Monthly Archives: July 2004

Reflooring the conservatory

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The new wood flooring had arrived during the week, so it had to be laid.  I had been to the pub the previous night and spoken to the next-door neighbour.  Persuaded him to help lay the flooring.

In the morning, went shopping, picked up a new tie for a future visit to RBS.  Rosemary updated the wedding flower order, and bought the tins to bake the wedding cake in.

On the way home picked three kilos of raspberries to make some coulis.  This is to be served with the wedding cake.

Started to lay the floor during the afternoon.  Laid most of it by 18.00, when we broke and visited John and Carol Curd for an evening meal.  Excellent meal. 

Weekend at Kingswood

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This weekend has been a mixture.  Saturday, lots of showers.  Some preparation for the wedding, i.e flowers, and making final preparations for the meal and bar.

We paid a quick visit to Waddesdon for tea.  Got caught in torrential rain as we left.  We pity the people who bought tickets for the outside music show which was going to be played there. The weather was really quite miserable, and didn’t get any better in the evening.

Sunday was a better day, managed to mow the lawn, (first time for three weeks), strim and mow some of the field.  Have to get the place into shape before all the outlaws arrive.

Selina’s graduation from Liverpool University

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Today was Selina’s graduation ceremony at Liverpool University where she had gained her First class honours degree.  Up and away in good time, good trip up the motorway until the M62 where we were stationary for half an hour.

Headed for the halls of residence where we had three rooms for the night, changed and caught a taxi to Liverpool University campus.  First stop was to pick up the mortarboard and gown, then onto a reception where we met Selina’s tutors.  The ceremony was in the Philharmonic theatre at 15.00.  We all filed in early and were seated in our allocated places.  The presentations took place at a fast and orderly rate.

After the ceremony we managed a quick tour of the city and docks, then a Chinese meal on the waterfront.  It was then back to the halls of residence for the night, via the excellent men’s toilets and the Philharmonic bar on Hope Street.  The pub has really very ornate marble urinals, well worth viewing.  After sleeping at the halls of residence, we had an excellent breakfast.

Tuesday was spent at Albert docks looking around the Maritime museum, followed by a tour of the city and the docks in an amphibious American wartime DUKW.  These Ducks were being run by The Yellow Duckmarine and had names the names of Wacker Quacker 1 and 2.  

After the tour it was back in the car home, leaving Selina behind for the graduation ball.

Last week in Edinburgh with Royal Bank of Scotland

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This last week spent at the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) was helping support the system after it had gone live.  Really there were very few problems.

The main event of the week was on Thursday when Mary Devine, Ed Aldridge and I went out for a celebratory drink and meal.  We started off with cocktails at a bar called Tonic, then on to a restaurant called Ricks.  One of these trendy fusion restaurant.  Actually had a very good meal.  Picked up quite a good tip on cooking which I have presented to Rosemary a couple of times.

After this on to three clubs:

First DROP KICK MURPHYS  on Merchant Street just off Grass Market.  This place is under George IV street in the arches.  Fairly empty. 

Second on to Faith on Cow Gate.  We stayed for our free shooter and then a beer.   Not quite our scene.  

Finally on to Whistle Binkies where we stayed until chucking out time at three. I had a dance with Mary.  There was a small bit of trouble at the end where some over enthusiastic bouncers hurt a man as they ejected him.  We were sitting right next to this group and they had not caused any problems all evening.  Definitely light as I made my way back to my hotel.

The bank and my company each gave Mary and I a bottle of champagne.  Very nice.