Saturday August 22nd
I'm glad I killed the plan to go and get Ted for footie practice this morning at 7am as I really enjoyed my lie in. Pottered around in the morning and then settled down for some serious sport enjoyment. Cricket, football, athletics - Saturday afternoons in England...small boys, jumpers for goal posts, tea, jaffa cakes, final score... all except QPR drawing 1-1 again.
Mrs N finally got her way as we re arranged the TV room. As always she was right as it works much better. We put a few pictures up and then cousin Jane came for tea. I have not seen her since M&D's 50th but she seems very well.
Went down to Brockenhurst to pick Alice up and enjoyed a massive curry and beer. Ellen has been very good the last two days. I wonder why?
Day 127 - Nordic Sails
Friday August 21st
Definitely had a fuzzy head this morning but gradually got going and we ended up achieving alot - the drying racks went up and we painted the dining room. The colour choice was different, not least its name, Nordic Sails, but works brilliantly. Once the blinds are in, it should be a cool room in the summer and cosy in the winter...maybe. Meanwhile, I listened to the most incredible day's cricket as the fate of the Ashes unfolded.
James came and fitted the new toilet and taps. Now we have a toilet that flushes without having to lift the cistern lid and a kitchen tap with some pressure. Tidy.
My spare moments have been taken up doing more and more Maths. I am sure I am shockingly under prepared but I have been building up the hours so I hope I have some kind of base to work off.
Wyvern called and they do have a space for Ted so we are all set. Tidy
Definitely had a fuzzy head this morning but gradually got going and we ended up achieving alot - the drying racks went up and we painted the dining room. The colour choice was different, not least its name, Nordic Sails, but works brilliantly. Once the blinds are in, it should be a cool room in the summer and cosy in the winter...maybe. Meanwhile, I listened to the most incredible day's cricket as the fate of the Ashes unfolded.
James came and fitted the new toilet and taps. Now we have a toilet that flushes without having to lift the cistern lid and a kitchen tap with some pressure. Tidy.
My spare moments have been taken up doing more and more Maths. I am sure I am shockingly under prepared but I have been building up the hours so I hope I have some kind of base to work off.
Wyvern called and they do have a space for Ted so we are all set. Tidy
Day 126 - How To Survive My First Year in Teaching
Thursday August 20th
Finally, a day to myself. I used to enjoy the 1 or 2 weeks I had on my own in Hastings during the summer while the family were in the UK so it's nice to get the odd day on my own in the new house.
Dismal run this morning where I started to do a mile at pace and then wimped out after 200 yards. Heart and legs weren't in it.
Spent all day working, mostly reading a book about surviving my first year in teaching. Some very good tips on classroom management which is the thing that worries me the most. I have this irrational fear that I will show fear and then be ripped to shreds by a pack of wild children. However, I will perfect my withering stare and arm crossing and see where it gets me. I confess that I had the test match on the whole time (radio) and really enjoyed the relaxed and clever conversation in the background. Better than watching it on Sky.
The Fearns arrived to stay the night and we got through a couple of bottles of wine which I paid for the next morning. We got on to the subject of Ellen and just talking about it helped. It is clear that we think about it alot right now and as with everything, getting it out reduces the anxiety and shares the burden.
Finally, a day to myself. I used to enjoy the 1 or 2 weeks I had on my own in Hastings during the summer while the family were in the UK so it's nice to get the odd day on my own in the new house.
Dismal run this morning where I started to do a mile at pace and then wimped out after 200 yards. Heart and legs weren't in it.
Spent all day working, mostly reading a book about surviving my first year in teaching. Some very good tips on classroom management which is the thing that worries me the most. I have this irrational fear that I will show fear and then be ripped to shreds by a pack of wild children. However, I will perfect my withering stare and arm crossing and see where it gets me. I confess that I had the test match on the whole time (radio) and really enjoyed the relaxed and clever conversation in the background. Better than watching it on Sky.
The Fearns arrived to stay the night and we got through a couple of bottles of wine which I paid for the next morning. We got on to the subject of Ellen and just talking about it helped. It is clear that we think about it alot right now and as with everything, getting it out reduces the anxiety and shares the burden.
Day 125 - Hard Core Retro
Wednesday August 19th
Worked hard this morning on DIY and then a call with Colangelo about S7. Great chatting about hardcore retro and whether S7 could do the same in spirits/whiskey that PBR has done for beer. Enjoyed that and also managed to stay disciplined and write up the report and send it off rather than promising myself that I would do it tomorrow. There is no tomorrow.
Ted and I cycled up to school. It took us 15 minutes door to door, pretty much all up hill. Not sweat inducing steep so I should be good to cycle to work. Headed off to cycle shop and invested in a new helmet and some nerdy bike clips. Nice downhill all the way home.
Dad came and picked Alice up for a few days and Ted heads out tomorrow so soon we will have only Ellen. How can we get rid of her? Hmmmmm
Worked hard this morning on DIY and then a call with Colangelo about S7. Great chatting about hardcore retro and whether S7 could do the same in spirits/whiskey that PBR has done for beer. Enjoyed that and also managed to stay disciplined and write up the report and send it off rather than promising myself that I would do it tomorrow. There is no tomorrow.
Ted and I cycled up to school. It took us 15 minutes door to door, pretty much all up hill. Not sweat inducing steep so I should be good to cycle to work. Headed off to cycle shop and invested in a new helmet and some nerdy bike clips. Nice downhill all the way home.
Dad came and picked Alice up for a few days and Ted heads out tomorrow so soon we will have only Ellen. How can we get rid of her? Hmmmmm
Day 124 - Pythagoras Hill
Tuesday August 18th
Big run this morning - ran up St Catherine's Hill three times and almost killed myself. That is not an easy hill. Got home and worked out the vertical height of my ascent using Pythagoras. Nice.
My legs felt dead for the rest of the day but we walked into town. Alice had a major wobble (increasing number these days) but Ted and I had haircuts and then we ambled to the library and then through town eating sausage rolls and chicken pies. There's a great gourmet food shop and I was twitching to buy some goodies but alas I am poor now and resisted the temptation.
Took Ted off to his second trial which was a different kettle of fish. He played in a pre-season game for a Div 1 team against a U14 side. They were all big and fast and the game was fast and furious with very little time on the ball. I was really nervous for him but again he surprised me. To start with he was a little quiet but he wasn't intimidated and got more and more into the game as it went on. The coaches said that they could take him as he was obviously technically very good and had the right attitude but he would spend most of the time on the bench. They handled it well so I hope Wyvern will come through as he'll take the skill level up there and play most games.
Big run this morning - ran up St Catherine's Hill three times and almost killed myself. That is not an easy hill. Got home and worked out the vertical height of my ascent using Pythagoras. Nice.
My legs felt dead for the rest of the day but we walked into town. Alice had a major wobble (increasing number these days) but Ted and I had haircuts and then we ambled to the library and then through town eating sausage rolls and chicken pies. There's a great gourmet food shop and I was twitching to buy some goodies but alas I am poor now and resisted the temptation.
Took Ted off to his second trial which was a different kettle of fish. He played in a pre-season game for a Div 1 team against a U14 side. They were all big and fast and the game was fast and furious with very little time on the ball. I was really nervous for him but again he surprised me. To start with he was a little quiet but he wasn't intimidated and got more and more into the game as it went on. The coaches said that they could take him as he was obviously technically very good and had the right attitude but he would spend most of the time on the bench. They handled it well so I hope Wyvern will come through as he'll take the skill level up there and play most games.
Day 123 - Website Designer
Monday August 17th
A week til I head up to York for my intensive Maths summer school. I am slightly nervous as I am barely through Year 8. Oh well, what's the worse that happens. I'll know in a week.
It's amazing - I designed a website in about an hour today. I promised to help Cousin Jonathan with a website for his business. I did this without having any idea of how to do it. Figured it out and I think it looks pretty good. Let's see what he thinks. Dad and Rob seemed to like it. The only issue is the "weebly.com" domain but anything else costs money.
A week til I head up to York for my intensive Maths summer school. I am slightly nervous as I am barely through Year 8. Oh well, what's the worse that happens. I'll know in a week.
It's amazing - I designed a website in about an hour today. I promised to help Cousin Jonathan with a website for his business. I did this without having any idea of how to do it. Figured it out and I think it looks pretty good. Let's see what he thinks. Dad and Rob seemed to like it. The only issue is the "weebly.com" domain but anything else costs money.
Day 122 - Tattoos and Fags
Sunday August 16th
Long run this morning, first 5.5 at pace (managed 6:40 at one stage). Then Mrs N joined us and we have a lovely early morning jog. I then took Alice to her first practice with Winchester City Flyers. This was a little more concerning as I walked into a group of parents with large tattoos and smoking up a storm in front of the kids. Shouldn't have worried as Coach Tony was great and they loved Alice who, like her brother, did brilliantly. Here I did notice a big change in skill and game savvy. This is a good thing. Alice will get a training top with her initials on (nice) and AC Milan strip (nice). Adapt, adapt, tattoo parlour here we come. Only other thing of note is that Ted pegged me in the nuts with a tennis ball at point blank range. Two occasions in his life now that I've almost throttled him.
So, a weekend of getting Ted and Alice into football over here. Pretty successful I would say. Unfortunately, it was accompanied by a continual deterioration in Ellen's behaviour resulting in a massive row on Sat night. Cleared the air a little by the morning but not much although she came to Nightingale Close to help me cut the grass. Met another Mum from Kings' and promised to look out for her son.
Long run this morning, first 5.5 at pace (managed 6:40 at one stage). Then Mrs N joined us and we have a lovely early morning jog. I then took Alice to her first practice with Winchester City Flyers. This was a little more concerning as I walked into a group of parents with large tattoos and smoking up a storm in front of the kids. Shouldn't have worried as Coach Tony was great and they loved Alice who, like her brother, did brilliantly. Here I did notice a big change in skill and game savvy. This is a good thing. Alice will get a training top with her initials on (nice) and AC Milan strip (nice). Adapt, adapt, tattoo parlour here we come. Only other thing of note is that Ted pegged me in the nuts with a tennis ball at point blank range. Two occasions in his life now that I've almost throttled him.
So, a weekend of getting Ted and Alice into football over here. Pretty successful I would say. Unfortunately, it was accompanied by a continual deterioration in Ellen's behaviour resulting in a massive row on Sat night. Cleared the air a little by the morning but not much although she came to Nightingale Close to help me cut the grass. Met another Mum from Kings' and promised to look out for her son.
Day 121 - You'll Never Win Anything With Kids
Saturday August 15th
First foray into local football scene here as I took Ted to his first trial at Wyvern FC. I was feeling a little nervous for him I have to admit. I wasn't sure what the level was going to be like and how he would do. Shouldn't have worried, he did brilliantly and would stand out on this team. He worked hard the whole time and then linked up very well with the other kids. Spoke to some of the parents and it seems like a friendly club, with Dads who know what they're doing. They want him to sign but have promised a spot to someoe else. That's Division 2, now let's try 1.
First foray into local football scene here as I took Ted to his first trial at Wyvern FC. I was feeling a little nervous for him I have to admit. I wasn't sure what the level was going to be like and how he would do. Shouldn't have worried, he did brilliantly and would stand out on this team. He worked hard the whole time and then linked up very well with the other kids. Spoke to some of the parents and it seems like a friendly club, with Dads who know what they're doing. They want him to sign but have promised a spot to someoe else. That's Division 2, now let's try 1.
Day 120 - Crackling
Friday August 14th
Good morning of work, soldiering through the Year 8 textbook. Still need to get to Sequences before the start of term as that's the first topic for my Year 8 class.
Followed that with the relocation of two wall cabinets from the laundry room to the downstairs loo. I still am slightly nervous about the wall fixings but they haven't fallen down yet but, fingers crossed, it's the first room we've finished - 2 wall cabinets, painted, towel rail, picture, mirror...just waiting for a new toilet and taps.
M&D came over for dinner and shocked us with the news that they have given up alcohol for August. This is a first but good for them. Cooked a rack of pork on the grill and it was outstanding. Real crackling and it worked a dream - crisp on the outside, juicy and chew on the inside. I think the collective cholesterol went up a couple of notches around the table. The kids couldn't get enough of it.
Day 119 - Centrifugal Water Slides
Thursday August 13th
Up early and took 5 kids to Basingstoke and the Aquadrome. I have one very vivid memory of water slides - after I finished my A Levels, Barry, Woll and I drove up to Richmond where I was introduced to my first ever waterslide. The one I remember was a black one which was pitch black inside except for sparkly moon and stars. You lost all spatial awareness and your body went one way while your head thought you were going somewhere else. Sadly it's no longer there and I am still searching for the perfect waterslide. These weren't bad and the kids had a great time.
Went and discovered the butcher's in Oliver's Battery. It was perfect - a chatty butcher who prepped a rack of pork for me, home made sausages, organic products. I almost put my order in for our Christmas turkey and ham right there and then.
The Cross family came for a BBQ and Ellen gave another virtuoso performance as the selfish teenager.
Day 118 - Boing Boing
Wednesday August 12th
Got out for a run this morning and decided to do a time trial around the Water Meadows. Surprised myself with a 5:58. That would come down a bit on a track so not in bad shape.
Ted and I cemented the rotary dryer in this morning. This was a somewhat tense affair as the cement was harder to mix than I thought and my arms were aching but I couldn't stop as it starts to set after 20 minutes. All worked out and Mrs N now has a nice solid dryer in the flower bed.
Followed that up with constructing the trampoline in the front garden. It's massive and with the new safety net it's a bit of an eyesore. However, we promised the kids and it was free so what the hell. Helena and Alex stayed over for a sleepover.
Day 117 - Digging Holes
Tuesday August 17th
Woke up exhausted and didn't go for a run. This is never a good idea as I start the day on the back foot as if I have avoided doing something. Psychologically this is a bad thing as I have to self motivate every day. Tried to get some work done but the kids kept interrupting so I told Ted to go and dig a hole for the rotary dryer (he did), shouted at Alice for interrupting me (not good) and didn't see Ellen for dust (not good either).
I went on another trip to Homebase, where I was greeted by the "Most Frequent Shopper of the Month" award and bought cement for my first ever cementing job tomorrow.
The natives are definitely getting restless
Day 116 - Plumber's Mate
Monday August 10th
James Hoy the plumber came today and Mrs N was very attentive. Not your average plumber, more of a housewife's delight. Anyway...he fixed our hard water problem, plumbed in the washing machine (I could have done that but I wanted to be absolutely sure) and ordered a new toilet and taps.
The Spensers arrived as he was leaving and we had a whirlwind afternoon. No Roger or Thomas but we headed down to the Water Meadows for a good 2 hours of cricket and football. Julia and Alice gave as good as they got in the drizzle. Had fish fingers, baked beans and crumpets for tea and waved good bye past 10.30. Whew, busy day
Day 115 - Beer Can Chicken
Sunday August 9th
Went out for an early run this morning and found a glorious circuit that took me up and along a ridge to the south of the City. I had a great view of Winchester and a nice downhill run through Compton. Got quite a pace up as well.
The Fearns came to visit
for lunch which was great Luke is my Godson and Benj is Alice's Godfather. We supped rose in the garden and had two beer can chickens on the grill followed by a stroll along the Water Meadows. Ted was brilliant with the Ollie and Luke. Ellen was noticeable by her absence. Curious as there were small children in the house
Day 114 - Parklife
Saturday August 8th
All the people, so many people
They all go hand in hand
Hand in hand through their parklife
The kids showed us the park they had found. Saturday afternoon, the sun was shining, the football season was kicking off with my beloved QPR playing at home against Blackpool. It wasn't bad except for a few delinquent teenagers trying to start a fire with their cigarette lighters. We played on the equipment, a bit of French cricket and headed home. The best moment was watching a Dad mow a cricket pitch for his kids to play on. He trundled on with his lawn mower, measured it out, cut it and disappeared again. Priceless
Day 113 - Fish 'n' Chips
Friday August 7th
Focused on some Maths today. I sit down, start reading and this deep knot of panic starts to rise in my stomach as I realise how much I have to do. It's very hard to start all over again, especially after 20 years of getting (near) the top in marketing. You build up a level of competence, overlay that with self confidence and that gets you through every day, every situation you encounter. I've definitely got the self confidence but the competence is all guess work right now.
In between working I've been doing alot of DIY. The Johnnie Walker blackboard is now up in the hall, Alice and Ted's rooms are done, complete with floating shelves. I must confess I have not quite got the hang of the walls yet as they are plasterboard, with a hollow bit and then brick/masonry. Still haven't found the perfect rawplug
We walked down to the Fish and Chip shop on St Cross Rd tonight. We picked up cod and chips for 5, brought it home and pigged out. Everyone loved it so we will be doing that again. 30 quid is not cheap though.
Day 112 - Green & Black's Day
Thursday August 6th
Two runs this morning, one at pace and then one with Mrs N. She has a point about the route I have found for her. Narrow, deserted paths are fine for me but for running on her own in the early morning, probably not such a great idea. I will re-route.
Spent all morning earning some money, doing some desk research on Green & Black's. I was on my own in the house and did about 3 hours solid reading and referencing. I really enjoyed it and came to some immediate conclusions about the state of the business in the UK. Later, I went off to JS and bought loads of samples. Ellen was very excited about the whole thing, probably because it involved vast quantities of chocolate.
Day 111 - Orange Wednesday
Wednesday August 5th
While Orange mobile service sucks, especially in and around our house, I have to commend them for their Wednesday half price trips to the cinema and Pizza Express. I love Pizza Express pizzas but will forever mourn the disappearance of their ham 'n' eggs starter. Maybe I was the only one that ate it.
Anyway, today we walked into town and enjoyed some pizza with the Wood Martins and then waved them on to the train. As I walked back I noticed some boys Ted's age playing a football match and realised I had done very little to find him a club so I sat down and did some research, writing emails to 8 clubs within 20 minutes drive. Fingers crossed.
Day 110 - Heartbreak Hill
Tuesday August 4th
Tackled Heartbreak Hill this morning in the middle of my new 4 mile circuit. 320 steps and agony by the end. a surprisingly quick 1 min 43 so it's either work on speed or repetition.
The Wood Martins are visiting today so rather than work went on another spending spree in Homebase. Picked up a monster hedge trimmer and then Halfords for my big surprise - a new car stereo with an iPod connection. Mrs N was not best pleased but we definitely need one. From a Maslow point of view it's well up there on the hierarchy along with food and shelter.
Sarah arrived and Ollie has grown up massively. He is now rowing and is at least a head taller than Ted. George seems even tinier and quieter than last year. The kids went off for the afternoon and we sat and chatted with Sarah. Dave is working hard as ever and it must be so tough running your own business right now. I hope he gets to enjoy the fruits of his labour soon as it doesn't seem like he gets his just reward for working so hard.
Day 109 - Fantasy Maths
Monday August 3rd
Not really but at one point I did break from a very sincere focus on Maths to put my Fantasy Football team together for the new season.
Phone switched today so we had not phone or internet all day. I have ramped up my work focus this last week. Firstly, I got organised and read through all my GTP handbook. Secondly, I took a few GCSE past papers and made notes of the topics that I struggled with. It's working well but I still have three textbooks to get through by September.
Ellen sat and did a test paper with me tonight and she did very well in the first half. She got tired for the second half and lost interest. She did very well for someone who is not taking the exam for another 2 years. Did I say she is in the top band for everything? Clever girl.
Bless BT, the phone came on line just I went to bed
Day 108 - Essex Visits Us
Sunday August 2nd
Didn't make it out of bed for a run this morning but packed most of the house up for the big move. Headed over to St Cross and cooked up a storming Coq au Vin without the mushrooms. Celebrated our move with a bottle of champagne and then enjoyed a lovely afternoon walking into Winchester with all the kids.
Ellen is home again and was very excited to sleep in her new bed...as were we all. Welcome to 2 St Edmunds, it's going to fun. I was so happy to be back in my own bed that I didn't want to sleep, just lie there and luxuriate. That didn't last long.
Day 107 - The Referee's a W*****
Saturday August 1st
I cannot believe it's August already. Suddenly the end of my retirement is in focus and there is much to do. I spent lots of time last week on preparing my "Portfolio of Evidence" for next year and have been attempting test papers. I seem to be stuck on 89%.
Early drive up to St Margarets for our marathon Saturday. Had a giant lunch with the Thrumbles and took the boys and Alice off to Reading for the match. We really enjoyed it. The ground is very tight and we were right behind the Reading goal for the 1st half and saw loads of action. Unfortunately all 4 goals were scored the other end but we had a good time. Alice and Ted's first game in England.
On to Charles for more food. Got there at around 7 and tucked into rib of beef with the whole family and M&D. It was very quick and didn't get to talk much. Alice and Ted were full of chat but fell asleep on the way home. Last night on an airbed.
Day 106 - A Toast To Our Friends in Hastings
Friday July 31st
The email that I sent to Peter on the occasional of a night out without us..
Mr Kolbert,Much as we are excited at the thought of joining you for a lovely night out, a virtual night out at 1am is beyond us. We are currently half way through a marathon pub session with all our new friends and will be swapping keys shortly.
Anyway, onto toasts. Please read out the following:
There is only one way to toast 5 very special people - with 5 very special labels from our friend Johnnie Walker.
For Sandeep there is Black Label. This may not be his first choice but for a man who has 2 birthdays, only Black Label will do as it is the TWO hundreth anniversary of the Striding Man this year and Black Label is the blend that started it all way back then.
For Nikki, it has to be Gold Label. No lady can resist a small glass straight from the freezer with some dark chocolate. It was created for those very special moments. (take
note Peter).
To celebrate Anthony and Debbie's anniversary, we bring out an old favourite and a new gem. The perfect match of Red Label & Ginger Ale for him and a straight up Green Label for the lady who loves Green.
And what of Blue Label, left to the end? If the Wilts are there then Bob deserves a Blue Label as be celebrates his last MRI and the Blue will match nicely with the blue hue from all that radiation.
We love you all, miss you all but unfortunately tonight you will have to pay for your own scotch....
R
Day 105 - Double Run
Thursday July 30th
Double run today as I did my usual circuit (quickest so far, finishing at 6 minute mile pace) and then went round again with Mrs N at a more gentle warm down pace.
Still itching to get into the house, as in SLEEP IN MY OWN BED. Today was a USA today as I corresponded with Ann about Eastern, wrote to Simon about the Spensers visiting and finally wrote to Jamie Mac.
The prompt was the announcement that Crown Royal is moving to the #17 car and Jamie is leaving Roush at the end of the season. I am not at all surprised given the results have not come again this season. Ironically, they are moving to Matt just as he seems to be dropping back and in danger of missing the Chase. However, I wrote to Jamie to give him my news and wish him the best. I still remain 100% behind him as he is clearly a talented driver and was good value media wise. However, on the track it was a mystery. He finished last year so strong and yet was hounded by bad luck at the start of the season and then when the luck turned his car wasn't fast enough to challenge. He is now solidly a 15-20 car again. He'll probably go to a new team and get in the Chase next year. I hope so
Day 104 - The Genius Of Nespresso
Wednesday July 29th
Hats off to the genius who thought of Nespresso. A brilliant, brilliantly simple idea, executed with real class. I am now a Nespresso member with a donated Krups machine (Thanks Dad) and a smorgasbord of coffee varieties with bright colours. For anyone who likes even a modicum of discovery, variety, experimentation, it gets you completely hooked from day 1. The genius is in getting someone else to build and sell the machine (in this instance Krups), doing the whole thing on line and finally the simplicity of operation.
It almost makes me want to get back into Marketing - I bet you could do something very clever like this with Malt Whisky here in the UK. No machinery required but you could definitely see an infinite variety of miniature Malt Whisky bottles available to order direct on line with Whiskies of the Month, Special Offers, Manager's Dram. Join as a member and get a tasting kit free with proper nosing glasses, a water jug, tasting notes all in a beautiful wooden case. Friends of the Classic Malts would take on a completely different dimension. It would be relatively small scale but the margin would be in the initial starter pack where you would get some economies on producing the miniature bottles (all bottles could be the same rather than replicas of the standard size) and also high prices for some of the rarer offers. I am sure that Nespresso would be open to sharing their distribution operation provided there is zero competition...might even be complementary.
Day 103 - Ted Gets In
Tuesday July 28th
Bethan's 20th birthday. I remember babysitting her as a newborn in Richmond.
Went for a run this morning and pushed it hard for 2.5 miles. It felt good but I either need to find some new running buddies or change the music on the iPod.
Almost forgot to call the school but when we did...Ted got a place. The famous twins have confirmed they are leaving so two got in. It was like a large mountain off our shoulders. Ted picked up his uniform. I haven't seen him in it yet but when I do, it will be straight on Facebook.
Now I want to move into the new house and sleep in my own bed. We agreed to wait until Ellen got home but every day is painful in a deflating airbed.
AJ Tarricone had a nasty accident on his bike in Hastings. A very very lucky boy but it shows that the margin between a funny story and a life changing tragedy is very very thin.
Day 102 - How Did I Live Without a Hammer Drill?
Monday July 27th
Day 1 without Ellen so the house was a little quieter and getting up in the morning was slightly easier. A quick check in at the school revealed no news on anyone leaving Year 7 so we headed off for another load up at Homebase.
I sneaked off with Alice to buy a new drill and came out with a hammer drill. It was big and scary but when it got through the brick in a nano second I realised what I'd been missing all these years. Now for some new screwdrivers.
Got back to the rental and there were two messages from Mrs Manning at Kings'. It was too late to call so we stewed on that all evening but I still slept well.
Day 101 - Essex Girls
Sunday July 26th
Long run this morning, only 7 miles as we had to set off early for Essex, home of Essex girls and the Goulds. A good 2 hour journey on hazardous motorways got us there by 10:30 and the aftermath of Russell's birthday party. Big fry up with all the trimmings. Nice
Went to an activity park for a walk and then Pizza Hut for dinner before trekking back to Winchester. It is a long way but closer than New York. We left Ellen there for the week.
Day 100 - Meet The Neighbours
Saturday July 25th
One Hundred Days of Retirement. I tried briefly to think of an appropriate word that rhymes with Solitude but couldn't
We have met most of the neighbours by now.
At #1 are Simon and Katrina. They have lived here the longest and have two grown up daughters and both work. Not sure what they do yet but plenty of time for that. Their house is very quiet...they're going to love us
At #2 there is us
At #3 are the Foxes. Dave and Helen. They have 3 kids, 2 of which are at Uni and the youngest we met briefly on the morning we moved in but not subsequently. She is two years ahead of Ellen and going to Peter Symonds.
At #4 are Graham and Jill who don't seem to be there much. He is retired and said hi to us before we moved in but not subsequently.
In summary, we are going to make a lot of noise and bring the tone of the neighbourhood down considerably. Having said that in the houses around us, we have spotted younger kids so hopefully there are some friends there for our lot
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