Well, Ive survived!
50 isnt so bad, and I have really enjoyed the events arranged so far.
The comedy festival was excellent. The show we went to see was held in the upstairs room at Nancy’s Bordello (dont ask) in Newcastle. The two comedians did an hour each, and you know you are having a good time when your jaw aches from laughing so hard.
A week later I was at the Time Team talk with Mick (stripy jumper) Aston. It was my cup of tea with lots of inside stories on the making of the series, and Mick was passionate about his subject. The following day I attended another Archeological talk about North East developments in finding ancient sites. Air photography helps hugely here, and there was some excellent slides.
I then met up with David, a friend, and went to see a play about Dan Leno at the Georgian Theatre Richmond. The theatre itself is impressive, and the show was a tour de force by Tony Lidington. Wow!
David perhaps got the best laugh when the actor strolled to the side of the stage, and grasped my hand (it is a very small theatre!). I can’t remember the exact words, but he said something like “I was going to ask for your assistance with this but I can’t as you are so ugly”.
David exploded with mirth, and of course who am I to argue.
The various pubs we visited were excellent, real pubs with great character, and we even found an Indian restaurant near the theatre.
The actual day of my birthday went well, with a good crowd joining me in my local, and we had a great family meal the next night. My daughter particularly liked that story about the actor calling Daddy ugly.
Then off to Spain for 3 days, and I have to say it went well, with Amigoautos car hire coming up trumps. Thanks again to a client who let myself and David stay at his Villa, and the weather was warm and sunny.
However, there was one small issue with the car. David volunteered to drive, and we picked up the ford focus in good time and went for the full insurance ‘just in case’.
We found the Villa, and while I opened the gate, David drove into the drive. No problem.
The following day we went out, and on returning we went into the drive, but this time both of us were in the car. As we drove in, a big crunching/grinding noise came from the bottom of the car. Jumping out, we saw that the car had grounded, and put a large dent on the skirt of the car below the passenger seat. Ooops.
Now I am a glass is half full type of guy, but unfortunately David isnt. He worried and worried, and of course blamed me for being far too heavy. Things were really going well – ugly and now fat!
As it happened, when we returned the car they were not bothered and simply said not to worry as these things happen!
Finally, the History of Alcohol in Coquetdale talk went well. The bus was on time, the beer superb, and the company jolly. We also learnt a lot about peoples lives in the 1700-1900 period.
Fascinating stuff.
Through all I have kept my running going, but I have to report that the Real Tennis fell through, and one or two runs that should have happened didnt!
But I am now off for a 6 miler, then attending a quiz tonight in Shearers Bar at St James’s Park. Those of you in the know will realise that Mr Shearer has just been appointed coach of Newcastle Football Club, so I guess the place will be buzzing just a bit!
