Ohhhh...Vienna!!!!!!!!!

This week, I had to travel to Vienna to present at a show in Czech Republic. It still amazes me how you can travel round the Eastern European countries. Basically, I flew to Vienna, got picked up and then drove through Slovenia (I think) and then on to Czech Republic. The hotel we stayed in was OK but nothing special...however...it was in a village called Vrbice. Now this village has been named a National Heritage site for its winemaking and I must admit, this side of the trip was excellent! All of the wine cellars were sort of cut into the ground, making it look a little liks something from Lord of the Rings. After I had given my presentation we were invited out for a meak and some wine-tasting. What I wasn't prepared for though was the drinking of the wine (pre-clearing). Was sweet and quite nice to taste, however it was extremely strong. I only stayed the one night and then flew home (again via Club class which was really, really nice!)

Bali

For the last 10 days, SJ has been in Bali with her friends from Sydney...of course, I was not invited...anyway, it gave me the time to go up to Staffs and catch up with some friends and potter ar ound the house. On the Wednesday I drove up to Blackpool to sell some old coins. Hadn't been to Blackpool in ages! Hasn't changed much either! I caught up with Adam and Mark and also went over the Chase on my bike. On Friday I finally took the plunge and went to the Apple store and bought an iPhone and all I can say is...wow! Here are some of the pics that SJ took whilst in Bali.

Sunset over Heathrow

Oil Week

On Tuesday I went up to Aberdeen for the day to visit Offshore Europe. This is held every year but alternates between Stavanger and Aberdeen. I think it was a little quieter than previous years and the rise of the Chinese is clear to see. Still, was a very busy exhibition all the same. I also managed to fly business class on the return flight...very nice!

Cross...at Brent Cross...

Went to Brent Cross today. Thought we'd give it a whirl. Was a bit disappointed really. We were expecting something huge but in reality its quite small - certainly not as big as Merry Hill...

We did manage to go into Yo Sushi! and "won" more meals...was excellent. We also went into the Apple store but its noweher near as good as Regent Street. Anyway, SJ bought some stuff from Boots for her upcoming hols but that was it...

Gourmett Bankwett

Went to Tim's Table on Friday night - think our eyes were bigger than our bellies! We ordered the Gourmet Banquet but it was a course too many...

Yesterday was a day at home, mowed the lawn, washed the patio and generally tidied up. We then went into London Colney and had a mooch around. Didn't realise but Borders is shutting down...quite weird to see all the books for sale at £1. Had a wine in M & S Deli and bought some stuff for a BBQ, which we cooked last night.

Good day today

Had a good day today, very busy but productive...finally feel like I'm getting somewhere! Tonight we're off for a Chinese at Tim's Table in the town. This weekend I've got to mow the lawn, get my hair cut, take the dry cleaning...etc, etc...

Next week we've got a very busy week - visitors over from the US at work so we're entertaining from Wednesday onwards...

Just finished watching The Memory Keepers Daughter - pretty good really...just wondering if it was based on a real story?

Here comes the rain again...

Will it ever stop raining? It seems to have been throwing it down for the last month or so. Just seen (another) severe weather warning for potential floods. You certainly would not believe its August!
On Sunday, we headed into St Albans for a walk round and some Sunday lunch. We stumbled across a pub called The Cock where they do a fantastic Sunday Roast. This is the second time we've been there and it was excellent. This week has been mostly just working...this weekend we're free pretty much. Probably go out for a meal on Friday or Saturday in Radlett but nothing much else planned...

Sales

We did a tabletop sale this weekend at Our Lady & St Lourdes Church in Hednesford. We were selling off some of the stuff from my Grandad's house. Having never done one nefore, we were a little unsure as to what to expect, still we arrived at 10:00 and pitched up. It was indoors and what a good job that was as it was throwing it down (again). We were lucky to get our tables as there was a bit of a rush! Anyway, we had sold some items before we'd even set up! You don't get a lot from these places but we made a profit of around £35. Not bad really as there wasn't a huge audience due to the weather. Apparently on a good day, you can easily make £80 odd pound!

Classics on the Common

Popped along to Harpenden tonight. The last Wednesday in July is the night for Harpenden Classics on the Common. Last year it was fantastic weather and there was over 2000 cars! This year it tipped it down but it was still really well attended. There's all sorts of cars that go from Ferrari's to VW and pretty much everything in between. Afterwards, SJ and I headed into the Red Lion for a quick wine...