Had a pretty quiet week recovering from the trip to the US. Julia managed to kick the jet lag into touch after the first evening - took me a little longer.
Generally feeling pretty good - but got a little cold that is making my breathing a little laboured at times.
Packing this morning for our week in Cornwall with Linda, Dave and the boys and Jeff and Pauline - boogie boards on standby.
Unlikely to post another update until next Sunday.
Saturday, 24 October 2009
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Saturday 17th October - Vegas, Philly - home
Early start to get to the airport for a 7:00am flight to Philly.
Lucked out getting the Exit row seats on the US Air flight and had a very uneventful flight.
Tucked into the food and drink in the BA lounge at Philly prior to the flight back to Heathrow.
Business Class was just as good on the way home and the flight to London passed smoothly and quickly.
Lucked out getting the Exit row seats on the US Air flight and had a very uneventful flight.
Tucked into the food and drink in the BA lounge at Philly prior to the flight back to Heathrow.
Business Class was just as good on the way home and the flight to London passed smoothly and quickly.
Friday 16th October - Vegas
A very chilled out day - energy levels very low!
Breakfast in Paris - Julia just had to have another portion of Eggs Benedict!
A little more exploring some of the other hotel/casinos on the strip.
Early night to get up for the 4:30am departure from the hotel for the flight back to Philly.
Breakfast in Paris - Julia just had to have another portion of Eggs Benedict!
A little more exploring some of the other hotel/casinos on the strip.
Early night to get up for the 4:30am departure from the hotel for the flight back to Philly.
Thursday 15th October - Vegas and Arizona
Early-ish start to meet the limo for the trip to the airport. This was another surprise I had booked for Julia and I.
Arrived at Sundance Helicopters on the edge of the main Las Vegas airport via the limo and checked in for our flight to the Grand Canyon. Check involved being weighed to ensure you didn't have to pay for an extra seat!
After the safety briefing we met our pilot Dave and found out that our tour had only 4 passengers instead of the normal 6! This was a real result as it gave us much more space to move around the helicopter and take pictures.
We turned out to be the lead chopper of the 6 or 7 that were taking part in the tour at that time. Dave fired up the engines and we took off smoothly over the airfield. This was our first time in a helicopter and it was fantastic - again thoroughly recommended.
We flew pretty much due east with Julia and I in the front 2 passenger seats for the outbound flight.
Eventually we could see the path of the Colorado River as it left the canyon and we climbed to enter the canyon itself. This tour only took in a few miles of the west end of the canyon but it was enough to get an idea of the scale of it. At its widest the Canyon is 18 miles accross.
The helicopter landed on Native American land within the Canyon - one of the few places in the whole canyon that helicopters can land - and we were served a Champagne lunch by Dave the Pilot/Waiter!
On the return flight Julia and I were in the back of the chopper and we all got a fantastic view of the strip as we flew back into Vegas.
We took it easy for the rest of the day - checking out one of the Venetian Swimming pools.
We had dinner in a sports bar in the Venetian watching the Philadelphia Phillies baseball game.
Arrived at Sundance Helicopters on the edge of the main Las Vegas airport via the limo and checked in for our flight to the Grand Canyon. Check involved being weighed to ensure you didn't have to pay for an extra seat!
After the safety briefing we met our pilot Dave and found out that our tour had only 4 passengers instead of the normal 6! This was a real result as it gave us much more space to move around the helicopter and take pictures.
We turned out to be the lead chopper of the 6 or 7 that were taking part in the tour at that time. Dave fired up the engines and we took off smoothly over the airfield. This was our first time in a helicopter and it was fantastic - again thoroughly recommended.
We flew pretty much due east with Julia and I in the front 2 passenger seats for the outbound flight.
Dave gave a great commentary - supplemented by some recorded information. We flew over Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead and then the Hoover Dam - which is well impressive.
Eventually we could see the path of the Colorado River as it left the canyon and we climbed to enter the canyon itself. This tour only took in a few miles of the west end of the canyon but it was enough to get an idea of the scale of it. At its widest the Canyon is 18 miles accross.
The helicopter landed on Native American land within the Canyon - one of the few places in the whole canyon that helicopters can land - and we were served a Champagne lunch by Dave the Pilot/Waiter!
On the return flight Julia and I were in the back of the chopper and we all got a fantastic view of the strip as we flew back into Vegas.
We took it easy for the rest of the day - checking out one of the Venetian Swimming pools.
We had dinner in a sports bar in the Venetian watching the Philadelphia Phillies baseball game.
Wednesday 14th October - Vegas
Another leisurely start to the day - the adrenaline rush of the first few days was definately starting to wear off.
Breakfast on the Terrace of the French resturant in the Venetian - very nice!
Further exploring of the hotels close by on the strip. Lost another $100 on the Blackjack tables in the Mirage.
Lunch in Postrio in the Venetian under the false sky.
After an afternoon snooze we met up and waited for the 7:00pm Pirate show outside Treasure Island....only to find out that it was cancelled due to high winds........not very brave pirates obviously.
Hopped in a cab to downtown Vegas. We ate in Main Street Station - a bar and micro-brewery - had a couple of pints of a very good Pale Ale. Gary "enjoyed" a couple of Oyster shooters...basically snot and vodka in a glass - yuk!
After leaving Main Street we walked down to Fremont Street. Fremont street is home to some of the iconic casinos from older Hollywood films - like the Pioneer and the 4 Queens. They have also covered the street for about 1/2 mile with a giant TV screen that fires up on the hour with a superb music and light show.
Julia, Suzy and I played Blackjack in Fitzgeralds casino - finishing a respectable $70 ahead between us after about an hours fun.
This part of town is the original Vegas and as far as both Julia and I were concerned probably the best part of the city - much more compact than the Strip and somehow more authentic. It's a must do for anyone who finds themselves in Vegas for the first time. And yes we did buy the T-shirt!
Gary and Suzy had an early flight home in the morning so we said our goodbyes and turned in for the night. I can't thank Gary and Suzy enough for using up many of Gary's Delta miles to meet up with us in Vegas - it was fantastic to spend time with you.
Breakfast on the Terrace of the French resturant in the Venetian - very nice!
Further exploring of the hotels close by on the strip. Lost another $100 on the Blackjack tables in the Mirage.
Lunch in Postrio in the Venetian under the false sky.
After an afternoon snooze we met up and waited for the 7:00pm Pirate show outside Treasure Island....only to find out that it was cancelled due to high winds........not very brave pirates obviously.
Hopped in a cab to downtown Vegas. We ate in Main Street Station - a bar and micro-brewery - had a couple of pints of a very good Pale Ale. Gary "enjoyed" a couple of Oyster shooters...basically snot and vodka in a glass - yuk!
After leaving Main Street we walked down to Fremont Street. Fremont street is home to some of the iconic casinos from older Hollywood films - like the Pioneer and the 4 Queens. They have also covered the street for about 1/2 mile with a giant TV screen that fires up on the hour with a superb music and light show.
Julia, Suzy and I played Blackjack in Fitzgeralds casino - finishing a respectable $70 ahead between us after about an hours fun.
This part of town is the original Vegas and as far as both Julia and I were concerned probably the best part of the city - much more compact than the Strip and somehow more authentic. It's a must do for anyone who finds themselves in Vegas for the first time. And yes we did buy the T-shirt!
Gary and Suzy had an early flight home in the morning so we said our goodbyes and turned in for the night. I can't thank Gary and Suzy enough for using up many of Gary's Delta miles to meet up with us in Vegas - it was fantastic to spend time with you.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Tuesday 13th October - Vegas baby!!
Leisurely start to the morning - set up with Gary & Suzy to find a breakfast venue around 9:45am. Eventually settled for breakfast in Paris - in a patio resturant at the base of the Eiffel Tower (not often you can say that 5000 miles from France).
Unlike the real thing the service was excellent and Julia has a new love......Egg benedict!
After breakfast a walk seemed in order...and boy did we walk! Part of the plan was to explore and part was to find some cheaper Black Jack tables (the tables in the Venetian had a minimum bet of $15 which is a bit rich for my blood). We found some $1 tables in a Westin Hotel - but none of the tables were open - so had to settle for a $5 table in "Terribles" one of the older Vegas Casinos some way off the strip. After the $1000 win of the night before expectations were high. If you've not been to Vegas you may not realise that drinks are free in pretty much all casino's for people who are actually gambling - it is just standard practise to tip the waitress. This meant that the Bud Light I drank in Terribles cost me $101 - $1 for the tip and $100 to the Blackjack dealer.....Julia was not impressed!
We grabbed a taxi to the Hard Rock hotel and had a mexican style lunch. The Hard Rock is also some way off the strip - but a pretty cool hotel/casino.
We got back to the Venetian and prepared for my first pre-planned event of the trip - a vow renewal at a Las Vegas wedding church. Ordinarily I'm probably not seen as a particularly romantic kind of guy (don't really see the point in flowers etc), but this just seemed the right thing to do given the circumstances. Although available I did not go for the Elvis, the Drive thru or the "Walk up" options - just a simple renewal with Gary and Suzy as witnesses.
The first the Julia knew was when we met the white stretch limo outside the Venetian - the "Vegas Wedding" logo was a bit of a give away.
It was a simple ceremony performed by a local pastor and all-in-all a pretty enjoyable experience - no doubt we'll bore everyone senseless with the photos if you come to the house.
Dinner was at an good Sushi resturant on the Caesars Palace shopping complex - followed by some beers and a little gambling - although the long walk of earlier in the day had taken its toll on our energy levels. Vegas can certainly do that to you!
Unlike the real thing the service was excellent and Julia has a new love......Egg benedict!
After breakfast a walk seemed in order...and boy did we walk! Part of the plan was to explore and part was to find some cheaper Black Jack tables (the tables in the Venetian had a minimum bet of $15 which is a bit rich for my blood). We found some $1 tables in a Westin Hotel - but none of the tables were open - so had to settle for a $5 table in "Terribles" one of the older Vegas Casinos some way off the strip. After the $1000 win of the night before expectations were high. If you've not been to Vegas you may not realise that drinks are free in pretty much all casino's for people who are actually gambling - it is just standard practise to tip the waitress. This meant that the Bud Light I drank in Terribles cost me $101 - $1 for the tip and $100 to the Blackjack dealer.....Julia was not impressed!
We grabbed a taxi to the Hard Rock hotel and had a mexican style lunch. The Hard Rock is also some way off the strip - but a pretty cool hotel/casino.
We got back to the Venetian and prepared for my first pre-planned event of the trip - a vow renewal at a Las Vegas wedding church. Ordinarily I'm probably not seen as a particularly romantic kind of guy (don't really see the point in flowers etc), but this just seemed the right thing to do given the circumstances. Although available I did not go for the Elvis, the Drive thru or the "Walk up" options - just a simple renewal with Gary and Suzy as witnesses.
The first the Julia knew was when we met the white stretch limo outside the Venetian - the "Vegas Wedding" logo was a bit of a give away.
It was a simple ceremony performed by a local pastor and all-in-all a pretty enjoyable experience - no doubt we'll bore everyone senseless with the photos if you come to the house.
Dinner was at an good Sushi resturant on the Caesars Palace shopping complex - followed by some beers and a little gambling - although the long walk of earlier in the day had taken its toll on our energy levels. Vegas can certainly do that to you!
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Monday 12th October - Philly & Vegas
Left for Philly airport around 8:30am - helped by the lack of traffic on Columbus day. Feeling a little hung over from the excesses of the day before.
Took a US Airways flight to Vegas, which due to strong headwinds took a full 5.5 hours flight time. Sitting in the back of the plane is way less fun than business class!
Even though the cab from the airport avoided driving down the strip, the sheer scale and outrageous excess of Vegas was clearly visible.
Eventually arrived in our room at the Venetian at around 2:30pm. When I say room I am doing it a huge dis-service - the Venetian is an all suite hotel and this is the biggest room I have ever stayed in. We even had a partial view of the strip.
We did a little exploring prior to meeting up with Gary and Suzy Walz who jetted in from Atlanta especially to meet with Julia and me - thanks guys to was fantastic to spend time with you. Suzy has been fighting her own battle with breast cancer and was looking great.
After drinks and the Rhumbar (part of the Mirage) and dinner in the Grand Cafe we finally decided to do some gambling. Julia put $20 in a "Wheel-of-fortune" (you have to sing it by the way) and after a spin of the wheel won $1000! It's fair to say everyone was delighted. Suzy capped it off with a $150 dollar win so everyone was ahead of the casino that night.
We headed for bed around 1am tired but happy - just as most of Vegas was starting to get going!
Took a US Airways flight to Vegas, which due to strong headwinds took a full 5.5 hours flight time. Sitting in the back of the plane is way less fun than business class!
Even though the cab from the airport avoided driving down the strip, the sheer scale and outrageous excess of Vegas was clearly visible.
Eventually arrived in our room at the Venetian at around 2:30pm. When I say room I am doing it a huge dis-service - the Venetian is an all suite hotel and this is the biggest room I have ever stayed in. We even had a partial view of the strip.
We did a little exploring prior to meeting up with Gary and Suzy Walz who jetted in from Atlanta especially to meet with Julia and me - thanks guys to was fantastic to spend time with you. Suzy has been fighting her own battle with breast cancer and was looking great.
After drinks and the Rhumbar (part of the Mirage) and dinner in the Grand Cafe we finally decided to do some gambling. Julia put $20 in a "Wheel-of-fortune" (you have to sing it by the way) and after a spin of the wheel won $1000! It's fair to say everyone was delighted. Suzy capped it off with a $150 dollar win so everyone was ahead of the casino that night.
We headed for bed around 1am tired but happy - just as most of Vegas was starting to get going!
Monday, 19 October 2009
Sunday 11th October - Philly
After not a bad's night sleep we headed down for the Marriott "pig-yourself-stupid" buffet breakfast - which as it turns out was our first mistake of the day.
It was a lovely Sunday morning in Philly so we decided to have a walk out and see a few sites. We stopped for a while in Love Park and watched the fountain.
Around 10:15am we headed to the Football Stadium to join up with Dave Leitham's Eagles tailgate party. After wandering around the massive parking lot packed with Eagles fans bar-b-quing, drinking and having fun (and a few phone calls to Dave) we eventually tracked Dave down and were soon standing drink in hand. These events do have rules.....you can drink what you like, but it must be out of a cup/glass not a bottle!!!
There was more food than you could shake a stick out and it became obvious that the decision to go for the enourmous breakfast was the wrong one. However there is always room for some Alaskan King Crabs legs freshly cooked on the barbie.
Many, many thanks to Dave, his boys (who tried to teach me the art of throwing the odd-shaped football) and the guys & girls he tailgates with. English football has a lot to learn!
For the walk to the Stadium Dave supplied me with a Golden Monkey beer from Victory - at 8.9% alcohol this was as close to a Belgium beer as I tasted from an American brewery - but at 12:30pm was pretty heavy going.
We left Dave inside the stadium as his seats were at the opposite end of the field to Peter's. The Sun was beating down as we sat in the stadium - and we both got a little sun burnt.
Peter (Brennen) and Steve (Meek) arrived just after the first Eagles touchdown and we launched an assault on the stadiums supply of Bud lite!
It was great to catch up with Peter & Steve and the Eagles supported by winning pretty comfortably. As predicted the locals got a little lively at times - and with no "away" fans to express their anger against turned against each other.
We left early in the 4th quarter when it was clear that the Eagles were going to win and jumped in a cab to head back to the city and further beers in McGillins (my favourite bar in Philly). We had a couple of Pitchers of Dog Fishhead IPA and 25 hot wings before Julia and I retired to the hotel for a wash and brush up prior to dinner. Many thanks to Peter for the Eagles tickets - it was a very memoriable part of our trip.
We met prior to dinner in the Marriott bar and were served by the same waitress that served me my first ever beer in the Marriott about 5 years ago. The team in the bar was:
Bob V (Tangeray 10 martini, straight-up 3 olives), Steve & Trish Meek, Peter Brennan, Brad Huddleston and Eileen Dowds.
We set out for the resturant (El Vez) at around 6:15pm, losing Peter along the way and gaining Deb & Pete Harrsch and Paul Neralich once there. After several Margarita's and a very nice meal the group split around 9pm with Bob, Brad and Paul joining Julia and I back in McGillins.
Many thanks to Deb for getting a table for 10 at 6:30pm....something I know was a struggle...and for everyone for again taking the time and effort to meet up on a weekend evening.
After a couple of beers, and resisting the urge to do Karoake upstairs, Julia and I headed for the hotel around 10pm - I must admit a few tears were shed - probably due to way to much beer - but possibly due to seeing good friends for probably the last time (I know big girly!)
It was a lovely Sunday morning in Philly so we decided to have a walk out and see a few sites. We stopped for a while in Love Park and watched the fountain.
Around 10:15am we headed to the Football Stadium to join up with Dave Leitham's Eagles tailgate party. After wandering around the massive parking lot packed with Eagles fans bar-b-quing, drinking and having fun (and a few phone calls to Dave) we eventually tracked Dave down and were soon standing drink in hand. These events do have rules.....you can drink what you like, but it must be out of a cup/glass not a bottle!!!
There was more food than you could shake a stick out and it became obvious that the decision to go for the enourmous breakfast was the wrong one. However there is always room for some Alaskan King Crabs legs freshly cooked on the barbie.
Many, many thanks to Dave, his boys (who tried to teach me the art of throwing the odd-shaped football) and the guys & girls he tailgates with. English football has a lot to learn!
For the walk to the Stadium Dave supplied me with a Golden Monkey beer from Victory - at 8.9% alcohol this was as close to a Belgium beer as I tasted from an American brewery - but at 12:30pm was pretty heavy going.
We left Dave inside the stadium as his seats were at the opposite end of the field to Peter's. The Sun was beating down as we sat in the stadium - and we both got a little sun burnt.
Peter (Brennen) and Steve (Meek) arrived just after the first Eagles touchdown and we launched an assault on the stadiums supply of Bud lite!
It was great to catch up with Peter & Steve and the Eagles supported by winning pretty comfortably. As predicted the locals got a little lively at times - and with no "away" fans to express their anger against turned against each other.
We left early in the 4th quarter when it was clear that the Eagles were going to win and jumped in a cab to head back to the city and further beers in McGillins (my favourite bar in Philly). We had a couple of Pitchers of Dog Fishhead IPA and 25 hot wings before Julia and I retired to the hotel for a wash and brush up prior to dinner. Many thanks to Peter for the Eagles tickets - it was a very memoriable part of our trip.
We met prior to dinner in the Marriott bar and were served by the same waitress that served me my first ever beer in the Marriott about 5 years ago. The team in the bar was:
Bob V (Tangeray 10 martini, straight-up 3 olives), Steve & Trish Meek, Peter Brennan, Brad Huddleston and Eileen Dowds.
We set out for the resturant (El Vez) at around 6:15pm, losing Peter along the way and gaining Deb & Pete Harrsch and Paul Neralich once there. After several Margarita's and a very nice meal the group split around 9pm with Bob, Brad and Paul joining Julia and I back in McGillins.
Many thanks to Deb for getting a table for 10 at 6:30pm....something I know was a struggle...and for everyone for again taking the time and effort to meet up on a weekend evening.
After a couple of beers, and resisting the urge to do Karoake upstairs, Julia and I headed for the hotel around 10pm - I must admit a few tears were shed - probably due to way to much beer - but possibly due to seeing good friends for probably the last time (I know big girly!)
Saturday 10th October - UK & Philly
Early start this morning. Set off for Heathrow around 6am. Used a meet and greet parking service at terminal 5 which was really stress free and after using the ultra-slow fasttrack security line were in the BA lounge for around 10am.
Called my Mum and really confused her when I said we were in the lounge....."I thought you were flying to America today?".......bless!!
BA Business Class is a great way to travel transatlantic - there is something quite satifying about sitting in your enourmous seat with a glass of Champagne as the mere mortals make their way past to the back of the bus! By the way having been one of those mere mortals hundreds of times I think I have a right to feel smug occaisonally.
Extremely strong headwinds meant an 8 hour flight. During which time I watched Transformers 2......if you've not endured this film before do yourself a favour and don't bother.
Having built up US immigration as a pain to Julia we were through and out of the airport within less than 30 mins of the plane landing - fantastic.
Took a cab to downtown Philly and were settling into the Marriott around 4:30pm Philly time.
We had arranged to meet the gang in Tir Na Nog - one of the closest bars to the InnaPhase/Thermo office. We arrived at around 6:45pm and were met by Ann and her husband.
Had a lovely evening meeting and talking to old friends. Several pints of Hop Devil by Victory ales were consummed!
During the evening we were joined by:
Rich Wagner, Deb & Pete Harrsch, Bob Harrison, Ray & Elise Henry and Trish Porter. Many thanks to one and all for heading into the city on a Saturday evening (and a million appologies if I've forgotten anyone).
Headed back to the Marriott around 10:30pm Philly time - about 22 hours after we got up in the UK that morning!!!!
Called my Mum and really confused her when I said we were in the lounge....."I thought you were flying to America today?".......bless!!
BA Business Class is a great way to travel transatlantic - there is something quite satifying about sitting in your enourmous seat with a glass of Champagne as the mere mortals make their way past to the back of the bus! By the way having been one of those mere mortals hundreds of times I think I have a right to feel smug occaisonally.
Extremely strong headwinds meant an 8 hour flight. During which time I watched Transformers 2......if you've not endured this film before do yourself a favour and don't bother.
Having built up US immigration as a pain to Julia we were through and out of the airport within less than 30 mins of the plane landing - fantastic.
Took a cab to downtown Philly and were settling into the Marriott around 4:30pm Philly time.
We had arranged to meet the gang in Tir Na Nog - one of the closest bars to the InnaPhase/Thermo office. We arrived at around 6:45pm and were met by Ann and her husband.
Had a lovely evening meeting and talking to old friends. Several pints of Hop Devil by Victory ales were consummed!
During the evening we were joined by:
Rich Wagner, Deb & Pete Harrsch, Bob Harrison, Ray & Elise Henry and Trish Porter. Many thanks to one and all for heading into the city on a Saturday evening (and a million appologies if I've forgotten anyone).
Headed back to the Marriott around 10:30pm Philly time - about 22 hours after we got up in the UK that morning!!!!
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Friday, 9 October 2009
Sunday night festivities
Many thanks to Deb Harrsch we have a table for 10 booked at El Vez (121 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107) for 6:30pm sharp.
Julia and I will aim to set off from the Marriott at just after 6pm. If you could let me know in advance by adding a comment to this blog if you can join us.
We will expect to end the evening in McGillans from around 8:30 - 9:00pm onwards.
Julia and I will aim to set off from the Marriott at just after 6pm. If you could let me know in advance by adding a comment to this blog if you can join us.
We will expect to end the evening in McGillans from around 8:30 - 9:00pm onwards.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Venue for Saturday evening - 10th October - Philly
Hi all, it's been difficult to pin down exact numbers for Saturday so we have taken the easy way out and decided that Julia and I will be in Tir Na Nog from 7pm onwards (until we flake out after the trans-atlantic flight).
Everyone is welcome and we'd be delighted to see you.
Still thinking about Sunday but if you're in the Marriott bar for 7pm that may well be a good starting point.
Everyone is welcome and we'd be delighted to see you.
Still thinking about Sunday but if you're in the Marriott bar for 7pm that may well be a good starting point.
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
Eeeeeaaaggllleeeess
During our stay in Philly next weekend we will be attending the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tamba Bay Buccanneers American Football game thanks to tickets from Peter Brennan. To get the full experience we are hoping to meet up with Dave Leitham at his tailgate party before the game.
Many thanks to Peter and Dave!
Many thanks to Peter and Dave!
Monday, 5 October 2009
Posting Comments
It seems a few people are having trouble posting comments (which I really love to get). If you get a problem just try using the "Anonymous" account and add you name at the bottom of the comment you write.
Great weekend!
Still feeling really good so trying to cram as much in as possible.
On Wednesday I drove to Stockton to catch up with the Energy Solutions folks. It's been quite a while since I went and I've no idea when I'll make it back. It was great to see everyone (except Helen....sorry to miss you!) and we had a good feed as the Masham.
On the way back I visited Julia's cousin Sally who is part way through her 7th round of chemotherapy. Keep smiling Sal you'll beat it!!
Thursday and Friday were pretty quiet, recovering from the long drive and watching England lose to Australia in a one day cricket match (again). Still doesn't come close to winning the Ashes (England won 2-1 if you didn't know).
Saturday was hectic. Up at 7am and out of the door at 8. Met up at my Mum's to head to have the family portrait taken that we had bought my parents for their Golden Wedding aniversary. The photographer was excellent and managed to arranged and photograph all 14 of us (including the 6 month old twins) in less than 30 mins. Looking forward to seeing the pictures.
Once finished I shot out the door and heading for Norwich to meet up with Martin's stag do. Having attended his first stag do I thought it was only fair to be there for the second (and last one I hope ;-)).
We stayed at the Wensum Valley Hotel and played in near gale force winds...mind you that didn't stop me scoring 8 stapleford points from the first 3 holes. I got tired on the back nine and finished with around 25 points.
Nice (although too large) meal in the hotel before heading into Norwich to sample the nightlife. Let's just say all Human life was there and leave it at that. Another re-inforcement of the feeling that I'm too old to stand in crowded noisy bars any more.
Breakfast, hot tub/sauna on the Sunday morning followed by a round on the second course at the hotel. Rich and I scored a very respectable 38 points in a better ball competition just off the winning score of 41.
Was pleased to be able to call in and see Janet and Clive on the way home. Sounds like they may be moving north shortly!
Ruined any health benefits of 2 rounds of golf with an Olympic breakfast at a Little Chef on the way home.
Just Philly/Vegas and Cornwall to look forward to now!!!!
On Wednesday I drove to Stockton to catch up with the Energy Solutions folks. It's been quite a while since I went and I've no idea when I'll make it back. It was great to see everyone (except Helen....sorry to miss you!) and we had a good feed as the Masham.
On the way back I visited Julia's cousin Sally who is part way through her 7th round of chemotherapy. Keep smiling Sal you'll beat it!!
Thursday and Friday were pretty quiet, recovering from the long drive and watching England lose to Australia in a one day cricket match (again). Still doesn't come close to winning the Ashes (England won 2-1 if you didn't know).
Saturday was hectic. Up at 7am and out of the door at 8. Met up at my Mum's to head to have the family portrait taken that we had bought my parents for their Golden Wedding aniversary. The photographer was excellent and managed to arranged and photograph all 14 of us (including the 6 month old twins) in less than 30 mins. Looking forward to seeing the pictures.
Once finished I shot out the door and heading for Norwich to meet up with Martin's stag do. Having attended his first stag do I thought it was only fair to be there for the second (and last one I hope ;-)).
We stayed at the Wensum Valley Hotel and played in near gale force winds...mind you that didn't stop me scoring 8 stapleford points from the first 3 holes. I got tired on the back nine and finished with around 25 points.
Nice (although too large) meal in the hotel before heading into Norwich to sample the nightlife. Let's just say all Human life was there and leave it at that. Another re-inforcement of the feeling that I'm too old to stand in crowded noisy bars any more.
Breakfast, hot tub/sauna on the Sunday morning followed by a round on the second course at the hotel. Rich and I scored a very respectable 38 points in a better ball competition just off the winning score of 41.
Was pleased to be able to call in and see Janet and Clive on the way home. Sounds like they may be moving north shortly!
Ruined any health benefits of 2 rounds of golf with an Olympic breakfast at a Little Chef on the way home.
Just Philly/Vegas and Cornwall to look forward to now!!!!
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