Study

YM has done really well for himself. Proud Dad moment.

This Is The Way

Nice trip out to the big screen.

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.

Micro

Definitely not trying to compete with that Bake Off show but I've made a tasty looking batch of ANZAC biscuits. 

Much to my dismay these are no longer readily available to purchase in UK shops and recently had a request from ym if I could dig out my trusty recipe. My intent was to make some mini biscuits- however I over estimated how much they would spread- and have ended up with mico-sized biscuits. Literal bite sized LOL.

Hope they taste as good as they smell.

Orbit

If anything makes me feel old, it's realising how many trips around the Sun ym has now achieved LOL.

Puffin

Cos he's old enough to buy his old man booze LOL.

Lock 'N' Load

Interesting the things you see whilst waiting inside the local chippy, The Tasty Plaice. 

It's not often you see several police cars zoom past on "Blues and Two's" (blue lights and two tone siren), with the final one stopping outside so the two officers can get their semi-automatic weapons from the lockbox in the boot/truck before continuing down the hill.

In the UK we don't routinely arm our police and those that do carry or use weapons are specially trained and licensed. Although they don't receive additional pay. Hardly seems fair but this is the norm in the UK, officers take on additional responsibilities or learn new skills so they are able to perform a better or different role. In the capital officers will often be seen on foot carrying guns but away from London and airports, police weapons are generally kept in locked boxes inside designated vehicles. These usually display a "*" symbol.

Obviously this unusual sight was- for a moment or two- quite exciting to see whilst we waiting for our takeaway.

Twenty-1

Hard to believe my son has a massive birthday today. No doubt at some point I'll review pictures and memories from when he was much younger. Promise I won't bore the Interweb by posting them here LOL.

Build

Took a walk around the University of Reading grounds with ym today. It's probably been 10 years since I last visited (obviously he's fairly familiar with the site these days). 

Needless to say in the past decade a lot has changed, plenty of new construction with state of the art facilities. It was however sad to note the famous LEGO building closed and barricaded, possibly due for demolition. Times change.

Don't Call Her Nelly

Have been really enjoying this lighthearted fantasy drama, from the pen of the excellent Sally Wainwright, with my son. All eight episodes may be streamed from the House of Mouse. Well worth a watch.

Chocs

Weekday visit to the cinema with ym, to see the fun filled origin of Willy Wonka. Growing up, I avidly read many Roald Dahl books. Wish I still had them.

Walkies

Spent a very pleasant couple of hours enjoying the Autumn sun, dog walking with YM. Temperatures today are forecast to reach a lovely 24 degrees. Someone just wants to curl up now and go to sleep. I know how they feel LOL.

Gaia

Took a trip today with ym, into Reading, to the town council concert hall. For the past few days Reading has been host to the touring installation Luke Gerram's Gaia. This huge suspended globe uses NASA images to depict the beauty of our planet. A trully stunning sight and is highly recommended. We followed this with a trip to Las Iguanas Mexican themed restaurant. Just as good as previous visits.

Swearing Chef

What could be better than going out for birthday Posh Burgers? We'd wanted to go to GBK, Gourmet Burger Kitchen but sadly the Reading branch has closed. The chain got into difficulties during Covid and the owners had to downsize. 

Instead we thought we would try Street Burger by Gordon Ramsay. Yes that Mr Ramsay, the original foul-mouthed chef. Nevertheless the atmosphere was superb, service great and food most excellent. Not surprisingly the place seemed really popular. Planning to visit again.

So Soon?

Can't believe ym has turned 19. Where exactly did that time go? He has a busy day at Uni, and won't finish until 6pm. So unfair!

Forever!

Movie night out with my 18 year old ym. Great film, with lots of set piece action while still allowing a sensitive and fitting send off for the star of the first. Brilliant evening.

Steam

Just look what my son spotted today on his way home from Uni.

Fond Farewell

Today I took my son to Prospect Park for a farewell visit to Carter's Steam Fair. Their touring days come to an end this Autumn.

Owner Joby Carter is currently seeking a buyer, who will offer the fair a permanent home. Berkshire based Carter's has been, with the exception of the Covid period, a constant touring attraction in the south of England for many years. Unfortunately the costs of  upkeep of the historic stock has meant continuing as a touring fair is now untenable. 

Thank you to a lovely local attraction; you'll be greatly missed.