another fine day out in the boro

Myself and Robbo went out a couple of weeks or so ago in the Boro to watch the football. Here's two of the sights from that day. Possibly the best toilet in the land, and a toilet door that someone has obviously taken out their frustration on.
Another fine day for all the family.

toodle pip

the kiddie alarm clock

The Boro kids love me, but it's not so good first thing in the morning when you wake to this sight at an ungodly hour, followed by non stop attention from them.

Sometimes it's a curse being funny.

toodle pip

brainwashing mr c

My evil master plan seems to be taking effect. Mr C wears this Spider-man outfit l bought him on a more than regular basis, while wandering around asking for me, and chanting 'Jamie is great' when l am not there.
Well worth the time, effort and money involved, just to annoy his father.
Next up - The Jungle Book and Manchester United.

 toodle pip

mr c and the h bomb

Christmas 2014 at The Robinsons.

toodle pip

another night out in the boro

Mmmmmm   a new Indian we hadn't used before

Instructions for Kerry's injections

The joys of having Mr C - the house is a playroom

Went off again to Middlesbrough yesterday evening to see Robbo and Kerry (and Mr C!) as a kind of joint birthday do for me and Robbo.  There were a couple of disasters beforehand, as Robbo had to take Kerry to a private hospital for some cortisone injections in her back (she's now knocking on a bit), there was also some drama in the Boro with people that we are all close to that l won't go into, and l had to turn around half way towards their house as there had been some kind of a crash and the road was shut down.  We only had a quiet night anyway, with myself and Robbo heading to the Rudds in Marton (for the first time), getting some food from the Jolsha Indian Restaurant at Marton Square (also for the first time), and then returning to Nunthorpe to talk shite until Robbo fell asleep (not for the first time, and he's also knocking on).  I was impressed with the Ruds pub and the indian food (despite them forgetting a dish), but less impressed with the ageing process. Luckily l am now invincible and indestructible, and still look 21 (after many ales have been taken).

Nearly forgot, l bought Robbo an excellent book about Steve Ditko, which l managed to leave alone and not read beforehand prior to handing it over. Believe me, that took strength of character.  I'll have to nick it from him in the future when he is not paying attention.

toodle pip

out in the boro (again!) - and mink

As it was Good Friday and it was a holiday for most, l went through to Middlesbrough for a lads night out with Robbo, Danny and Matt.  We drank copious amounts of ale,  talked a load of crap, and chilled out, all happy to have a break from work.  We hit some of our usual pubs around the Linthorpe road area, but ended up going to the Mink bar, by which time, everyone was pretty drunk (except me of course).  It was the first time l had been in there, and it was my kind of bar. Dark, plenty of people, live music, and a handy tattoo parlour if the hankering for an immediate tattoo strikes you (and it has me in the past). By then,we were also on the double Jack Daniels, Matty disappeared completely, Danny was told by the bouncers he was going to be thrown out and was refused any more alcohol, and he also disappeared as soon as he went outside. This left me and Robbo as the last men standing (bloody amateurs).  Afterwards, us two got a taxi back to Robbo and Kerry's, which we then had to stop so Robbo could get out of it to throw up, so only one of the hardy crew remained in one piece after the rock and roll madness - me.  l was rather amazingly, up pretty early (7am!) to get some coffee down before heading home, as l have work today and Sunday.  I had also been entrusted with the front door key by Kerry, as she didn't want Robbo losing the key and waking up her, Gill, Cairan or Chloe on our return, which was a success, but l ended up coming back to Catterick with it, as l left it in the back pocket of my jeans afterwards (oops). The girls are going out tonight (sounds like a Take That song), but I'm not sure if the FPO is going through or not, as we have a lot on this weekend.  Mink will certainly be visited again in the future, but l think there may be less Jack Daniels consumed next time.  Oh - Chloe has also taken a bit of a shine to me.  I'm a natural when it comes to youngsters.

Me and Robbo in the taxi home - like a pissed up old married couple (in this case, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton)

toodle pip

the crown in middlesbrough

This is the price Lager should be all of the time.  I picked this up in The Crown in Middlesbrough a week or so ago, as l was so impressed with their prices.  Around Catterick way, a lager is over £3, unless you head to a working mens club such as The Arc at Colburn.  The Crown however, is a large pub with a dance floor, seats, a juke box (and DJ at night), a mixed crowd (aimed at students, but good for old farts like myself), bouncers in case of trouble, and plenty of pool tables.  It used to have a chalk outline of a body on the floor, but this was removed, probably due to people like me lying on it (drugs were often involved).  Anyway, get yourself in there if you end up in Boro and haven't yet been, it's the big pub on the corner on Linthorpe road, which you can't really miss.  It's quiet early on, but that gives you time to chat and hone those magical pool playing skills. I'm saying all of this, and l don't even work for them, so it must be good (and cheap).  There's a door charge later on, though it's not expensive (can't remember how much, as l don't usually pay).  Miles better than the likes of Walkabout etc.  Public service announcement is now over.  Eat this message.

toodle pip

baby time in the boro and the state of kfc

The small bladdered fool had to visit the toilet

The mother (Kerry) has left the ward. 

Went to James Cook with the FPO yesterday evening to see Robbo, Kerry and the no longer little Jamie (but still little, Ciaran). There was some hassle getting there, as the A66 was closed, so after a long detour around Darlington and up the A1, it was past visiting time to see the baby. Luckily Kerry went with along with Mandy pushing her wheelchair, so a disaster was avoided, as they both managed to get in. Meanwhile, myself and Robbo went for a man to man chat about the changing ways of the world, and the great responsibility now bestowed upon him (a bit like Spider-man).
We're saving the champers until the Manchester United v Chelsea game on Sunday, as we're going up to their place to watch it.
Decided against a KFC on the way home, as the place looked so grotty, and they were taking ages to serve.
Why is that often the case? It must be advantageous to them if they hired extra staff to work or clean up, as it would encourage more custom and profits. I love KFC food, but the outlets do not compete with the cleanliness of a McDonald's, and they are certainly making loads of money (and l don't even like burgers).
Colonel (or his modern day counterpart) - get it sorted, as l had to settle for some Morrisons fajitas instead.

toodle pip

super boro on friday

Another fun day for all the family on Friday. Went through to Middlesbrough and out into town with Robbo and Kerry. It was not as busy as l expected, but we had a laugh and went for a meal at Al Fornos. Stopped off at The Southern Cross on the way back (well, me and Robbo did, the girls carried on home), and that place was heaving, something to do with a charity event they do. Robbo then got some takeaway and we headed back and sat up for a bit.

Up about 9am and sat around choosing villas for the next holiday, which is going to be in Portugal. drove back so l could watch United v Everton before (sadly) heading off to work (in about two minutes).

Stone me, what a life

toodle pip

emma and pauls wedding

Back to work today (Saturday), after being at Emma and Pauls (the head) wedding reception last night, just outside the Boro, (Stainton?). Drove there from Robbo and Kerry's, then picked the car back up before coming home today, as I wanted to watch the United v Spurs game (3-1 to United) before heading off for work. Had a good time at the do and we all got suitably pissed (and I even managed to remain standing). Mandy stormed off to bed in a huff when we got back to Nunthorpe, as she was pissed and thought we were all picking on her for trying to stop Robbo breathing (it's a long story). All fine afterwards though, and laughing about it in the morning. I got up through the night to use the loo, and must have got out of bed a different way, as I ended up trying to find the door handle where it wasn't, as I was trying to open the wall, not the door (it was pitch black). Worked it out in the end, although I thought I might piss my pants if I couldn't find it pretty damn sharply. At work again at 3pm, but haven't done too much tonight, and even fell asleep at the end of Match of The day, which is pretty unusual for me, so I must still be tired. It must be all the blood they have been taking out of me recently. Ah well, beddy byes is a calling, so..

toodle pip

friday in the boro

Easter Friday report coming up!

Left Catterick at about 3pm and met Robbo and Kerry at their place for a few drinks and a chat before heading into town by taxi. Stopped at the Camels Hump first, meeting Danny and Gill there, before going to the House for a game of pool and to meet the others. Mandy had a bottle of vodka on her to add to the drinks of coke/apple juice the girls were having (which quickly went). Emma and her sister Tina (first base only) turned up, plus Mat and Nat, Chris and Hill. Taxis to the old Purple Onion followed after lots of ale had been consumed. The upstairs of the Purple Onion (now known as the Medicine bar) was small but pretty good, old Northern Soul music and a pretty English backdrop (Union jacks), but no threat of any violence about to kick off, like would have happened in the old days (maaaan). I was impressed with the toilets, which changed colour as you were weeing - trippy! Went downstairs to the indie disco whatever time that opened, with Rick Whitter from Shed Seven spinning the wheels of steel (not that we saw him or paid any attention). Got pissed, danced, pratted about and headed back to Nunthorpe for drinks and a burger. Splendid night and no collapsing. It's a shame I then had to head home in the morning so I could watch the footie before moseying off to work. What a waste of time that was. Anyway, clothes got soaked and dirty, I didn't collapse, and everyone got on after they had felt the dents in my skull. Amazing. Same again, same time next year.

toodle pip

off to the boro

Just off to go and get myself ready for the big push in the Boro this afternoon/evening. Time of departure is 3pm so I am going to go and have a shave. The picture above is what I look like at at the moment. Let's hope there is an Easter miracle and I don't collapse again, I can only rise from the dead so many times.

toodle pip

out at the weekend

Went up to the Boro at the weekend for Louise's 40th birthday do. had to pick up Nora first as she was getting dropped off at Ken and Anne's. Also called in at Darlington to pick up the cake for Dazzer, and dropped that off with Nora in Stockton.

Stayed for a quick drink and chat, then off to Nunthorpe to Kerry and Robbos, for a couple of drinks and a longer chat, before Rook and Deb turned up (who were staying at Robbos and Kerry's with us).

Got a taxi to the restaurant (the Stables in Wynyard) and met everyone else there. Had a pretty good night, even though there was about 20 of us there. Managed to get a menu but it got streaks on it from the laminate cracking, as I had to roll it up to nick it. Damn!

Taxi back to Nunthorpe afterwards, where lots more booze was consumed and everyone (apart from me of course) was dancing till after 3am.

Still pissed the next day when we went to the Cross Keys for lunch. Rook and Deb went home (leaving Nora as far as I know), but we were joined (eventually) by Louise and Dazzer, plus John and Maria. They probably regretted coming as we (OK, mainly me) were a little bit loud and annoying, but hey ho, it's how Keith would behave.

Called in at the Lodge on the way home, which was bloody freezing, so we went to JT's instead, which was pretty full because of the rugby (yawn). Only the one drink and back home for a clean up and bed.

Got up and potted about on Monday, then went to the Wine bar to meet Joe. Unfortunately (or rather, stupidly), I did not have any food before going out (or when I got back). I went to use the loo later on, got out of bed, walked to the loo and then BINGO! lights out. Don't remember anything apart from Mandy trying to get into the loo and waking me up, asking if I was OK. I must have collapsed and banged my head on the toilet or the side of the bath, as I now have a sort neck and back. Luckily, I spoke to my boss at work and I don't have to come in until Saturday - result! It's worth the pain to be off, watching films and listening to music (plus United beating Madrid 3-2 at the San Siro). I have got to remember to eat in the future though, as I could easily have fallen down the stairs and ended up somewhere dodgy, with someone like me taking care of me.

I'll have to stock up on chocolate or something for future occasions.

toodle pip

edna and damage

Had a good time with Robbo and Kerry in the Boro at the weekend, Joe Rigatoni's on Friday night and the Cross Keys on Saturday. They told me that Damage had died (a lad from the Boro that we knew). I wasn't really surprised, in fact they said "Have you heard about Damage?", to which I replied "Is he dead?".

We also talked about how time is flying by. It is 11 years nearly, since that glorious night that Manchester United won the treble in 1999. We are certainly not getting any younger, but could all do with having loads more money to live life to the full before dying (lots more travel etc).

It is also a year since Edna died. That also does not seem that long ago, but the programme of service above confirms the dates.

Wonder how many more will be going this year. I can't believe Rab and Joe F have long left, but I have thought that for a while. They will probably both outlive me. Gits.

toodle pip

resolution

l know it's not the New Year and l have said it before, but l am going to try and knuckle down and get into the habit of writing - every day if l can. Even if it is only five minutes waffle about crap(which is what l normally talk anyway), l will try to get something down (ooeer).

l actually started some stuff while l was at work, on a small laptop. trouble is l couldn't work out how to transfer the stuff onto my memory stick, and the stuff l wrote is now out of date and l can't be bothered posting it now. l shall persevere with it so l can still write while l am at work (as l don't actually do a lot when l am there) then post it the next day.

Suff that's happened recently.

Had a really good night out in the Boro on Good Friday. All day session with Mandy, Robbo, Kerrie, Dazzer, Louise, Danny, Gill, Matt, Chris, Hilary, Nat, Lisa, Steph, Paul, The Head and others l can't remember. Photos are on facebook if you know where to look. l am not giving a link as l have no quality control over them (no press - no publicity).
Got back late and were then given a visit from the Police as some little bastards had been down the road slashing car tyres, including our own. Luckily it was only the one tyre so l put the spare one on in the morning (l'm macho man! - l'll take that knife and shove it up your arse!).

Went for a meal with Kerry and Robbo the next day at the hotel up the road from them - can't remember the name of it at the moment (Cross keys maybe?). Had some superb oysters with paprika and double cream (still sticking to the diet) and drank lots of Bailies (how do you spell that word? ls that right?). Put the world to rights and then back to sunny Catterick, where l got dropped off any stayed out with the boys till about 9pm. Splendid weekend.

Coming up - more bloody work. But also.... trips to Portugal and Budapest. Hurrah!!

Lets see if l can keep this up (ooeerr, phnar phnar etc - oh my sides are splitting)

toodle pip

PS Just re-read the post before publishing and realised l didn't make a joke about knuckling down at the begining. Must be getting (more) senile. Damn