employ the ever reliable Google to find some information on the place, surely, such an impressive looking house must have some history associated with it?

The route follows the small lane, past the church and into the very pretty Whitburn Village.

At the road through the village, cross the road, turn left and then right (via what I think is called "Sandy Chare"), then follow the "Bedes Walk" signs to go slightly to the right, and then along a road lined with fairly modern houses.

Continue until you come to a lone, imposing, stone built house (no doubt once a farm house) on the right, surrounded by more modern properties.

At this point on your left, there is a well defined farm track, signposted "Bedes Walk", which takes you towards Cleadon Hills.

We have now left the coast, and, although we are just on the edge of the urban area, we are walking through open countryside, with excellent views of the countryside and the urban sprawl which is South Tyneside, as the ground rises towards Cleadon Hills, the derelict windmill and the always distinctive and impressive water tower, built in the style of a chinese pagoda.

A picture would describe this so much better than I can, but, it is nearing lunch time and the official photographer is probably feeling faint.

At the water tower, we turn left, following a well trodden track, called I believe "Occupation Way", which eventually brings us to Sunderland Road, on the edge of Cleadon Village.

There is a strategically placed pub here (The Ship), which is a convenient stop for a cup of tea, coffee or something stronger if you prefer. It also of course provides a useful toilet stop.

The pub also does a good range of meals, but we have come prepared with our picnic in the form of sandwiches. Kathleen cannot wait, and eats her sandwiches secretly whilst having a cup of tea, Dana and myself show suitable restraint, and opt to wait until we find a convenient seat along the walk.

At this point, we have covered just over five miles, so we are just slightly under halfway to our destination.

After crossing Sunderland Road, the track continues along the back of the houses, until it crosses King George Road.

An alternative toilet stop / feeding station is available here in the form of the White Ensign pub.

We march steadily on, past the site of what used to be the South Shields Girls Grammar School, then later King George Comprehensive School. Now a new school is taking shape on the site.

Just past the school, there is a crossing point and a sign to direct you to turn left, walking along a small road with the school on your left and the houses of Holder House Estate on your right.

Continue past the allotments at the end of this road, and then bear right along the more well defined path, initially the path is bounded by small trees, and then crosses a field, before continuing along the back of more houses.

Continue straight ahead, until you cross the bus turning circle at the end of Whiteleas Way, continue straight ahead with an infant school on your right, this portion of the path is actually called (and signposted Linnet Way). The path eventually crosses the old South Shields / Sunderland Railway line (now a footpath / cycleway).

At this point we go wrong. What you should do, is turn left along the old railway line, to Tile Sheds, then turn right over the Sunderland / Newcastle metro line and walk along New Road to Boldon Comprehensive School. At this point you turn right into Colliery Wood, follow the path until it comes to the River Don, turn left and follow the banks of the River Don. We will get there eventually.

I am told it was my fault we went the wrong way, if you are reading this, I am sure you will agree from the photographs, at no point am I, "in the lead", it is quite clear who the walk leader is, and remember, only one person has done this walk before, and that is not me, or Dana.

I leave you to draw your own conclusions.

We continued straight across the old railway line, to Benton Road, crossed the road and then turned right and then left to follow the continuation of "Linnet Way" toward Biddick Hall and Brockley Whins Metro Station.

At this point, Kathleen and Dana have recognised where they are, and scenting that the finish line is in sight, they have put on a spurt leaving me puffing along behind, breathless old man that I am.

To be fair, this route is probably more quiet and pleasant, than the official route, I am sure Bede would have come this way if he had known about it.

As I said, I have fallen behind, but the walk leader takes her duties seriously and waits patiently / impatiently (delete as appropriate) for me at the point where the path turns to the right.

The route then passes through the houses, but always keeping parallel with the metro line.

Just after the point where the road begins to curve to the right, there is a blue cycle track sign, which leads to a bridge under the metro line, the path then turns right and continues until it comes alongside the River Don, at the point we would have been, had we followed the official route.

Here, stay on the right hand bank of the stream, and take the wooden duckboard walkway over the swampy part, the path then bears left rising slightly, and then down, still keeping left, until you come to a footbridge over the stream.

Cross the footbridge, and follow the tarmac path alongside the left bank of the stream.

I have fallen behind again on the incline, the walk leader waits patiently / impatiently (delete as appropriate) for me to catch up.

I think in this case the body language says it all, the camera never lies.

The tarmac track follows the stream, and then climbs steeply out of the dene, continue on along the gravel path between the metro line and the back of the houses, until you reach a set of steps down to a tarmac path alongside the main A19. Continue, north, to the footbridge, cross the bridge over the A19, turn left and walk south alongside the A19 on the tarmac path until just before the metro line. At this point, turn right following a track alongside the metro line which takes you first behind some houses, and then through the houses, to emerge at the Greyhound Pub (another likely stop if you need it).

Cross the road and head down the hill, taking the footpath on the left which follows the river Don, towards the Robin Hood pub (more toilets, probably necessary if you have availed yourself of all of the stopping points so far).

Cross the road, and again take the tarmac path, following the stream on your right.

A short distance along here is a convenient seat to have a short rest, a drink, apple whatever you fancy, and have with you.

Then you come to a pond, formed as part of the stream, where there are ducks, geese and today even a couple of swans.

There was, in the past, a "community farm" here with rabbits, goats etc to amuse children, but it appears to have met it's demise, all that remains is a sign saying "do not feed the animals grass cuttings", but there are no animals.

The path continues with the stream on your right, and you need to bear right at the junction with another path to your left, until you come to some houses on the left and then to a footbridge, cross the bridge and turn left.

Cross another footbridge and bear right, still following the stream until you emerge onto a road (generally called "cemetary bank", not sure if that is it's official name.

Cross the road, and follow the tarmac path with the cemetary on your right, the track eventually passes beneath the A19 road, just before the Tyne Tunnel, follow the path around until you are walking alongside the A19 (heading north) and just after passing under the railway bridge, turn right through a gap in the low wall, following a tarmac track parallel to the road to South Shields.

A new Tyne Tunnel has just recently been openned and here at the moment, major works are underway, as you can see from the photograph, to realign the approach roads for the new road tunnel under the River Tyne.

The disruption is short lived.

Soon we are walking alongside the River Don again, along a section which I always think is quite amazing.

It is within a few hundred yards of one of the most shabby parts of Jarrow (and that is saying something, since Jarrow is quite shabby), but if you just forget that, it really is quite pretty, here, in this particular corner.

In fact you can almost imagine St Bede and the other monks walking along here chanting their prayers on a nice sunny day like today, well that is assuming St Bede ever actually walked along here.

Finally we reach St Pauls Church.

The magic of Cardiac Trainer and GPS tells us we have in fact walked 13.7 miles.

Now we have another 2 miles or there abouts to walk to Jarrow bus station.

Here we indulge in Kathleen's favourite passtime, and get the bus (free), back to home.

Dana, not yet being 60, must pay, one of only two people who did so as far as I can see!

Choosy Birds

2011-02-24T17:23:00.000Z

The birds continue their feeding frenzy.

When it reached the stage they were eating £10 worth of Sunflower seeds and Nyger Seeds per week, I decided they would have to go on an economy drive.

I bought less expensive feed from my local supermarket (ASDA).

The birds are not keen on it however, it is lasting much longer simply because they are not feeding as much, fussy little blighters that they are.

You can see here, the dark coloured seed is Nyger Seed (expensive) and they are eating that, one chap is actually sitting on a branch waiting his turn. The light coloured seed is the less expensive stuff from ASDA, and they are ignoring it.

They must be socialists, ie they are getting something for nothing and still they are not happy!

Warning for Cyclists

2011-02-20T15:40:00.000Z

Amusing, but true!

Have a Laugh

2011-02-12T16:19:00.000Z

This guy is funny!

There are four parts.

Fat Birds, an obesity problem?

2011-02-10T12:28:00.007Z

The Goldfinch population of South Tyneside continue to dine at my expense.

They are incredible troughers, I have been feeding them Black Sunflower seeds and Nyger seeds, and they have been going through 250grams of seed, of each type, per day.

Now according to the British Garden Birds website they weigh about 15 grams each.

Typically we get a "flock" of about 12 birds, of whom a maximum of 8 are feeding at any one time (there are only four feeders, each with two perches). I assume it is the same 12 birds who come to feed each time, but since they do not wear visitors badges with their names on them I cannot be sure.

You can see one chap here, looking impatiently at the empty feeder, while perched at a feeder with some remaining seed, greedy little devil, doesn't he know there are birds starving in the world?

I do not want to appear mean, going on about the amount of seed they are eating at my expense, but if you do the maths, they are eating 500 grams of seed per day between 12 birds, that is 40 grams each (approximately), which is almost three times their own body weight, per day.

Kathleen is getting seriously concerned about their figures, she thinks she may have to develop an exercise and fitness programme to keep their weight under control, as well as restrict their intake, ie breakfast, lunch, and dinner with no snacking between meals.

At this rate, I can see our Goldfiches being candidates on the Biggest Loser!

As I sit watching them pig out, great excitement in the household, we have a woodpecker.

Kathleen even breaks off from drying and straightening her hair to come and look!

It is the first time either of us have seen a woodpecker in the wild!, that is, if you count our front garden as being "in the wild".

A quick check of the British Garden Birds website and I think it was a Greater Spotted Woodpecker, but it may have been a lesser spotted woodpecker.

I was too slow in getting the camera ready to take a photograph, before it flew off, so we will have to wait and see if I can get a photograph if it comes back.

Got the the little blighters!

2011-02-07T10:08:00.000Z

After saying yesterday that I could not get a photograph of the birds (Goldfinches) feeding, I managed to get this.

OK, it is not "Wild Life Photographer of the Year", but at least I got a shot.

I am actually pretty pleased with it, it is taken with a fairly ordinary digital camera (Pentax Optio E85 12.1 megapixels, but set at 5 megapixels so the images don't swamp my hard disk drive). I had no extra equipment, not even a tripod, and being a man I have not even read the instructions for the camera since I got it about 18 months ago.

I got so excited there, I posted it on the wrong blog!, I need to get out more.

The Birds

2011-02-06T10:26:00.000Z

A few years ago, after watching an episode of Springwatch, with Bill Oddie and Kate Humble, I was motivated to buy some bird feeders for the garden.

We had them in the back garden, where we could watch the birds feed as we sipped our red wine.

But, the birds did not have any table manners, and spread the seeds from the feeders all over the place. Some of it even took root and we had a variety of plants of undefined type growing in the borders, where Kathleen had decreed that only flowers should be.

So it was no contest, the birds had fallen foul of her who must be obeyed, their feeders were consigned to the refuse bin.

Recently, while felling a tree in the front garden, a neighbour was telling me he had occasionally seen a flock of Goldfinches in that very tree.

This tugged at my heart strings somewhat. Not only had we created a bird starvation area in the back garden, but now I was making a flock of Goldfinches homeless. This combined with the fact that grandson Daniel likes to watch (well ok and to chase) the birds in the garden, when he visits us, similarly I am sure grandson Gabriel will be interested when he visits, clinched it. I decided I would acquire some new bird feeders.

Amazon duly obliged, and four hanging bird feeders arrived within days.

After a warning from Kathleen, along the lines of "remember the mess we had last time with those things", I had a plan to outwit the birds messy feeding habits, I located the feeders in the lower branches of the large tree in our front garden, so they were over the lawn. Reasoning that any debris dropped would land on the lawn, where regular cutting would prevent it being a problem.

I was taking this very seriously!

I checked the RSPB website to first of all check that the brightly coloured birds I had evicted were in fact Goldfinches, having confirmed that, I went on to discover their favourite food. Nyger seed and Sunflower seed it would appear.

A quick visit to the local pet shop, and I had a bag of nyger seed and a bag of black sunflower seeds.

The feeders were filled, and put in place.

We waited patiently.

Nothing!

But after about a week, presumably when the birds had decided it was not a ruse to further disrupt their lives, they began to visit the feeders regularly.

Now we have an almost constant flock of Goldfinches feeding there, Kathleen is even worried we will soon have a bird obesity problem, and have to provide bird aerobics.

I have tried several times to get a good photograph of the feeding frenzy, to post here, but so far without success, I will keep trying.

The idle pointless things you do when you are retired, great!

Devices are getting smarter

2011-01-27T19:05:00.000Z

You've heard of a smart phone, well here is a smart printer!

Cycling and Gardening, the opium of the retired

2011-01-18T16:23:00.000Z

The weather has improved enough to do a bit of gardening.

Nothing too strenuous, a little bit of tidying up, plus cutting down a conifer, which had grown too tall, in the front garden. I now have a neat pile of logs for Geoff and his wood burning stove.

Having allowed my cycling activities to fall by the wayside, I have shaken off the lethargy after christmas and got myself back on track. Got to do something to work off the extra pounds.

On Tuesday there is usually a group cycle ride beginning from Marsden Grotto at 13:00 (I think).

The normal pattern is to drive to the meeting point, then use one of the groups bikes. But today I did not have use of the car because Kathleen had to drive Claire to hospital for a "quickie" one day operation.

Not to be beaten I cycled there, through Colliery Wood, to East Boldon, along Mill Lane to Cleadon, then to Whitburn and along the coast to Marsden. Not the shortest route, but the one with the least traffic, an important consideration when you are on a bicycle! But when I arrived there (having already cycled six miles), there was no sign of anyone else, have I got the time wrong?

It was a beautiful day, as you can see from the photograph. Bright and sunny, but with a stiff (and cold) breeze blowing from the North East.

We have a beautiful and mostly unspoiled coast here, but that wind ensures it will never be a tourist trap!

I even managed to get a small Container Ship in the shot as it made it's way from the Tyne. Not too many ships visiting the Tyne these days, nothing like it's heyday.

I continued along the coast to South Shields, then along the river to Tyne Dock, not very scenic on this stretch. Followed the disused railway line from Tyne Dock to Biddick Hall, then took the Linnet Way to Brockley Whins metro station and home.

Eighteen miles, not bad.

Wicked Coalition and the Council Cuts

2011-01-11T20:13:00.000Z

You may or may not know it, but as from the end of January 2011, Local Authorities are required to publish details of all expenditure exceeding £500.

My Local Authority (South Tyneside), have a "funding gap" of £35million, so I thought I might help them out by looking through their expenditure to see if I could spot any savings.

Yesterday, it was raining, and I was bored, so I checked South Tyneside Council's website, to see if they had complied yet, and supplied a list.

No they had not, so I EMailed my local Councillor to ask how and when they intended to comply. She passed my EMail on the the Council's Legal Department, and I recieved a very nice reply from:

Andrew Wainwright

Corporate Risk and Resilience Manager
South Tyneside Council

Now I ask you what the hell is a "Corporate Risk and Resilience Manager"?

But wait, try a Google Search on "Corporate Risk and Resilience Manager", and you will find they are as common as muck, EVERYONE has one.

It appears, that among other things, they produce useful information , like this, how to walk when it is slippery.

Silly me, I thought my Local Authority were just there to empty the bins, clean the streets, maybe do a bit of Planning Control etc.

Madness

2011-01-11T09:12:00.000Z

As our taxes go up and up how about Asylum seeker fun.

How gullible can we get?

Between June 2004 and May 2010, Muse, from Neasden, north-west London, claimed a total of £261,358.14 in income support, disability living allowance for one of her children and carer's allowance for herself.

This included child benefit, child tax credits and housing benefit from various local authorities.

One person can claim £261,000 in 7 years ie £30,000 per year, not bad "work" if you can get it.

Makes Bankers appear positively moral in my opinion.

The unity of the left:

Black Cloud

2011-01-07T15:04:00.000Z

January is a depressing month.

Weather is cold, damp and miserable.

I had hoped to return to the cycling group today, but it was cancelled because of the weather, bitterly cold with a heavy frost, most of the snow has gone however.

The news is full of the price of petrol (and deisel). Good old "call me Dave" Cameron is suggesting a "Price Stabiliser" to even out movements in the oil price. Just goes to show how much he knows, the current increase in price has virtually nothing to do with the price of oil, it is almost all inceases in Tax (levied of course to pay for the wasters like the one described below).

Former worlds fattest man Paul Mason to sue NHS over weight-gain

Not content with eating himself into this state at our expense....

Mr Mason's care bill cost taxpayers an estimated £100,000 a year and is believed to have topped £1million over the past 15 years.

He now wants to blame us for it and extract even more money from the public purse.

Anyone thinking this tub of lard will now be working and supporting himself (and family if he has one) after our £1million investment in his well being?, no I doubt it.

The Season of Goodwill

2011-01-03T16:01:00.000Z

The Season of Goodwill:

Patience - French style:

Funny clip

2010-12-26T11:29:00.000Z

Online Nativity

2010-12-24T14:49:00.002Z

21/12/2010 - 22/12/2010, Snow, Vince Cable, Free Speech, Gordon's Achievements

2010-12-22T19:38:00.000Z

Still the snow and freezing temperatures continue. There was some "expert" on TV News today, saying is was reduced activity on the Sun causing a mini ice age. So much for Global Warming. I suppose we are still to blame for it, it must be all of those people going to Spain for their holidays and using all of the sunshine up.

Vince Cable exposes himself as the shallow little weed he is, boasting of his "power" to a couple of under cover journalists posing as giggling slappers. How pathetic, hope he does better on Come Dancing.

Topically, given the snow outside, we have a little warning about Climate Change (have you noticed it is now called Climate Change and not Global Warming):

Or, same video, different message

and definately the best of Gordon Brown:

18/12/2010 - 20/12/2010 Snow, Harrier Jump Jets, Brian Hanrahan

2010-12-20T19:37:00.000Z

The snow returns.

This time it is southern England which gets the worst of it, and both Heathrow and Gatwick collapse under the strain. The Television News is filled with pictures of people stranded and sleeping on floors as if they were refugees in some third world country.

We have snow, but it is only about 1" - 2" deep. It is bitterly cold however.

Felt I had to put food out for the birds, in the back garden, I even sacrificed some of my peanuts and raisens for them, and that is a major sacrifice!

But, much to my disgust, most of the food was eaten by these greedy pigeons, which definately do not look under nourished to me, in fact they look as if they would make a decent pigeon pie!

The poor little sparrows and blue tits were left to forage for the leftovers.

Went to the "Stags Head", to deliver Christmas presents and more food to Anthony, I thought there might have been a nice cheerful fire on, given the weather, but no such luck, it was almost as cold inside as out. To cap it all my bus did not turn up, and I had to get a different one, meaning a longer walk in the snow and cold.

The end of an era, Brian Hanrahan died today. One of his best remembered reports I am sure is the "I counted them all out, and I counted them all back" comments about the Harrier Fighter planes in the Falklands war. The Harriers themselves came to an end of course just a few days ago.

We are an amazing country, we had a forty year (yes thats right, 40) lead in vertical take off technology, and we have managed to fail to capitalise on it, only we could achieve that.

16/12/2010 - 17/12/2010 Technology, Drugs

2010-12-18T11:27:00.001Z

If you have a credit or debit card, dont we all?, here is a little item to give you sleepless nights:

Now, I am about to say something I never ever thought I would say, and that is "Bob Ainsworth has said something remotely sensible". I simply did not think it possible, but he has said it, make all drugs legal.

It must be obvious to everyone by now, that, just as the Americans found with prohibition of Alcohol in the 1920's, prohibition of drugs is just not working and will never work. All we are succeding in doing is making some criminals very very rich.

Portugal has apparently legalised drugs, without the country becoming a cesspit, so why don't we give it a try.

Never mind the prescription idea proposed by Bob, just package the stuff as we do for tobacco, and make it freely available, complete with taxes of course, just like tobacco and alcohol.

Friday, I have the flu, well, what men call flu, a bit of a cold if you are a woman. So I do what all sensible men do and stay in bed for the day. No soldiering on, no moaning about how dreadful I feel etc, just go to bed and stay there, no trouble to anyone.

13/12/2010 - 14/12/2010 Sunderland, Greggs, Electric Cars, Media

2010-12-15T09:24:00.000Z

Monday.

The week starts well.

Harriet Harman wants to open Post Office Branches all over Africa so her constituents can collect their benifits more easily.

Teresa May is considering banning Terry Jones from entering the UK.

Who is he I hear you say, exactly, just ignore him and no one will ever even know he was here, but no by banning him, or threatening to, we give him publicity.

The big news is the Stocholm suicide bomber, and his possible links with Luton. It is clear the "Authorities" have no idea of his comming and goings, despite their databases. More evidence, if any were needed, of our porous borders.

I must admit the only thing which interests me is which benifits were he, his wife, and children getting, whilst he was travelling back and forth between here and Sweden. I wonder did we provide the tickets too?

The BBC website tells us:

"Meanwhile, British police have been searching Abdaly's house in Luton. His wife and children are reported to live in the UK, although their exact whereabouts are not known"

Just trace where the benifits are going and you will find them Sherlock.

I reluctantly agree to go Christmas shopping.

As if that is not bad enough, we go to Sunderland. It is the city which time forgot, one of the most depressing places you can ever go.

Why are there so many branches of Greggs there?

Tuesday

The price of electric cars is to be subsidised by £5000, by the "Government", ie us tax payers.

A little video about the Nissan Leaf, courtesy of the BBC website.

It may not save the planet, but I suppose it will keep people employed at Nissan's Sunderland Factory, and hence may help brighten up that blighted place.

Realistically, these things are not going to catch on until the range is increased to something sensible (like 300 miles) and/or the charging time is reduced from the current 8 hours to about 8 minutes.

At present the 100 mile range and 8 hour re-charge time mean they would only be suitable for short journeys about town, but at £29,000 who can afford to have one as a runabout?

The video makes much of their "carbon free" credentials, but that of course is only if you ignore the power stations necessary to generate the electricity to charge them. They even had to build a whole new Electricity Sub Station (or whatever they are called), to power the plant making the batteries at the the Sunderland Factory.

As with most things, I am sure they will work eventually.

It is our habit to try to get some exercise, in the form of walking or cycling, everyday. Today is no exception and we set off for our daily walk, desptite the not very promising weather.

About five minutes into our walk, Kathleen realises we have not bought any gift tags for Christmas presents, "so what" I hear you say. Our plans are changed and doing our bit for the environment we decide to walk to Jarrrow and get the bus back.

Needless to say, once we have reached the point of no return, it begins to pour with icy rain, and we both get thoroughly soaked, but Kathleen is happy, she gets her gift tags for 99p and a new brush for the washing up (21p). So with this added spurt to the UK economy we head for the bus.

The evening is taken up with St Bedes Carol Concert, an enjoyable event as always. They are even famous enought to have some of their music for sale on Amazon.

As usual, Google comes up with information on St Bedes the church, and the surrounding area.

09/12/2010 - 11/12/2010 Tesco and Snow, Nemo Cake

2010-12-12T09:39:00.000Z

Tesco continue to be unable to deliver the goods, literaly.

It turns out, according to them, my parcel is stuck in Droitwich, Worcestershire, where to the best of my knowledge there has been no more than a dusting of snow.

Now they have sent me a new tracking number so that I can "track" my delivery online, problem is it is clearly the wrong number, because all it tells me is "the tracking number does not match your post code".

Don't you just love technology.

For lovers of Father Ted:

Friday, and still no parcel, Tesco are clearly not upto the job. Today they even sent me an online questionaire, reference my recent purchase. I looked forward to expressing my dissatisfaction, but the questionnaire did not work, oh joy!

Saturday, the thaw continues, we have hardly any snow now, isn't the English weather amazing, 24 hours ago we had 12" of snow lying on the ground, today just a few stray heaps of dirty snow.

Dana has been exercising her cake making skills, for Daniel's Christening tomorrow (Sunday 12th Dec).

She is incredibly good at these things and, given his obsession with Nemo, has made a Nemo themed cake, quite amazing.

I hope it tastes as good as it looks, based on past experience I am sure it will.

I included these photographs, because I was impressed (yet again) by Dana's cake making skills, this of course led to mentioning the Christening, and made me recall that it is at St Johns Church, Westerhope.

That led to my speculative search on Goolge for "St Johns Church Westerhope", which gave me this website, which gives an excellent overview of Westerhope.

I know an earlier post pointed out that Google does not have all of the answers, but you have to be impressed by those it does have!.

Nemo must be the cartoon character of the moment, because Gabriel has a Nemo themed bedroom!

Parcel arrived from Tesco, only four days late, so I can stop moaning about that now.

05/12/2010 - 08/12/2010 Quantitive Easing Explained

2010-12-08T19:38:00.000Z

An amusing explanation of "Quantitive Easing", ie politicians speak for printing money.

Sunday, we acquire a travel cot (on loan), so Daniel or Gabriel will not have to bring their own if visiting for an overnight stay.

Monday is a productive day, spend the morning shopping for foodstuffs for Anthony, and in the afternoon, walk to Jarrow in the snow, it is a beautiful crisp winters day.

We visit brother-in-law, Kevin, who has recently had his second knee replacement operation. Decide to leave when the district nurse arrives to remove the staples holding the wound closed, I don't like blood and gore, not even someone elses!

Walk from Jarrow to Fellgate. While in Jarrow we had picked up an Argos catalogue, I can now tell you they are bloody heavy after you have carried one for a few miles! We visit sister-in-law Val, who has recently left hospital after a hernia operation. We are quite the visitors of the sick today.

By the time we walk home from Fellgate, the sun has gone down and it is bloody freezing.

Wednesday, and still the snow is here. No more has fallen now for about 24 hours, but nor has any of it melted.

Scotland is paralysed.

Here South Tyneside Council cannot empty the dustbins, because it is not safe to bring their refuse wagons out, and Tesco Direct have failed to deliver my purchases. However, full marks to IKEA, they managed to deliver to a neighbour using a 10ton truck. Perhaps their Swedish connections helped.

In the meantime, I am so bored waiting in for Tesco to deliver, and avoiding Coronation Street, I am reduced to trawling the internet for amusement, hence:

03/12/2010 - 04/12/2010 Christmas Fun, Blocked Roads

2010-12-05T09:53:00.000Z

Another 3" of snow last night, and this morning it is reputedly -10C, certainly feels much colder than it has for the past eight days of snow.

I go to the trouble of clearing the drive yet again, and putting the wheelie bins out to be emptied, not that I am confident of seeing refuse collectors anytime soon!

The sky is absolutely clear, and bright blue we have a flock of about 12 gold finches are feeding on the conifer tree at the end of the drive, goodness knows what they are finding to eat in this freezing weather.

One of our regular Christmas events is to attend the annual "Christmas Do" at St Josephs, the church Kathleen attends. One of the stalwarts of the organisers, Denzil, always arranges (if that is the right word) a rendition of "The 12 Days of Christmas", in which each table are given a verse to "sing".

I noticed this little video on Patently Rubbish's blog, in which Christmas comes to the Food Court of a Shopping Centre, not that the efforts at St Joseph Christmas Party, are nearly so professional:

Not quite so festive but never-the-less topical:

Nicked from "Grumpy Old TW**" website , but very appropriate all the same as we slip and slide out of our estate, with not a sign of any attempt by the Local Council, to clear any of the 12" of snow which blankets the streets.

Touching on a whole host of recent happenings, from the effect of public spending "cuts" on front line services vs Diversity Outreach Coordinators to David Cameron's Happiness review, there is lots of reading here, which all makes a lot of sense to me.

Saturday, and the Metro between Pelaw and South Shields is not running, the same as last Saturday. They are doing "Essential Maintenance", why choose one of the Saturday's leading up to Christmas?, South Shields is already dying, without cutting off the transport links too.

I get a lift to South Shields to visist the Stag's Head, with son Anthony. The pub is much busier than usual, but the rest of the town looks it's usual desolate self. On the return journey, I miss the bus to Boldon, so take the "metro replacement" bus, which takes me on a meandering route, to Heworth, so that I can get the metro home.

Finally a couple of festive photograph for today, Gabriel after his first visit to a Christmas parade in Windsor, although by now, it looks as if they have retired to the warmth of a coffee shop.

01/12/2010 - 02/12/2010 Wikileaks, FIFA, World Cup, SNOW

2010-12-02T13:59:00.003Z

Wednesday 1st December, we attempt to get the Metro to Newcastle, Christmas shopping, what joy. The snow has disrupted the Metro, signals are frozen or some such rubbish. We take the car. The upside is, hardly anyone has made it, so parking is easy, and the shops are empty. Not such jolly news for the retailers of course.

Thursday, still snowing. In between falls, I clear the drive yet again.

The snow continues, as if that is not bad enough, the news is consumed by:

The weather, well the snow
Wikileaks
Englands World Cup Bid

We are getting daily reports from Longhorsley in Northumberland. Now it is a very nice place, with an equally nice pub, but it is hardly remote, it is located on an "A" road (A697), and is only about 7 miles north of Morpeth.

I can only assume that a staff member from BBC Newcastle lives there, hence the interest.

Wikileaks, was boring to begin with, is anyone surprised to hear that diplomats spend a lot of their time engaged in tittle-tattle?. Plus big surprise Prince Andrew thinks the Yanks know nothing of Geography, and the French are quite happy to bung a bribe to win a lucrative arms deal. That is what we all think, and I would have thought he (Prince Andrew) has just gone up in most peoples esteem for thinking likewise. So what if he launched a patriotic, expletive laden tirade in front of some American "diplomat", they export their expletive laden films and TV programs to us, so they can just take it for once.

Now we hear that Julian Assange, the founder of wikileaks is "in hiding" and in fear of assination attempts, has anyone (other than his mother perhaps) noticed his absence I wonder?

FIFA and the World Cup, oh the worry in case our free press (Panorama) have upset FIFA and they take their ball home.

Do we really want to stage the World Cup, given our performance this year?

We will probably be knocked out in the first round, and then have to be nice to all of those teams left in, it would be just our luck if Scotland won it or worse still Wales.

28/11/2010 - 30/11/2010 Google's infallibility, Snow

2010-11-30T19:33:00.001Z

I am a great fan of Google, in the past two weeks alone, it has provided the answer to such diverse questions as:

Where can I buy a replacement flushing syphon for the toilet cistern.
How do I fit the replacement flushing syphon.
What was that brightly coloured bird I saw in the garden.
What is the significance of the place name Brockley Whins.
All about squirrels.

But, here is someone who clearly disagrees with me (not unusual).

Now, I would have guessed that Claude Presbyterian Church was in a place called Claude, but Google tells me it is actually in Caledon, Ontario, Canada, plus lots of other interesting information about the place.

Sunday we wake up to more snow.

This is probably all very amusing, if you live in a place that gets "real" snowfall (like Canada), but here in the UK, we are never prepared for it, and even an inch of snow causes chaos, with roads closed, airports closed, etc etc.

So overnight we have had another 3.5", now in our back garden we have 10" of snow lying, with another 4" forecast for today and tonight.

This is like the winters I remember from my childhood. In weather like this we children would be off to the nearest hill with our sledges, or for the poorer ones among us, with pieces of cardboard, to slide down the hill.

This has not changed too much, there are a number of children out sledging, but in this relatively affluent area, they all have shop bought sledges, no pieces of cardboard in sight.

One thing which has changed, is the small number of people who clear the snow from their path, and from the footpath outside of their homes. In my childhood, only a few lazy individuals failed to do this. People would also clear the snow for elderly or infirm nieghbours. Not now it would seem. In our street of eleven houses, only myself and one other bother to clear their path.

Monday, the snow thaws ever so slightly, and only another 1" falls, the weather forecast is for strong winds, which if they arrive, will make things unpleasant.

Kathleen tries to get me into the Christmas spirit, without success, I hate this time of year with all of it's false cheer.

24/11/2010 to 27/11/2010 Snow, Snow and More Snow

2010-11-27T11:26:00.000Z

Wednesday afternoon is spent painting the bedroom walls at Tanya's flat. It is a light colour to cover a dark colour, so it definately going to need two coats, what fun. Do you detect my enthusiasm is waning?

In the evening the snow starts, how I hate winter!

Thursday, it is daughter-in-law, Susana's birthday.

Birthday wishes are sent by text, although the more traditional flowers and card have already been dispatched.

We awake to a good three inches (OK, 7.5 cm for you metric types) of snow lying.

According to the news, the East coast of England is effected most, no doubt this will bring the whole area to a shuddering stop.

More painting, at Tanya's flat, on for the second coat now, so at least I get the satisfaction of it begining to look good.

There is no heating on in the place, so I am painting with my coat and scarf on!

As if decorating is not enough, Tanya's iron has given up the ghost.

I suspect the flex is broken, but being a Morphy Richards it has "tamper proof" screws to encourage you to buy a new iron, not very environmentally friendly.

I borrow a suitable tool to overcome the "tamper proof" screws, but it is not the flex, The lights come on but it does not get hot, so it looks like the element has gone, it is destined for the great iron graveyard.

Friday, and still it is snowing.

A sign of getting old, I wimp out of my usual Friday night trip to the Grey Horse, on the basis that the weather is bad. If you bear in mind, I get a lift there, and a taxi back, that is pathetic old person stuff isn't it.

Initially I amuse myself on the Internet, reading about Squirrels (both Red and Grey). This obscure interest being fired off by a conversation with a neighbour, which included mention of the fact that, despite the prescence of quite a large number of trees nearby, we have never seen a squirrel in the garden. I never cease to be amazed at the sheer volume and variety of "information" you can find on the internet, about just about any subject under the sun.

Later we amuse ourselves watching TV. Since Friday night TV, in common with most nights, is crap and consists of non-stop soaps, this involves scrolling through the list of stuff we have recorded at some point in the past in the hope it may be watchable.

The first three films we begin watching we have already seen, and I cannot stand watching something I have already seen, but we eventually while away the evening with:

the new version of Reggie Perrin (not as good as the old version in my opinion, but still quite funny).

a documentary about how the landscape of Scotland developed, interesting only for the fact that the presenter managed to tell us how climate change in the 1400's killed off thousands of trees (not many aircraft, power stations or cars around in 1400 according my understanding of history), whilst still admonishing us humans with the present "climate change" scare stories.

In the meantime, the snow is still falling, fortified with a few drinks we venture outside with our digital cameras to make very inexpert photographs of the night time snow fall.

For my first effort, I try the snow scene setting, in the back garden, where there is virtually no artificial light, well apart from the usual "light pollution" to be expected in an urban area.

Not very successful, in my opinion.

Athough the the falling snow flakes are well defined.

I reason that the setting for "Snow Scene" probably means day time snow scene so I switch the setting to "night scene", but the exposure time is clearly too long for a hand held shot by someone shivering in the snow, with the inevitable blurred result.

At least you can see the garden, and I suppose it could be regarded as being artistic, if you were being kind.

I round off with a couple of shots, using "night scene", in the front street, where there is good street lighting, but the results are not much, if any, better.

Clearly, if I am to take this photography lark seriously (which I am not), I need to learn at least how to use the camera I have.

There must be a setting which allows you to adjust the exposure time manually (I think), or perhaps the answer is to use the night scene setting but with the camera on a solid surface, instead of in my shaky hand!

Before giving up, I work my way through the bewildering list of menu settings available, firing off a few shots to try out the results, nothing startlingly good (or bad) I am afraid.

At one point I think I have found the setting for adjusting the exposure time, but no, it is the setting for "delayed action", shots, presumably to allow the photographer to get in the picture him/her self.

Interest wanes, and I end up with a shot to show off our decorating efforts, in the Lounge.

Saturday, the snow continues to fall.

Kathleen decides to go Christmas shopping in Sunderland with Dana and Claire.

Are women totally insane when it comes to shopping?, I would have thought that six or more inches of snow was a perfect excuse to give it a miss!

So, I dig out the car, and clear enough snow so she can get into it without crampons, before dropping her off at the metro station.

Decorating and DIY (still)

2010-11-23T08:42:00.000Z

Friday 19th November 2010

Painting the lounge continues, I am on duty painting the edges whilst Kathleen is wielding the roller to paint the large areas.

I realise the differences and similarities between working with Tanya and working with Kathleen.

Kathleen,

is like a tornado, she does not wait for anything for more than 30 seconds. If you have not finished your bit, and she wants to be in that space, then you had better move.

Lids are not securely replaced on paint tins.

Tanya,

pours paint in trough ready to begin, then picks up mobile phone and makes a call to discuss how much painting, she is about to do, with one of her friends, no actual painting happens.

Lids are not securely replaced on paint tins.

In the afternoon I have to repair the flushing mechanism in the toilet, broken by Kathleen due to over enthusiastic flushing!.

I marvel again at the things you can find on Google, I not only find where to obtain the spare part (Plumb Center), but also how to dismantle the toilet cistern and fit the part.

Monday 22nd November 2010

Still decorating, it is looking good, but I am heartily sick of it now.

Decorating

2010-11-18T20:17:00.000Z

Monday 15th November 2010

The decorating continues.

To be fair, it does not involve me, we are having new (UPVC, no painting required) internal doors fitted today, by two very hardworking Polish door fitters.

They arrive at 08:30, with all of the equipment they need. No mobile phone calls, no disappearing to get some missing item, and one short tea break, brings us to 13:00 and they have removed and replaced ten doors.

While they are fitting doors, I dig out the berberis hedge in the front garden.

Tuesday 16th November 2010

Chop up the berberis hedge and put as much as possible into the "Green" waste bin.

Wednesday 17th November 2010

Visit B&Q, for paint (so Kathleen can begin painting our lounge), and laminated flooring for Tanya's kitchen.

Lay flooring in Tanya's kitchen, pretty neat measuring on my part even if I say so myself.

I estimated 10m2, it comes in packs of 1.7m2, so I bought 6 packs (ie 10.2m2), and I ended up with only half a plank left!, close!

Just a little finishing off to do in the Kitchen, and then the bedroom, then that will be it.

Thursday 18th November 2010

I go to the cycling group. First time I have been since April! Very enjoyable, but cold. We do about 12 miles.

After lunch, I do some painting, to atone for enjoying myself.

Kathleen breaks the flush mechanism in the toilet, another job to do. I use the ever trusty Google to locate spare parts, but they are out of stock. Hopefully they will have them tomorrow.

Yes, I know I am a miserable old sod, but is anyone else sick of hearing about William, Kate, the Engagement and the Wedding?, it has taken over the news on all channels, is nothing else happening in the world?

Andrea Bocelli Concert O2 London

2010-11-14T19:55:00.000Z

Tuesday 9th November, 2010.

We set off in the campervan, to drive to Gary and Susana's house, in Windsor.

Pouring rain and very windy, with periods of bright sunshine in between. Weather as only Great Britain can produce.

We stop off for coffee, at a Costa Coffee.

Aptly named I would say, it certainly "costa" lot at £5.10 for a cup of coffee and a hot chocolate, got to say however, hot chocolate was excellent.

We arrive at 3:30pm, how Gabriel has grown since we last saw him!, he now has two teeth.

He is his usual happy self, as you can see here, and seems pleased to see us.

Gary and Susana were there too of course.

We are well fed as always by Gary and Susana, the meal rounded off with a piece of Date and Walnut cake made by Kathleen.

A very rare commodity, a cake made by Kathleen that is, but it was very nice.

Wednesday 10th November 2010

After breakfast, I have a spell teaching Gabriel how to use a spoon. A little premature perhaps since he is not yet eating "real" food, but it is never too soon to learn.

We walk to Windsor with Susana and Gabriel.

Gabriel in his buggy of course, and needless to say he falls asleep en-route.

We leave them to go and have a coffee with Susana's friend, Brenda, while we return to the house, and set off in the campervan.

South around the M25, past Gatwick and to Abbey Wood Caravan Club site, where we are booked in for three nights.

After yesterdays rain, it is a nice surprise to find the weather bright and sunny, but it is very cold.

Hopefully, you can just see the grey squirrel (middle of the photograph). There are dozens of them running around the site.

There was also a Jay, the first one I have ever seen in the UK, but I was not quick enough with the camera, and it flew off, leaving only the squirrel in view.

Clearly a second career as a wildlife photographer is not going to happen.

It is amazing to think we are within Greater London, this site is even within the Low Emmisions Zone (LEZ), but it is peaceful and quiet, with plenty of space and fine mature trees.

One of the attractions of staying here was the proximity to the railway station, which should allow us to get to the O2 easily, and also into central London to amuse ourselves during Thursday and Friday before the concert.

We obtain directions to the Railway Station from Reception, and walk along there to check out our travel options.

We find we can buy a Day Special for £6-50 (each) which will give us unlimited travel for one day on Trains, buses and Tube. This seems like a good deal to me, but Kathleen cannot resist the possibility of doing it for free, using her Senior Citizen bus pass.

We are advised the journey time to Central London, on the bus is 2 hours, 30 minutes on the train, That is enough to convince me, the train is the way to go!

After leaving the Railway Station, we walk on towards the Thames, finding a surprise within the concrete jungle, in the form of this Lake (Southmere), complete with swans, ducks, geese, sailing dinghys, and radio controlled model boats.

We walk for three hours in total, quite enough to burn off the Date and Walnut Cake, but we do not actually make it to the Thames!

Instead we return to the van for Spaghetti Bolognaise and a cosy evening of music, crosswords, reading and internet.

Thursday 11th November 2010.

A very windy night, with pouring rain, but we sleep soundly despite it all, surfacing at 8:00am to switch on the fire to warm things up, before emerging for real at 8:30am.

The weather has not improved.

After breakfast, we make use of our free bus passes to travel to Greenwich on the number 180 bus. I know people are always moaning about London Transport, but I think it is excellent (when they are not on strike that is).

Greenwich is a pleasant place, more upmarket than Abbey Wood, from what we see anyway.

We wander into Greenwich Park, but the weather is not too good, so we spend an hour or two touring the "old" Royal Observatory, very interesting and all free.

We do the Meridian Route, and see the meridian line and Flamsteed House, built in 1675, where the first Astronomer Royal, John Flamsteed, lived.

All very impressive especially the Octagon Room, Harrison’s Sea Clocks, and of course the Greenwich Meridian.

It is actually possible to see the O2 from here, it looks very close, but fortunately we resist the temptation to walk there, since it is not as close as it looks, and subsequently it rains rather heavily!

The views from the hill on which the "old" Royal Observatory stands are very impressive, you can see across the River Thames to Docklands, the lair of the evil Bankers who, our leaders tell us, have caused the recession.

At lunch time, we search in vain for a place serving baked potatoes, to satisfy Kathleen’s requirement for “healthy” fast food, but end up with a meatball sandwich (in brown bread) from Subway, very palatable.

We then head for the pedestrian tunnel under the Thames.

But when we emerge on the north side of the river, there is a deluge of rain, so we simply return through the tunnel and shelter in a Starbucks for a coffee and a hot chocolate.

When the rain eases a little, we move on to the Maritime Museum (also free). Here we are impressed by how many exhibits actually originate from the North East, including, a tug boat built in South Shields, a model of the Austin and Pickersgill shipyard at Sunderland and a battle ship (model of) built at Vickers Naval Yard in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Friday 12th November 2010

We buy our Day Pass, and head for Central London.

We are not city people, and do not plan to visit museums or tourist spots, unless the weather is poor. So far it is dry and mild.

From Canon Street, we hop on a Tube to Regents Park. The plan is, weather permitting to walk across Regents Park, then along the Regents Canal, until it joins the Grand Union Canal at "Little Venice".

I think it is quite amusing how almost every city with a canal or river has an area called "little Venice", when of course most of them are nothing like Venice!

Regents Park is quite delightful, the squirrels are so tame they come right up to you and get up on their hind legs to beg for nuts to eat. We do not have any nuts with us, so this one is not impressed and scurries away.

We continue across Regents Park, making the obligatory toilet stop. What is it with women, they have to stop at every toilet!

London definately has some magnificent parks, indeed I think for a city of this size the amount of greenery and open spaces is quite remarkable.

We eventually reach Regents Canal, and walk along the towpath to the west, ie in the direction of "Little Venice".

This is another haven of peace and tranquility in the middle of the city, at this point, the canal is below street level, so, as you walk along you cannot even see the buildings all around you.

The towpath is deserted, just a few walkers like ourselves, a couple of cyclists and a couple of joggers.

We pass London Zoo, and even get to see some of the birds for free, as we pass the aviaries which back onto the canal.

We see only one barge sailing along, it is a working barge, carrying coal, calor gas cylinders and containers of diesel fuel.

We have brought sandwiches for lunch, so we stop at a seat along the way and eat our lunch.

Then on to the point where the Regents Canal joins the Grand Union Canal. Here there is a large basin, where presumably in days gone by, barges manoeuvered as they passed from one canal to the other.

Now there are barges which have been converted into cafes, and even puppet theatres.

We stop for a coffee, but I cannot resist the home made soup and crusty bread, delicious.

The place is full, and we must wait for a seat.

We eventually leave the canal, time is getting on, and we must begin to head back toward the station.

We cross St James Gardens, heading toward Whitehall, past the duck pond, which a sign tells us was built in the times of Carles II, to lure wild ducks, to be caught for the king's table.

We spend a while in the grounds of Westminster Abbey, where there are very touching display of small crosses, each with a poppy, to commerate the dead in the various conflicts of past and present.

On past Hourse Guards Parade, and Kathleen risks being bitten or kicked in the name of art, as she poses alongside one of the guards on horseback.

Soon we are on the train, being adventurous we use a different station, Charing Cross this time, and we make our way back to Charlton. Here we take the bus to the O2.

We arrive at about 5:00pm, before the crowds as we are about to discover.

We find somewhere to eat, choosing a place called Garfunkles. The meal is fine, except for Kathleen's dessert, which is billed as a strawberry sundae, but is totally lacking in strawberries!

We emerge to find the whole place is full of people, they are like swarms of fish as you see them on wildlife programs on TV, all scurrying in the same direction. Here Kathleen, bravely goes against the flow and crosses the milling crowd.

Soon we are inside the O2 venue, and are treated to a truly wonderful performance by Andrea Bocelli and the supporting cast.

A really enjoyable evening with three "encores", before we leave to head back to Abbey Wood.

Saturday, it is pack up and go home, the end of a really enjoyable trip.

November 5th - November 7th 2010

2010-11-07T15:58:00.001Z

Friday, attended a wedding (a nephew on Kathleen's side, Daniel, marrying Emma). Wedding ceremony was in St Paul's Church, Jarrow. A beautiful old church, some parts of which date back to 635AD. The bride looked stunning as they usually do.

Evening "do" was at a place called "Close House". A bit of a trek, it is near Heddon-on-the-Wall, but ideal for us oldies. There is a nice room with a blazing log fire, to sit in away from the noise of the music. Yes I know, bah humbug and all that. Food was good too!

Enroute home (we were being driven by Dana), we had to collect Emily and Lauren (they had been to a pop concert). The excitement was we saw not one but two foxes as we drove through urban Newcastle-uopn-Tyne.

Saturday, a lovely day, a lot of which we spent walking.

We just went in the immediate area near where we live. A circuit, initially by the River Don, past Bockley Whins Metro station, into the not so scenic Brockley Whins housing estate, then into Low Simonside, still not so scenic, then under the A19 beside the Tyne Tunnel, to walk alongside Jarrow cemetry, and then back towards the Robin Hood Pub.

This part is quite scenic, you are still in the not so attractive Jarrow, but you would not know it as you can see, particularly if you avert your eyes from the odd supermarket trolley, discarded in the stream which is the River Don.

Having drunk a little too much last night, we avoided the pub and headed past Primrose, still in a more scenic part.

Eventually under the metro line, at Fellgate Metro station and back through Hedworth to the Boldon Lad Pub, again carefully avoiding the temptation to go in (not too difficult in the case of the Boldon Lad!), and home.

Now here is a thought. "Brockley Whins" is an odd name, I wonder what the origin of that is?

Sunday dawns another beautiful day.

More walking, this time on the edge of Boldon, taking in Downhill Lane and back via Boldon Colliery, and then Sunday Lunch, surely the most enjoyable meal of the week.

A little gardening, I am in the process of removing a small hedge. It is going to be a drawn out affair. Not so much the work involved in digging out the individual shrubs (although the first one was a monster, which broke the spade!), but more in the need to dispose of the results. I have resolved to dig out one shrub per week and consign it to the "green waste" bin. The object of the exercise is to remove the need to trim the hedge, it is all about work reduction now.

I return to the search for information about Brockley Whins.

My initial efforts, ie a search on Google, have not turned up anything really. There was a railway accident there in 1870, in which 5 people died and 57 people were injured. There is a report, including a list of the dead and injured. There is even a "Reay" in the list of injured. Finding out about "Brockley Whins" is clearly going to take more than five minutes.

A little more persistence, and I discover, there has been a mainline railway station there since 1839. Quite why there was a station there, is another mystery to me. True there is a lot of housing development in the immediate area now, but that has all been built in my life time. Surely in 1839 the station must have been in the middle of nowhere?

The station was apparently renamed Boldon Colliery in 1925, at which time I suppose the coal mine at Boldon must have been in full flow. It was renamed back to Brockley Whins in 1991, and become a Metro Station in 2002. Now only Metro's from the Tyne and Wear Metro stop there.

Interesting (?) as this may be, it does nothing to explain where the name came from.

I had thought that the term "Whins", related to coal mining, but it would appear I am wrong, hardly surprising, since I am a man.

No it would appear the word "Whins" is of Scandinavian origin, and means "Gorse", akin to Norwegian kvein bent grass. This is not a total surprise since many colloquial words in this region are of Scandinavian origin, dating back to the days when the Vikings were the Football hooligans of the day, and raped and pillaged their way through the area.

I do recall, in my youth, the immediate area was extensively covered in gorse bushes, or at least the area which, at that time, was not covered in spoil heaps from the colliery. So perhaps this is the origin of the name.

Before the colliery closed, and the surrounding land was "reclaimed", we (as children at the time) used it as our adventure playground, climbing the spoil heaps, and sailing on the pit pond in home made rafts. All long before the days of computer games, television in every house and of course "Health and Safety"

November 1st - November 4th, 2010

2010-11-05T08:05:00.000Z

A beautiful day, bright blue sky, hardly any wind, and not too cold.

That is the good news, the bad news of course is that we are still in the middle of decorating.

An early start means we have done some painting, and must wait for it to dry, but it is only 10:15, so there is time for a bike ride.

There are some beautiful autumn colours, sorry I failed to capture any, with the camera.

I did manage to snap this sparrow enjoying the sunshine, just like us!

We do our circuit of Jarrow, Tyne Dock and Boldon, 11.5 miles, excellent.

Wednesday, I eventually bite the bullet and splash some cash. I get myself an iPhone4.

I have heard people signing their praises, but this thing is awesome!. I cannot put it down, I am continually finding some new simple to use little gadget to play with, it even makes phone calls!

It meant a switch from my "old" network provider (Orange), to "3", simply because "3" where offering almost twice the "free" minutes and Data allowance, for the same price. Tesco had an even better deal, but after 3 weeks of "out of stock", I gave up with them. Just waiting for my PAC code now from Orange, and my old number can be switched over.

Only thing which has not worked immediately is pairing the phone to my bluetooth hands free receiver. It worked immediately, I tried it, but now it will not connect, so I am off to play with it again.

So, the blog is even more neglected, and decorating, forget it!

October 30th - October 31st 2010

2010-10-31T14:14:00.000Z

A beautiful day on Saturday, but a weekend of decorating, in our house.

I can only conclude that decorating is an infectious illness. As soon as one woman starts decorating, other women immediately become infected and need to decorate too.

Saturday night / Sunday morning, clocks go back one hour, the end of British Summer Time for this year. The beginning of several months of it being dark when you get up, and dark when you get home from work (if you work that is), and all to appease a few people in Scotland.

Good old Vince strikes again:

October 28th - 29th 2010

2010-10-29T19:52:00.000+01:00

Thursday, almost totally wasted in a man's terms.

By that I mean:

trailed around Ikea with Tanya, she bought some items, ie curtain pole, glasses.
trailed around no less than four B&Q stores to get the colour paint Kathleen had chosen.

actually did nothing (unless you count raking up a few leaves off the lawn).

A rip-roaring success in female terms of course.

Now as our leaders struggle to pay off the national debt, with our money, here is a little video, to brighten your weekend:

October 25th - 27th 2010

2010-10-28T08:07:00.000+01:00

I have had the whole weekend off, and I have Monday off too.

Well not really off, I have decorating and leaf clearing chores to do at home.

Monday is more or less a day of rest, we (Kathleen and I) go to Newcastle on the Metro, and then walk back along the River Tyne, visiting our friends Bryan and Joan at Pelaw en-route.

Kathleen admires the new UPVC interior doors they have had fitted, NO PAINTING REQUIRED!, in a moment of financial frivolity I have agreed to have them fitted in our house.

That I feel is a result of overdosing on painting and decorating!

Tueday, and another day off, well almost, painted inside of cupboard at Tanya's and put a shelf up in cupboard. Another one needed, it will have to wait until I get more wood.

Kathleen has caught decorating bug from Tanya, now we have started decorating our bedroom, plus there is talk of lounge, kitchen .... the list goes on.

Wednesday, and today Tanya is scheduled to have her new staircarpet fitted.

All goes according to plan, and fitter does an excellent job.

Tanya has made what looks like a sensible choice, the colour is called Anthracite, it is a dark grey and goes very nicely with the Dulux Cornflower White walls.

The photographs are taken with my mobile phone, unfortunately, it has not reproduced the colours very well. The staircase is poorly lit, or perhaps it is just my crap photography skills.

Another day off from the decorating (this is becoming a habit), means I have time for a short walk. Kathleen do our customary walk through Colliery Wood, then along the bridle path past the Travelling Man pub, and home again. For once, avoided calling in at the pub.

Today is Claire's birthday, and she is having a small get together.

October 7th - October 24th 2010

2010-10-25T20:09:00.002+01:00

Birthday is over, it is back to work at the decorating.

With the main work in the living room complete, and more than one person doing the work, we can work on several fronts at once, I work my way through the remainder of the flat putting up ceiling coving.

The kitchen is a bit of a nightmare for the coving, since there are so many corners both external and external it is a real test of my (lack) of mitring skills.

More finishing touches are made in the living room, ie pictures, a "new" sofa etc, and it begins to look even better.

At least there is now one room which resembles a civilised house, and is comfortable to be in.

In the meantime, Tanya and her friend Kim, begin painting the kitchen, and it too begins to take shape and look good.

Unfortunately repositioning of the kitchen units, during the refurbishment, means there are gaps in the existing laminated flooring, with no funds available to redo this, it will just have to wait.

The colours here are Rasberry Bellini and Mello Mocha (the names!), but whatever, I think they look superb.

It looks much better than it did, it would look even better if someone washed the dishes, dried them and put them away!

It is necessary to dispose of the "old" fridge freezer, this is potentially a problem, first we have to get it down the stairs, then we have to get it taken away.

Tanya and I manage to man-handle it out of the kitchen and down the stairs. Our luck is in, a recently vacated house is being cleared of debris, and the operator agrees to remove Tanya's discarded fridge/freezer free of charge.

Next filling and painting of the walls of the staircase begins, we have a slight delay since we need ladders to reach the highest points.

Soon all of the walls are painted, Tanya elects to do them Cornflower White, which is eminently sensible since sharing a colour with the living room both economises on paint usage (and hence cost), as well as providing a visual link from the living room to the upper landing and staircase. Not often you hear the words "sensible" and "Tanya" in the same sentance.

At last, the staircase is painted, including gloss painting of the woodwork. We have even completed minor details like varnishing the doors to the livingroom, bathroom and bedroom.

This really beginning to look the business.

The old stair carpet is removed and arrangments made to have the new stair carpet (chosen by Tanya), laid on Wednesday 27th

October 6th 2010

2010-10-25T09:03:00.000+01:00

It is my birthday, I am not decorating today!

Tanya is always short of cash. Partly because she may be a worker as opposed to a benifits scrounger, but she is a low earner, and partly because she has little or no control over her money. It may be hard to believe, but, dire as things may be now, they are actually an improvement on where they have been.

I (and her mother), are currently subsidising the redecorating exercise, so whilst I was very touched when Tanya presented me with a birthday cake, I was also somewhat infuriated that once again she is spending money she does not have.

The cake was very amusing, you can see a picture of it here. It shows me, sitting at my desk with my lap top to my right, and I am busily writing out cheques to Tanya, so many that they have spilled onto the floor!

I had to laugh.

The weather is cold but pleasant, so Kathleen and I go walking in Weardale.

On our return I have a birthday visit from daughters Dana, Claire and their respective husbands Martin, Geoff, and children Emily & Lauren, Molly & Charlotte. They come bearing cards and gifts, most definately not bought with my money!

Son Gary and daughter Phillippa live further away, and send their best wishes by telephone.

This is all followed by a meal at the Red Lion, West Boldon, so another year older.

October 2nd - October 5th 2010

2010-10-24T20:29:00.000+01:00

Work begins in the living room, first as always with decorating, there is lots of preparation, scrapping off the remains of the old backing paper, then a long session of filling cracks and sanding walls smooth, not to mention putting up ceiling coving.

I decide to use the lightwieght version of the ceiling coving, rather than the conventional plaster coving I have used in the past. With some trepidation at first, I am old enough to remember the nasty polystyrene ceiling tiles people used in years passed.

But the modern version proves to be a winner, it is simple to work with, it cuts with an ordinary fine toothed saw, and is fixed with solvent free "no more nails" type adhesive. It is so light one person can easily handle it, and the instant grab adhesive means there is no need to pin the coving in place until the adhesive sets.

Whilst I do this, Tanya is busily choosing colours for the paint, she chooses from the Dulux range and settles on Blue Reflextion and Cornflower White (who thinks up these names?).

Here you can see her busily painting away, and yes she is painting in her PJ's, don't ask!

Before long she has enlisted the aid of a friend, Kim, so with three of us painting, work progresses rapidly as you can see.

The walls and ceiling are duly completed, then the new laminate floor is laid, skirting boards refitted, and gloss painting is done.

If only it could be done as quickly and easily as that short sentance implies!

Soon things are beginning to take shape, and we appear to be making progress, Tanya is a bit of a hoarder, and dare I say, even a little bit untidy, so I make a major effort to goad her into disposing of some of the junk, and having a tidy up!.

Before you know it, it is beginning to look like a home again, rather than a building site, but it is too early to be complacent, this is only the first room done, we still have two more plus the staircase to go.

October 1st 2010

2010-10-24T17:09:00.000+01:00

The beginning of October, and I am writing this almost at the end of October!, I have lost control of my time.

I have been involved in redecorating Tanya's flat, after South Tyneside Homes had worked their magic on it as part of their "Decent Homes" Project.

I am sure it will be very nice when it is finished, but what a mess they left.

They have done a lot of work ie:

rewiring

installed new radiators for the central heating system

Replaced the old gas fire with a smart electric fire with a "marble" surround.

Installed a new Bathroom Suite (they also redecorated the Bathroom).

The problem is, that renewing the electrical wiring means they have made holes in every room in the flat, so living room, kitchen, bedroom, and staircase all need to be redecorated.

You can see the "before" photographs here, over the next few weeks hopefully you will see some "in progress" and "after" photographs, showing a marked improvement.

Tuesday 21st September 2010

2010-09-22T09:03:00.001+01:00

Our exercise rythm has been totally broken of late. I have not cycled for what seems like weeks, and we have done precious little walking.

Yesterday I spent mostly sitting on my backside, either driving to Windsor, or waiting around Heathrow and then sitting on the plane on the way back. The weather forecast for today is good, and Kathleen does not have any doctors appointments today, so I suggest to her that we should either spend the day walking or cycling.

She opts for cycling, and I choose the route, which is to cycle along the River Tyne to Wylam. We pack a picnic and off we go.

First we head for the Tyne Pedestrian Tunnel, at Jarrow. The tunnel is elderly, having been built in the 1950's. It was once well used, mostly by shipyard workers travelling to and from work. But there are virtually no shipyards on the Tyne anymore, and the tunnel is little used and subsequently not well maintained.

It is not unusual for the ancient wooden escalators to be out of action, but there are lifts. Today however, all of the escaltors AND all of the lifts were broken down.

This meant I had to carry two bicycles down the stationary south side escalators, and then up the stationary north side escalators. By the time I joined Kathleen sitting on the wall at the north side of the tunnel, I was pretty much exhausted, and we still had about 35 miles to cycle!

We headed west along the "Hadrian's Way" cycle route, initially through non-descript streets of houses, but soon the view improved and we were cycling along the riverbank, which at this point is covered in trees.

A brief period of industry as we pass St Peters and the British Engines Factory, where brother-in-law Phill spent so many happy years being a wage slave, but soon we are on the Quayside at Newcastle. It is 11:00 and we stop for coffee, at the Pitcher and Piano.

We sit in the September sunshine for half an hour, and enjoy our coffee, whilst I eventually recover from my exertions at the Pedestrian Tunnel.

Soon we are on our way again, following the Quayside under the Tyne Bridge, and steadily west along the river. The improvements here are remarkable, it really is pleasant and we are surprised at the large number of people who like us are cycling along the river, or walking.

A brief section along a section of cycle track alongside Scotswood Road, where industry surviving on the river bank means the route must go around it, before at Newburn we are once again "in the countryside".

We pass the birth place of George Stephenson, steam engine and railway pioneer, and reach Wylam where we stop for our picnic.

Refueled we cross the river bridge at Wylam, and head east past Wylam Railway station, back along the river towards home, following the "Keelman's Way" cycle route.

The path is initially a little narrow, which causes the first complaints from Kathleen, but soon it becomes a well surfaced and suitably wide track alongside a golf course.

At the end of the golf course the route passes through a rather difficult gate for cyclists to negotiate (another little grumble), before following the river bank along the edge of a nature reserve.

The track then rejoins the road for about a mile, as you go along this section, it is necessary to keep a sharp lookout for the blue sign directing you off to the road and back onto dedicated cycle track. I have missed this turn on previous occasions!

The weather is still superb, warm sunshine. The combination of the warmth and the need for a toilet stop, causes us to stop at a pub (The Tudor Rose) in Dunston. Not the most beatiful place, but a pleasant enough pub all the same.

Soon we are cycling along the Gateshead side of the riverbank to reach the Swing Bridge, then on past the Sage and The Baltic Centre.

The southern riverbank is a little more up and down, than the north side (another little complaint), but none the less pleasant, as you can see here as we cycle along opposite St Peters Basin towards Friars Goose Marina.

Yes, there is a Marina or two on the River Tyne, but do not get too excited, I do not think Southern France or Spain need to be too concerned for their tourist industry!

At Bill Quay, we leave the Keelman's Way cycle track and weave our way through the houses and under the Hebburn-Pelaw road to join the cycle track which is a former railway line which once took coal to Tyne Dock. This brings us to Monkton Village, from where we cycle along York Avenue then past the Prince of Wales pub, and follow the path alongside the metro line.

Soon we are home, 42 miles, and as I recall only three complaints, a good day out, rounded off with a shower and a trip to the Lakeside pub to eat.

An advert for Macdonalds?

2010-09-21T20:32:00.000+01:00

Day time TV

2010-09-17T19:23:00.001+01:00

No I have not become a fan of daytime TV, life has not yet reached that low an ebb.

The following video clip from the Jeremy Kyle Show is illuminating.

How did we get from the great ideals of the Labour Government who created the welfare state to this?

Sex workers strike - could not resist this.

2010-09-09T15:27:00.001+01:00

Unhappy with the effects of market forces Sex Workers Strike.

Sunday 22nd August 2010 - Monday 6th September 2010 Houston etc

2010-09-08T10:54:00.000+01:00

We set off on our journey to Houston, not so much a holiday as to see Gary, Susana and our new grandson, Gabriel, plus we want to help out in any way we can, probably by baby sitting, that is what Granparents do, isn't it?

The journey begins in the most mundane of ways, by walking to the metro station, pulling our cases along behind us.

It is a fine Sunday morning, and the usual 15 minute walk becomes 20 minutes, given the suitcases we have with us.

We arrive at Newcastle Airport, bags are checked in, hopefully we will see them again at Houston!

Now the airport experience begins, first there is security screening, necessary I know, but none the less tedious for that. Then being shuffled from waiting area to waiting area, until eventually we are in the airplane, and off to London Heathrow.

At Heathrow, more of the same, shuffled from place to place, anyone who says they enjoy the airport experience needs to be certified in my humble opinion, until eventually we are on the plane ready to take off.

My theory is that all of this moving about from place to place is actually totally unneccessary, they just do it to keep you busy, so that you do not realise how long it actually takes!

All is uneventful as we cross the atlantic, then turn south over the St Lawrence and the Great Lakes. A bit bumpy as we approach Houston, but nothing to get upset about.

At Houston, George Bush International (no not THAT George Bush, his father), we have to survive USA border controls, it takes almost an hour of queuing, finger printing and photographing, they really know how to make a person feel welcome.

There must be a special place to recruit he people who work in these jobs, they are just the same jumped up characters as we have back in UK in positions of "power".

Eventually we clear all this and emerge, complete with bags, to be met by Gary, Susana and of course Gabriel.

The first time we have seen him for real!, even more beautiful than expected, but then of course I am biased. We each have give him a hug before we even leave the airport.

It is after midnight according to our body clock, but only about 19:00 local time, as we emerge from the terminal to get in the car, the heat and humidity are still noticable, even in the evening, we will have to get used to it, it is not going to get any better we find.

We drive the 25 miles or so along flat motorway standard highways, almost all through the urban area which is Houston, to arrive at Gary and Susana's apartment.

It is in a very attractive complex, with its own Gym, cinema, swimming pool, "business centre' etc etc.

Monday, we spend recovering from the flight and time difference. We go with Susana and Gabriel for a walk in the park. Most of the rest of the day is spent in the pool, to keep cool.

The temperature is 85F, but the real killer is the humidity.

In the evening when it has cooled down to being just bloody hot, we go for another walk in the park with Gary, Susana and Gabriel.

Tuesday. We go to Galveston for the day. This is about one hours drive south from Houston. We go to place called "Moody Gardens", which includes an Aquarium. We also go to a 3D film show, first time I have seen such a thing.

You have to wear special glasses to get the effect. It really does seem like you are "in" the picture. The film was about Sharks and various other sea creatures, and you felt as if the jelly fish were actually drifting into your face it was so real.

After that, we had an excellent meal (of sea food, just to get our own back, except Kathleen of course who had steak), then we went for avery hot walk along the coast.

Wednesday. A day around the pool, with Gabriel. We take lots of photographs of him in the water.

We have a BBQ, with an enormous piece of steak. It takes an hour to cook and feeds all four of us.

Thursday. Kathleen and I get up early (7:45) and decide to go to the gym before breakfast, to work off the last two days of excessive eating.

We exhaust ourselves on the cycling machines for 30 minutes, followed by a bit of arm exercise with dumbells and a session on another piece of equipment which resembles a medievil torture machine.

After breakfast we are trusted to babysit Gabriel, whilst Gary and Susana go shopping for suitcases.

The rest of the day is spent in the Pool and visiting the Gym again.

Friday. We do our Gym session before breakfast again, this time we are a little more sensible and do slightly shorter sessions on more pieces of equipment. I learn that running on the treadmill is not my forte.

We are joined by a couple of much younger (and fitter) young ladies, we slink away as they pound the treadmills, one of them even running backwards. Show off.

After breakfast, we take Gabriel out in his "Stroller" as the Americans call a buggy, to the park, and then to do some shopping in the supermarket. We end up in Starbucks where I have an enormous (and delicious) Smoothie. This of course probably undoes the last two days in the gym, but who cares.

In the afternoon, we go for a family photo session.

All of the photographs are very good, but this is probably my favourite shot, with the proud parents, proud grand parents and Gabriel doing one of his best expressions of interest in the proceedings.

After that we are go for another excellent seafood meal, Kathleen with her dislike of all food associated with the sea, has chicken.

Saturday. Off to the Gym again, we are regulars now. Unfortunately for Gary, he is working today, on an urgent expert witness report. So we amuse ourselves for the day, and have a simple (but good) Pizza in the evening.

Sunday. Every one goes to church at 8:00, except me of course. I "do the chores", ie empty the rubbish, make sandwiches for our trip to New Orleans etc. Once they return from church we make the long drive to New Orleans. It is about 6 hours drive, nothing by American standards of course.

The whole distance is on motorway type roads, across a flat landscape of mostly empty countryside. Once we cross the state border into Louisiana, the flatness remains, but much of the road is built on stilts as we cross mile after mile of "wetlands" (ie swamp).

We find our accomodation (The Quarterhouse), no problem, it is very nice and located in the French Quarter, near all of the action.

Monday. Time to explore. New Orleans is a city you can walk around, unlike Houston. The French Quarter is the area for bars and various other dubious establishments.

There are lots of doubtful looking characters wandering around, or loitering on street corners, many of them a bit drunk. But they appear friendly and harmless, so we do not feel intimidated at all.

It is certainly all happening in this area, next door to the Quarter House (where we are staying), there is a strip joint called "The Harem". The "girls" take their break standing at the door, with lots of flesh showing, sorry I did not get any photographs, here is a streetcar in Canal Street instead.

In the afternoon, we attended a "Cookery Demonstration". It was hosted by a professional windbag who did hardly any cooking, just lots of talking (about himself), and there was us thinking we were going to get fed on samples for $5 each.

Tuesday. We drive out to the "River Road", to visit "Oak Alley Plantation". Before the Civil War, there were 1,200 Plantations, along the banks of the Mississippi, between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. At that time 2/3 of the millionaires in the USA lived along this road.

The oak trees which are one of the main features, were planted in the 1700's by an unknown French settler. He must have had grand plans to have planted such a set of magnificent trees. But the trees outlasted him and did not come into thier own until the land was bought in 1839 by Jacques Telesphore.

The Owners house is still pretty much intact, although the family who owned it have long since gone. The story is that the husband died and the wife was so used to spending money like water, she went bankrupt and lost everything.

The wealth was built on Sugar Cane, and the sweat of the slaves of course.

There is a plaque listing the names of the slaves, and how much they cost to buy. On reading the plaque, I was surprised at how much had been paid for each slave. Healthly male slaves were approximately $1000 dollars. Later however when doing the house "tour", we were told that the family spent $3000 dollars a week on ice (transported from the north, this was before refrigeration), so that puts a slightly different spin on it.

Although the main house is well preserved, nothing remains of the cabins where the poor slaves lived.

Myself and Kathleen cannot resist trying a "Mint Julep", very nice too.

In the evening, we baby sit whilst Gary and Susana go out and have a meal, I think this is the first time Gabriel has been left behind, for anything but the briefest time, but he survives the experience without mishap.

Wednesday. We decide to walk to Louis Armstrong Park. But when I visit reception to ask for a city map, we are warned off by the receptionist, who tells me it is not safe to go there. True to form, I ignore this advice and go anyway, but the park is closed!, so we do not get to discover if it is safe or not.

We wander back into the French Quarter and find a cafe for coffee and (French) donuts. We are serenaded by a jazz combo.

We then wander through Jackson Park, in the direction of the Cathederal.

Gary and Susana leave Gabriel with us, whilst they go shopping. This is becoming a habit, we have graduated to be trusted babysitters! how wonderful.

As we are about to leave the Cathederal, a thunderstorm starts. We are forced to wait in the Cathederal for 40 minutes sheltering from the rain. When it reduces from a torrent to just a downpour, we make a dash for it. Gabriel is nice and dry in his "stroller" with the rain cover on, and we dodge from balcony to balcony trying to keep dry, as we head back to the Quarter House in time for his midday feed.

In the evening we stroll by the river, and see the steamboat "Natchez" setting off on an evening cruise.

Gary and Susana take Gabriel back since it is past his bedtime, we stop of in a lively pub, where the price of every drink (ie Beer, Gin, whatever) seems to be $2.50.

Thursday. We take the streetcar (Tram) to the "Garden District". The ride in the streetcar is fun. There is a group of four Americans who are staying at the Quarter House, they recognise us (well, they recognise Gabriel) and like all of the Americans we have met so far are very pleasant and friendly.

Having bought $5 day passes, our plan is to ride to the end of the line and walk back, hopping on the streetcar when we feel tired or hot and riding some of the way.

We walk past a big area of grassland, where some kind of birds are feeding, do not have a clue what they are.

We stop off at a Mexican Restaurant for lunch.

The waitress speaks to us in Spanish, but it turns out she is Columbian, rather than Mexican, so not very authentic, but quite palatable.

The Garden District is a residential area, with a beautiful park, and some very impressive housing.

Not sure just how rich you have to be to live in this part of town.

We hop back on the Streetcar and continue of journey back toward the French Quarter.

The Streetcar breaks down!, we have to continue on a bus. There is someone on hand to organise that we all get on the bus, and continue on our way.

When we get back to Canal Street we are still in the mood for adventure, so we hop on another Streetcar, this one is airconditioned and takes us to the Cementry District.

Sounds a bit morbid I know, but it is impressive, like all things American it is enormous.

In the evening Kathleen and I, eat out by ourselves. We wander along Bourbon Street, THE place for drinking. The street is lined with bars, all offering 3 drinks for the price of one. The places which are not bars are strip joints, with the girls standing in the doorway trying to attract customers. From what we could see, they were atrracting alot of attntion, but not many people were actually going in.

We wander into more civilized parts, looking for somewhere to eat, and meet an American lady who is also staying at the Quarter House. She recommended a restaurant called "Irene's". From the outside it is a nondescript building, but inside it is very nice, and the food is very good.

The have a "motto" on the wall, which I thought was quite amusing:

If you are grouchy, irritable or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge, for putting up with you.

Friday. Gary and Susana go on a paddle steamer trip on the Mississippi, followed by a meal, so we have our longest babysitting session so far. We have him for most of the day, but he manages us wonderfully.

In the evening, Kathleen does something which is very, very rare for her, and elects to have a meal at Macdonalds. Having drunk an American size coke, Kathleen cannot sleep that night since she is overdosed on Caffiene. Need I say more.

Saturday. The long drive back to Houston, takes up most of the day, and gives Kathleen a chance to dwell on the comming flight home tomorrow. Flying is not her favourite pastime.

Sunday. Gary, Susana and Gabriel are returning to the UK to live, shortly. They have lots of possessions to move, so we undertake to carry some bags for them. We set off for the airport with our own two suitcases, plus a further two of theirs and a bag of diving equipment. The baggae trolley is so full I can barely see over the top of it. Needless to say we have exceeded our baggage allowance, and it costs an additional $200.

We bid our farewells to Gary, Susana and Gabriel.

The flight to London Heathrow is uneventful, just as you would wish.

Monday. We arrive at Heathrow, 40 minutes ahead of schedule. From there on, nothing goes right. The airport is so busy we have to circle for 20 minutes, before we land. There are no "piers" available, so we are parked on the tarmac and must wait for a bus, which fails to turn up for a nearly half an hour.

Eventually we get into the terminal, where there are enormous queues to go through security.

By the time we emerge from the security process, it is 9:15, 2 hours since we landed, and te information board shows our Newcastle flight is delayed by 45 minutes, now 10:45, rather than 10:00.

We buy a newspaper, retire to a cafe, and have a bacon sandwich, before heading for the Newcastle flight.

We finally arrive at Newcastle, where our mountain of bags are waiting for us. Thankfully, Dana has come in the car to collect us. Despite my surface confidence at moving this mountain of bags single handed, I was not really looking foward to it.

Amazingly, Dana's trusty Nissan Note, takes the bags, and ourselves in it's stride, and we are soon home.

Free Enterprise

2010-09-07T19:00:00.000+01:00

Saturday 21/08/2010 Before Flying to Houston

2010-08-21T19:08:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow we fly to Houston (Texas) to see Gary, Susana and new arrival Gabriel.

Really looking forward to it, excluding the airport bits, which no sane person can enjoy surely.

So far we have photographs and videos, courtesy of Facebook, to tell us what he looks like, so soon we will be able to see the real thing!

I was banished from the packing, on the basis that only women can fold clothes (quite a good ruse don't you think), and amused myself surfing the web to come up with these adverts.

They should make men feel totally inadequate, maybe someone should start a movement to ban them, since everything else is up for banning.

Watch and smile!

August 6th 2010 - August 8th 2010

2010-08-08T14:48:00.000+01:00

Cycling today (Thursday), quite a turn out, did not count them all, but it must have been 15 or so. Much more than our usual meagre 3 or 4. Will their enthusiasm survive the winter I wonder?

Friday, and the garden waste bin is emptied, which means I can resume cutting the hedges in the garden. Soon I have (re)filled two "wheelie" bins with cuttings (our own and Helen's next door).

Grey Horse on Friday night, this is back in the usual rythm.

Saturday, continue cutting hedges, now have to resort to filling plastic bags with the cuttings, at least the dozens of charity bags which are pushed through the door each week are comming in useful for something!

Sunday, the energetic mood continues, Kathleen and I do a 20 mile cycle ride, first via Monkton, to St Pauls at Tyne Dock, then to South Shields ferry landing and along the coast to Whitburn. Have the obligatory coffee at Whitburn, then home via Cleadon Village and East Boldon.

A quick shower, and then off to the Customs House for Sunday Lunch.

What a life, why did I waste so much of my life being a wage slave?

Necessity I suppose, oh to have been born rich.

All I have to do now is to get back into the habit of taking the camera with me and we can have some pictures.

2nd August 2010

2010-08-02T20:19:00.000+01:00

I have been too busy (well too idle to be honest), to write anything myself,

Stumbled across a blog called a Very British Dude, it has some class comments, if you just ignore the bad language, including this classic eight problems which do not need solving.

Another bit of classic comment from him:

"but everybody and his dog knows the ISI fund and support the Taliban. This is because they’re worried of the Indian hoards doing a Von Schlieffen through Afghanistan. What this supposed Intelligence Service fails to point out is why the Indians would want to take over this rather benighted country in the first place. Are the Indians short of a decent offside spinner and willing to invade another country to get one? Because with the best will in the world, India wouldn’t be invading Pakistan for more modern industry, infrastructure and education system.

The irony is in the attempt to strengthen Pakistan by playing both sides, their support of the Taliban weakens their own country by radicalising people into sending their kids to Madrassas rather than computer school. Kids who consider 72 Virgins by blowing up a Afghan Police Checkpoint a valid career option. Oh and the side benefit is that they regularly blow up parts of their own country as well. This will not bring in the business, entrepreneurship or the skills necessary to compete with India. Why is David Cameron not visiting you? Because unlike India we’ve nothing to trade with you, you offer nothing except truck drivers to move our 24Hour Rat Packs to Helmand. The ISI is dooming its country to be a nation that produces nothing more than the odd decent batsman and 174 Million rug makers. Why is an Intelligence Organisation too stupid to realise this."

and some more:

"The Tories may not be a party of the poor, but as Thatcher's record of the greatest transfer of wealth and power from state to low-income individuals through council house sales, and Iain Duncan-Smith's well thought out and consistent policies on Tax n' Benefits show, we do try to be a party FOR the poor. Labour's record in office is one of stagnating social mobility BECAUSE of their emphasis on redistribution and lack of concern for the incentives they build into the system. Their egalitarian education policies removed a ladder for bright kids from poor backgrounds, either Grammar schools or assisted places, because of spite and dogma rather than a view to what works. Thier opposition to the Tory Free Schools is based on ludicrous and dogmatic ideas of a one-size-fits all policy dictated to the classroom all the way from westminster. They cannot see that in order to raise standards, the tight grip of (whatever the department for education is called this week's proxies: The) Local Education Authorities, needs to relax and parents need to be the ones setting teacher's priorities."

July 29th 2010 - July 30th 2010

2010-07-30T18:47:00.000+01:00

Thursday, for the first time since returning from our Campervan trip, I get back into the routine of attending the group cycling session.

It is exceptionally well attended, in fact I think it is the biggest group I have seen in over four years. A couple of the familiar faces, and lots of new faces.

After several weeks without rain, it rains, typical isn't it?

In the evening, we go to a new (to us anyway) restaurant in Whitburn. It is above the Jolly Sailor pub (Mama Mia, so as you may guess it is an Italian theme). It is clearly the trend for pubs to be converting part of their premises into Restaurants, another result of the smoking ban I would suspect.

Anyway, food was good, but it lacks that elusive quality "atmosphere", it still feels like you are sitting in a pub (which of course you are), not a place for couples in my opinion. The staff are clearly trying very hard, but sadly I do not think we will be regular customers.

We have tried another one of these "conversions", in West Boldon, it does not work very well there either.

A couple of days ago, Kathleen bought a cake tin, with the intention of making (I believe), a German Apple Cake. This is part of a trend which started when we were away in the campervan, and a new found enthusiasm for cooking emerged.

I am not complaining, it just that it has taken about 24 years for this to happen.

Today I notice, the cake tin is still lying on the work-top, in the carrier bag it was brought home in. At this rate of progress, it will take another 24 years, and I am not sure I have that long.

July 28th 2010

2010-07-28T19:21:00.000+01:00

My thought for today is not original, it came from a Libertarian website.

"If you want human rights, break a law. You don't get them otherwise."

But unfortunately, this is where we are heading if we (or the law) do not get a grip.

In the interests of World Peace and Tolerance

2010-07-27T16:09:00.000+01:00

A man who tells it like it is:

An Interesting view of the World?

2010-07-26T19:28:00.000+01:00

This guy has an interesting view on why it is all going wrong!

Americanised, but equally applicable here in UK.

July 21st - July 22nd 2010

2010-07-22T20:15:00.000+01:00

During our recent Campervan trip to Germany, we became aware of a little known (to us Brits), German tradition of watching a short British comedy sketch every New Years Eve.

The sketch is called "Dinner for One".

According to Wikipedia (so it must be true), the original was written by British author Lauri Wylie, and in the 1960's version starred Freddie Frinton and May Warden, as James (the servant) and Lady Sophie.

Quite why this particular sketch has such a cult following, we could not figure out, but the catch phrase "same procedure as last year, same procedure as every year", seemed to be known to every German we met.

See it below, see if you can figure out why they love it:

See Wikipedia information and there is even a BBC explanation.

July 11th - July 20th 2010

2010-07-21T14:12:00.001+01:00

Back home again after 13 weeks roaming Europe in the Campervan.

It always take a while to settle back into the swing of things, not least because there are 13 weeks of mail to go through, 13 weeks of jobs in the garden to catch up with, plus things like taking the car to be serviced, taking the campervan to be serviced and MOT'd, and so on and so on...

The net result is, I have not been keeping either the Campervan blog, or this one uptodate. Ten days have slipped by.

Have you noticed, if you use "I have not had time" as an excuse, and then someone asks you "so what have you been doing", you cannot answer?

I will have to skip whole days, since I cannot recall anything to report.

The weather has been poor, or to be more precise the weather forcaste has been poor. Day after day it has been forecast to rain, causing you to hesitate to plan anything outdoors, but the rain has not materialised. Until last night that is when we had a real downpour.

Friday last, Kathleen was back into the routine of looking after Daniel for the day. But a double booking with Emily's hospital appointment caused a problem. I came to the rescue and took him to the Marine Park for most of the day. He was rather timid at first, but by the end of the session he was comming down the banana slide headfirst, so no real problem there.

This used to be a favourite venue when my children were small, it has not changed much, even although some 30 years have passed. It has been refurbished in that time of course, but the council have done a good job and kept it very much as it was. If it is not broken, why fix it?

What was a big disappointment were the chips at Coleman's Fish and Chip shop in Ocean Road. These used to be magnificent as I recall, but on Friday they were the usual anaemic excuse for chips you get everywhere else these days. I blame all of this healthy vegetable oil and so on, bring back beef dripping, or whatever it was we used to fry chips in!

Wednesday, I shake myself into action to go cycling, despite the fact I have a summer cold.

I do one of my regular routes, first to Whitburn, then along the coast to South Shields, past the ferry, to Tyne Dock, then back to Boldon via the old Sunderland / South Shields railway track, now a footpath/cycle track.

If you know it, you can see the coast changes very little, true Marsden Rock has crashed into the sea due to erosion, but otherwise, things are pretty much as they always were.

As I came through Colliery Wood (Boldon Colliery), on the way back, I actually saw a fox, I was too slow to get a picture I am afraid.

A few times during the ride, the sky darkened, and it looked as if I may get a soaking, but no, managed to do the whole 19 miles without getting wet.

Tuesday 6th April 2010

2010-04-07T16:50:00.000+01:00

I have been quiet of late, not much to say, I suppose.

Had what is probably my last visit to Martin's allotment today, prior to our three month escape to the sunshine and warmth (we hope). About two thirds is now "turned over", and I have taken careful measurements of how much remains to be done, so that I can check he has been digging and not talking in my absence.

It all looks like we know what we are doing, amazingly, although there is still no sign of anything growing except weeds.

A bit late for 1st April, but still funny (if you are not paying for it!)

Make sure you have taken your blood pressure pills before following this link, to where your money goes.

Low Flying Exploits

Sunday 21st March 2010

2010-03-21T20:48:00.002Z

St Clare's Hospice Sponsored Walk

Kathleen, Maria and Joan have agreed to do a ten mile sponsored walk in aid of St Clare's Hospice.

The walk is to begin at the Robin Hood Pub, (Primrose Hill, Jarrow) where we all meet bright and early at 09:45am, it is dry and the sun is promising to shine.

After collecting their "walking pack" (safety guidance, route directions, water, chocolate bar), Kathleen reorganises the content of her "walking pack" into her back pack. The safety guidance and route directions are discarded, McCaffery's know best. The chocolate bar she keeps in order to stop me from eating it.

The immediate concern is who they might know among the crowd of people gathered outside the pub, ready to begin the walk.

Kathleen immediately spots a work colleague (Sharon) from some 15 years or so ago. A gossip session begins, to catch up on the events of the past 15 years. First introductions are made to Joan and Maria. Joan soon forgets Sharon's name and needs to be reminded, easily done, but I cannot resist acting out the advert which seems to be on the radio every five minutes at the present "Hello, I am Joan and I sometimes forget things and get confused. Be patient with me, I have dementia, but I also have a life", so we are patient with her.

The Marshals begin attempting to organise the group and eventually get them started at about 10:20. I am not part of the walk, so I limit myself to driving to various points along the route and taking photographs.

They cross the road, and go through the bridge under the A194, up the hill, into Hedworth Lane, turn left into Kirkstone Avenue and continue to the footbridge over the A19.

Turn right and follow the footpath parallel to the A19, going under the railway bridge and then turn immediately left to follow the path parallel to the railway line and behind the houses, on the edge of Cotswolds Estate, onto Station Road.

Cross the road and go through a metal kissing gate, follow the tarmac path which follows the stream. Pass the first footbridge (which leads to Brockley Whins Metro Station), and cross the stream at the second footbridge, turn immediately right up the slope and go along the grass path. Follow the path round to the left until the trees end, cross over on to the next path, and into Colliery Wood.

Take the path on the left, follow this along until it curves round onto a wooden boardwalk over a ditch Follow the track alongside the school playing fields to New Road. Cross New Road to Boldon Community Centre. It is necessary to stop here and do a name check because there was so much talking and so little attention paid to the Marshals at the start of the walk, the head count is a bit uncertain (sound familiar?). The Community Centre has "facilities" as well of course and this is an opportunity for the pensioners on the walk, and those who have not had a little "nip and tuck" in that department, to make a quick toilet stop.

After the community centre they return to New Road, turn right toward Cleadon, past the traffic lights.

Turn left at the mini roundabout, into Benton Road, and follow the footpath, over the railway crossing. Continue after the railway crossing, and take the first turn on the right at the beginning of the houses. The clouds have cleared and the sun is shining on the righteous, so coats have been unbuttoned.

Continue to the junction with another footpath, and turn left. Everyone is into it by now, and all kinds of little conversations are in full flow. The group is predominantly women, so they are busily swapping full life histories and medical details, with total strangers, as only women can. There are a few men in the group, one of them says he has only been walking for 2 years, since he is middle aged, we conclude he must be a late developer. He may have started late, but he is enthusiastic and is booked on a walking holiday which will take him up Everest, in the Himalayas. Joan is confused with this and we cannot understand why until she explains that she thought Everest and Kilimanjaro were just two different names for thesame place. We correct her Geography and all is clear. It is after all an easy mistake to make, they are only in different continents, Africa, Asia same difference. Remember the advert, be patient with her.

They continue along this straight and level path (the route of the old Sunderland - South Shields railway line), past such high lights as the "Whiteleas Club", under the John Ried Road, until Green Lane is reached. The effort is beginning to show now, still looking like three sprightly young girls, but coats and hats are off.

Here they turn left and walk along Green Lane, up and over a railway bridge, passing "The Bridge" pub, and into Wenlock Road. Along Wenlock Road, past Simonside Metro Station to Newcastle Road. Left into Newcastle Road and head toward Tesco, but no shopping today ladies. More old friendships are rekindled when Kathleen recognises an old neighbour from her time living at Hill Park. At the traffic lights, turn right, crossing the road, into Shaftsbury Avenue. Follow the road and then turn right into Monksway, under the Metro bridge and past the Barbour Factory, now turn left into Bedesway. Follow this to Jarrow Road. At the traffic lights, cross the road and head toward Bede's World.

A bit of artistic licence from me, I take a quick shot of St Paul's Church (of Venerable Bede fame) while I am waiting for them to appear. This is now a C of E church, but as Dana once pointed out to me, it must once have been a Catholic Church, before Henry VIII stole it from them.

Follow the road to Church Bank, now take the tarmac path alongside the bus stop, opposite St Paul's Church.

Even more layers of clothing have been shed, this might get interesting.

Follow the path to the large mosaic incorporated in the tarmac, then follow the river and under the dual carriageway until the A19 is reached.

Turn left, under the Metro bridge, then turn left and first right to follow the path under the A19. Continue along the path, with Jarrow Cemetery on your left, until you reach Cemetery Road.

Cross the road, turn right, and then left to follow a tarmac path which follows the river, to a footbridge, turn left over the footbridge. Continue to the next footbridge, cross the bridge and follow the river past Primrose Nature Reserve.

The end is comfortably in sight now and they are sticking together as a team.

But in the final analysis, the sisterly bond breaks down and Maria cannot resist making a final sprint, to finish ahead of the pack, and be first into the toilet at the "Robin Hood".

We retire to the pub, where the manager has kindly provided complementary pie and peas for all. We buy some drinks and eat our pie and peas at the outside tables in the sunshine. They have been with this group for over three hours now, but still they are spotting long forgotten acquaintances, including "Mrs Black", one time teacher of Dana.

A good time was had by all.

Later in the day, everyone collects at Albert's house, as is their habit on a Sunday evening. Dana provides superb cakes. Nothing gluten free for Phil however, so he must content himslef with eating the icing only. Joan, Maria and Kathleen break into song with "100 miles, 100 miles". A slight exaggeration, but as they extract their sponsor money from the willing donors, they have raised several hundred pounds for St Clare's Hospice, so, very well done.

Election Poster

Tuesday 16th March 2010

2010-03-16T14:09:00.002Z

A very mild day at 10C, but cloudy.

The milder weather is clearly bringing the allotment holders out, today the place was a hive of activity with bonefires and rotovators going all over the place.

I renewed the fight against the brambles.

Yesterday I was beginning to think I would never get through the tangle of thorny stems, but today, refreshed, I eventually got the better of them! I should have had a before photograph, but as you can see here, the fence is repaired and not a blackberry bush in sight.

I have even cleared all of the rubbish from behind the shed, there was a mini mountain of rubbish and some old window frames in among the undergrowth. The fence is re-erected. We are running a bit short on decent wooden planks now. I have utilised some of the large black plastic "things" which were being used to cover the ground to suppress the weeds. Since we are progressing steadily with the "turning over", there is no longer a need for so many covering sheets.

There is still a bit of clearing up to do, and a bit more clearing of brambles to prevent them from just growing back again. But after yesterdays defeatist thoughts I feel like I am winning.

Monday 15th March 2010

2010-03-15T19:32:00.001Z

Started to repair the fence and cut down brambles around the remnants of the greenhouse. To call it a greenhouse is somewhat misleading, it is an aluminium frame with a few panes of glass remaining. It is also almost totally overgrown with brambles.

I should really have taken a "before" photograph.

Armed with a pair of secateurs I attacked the brambles with enthusiasm. Despite removing enough to make two heaps at least a meter high, it is still an overgrown jungle. I think I have underestimated the size of this task.

More complements from passing fellow allotment holders, on our progress, so this bouys up the spirits.

The following video (I am told) lasts for three hours! I have not watched it all myself yet, but I am told it provides an idiots guide to Economics. So if there is nothing on TV, it may amuse and even educate.

Saturday / Sunday 13th/14th March 2010

2010-03-15T19:25:00.006Z

Joined Martin at the allotment in the morning. His carrot trap has not been triggered, so it would seem that his wire fence is "fit for purpose" as they say.

Completed repairing the fence seperating "our" allotment from the one next door, and started more tidying up of rubbish in the vicinity of the shed.

We have our first plants. Our neighbour, Tony, gave us some tiny Brussel Sprout plants which are ready for "potting on", isn't that a technical term for a beginner!

Sunday was Mother's Day. Martin did the honours of cooking Sunday Lunch for all of the mothers, ie Kathleen, Dana, Claire and Phillippa.

Just in case you are in any doubt as to where your taxes go, there is some swearing (understandably in my opinion), so beware.

If, like me, you listen to Commercial Radio Stations and are amazed at how many of the advertisements are Government funded, here is a little spoof for you, only one swear word!