Boxing Day traditions…

We think we’ve played football and hockey on boxing day for the last 15 years at least…

Garage Band

Introduced my sister to Garage Band today – she is a bit of a musical type and knocked this up in 30 minutes or so…

Quiz time

Thought you might enjoy these… I helped a friend out recently at a quiz and these were three of the rounds.  There are ten questions on each clip – follow the links and then just press play….

1. Who are these cartoon characters?
2. Can you name the films?
3. These songs all have colours in their titles. What are the colours?

Your answers on a comment – will add the correct answers soon….

El Bandito

After a four hour drive (accidents on the M40) and feeling somewhat sleepy after getting up at 5am I finally arrived at a fog bound Pine Ridge anticipating a fine day of golf, banter and catching up with old friends. Having wolfed down a lukewarm breakfast, which had been kept aside for me, I headed to the first tee without the benefit of a quick warm up on the driving range. Despite not being able to see much more than 50 yards down the fairway I managed a birdie on the first and managed to play some other good holes as well. To my amazement, the points kept on coming and I played one of my best rounds ever. This was the first time I have played to my handicap and for those who are interested (and understand these things) I shot a gross 88 and managed 41 points playing off a handicap of 21.

It was obviously my lucky day as I also managed to win the nearest the pin competition on the par 3 seventeenth. I won a Christmas hamper for the overall competition and a bottle of bubbly for nearest the pin.

It was great to win but the highlight of the day was catching up with old footy friends from Duke Street days and being reminded (once again…) of my penalty which was saved (not missed) during a sudden death shoot out in a cup semi-final. A great breakfast, Christmas dinner and some bowling rounded off a good day. Thanks to Paul, Chris, Dazza and Mike (the strike) for organising such a good day and Mike, I still think cutting my handicap from 21 to 16 is still a bit harsh…

Taking Christianity out of Christmas

Whilst waiting for my car to be checked out at a garage in Shrewsbury I read this article in the Telegraph.  Jeff Randall is throwing away all his Christmas cards that have no Christmas images or make no mention of Christmas.  Interesting approach and an interesting article…

(will find out how much the car will cost on Tuesday…)

Timmer-Time

This was created by Lee the network manager at school – it seems he has a lot of time on his hands at the weekends….

Enjoy!

My Fair Lady in 30 minutes

Today was house drama day at school and I have really enjoyed it.  Each of the four houses had 30 minutes to play with and we got shortened versions of My Fair Lady, The Wizard of Oz, Narnia and Joseph.  All were excellent productions – the hard work at lunchtimes and after school paid off and not only did I not have to teach but I was entertained for free.  It’s a shame that other schools don’t have the time or resources to develop this side of things.

My Center Parcs weekend with Colin

Had a great weekend at center parcs last weekend with my friend Colin.  I arrived quite late on the Friday but there was a wonderful meal ready which had been prepared by Colin’s wife.  After the meal we retired to the hot tub and drank champagne (Colin had two glasses) and he also proceeded to educate me on the England squad that should have been picked to defend the ashes – he knows a lot about cricket.  Later that evening we stayed up to watch a bit of the debacle.

On the Saturday, we had a lazy morning and then met up for lunch at the sports cafe in preparation for some tennis in the afternoon.  Colin had to look after his daughter while we played tennis but it was still quite a good game even though he couldn’t make it.  Swimming was next and we had our traditional race down the wild water wapids which Colin won on his debut although a later stewards enquiry did cast some doubt on the result after he admitted to running during several sections of the race.   Later on that evening we also played in the badminton tournament which again, Colin wasn’t able to participate in.  This probably explains why we only returned with the silver medal and not the gold.

Sunday involved another lazy breakfast at Chez Pierre’s and it was great that Colin and his family were able to join us for some hearty baguettes.  Unfortunately, Colin had to leave after lunch but it was great to see him and I hope it wont be too long before we catch up again.

Oh.. and there were some other friends there and it was great to see them as well.  Especially Anna, Flora, Helen, Ang, Danny, Alan and Ollie.

John Archer

Had a really good evening on Friday with John Archer – his magic was outstanding and left you wondering how on earth he managed to do some of the things he did. He was also very funny – a few people tried to take him on with various heckles and were left wishing they probably hadn’t.  All this alongside a good meal and great company…..

Doing anything between 24-27th of November?

Fancy a trip to center parcs?  We have got one place available at Longleat – ensuite room, villa with hot tub, sauna and steam room.  All this plus company that money simply can’t buy for £156 (3 nights).

First come, first served…..