England 12 Australia 10

Well they did it! They beat Australia! Against pretty much al the odds, England managed to outplay the Ozzies...we watched it in Bar Sport ans it was fantastic, the atmosphere was brilliant. We'll be going in there next week to watch England v France! That was another interesting result...New Zealand put out by France...what a day for Rugby!

Also went out on Saturday night with L & R. We had a good night, usual haunts...Bank, BAr Sport, although we did try The Academy...total rubbish but was excellent for watching some very, very odd people...most of them at leats 5 years underage!

On Sunday we went over the Chase with the mutts and then watched TV in the afternoon...enjoyable all in all...

Birthday -Safari Park

So, today is my birthday! Yay! Weather is pretty rubbish, absolutely throwing it down with rain but never mind...

We decided to go the West Midlands Safari Park. At least here, it doesn't matter about the weather as you're in your car. Well, it took us ages to get there, the traffic was dreadful. Anyway, we got there and headed in to the Park. I enquired as to the monkey's but was informed that there isn't any anymore so my car aerial was safe. The first section was the zebra's and antelopes. It was funny actually as they suss out whether you have any food or not...if you haven't they ignore you and move onto the next car! Following that, you move round to the wolves, tigers, lions and elephants. The white tigers and the white lions are the big draw here and youc an see why, They are absolutely stunning. I didn't realise that the white lions and tigers are not albino, they are a recognised type of cat. The best/worst part was the African Wild Dog section. Now, as we came through the gate, these dogs looked a bit lively but as soon as we got into the section, they swarmed round the car, surrounding it front, sides and rear...I couldn't move forwards as I would have run over them and I thought that was probably a bad move!! Eventually I inched forward and escaped the mob, but even as I was driving away, one of them was hanging onto the exhaust! It took a ranger driving up behind me to scare it off. I checked round the car later and despite the noise of teeth on metal and the general manhandling of the car, there didn't appear to be a mark on it! Amazing...

Following that we went to the Wolseley Arms for a meal and then out into Cannock on the night. Was a great day and made all the more enjoyable as I was sharing it with SJ...ahhh...

Cannock, Shareshill and beyond...

Went in to Cannock on Friday night with SJ. We met up with some of her friends, J & R in the Sports Bar. Had plenty (too much) to drink but was a good night. On Saturday we went to the Shareshill fete. They had some vintage cars there and I thought someone I knew with a Sunbeam might be there...they weren't. Still, apart from the rain it was quite a good show. I took Chief so hae could have a little wander around...I didn't risk taking Indi, she's not quite as calm as Shief and I think would have caused a spot of mayhem! The rain cleared up a bit later so we went in to Cannock to get some Fathers Day presents. We bought some stuff from the new outdoor shop - Hi Peak Leisure. It's a really good shop with some nice stuff in. As it was still sunny, we stayed and had a coffee there. Chief was in his element being the star of the show.

Saturday night we went out for a meal with my parents, my Grandad and his wife and also K & P, my mom's boss and also my Grandad's solicitor. It was a thankyou from my Grandad to K for handling his land sale. We went to the Dale in Willenhall. It was a very good meal - steaks were perfectly cooked and you really couldn't ask for better food. SJ drove as well so that was a bonus (well it was for me anyway)!

On Sunday, we had arranged to go out with SJ's parents for lunch. We went to The Horse and Jockey in Ironbridge. This is somewhere I'd never been before but they're reputed to have very good pies...sure enough I can confirm they do indeed have very good pies!

Sunday evening we went over to my parents and had some sandwiches etc. We took Indi & Chief with us as my sister was there and she'd not yet met Chief. All went well, Indi was a little boisterous around N but I think its because he's scared of her...she's basically a bully. If she knows someone/something is scared of her, she takes full advantage!

On Monday I drove down to Luton and dropped SJ off at the train station. I then carried on to the office. Tuesday I went to Wareham for work and Wednesday it was back down to Luton to visit a customer. Today I'm spending at home. Got to get my haircut later and I'm going to take the dogs over the Chase in a minute. They've not been for a week or so as its either been too hot, too wet or I've simply ran out of time.

The weekend I'm off down London to see SJ.

Glasgow...

Not a bad week so far...I went up to Glasgow for a Sales Meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday. This is not a meeting I would normally attend but in my new role I have a responsibility for the products that the RAM's sell, hence my going to Glasgow. I flew on BMI from Birmingham on Tuesday morning into Glasgow and a clooeague picked me up and took me to the hotel. We had the meeting in the morning and then some of the guys went for a round of golf. I hadn't bought my golfing stuff with me so I didn't partake...luckily for me as it chucked it down when they were about halfway round!

The hotel itself was quite nice, apparently half of it burnt down a few years ago and the "periodic" restoration hasn't been that warmly received by all. Still, for the price I thought it was OK.

We continued the meeting on Wednesday before flying back to Brum early evening. My flight was delayed by an hour though so I was a little later getting back than I anctipated.

I picked up SJ from Moor St Station on Thursday. We had to go to a funeral for her Uncle's wife who did suddenly a couple of weeks ago. I must say that I don't like funerals, mind you, who does I suppose? Anyway, for me they're not great and it was weird going to a funeral of someone you're never met. Anyway, I went for SJ and that was the main thing.

Today I've been to Cheltenham to see a customer and tonight I think we'll be going into Cannock. Tomorrow night, we're going out for a meal with my Grandafther and parents. Should be interesting! Sunday is Father's Day so I guess that'll be spent going round the parents.

Weekend

Picked up SJ from Luton train station. A minor drama with where I actually picked her up from. I did say that Luton wasn't the nicest place on earth to hang around, however we agreed that she'd wait in Luton whilst my meeting finished. Anyway, cut a long story short, she ended up at a Travelodge in Luton...problem is there is three in Luton! Anyway, found it, picked her up and came back up here.

Had a good weekend, went out up to The Elms on Friday night - met most of SJ's friends. We then decided to go up Cannock where we went to the usual haunt - Bar Sport. Saw K & J...was an interesting meeting!

Saturday daytime, we went to Solihull. We went to look for some outfits for SJ and I for our Cannes trip, however we ended up coming away with a blender/juicer/kneader/slicer/grate. This thing does everything! I've been after a juicer/smoothie maker for ages but could never find one that did everything. Anyhow, we were in John Lewis' and they had a Magimix 5200 that fitted the bill so I bought it. I also bought a "proper" bow tie. Now I just have to learn how to tie it!

On Saturday night we went back up Cannock and met up with the usual crowd. Again, was rather an interesting night! Maybe I'll elaborate at some other time, but for now I'll leave it as interesting...

D & C came round on Sunday afternoon. Its the first time they have been round the house and was quite a weird meeting. It all went well though and they got on well with both SJ and I so I think things are progressing on that front quite well. After that we went out for a meal at The Wolseley Arms with SJ's friends, J & R. Good day and night in all!

Had a really good weekend...really enjoying myself with SJ! Looking good so far!

Update...its been a while...

Well, considering I said that I wanted to update this blog more regularly, I haven't been doing very well!. Its a good two weeks since my last entry and thats pretty rubbish I must say! Anyway I thought i'd do a quick catchall update rather than individual posts...

I went to London the other day. I've met a girl called (funnily enough) Sarah who works for HP in London. For clarity's sake I'll refer to her as SJ otherwise things might get confusing...! We'd met a few weeks ago in Cannock and got talking but I finally summoned up enough courage to take things a little further! Anyway, cut a long story short we eventually agreed for me to go down and see her on Tuesday. So, off I trot down to the Big Smoke, eventually found the place and my god, its nice. Perfect location right in the centre of London, really close to St Paul's (Although I didn't actually know this was St Paul's initially). We had a really great time, we went out for a meal at a restaurant called Fish. Very nice indeed...then back to the flat for some more drinks (Grey Goose Vodka - also rather special). We got on really well so I asked her back to my place for the weekend.

In the meantime we had our Sales Meeting in Luton on the 18th & 19th. Was pretty good this time around, much more positive and I left there feeling like we're actually getting somewhere. Went out on the night to Chicago Rock Cafe (Again). D was really pi$$ed and I had to eventually put him to bed. Still, twas a good night.

SJ came up on Friday, we had a really good weekend, although we did spend an awful lot of it looking for a freezer! Not exactly the way to a girl's heart but enjoyable all the same!

I dropped her off at the train station in Cannock then went to pick my parents up from the airport. They'd just returned from a 2 week holiday in Mexico...very nice and very tanned...jammy sods! The rest of the week was really just spent working and staying in, although I did go and see a rescue Mal whom I think was having a little difficulty integrating into his new family. Shouldn't really post about it but I think its all sorted now...

SJ came up again last night, she wasn't intending to but she cadged a lift from her friends back and I dropped her off at Luton train station this morning as I'd got to be in Luton for a meeting anyway..all worked out quite well really and was great to see her again. We went round her parents and also one of her friends. They're all really friendly and I like them...lets hope they liked me!

This week, I'm in Luton on Wed/Thursday for a MOST meeting although...................................................I'm picking my new car up on Wednesday as well...yay! I'm also meeting SJ at Luton train station to bring her back up here for the Bank Holiday Weekend. Looking forward to a good time...

Well, the car passed its MOT - wonders will never cease! I still don't know how though as the indicator is still not working. Still its good for another couple of months. Hopefully the RAV 4 will be here in about 6 weeks. Can't wait!

Also went down to Bournemouth, was OK...nothing special...took my customers - CT. They seemed to have a good time. I didn't have a lot to drink and was able to be back on Saturday morning at 8:15. Talking of Saturday, I went over the Chase and had a good walk around. I also started to clean the grout in the kitchen floor. This has gradually started to turn brown with grime (it should be light grey). Cleaned it all off and then applied some grout protector, this should keep it looking (relatively) good.

Went over to Cannock on Saturday night. R & L cam out along with A & C. Was a good night I thought. Usual places (Bank, Bar Sport, etc). Sunday was a relatively quiet day. Did a spot more on the floor, watched the MotoGP, took the dogs for a walk and that was about it! It was nice to have a quiet couple of days though...

Luton

Went to MTL's HQ in Luton today to have a meeting with Dan and also to talk to some International Distributors about MOST and the difficulties/benefits of employing a System Integrator to work with you to win a project. Considering these guys came from all ove the planet, they all had a pretty good grasp of English and it all seemed to go well. Cam back home about 5:30 expecting a quiet night in with the hounds but then had a text from K saying they were going out! A quick change later and out I went. Chief and Indi had a bit of a fight today. Chief thought that Indi was having more food than him so he nipped Indi's tongue. Nothing serious, he's just asserting his dominance over her. They were OK again after wards although Indi was a bit wary of him for a while.

Cannock...on a school night?

As I didn't go out last night, I joined some friends for a drink in Cannock last night. We wnt to Wetherspoons. My dad drove me i and picked me up so I save on the taxi fare. Was a good night and quite cheap too. Found out that Jagermeister is 38% and Disaronno is 27%. C got quite a bit drunk on wine and I had to go into the womens toilets to see if she was OK...luckily it was quite late on so there wasn't anyone else around! She was OK anyway, although a little the worse for wear. She had to be in work at 8:00 this morning...don't wish to worry anyone but she's a coronary care nurse!

Catching up...

Well, what a busy week! Was in Luton again on Monday & Tuesday, finally managed to get the MOST node & SCADA package to work. Then, it was off down to Richmond, Surrey on Wednesday. Nice place, if a little cramped mind you. Very expensive to park though, I guess cars are not really wanted in Richmond. Yesterday I started to travel to Bristol but halfway down, my customer emailed to say he couldn't make it so I turned round and drove back home. To be honest I was glad for the break...feeling very tired this week. Too much driving. Whilst I'm on the driving front, I had confirmation this week that my RAV 4 is OK and is now in the "Signature Loop" whatever that is. Hopefully it should be here in a few weeks. Can't come soon enough really, the Saab is getting a little long in the tooth. It's now started to click whenever you use the windscreen washers! That is pretty frequently in this weather! I'm told its the recirculation vent so I suppose I'll have to get it done at some point...

Indi's improved, it took her until about Tuesday though to actually make any marked improvement, this stomach bug has really knocked her about. Its the last day of her anti-biotics today so hopefully she'll be back to her normal self soon. Haven't been kickbking in ages and I really wanted to go this weekend...oh well, never mind...

A & K have now split up...will they get back together, who knows? They're still at the "maybe" stage I think...here's hoping anyway, I think they make a good couple.

Indi was singled out at dog training this week to demonstrate how to do an "About Turn". I must say I was a little shocked to be honest, but anyway we gave it our best shot. Indi grumbled the whole time we were doing it but never mind it was "do as I do", not "do as I say" I guess!

Off to Cannock tonight I think. Haven't spoken to anyone as yet though so will have to see. Going out for my grandfathers birthday tomorrow night, he's 86. We're all going to The Jack Hayward Suite at the Molineux stadium, home to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Somewhere else I've never been so hopefully it will be good.

95 High Green

I went out with the usual crowd to a new restaurant recently opened in Cannock, 95 High Green. I thought the meal was OK although not as nice as I was expecting, especially as there are some pretty good reviews around for this place...I had soup, then lamb. Off to Bar Sport afterwards again for a few drinks...

Night in Cannock

It's A & K's birthday on Sunday and C's tonight. Decided to go up Cannock. Went to The White Hart, then Bar Sport. Good night had by all...

Night out in Cannock

Went out last night with the usual suspects...good night, far too much to drink but its Xmas! Started on a new tipple - Jagermeister. Absolutely beautiful and a close contender to Pernod & Black for my favourite drink.

Didn't do much else today, Indi was tired following her exertions over the previous few days so I've let her have a lazy day.

The Nordic Show

Decided to go to The Nordic Show in the end. I went for a couple of hours, some some people I knew and I also saw Sue (Indi's breeder). Watched the Malamute, Husky and Elkhound classes. Louie won the Malamute Best of Breed and to my untrained eye, I thought he deserved it. Meant to take the camera but totally forgot...

Going out in Cannock tonight with a few friends and hopefully will be a good night.

Oh, almost forgot - 2 weeks and counting for the non-smoking, I went and got my latest round of nicotine gum today after the show. My CO2 levels are still at 0...