Friday 31 December 2010

WAVE ME GOODBYE

Goodbye to 2010, the year that saw our national football team fail, the year that saw two parties and two leaders 'unite', a group of miners survive against the odds, a royal engagement, a swine flu epidemic, the big freeze, a 'Happy' jungle, a darts legend win again, a jockey ride to success, an English cricket team winning down under, a young diver diving perfectly, another promotion at Wembley, a young boy start secondary school (well done son!), and an old friend pass away.

It was also that year saw my football career come to an end, I knew it would be hard and it has been, very, very hard. As much as I miss the 'beautiful game' though, I am excited about the future and cannot wait for 2011.

2011 is for me a mission to succeed, to avoid bull****, and to get a few much needed items. I hope for happiness in all your homes, and as the label on the last bottle of wine I consumed said (45 mins ago), BE PASSIONATE, LOVE, DREAM BIG, BE SPONTANEOUS, CELEBRATE, CHANGE THE WORLD OR GO HOME. Seriously good wine.

LOVE TO ALL, IN THE GAME, OUTSIDE OF THE GAME, AND IN THE CIRCLE OF TRUST.

CH

Wednesday 29 December 2010

Tuesday 28 December 2010

OPTIONS

OPTION A Get the tree down, put the presents away, start the detox, renew the family silences that were in affect before the break, look forward to the New Year, and regret buying the last few panic purchases.

OPTION B Keep the tree up, spread the presents around, plough on with the brandy butter, keep smiling, don't even think about New Years eve, and delight in the indulgence of the his and hers Jack Wills underwear sets.

OPTION C ????????




CH

Friday 24 December 2010

EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY

HAPPY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL AT HARGREAVES TOWERS.

CH

Thursday 23 December 2010

Pining

Today was mostly spent buying the dreaded 'last minute bits', which basically involved getting a load of twenty pound notes and throwing them out of the window. Exercise came in the form of a bit of chopping (wood with an axe, rather than carrots with a knife in preparation for a mammoth Christmas dinner) which was great, I'm sure everyone would agree that you can't beat a bit of axe wielding over the yule tide period!
I am torn between enjoying myself with my family for the first time ever over Christmas, and going stir crazy at the thought of not playing on Boxing day for the first time in a couple of decades. Most current players would say make the most of it, and I will, but a major part of me is pining for a pair of boots and a can of Red Bull - I suppose a kick-a-bout with my son will have to do on Christmas morning. Getting him a new ball will help that!
As well as residing out at Southfork with Iain and Joan, we have already popped down to Martin Hargreaves Motorcycles to see Mart, where you need a medal the size of a frying pan to survive more than a week, we have met up with my Bro, Mark, and Harvey, we have met up with Becky, Josh, and Millie, and we have had some 'Petits best' in the engine room with Averil.
Gotta go, the kettle is on for the sixth time today.

P.S A message to everyone: YOU HAVE BOUGHT ENOUGH, DO NOT GET CAUGHT UP IN THE CHRISTMAS SWINDLE, YOU DO NOT NEED ANY LAST MINUTE PORT AND CHEESE SETS OR ANY MORE BOTTLES OF SHERRY, AND YOU CERTAINLY DO NOT NEED TO BUY THE SOAP ON A ROPE THAT WILL GET THROWN OUT AROUND OCTOBER TIME NEXT YEAR TO MAKE ROOM FOR THE NEW ONE THAT WILL BE RECEIVED NEXT CHRISTMAS. JIM ROYLE OVER AND OUT.

CH

Tuesday 21 December 2010

Made it

The car was loaded, the snow was cleared, the children were all present, we had half the contents of Curry's on board, and we were finally off.

I did attempt to get the car off the drive yesterday, but seeing Paul (next door) walking past the house with his snowboard I had a strong feeling that the car would remain were it was, and it did. After some persuasive mecidinal sherries and a home made curry (again next door, this time Amanda) the day took care of itself - I had also witnessed four lorries stuck on a roundabout, two vans failing to get up a hill, and a man falling off a bike, it had definitely been the right decision not to travel.

Today however, it was time to get moving. After shovelling my way out of the drive the journey began, and to be honest it was OK. After getting through fifty quid in the tank, another fifty on mentally priced frothy drinks and snacks, and answering a few hundred shouts of (how long now?) we arrived 'Up North'.
As we speak (or as I type) I am now sat next to the fire, Harriet is finally in bed (after another rendition of last weeks school play), Top Gear is on the TV, the beer is cooling, and there is no school or work for a couple of weeks.Bliss. Well nearly, because after packing the car to its absolute limit, after driving over three hundred miles, and after finally getting to our destination after a few days delay we realised we had forgotten something, our sons main present, still in the loft and now at the other end of the country. **** it !!.

P.S Massive thanks to Sarah and Zoe for a lovely meal at the weekend, Ok and you as well Jase!. Be careful when handling the vicious hamsters and there is nothing in the fridge!


CH

Monday 20 December 2010

More power captain

Struggling to get lift off (well get the car out of the drive!). I will report later, after or without having completed a five hour trek up North.

CH

Friday 17 December 2010

Me tarzan, you Jane!

I spoke to soon! I hate the fact that those 'Aussies' are fighting back!!!!

I'm not sure how many people have been affected by a dreaded computer virus, but I have, and it's not good. I can't log onto anything for fear of agreeing to some sort of long winded security solution, probably linked to an international ring of network hackers and money laundering scoundrels. Therefore I am trying to type away on Issy's netbook, which is like a rhinoceros trying to make a call with an iPhone. Tonight it is mostly red wine preceded by a hammering of the weights, preceded by a few practice runs down a steep hill with three children and some snow. Later on I aim for some late night ping-pong (Next door) and tomorrow we aim to fall on our bums (ice skating with the Millers).

Special mention to Nic who has been busy raising money for Hospiscare, I drew a raffle for her and some of her colleagues today at the Argal building in Exeter. Well done Nic for doing so well and apologies again for answering the door semi-naked!

P.S Jane, I know it has been a long time coming but here goes. Not only are you beautiful, funny, and intelligent, you are also a regular reader of the blog x. Have a great Christmas my darling.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL PLAYERS AND FANS ALIKE, I AM WITH YOU IN SPIRIT!

CH

Thursday 16 December 2010

Ashes to Ashes?

I am loving the fact we are battering Australia at the moment (at cricket). There is nothing worse than seeing a smug looking Ricky Ponting talking about how good the 'Aussies' are. As much as they are a hell of a high achieving nation, I am deligted we are reclaiming our nations 'second' great game - hopefully anyway!
At home now, and my eyes are watering. It is either, a mild case of St Vitus's dance, the realisation that my outgoings are massivley exdsceeeding my incomings, or the fact that we are heading up North for Christmas for the first time in two decades. I have now comfortably accepted that I like my own company, I have various strains of OCD, I like to swear constantly, I enjoy half nakedness, I moan for Britain, I snack like a baby, I like the odd late night TV session, I have bouts of major insomnia, I do hundreds of press-ups in the middle of the day, I argue with all members of my immediate family on a daily basis, and I love taking the ****. With all that in mind I'm sure the yule tide period will all run smoothly! To be honest though, as we old (has been) footballers say, 'there is no 'i' in team, Christmas is a time for giving, it's a time for others, and it's a time when loved ones spend time together. What a load of ********!

CH

Wednesday 15 December 2010

Younger?

Another school play today, this time it was a heart warming story about wartime at Christmas. Issy was great as a secret spy and I took care of all issues concerning filming. My arm is bulging tonight though after holding my twelve year old 10kg camcorder for the duration of the show. I did however have a bit of a lump in my throat as they sang 'Wave me goodbye' in the play, it was the song our old friend Guy Allen had requested for his funeral. It was a really good performance from all concerned, including a great cameo from Arthur the Banjo playing Homeguard.
I think we would all agree it has been a crazy week in the world of football what with Tevez's dummy popping out, Chris Hughton being given the bullet, and big Sam being ousted. Then again, none of it really does surprise me, it's all just part of the football merry-go-round. The only certainty in the world of football is the shape of the ball.
I have to offer my sincere apologies to my 'bezzie' mates and 'cook off' rivals Jase and Sarah. I am saddened to hear that I inadvertently forgot to mention some of our most recent adventures. I not only forgot to mention an epic fire work event(where we managed to put Ruby off fireworks for at least the next five years, and where Jase burnt his hand and I set fire to my hair),I also forgot to mention our epic tee pee building afternoon. Other than that it has been really quiet!!
Finally, surprisingly, bizarrely, unusually, and most definitely, I have had all my locks chopped off. I am now 'normal' and have been told that it takes twenty years off me. That means that I am now Eighteen,so I will bid you farewell,jump in my Corsa Turbo, pick up one of my chicks, and cruise down the seafront. I will then pick up a Big Mac,park up,and make 'the' move.

'Safe,man'


CH

Tuesday 14 December 2010

Virus

This is an iPhone blog so forgive me for any 'typos', the laptop is out of bounds due to some sort of virus which is trying to rope me into all sorts of non-family material!
You know what,I'll try again tomorrow as my elephant sized thumbs are really struggling with this (borrowed) iPhone - my wife has allowed a short loan!

Love to all

CH

Sunday 12 December 2010

Journey home

A decent game of football, a nice meal out with the family, and a handful of Peroni's. Not a bad day really, the only thing missing was a few games of table tennis and a family session on the Wii........ That was soon rectified by Paul (next door), the dinner was provided by the fish shop (up the road), and the Hargreaves clan only had ten yards to walk home! Thanks again Amanda, I'm next!!!!

P.S

CH

Saturday 11 December 2010

Missing

A decent game of football, a nice meal out with the family, and a decent glass of plonk. Not a bad day really, the only thing missing was a pair of boots and a large rush of adrenaline.

HAPPY PARTYING YOU CRAZY FOOLS

CH

Friday 10 December 2010

Getting closer

Currently sat down watching Fred Claus with a glass of red, two children, and a bucket load of sweets and chocolate. The lights are sparkling, there are presents underneath the tree, and the beer fridge is full. To complete the family picture, I have just had an argument with my wife (who is now in the bath cursing me!) and Harriet is jumping off the wardrobes having secretly consuming her own body weight in E - numbers. Christmas bliss. Regrettably there are no nuts or satsumas flying about which is also a blow, but my Chocolate Orange and Toblerone will soon be nestled under the tree in their 'subtle' wrapping paper disguises.
We are actually heading up North for the first time in twenty odd years to spend Christmas with our families so I hope both Grandad and Grandma Santa's are ready for battle!!!
I will be heading South tomorrow (OK well just to Plymouth!) to help Sparksy out with BBC Radio Devon's commentary of Plymouth v Exeter, and on Sunday I will be mostly lying in - I mean my wife will be mostly be lying in of course.

P.S Big thanks you guys (C and C) for a lovely lunch and whole load of inspiration!

P.P.S Never use Tipex! I have managed to ruin two leather chairs, a table, and a carpet with the evil stuff. I might as well have blown the bottle up such was the scene of devastation I created.


CH

Tuesday 7 December 2010

Pairs

Overworked and underpaid, tired and hungry, salt and pepper, black and white, Morecambe and Wise, you know the stuff.

Tramodol on board, good night all.

CH

Monday 6 December 2010

Meet

I met up with a few old mates today. Firstly I had a good old blast with Ricardo, Guru to the masses, and secondly I met up with Mr and Mrs Nicholson. Rich attempted to fix the stiffest back in Devon, and then it was time to catch up with my old mate Kev. We popped in to Ann and Antons favourite refreshment place for a cuppa and a catch up. Kev had a go at me for not being in touch the first five minutes, but I was far too busy talking to Jenny to listen. I have to say though that I do miss him, I miss his negative banter and constant moaning at my head tennis brilliance, and I miss his shocked and offended look if I ever shouted at him on the pitch.

Say hello to the boys for me, and keep up the good work pal (that being keeping hold of Jenny!). x

CH

Sunday 5 December 2010

Glass

Forgot to mention that my glass back has officially gone. The result of a few waves and a four year old girl, my spine gave in yesterday and since then I have been walking as if I have some serious tummy issues. I have taken the strongest pain killers outside of a stable and I hope to return to action soon, but for now it's a case of grinning and bearing the pain, and enjoying the hallucinogenic happy pills. Apologies to all those I have let down (Paul and P.A.F.C legends). I couldn't lace my boots, never mind play a game mate!

Richard I'm on my way.

CH

Cam

Happy Birthday to Cam Hargreaves (4/12/98). A classic day was had by all involving a dip in a spa, a taste of River Cottage, and a breakfast of chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. I honestly cannot believe the little man is twelve, it only seems like a few years ago that we were bringing him back home from the maternity ward. We were living in Plymouth back then, and after Fiona did her stuff in record time and without pain relief, of which she reminds me of all the time as I had to have a couple of paracetamols during the birth, we brought our little bundle back. We laid him on the bed, laughed, and said "What do we do now"?. Twelve years later and we are still not sure, but he hasn't turned out too badly. He has a short fuse, goes slightly crazy at times, he can run for Britain, he hates losing, he is brave and funny, he is obsessed with chocolate, football, and cars, he hates going to bed at night, and is convinced he will be a millionaire. Like father like son.

Footy now and as the big freeze put pay to most of the fixtures locally, the only thing to do was to go sledging. The new sledges were bought, the local Millets was again ransacked of all its produce and we were ready, but in true Shaun Ryder 'speak' the snow had unfortunately ****** off!

Have a great day one and all.

CH

Thursday 2 December 2010

FIX

What a joke!!!!! Even Golden Balls, the Prime Minister, and Prince William couldn't get the 2018 World Cup to England. It has gone to a nation supposedly riddled with corruption, a nation where a cold snap means -30, and a nation where everyone eats cabbage soup! Not that I am bias, or generalising in the slightest, but how can we fail to win a bid ahead of the 'ruskies'. Apart from Vodka there is absolutely nothing to entice you in, unless you are a fan of dolls or strange dancing (not that sort!). Of course you have St Petersburg which is beautiful and full of history, but sitting in a cafe and having someone whisper red fox in your ear, and ten minutes later being driven away in a blacked out Mercedes by four lads talking about the cold war is not my cup of tea - See you there.

We are in a Christmas frenzy! Some prices have obviously been hiked up because of the weather (i.e kids gloves from MOUNTAIN WAREHOUSE), and some prices have inevitably been dropped (i.e sunglasses from anywhere) but shopping for Christmas has broken me today. Too many people, too many sales, too much on the lists, and too cold. In short, a horrible experience. I'm thinking horse chestnuts, real hot chocolate, a Christmas market, an ice rink, a bit of snow, a Father Christmas with a real beard, no crowds, and some sexy female elves (the last one is unacceptable and will be deleted). Any ideas?


CH

Wednesday 1 December 2010

Absence

Report to follow....

CH