slidesofaustralia

Annual Visit To London.

2009-04-09T09:05:00.002+01:00

Typical, rain and more rain. I have not had a day off in ages and when I do it persists down. Still waters run deep. Let the train take the strain and Charity can reap the rewards. kkma.

Confused?

2009-04-07T19:44:00.002+01:00

I dont believeit, if this works i'm a Dutch man. Well maybe not but how come it works one day and not another?? One minute I can blog from home and then I cant, but could from work, beggars belief. Lets see what happens. kkma.

Raising your eau-level.

2009-03-10T12:13:00.002Z

Yesterday I expressed my frustrations at sitting exams and at 60 yrs of age I can always learn, so no surprise to read in the Daily rag that the key to exam success could be as simple - and as cheap - as drinking water. They recon up to a third better according to researchers, if that's the case I am going to strap a water butt on my back when I sit my Nitrox exam, and if that dont work I will sue the research Co. kkma.

Enriched Air(NITROX)

2009-03-09T16:15:00.004Z

The benefits of using enriched air (NITROX) for SCUBA diving are many but for me it has been a mind blowing chore which I will overcome. After 8 hrs of class work I was supposed to sit an exam of 25 questions consisting of a multi choice of 4. But my brain was totaly addled and I could not concentrate long enough to make a decission, so I opted out for a later date when I will have swated up on my tables and convertions and a better understanding of Gas's. Phew I was cream crackered. Well done MrD who passed with 84% at least one of us is on the right road. kkma.

"The Darkness Fadeth"

2009-02-13T16:15:00.003Z

I was just about to shut up shop for the weekend when I noticed out of my office window the sun was setting over the Solent. What a view, taking it all in I then realised how light it was for the time of day. We are getting there slowly, must be at leat 2 minutes a day now. Role on summer and some bubble time. Must dash I have to purchase a slushy Valentines card for a mystery lady?????? Have a good weekend. kkma.

Welcome back Blogg world.

2009-01-22T14:44:00.002Z

I am so excited and pleased to announce that "I am Back".

I have a new PC and gone are the problems that were stoping me from blogging, so here we are, dont know what to say, it's such a long time I have got out of the routine, any how I hope all are well in your houses. kkma.

I missed myself.

2008-10-10T10:44:00.002+01:00

Well I was getting a bit desperate I have not been able to blogg for ages. I went off to God's Country to fish for some Leprachauns (no luck) but plenty of fish and when I got back I could not open up my blogg? desperate or what, sad o'l me.

I thought I would try one more time and here we are I somehow found a route through and much joy. So how are you all. No promise that I will find my way back in next time but you never know. kkma.

Would you Adam and Eve it!

2008-09-01T09:33:00.004+01:00

I still feel as if I am in shock. Yesterday was our 34th Wedding Anniversary and my other half suggested that I go fishing. Well the net result was 12lbs, 8oz of silver fish. Well what's wrong with that, I was told to go, and I always do as I am told, hunter gatherer and all that. It must be Love or at least the Pink Rose's that were delivered with the New's paper and Coffee at breakfast time. kkma.

Antipidian Visitors.

2008-08-29T14:59:00.003+01:00

During one of my tours of Australia in 1971 I met a guy who's name was Darby, a plumber. He introduced me to his chums and we all got on well building Bridges for the Iron Ore Industry. We worked together for about 9 months until we left the job and flew home. We all said what a great experience it was all working together and having a great time. We all said we will try and meet again somewhere. Darby had planned to take his wife to tour Europe. I suggested that we should all meet somewhere? London was recommended for the spring of 72. But it never happened. I was in Germany for the 1972 Munich Olympics and had taken my seat when who should come and sit in front, of course it was Darby and wife. We made plans to meet near our digs but History intervened. Terrorists then struck and we split before we could properly sort out another re-union.

In one of my other Blogg stories I mentioned about people getting together after many years well Darby was the only one of that Gang who I had not seen in yonk's. Wednesday night last, a knock at the door and it was Darby and Co, 36 years on as if it was yesterday. We had a good old chin wag and updated on all the history with Kid's etc. The were over visiting Newquay in preperation for the World surf championships in 2010, as one of the kids is taking part.

We went out for a meal last night and for all that time which has passed us by It only seemed like yesterday as we chatted. Well they live on the Gold Coast and the SCUBA diving is second to none, so we may get to Go "Oz" sooner than I thought. Well at least that's another piece of the jigsaw slotted into place. kkma.

Arnie speak.

2008-08-20T12:10:00.000+01:00

Were back. kkma.

T.T.F.N.

2008-08-01T16:06:00.002+01:00

Last late Blogg.

Sir Jimmy Young always use to say that at the end of his radio show, but old habits are hard to break. So, kkma.

Annual Bloggless Holiday.

2008-08-01T09:06:00.002+01:00

What the title means is I will be away on my annual holiday and I will not be Blogging for the next few weeks. So with only 3 Sleeps to go Mr D and our respective spouses are off to Greece for some well earned R & R. Enjoy what ever you do and be good, if you cant be good be careful and if you cant be careful buy a pram. kkma.

Fair Exchange ?

2008-07-31T13:49:00.003+01:00

They say, "That fair exchange is no robbery" but it is robbery, the price of buying Euros it is. Having just returned from the Bureaux-De-Change I had to shop around to get a fair rate. We were offered prices from 116 to 123 to the pound if I spent over £500. I ended up at the Co-Operative travel for the best price and no hidden charges either. 4 Sleeps to go. kkma.

Short Back and Lugholes Please.

2008-07-30T14:07:00.002+01:00

It's holiday haircut time. Short and sleek easier for diving and swimming and minimum drying time. AAAAMMMMSSSSTTTEEELLLLSSSS calling. 5 Sleeps to go. kkma.

Six Sleeps.

2008-07-29T15:03:00.001+01:00

Oh! yes, only 6 to go. Excited? I kid you not. kkma.

Horatio's Ghost.

2008-07-28T10:58:00.002+01:00

On Saturday I was on duty at this years "Meet The Navy" in Portsmouth Dockyard. I was walking down Anchor Lane towards No1 boat house when I had to turn around quickly on hearing some light foot steps behind me. Thinking that some one was in a hurry to get pass me I stepped aside only to find Admiral Lord Nelson in front of me. Morning shipmate he said with a smile on my face I responded and stepped aside. He then said can I direct him to the "Heads" (Toilets) I turned in the opposite direction to indicate where they were and I heard him say "Cheers shipmate " and on turning around to face him only to see he had disappeared. I looked about for about 3 seconds but no Horatio to be seen.

Thinking how strange was that when around the other corner appeared 3 Sailors in dress of the same period asking had I seen Nelson. I said that he was here 20 seconds ago and disappeared to where I do not know? They said that he was an actor hired to play the part but had got cold feet and took off. Well we all looked a bit further but no one to be seen.

The incident was reported to the Security and a full scale search was carried out by the Police and Navy divers just in case he fell over the jetty. So if you are ever looking to hire a look-a-like Nelson for your Fete make sure he is sound. 7 Sleeps to go. kkma.

Amstel Calling.

2008-07-24T15:49:00.003+01:00

I called Amsssttteeelllllll last night and he came running up the garden and smudged his smiley Burmese face against mine and then run back indoors at a rate of knots I love it when they do that.

Then I sorted out my suitcase and dive kit and surprise surprise I am ready to go on my Annuals and there is still a week or more to go. Only 11 more sleeps to go before I can call for AAAAMMMMSSSSTTTEEELLLLLS for 2 please. kkma.

"Vely solly wong numbah".

2008-07-21T10:24:00.003+01:00

No it's not what you are thinking? I did not phone or was I contacted by any Telephone service around the world asking do I want to go into the International phone register. But I did receive a Text message from Mr D asking me was there a specific reason why I was ringing him at 7 o'clock on Sunday morning when he would have preferred to have been a-kip. All he could hear was 2 voices and what sounded like 2 people erecting a scaffold? No MR D it was yours truly setting up the site for our Annual Band Concert day staring the Royal Marines. I had my mobile on and each time I stooped or knelt down I was pressing the digits and it was some how phoning Mr D. Personally, just like the phone advert Say's it is good to talk so there you have it I was just trying to be sociable and let him know what I was up to.

P.S. 14 Sleeps to, calling AAAAMMMMMSSSSTTTTTTTEEELLLLLSSSS. kkma.

21 Sleeps.

2008-07-14T10:14:00.002+01:00

3 Weeks today, and the Red suit cases are part full with clobber all ready and that's only for the first week. The Handel on my case has a PONCY flowered ribbon attached to it so as to visually locate it as it tours the baggage roundabout. Dive bag took 2 minutes to check that all was there and ready to go.
AAAAAMMMMMMSSSSTTTTEEEELLLLLLLLLL calling. kkma.

25 Sleeps.

2008-07-10T14:57:00.002+01:00

As I type this my Buddy MrD is sulking behind a pile of desk shite(work) so I have cheered him up, I hope with a very powerful thought, it is; AAAAAMMMMMMSSSSTTTTEEEEEELLS calling, standing in the pool or under the shade, decisions, decisions, just think hard and the glass is in your hand. kkma.

26 Sleeps.

2008-07-09T10:38:00.002+01:00

Getting all the nearer. Not too much dust on the Black suitcases. AAAAMMMMMSSSTTTTEEELLLLL calling. Rain,rain, and more rain, yuk.
Large AAAAAMMMMSSSSTTTTELLLLS please. kkma.

27 Sleeps.

2008-07-08T15:02:00.002+01:00

To go. It's down. Is my one the Red one or is it the Black one? Cant remember now, after 2 years you'd have thought it would have found it's own way down. Better check it out I don't want to be accused of cross dressing. Bally suitcase of course.
Calling AAAAMMMMSSSTTTEEELLLLLLL. kkma.

"32 Sleep's"

2008-07-03T11:05:00.003+01:00

All I can think about at the moment is going on holiday.

Mr & Mr's D's, nod and nos always used to say how many sleeps before we go on holiday well as the title Say's 32 and I cant wait. Itchy suit case syndrome has got me now. With only a few spare evenings left in the calender time is steaming by. Up to the attic this evening to dust off the cases, we haven't been away for 2 years and are we going to have a GOOD one, yeeeeeeeeessssssssss. Amstel calling. kkma.

"The Boss"

2008-06-17T10:34:00.002+01:00

What a fantastic show. We were part of the audience of 80,000 people in the Millennium stadium Cardiff last Saturday to see something very special. After 3 hrs and 30+ songs I was Cream crackered. The weather was perfect for Bruce and the East Street band to give one of his and their best shows of the current tour. Old songs and new one's from the new Album, "Magic" were played with his normal flair and enthusiasm. With the exception of his story about Danny Federiche and him beeing arrested for playing to long on stage all songs were played non-stop and back to back. Thanks Boss for lifting up my week. kkma.

Etheldreda Camilla Walker.

2008-06-04T07:50:00.002+01:00

Affectionatly known as "Cammie". Born 1917 died 2008 aged 91.

Good night, May your God bless you and thank you for the Opportunity. Love and peace. kkma.

A Happy Return.

2008-05-27T08:24:00.006+01:00

Buddy 2 and I had a lazy start to the day. Once we had collected our wet suits and Air bottles we set off for Horsea Island arriving at about 12 o'clock. The first thing we realised was that I had forgot to pack the weight belts and had to return home for them. Not to comfortable as I had my dive suit on and it was a little bit Betty Swollocks?

We took as long as we wanted getting in to the water I had not taken on board enough weight and could not descend so returning to the jetty I asked a chap to pass some weights, he offered to place them into my BCD pockets for me? Too much weight but I was on the bottom. Then the Surface indicator buoy broke free and the cord became entangled in my BCD. MrD was up and down like a Yo-Yo untangling me. I then became aware that I was not maintaining Neutral buoyancy very well and sinking like a brick. No matter how much air I was putting into my BCD it was escaping from somewhere? MrD could not find the air leak, but I could hear it. A closer inspection later found one of the dump valves was loose, sorted.

We were by this time on the North bank untangling the line again when MrD suggested that we return to the the south bank about 100Mt's away using our gauge compass. Off we set, 10 Min's later we arrived at the jetty and surfaced only to find we had ended up at the East end of the lake? Crap Navigation.

Well that is what it is all about, testing the Kit and testing our selves, don't want to end up lost on the Great Barrier Reef do we? Roll on Summer. kkma.

The First Dive Is Always The Deepest?

2008-05-21T15:34:00.003+01:00

B2, Rod Stewart sang "The first cut is the deepest" in one of his songs? Well any divers first dive of the day is always the deepest, but on this occasion our first dive will be to try out our Kit. So what about diving at at the old Navy dive site at Tipner where we trained, this Saturday? I will make a call and check out the possibility. R.S.V.P. kkma.

Portsmouth V Cardiff.

2008-05-19T11:35:00.002+01:00

I think by now the World must know that we (POMPEY) won the F.A. "CUP" 1-0, I did feel a Tad sorry for the Sheep 5haggers they worked hard from start to finish. They also had in my opinion a game plan. Pompey were just plain lucky on the day. And good luck to them for next season and their first foray into Europe. kkma.

England V New Zealand.

2008-05-15T16:12:00.002+01:00

I have just heard that NZ are 104 for 5, not bad considering a late start. I had thoughts of NZ being trunced before I go on Friday. The weather has been great for the past 2 weeks and as soon as I take a day off it turns to rain. £60 for the seat, £35 for the Train and Tube and the Liffy water is a £ Fiver a pint, Bung hole sarnie will be an arm and a leg? If it rains I will get upset with Trevor the weather. kkma.

Reynard's delight.

2008-05-09T16:09:00.003+01:00

I know that Blue Witch is not to happy with them at the moment but our Fox has 5 cubs and they are fun to watch whilst they grow. Last year we had 4 until some local A-Hole put a poisoned lump of meat down which did the job they all writhed in agony for 24 hrs and died. So this year I have set up "Fox watch" and we will take care of them until the Road attracts them. Have a good weekend. kkma.

Aprosexic Blogg site

2008-04-28T11:52:00.002+01:00

Re MrD's site, for the benefit of regular visitors he has asked me to apologise for not Blogging of late due to unforseen circumstances beyond his control normal service will be resumed ASAP. kkma.

St, Georges Day.

2008-04-23T10:37:00.002+01:00

My flag is up, is yours?

And what about a bank holiday for it. Why are we so reluctant to acknowledging the day? kkma.

Painful Objectives.

2008-04-09T10:14:00.002+01:00

"Who dares wins" is the Motto of the SAS, another way of looking at that is who "DARES" breaks a leg. The eejit who ran out in front of the Big red Bus this morning and is now laying in the A & E unit must be wishing he had not and had got up 5 minutes early, then he would not have "Dared" to halt a moving 3 Ton metal object traveling at 20 mph. I can still hear the CRUUNNCCHH and scream now. kkma.

Feel good factor.

2008-04-01T11:26:00.002+01:00

Yes I have the feel good factor with me today. April brings me lots of motivation which helps me with the problem of trying to locate a company who produces paper backed Felt wall paper in Red. The original Felt was hung in 1974 so trying to locate a supplier was a challenge. I located a fabric shop down town who came up with a near perfect colour match with a self adhesive backing. So 30mts have been ordered at £12 a metre. Should be fun hanging it as it is 1.3mts wide, with 3mt drops. kkma.

Easter Movies and bad weather.

2008-03-27T09:52:00.003Z

Mr D and I and his "Bruv" had a Catholic Education and Religious training so how come we know all about John Wayne alias Marion Morrison Wayne and his Films and how come they show his films when the Country has Foul weather especially on Good Friday? Strange but true. kkma.

Maundy Thursday.

2008-03-20T16:11:00.002Z

I had the option of taking the afternoon off or staying on and take the opportunity to get some uninterrupted work done. It is surprising what one can get completed if left alone . No phones ringing away or having to respond to time wasting e-mails. A very constructive afternoon with lots achieved, you should try it sometime. Have a Good break and don't forget to vent the cork early. kkma.

A fish and a Song?

2008-03-19T14:49:00.003Z

There's a Plaice for us? Yes it worked this time. When Mr D and I went fishing last Saturday for some Plaice or Flounders we were not very lucky. We fished for 5 hrs and did not have a bite. We did not use all of the Harold-tate (Ragworm) so I took some down to the beach at lunch time and on my second cast I hooked a fish only to find it was an undersized Plaice of about 8oz, back it went into the Solent for some French trawler to scoop up. I will try again tomorrow for his Mummy. kkma.

St Patrick and "Pope Mobility"

2008-03-17T10:42:00.003Z

Easter Time is a very important time in the Christian calender so the Pope has moved St Patrick's Day forward so as it does not clash with Easter ? So We went out and celebrated last Friday and Saturday and last night just to be sure (to be sure) that we could be sure we had done St Patrick some justice. Cheers Pope we had a Grand time 3 days running and we still if so inclined get to celebrate Easter. I cast my net but still did not catch any Fishes? Happy St Patrick's day to you all. kkma.

Gold In my Valley.

2008-03-13T14:33:00.002Z

Well what a turn out my last day became. We did not Fish the Thames after all instead we went to "GOLD VALLEY near Aldershot and as we say in Anglers Paradise "Had it off" son. The weather up Country was nice but the rain water run off was awful too much cold water and salts running into the Thames made it nigh on impossible to fish. So Gold turned out Trumps for us and Fishes were caught. kkma.

"The Last Day Cometh."

2008-03-11T13:42:00.002Z

No it not The Last day but it will be on the 14th. Fishing for Coarse fish in England and Wales stops at midnight on Friday, so I am off to fish the River Thames at Goring and Child-Beal on Wednesday while I have the chance, it's Bedlam here at the moment and I need a FIX. kkma.

Graves,Worm's and Blackbirds.

2008-02-28T16:12:00.002Z

In the past 9 months I have dug and prepared 11 Graves.

Hang on before you go getting the wrong idea I am not a professional grave digger. We have a memorial garden here and from time to time we are asked to Inter Ashes of deceased Marines, so I dig a Cruciform furrow 2ft long, 18" wide and 6" deep.

Whilst I was excavating said plot I noticed a Blackbird fly down and settle on the handle of the Fork. He just sat there and twittered whilst I dug. I have to separate the top soil first which I place at the head. Then all the hard soil etc goes to the side. It was then that Old blackie jumped off of his perch and landed on the top soil and proceeded to dig for worms.

He had 3 or 4 in his beak along with a huge green grub. Off he flew into the hedge. I had just finished the furrow when he returned to the same spot and just as I stood up with a sample of the top soil in a container he jumped up onto the edge of the container and picked out a worm. He must have seen it all of the time and was only waiting for me to go thinking I would leave the container by the side of the grave. He just looked at me with such ferocity and as if to say That's my worm and flew off back into the hedge. Fascinating, it made my day.

I recalled the story to the Widow after the ceremony had finished and she told me she had a dream the night before of a Blackbird landing in her garden, and when she got up this morning the first thing she did was to look in her Garden for the bird but nothing was there. Spooky,spooky. kkma.

Naff Coffee.

2008-02-27T11:47:00.002Z

The phone rang, fancy a cup of Coffee the voice said, slight hesitation on my behalf, Oh! yes please I replied. I have just got back to my Grotto and I feel a tinge of Nausea as I type this Blogg, and a work colleague who hails from North of the border in the T-boat room was boring the rear end off of me so I left before I embarrassed my self. I am now of the opinion that I do not like him or was it the Coffee?

"An Seisuin".

2008-02-26T10:36:00.004Z

Last Saturday night we were out to some chums for a return dinner function. They live near to us, about a 30 minute walk away as the Crow fly's. The arrangement was that if it was raining they would pick us up about 7-ish, otherwise we would take a slow stroll and work up an appetite. I was very surprised to hear the door bell go at about 6:45, it was our Host come to collect us. No rain and bang went the pre-dinner walk.

So bearing in mind it was 7 ish on arrival at our friends we went straight for the Jugular and it flowed until we could consume no more at this time it was about 1-30 ish in the morning. In our Happy state we made arrangements to go to a Pub where an 9 piece band (An Seisuin) were playing and as we had seen them several times before we could not resist the invite to see them again. Slurring our words we agreed to meet them back at their house (Not the Shepherds Crook) for 1-30 pm Sunday. We walked home it took 35 minutes as we were a wee bit wobbly.

Sunday, 1145 am, her in doors batted very well preparing and putting on the slow cooker for when ever we decided to get back home. We were to be honest both a little bit wobbly (pissed). 2.5 Bacon butties each later we felt a lot better and off we set to walk back to our chums, arriving at 1.25 pm just in time to get into the Taxi.. The Florence is a Pub that I don't ever remember visiting in all my years so I was pleasantly surprised to see it was very nice indeed.

The lads had set up at one end of the bar so we set up at the other end and had a grand time my plates of meat were going 20 to the Dozen in time with the songs and Music. And of course Music and song is no good with out the Amber Nectar. 5 Pints later we set off to walk back home. Well you might add we must have had enough Ale by now but one of the girls said Ooh look at that Pub isn't it nice inside, and it's called the Red, White and Blue. Well my chum and I looked at each other and agreed with them we should go in and meet the Landlord who just happens to be a Fishing chum of ours. Two more salubrious pints later we set off again in a northerly direction and into another Pub where one of the Girls said her Father visited the other day and that it was nice inside, So we agreed to support them in their choice and we went in.

A further 2 pints later we caught a Taxi home and enjoyed a delicious Casserole and after a suitable rest we retired to our bed having had more than enough of the falling down juice over the weekend. I don't think I could do this too often but once now and again it feels okay and because the session was spaced out we surprisingly did not wake up with hangovers on Monday. So a good session was had by one and all including "An Seisuin". kkma.

Knowing Things.

2008-02-26T10:32:00.001Z

A man who knows "How"....will always work for a man who knowes "Why".

kkma.

Thought for Life.

2008-02-25T11:53:00.000Z

Look Ye Also While Life Lasts.

Anon. 2008.

The Eagles have landed

2008-02-22T13:45:00.002Z

Well the title refers to a film staring Michael Cain, the actual name of the film is "The Eagle has landed" a WW2 story based on a German MT Boat which landed in Norfolk or around that area and dressed as English soldiers they took over a village. They befriended the locals and convinced them that all was well. It was a way of creating a diversion so as they could attempt to assassinate Winston Churchill who had a house near the village. All was fine until a young child fell into a watermill a soldier attempted to save him but drowned in the process which also revealed his German uniform underneath the English one. The British secret service were aware of the plot and substituted Winnie for a look-a-kike who was murdered by the Germans (Michael Cain).

Go and hire the film(DVD) it's great or wait for the re-run on TV. Our Eagles have landed and we will see them on April 5th at the O2, cant wait. It will possibly be the last tour they will make in the UK? Who know's, never say never I say. kkma.

Next Please.

2008-02-14T08:04:00.003Z

I never use other peoples work but this made me want to. It's from last Mondays edition of the Times and the Monday Poem, Final Thoughts. The writers Quote I have extracted from her comment, it is. " The pimp is so called because he is the producer of the next Individual to be beheaded".

From the Death Cell.
by Andre Chenier (1762-94)
(translated by Tom Paulin,The Road to Inver, Faber)

It goe's like this.

We live - dishonored, in the shit. So what? it had to be.

This is the pits and yet we feed and sleep.

Even here - penned in, watered and waiting for the chop (just place your bets) - affairs take off, there's gossip, bitching and a pecking-order.

Songs, jokes, card-school: she lifts her skirts; someone bops a balloon against the window-panes.

It's like the speeches of those seven hundred eejits (Barrere's the shiftiest of the lot) - a comic fart we whoop and cheer and then forget.

One jumps, another skips; that greasy pack of gut and gullet politicians raps and hoots until, dead quick, the door skrakes open and our tiger-master's wee pimp struts in.

Who's getting it today? We freeze and listen, then all but one of us knowes it isn't him..

Andre Chenier was arrested on suspicion of "crimes against the state" in France on March 7 1794 and Guillotined on July 25 on the orders of Robespierre. It seems to me that the best poets have to suffer; without suffering it is all hearts and flowers, which are very difficult to write about in a way that gets one's attention.

There is a noticeable Irish influence on the choice of some words in the translation; eedjits" (idiots) and "wee" (small).

The door opens and the "tiger-master's wee pimp" enters. The tiger-master (the prisoners being caged like tigers) is sureley Robespierre.

His pimp is aso called beacuse he is the procurer of the next Inividual to be beheaded; it is like a game of musical chairs. The entrance of the "pimp", marked by the onamatopoeic "scrake" of the door, is the music's end, when one of the inmates is picked off, after which the others can breathe more easily for a few hours.
The terminology reduces the macabre and sombre reality if impending death to a more jocular level. If one must die at the guillotine, then cause for a sardonic grin might be comforting.

If Chenier had only known that Robespierre would be executed three days after he was, he might have died laughing. I Love it. kkma.

And The Sun Shone Down.

2008-02-11T10:41:00.000Z

What a great weekend it was, lots of feel good factor was applied. It was 7am at the Pump House Lake just outside of Petersfield. We had gathered to make the draw for where we were to fish from, the Frost was heavy on the ground and it was nibbling at my finger tips. I drew Peg 3, a noted good area. Five hours later I weighed in 3 Carp and a dozen Roach for 7 lbs, 10 ozs and 8 points coming 3rd overall. Nigel's owner came 1st, bloody stuffed monkey? What a difference a drop of Sun makes especially when you are Fishing. Mr D, I thank you, and the Sun shone down. No 1 Daughter's name is to sacred to misspell she would have my Gizzards for Garters if I took her name in vain. KKMA.

Dick Whittington Outing.

2008-01-30T10:28:00.000Z

As I type this the Sun is out and pouring down some feel good factor. This time on Thursday will probably be another matter, the forecast is cold, wet and rain over London. Mr D and I are meeting up for our annual trip to the National Geographic Society where the London Dive Chamber are holding a series of Lectures on Diving, presented by the likes of Monty Halls an ex RM Officer who has made a career out of Media Diving and making Excellent Documentaries for TV etc. kkma.

My Mantle Lies Over The Fireplace.

2008-01-23T16:16:00.000Z

Part 2.

My mantle lies over the hearth. You will have to work out where this Blogg originated from to get the connection but as I feel in a stoopid mood I will continue with the Jack-a-nory.

Well the Awks were becoming fed up with the Philistines who had a closed shop at the Iron Foundery. Thats where the Mantles were being made to order, so they started there own chapter and were known as the "Awks Angels" who's leader was a 7ft dwarf called Larry, now Larrys Auntie Quasimodo was married to Mustavafag the Philistine Tobacconist who had a shop on the corner of Fagash and Butt Street.

Mustavafag had the Royal Warrant and Franchise to supply Vic & Alb with a half pound of Cannabis on a weekly basis due to the fact that every time Vic dropped a sprog she used Cannabis to relieve the pain . Larry was becoming wise to this regular event and he wanted in.

His other half Sinthia was due to drop twins at any time. If he could half-hinch some Cannabis and give Sinthia some sprog relief then he would be quids in. So picking up his mobile phone he dialed Aunty Quas and threatened to stop her Dole money and family benefit if she did not help him. After a lot of verbal abuse Aunty Quas agreed to parting company with some of her stash which made Larry one happy 7ft dwarf.

On his return to Ogre Towers just off of Obesity Street and at the junction with Fagash and Butt Street he met coming towards him Mustavafag who was deep in conversation with one Tom Crapper who had a reputation with the Ladies. Larry was agitated by what he saw, Tom was carrying a state of the art Bone China Dungie with painted Hyacinths on it. Hello lads Larry said, Hello Larry they replied where are you going to. Well its a long story but I should be with Sinth as she is just about to go into Labour with twins . Where are you off to he said to Mustavafag. I'm off to the Palace to see Vic and Alb with their weekly supply of Whacky Backy as Vic is about to drop another sprog.

Well Larrys eye's nearly popped out of their sockets when he saw Mustavafags stash. He made him an offer he could not refuse a straight swap his Cast Iron Mantle for the Whacky Backy. Mustavafag thought for second and agreed to the deal promising to inform Vic and Alb that he would get them a new Mantle as soon as he could from the Foundry.

Well Larry now had a problem he had a nice new Mantle but no Whacky for her indoors. He was deep in thought when he felt a tap on his hump. Turning around he found himself confronted with 11 Awks Angels. E're mate the ganger said to Larry we have got this very heavy Mantle for Vic and Alb, but we have lost our way in the Fog and its getting bloody heavy. Can you tell us the way or better still take us to Buck House, we will reward you well he retorted.

Without no further ado Larry led the 11 Awks Angels to Vic and Alb's Gaff, knocking on the door with the dustbin sized Gargoyle face knocker,they awaited a response. They only had to wait a week as the No 99 Bus from Dulwich East had got lost in the Fog, taken a wrong turning and ended up in the River Thames at Putney Bridge. They all piled on leaving Larry to struggle with the Mantle. The huge door opened and they were let in. The Lobby was huge like Fingels cave with a Tunnel leading in a westerly direction.

Reaching the inner sanctum of Vic and Albs private Ablutions was worthy of a Duke Of Edinburgh Award but seeing as none of them were boy Scouts the Bus conductor let them travel at half price.

So there they were, Larry, Tom,Mustavafag,Auntie Quasimodo,Sinthia and the 11 Awks Angels who by now had became very frustrated and in a moment of despair had reinvented them selves and were now 12. Drawing up all her strength Queen Vic who by now had blown in size due to the fact she was about to drop a sprog and had been stuck on the Crapper for 10 days with out Electricity and heating was not amused. ( I am looking for an ending here).

Deep breath all; CRAPPPEERRR.... she bellowed where is my Bone China Dungie with the hand painted Hyacinths on it! It's here Mamm he extorted passing it along a Daisy chain.

With her next breath she hollered MUSTAVAFAGGGGGGGG where is my Wacky Backy! Here it is your Majesty he retorted in his over accented way as he suffered with a cleft pallet and a pronounced lisp making the partaking of Liffy water damn awkward, he then passed it along the Daisy chain.

With her next breath Queen Vic called for Quiet but he wasn't to be found so she she gathered up her thoughts which by now had fallen on the floor along with the Daisy chain and was looking a right mess.

LAAAARRRYYYYIIIIIEEEE, she screamed wheres my Mantle, it's here he replied, he would have replied sooner but the GPO in this area are crap at deliveries particularly if one uses 2nd class stamps, so he took it from the 12 Awks Angels who by now were so cream crackered by the weight of the Mantle that they had slowly sunk into the deep pile Regency patterned carpet pulling Prince Albert the Prince Regent in with them. He then passed it forward along the now rather messy Daisy chain.

Good Old Queen Vic then stoked the fire up as she stuffed her face with the Wacky Backy which had been spread onto a piece of Wholemeal bread and covered in Strawberry Jam, she watched the flames flicker up creating shadows in the light of the flames as they reflected around the darkened room creating even bigger shadows onto the walls of the now very crowded Privy Ablutions.

With that her Waters broke Gushing over and putting out the Fire putting them all into a state of darkness, and what a state it was. What with the messy Daisy chain and 12 Awks Angels along with Prince Alb lost in the Regency pile, compounded by the fact that the son and heir to the nation was attached by his umbilical cord and teetering on the edge of the Regency pile.

With the relief of giving birth and at the joy of being able to stoke her fire under her brand new 7ft Mantle the Queen was so over joyed she pardoned the 12 Awks Angels and gave them a pension underwritten by some one called Maxwell Pensions for the rest of their lives.

Striking a match and in the glimmer of its flames Queen Vic then Knighted Tom Crapper and Larry who later became Sir Lazzer of Walthemstowe, she made a mess of Knighting Mustavafag resulting in him having to have 33 stitches in a place where only permitted peoples were allowed to go. And as for Sinthia and Auntie Quasimodo they were each in turn tied to a Donkey and led around Coventry City who had just lost 19 nil in the F A Cup final at the Millennium Stadium and were mighty pi55ed off, after 90 laps they were let off with a caution and told to go home to Romford where they lived out their days in deep Regency pile Happy ever after. kkma.

A River runs Through it.

2008-01-21T12:58:00.000Z

The River Trent at Stoke Bardolph, Nottingham was steaming through at such a pace that all the birds and ducks were being swept down stream even the resident swans were having trouble crossing the River. I estimated that they (swans) were traveling about 50/60 yds to my right as they set off to get to the other side and by the time they got there they were landing about 200 yds down stream. It would have been easier to have flown across but they opted to swim, dumb birds. The banks of the river were no where to be sen as it was lapping the side of the main road and into the car park.

I had about 3hrs of reasonable light to fish by, the temperature was 13.5 degrees C, and little or no wind. Setting up 2 ledger rods one was baited with sweet corn the other with 3 worms, guessing where the edge of the river bed was I cast into its murky deapths towards a slack area and near a tree but after 3 hours and no bites I called it a day and retreated to the Ferry Boat Inn for some Liffy water, aaaaahhhhhhh Bisto. kkma.

H M S Victory and Cool.

2008-01-10T13:54:00.000Z

This idiotic "cool" statement was made at a table conference yesterday by a colleague of mine who is in his late 20's, a Scotsman and should have known better as he is an Educationist?

Cool statement as follows:-

That boat outside of the window has too much to say for it's self and the bloke who was in charge is too much in your face around here.

He was referring to Admiral Lord Nelson and his Flag ship the Victory. I along with several other of my group let him dig a very big hole for himself before I on a personal level told him to pull in his neck as he was running a tad close to Treason considering we were in the home of the Victory and possibly the heart of Nelsons fame. City Banker comes to mind.

I am very aware that times are changing and the further down the road we go particularly with history and famous people some things do not matter or are less important than they were 50 yrs ago but as far as I am concerned old Horatio still RULES. kkma.

January Blues.

2008-01-07T13:13:00.000Z

Half year appraisals are due in, YUK! Big time. Any one else have to do them? kkma.

It's here.

2008-01-02T13:22:00.000Z

Happy New Year to one and all. I love the transition of the New Year coming in and the Old one going out just for a few moments it feels odd as it passes.

I know I was very merry with falling down juice and then the Port was poured? My apologies to all for letting it get the better of me and I do hope it did not put you off drinking with me on any future occasion. Lesson learnt. Oh yes the game "Cranium" is banned at any future NYE party, car boot sale comes to mind. Well done Mr and Mrs D for a great time. And thank you for the forwarded e-mails and Photo. kkma.

"SATNAS SI GNIMOC"

2007-12-21T10:41:00.000Z

The title is in welsh it means beware of strangers and dont except any dodgy sweets.

A very happy Christmas to who ever can be arsed to read this and a happy healthy New Year in 2008.

kkma.

Bless Old Birds.

2007-12-20T15:52:00.000Z

I tried very hard not to laugh but after 5 minutes of mutterings, and at least a dozen Oh! my Gord's I had to let it rip? Last week I had a minor surgical operation to remove a tissue lump from my leg no big deal but it was starting to look unsightly. It was performed at my local walk in Hospital with local anesthetic. After the Op' I was told to go to my own Doctors surgery for the stitches to be removed.

Phoning up for an appointment I was informed that the Dr was on holiday, the Triage? Nurse was booked solid and they did not have a vacant slot until after the Xmas hol's. The receptionist said it would be a lot better if I went back to the Hospital. So off I go and I am seen right away. The Nurse about 25 yrs old and very attractive invites me to go behind the screen and take off my trousers now there is an offer I could not refuse. I will be back in a jiffy she said whilst closing the curtain. So I am prostate on the surgery table/bed with my trousers off. Next thing I hear is the swish of the curtain and a loud voice asking if I was Mr X affirmative I reply, stitches out was her next question, yes I muttered, how many she said, 4 or 5 I am not sure I replied. I still had not seen her face at this stage so I asked her had she had a busy day NO came the rather curt reply, It's my first job? Well I started to think her first job of the day or her first job as a nurse?

Then I saw her face!!!!!!!! well she was not 25 and attractive she was to be respectful to the female gender 90 yrs if a day and 200 lbs with huge ruby red lips and had not had a shave for a month of Sundays, Yuk. I started to look around for a film crew thinking it was a set up but No She was the genuine thing? The mutterings and Oh my God's were obviously her way of getting through the day. But the surprising thing was she was as delicate as could be with me and in no time at all the stitches were out and I was patched up and on my way back to work. Ugly but eficiant, moaning but compasionate, huge but tender in her way, what a girl. Seasons greetings she added with a smile which revealed a set of dentures which the last time I saw teeth like that was on my old Grannie on the day of her funeral.

Dont under estimate the opposite sex lads, you just might need them one day. kkma.

"The Ice front cometh".

2007-12-17T13:10:00.000Z

"RAT'S" BW, your spell did not work.

The final of our Angling winter league was held on Sunday on the Basingstoke Canal, I was drawn at Ash lock on the wides an area where the boats have room to turn around etc. I was so pleased as it is a known fish haven. Peg2 was my swim for the day and I knew I was going to bag up. I only had a 2 minute walk from the car park to my swim. On the way to it I noticed a gaggle of Geese on my side of the tow path and 5 swans feeding near by. Odd but not unheard of. Negotiating my way pass them and piles of lucky strike I was taken back at what I found. The canal was Frozen over as far as I could see in both directions, now I know why the birds were on the land.

What rotten luck it was the best swim area on this section of the canal and it was frozen. Thinking cap on I decided to break the ice in the margins, but how was I to get at the main area at about 10 Mt's distance. I returned to the car and found 2 lengths of tow rope and tied it to my car wheel jack the first time its been used. It took about 25 minutes to break through and clear the ice about 1 mtr wide and 10 mtrs long. After 5 hrs of 1 below freezing and a bitter east wind I was fish less not even an enquiry. The sun had gone and I was now in the shade, it was a relief to hear the final whistle blow to end the match what a gruel er.

At the presentation it was announced that NO one in my section had caught a fish (10 anglers) so the monies that would normally be awarded for 1st and 2nd places would be drawn out of the hat I could not even win that. So that ends off my 2007 angling year not so bad as I came 25 out of 120. What was nice was that we placed a donation box before and after the draw and it raised £150 for a lad who died of cancer last week which was presented to his young son. It will not change what has happened but it did tell the lad a little about what the other anglers thought of his dad. Role on 2008. kkma.

Crowded House.

2007-12-10T15:52:00.000Z

And it was, what a show Mr D and I went to the sarf coast to see Neil, Finn and the lads perform, brilliant show with several encores to end off with, they are at the Albert hall on Tuesday the 11th go see-um or get the album its "Pukah". kkma.

Chicken Menu.

2007-11-29T15:26:00.000Z

W1ll Spar5s is the Museum's pet snake. He is a Ta1wanese Beauty Snake or c0mmon rat snake on account that most of what he eats is DE-frosted mice and rats. Well, today is his $ifth birthday and for a change I fed him a defrosted chick. Talk about speed - it hardly touched the sides, from the second he snatched it from my extended metal feed1ng tweezers it was gone.

He then looked at me with a look that said why aren't you smaller? so I fed him £ of small Furries (mice) which he did not take long to consume, it's a fasc1nating process of d1sengaging his lower jaw and then stretching his mouth and throat to accommodate the size. He is due to shed his sk1n any day now and then it's a fight amongst the staff to see who will get to keep the sk1n. I think I should start charging a small fee. Any other offers? kkma.

I Will.

2007-11-20T10:20:00.000Z

I will drive 600.o3 miles and I will drive 600 more,song in their somewhere. That's how many we clocked up on the 3 gig tour we made last week, this coming week end will see us off to Carlisle and Glasgow, any guesses how many miles we will do, answers on my page please, the nearest will receive an Invitation to visit "Narnia" or a place of their choosing. kkma.

"The Hollies"

2007-11-14T12:14:00.000Z

We are off on a triple show tour this weekend, Cardiff, Birmingham and Torquay, I hope they are worth it as topping up with gathering winter this morning made a big hole in my sky rocket.
Only to be repeated again next week when we head off to Carlisle and Glasgow. Mr Brown must be laughing all the way to the bank on his share of fuel tax. Still waters run deep. kkma.

War & Peace.

2007-11-12T13:09:00.000Z

I have never served in any of the armed services but as I work for the MOD and I am of a generation born into an age of War and Peace and being the forth son out of five brothers and three sisters. I was not created and born a peace child. As I grow older and have time to reflect on the past and present I realise I don't like war but I support its necessity. If I had to I would join up tomorrow so as to protect my family, friends and country from aggressor's.

The democracy and freedom we enjoy to say and do what we like in a peaceable way is sometimes overlooked by some people who have that freedom to object about war and adopt a peaceful stance and say what they like without fear or prejudice from any aggressor. I support their choice and views after all this is a free society built on sacrifice and the ever willing urge to protect ourselves. kkma.

New for Old.

2007-11-02T13:15:00.000Z

24 hours on and a new ceiling is up and already plastered, the plasterers said leave it for the weekend and then seal it with bog standard emulsion leave for another 24 hrs then paint it with a finishing coat of VSE paint, sorted.

By this time next week the Museum will have a new T-Boat room for some R&R, and the cleaning team have made light work of the dusty-hoovy.

A hundred and sixty eight years on and it hardly looks any different from when the "Oldies" first applied the Horse-hair and Lime plaster to the laths. What a difference 6 sheets of plaster board make in modern day practices. Have a good weekend blogg world. kkma.

Horse hair and Laths.

2007-11-01T11:48:00.000Z

At this moment in time I am trying to keep away from phones and people who keep ringing me to say that their office is covered in a cream/white film of dust. The heading has probably give you a heads up on what has happened? The Museum T-BOAT ceiling collapsed after 168 years and has filtered through to just about every office and orifice in the block.

So if you fancy some hands on graft and some real work experience come on down south I could do with some help bring your own PP and I will supply the bacon butties and rosy lee, any volunteers? kkma.

Solent sunrise.

2007-10-31T10:53:00.000Z

What a superb sunrise today nearly had me kneeling to "The bowling ally"? The Solent was "Millers" this morning and the only boat was a small fishing smack on its way to the shell beds. It reminded me of when MrD and I took our boat and went sand eel netting before we went looking for the Bass around the Solent inshore marks. Have a good day in your A/C offices?

"And so to work" (Quote from one Sam, Pepys)

KKMA.

Sunset.

2007-10-30T16:17:00.000Z

What a difference 1 hour and the clocks going back makes on a day like today. The sun is setting over the solent as I type this and the colours are stunning as they ripple over the water. Ooohh I feel quite poetic.. Pity the water quality did not match the quality of the sunset.

"And so to bed." (Quote from Pepys).

kkma.

" £Pound's my Ears"

2007-10-29T11:38:00.000Z

My father in law has for some time now suffered from Tinnitus (ringing noise in his lugholes) he made an appointment at his local surgery for an hearing test. You can imagine him and the Doc, what! A, pardon, what did you say? speak up! No none of that, the Doc, said it's your Tinnitus that's your problem. No hearing aid or screening bung was necessary.

S o what does he do? He rings me up and suggests I take him to the shop to sort out his hearing problem. So I duly pick him up expecting to drive him to the Mutt and Jeff centre, where do we end up? Currys ! where he spends £800 squids on a new 32" TV and a Cinema sound surround system, this will sort out my hearing problem, ever since I listened to your TV and system I cant get used to my old one at home he blurted. Sorted Pops. kkma.

Pangbourne. Parts 1,2,3.

2007-10-25T15:58:00.000+01:00

Part 2.

What a beautiful day it was on the River Thames for the next round of our winter league. At once I felt at ease with my swim area it was ideal, The water was pushing threw at a fair pace and it took 80grams of lead to hold bottom and a big bow in my line. Two big worms went on the hook and out it went, keerrsploshhh it settled on the bottom, pause story.

The overhead entertainment was great two planes were performing stunts consisting of loops , spins, twirls and drop stalling. Not long after two large birds started to circle over head and I had to pinch my self just in case I had goofered and was not aware, well they may have been Vultures. Not being into the feathered variety I think they were a type of Buzzard possibly Honey buzzards? if there is such a type?

Two more planes returned and performed some more stunning stunts, it was getting better by the minute. Five hours later, and resuming the fishing story, the bow in my line sunk back then went forward with the current and the rod top sailed around and dipped down I clutched it in my hand and took up the slack to feel a tugging object on the end. After reeling in the bow slack it went tight again and tore off down river I managed to apply some side pressure and the fish turned and headed back up river. What ever it was was not a happy bunny.

Ten more minutes later and with only 5 minutes of the match left I managed to get it to cross the river to my side. At this stage I was thinking it was a very angry large river Carp. The whistle blew for the all in so I shouted "FISH ON". Another ten minutes later I was slipping the landing net under a beautiful 7lb 14oz Bronze Bream with only a couple of minutes left of fish playing time left. The lad who won my section had a total weight of 14lbs 13oz, he also had a huge bream in his catch and it also weighed 7lb 14oz which he caught only 30 minutes before the match ended. I came 2nd in my section and 9 points. Just one fish but what a beauty the second largest in all my years of freshwater fishing, it looked huge like a dustbin lid.

Part 3. I smiled all the way home, what a specimen, particularly from a river. The national record is nearly 20lbs from a still water so my fish was a good one, Sad thing is no photo's of it and it wasn't until I returned it to the river that I realised I could have used my mobile phone, doh! next time. kkma.

Parts 1,2,3.

2007-10-19T09:36:00.000+01:00

Reasons to be cheerful part 1.

Yes the River Thames at Pangbourne is my next fishing trip on Sunday. It's the 2nd round of the Avon Vally Winter League and 120 anglers will be attempting to teach worms,maggots etc to swim and hopefully catch some fish. I could do with a section win this time, the last match at Aldershot's Gold Vally where I thought I was doing well resulted in me coming 2nd from bottom in my section as I went for the silver fish and lots of them, where as I should have gone for the carp and a heavier weight. Have a good weekend. kkma.

A good cause.

2007-10-18T10:43:00.000+01:00

We attended a charity Quiz in Portsmouth dockyard last night in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust. About 200 people took part and raised several thousand pounds for the trust and in particular a new hospice which will be built to accommodate teenagers. Over two thousand young teenagers develop cancer every year. We all know someone who has developed cancer of some form but the odds are greater in teens than other age groups. We came 17 out of 42 teams. Raising the money and having some fun was all worth while. The Curry was washed down with some red stuff and it tasted good. We went home having contributed to a worthy cause but we still felt peckish so out came the toaster and we could only find some naff margarine and that was cake mix variety so we proceeded to scoff the toast washed down with coffee. Don't recommend the cake mix marge on toast though, YUK. kkma.

Where was I.

2007-10-15T13:29:00.000+01:00

Whilst on my enforced absence from my Blogg site several things have happened one of them being I visited God's Country and secondly England have won a place in the Rugby world cup final. Thanks to MrD, for his patience and reminding me where the spell check button is. I will try harder in future. It feels good to be back. kkma.

Sort of sorted

2007-10-14T17:44:00.000+01:00

Ah well, Mr.D. seems to have sorted out my access to Blogger, even if it's only from work.

Still, better to spend work's electricity and time instead of mine..

Going fishing? I hope.

2007-05-16T16:17:00.000+01:00

Mr D and I are off on a deep sea "Wreck" fishing trip and we cant wait, it is several seasons since we last went and on inspecting the tackle we found it to be in good order and shone like new once we had given it some TLC with some magic spray.

Wednesday the 30th of May is our chosen day and subject to weather conditions we will be there. Master D is coming with us on this trip and cant wait to go Grown up fishing, ahhhh he's excited truth be known so are we. Keep you posted. kkma.

So mote it be.

2007-05-02T16:25:00.000+01:00

Amen to that I say. I do like that saying, so mote it be, i have been using it specificaly for 20 years and all of a sudden its top of the pops on the street, having heard it used by the news paper boy in the shop, and by a Taxi driver last night, its just not used generaly. kkma.

Happy St Georges day.

2007-04-23T13:12:00.000+01:00

I placed my rose in the memorial garden.

We had a great trip to Malvern for a Hollies conceret and were impressed with what we saw. The next day we managed half way up the main hill to St Anns well but had to stop as time run out, the water was earthy but drinkable. We ended up in Woking for another concert which was one of the best gigs of the tour so far. kkma.

"32 METRES"

2007-04-16T12:51:00.000+01:00

Their I was over a 100ft up in the air attached via a harness and inside a cradle on the end of an fire engines turn table extension arm and looking over the solent. The fire brigade had turned up to help during our museum open day and as part of the 25th anniversary of the Falklands war.

I was asked to take some Ariel shots of the site and the landing of a scout helicopter, and when it comes to height or depth I'm your man so armed with the digi camera up I went.

The first thing that came to mind was that the last time I had this much depth between me and Terra firma Buddy 2 and my self were on the bottom of the sea bed attached to a Greek island. The oddest thing is that being on the end of an arm you cant see the arm very well and the feeling of being suspended at that height is definitely not the same as being on the sea bed.

I now appreciate the fire brigade a lot more and what they do for us. Mr D, give me a lowdown on getting some pic's onto the site please and then you can all experience the same feeling. kkma.

The Sun shone.

2007-04-10T15:53:00.000+01:00

What a great holiday weekend, and what a difference a few days good weather can make to getting on with some constructive work. My back is giving me grief now but we did achieve a lot in the urban back yard jungle.

Our drive to Colchester on BH Friday was probably the best ever for the A3 was clear and the M25 was just as good and by the time we got to the Dartford tunnel all we had to do was bung in a quid and we were through and No queuing! at all. On to the M25 again and then up the A12, what had we done to deserve this? 141 miles door to door in 1hr and 55 minutes l could not believe it. We came back via Gatwick airport at about 1030 pm and once again traveling time was 2hrs and 20 minutes and 8 miles on the journey, so I recon that their is a Buddah out there somewhere? kkma.

Cheap @ half the price.

2007-04-05T10:33:00.000+01:00

My Bloggs are FREE, but if you want a copy it's £50 quid a go, take it or leave it and no down loading free copies Im'e watching my meter very closely.

Happy Wotsit's to you all and keep the red stuff flowing. KKMA.

The Hollies up T-North.

2007-03-28T11:37:00.000+01:00

We knew the weather was about to change as we are off to Salford, Manchester on Friday and the forecast is rain and more rain. On Saturday we are going to cross the Pennines via Langset and Mr & Mrs D's old stomping ground on our way to Sheffield for another concert. Nice little ale house in Langset named the Wagon & Horses, do you remember Mr D? I will send you a post card. kkma.

Weekend wash-up.

2007-03-19T12:50:00.000Z

St Patrick's day was celebrated at a local Arts centre, the 8 piece band playing a medley of Anglo/Irish ballad and folk songs with some Blockheads thrown in for good measure. The musicians played a variety of Instruments from Flutes and Bodhrains to Electric Mandolin and wooden spoons a fine collection and a great sound, and every bit of it lapped up by the 150 or so audience during the two sets washed down with some very fine "Liffy water".

Still flushed with Irish fever we transferred across the road to a pub where the occupants were also celebrating St Pat's day so we continued for a further hour. A young lady came in with what can only be described as a colorful Tattoo on the whole of her back depicting Angels? And folded arms too much ullage had been supped to be accurate, a photo was taken so I await the result and if its any good it may be posted?

Sunday evening and both of us were feeling a tad jaded as we ventured out for our second musical interlude of the weekend to see a tribute band called Level 43, a 4 piece outfit that sounded just like the real thing, after a couple of hours of excellent music and both suitably "Cream-crackered" we retired for some well earned kip and to rest the Renal units, Guinness is soooo nice. kkma.

Ti's Grand; tis-an-all.

2007-03-15T11:10:00.000Z

What a day, we had superb weather the conditions were near perfect and some good fish were caught. What was exciting to see were two pairs of "Buzzards" soaring over the hill on the opposite side of the river just gliding up and down with the thermals of air, I am not to good at recognizing the different types of hunting birds and for all I know they could have been Vultures but as this was on the River Thames just below Goring I think not.

St Patrick's day this coming Saturday and Mr and Mrs D are our house guests for the weekend and we are off to see how the Irish make music and of course taste some "Liffy water" and maybe they will see some big changes in Amstel the little Fecker. He is putting on 8oz a week and at this rate he will grow into a right little bruiser. kkma.

The last day.

2007-03-13T17:31:00.000Z

Nothing else remains but to put away my tools, lock up my office and Feck off...Fishing to Goring on Thames on Wednesday for a few hours. Enjoy yours, the moby will be on for any comments, nay rantings should you so desire. kkma.

All hands to the pumps.

2007-03-12T16:23:00.000Z

If you can help it would be great. I have a chum who was rushed into Colchester Hospital suffering from a severe case of Viral encephalitis a disease which attacks the brain and if not stopped can be fatal. If you know anyone who is good at dispensing I think it is called Raki? Please ask them to direct it too Andy who could do with a bit of help.

On a happier note he is already showing signs of improvement, so maybe it is already working? None the less please give it a go, I thank you. kkma.

Cream delight.

2007-03-05T09:55:00.000Z

Cheers MrD, how do you do that? You obviously haven't taught me all you know? A little after this photo was taken the little Fecker ran across the table top and spilt a pint of Checkoslavakian Kelt Stout over a 40 name dining plan that I had nearly finished. His bottle and glass was attended too. kkma.

The Smellier Sommelier

2007-03-04T13:40:00.000Z

A proper Ginger Whine Merchant!

"I hear you singin' in the winerack, I can hear you through the whine
And the Wichita Lineman is still on the line."

Glen Campbell: "Wichita lineman"

March Folk Lore.

2007-03-01T11:45:00.000Z

Pinch-Punch first of the month and no returns. kkma.

"John" Chapter 22 ?Book of ?

2007-02-28T15:19:00.000Z

The sky pilot said at today's funeral service that John wrote how he went fishing on the sea of Galilee and they were at it all night long with no reward. On the way in they met met Jesus who was ambling along the shore. "Rubbish" they said to Jesus, "not a trout in the reservoir". 'Ang on a minute lads" Jesus said "cast your net on the other side". So they did and they hauled in the net and it was not torn - it was full of fish. A hundred and fifty three to be exact, "Blimey" said John to his oppo's.

The message is so I have been told that now and again you have to trawl in something that will please you????. And sometimes the net is cast that will not please you. The net is sometimes cast out to collect people who are not ready to go? Cor blimy, this is getting to heavy for me.

So after 2 songs and yet another rendition of 'All things bright and beautiful' I pulled the pin. Two days and two funerals have left me a tad melancholy and in need of a tot of something.

Yes they did both die young, but they had a terrific time while they were here. Next time I go trawling and I meet Jesus on the shore, I am going to ask him what he really meant, because I am fecked off with losing two oppos before their time. Three score and ten it said in your book - talk about being seen off. kkma.

Old luvvie's cue.

2007-02-26T10:13:00.000Z

Good luck dear'ie, "Go break a leg" that's what is said when actors go on stage.

In this case no breaks I am glad to report. A bit of a sham really, Amstel has no broken bones (thank goodness) only strained muscles etc and he is well back on form.

We took in a Gig on Saturday at one of Eastney's (District in Portsmouth) up and coming live music pubs. We were entertained by one of the all time greats Chris Farlowe the Blues singer with a string of hits to his name and a great catalogue of songs to boot, backed by the John Becker band. The venue is the Cellars at Eastney, it used to be named the Eastney Cellars or "Ma Ringers", lots of gigs coming up soon by all sorts of entertainers. Log in to Cellars at Eastney and follow the instructions. kkma.

Cat's & vets.

2007-02-23T10:13:00.000Z

His first and my umpteenth. Yes Amstel dashing around the house at 100 mph has injured his left leg somehow? Which no doubt will cost us 3 arms & a leg to sort out. It may be a spiral fracture or just badly bruised but Kittens being Kittens will get into scrapes, hopefully it is only a minor problem, it certainly is not stopping him from eating and dumping for England. kkma.

Valentines Day, Exercise and Food.

2007-02-15T10:21:00.000Z

Now bear with me for a moment, Just Imagine that you are on the last few meters of a 4K run on a machine at the Gym, (which I might add is only 100 mts from the Restaurant) and swetting like a pig, and you are starving, What do you do?

(A) Dont go to the Gym.
(B) Go to the Reastaurant.

The Roast Beef and Turkey washed down with a bottle of Shiraz followed by Treacle pudding and lashings of hot custard was delicious. On our return home the alure of a tot of OUZO was too strong. Moral of this story, Gym = 0, St V = 2. Thank you St Valentine. KKMA.

Valentines Day and "Love" Burmese Cats.

2007-02-14T09:43:00.000Z

At long last!

After 2.5 weeks we were glad to see that Amstel had crept into Marthas bed and fell asleep curled into each other. As we approached, Martha suddenly woke up looked at Amstel then sniffed him, then went back to sleep. So that is what we have been waiting to see. Next step is to see her wash him. They are playing together more now and Martha is becoming more tolerant of him. kkma.

Web-cam success.

2007-02-12T13:19:00.000Z

At long last the web-cameras that Mr D purchased so as he could contact the world have been set up and are now working well. We have connected to SKYPE and its very easy to use and other than the cost of the cameras its free to use. I have also been able to see and chat to our godson in Canada, it's as if he is in the next room. We are going to try the conference link soon with his Dad and see how it goe's. Thank you Mr D. kkma.

"Howling wind"

2007-02-12T09:50:00.000Z

If I had some hatches to batten down then I would, it's a right Howler out there at the moment at least Gale Force 7 and belting down the Solent from a West-south-westerly direction and heading East. Must be something Blue Witch has bought back from the far east?

Well lets go forward and see what the rest of the week has in store for us all. kkma.

An "Easterly is Up-on us!

2007-02-09T10:06:00.000Z

Having just returned from the seafront I can state that it is FECKING brass monkies out there. So wrap up warm you lucky people.. I am off to "Hitching"? on a Hospital run with the Outlaws, have a good one yourselves. kkma.

Daily colloquial events.

2007-02-06T10:38:00.000Z

Tuesday 0630 stop and purchase a linen draper, Mrs Patel says to me Good morning, "Wod iz go-ings hon". I set off on my journey again and a little further down the road some temporary traffic lights had been set up over night due to a flood. The guy in the car in front spoke to the traffic sign operator and says to him "Wotdz up mate" off we all drive for another mile or so, and come to a halt again due to a RTA, we are now in 2 lanes and being directed by the Police, the driver of car in the inside lane says to the Copper "wod's da madder guv'nah"? Off we go again, when I arrive at work the security guard says to me "I doh-now wots da madder wid da Telly pidjture ittss awl azy"?

With that I drove to the nearest paper shop and purchased a copy of the Times so that I could read "Wods go-in-hon in the world before someone else stops me to ask WHOD? kkma.

2 Fingers?

2007-02-05T15:19:00.000Z

Looking back at the weekend news papers I happened across the photo with the Muslim girl sticking 2 fingers up to whom ever? and her gesture was of the Insult variety. Then I read the article re her gesture and it all made sense, unlike the French I will not be running from them. kkma.

V versus v

2007-02-02T16:44:00.000Z

Gesticulation.

A posture or motion of the body or limb; action intendedto express an idea or feeling, or to enforce an argument.

I could not help but notice a picture of a British Muslim Woman "Gesticulating" with two fingers in a copy of the Times? and the Daily Mail this week. I wonder if she fully understood the 2 finger gesture she made.

Winston Churchill's 2 finger V, palm towards you was a sign for "VICTORY" AND GOOD LUCK ETC. The 2 finger V with knuckles towards you was an insult first used by the Longbowmen against the French at Agincourt etc, the French hated the English insult of the 2 fingers; which the English Bowmen would use to hold the feathers of the Arrow prior to shooting at them.

All they use to do was to show the 2 fingers and the French would scarper without fireing the arrow.

I cant remember which way around she held her fingered gesture but either way the gesture was misused. kkma.

Metropolis Grey.

2007-02-02T09:27:00.000Z

Mr.D. obviously needs one of 3 things - 1, cheering up, 2, a fishing trip, 3, copious amounts of red giggly tonic? And I prescribe all 3.

My office is in the basement of the main museum building so I don't get to see the day light very often due to the fact my blinds are always down. The public will get to see me first like a monkey behind a glass cage. But I do get lots of opportunity to look over the Solent across to the Isle of Wight. So cheer up Mr.D. and all you Metropolis Office Wallahs, I will look for you. Have a good one. kkma.

What a "Drama".

2007-02-01T14:04:00.000Z

In January 1971 Whilst at the wheel of my SWB Land Rover I hit a patch of black ice on a high level country road in North east Greece,3 minutes later I found my self at the bottom of a ravine, upside down and still strapped in. The engine was still ticking over and all the lights were still on and working.

I felt something pressing down on my chest, and then rocking back and forth, it was a propane gas bottle. I gradually started to come to my senses at the same time a sweet taste was running into my mouth? Blood! It then dawned on me what had happened.

We had come to a halt 125 Ft at the bottom of a rocky ravine and the snow had softened our landing along with some trees on the way down...CERRRRAAASSSSSHHHH-PLUMPHH.

The name of the small village nearby was "Drama". Back to today, my curiosity got the better of me and I Google mapped my way into Greece and low and behold there it was, after all this time it did exist and was not just a memory. Total inhabitants 50k, give or take. When I was last in Drama there was only about 500 and most of them were with me drinking OUZO in the village Taverna with the Lord Mayor, Mr Sukrat?.

Well I wonder should I try and see if any of them are still alive, as I still have some great phot's of the villagers and the crash site. Maybe even a visit? kkma.

A fresh smell has arrived?

2007-01-29T16:22:00.000Z

Yes he has.

After 12 weeks wait and several visits to meet him "AMSTEL" has arrived.

His credentials came highly recommended and we are not disappointed, he is a little charmer and a time waster too.

Burmese cats are not most peoples choice, but we love them. Martha our resident Burmese was not impressed with Amstel, she is 10 yrs old and is still pining her older chum who died last year. But she is a character who loves to play till the cows come home and after 24 hours we could see the writing on the wall,all is going well. Come the time cometh the cat.kkma.