Hurrah! I have been slaving away for the last week or so, but l am now off until Thursday afternoon. Haven't done a lot recently, apart from myself and the FPO visiting the relatives at the caravan site by Richmond on Saturday (they were calling in there, they are not travellers), but that was only because there was an offer of free hot dogs with onions laid on the table (in both senses). We all managed to fit into the caravan, despite the kiddie toys on the floor (I hope they were Lauren's), and we also managed a brief visit to the river before l had to head back, as l was working that afternoon/evening. On Sunday, Robbo and Kerry called round for the footie, but the less said about that the better (apart from little Jamie kicking my head). I actually finished work yesterday evening, but stayed up watching the first series of 'Pete Versus Life' into the early hours, as l had not seen any of them before. They were well worth the late night effort, and the show has really impressed me, it's both off beat and original. Rather sadly, I was then woken this morning by the FPO getting ready for work, so l was up and out of bed, downstairs and watching films by 7am (hence the reviews below). What a nightmare, but l just couldn't get back to sleep. I have been alternating between TV and the computer all morning, as l still feel tired, so l don't want to read a book at the moment. At least there is football on again tonight, time for United to repair their reputation against the mighty Aldershot in the Mickey Mouse Cup, in preparation for the Everton game on Saturday (when l am off for the weekend! - and there is a party!). No doubt little Michael Owen will score again and there will be a campaign for him to be recalled for England (yawn). It's a hard life, but you can't let the bastards grind you down.
For some mad reason the FPO decided to invite the family round for lunch at the weekend, destroying my peace, quiet and happy home. I was even sent to the shops after finishing work to buy sausages (with firm instructions not to buy any cheap ones), cauliflower and booze. On returning home, I tried to watch 'The Sunday Supplement' before anyone turned up, but fell asleep on the settee within about 5 minutes, to be woken with Rook at the door, as a prelude to everyone else arriving. All was going swimmingly once everyone had settled down with a drink, as l was royally entertaining everyone while the FPO was in the kitchen, slaving away cooking (as she should). However, when it was food time, l poured the gravy onto everybodies plates. Where's the harm in this you may ask. Ah, there's the rub...when pouring it onto Louise's plate, little Lol put her hand in it and obviously got burned (slightly, as l have the reflexes of a mongoose and wiped it off). Lol was crying on and off after that (probably scared l was going to throw some more over her) and Louise and Dazzer took her home early, leaving us with Rook and Deb. Still, we then had a good night, watched 'Later' with Jools Holland, and all got drunk. I'll have to remember the gravy trick next time l want some solitude. Everyone has now been warned!
A long day out today, as we (myself, the FPO and my sister) took my sister's daughter (Hayley) to Norwich, where she is going to be studying at the University of Eat Anglia. Even without any traffic jams, it was still over 4 hours each way, and we were pretty pleased to be back home again afterwards. The FPO drove there and back, which was a blessing, but l had trouble trying to stay awake on the way back, as l was just sitting there. Obviously l was woken every time we arrived at a roundabout, as directions would be required, but it was quite nice dropping off to the sounds from the CD player. It was a bit daunting for Hayley being left there by herself, but she met some of the other students before we left (who looked about 13), and l am sure she will be fine after a short while, as she is used to being pretty self sufficient. She will be a changed person by the time she completes her course, and l suppose l should be saving up, as l said l would pay for her to go to New York if she completed a degree (unless the sweet release of death gets to me first). As she is in the halls of residence for the first year, there is no room to crash out if we fancied a night out down there, so that may have to wait until she is sharing a house in the second and third year. She has been warned.
Travelled back up to Newcastle on Saturday as it was Chris and Hilary's wedding day (on my birthday and wedding anniversary as well!). Managed to go to Forbidden planet beforehand, looking for decent books and t shirts, and went back to our hotel for the Manchester United win at Bolton (5-0!). Off to The Baltic for the evening do/BBQ and saw the Millennium bridge being opened, which was the first time l had witnessed it. Pretty damn impressive l must say. There was a band on and most people hit the booze (apart from the pregnant ladies), so everyone enjoyed themselves, although mentioning no names, they paid for it in the morning (OK, l've crumbled, that would be The FPO). The Quayside at Newcastle and Gateshead (plus Newcastle centre itself) has certainly had a lot of money pumped into it over the last few years, and has completely changed from when l used to frequent the place years ago. It certainly all looks flash and l know it has made the place more upmarket, but it is still a shame some of the old places had to go, such as The Haymarket and Broken Doll pubs. I drove back as The FPO was still too ill, then had a relaxing day watching recordings of football and The Sunday Supplement, while she quietly suffered, Bliss.
