meal at akebar for the birthday girl

It soon rolled round, but once again, it's the FPO's birthday weekend, and this year, we've been to Akebar for a meal with Louise, Dazzer, Lauren, Rookmeister, Deb, Kerry and Robbo. I promised l wouldn't put up any pictures of them, so the cakes and glasses will have to do.
It was a pretty limited selection of food that was available, but for those of us drinking, it helped that we had booze and fizzy to compensate, and l have a really long video of the occasion (which l will also not put up).
I was being an all round good lad (for a change) and had taken up flowers and a cake in advance, but l didn't know Dazzer had made one as well, so there was a feast of chocolate goodness for desert, and l will admit his was tastier.
Myself and the FPO got dropped off at White shops afterwards, where we had a few drinks in The Wine Bar and J.T's, but we were still home by about 8pm.
A splendid day for all the family.

toodle pip

out for lunch with the crazy cats

 Idiot cat in Tunstall

  Idiot cat in Tunstall

  

 Idiot cat in Tunstall on the cooker

  Idiots  in Tunstall

Trying to snow in Tunstal

Dragged myself out of bed this morning to watch The Sunday Supplement, then went off to to Louise and Dazzer's  for Sunday lunch, prepared by Dazzer and eaten in a kitchen that could well have been one in Beirut, as it needs plastering, painting, and units put in. Apart from that, it's great, and they at least have a new cooker.
The food had a bit too much on the old vegetable side for me, but there was cans with it, and it was nice and tasty otherwise.
Myself and Daz persuaded our FPO's to let us bugger off to the pub in Tunstall for an hour and a half afterwards (we have to obey a tight and strict schedule), but unfortunately for us (and luckily for the girls), it was (as we suspected it might be) closed. What a swine of a result (a bit like Liverpool v United yesterday).
We sulked back to the house, had another can of wife beater, then myself and the FPO returned home, where l promptly fell asleep reading in the bath (water in first).
Watched the last episode of Misfits (series three) which we had taped before Christmas, then it was the computer for me, bed for the sap who has to get up in the morning for work.
It's great being off work (not back until Tuesday afternoon).

toodle pip

waiters secret signs

there's an interesting article here about the signs waiters use in resteraunts. I can't however, seem to find the two fingered sign they tend to give me.

toodle pip

another busy weekend - the mcorville - cross keys and jt's.

The McOrville - venue of thefree meal

Inside The McOrville

The view down to Middlesbrough from The Robinsons abode

The Cross Keys, venue for the cider, pate and toast (with Roseberry Topping in the background)

Mark, the manager and drunken birthday boy - outside JT's

Another splendid time was had at the weekend. First off, it was off to Middlesbrough to meet Robbo and Kerry, for a meal on Saturday night at The McOrville, a new 'Gastro pub' just off the A19 (http://www.themcorville.co.uk/). The FPO had won a meal worth £100 through a competition with Nivea, and as luck would have it, the meal came to £110, but we were let off the extra £10 as her food was rubbish first time round(they changed it). Everyone else's food was fine, and the manager was really friendly, so we let them off (and left a tip).

Stayed overnight in Nunthorpe, then sat in the back garden catching some rays on Sunday morning, before heading off to The Cross Keys, (just up the road) for a lunchtime snack and some ale (http://www.pub-explorer.com/nyorks/pub/crosskeysupsall.htm). Louise and her that shall not be named came and met us all, so we stayed for a while in the outside part, as it was really sunny and no-one was in any great hurry to go anywhere. Very pleasant (and my cider, pate and toast was really tasty).

We then called into JT's (http://officialpubguide.com/pubdetails.php?pubid=4737) on our return to Catterick (the FPO was driving), and discovered it was Mark (the managers) 40th birthday. Sat outside with him and some of the other lads for a while, then back home to fire to the bonfire, to try and get rid of all the bushes and crap that was cut last week. Managed to do it, but it took a mighty long time, and l also managed to fall forward when picking something up and banged my shoulder and forehead. Blithering idiot that l am. I think l may also have concussed myself slightly as l got up during the night and was sick, which l never usually do. Fine now though, although l still have the scratches/marks. Battle scars of the weekend is how l shall be describing them.

toodle pip

meal out at the bannatyne hotel

We met up with Robbo and Kerry yesterday for a meal at Bannatyne's, and a catch up with what has been happening. It was a decent meal, even though the FPO gave us her beef as it was making her feel sick. It was cooked fine, she just had memories of being ill with beef in the past that put her off. The place was OK, and the staff very helpful, but l was cursing as l got nagged into wearing a shirt, while Robbo had a Thor t shirt on. Last time l listen to her.

Called in JT's on the way back, then a quiet night in watching TV and pratting about on the computer.

Making the most of today as l have the place to myself until 10pm, so l am chilling out.

Bliss.

toodle pip

south park darlington

These are from a few days ago, after the meal at The Otter and Fish, but l have just transferred some camera photos to the computer. What a gay day it was.

toodle pip

the otter and fish

I was woken this morning at the Godforsaken time of 10am, which might sound quite late to most people, but l did not go to bed until 4.30am. The reason for the awakening was to inform me l was going out to lunch for 1pm with the FPO's family, which cheered me up so much. I would never be able to express and describe such joy and over welling happiness with the news that the family were coming to meet us.

Next thing l am aware of, l am at the Otter and Fish bar (and restaurant), off the Neasham road by Darlington. The food was good, although slightly sparse, but presented really well and the place itself was pretty scenic (bit a bit too middle class for the likes of poor old scumbag me). Went to South Park in Darlington afterwards, enjoyed the scenery and wildlife, didn't realise it was so spacious and well stocked with ducks before today's visit.

Went to have a quick drink (non - alcoholic!!!) with Dazzer (the teetotaller), Louise and the child l am not allowed to call f** ***d back in Stockton, then off to the Boro to surprise our only mates in Nunthorpe.

Had 2 or 3 drinks in The Cross Keys and then back home to watch 'Kick Ass' - more of which later. Caught some of the comic relief stuff that was on TV back at home, then the FPO went to bed, and l wrote this crap.

Another fine day/date night ticked off, l have defiantly got some favours owed to me stacked away in reserve

toodle pip

out for lunch at the cross view

Got dragged out of bed and out for lunch today to see 'The Family' (those dreaded words!). We all met up in Richmond at The Cross Keys, which was pretty good for the food, but full of old folk (including me). They seem to be doing a roaring trade there, and got more of our greedy mob (although l only had a cheese, onion and mayo sandwich). Good job the table had been booked in advance as there was myself and the FPO, Bill, sue, Anne, Ken, Louise, Dazzer, Nora, and fat head. It wasn't too painful an experience, and it sounds like we are going to be getting some more sloe gin out of it, so alls well etc.

Got a book (Bill Bryson - a short history of nearly everything) and dosh for Hayley's 18th today, going to drop it in on the way to (or back) from work. At least it's an early finish tonight, but have to sort out the spare room on my return as l am picking up a new sofa bed tomorrow, so will have to make some space for the bleeding thing. I feel weak and faint already, just thinking about it.

toodle pip

randy's catering

This has to be my favourite catering company. All l need now is the t shirt.

toodle pip

the kings head at roseberry topping for kerry's birthday

Met up with Kerry and Robbo yesterday at The Kings Head, by Roseberry Topping. We thought it would be nice to go there for a meal (for Kerry's birthday) as the views are good and the food has always been pretty nice in the past. The food was still as good as past visits, but it was pretty misty when we arrived, so we couldn't even see Roseberry Topping. A couple of things about the Kings Head though. The menus were just printed A4 bits of paper, and they had no apple sauce for the pork, which l would have thought would be an easy thing to stock, store, and keep tabs on. Very shoddy indeed, which is a shame as that is the sort of memory you come away with, rather than remembering the good bits. Anyway, the view was alright by the time we left, but myself and the FPO had to scadadle away at 3pm as l had to go to work for 4pm. It actually worked out pretty well, as l dropped off the FPO at home, then went straight to work, and arrived dead on 4pm, couldn't have planned it better. Pretty busy at work but l had a break after tea to do another hospital visit, so that broke it up a bit. Called in at Tescos before coming home to stock up on the old vino (it's purely medicinal, for the stress of work). Watched the Manchester United v Birmingham game on football first (5-0 with a Berbatov hat trick), and also saw the documentary on Iron Maiden, which was much better than anticipated, even though neither myself or the FPO are fans. Decided to wait till Sunday for Match of the Day, so l hit the computer for a while instead. Splendid day all round (apart from the work bit of course). Still no bleeding lottery win. Damn!

toodle pip

those crazy japanese (part 482) - toilet themed restaurant

Those crazy Japanese have only gone and done it again, it's a restaurant that has a toilet theme in more ways than one. The only thing that spoils it being about those crazy Japanese is the fact that it is the Merton in Taiwan. Damn!

toodle pip

bay horse meal

Been out today with Robbo and Kerry, as they felt a bit bad about me going to the Sunderland game by myself yesterday, even though l was fine and they had other things going on. Anyway, rather sadly, l had to go to work between 8am and midday this morning, and the next door neighbours were noisy bastards all night. It must have been their kids 18th birthday (IT HAD BETTER HAVE BEEN!), as we do not usually hear them at all, but it was still annoying, especially with the FPO snoring as well (drunk from her girls night out). Luckily l am generally always cheerful (unlike Dazzer and Ken), but my hay fever is bugging me, as l am run down through lack of sleep. We went to the Bay Horse (Gay Horse) at Catterick Village for lunch, and it was excellent. Rather sadly, Michael (the chef/cook) told us he was leaving by the end of the year, so we had better make the most of it while he is still cooking (on gas). JT's after, then back home to write this crap while the FPO watches the Sky recordings of the X factor. Stone me, what a life.

toodle pip

toodle pip

meal at robbos and inlaws gardening

I have only just uploaded these photos from last weekend, from when a free meal at Robbo and Kerry's was offered for Sunday and taken, the remains of which are photographed above.

The day before, Dazzer and Louise came down to visit and Dazzer (the mad git) got stuck into the gardening outside, digging out roots from the bushes. Luckily I could not assist as I had to go to work, but I did manage a couple of photos. The grass is no longer so high, as I cut it earlier on today (and hated every minute of it).

Can't say what for, but there was also a visit from armed police. I didn't get a good photo as it was too dark for the camera, but the gun and badge are on display (but not the face, as it was hideous!).

It's fun fun fun round these parts. See you in court.

toodle pip

dazzer's birthday

A splendid time guaranteed for all. We all went out for Dazzer's birthday tonight at the Indian at White shops, which was OK, pretty quiet, and the food was not that spectacular (should have gone to Shute road). By we, I mean Dazzer and Louise, me, Mandy, Ruck, Debbie, Maria and John. We all ate loads and got pretty drunk, apart from Louise, who is with child and had the scan to prove it. Who's it is is anyones guess but at least she's happy (only joking!). Couldn't make head or tail of the scan though, just a smudge to me, but I do think I saw a snout there somewhere. Anyway, off to J.T's afterwards for more drinkiepoos, leaving about 1pm I guess, can't really remember. On the good side, I didn't collapse again so I managed to retain a little bit of dignity (what little I still possess), although I did manage to scratch my nose, which I did not realise until it was pointed out to me and the blood started running down it. Damn! What can I say? I have issues. Argued playfully with a conductor guy at the bar in J.T's about music not having to be perfect, which was a bit of a laugh (I was right, he was wrong). Walked home with Ruck and Debbie as the rest of them buggered off back to Stockton in the car (Louise driving). Same time again next year!(at Shute road).

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