tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73992902011-04-21T22:08:35.377+01:00Life from where I see itThe WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.comBlogger2471100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-60382055916314311812008-04-11T16:30:00.001+01:002008-04-11T16:32:40.898+01:00

Evil Facebook taking everyone away from their blogs...Maybe I'm gonna get all old skool and get busy here, or maybe I won't. Only time will tell.

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-64702589714773674332007-07-19T21:35:00.000+01:002007-07-19T21:38:56.663+01:00

Normally, if your baby has blue feet it is a sure sign something is afoot (a-hem).However, today Baby M's feet were painted blue by my friend while I held him firmly in order to make foot print cards for the grandparents. Ahh, so cute! And he didn't protest, at least not for about five minutes.If I've said it once, I'll say it again - motherhood sure beats working for a living!

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-4952521289616332412007-07-18T11:51:00.001+01:002007-07-19T21:35:09.781+01:00

One of the great pleasures of living in the countryside is all the weird and wonderful things people do to pass the time - things which simply don't happen in Canning Town.For example, the nearby village of Abbotsley is currently hosting its annual scarecrow festival which involves practically every house and cottage constructing a scarecrow (a term which is quite loosely adhered to) and

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-45095087688921630372007-07-04T14:20:00.000+01:002007-07-04T14:29:43.818+01:00

Actually it is quite hard to be the perfect housewife. While I don't miss working in an office, it is tricky motivating oneself to do domestic chores when there is no real deadline, except for getting ready for the next session of feeding Baby M. Likewise, it is virtually impossible to make lunch, or even have a shower. Luckily, TOH never comes home and asks 'what have you been doing all day' or

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-35690157178206619432007-07-02T18:30:00.000+01:002007-07-02T18:53:00.046+01:00

Good lord - has it really been so long since I last posted on this little-read blog?What has happened in all that time?Well, I shall list events in order:1. I gave up my job after the office bully boy was installed as my 'boss' after my immediate boss managed to leave with a nice payment for 'unfair dismissal'. Yes the evil world of newspaper publishing shat on the little people and women (which

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1142885432748748792006-03-19T19:58:00.000Z2006-03-20T20:14:16.146Z

I feel dirty enough as it is accepting the Associated dollar but free tickets to the Ideal Home Show? That's just plain filth.Still, TOH and I braved the Sunday District line and headed to Earl's Court. Our reward was to witness a double-decker pikey-fest. It full of Northern salesmen trying to flog furniture and garden equipment that simply wouldn't sell in a shop, all the while sounding like

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1142884239198755682006-03-18T19:46:00.000Z2006-03-20T19:55:16.186Z

TOH won us a romantic dinner on that floating greenhouse on the Thames, the Bateux restaurant, followed by a spin on the London Eye, all for shifting a few extra boxes of paperclips.So we had a nice day out.The boat trip was brief - I guess I am used to cruising the river at narrowboat speeds, ie about walking pace. The Eye was so-so. It was a misty day.We followed our tourist activities with a

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1142241176737772582006-03-13T09:08:00.000Z2006-03-13T09:12:56.736Z

I saw a whole new side to TOH at the weekend. The one he kept well hidden. Yes, inside his designer exterior is a man who CAN weild a power tool and put up shelves.With the help of the father-in-law, we have totally rebuilt the inside of two of our cupboards, with just one IKEA element. The rest was proper two-by-four-type sawing, drilling and screwing from B&Q.We were very proud of our efforts.

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1142240902820413612006-03-09T08:58:00.000Z2006-03-13T09:08:23.456Z

Steve and I went to the Comedy Cafe in Rivington Street last night. He decided to drive as it was cold and rainy and miserable.In order to encourage people to patronise the pubs, restaurants etc in the area Hackney Council has adopted the policy of making parking meters cost 20p for three minutes until 11pm at night.So we got back in the car and crossed the border into Tower Hamlets, which allows

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1141635584354936002006-03-06T08:45:00.000Z2006-03-06T08:59:44.370Z

Happy Birthday TOH. The boy is finally a man, turning 30 today.We spent the weekend marking this milestone with eating, drinking and hunting for shark's teeth.Saturday, a group of his oldest friends met down by the docks in a surprisingly comfortable hotel bar. A bit neon pink, it is, but perfect for lots of people to sit around and shout at each other.We were drinking in there last week after

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1139235434027186002006-02-06T13:58:00.000Z2006-02-06T14:17:14.096Z

Last night we exercised our laughter muscles with a trip to the Hackney Empire for the shambolic Malcolm Hardee memorial show.A motley crew of comedians gathered to celebrate the man to whom many owe their career, or who Malcolm owed money. We had Charlie Chuck (donkey!), Ricky Grover (impressive boxing skills), Simon Day (Tommy Cockles), Jimmy Carr, Hattie Hayridge (a funny woman!), John Hegley

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1139234319179399302006-02-04T13:54:00.000Z2006-02-06T13:58:39.193Z

So, we finally returned from our incredible adventure around the world. An amazing time was had by all.Our favourite place was Antarctica, and least favourite Peru, although the dodgy water and poor sanitation meant I managed to loose a stone of weight so I can now fit into clothes I haven't worn for about six years.Returning to our flat was a nice feeling too, especially as in our absence, my

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1134079892681089762005-12-08T22:07:00.000Z2005-12-08T22:13:13.833Z

Seeing as we have found a free (yes FREE) internet connection in New Zealand, I thought I would just add a little post to the old Wyebird blog. If you are 'friends and family', I hope you are enjoying the spangly travel blog on the other side. If you are a casual passer by, then as you can tell, we are having fun down under in the wonderful outdoorseyness of NZ. I am still thrilling from the

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1130691513465287572005-10-30T16:37:00.000Z2005-10-30T16:58:36.060Z

Trains so far:DLR to Canning TownJubilee Line to WaterlooEurostar to Brussels'18:16 Platform 16' to Moscow.How very exciting, all that way by rail. The journey so far has been comfortable and on time (except for the Eurostar, which was 18 minutes delayed).We had a very small, but perfectly ingenious, cabin on the international train which consisted of a row of seats that turned into one bunk and

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1130689922992371302005-10-27T16:29:00.000+01:002005-10-30T16:32:03.003Z

I have been to Brussels once before and found it pretty dull. This time the sun was shining and we found it pretty but still dull.Luckliy, we were only in town for four hours - just enough time to re-buy all the pot noodles and snacks for the train which we left in carrier bags in our hall way. And get mercilessly overcharged for two pots of average moules frites.

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1130690187043704832005-10-26T16:34:00.000+01:002005-10-30T16:36:27.043Z

Well, we are finally off on the big trip. Those of you who know me personally, can follow our progress on the posh new blog provided for us by the Sister-in-law (when it stops being broken and accepts new posts) and for those who don't, I will no doubt be blogging here on a not-so-posh site which never seems to be down.And for the record - Jerry Hall was possibly even worse than that dismal

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1129794262902063892005-10-20T08:36:00.000+01:002005-10-20T08:44:23.910+01:00

Another year older! The horror was lessened enormously by TOH getting up early and making a lovely birthday breakfast of smoked salmon and scrambled egg with toast, coffee and pain au chocolat!I also had lots of cards to open and some very nice gifts from my generous friends. TOH also bought lots of lovely food things from M&S for my lunch!Thinking back to the days when I would just receive a

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1129458472026085712005-10-16T11:23:00.000+01:002005-10-16T11:27:52.036+01:00

Time is running out to get everything organised for the Big Trip. We have visas, tickets, some hotel bookings and an enormous pile of washing to do.Last night, all our bestest friends met in a chain pub in London town for some farewell drinkies. A hard core of revellers went on to Freedom - the straight-friendly gay bar, or is it a gay-friendly straight bar? - for late night beverages.Panic about

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1128882024782146972005-10-09T19:06:00.000+01:002005-10-09T19:20:33.393+01:00

I'm not sleeping - every night about 4am, I wake up panicking about the boat and getting my dad ready to move.I am renting out the Ganges and I have much to do to get it ready for the new guys. And my dad's house - there is 30 years of acculmulated shite to shift through. Aaarggh.But by way of relaxing, TOH and I went to see Kinky Boots last night. It was a top film. Chiwetel Ejiofor was

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1128881178691295752005-10-07T19:03:00.000+01:002005-10-09T19:06:42.313+01:00

Drinks with Sara, Gail and Liz. We met in a nasty wine bar in Victoria which was impossible for my tourist eyes to find. I never go to that soulless part of town and was quite grumpy when I arrived.But the girls soon snapped me out of my mood and a very nice evening was had by all.Cranberry and vodkas, pizza and gossip. The set menu for a proper girls' night.

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1128881020223343092005-10-06T18:54:00.000+01:002005-10-09T19:03:40.223+01:00

Yes you read that correctly.I went to see Stuart Lee with Steve, Jo and Sarah last night and he seemed hell-bent on shocking the living bejeezus out of the audience.He came on stage cutting quite a tragic figure in black denim drainpipe jeans, new Doc Martins and an untucked shirt - not a great look for someone approaching their 40s - and began to weave his comedy tale.There were a lot of good

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1128880459960777202005-10-05T18:43:00.000+01:002005-10-09T18:54:19.966+01:00

Last night we went to the theatre. It was a surprise treat organised for me by the lovely TOH. I guessed we were going to see Billy Elliot but over an average meal of haddock kegeree he handed me tickets to The Lion King! I used to joke every time we went to London town that we were going to see The Lion King and we never did, basically because TOH never wanted to.The theatre auditorium was

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1128354265738703712005-10-03T16:39:00.000+01:002005-10-03T16:44:25.743+01:00

Or should that be busy Wyebird?The past week or so has passed in something of a whirl. Dad's broken foot had to be pinned back together so I have spent a lot of time dealing with his move while he was stuck in hospital. Most of that time was spent convincing him that his planned move to Australia can still go ahead ...I've seen three films:Pride and PrejudiceGoal!History Of ViolenceAll of them

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1127249112366165062005-09-19T21:41:00.000+01:002005-09-20T21:53:05.310+01:00

Sunday evening also hosted the finale of the Thames Festival - a torchlit carnival procession. I love that kind of thing, glitter and lanterns and people singing and dancing. TOH went off for a rather long piss.I saw Mayor Ken:Some dancing pigs carrying knives and forks:Some people dressed in orange:Some very fine bottoms:and a girl twirling fire:All in all, a very big day.

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1127247509996746192005-09-19T21:03:00.000+01:002005-09-20T21:23:59.736+01:00

Sunday was possibly the most exciting day we've had for a long time.In the morning we met the father-in-law and went into town to visit the Great Eastern Hotel as part of the open house weekend. We queued for ages but were finally let in and given the tour. The most amazing bit, which is the bit every goes for, was this Grecian Masonic Lodge built inside. It was all made of marble and covered in

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1127246534924641642005-09-18T20:36:00.000+01:002005-09-20T21:03:19.116+01:00

TOH and I have been promising ourselves that we would visit some of the places which take part in London Open House for the past couple of years - and this time we made it.First we went to see the Brick Lane Music Hall which is no longer based in Brick Lane but Silvertown, just down the road from the Tate and Lyle factory.We were shown round by Vincent Hayes - artiste and architect of the whole

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1127244974015074202005-09-17T20:31:00.000+01:002005-09-20T20:36:14.020+01:00

Russell Crowe was excellent, Rene Zellweger not too annoying (although she looks more like a burns victim every time I see her) and Paul Giamatti convincing in The Cinderella Man - a boxing-against-the-Great-Depression feel-good movie.It was about 3.5 out of 5. No where near as good as Million Dollar Baby.Still it inspired TOH and I to get on our punch bag and do some training!

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1126886464575978192005-09-16T16:49:00.000+01:002005-09-16T17:03:24.780+01:00

En route to the Old Red Lion in Great Windmill Street, TOH and I wandered past the new and controversial statue of Alison Lapper.The marble statue of a pregnant woman who was born without arms and with stumpy legs was remarkably beautiful. The veins in the marble looked pale blue like the veins in people who need to get out in the sun a bit more. Her over-sized form sitting on top of the 'fourth

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1126610790336860542005-09-13T12:21:00.000+01:002005-09-13T12:26:30.343+01:00

So, what do these arms traders look like? Tall-ish, greying white men in grey suits, with grey shoes and briefcases. They have steely faces with iron expressions. They look like they need to go out more, perhaps smell some flowers and, above all, unclench their buttocks.The tube station was full of people like this heading to the arms jumble sale in ExCeL. They disgusted me. Just like the copper

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1126343887226162022005-09-10T09:54:00.000+01:002005-09-10T10:18:07.290+01:00

We are surrounded by old bill. There is an arms fair going on at ExCeL next week and the police are out in such numbers as I have never seen before. The dock contains warships and no doubt more instruments of death will be delivered over the weekend ready to be traded to people who the west will invade in a few years and get the chance to try them out.I am very annoyed that this kind of thing is

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1126342463596096762005-09-08T09:46:00.000+01:002005-09-10T09:54:23.640+01:00

Ha ha ha! What a great film. A man is still a virgin at 40, something his work buddies set about trying to rectify, with hilarious consequences. But he is in love with the woman that runs the We'll Sell Your Stuff On Ebay shop and doesn't want to pick up girls from bars or shag prostitutes - especially when they turn out to be men.Despite the title, the film is not completely childish a la

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1126029685292255752005-09-06T18:50:00.000+01:002005-09-06T19:04:00.736+01:00

TOH surpassed himself last night with his guided tour of the London Wall.He came up with the idea of one of 'the group' leading a walk round London (Steve went first with his excellent litery tour) and it was his turn.We met in a pub near Blackfriars, which is the where the western side of the Roman wall stood. I was quite amazed at how much research he'd done into the history and the laminated

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1126029030585842952005-09-04T18:42:00.000+01:002005-09-06T18:50:30.586+01:00

While TOH was watching footy in Cardiff, I took the opportunity to visit my dad and Paddy in Brighton. They are not together, or anything. In fact dad is in Shoreham and Paddy in Kemp Town. And they don't even know each other.I decided to cycle to London Bridge and take the train down as the Shoreham Air Fair was on and it was foretold that parking would be impossible.So I braved the horrors of

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1126028506376272572005-09-02T18:39:00.000+01:002005-09-06T18:41:46.380+01:00

Back on those skates last night - my god it was hard work. Steve and I met up for our twice-yearly blade through the famous parks of London town; St James's, Hyde and Kensington Gardens. And we were no more proficient than last time.

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1125573038691975482005-08-31T11:51:00.000+01:002005-09-01T12:10:38.703+01:00

It's not hard to keep the undereducated masses of Surrey Quays happy - a two-bob Abba tribute band is all it takes. They were truly, truly awful but the happy shoppers seemed to like it.Their mock Swedish performance was poles apart from the entertainment of last night: The Tempest at The Globe.I love going to The Globe as it is such a wonderful building and the atmosphere inside fills me with

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1125475431768184792005-08-30T09:03:00.000+01:002005-08-31T18:01:04.836+01:00

Braving the holiday traffic,TOH, Cheryl and Andrew and I headed down to the south coast; destination a working farm campsite near Corfe Castle. Actually the traffic wasn't so bad, and we arrived before sunset to put up our tents.The campsite was packed with weekending families and groups. And it was a proper farm with milk cows and wool sheep littering the surrounding fields. I think technically

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1125043781767631232005-08-26T08:57:00.000+01:002005-08-26T09:10:38.103+01:00

In many ways it was a good job Dad waited 'til he was in Brighton before going to causalty. His foot was very swollen so they admitted him and he is now languishing on a ward in the ambitiously-titled Millennium Tower at the Royal Sussex. If he had gone straight away, he might have been languishing in the less appealing MRSA tower of a certain local hospital.The specialist is yet to decide

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1124661019788958552005-08-21T22:36:00.000+01:002005-08-21T23:14:14.483+01:00

We were woken by the phone. It was my old man with distressing news: he had fallen off a ladder trying to pick apples from the tree in his back garden.He balanced the end on a branch 'with no leaves' not thinking that perhaps it was dead. The next thing he knew he was laying on the grass feeling dizzy and with an extremely painful foot/ankle which he couldn't walk on.But did he call me? No, he

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1124660166006170802005-08-20T22:26:00.000+01:002005-08-21T22:36:06.006+01:00

A lovely, lovely Saturday. Not because the football season has started and I lose TOH to Watford every other week, but because I joined Jenny and chums on Wandsworth Common for a birthday BBQ.There were about 30 people, all having a wonderful time in the overcast, yet warm day. We had food, we had conversation, there were dogs and babies and, best of all, we had games! Like at school games -

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1124659572743489592005-08-19T22:19:00.000+01:002005-08-21T22:26:12.750+01:00

The beauty of having a 'membership' with the local cinema is that when a flim is so diabolically shite, you can just walk out. This happened Friday when we went to see The Wedding Crashers after work.It was crashingly boring.A film based entirely on the hil-arious banter between Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn. The plot was lamer than the laughs and we didn't bother to stay and see what the point of

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1124214396708511012005-08-16T18:31:00.000+01:002005-08-16T18:47:32.956+01:00

PlanesWhy are they either not taking off, or dropping like stones from the skies over Greece and VenezuelaTrainsLet the train take the strain, that's what I say. I started looking at our route to Hong Kong via Russia, Mongolia and China for the Big Trip today. I am pleased to say that our feet will not leave the ground until we leave there. I HATE flying.Jam jarsI am very please to report that

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1124213352681519392005-08-15T18:20:00.000+01:002005-08-16T18:31:03.310+01:00

Who said married life is dull? Well, it wasn't me but some people do say such things.TOH is certainly lightening up a bit, if he didn't light up himself - instead of disapproving on Saturday night, he positively beamed, albeit drunkenly, as people rolled spliffs up and smoked them on the balcony.That is progress.Perhaps the arrival of all our lovely wedding presents in the morning put him in a

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1123603003471255132005-08-08T16:50:00.000+01:002005-08-16T18:50:45.483+01:00

Buying a new bike is a bit like buying a wedding dress - you go in for an off-the-shoulder, frothy net skirt affair and come out with a rigid forked mountain bike.Once in the shop, suspension hybrids were out the window as they are quite heavy and the components not all that great within my budget. Which in a way is a good thing as I now have change to purchase the many over-priced visas needed

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1123602560564594612005-08-07T16:36:00.000+01:002005-08-09T16:49:20.566+01:00

It was a nervous morning getting TOH ready for his super sprint triathlon. Watches were forgotten, running vests lost but he did manage to sort himself out on time.Extra spectators were drafted in - Matt and Eini (sp?)over from Finland, and the in-laws. We headed over to Excel to give him pre-race moral support and to film his heroic efforts.TOH was nervous, prone to outbursts about how

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1123254024887850262005-08-05T15:43:00.000+01:002005-08-05T16:18:43.746+01:00

Ever since we had our insurance 'windfall' when the flat got flooded, I've been thinking about buying a new bike. While there was a temporary lull in dithering during the wedding period, I reckon I have put in some record-breaking dithering over the subject since that cheque came in!I still can't make up my mind as to whether I even need a new bike, let alone get as far as producing anything like

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1123107097569730272005-08-03T23:01:00.000+01:002005-08-03T23:13:12.330+01:00

Hold fire on the plastic surgery appeal - Jo has produced some fine photos of the wedding. I look like a normal human being! Just the chins to lose and surely that can be achieved by eating less Fabulous Baking Boys flapjacks!And Steve surpassed himself yesterday by conducting a Literary Tour of London Town for us. We met in Gordon's Wine Bar by the Embankment, which was exciting in itself as the

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1123106448498951572005-08-01T22:32:00.000+01:002005-08-04T17:51:13.693+01:00

How nice is Rome?I was massively impressed with the place. It helped starting the holiday by being deposited into one of the most impressive hotels I've ever seen - The Aleph, where we were promptly fed and watered.While TOH headed off into a meeting room to discuss printers and ink cartridges, I took the lift downstairs and made good use of the basement spa. Steam room, plunge pool and chill out

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1122501027858071712005-07-27T22:32:00.000+01:002005-07-27T22:51:56.960+01:00

How long does it take to organise plastic surgery? And how much does it cost?I have seen some wedding photos. How can a bride look so minging on her wedding day? How can I possibly have no chin while simultaeously have about five chins?And that nose - fuck me Concorde looks like a little American button nose compared to that. I knew I should have Atkins-ed for months before hand. Fat, ugly

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1122414190699048762005-07-26T22:18:00.000+01:002005-07-27T16:58:27.280+01:00

It was a real struggle into work today. Back to the world of Brazilian men being shot dead for jogging in Brixton, where families learn their loved ones have been blasted to bits on a diving holiday, and where many more depressing horror stories flood through my head totally against my wishes. Still that's the way the old journalism game goes. And despite wanting to prolong the honeymoon (not

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1122327122701491492005-07-25T22:02:00.000+01:002005-07-25T22:32:02.740+01:00

Well, it's been a long time since I posted on here! In the past 18 days, I have got married and been on a wonderful honeymoon to Scotland.Turning the clock back, the days leading up to the wedding were extremely hectic - there was much running around and at least one 17-hour day getting stuff organised.The actual 'big day' started off very relaxed - breakfast in the hotel, hair and make-up done

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1120772887297981262005-07-07T22:27:00.000+01:002005-07-07T22:48:07.313+01:00

My city, the place I call home, has been attacked. People have lost their lives. Four bombs - three on tubes and one on a bus - within the space of an hour changed the city from a jubilant, hopeful place celebrating winning the Olympic bid, to a numbed, temporarily, place of quiet bereavement.There is no need for me to condemn these incidents, my words are inadequate. I am weeping inside with

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1120057555420638422005-06-29T16:05:00.000+01:002005-06-29T16:05:55.426+01:00

To the one or two people who kindly take the time to read this, I apologise for the fact it has become mind-numbingly tedious but only a couple of more weeks to go ... then it will be just plain old tedious again! Last night, I met the girls for a drinky in London town. Here are the girls:It was a very nice evening, esp as there was plenty of wedding-unrelated gossip, mostly involving a nice

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1119885660921959822005-06-27T16:20:00.000+01:002005-06-27T16:21:00.923+01:00

OK - I am extremely knackered now. On Friday, Jenny and I flew out to Barcelona for a lazy weekend with Cezza. We went on Ryan Air, and you know, with a book of Soduku and my iPod, it was a relatively pleasant flight. Even Stansted was queue-free and no hassle! Maybe it pays to go during the day when most people are at work?Anyway, we arrive in Reus safely, hop on a bus and get to Barcelona about

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1119885599425085772005-06-24T16:19:00.000+01:002005-06-27T16:19:59.426+01:00

How early was I up yesterday? Five am, I crawled out of bed to go to New Covent Garden to meet Kate to discuss bridal flowers.I stayed on the boat as TOH didn't want me waking him up at that time of the morning (!) plus it was easier to get to the tube.Covent Garden is a very interesting place. So many beautiful blooms and floral bits and bobs. And it was actually really nice being up so early

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1119885515510054722005-06-23T16:18:00.000+01:002005-06-27T16:18:35.516+01:00

TOH and I had a nice treat last night - we tasted the food for the wedding reception at the Trafalgar. They managed to get the right menu this time so we ended up with three, three-course meals which pleased him enormously!He was, however, defeated by the portions and had to take some home in doggy bags for the next day's lunch.

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1119299834271096432005-06-19T18:21:00.000+01:002005-06-20T21:37:14.273+01:00

I don't want to repeat what I heard about TOH's stag do other than it all sounded properly drunken, if not rather homo-erotic as the stripper managed to get him out of his clothes (which by that point seemed to consist of a red-and-yellow jester's outfit complete with bells) in a pub basement.While he was recovering from his last night of freedom, I got up early and headed off to the Tower Of

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1119298858929614122005-06-18T21:17:00.000+01:002005-06-20T21:20:58.940+01:00

Friday night I spent a much-yearned for evening pottering about on my boat. I did some gardening, some rowing round the docks under cover of darkness and some bonding with the Ganges.My sudden 'freedom' to stay on my beloved vessel was brought about by TOH wanting the flat empty for when he and his pals got back from his London stag do!See, getting married does have some benefits other than tax

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1118933490344643002005-06-15T16:50:00.000+01:002005-06-16T15:51:30.343+01:00

I met my dad after work last night to help him choose a new suit for the wedding. It was only when he said how great he would look escorting me down the aisle that it really became real. My dad IS actually going to walk me down the aisle. How crazy is that? I’ve spent so much time planning this and that, that I forgot all about my poor old dad.He will look very dapper though, and with my new 4-

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1118933522807770572005-06-14T15:51:00.000+01:002005-06-16T15:52:02.806+01:00

Damn hayfever … it really gets up my nose! Cough, cough, splutter!

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1118933599599833952005-06-13T15:52:00.000+01:002005-06-16T15:59:46.570+01:00

A lazy start to the morning after with a good old full English breakfast – vegetarian, of course.Then papers on the Cathedral Green and a quick trip back to Bishop’s Palace to see the well of Wells.On the way home we stopped off at Chris’s parents’ country home where most of the wedding party had gathered for more drinkies and some delicious food. TOH kept Gail’s dad happy by taking him for a

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1118933653959736002005-06-12T14:53:00.000+01:002005-06-29T11:30:54.336+01:00

A big thank you to the new Mr and Mrs Bird for such a wonderful day.We were typically late getting to the church in the morning as everyone was in the pub eating sandwiches and having a pre-match drink.But we got there in the end, and us Jonny Latecomers ended up sitting round the back of the church facing the congregation. It turned out those were the prime seats as we had a fantastic view of

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1118933721061129592005-06-11T15:54:00.000+01:002005-06-20T11:12:33.146+01:00

A very exciting day on two counts: firstly I left work early to head down to Wells for Chris and Gail’s wedding, secondly, I got to drive TOH’s car for the very first time.What fun it was powering down the motorway (within the speed limit, obviously, cough) in that beautiful, silver, sleek, king of cars. And how satisfying to finally drive something which people don’t cut up or drive up your back

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1118263163175716942005-06-08T21:31:00.000+01:002005-06-16T16:00:50.253+01:00

1. Venue bollocksed up the food tasting. They had a mass tasting with about 10 other couples, all meat dishes and had no idea who we were or what our menu was.2. Tried dress on again. It hasn't been altered yet but it somehow looked better than last time so panic over. Although health and fitness regime is finally kicking in and I am losing weight almost without trying, which is good, but not if

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1118005283036166452005-06-04T21:45:00.000+01:002005-06-05T22:01:23.043+01:00

The rest of the weekend was spent recovering from a long drawn out hangover. TOH made me go and see The Jacket at the cinema last Sunday night. It was very good, if not a teeny bit cheesy.Monday, we went into John Lewis to finish off that bloody wedding gift list. It was only slightly stressful. Then we went to see Millions, a very good film. In fact, in parts it is a brilliant film. Especially

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1118004305787751842005-06-03T21:29:00.000+01:002005-06-05T22:08:12.636+01:00

When we were all ready, we left the spa to get a 'taxi' - well it was the biggest minicab I ever did see in that it was a white chavmobile, I mean stretched limo!Inside was all leather seats, champagne flutes and Asti Spumanti! How fun! Manufactured pop on the stero and sickly-sweet bubbly as we drove through London Town past all the sights - Hyde Park, the anti-war one-man protest in Parliament

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1117640053457532102005-06-01T16:17:00.000+01:002005-06-01T16:34:13.476+01:00

What a fantastic weekend! I wanna do it all over again!Friday night, Jen, Jo, Tidy, V HBB, V Samps, Sara, and Kelly came over to my place for Thai takeaway and booze. It was a wonderfully warm evening and we stayed up late-ish gassing and getting in the mood for the big day!Saturday we woke up and had breakfast. I was getting a bit tetchy because people were hiding and giggling in my bedroom and

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1117199100210561752005-05-27T14:01:00.000+01:002005-05-27T14:05:00.213+01:00

Let the chaos commence. In just a few hours my 'chicks' will be starting the hen madness.Nerves are setting in as the knowing grins and muffled laughter is turned up a notch.Still, I suspect my 'last night' of freedom will be one to remember for the rest of my life!Roll on chickerees!

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1117105685114872972005-05-25T12:04:00.000+01:002005-05-26T12:08:05.120+01:00

I'm a bugger when people are planning stuff for me as a surprise! I met Jenny last night for a drinky-poo and she kept giggling at me whenever the topic of the hen night came up.Most of the girls I rang over the weekend were just sniggering too when I tried to get some clues from them!Arrgh! I love and hate not knowing what the plans are in equal measures! Even TOH knows what we are doing.But not

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1116797461077404172005-05-22T22:20:00.000+01:002005-05-22T22:32:48.133+01:00

A big cycle ride to Oxford St yesterday to carry on with the 'gift list'. It's a very strange feeling going round a store looking for things you want, zapping them into a machine and hoping that some people, who you don't really want to buy you a present just because you are getting married, buy them for you. That said, we should have some pretty cool stuff if people are feeling generous!

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1116796851620412152005-05-20T22:13:00.000+01:002005-05-22T22:20:51.620+01:00

It was so long ago that I had the MRI scan on my back that I cannot remember when it was. Maybe this year? Or was it last?Anyway, I finally got the results yesterday after making an official complaint to the hospital at the ridiculously lax treatment I have recieved.Apparently, my back is showing nothing more than normal wear and tear for a girl of my age. The consultant was 'not at all worried'

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1116796352373326922005-05-19T21:04:00.000+01:002005-05-22T22:13:07.076+01:00

Last night I trekked all the way across London town to Weybridge to have a hair and make-up trial for the big day. The artist, and she really was like an artist with a pallette of eyeshadow and foundation, is a very nice girl. which is what I want on the morning when I am kacking myself.The make up was very nice, it is extremely relaxing having someone paint your face with soft brushes, and the

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1116795783720787172005-05-17T19:50:00.000+01:002005-05-22T22:03:03.726+01:00

A group of people, which may or may not have included myself and TOH, braved the constant drizzle last night to wander round the Isle of Dogs putting yellow leaflets under the windscreen wipers of gas-guzzling SUVs such as Land Rovers and the like.Now, these leaflets may well have looked just like parking tickets but the group told me they actually carried information as to why these dangerous,

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1116190540085395902005-05-15T21:45:00.000+01:002005-05-15T21:57:27.766+01:00

I'm a supermodel! Kinda.TOH bought me a makeover/photoshoot day for Christmas to give me a confidence boost that I am not so pig ugly after all.Normally every photo of me makes me look like a champion gurner - a chinless, goofy-toothed, slitty-eyed minger.But not yesterday, my friend. A bit of slap and some cunning poses and a talented photographer later, and I was a stunning cover girl!The

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1116189864402140472005-05-14T14:38:00.000+01:002005-05-15T21:45:04.743+01:00

You know how you imagine trying on your wedding dress for the first time and it's so perfect you burst into tears of happiness? Well I tried mine on yesterday and nearly cried with disappointment.It was so big it looked AWFUL. I sat there trying to get excited when the tailor(ess) held it tight and stuck in pins where she was going to alter it but to be honest, it was taking quite a bit of

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1116189385734570772005-05-13T18:27:00.000+01:002005-05-15T21:58:26.890+01:00

Last night was a cracker. I met Steve at Westminster tube for an evening of blading and gigging (watching, not performing).Boy did we look cool staggering, or it's wheeled equivalent, through London's parks on our rollerblades. It was hard work but I totally enjoyed it. I looked on with envy at all the experts in Hyde Park whizzing up and down and weaving in and out of cones on two wheels.After

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1116188855663784042005-05-12T16:22:00.000+01:002005-05-15T21:27:35.666+01:00

Oh it's all very well for Trinny and Suse to loftily say in their money-spinning books just to go out and get some decent underwear and it will give you a figure like Marilyn Monroe but they obviously haven't had to suffer the idignity of trying to explain to the cheap labour employed by Oxford St department stores that you need HUGE knicker to hold in the cake gut.Selfridges, even the temple of

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1115738786862191902005-05-10T15:02:00.000+01:002005-05-10T16:38:58.876+01:00

A very civilised (not) weekend! Ten (although someone told me it was nine after I though there were 12 of us) of Gail's girly friends headed up to a cottage near Stratford Upon Avon for her hen weekend.It was an enormous converted barn, with huge dining table, lots of sofas, an real-flame gas fire and more than adequate number of spoons.But that's where the civilisedness ends - once the boxes of

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1115280599425462232005-05-03T00:09:00.000+01:002005-05-05T09:09:59.433+01:00

As TOH headed off to Barcelona for his football-based stag weekend, I decided to take my lovely boat up the Thames for the bank holiday with Alex B.Saturday morning I was up at the crack of dawn to drive him to Gatwick (I felt a little twinge of sadness waving him off!) before heading home and back to bed for a while.The advantage of not living on your boat is that it is now generally ready to go

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1114858561642341902005-04-30T11:55:00.000+01:002005-04-30T11:56:01.643+01:00

Having seen Pete Doherty et al last night, I have to say I still can’t see what the fuss is. A fairly two-bob singer staggering round the stage either a bit fucked or just pretending to be a bit fucked, but either way, he doesn’t really have the looks, charisma or stage presence to justify the hero-worshipping cult around him.The music was nothing special and the performance adequate.I have

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1114858527468401802005-04-29T11:54:00.000+01:002005-04-30T11:55:27.470+01:00

A day to remember: Sara Fawcett became an official MBE.I caught up with her, Gail, Jo and Bellen knocking back the Champagne in Claridges’ bar. She looked slightly overwhelmed sitting there with the medal shining on her lapel.So we drank, and drank to her health. TOH, Steve and Liz appeared in due course and joined the celebrations.The Queen was presumably too knackered after handing out the VC

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1114611831255480512005-04-27T15:10:00.000+01:002005-04-27T15:28:09.166+01:00

A spinster?! ME! A spinster!We went to the register office yesterday morning to give notice of our intentions to marry and while TOH gets the cool status of 'bachelor' I have to go down in the records as 'spinster'! Outrageous. What's wrong with being known as 'single'?The registrar was very nice and went through some legal stuff like making sure we were who we said we were and that we hadn't

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1114445703077189092005-04-25T17:00:00.000+01:002005-04-27T15:33:16.810+01:00

It would appear our rock 'n' roll lifestyle (!) has slown down in recent weeks. TOH is beginning to train for the London Triathlon and spends a lot of time swimming, cycling, and gradually getting back into the old running malarky (even though his ankle is concrete proof that 'no good will come of it').So, basically, we haven't been up to much. Saturday night, Tidy made up for it by getting

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1114019176512252742005-04-20T16:57:00.000+01:002005-04-20T18:47:22.830+01:00

It's been a long and drawn out process but I *think* I've finally finished all the wedding plans! Most evenings over the past week were spent sorting stuff out but now it is done, and I am fairly brain dead.The weekend was very nice - wedding rings were chosen and old friends caught up with. There was even time to go out and get pissed in a club on Saturday night!Sunday, we went to cheer on the

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1113489234719935052005-04-14T15:23:00.000+01:002005-04-14T15:33:54.720+01:00

Just as I think we needed a nice night out, TOH outdoes himself again and organises a surprise trip to see The Producers!It is a brilliant and hilarious show, and we really don't normally like musicals. The whole cast was faultless. Oh, the costumes, the scenery, the clever theatrical jiggery-pokery! It was a breathtaking performance. I don't think I have ever seen such a no-expense spared piece

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1113488586842286962005-04-13T15:17:00.000+01:002005-04-14T15:23:06.843+01:00

Who to vote for? I did this test and it turns out I need to vote Lib Dem. I don't suppose I will, as I have to vote in Tory safe seat Chislehurst so normally tick the Green box, but I have always liked the idea of living in a liberal democracy.It's only been a few days and I am already bored shitless with the smiling politicians lying to us down the telly. The small smidgeon of hope that one day

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1113036362544346022005-04-09T09:34:00.000+01:002005-04-09T09:56:47.790+01:00

Last night TOH, Steve and I went to see Perrier-nominated comedian Reginald D Hunter. And he was excellent.His one-man show was a mix of stand-up and trying to start a conversation with the audience. His, as far as I am concerned, correct views on children, the Pope and Diana managed to offend some of the crowd - there was a collective gasp as he said 'fuck the Pope, I just don't give a shit'. He

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1113035571261123632005-04-08T09:18:00.000+01:002005-04-09T09:58:19.346+01:00

While the world buries a handful of state leaders and respected authors, and some overbred Germans get married, I have to say that for me, personally, it has been a very quiet week.Unaffected by these history-making events, I have been sitting on the tube looking at the Admiral advert and, rather than thinking, 'ooh, cheap car insurance' like they want, I was thinking, 'I wonder if old school

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1112630562208877112005-04-04T16:59:00.000+01:002005-04-04T17:05:53.276+01:00

The Pope is dead. But he had a good innings, eh?Perhaps one of these fine examples of the Catholic priesthood would make a good replacement?Jolly bad timing though, Charlie is going to have to put off marrying his horse until Saturday. I suspect that has rather thrown the TV schedules for Friday!

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1112630259813872042005-04-03T15:39:00.000+01:002005-04-04T16:59:09.193+01:00

1,200 miles later and we are back home. I feel like I have been away for simply ages. TOH managed to walk without the crutches after a couple of days, which was good as the pain in his ankle was being superseded by blisters on his hands!We had a lovely time cruising around the French countryside, visiting ancient cities and towns such as Rouen (where Jean D'Arc was burnt as a witch), Angers,

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1111789037108811702005-03-25T22:10:00.000Z2005-03-25T22:20:29.353Z

Our plans to walk Hadrian's Wall have been thwarted by TOH falling off the pavement while out on a run on Wednesday and tearing the ligaments in his ankle.He was in so much pain. I have never seen anyone in such agony before. Anyway, he is now hobbling around on crutches so obviously walking the wall is out of the question.We hurriedly organised an alternative holiday instead - we are off to

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1111443408693167522005-03-21T22:04:00.000Z2005-03-21T22:20:47.563Z

A retail-based weekend, which pretty much knackered me out!Saturday, TOH and I went into Covent Garden to get some more kit for Hadrian's Wall before meeting Alex and Antony-and-Caroline. It was such a beautiful day that after lunch we sat in St James's Park along with about 10,000 other Londoners and tourists.Sunday, the final assault of Oxford St with both bridesmaids. And success! The dresses

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1111160378283203932005-03-18T15:28:00.000Z2005-03-18T15:40:00.383Z

The thought of more TV hell sent me back to work where I continued to sniff, cough and sneeze but regained the will to live.Plus, we were invited round to Penny and Patrick's for a grown up dinner party which brought back my mum's words echoing in my ears: If you're not well enough to go to school, then you're not well enough to go out.I made a minor error, though, by driving over to Ladbrooke

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1111159662990018662005-03-17T15:22:00.000Z2005-03-18T15:28:22.663Z

... but thank god I have a job! I was off work yesterday suffering from a boring cold and spent the day in bed watching TV. How much rubbish is on? I used to think I liked make over programmes (such as LLB on Changing Rooms) but a morning with the BBC made me want to slit my wrists.Cash In The Attic, Car Booty, To Buy Or Not To Buy, Homes Under The Hammer, Trading Up - no wonder the BBC is being

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1110908797141784542005-03-15T17:34:00.000Z2005-03-15T17:57:02.003Z

Since leaving the Tank of Doom to its own devices with just two little zebra danios swimming about inside, it would appear Death's rampage among my fishes has come to an end. So, taking a chance, I bought a heater and decided to try tropical fish instead of goldfish, as an 'expert' told me they are far easier to keep in small tanks.And so far, success. The Tank of Life is now brimming with, well

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1110907923544503042005-03-14T17:20:00.000Z2005-03-15T17:33:59.073Z

Forget Nine Songs (it looks like a load of old w@nk, literally!) - We did Three Films instead.Friday - The Chorus (Les Choristers)Charming, French, feel-god kind of movie. A post war School Of Rock but instead of privileged kids these were 'troubled' teens and orphans in a virtual Borstal. And instead of rock, they learnt to sing choir-stylee. A lovely movie.Saturday - Hotel RwandaThoughtful and

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1110560931441555982005-03-11T17:06:00.000Z2005-03-11T17:08:51.443Z

The mysterious force which powers this blog thingy has been being very naughty of late and not letting me post ... maybe it is Steve clogging up the lines with a spurt of activity? (Sorry, mate, couldn't resist!)Anyway, something for the weekend: http://frontsteps.com/creations/1001/139/index.php?t=1110560034 Make sure you turn the sound up!

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1110468300109065702005-03-10T15:13:00.000Z2005-03-11T17:05:52.870Z

Midweek roundup, which will be of no interest to anyone but myself and my future children, who might want to 'get to know' their mum through the medium on interweb diary keeping.We cycled to the GP meeting last night - TOH did a lot better when he was in front as he was 'less panicked' by me setting the pace. But then, once he got going, I could hardly keep up, what with him being such a fit boy.

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1110296999776025722005-03-08T15:44:00.000Z2005-03-08T23:07:24.063Z

And I thought finding a wedding dress for me was difficult! My plan to get nice dresses from the shops has gone a bit pete tong in that there is nothing about at the moment. Jenny and I scoured Selfridges and part of Oxford St looking at the fashions but nothing really appealed. There was one in a wedding dress shop, which might well be the ones we go for but I need to see Kelly in it too. It's a

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1110295880229525942005-03-07T14:58:00.000Z2005-03-08T15:42:55.466Z

The weekend was dedicated to my darling Other Half - he was a mere 29 years old on Sunday.So, for Friday night's treat I took him to see National Anthems at the Old Vic. To be honest, it was a deeply disappointing play, with no real themes explored and no conclusions. It taught us nothing about life and how to relate to the world. It introduced us to nothing new, no insights into different

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7399290.post-1109954579673109262005-03-04T16:39:00.000Z2005-03-04T16:42:59.673Z

A lovely wintery covering of snow made the dock look quite romantic this morning. Now, it has all melted and life is back to grey, grey, grey. Although inside is very homely now - we have a fantastic new floor, all our bathrooms are working again and things are less dusty than usual. Just a new bedroom carpet to lay, and we will be living in a near-ideal home again.

The WyeBirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17810460282922397868noreply@blogger.com0