Diary of a father
2016
December Nov« »Next year
It comes upon us like a thunderball and all too soon we have only a few days to buy those last few important presents. Been a quiet one this year as my leave has been oversahdowed by the need to complete some coursework for early January.
Early December
A week away at University for module seven of eight. Culminating in a day long exercise so back home early Saturday. Not a good time to be away from home or work; there are preparations to get underway. And this year that included some painting so we will have to cope with an eighty percent job.
The 25th
What is family life without the traditions and the thing about tradition is keeping them. Some require a little effort but the joy is in the repeating. There is an excellent article on tradition over at the art of manliness website.
First up - to the socks! What would Christmas morning be without that chocolate orange or those peanuts and satsumas? Then to the tree and the big ones! Before finally settling down to some background TV and enjoying the new stuff. And later, maybe after the Queen, the stuffing...
A bounty of vegetable but more importantly some excellent food, a little champagne and a good cracker joke. Well maybe just a usual Christmas pun or two and the company of family.
"Merry Christmas to one and all".
Christmas dinner - cheers!
November Oct« »Next month
A month that brought some real freezing temperatures. Some locals have recorded temperatures down to -11oC at month end.
Saturday 5th
Another excuse for a meal out and we went down one of the valleys to The Pavillon for a very pleasant little Indian Restaurant. We like to spread our love around!
Saturday 12th
Yesterday the plasterer came to address our little issues following the water leak. And we also have some new lino. Next the decorating, when the plaster has dried, so a brief respite for now. The autumn bugs knock us down a bit and I for one do little useful this weekend.
Saturday 19th
The things you suffer for the love of football and ticking off another ground - Stoke City. Not a place someone with loved ones who support the Vale one should be seen but it had to be done - enough said. Okay, I will say it isn't the worst ground in the Premier League.
Monday 21st
Back at college for a module giving me an introduction to the Law. As usual it had some new and interesting little gems amongst the obvious and mundane.
Sunday 27th
After a good karate session the afternoon brought some more painting. We now have no visible plaster which is nice; of course the decorating is far from done. It will be ready for Christmas - so I'm told (I have my instructions).
October Sep« »Next month
A month of extremely strong winds and, a little sun and rain.
Sunday 4th
The apples this year are bounteous. This year I was determined not to let so many spoil. I picked out about a dozen of the best for straight eating and froze maybe a couple of dozen. Three dozen have gone to a work colleague for cider making maybe more scrumpy. None from the cooking apple tree though. Must check the blue berries - keep forgetting.
Wednesday 19th
We visited our local Indian which wasn't on top form but the food was fine just not fantastic. We were there to celebrate a birthday and had been joined early in the week by Claire so it was a lovely occasion. A nice walk back through the park afterwards. An all round nice affair.
Saturday 29th
A whole two and a half hours on Kata and Kumite - wowser. Our local council has us onto a new waste/recycling regime. They are now collecting food waste and less general waste - not a bad thing me thinks. I think I missed the blue berries.
Sunday 30th
On the way back from karate I came across a council van parked on the pavement, double yellow lines and a dangerous bend. - no concern for the poor pedestrian forced to walk either in the busy road or on someone's lawn. Of course the driver is just sat in the cab, oblivious, and engine running. To better things, it was Blue Belt month where we did our bit to raise money for and support mental health awareness. So I have a lovely bright blue belt to add to the others and a change from the brown I have been sporting for a couple of years.
Oh good, the poppadoms are here!
September Aug« »Next month
A month of sun, rain and wind as folk return to study.
Sunday 18th
Never get your blending and mashing mixed up when it comes to potato - still I do love my wife's sunday dinners. Training was sweaty this morning but it is amazing what you can still learn when you are just doing the basics - nice.
Tuesday 20th
Sadness - a work colleague loses his life on the roads. Added to a cough I'm struggling to get rid of it makes for little productive effort against my job list. The dehumidifier is still chugging away in the utility room and we await with bated breath over any sign of a plasterer. I may have to give it a go myself.
Saturday 24th
After a couple of days off work I finally start to feel near normal while the other man of the house also suffers with the cough going around. Illness is such a time waster.
Washington DC, Pennsylvania, Niagra and New York
Washington DC
Day 1 - Arrival
Our first introduction to the US this time around was the usual line at passport control. Once through that we picked up a cab and the shelter of air conditioning again. The journey to our hotel was long but we were in no rush. The hotel room gave us an excellent view of the Washington skyline. We needed food so after some unpacking we walked across the road to the golden arches and burgered up. The hungry one among us was not impressed and vowed not to eat at the place again - at least while we were still in the States.
Early morning on Capitol Hill
Day 2 - Tourists are Us
Our first full day and we headed, via the bus laid on by the hotel, to the centre of town and the Hill. We visited a couple of museums. First we wandered around the Museum of the American Indian. A great looking modern building and we had to go through a security check (it would be a feature of all subsequent museum visits). After we enjoyed a couple of the several floors we tried the food but again it didn't excite. It is themed to match the museum and not to our taste. We did some shopping before we left and walked on to the next museum, next door.
The Air and Space museum. It holds a lot of big exhibits and after taking in the interesting ones we grabbed a little cool refreshment before leaving and walking back to the hotel. I knew the way having got up at the usual UK time and wandered over to the memorial in the early hours - local time. On my return journey the sunset was beautiful and the city was becoming slightly busy as the city workers arrived. Later we walked up to the central station in time to pick up our car rental. Then the excitement of driving through unfamiliar streets in a unfamiliar car on the wrong side of the road following the satnav.
Day 3 - Hershey Excitement
Next day I drove us up to visit friends and then onto Hershey Park. Again we followed the specially hired sat nav which faithfully guided us out of town and onto our first American traffic jam (not its fault). We got to their house in one piece with only the odd bit of excitement as its instructions were executed. The young folk and one parent did the rides while I wandered around the shop, fake factory tour and then up to the gardens, including a lovely butterfly house.
Day 4 - Small Town America
The oldies dropped in on York Town. Meanwhile the youths entertained themselves and visited a local studio. After dropping the rental back at central station we again ate at the diner there - fabulous!
Day 5 - More museums
More museums and memorials with the friends as they had come down to join us and we all acted like tourists again. We walked down to the Lincoln, via the Washington and back to the Museum of Art. Then up to the station to wave our friends off we before we lined up and then took a red taxi through streets and roads, now feeling somewhat familiar.
Day 6 - Safeway
Rain, it actually rained briefly. We walked down to a local shop sheltering in a library on route. It was a nice library with helpful staff and busy, especially for a Saturday. So not a restaurant that day, instead we shopped for food and no cheese was involved. David however got his lunch from the Subway. The street where our hotel resided homed five churches we noted; not unusual we were told.
Day 7 - Big Bus
One final day in the capital to enjoy the sights of DC by big bus. It was hot yet again so we did little walking preferring to let the bus take the strain. Later we walked up to the station to prep us for the next journey and dined on pizzas. And one last visit to the Haagen-Daas stall before we took a taxi back.
New York City, New York State
Some Tall Things in New York
Day 8 - September 1st, Big Train
Amtrak to The Big Apple was not bad. The station at DC is a lovely on old building but the train itself was no beauty and nearly half an hour late leaving. We found seats easy enough, they are big seats by our standards. I am disappointed that for much of the journey you can see little more than trees and embankment. Still a nice enough way to travel and less hanging around even with the delay than flying. Our hotel provided a view of the Novotel behind us and a 24 hour local shop but it was close to Time Square. We wandered down to see its bright lights.
Day 9 - September 2nd, Modern Art - is it art?
The Rockefeller concourse is the height of some ambitions, I kept my feet firmly on solid ground while others headed for the Top of the Rock. All down on the ground and we explored some more. We walked past a Lego store and decided to pop in, old habits die hard. We didn't buy anything then walked on to the Museum of Modern Art. We had a early start next day so we cut it short.
Day 10 - September 3rd, Mostly Canadian Niagra
We were picked up from the hotel and after a quick plane trip picked up again for our day in Niagra. We were taken around Niagra Falls, both Canadian and American sides, by a guide in our very own bus. Mostly we were in Canada, they have more to entertain. Lunch was buffet high up in a hotel over looking the falls, a scene for which the word spectacular is fitting. We took pictures from all angles and from the boat, up close and personal, great fun though it was always either damp or hot.
A Curious Incident
Day 11 - September 4th, A Curious Incident on Broadway
We ate in a deli up the avenue. After the long day before we were having a quiet day but later Broadway would show us some fine entertainment. We started with a play. We stood in line in Times Square ticket office. Some folk were managing the queues so we got to front quite efficiently.
The play was great; some interesting attempts at an english accent. The scenery was inventive. The walls hid no end of stuff, from prompts to stairs. The lead actor was excellent.
Day 12 - September 5th, Go Big Bus, Go North!
First stop the Natural History Museum and dinosaurs. To those used to the London equivalent this isn't bad and the dinosaurs are quite impressive. Back on the Big Bus and then we dropped into Guggenheim museum. A more interesting building than the exhibits it housed but I guess it was the luck of draw.
Day 13 - September 6th, Go Big Bus, Go South!
Prelude to Something Great
Heading south we drove through Little Italy before reaching the boat and over to the statue and Ellis Island. There we visited the Immigration Museum - a more sober affair. We got a really good view of the panorama of the New York skyline from the boat. Heading back up the streets we past some infamous piers and the raised railway line now converted to a garden walk. Later a musical which has us singing our way through the streets - not at all Something Rotten.
Day 14 - September 7th, Any old flat Iron
We walked down to the Flat Iron building and then searched for somewhere to get some thing to help with E's asthma. Walking back up the avenues we eventually found Central Station and wandered around. David found some little goodies in a shop there.
Day 15 - September 8th, We fly!
Leaving our baggage at the hotel we walked a couple of blocks up towards the park, stopping to get a nice pancake for breakfast. Central Park was busy as we wandered around. Must be said we were not impressed by Strawberry Fields, underwhelming. Coming out on the east side we wandered down Madison Avenue, window shopping the many fine goods but not quite a fit for our purses.
Reflections
Food - You seem to get cheese with everything and healthy eating is a challenge. The heat meant we were forever carrying water around. Plenty to do and see but glad to be back to a decent cuppa!
Being central in both cities made walking a decent way to get around and meant we could go out and quickly find something interesting. The temperatures in the thirties, celsius, did have us in a taxi a few times in Washington. The tallness and the frequency of buildings in New York provided easy enough shelter.
August Jul« »Next month
The Hunterian Museum - who knew people collected so many medical specimens so long ago. We started our day in Lincoln Fields with nice food in the gardens before heading into see the various bodily exhibits. Interesting view of the history of medical progress through examination of dead bodies but I think once is enough.
The Cartoon Museum was a smaller, more cosy affair and we wished for more. A fun little place.
Unfortunately the great British railway lets us down a bit by cancelling our return train so we have another evening wait on route and a packed two coach journey up to home.
We celebrate a family occasion by visiting our favourite local Indian Restaurant via a walk into town.
London Cartoon Museum
July Jun« »Next month
Saturday 2nd
School Speech day but the bad weather got in the way of the usual picnic.
Friday 22nd
The last minute preparations start in earnest for the trip - excited!
June May« »Next month
Saturday 4th
The adults have colds - summer huh! Yesterday I raided the local shops to purchase some classic films. I didn't find all I wanted but managed to come back with five top rated sci-fi films from 50p. We did Blade Runner the other day (VHS copy) and I have to say it looked very dated and quite slow. I suspect I only remember the best bits and blank out the other stuff but it still has its moments. Last night the men watched Dr Strangelove which actually seems to have lasted better.
Monday 12th
Yesterday was all about reaching 1st Kyu - enough said; (it was a tiring day).
Sunday 26th
The football reaches the knockout phase and so far only one penalty shoot out. It is nice of them to give us an hour to get some food down us before the last match. Unfortunately to rain got in the way of mowing the lawns but the wild flower garden is looking very colourful now. We are hoping for dryish weather as the little man is away on camp.
May April« »Next month
Monday 2nd
Wedding day for cousin Cheryl - lovely day in Branston! It rained a bit but who noticed? The roads were fine for a bank holiday excepting the miles of roadworks - lacking any workers of course.
The young man had to revise History on the way back; exams tomorrow. We did manage to sneak in a visit to the Happy Chef in Stapenhill because he needs extra feeding - growing lad. And fish is brain food isn't it?
Our neighbour will be happy when he hears the Spurs result - well done Leicester City.
Sunday 10th
Nearly but not quite - another attempt at 1st Kyu. To quote Gloria Pitzer - About the only thing that comes to us without effort is old age.
Thursday 19th
So, disappointed for a second time this season. Oh well, two finals, two defeats but still two finals! Three if I include our local heroes - getting better each season but couldn't do it on the day.
My back ache (done - I don't know how) has still not gone. A few days left before I submit the last essay this year. To quote the Undertones - Here comes Summer! - well in theory, in practice the weather has turned autumnal again.
Sunday 31st
Picnic time is back! And yesterday we enjoyed a Space Spectacular at the Royal Albert Hall and a pleasant Italian there too - nice.
Musical Magic
April March« »Next month
Friday 1st
A good Friday - Martian is a hit with the men though potatoes may have lost some appeal. Nice to catch-up on the cinema goodies.
Saturday 2nd
London anyone? Okay let's go. We just make the early train; by that I mean the first after nine o'clock. Stop number one is to drop into Patisse Valerie for a drink and to make arrangements. Then a quick stroll down to Oxford Street in the sun before we shopped until we dropped... into Pizza Hut, for lunch, lovely. I wandered down to Greenwich while they continued before we met up again and came home. A bridge over the dome nice but an equally nice price.
Saturday 16th
Back to London for football and a hurried visit to Asda for another layer of clothing because it is nowhere near as warm as last time. No more Follow the Money what to watch now? I was quite getting into these Nordic dramas.
Sunday 23rd
So Sociology last week - who knew it meant so much talking?
Yesterday was our second awakening... of the forceful kind. We saw stuff on the small screen previously missed on the big one. We both agree it is a decent film and there is more to come, this year too.
Tuesday 26th
Twenty seven years we've had to wait for what for we already knew - an emotional day.
March Feb« »Next month
Saturday 5th
So it is coldish and damp here but no snow - ah! Really bad cold going around colleagues at work and I am just about over it myself. Meanwhile the poor Wife has also been suffering to add to her poorly shoulder and swollen knee. Tiring to say the least. Oh the joys of more life experience! (okay - I mean getting older).
Thursday 10th
The little man is sick now.
Saturday 12th
The grownups walk down the canal to do the food shop, of course accompanied by a pastry and tea, okay the lady has coffee. So we watched the excellent Sherlock Holmes movies in the wrong order but we were late to the party. It still rocked though!
Saturday night with a DVD goodie
Saturday 19th
Another week up north studying. Long days and evenings but nice to see Dad.
February Jan« »Next month
Back from the cold north (frozen pipes and icy roads) to a draining training session; two small injuries but the bugs in the air are more a concern. Meanwhile I have some work to do on my coursework before the deadline.
Saturday 20th
Yeah! coursework in - now I need some sleep.
Saturday 27th
Really bad cold has me having to take some time off work and the current pressure there means I am back there too soon but they pay the bills. I'm coming home and going straight to bed.
The League Cup final - losing on penalties is cruel. I was there when the Reds had to replay at the old Maine Road ground. That was much more acceptable but that maybe down to the result. Souness firing in a sweet winner from the edge of the box.
January 2015« »Next month
Monday 4th
Yeah, more rain and why not says the almighty. We nearly had a frost but 4oC doesn't do it. Back to work and the FA Cup to look forward to. January as one compensation for it's long days (or do I mean nights with so little daylight?).
Thursday 28th
Yeah, penalty joy after our German missed! Wembley - would love to be there but no chance. Even thirty years ago you needed to have been to numerous league matches to get a chance. Hope they put on a decent show. Football is to be enjoyed and Klopp's teams are anything but boring.
Pressies received late but still welcome
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