Progress report

Can't sleep, can't stop eating, dazed and confused, but bizarrely very, very happy. Over and out tonight as I need to ice my 'strimming' hand, and Katie and Alex is on the TV so I can't tap on the keyboard!

CH

Miles Apart

Crazy world we live in. In this country a banking 'big wig' can cost the country millions and yet still claim more than a million a year for themselves in bonuses. In India a worker can do a 98 hour week, that worker is an eight year old boy on 7 pence an hour, and in America's New York City the Carlyle hotel, overlooking Central Park and coming in at £7000 a night for a suite, is a hundred yards away form Lincoln Correctional facility (prison). The same road, the same view, and free accommodation - although to be fair you can't get a club sandwich and a Bellini at the Lincoln.
My point is, that when you are walking along the beach on a quiet evening in Devon you realise two things, one is how lucky we are, and the second is that all the bull**** is a million miles away.

Well, like many Brits this week I hope that the 'Met men' get their predictions right about the weather. I am expecting it to be red hot very soon, because at the moment the little wooden man and woman in their little wooden 'weatherhouse' are coming in and out of the door about as many times as the average Tesco shopper reverses in and out of a parking space. You just cannot read the elements at the minute, but like any true English man or woman, whether it is red hot or freezing cold, we love a good moan about the weather.
I will have to sign off now as the programme I am currently watching on BBC1 is unbelievably traumatic and moving, especially considering that only half an hour earlier I watched Jamie 'mockney, cockney, cheeky chappy, Oliver refer to his seasoning of a burger by saying "Just give your burger a little once over with your Thyme brush"......please no more!.

CH

Spanish Steps

Well what a busy few days. There has been a bit of speedway, a trip to the beach (obviously), some more undergrowth torture, a world cup final, and a very impressive 'cook off'. The speedway is becoming a bit of a favourite (thanks to 'Spearo'), I have rode most types of bikes but never a speedway bike and one of Newcastle's stars, Mark Lemon, may soon be letting that happen for yours truly - no brakes and lot's of speed, I can't wait.
As far as the football is concerned, the saying 'the right team won' really did ring true as Spain passed their way to winning the World Cup. Both teams dived more than Tom Daley at a world championships, but with players like Xavi and Iniesta Spain are a true delight to watch and I think most people were delighted that they won.
As far as the 'cook off' is concerned Sarah Miller produced a faultless performance -in and out of the kitchen!. It was a top night, although Jase stayed fully clothed and chose not to do a full football warm up in the 'buff', and I wouldn't fancy following Sarah's culinary masterclass (Rob!).
And finally, as far as football is concerned, I am still mulling a few things over. I am obviously not currently at pre season training anywhere and after 22 years of doing so it does feel strange. Although I have signed for clubs before in my career very close to the start of the season, whether I don a pair of boots this season is still very much in the balance. It is quite a difficult decision to make and maybe it would be easier if it were decided for me but for now I am happy to be spending some time with the family not thinking about 'the beautiful game'.

P.S Thanks bro for a great weekend and thanks Harvey for being a real star.

P.S Hard drive to be purchased today, videos not far away.

CH

Hacker

Today was spent in true Tarzan surroundings. For this afternoon I hacked, sawed, and trimmed my way through an overgrown paddock. At the end of the day I resembled Jesus of Nazareth, had lost around five pounds in body weight, and was cut to ribbons. And I absolutely loved it. Tomorrow it will be more of the same, except I may be armed with a petrol strimmer and a chainsaw (although Fiona is not so sure!).
This weekend my bro and his boy (Mark and Harv) are down, on Friday I am heading to the speedway, and on Saturday night the 'cook off' returns. No fancy dress or house makeover, just good food (Sarah), good banter (Fiona, Jase, Sarah, Rob, and Vicky) and of course the chance of nakedness (Jase).

Thanks again to Carol for the gardening therapy

CH

Teething

I am still having some teething problems with my video blogs - basically my laptop is rubbish and I am going to have to throw it through the window! Hopefully it can be sorted soon. In other news, and another reason why my blogging has been intermittent recently, I have lost my iPhone so apologies to all those who have tried to call (if any) as I have lost my numbers, and also all videos and pictures....gutted. In other, other news, it was school sports day today and the Hargreaves duo did us very proud, unlike Hattie who ended up watching this afternoon in her pyjamas. The older two ran like the wind and it was, as always, emotional to see them doing their bit - although of course no tears were shed (my wife says I am actually devoid of any emotion, but hey they were there to win!!!!!!!)
I am still undecided as to what my future will be, many decisions still to make and not much time to do it. I am however thoroughly enjoying my time at home, not running around a field is at the moment a novelty, although I do miss lapping 'Nico' in pre-season!.

P.S Couldn't resist it, I ran for eight miles yesterday, I still need the pain!

P.P.S Thanks to Rachel and Nikki for your help, all donations welcome!

P.P.P.S Video may be with you tomorrow.


CH

Glastonbury round-up

"Dib, Dib, Dib"

I am having a few difficulties uploading my latest (Video) offerings at the moment, so apologies about that, but bear with me and hopefully I will have something for you tomorrow, albeit a little out of date. This weekend has been spent, in canvas, by some woods, near a beach, not sleeping, and lighting fires. Yes we have been camping, destination Woolacombe. I will give you a full report tomorrow but it basically involved 48 hours of BBQ's and alot of smoke in my eyes, 48 hours of swimming and surfing and a lot of salt and chlorine in my eyes, some pottery!, a couple of surfboards, a load of arguments, some ghost stories, and some hefty pain to the wallet area. My wife is traumatised but, as is the norm, the children loved it.
Time for a glass of red and a comfy bed (wow, even some poetry for you).

P.S Come on Spain

P.P.S Well done Rafa, forehand of death!

P.P.P.S TENT FOR SALE, two door, five tired out owners, chequered history, loads of room, fifty five bent pegs, and only used twice! £1....ONO

CH

CH