Logged On

Today Dad and I entertained Little Lad for lunch. He was dropped off at 11, so the two of us shared some fun time together, before Grandad got home from church. As is always the case when Dad is around, my services were no longer required- it's Grandad this and Grandad that LOL. Which was fine- they played on the Cbeebies site while I cooked lunch. Roast lamb with roasted potatoes and parsnips to be exact, together with steamed carrots, peas and broccoli. Just so you know LOL.



Afterwards the pair settled to some imaginative play and then some quiet time before it was time for him to go home.














Oh and if you look closely at both pictures, you'll see some of my ceramic work too.

Whoops!

Have you ever played a practical joke only to see it fall completely flat? Well I have, shall I go on?

This morning a colleague- J- stopped by for a brief chat before getting to her desk. J and I get on quite well and you could say have found a common level of gentle teasing. You get the picture. Anyway after she had gone to her desk, I noticed she'd left her car key behind.

Now I really don't know what came over me but I thought it would really be a neat idea to hide her car, one of the new style Mini's (or an Estate Agent's car as we call them). So that's just what I did: went and found where she'd parked, had my ear-drums destroyed by the volume that greeted me from the stereo and then drove it round two sides of the building to a new parking space. Bad Dobby.

I then went back inside, played dumb (not hard I hear you say) and handed the key back to J saying she'd left it behind. J usually goes out most lunchtimes, often on errands for her husband and kids etc, so I didn't think it would be many hours before the jape would be discovered and- more importantly- she would find it funny.

However...

What I didn't bank on was another colleague arriving late and unable to find a parking space, simply parked behind J's car, completely blocking it in. This person then promptly went to an all-day meeting. Needless to say I was not popular. Not the person who had illegally parked, oh no, just me. Bad, bad Dobby.

And speaking of Dobby, well... maybe I'll save that for another post.

End Of An Era?

The BBC is reporting tonight that Woolworths will go into administration shortly, to be run by Deloitte's. It is reported that 1000's of jobs at it's 800+ stores are now at risk although for the moment they will remain open.

When Was The Last Time..?

As shares in Woolworths have been suspended on the London Stock Exchange, I got to think when was the last time I actually bought anything in this once great retailer?

Then again a quick poll of friends and family has revealed the same. Used to be you would make 'Woolies' your first port of call when out shopping- the place where you could buy almost anything- now it's more like a last resort when all else has failed. I know there's a worldwide slowdown (and a lot of once great names are being humbled) and we mustn't forget the www has had an effect. Other retailers have moved into Woolworths' territory; I've been hearing rumblings of difficulties there for nearly a year now and I can't help but wonder just what's gone wrong?


Sarah Jane's coming back for a third season, yea!


Cardiff 2 - 2 Reading

45

First broadcast this day 1963 and still going strong.

Saturday Update

Just a brief early evening posting for you.

Took a trip out to the Southern Pottery and Ceramics Show, held annually at The Maltings, Farnham. Sadly there were slightly fewer potters displaying this year- is this a sign of the Credit Crunch having an effect? It certainly costs a small fortune to exhibit and maybe some are feeling this was a show too far. I don't know.

Thankfully one of my favourite potters was present today, as well as being one of the afternoon speakers. How would you fancy serving your Tea from one of these creations? All are fully functional! I particularly loved the the blue Tea Pot with the black handle, which turned out to be rubber covered. Very tactile. Nice. All the rest are 100% ceramic and 110% amazing.














Take a look at Richard Godfrey's website here for more!

















Elsewhere today The Royals entertained fourth from bottom Southampton. The Saints out played Reading and finally broke their unbeaten home run this season. The game finished Reading 1 - 2 Southampton. The Reading stay in third.

Shop 'Til You Drop..?

Well not quite but I did spend a couple of hours tonight trying to make a start on all things Christmas-y. You know presents and stuff.

I have to admit it is a whole lot easier when you can pay a visit to arguably 2 of the UK's most popular chains (M&S and Tesco), who just happen to have (perhaps) their largest stores conveniently situated side by side and just down the road from where I work. Oh and did I mention they seem to be having sales on?

So among other things I was able to buy this little fellow and two of his buddies for £4.80 and I thought they'd make excellent additions to this year's decorations. It changes colour dontchaknow, from yellow to red to blue and finally green. Cool isn't it?

And yes before you ask I did manage to buy a few pressies as well. I'm not telling what though LOL.







Oh yeah before I go, I have to mention the smart money is on Paterson Joseph to take over in the lead role when the next full series of Doctor Who starts in 2010. Having seen him in others roles, I think this would be a good, bold choice. Let's see if we're right...



Read the BBC News item here.

Doctor Who In Thailand?

This is a bit of a non-story since nothing has actually been discovered but yesterday the Daily Telegraph reported that 9 missing episodes from the William Hartnell era may be found in Thailand.

It's been widely reported that the BBC used to junk old episodes of series they no longer had use for or perceived a value. This was in the days before satellite and cable reruns or sales on VHS and DVD you understand, in order to make space in their archives. It was not just the adventures of the Time Lord that were affected but many once-loved series are no longer in existence.

However the BBC did often sell Doctor Who to other broadcasters, who didn't always return their copies after transmission. Obviously the BBC didn't actually see any value in demanding these copies back from Australia or the US for example, so they often got thrown out but occasionally archived by the local broadcaster. Once in a while dedicated fans have been successful in locating missing copies and negotiating to buy or copy and return them to the BBC.

Check out the good fellows at the Doctor Who Restoration Team who have done wonders cleaning up, restoring and splicing together old episodes bringing up to broadcast standard and ready for retail. These guys all have full time jobs and do this mostly for the love of the programme.

If the Telegraph story does turn out to be true I for one will be very pleased but the Restoration Team will certainly have their work cut out!

Some Things Don't Change

Some 30+ years ago a little boy used to play endlessly with his Hot Wheels set in his parent's Living Room. I'm pleased to say that in 2008 another little boy loves playing with his own set. Doesn't seem to have changed much over the years either and a real Billy Bargain at only 7 quid from the used toy sale.


Please pardon this poor quality camera phone image but you get the idea.





Oh yeah in all the excitement yesterday, I forgot to mention the Postman delivered my shiny new Doctor Who series 4 box-set. Should help me get through the long dark winter evenings, don't you think? LOL

Winning Ways

The Royals traveled to Sheffield today and came away with 3 well deserved points. The final score being Sheffield United 0, Reading 2.

Both Wolves and Birmingham won today so Reading stay in third but have managed to close the gap on the leading pair and open a (slight) lead over fourth placed Burnley.

Well done lads.

The Coca-Cola Football League Championship Table 15 November 2008

		P	GD	PTS
1	Wolverhampton	17	15	40
2	Birmingham	17	9	34
3	Reading	17	22	33
4	Burnley	17	2	29
5	Sheff Utd	17	9	28
6	Cardiff	17	6	28
7	Swansea	17	4	27
8	Bristol City	17	2	25
9	Plymouth	17	1	25
10	QPR	17	0	25

Pie Time!

You know I like food. There's no getting away from it or denying the matter and one of the best things about Christmas time (apart from the roast Turkey, Christmas Cake, Christmas Pudding etc) is this:














Mince Pies. What sums up Winter and Christmas in particular better than a warm Mince Pie? Well perhaps two warm ones. I love 'em and can't get enough so it's just as well the shops are now stacked high with the things. Excellent! For any out-of-towners I'd better explain these are a sweet pie usually stuffed full to the sugar dusted crust with Sultanas, Apple, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Orange. Or so the packet tells me.

The only downside being that if I keep on eating them I may well get large enough to don the red coat and give the Fat Man himself a run for his money during the festive period.

On another note, I forgot to mention last week I bumped into S the younger sister of A, the family friend you may recall recently discovered she has quite advanced Breast Cancer. Well she's doing OK, keeping her spirits up and trying to remain positive. She's now had two chemo treatments, with more to follow. S told me that obviously at the back of her mind is the fact my mum didn't make it in the end. I'm afraid I had to agree but pointed out mum had 13 good, Cancer free years and that we all have to be grateful for every day God has given us on this planet.

Take A Moment

To all those in our Armed Forces who have given their lives so we might enjoy freedom and security, we will never forget you.

Still In Third

Reading 3-0 Derby.

Nice.

Where Did Christmas Go?

Our local Asda (Walmart for any out-of-towners) is now selling Hot Cross Buns.

OK so Dad couldn't resist and I ended up "helping him out" but these are an Easter food. Did we just skip Christmas and go straight to Spring? Where's my present-filled stocking? What happen to kissing under the Mistletoe (I should be so lucky), Christmas Cake and relatives you only see once a year? This is just so wrong. Still they did taste very good LOL.

Cracking News

I've just been reading that A Matter of Loaf and Death, the new Wallace and Gromit 30 minute story will probably air this Christmas on BBC1.

Pass me the crackers and Stinking Bishop!

Best Man For The Job?

In case you hadn't noticed, over in the US they're having a little election today. You might possibly have missed it LOL.

Seriously given the amount of coverage we've had for the past several months here in the United Kingdom, you might be forgiven for thinking we all get to vote. Thankfully we don't- I just don't think I could choose one man over the other.

You know I really can't believe just how much money both campaigns have spent; Wouldn't the money have been better used to support currently struggling small businesses or given to the needy? I mean $2 million for 30 minutes advertising- How many mouths would that feed in Africa?

So for what it's worth, here's my thoughts:

I firmly believe whether it's President of the US or Prime Minister of the UK, the person best suited to lead a county is the one who least wants the job.

Wouldn't it be great if at the bottom of the ballot there was an extra box you could select that simply said "None of the above."

Ka-Pow!

In no particular order:

Took a short trip today to South Hill Park Arts Centre to the tiny 60 seat cinema they have there to see The Dark Knight. Pretty good, if a little long and couldn't help but nearly shout "No!" as ...... got ...... half way through. Batman fans will know what I mean. As expected Heath Ledger was pure brilliance. My only criticism being that for a certificate 12, it seemed extremely violent. Or am I just getting old?

Tomorrow night I start my photography course. Yea! Which reminds me I ran into someone from the ceramics group at the cinema last Wednesday, purely by chance. Long time no see but it was good to catch up briefly and confirm we'll both be present at the potting bench in January. Are we really that close to 2009 already, it doesn't seem true.

The Royals traveled west on the M4 yesterday to Bristol to play City. Reading came home with the points after a 1-4 victory. Nice.

Rain stopped play Saturday, or at least canceled the fireworks and bonfire Little Lad was pining his hopes on. It meant he wasn't able to hold his Grandad's hand and tell him there was nothing to be scared of LOL. Maybe next week.

I did manage my now weekly walk around the Uni lake today, despite the weather. Feeling better but I'm not sure the weight is shifting. Hey ho.

In Formula One, Briton Lewis Hamilton has just become the youngest ever world champion, despite finishing fifth in the Brazilian Grand Prix. Also across the great watery divide today, Paula Radcliffe takes the women's New York marathon title for the third time. Well done to both.

My dvd choices for entertainment this evening are The Claws Of Axos or Ironman. Which should it be?