Cilantro

Yeah that's a really daft name and one that only North Americans tend to use but it got your attention.

Nevertheless I found this little gem the other day: a reminder of a really awesome restaurant I used to occasionally visit and where some wonderful memories were created. 

Although it was a bit of a drive and parking nearby could be problematic, it was always well worth it. I recall the menu was extensive and the portions generous, as was the Bill LOL. You can't expect an incredible experience without being prepared to pay. I think it survived the madness of the 'Rona days but shut up shop shortly thereafter. It's certainly long gone now.

Happy times.

Carter's

Berkshire based Carter's Steam Fair have announced that sadly this year will be their last in their current form. 

Owner Joby Carter (son of founder John) has confirmed he is selling the travelling fair with the intention it will have a new permanent fixed base. Obviously this has caused great sadness for fans of the fairground attractions from a bygone era but the move to a fix site does make sense. Likely benefits will be improved health and safety, the guarantee of jobs around whichever location hosts it and of course the vehicles themselves just aren't getting any younger and it is costly keeping them road worthy.

Whether the Carter brand continues under the new management waits to be seen. For some of us there will also be a special place in our hearts for this particular travelling attraction. I have visited over many years  exchanging my Pounds Sterling for pre-decimal coins to put into the slot machines. There's nothing quite like the sound and smell of the engines puffing away, powering the different rides. I can even recall when he was still very small taking young man to see the motorcycle wall of death, a true dying art. Such memories! The next generation will not know of such thrills!

Read here from Berkshire Live.

Uni

Something of a landmark day: took ll to Winchester University for their open day, to meet staff and students to hear about what might be on offer. I am so proud that going to uni is actually an option for him, something I frankly wasn't good enough for. He obviously still needs to apply (soon) and then get the right grades in his A Level exams next summer. Nevertheless a big moment.

Jab

Pleased to say my son, ll, has now been vaccinated with the Pfizer jab. As a 17 year old, there had been some debate whether he would receive an invite. The government confirmed a week ago that 16 and 17 year olds can opt to be vaccinated, without parental consent. He received his letter from the NHS on Thursday and today attended a walk-in clinic. He's done his bit to help protect himself and others.

Potting

For the first time in several years I got to attend the annual national ceramics show, Art in Clay, along with ll.

Possibly because it is good to mix things up now and again, and possibly due to Covid, they were at a new venue this year, the racecourse at Windsor. Practically right on my doorstep. I suspect also thanks to the virus there wasn't the usual selection of international exhibitors this year. Nevertheless there was display from a great many UK based potters, some familiar to us and some not. Great day out.

Time Flies

17 today.

Award

Today not only marks the day mum died but also (this year) school kids including ll receive their GCSE public exam results. Normally the awards consist of a grade based mostly on the outcome of final examinations, held in late May through to July. Of course this year thanks to Covid things have been different, no one has sat exams. Teachers instead have had to put forward predictions and local assessments for use in determining grades. 

It's been a tough sort of year for these kids, no formal education since before Easter and uncertainty regards how their previous hard work would be assessed. I'm pleased ll has now received mostly the grades he was hoping for, which should enable him to pursue his chosen subjects at Sixth Form college. Well done young man, I know your grandma would have been very proud of you. As am I.

Cards

So nice to receive cards in the post. Particularly on your birthday. Especially birthday cards from overseas.

My how time flies, can't believe ll has turned 16.

Many happy returns young man!

Phew!

Today was officially the hottest August bank holiday Monday on record in the UK. I can quite believe it too. In fact the whole weekend has been a real beaut. If you enjoy high temperatures. So Saturday we took shelter inside, to stream some films, away from the sun: introduced ll to the fantastic (reboot) Wonder Woman. Great choice and well worth a second viewing.

Kind of feel a little sorry for those who attended Reading Festival, I bet it was hot at the main stage in the open air and probably unbearable at some of the smaller ones under canvas. Could have been worse: some years they've been up to their knees in mud LOL.

Ready Player One

Spotted this today, not far from where ll lives. Seems someone is a bit of a gamer and has a great sense of humour...

Dash

Thought I would keep up with technological innovations and treat myself to a dash cam. They seem to have become increasingly popular in the UK and if it helps create a better picture in the event of the unforeseen happening, then I guess I am all in favour. This one was a bargain, at over 50% off the RRP dontchaknow.

To physically install in my car, route and hide the cabling was relatively simple and quick. To set the damn thing up took far long and a teenager. Which proves a long held theory of mine that if you want a new piece of technology setting up, often it's best to give it to a 15 year old LOL.

Well done ll.

Close One

Something of a milestone today: gave my son his first electric shaver. Not too sure he was that impressed but it's part and parcel of growing up. One thing is sure, he'll be in need of it before too long.

Kassam

Hollywood Bowl at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford: quite a nice way to spend an afternoon.

Milestone

LL is 15 today, wow. Can't quite believe where the years have gone. One minute he was a tiny helpless little thing, now he is rapidly approaching adulthood. Wish he could have known Mum and Dad a bit longer.

Oh and a childhood hero of mine turns 85 today. Still has a voice like treacle and if I'm honest, still a hero to me LOL.

Proud Dad

Feeling very proud of ll; he's doing very well at school according to his latest report.

Proud Moment

My son's school have offered him the opportunity to study all three sciences to GCSE. The little boffin LOL. Will pile on the pressure but shows they have faith in his abilities. Am a very proud father.

Numbers Game

Feeling like a very proud ll today. He's only in year 9 but the preparation for the GCSE's mean that ll is being bombared with exams. I firmly believe you don't fatten a pig by keep weighing it but anyway that's how education works apparently.

Most recently he sat a GCSE level Maths (or Math if you are Atlanically challenged LOL) test and finished top of his class. Added to this the teacher had requested each pupil keep a log of the amount of revision time they put in. I'm sure most of them over estimated the amount for whatever reason but nevertheless the child who put in the most revision was the same one that gained top marks in the exam. 

What do you know? Hard work pays off and makes for a very pleased dad!

More Cake

Many happy returns.

Important Day

Forget what is happening later today across the pond. The only Donald in USA I know worth mentioning "works" for Disney LOL.

Anyway someone very special has their birthday today and not only that shares the day with the 4th Doctor (83). Happy birthday son.

I've had this since the week our local ASDA opened its doors for the first time. Pity I didn't keep the Jelly Baby I was given too.

Prison Break

Today ll and I had the opportunity to tour HM Prison Reading, an old Victorian era gaol that only ceased receiving "guests" a couple of years back. Life must have been grim for those sent here that's for sure. Apparently toilets were only installed in the cells in 1990. It's long term fate is unknown but for the moment it is home to an art exhibition themed on prison life. Below are a sample of images of the prison including, the cell door (on loan from the museum at the Courts of Justice in Nottingham, fact fans) of Reading's most famous inmate, Prisoner C.3.3. Care to guess who I refer to LOL?