The mighty Andorra

Like many of you, I have just finished watching the might of Andorra give those highly paid, and rather over rated, individuals masquerading as the England football team a bit of a run out.

This blog has it on good authority that the FA are discussing a change in management. It should come as no surprise, considering the total lack of tactical awareness shown by the present incumbent. The new target is more in keeping with the team and their aspirations, only problem is that he is very popular with his current employers. He has been with them for some time now and the FA are hoping that the time is ripe to persuade him that a change of scenery would be a good thing.

Unfortunately Disney have a reputation for holding onto contracted staff. All we can hope is that Mickey may see the FA as his natural home.

For those of you who have got bored with the "Tommy" story line (you heartless swine) then let me update you with the roof leak.

We have agreed with next door to go 50/50 on the cost and they tell me they have a reliable builder. Hah! I thought. Reliable and builder do not usually fit well into one sentence. Imagine my surprise when I got home today to find the chap on our roof actually doing the work. Have we found the only reliable builder in the world??? I keep my fingers crossed. Incidentally, if he is the one then noway am I going to give his name to anyone! If you found a goldmine would you tell all and sundry it's location?

A friend of ours of many years claims to be an avid reader of this blog. I have decided that today's photo is in respect to our one avid reader. Well, the one that will own up to it! Please meet Bil and Chris Thorn. I knew Chris when he was a fit young man with all his own teeth. Hint from Chris: when refereeing a kids football match do not play flash Harry and keep the whistle in your mouth clenched between your teeth. One overhead kick from an up and coming star later and ........!

Apparently Bil's catering is good enough to jump out of an airplane for. Sure there's a story there somewhere. My thanks to Peter Russell Photography for the snap. Did you know there was a tremendous record shop in Plymouth in the late 60's early 70's called "Peter Russell's Hot Record Shop". Small world ain't it.

Second hint from Chris: don't drink wine through a straw after some kid has just done your two front teeth!

Death warmed up

If I had the bravery to post a picture of me now you would get to see what "death warmed up" actually looks like. To put it bluntly I feel like crap.

It all started when Les Cole, one of my work colleagues, decided to come to work with a very heavy cold. You see, in our place if you are sick for more than 7 or so days in a rolling 12 month period then it is a disciplinary offence and you get a warning. Now you can be free of sickness for the previous 40 years but have a bad year then whoosh! You are in front of your boss getting a warning. This goes on your record and is pulled out at the end of the reporting year. If you have a "bad" sick record then down goes your annual mark and out the window goes any chance of a bonus.

Now a bonus, there is another source of irritation. Is it extra money - nope. It is money agreed within the overall pay settlement and then taken out to be handed out in the form of a bonus. Doesn't get added to pay so it is a one only payment that doesn't go towards pension. And not everyone gets it.

Anyway, back to Les. He comes into work with a very heavy cold, spreading germs all over the place. You see you can't afford to go off sick if you can still walk as you might get something really bad and be laid up in bed for over a week later in the year. So into work come Les and his germs. Now I feel like crap.

It is supposed to be efficient. But when you are in work feeling like crap you don't exactly get things done without errors. Ah well, I was so looking forward to this weekend.

Today's picture is the pride of the Victoria State police force. That's the one laying down. The other one looking all serious is my brother Tony. He may actually get around to looking at this blog one day. You know what they are like down under, OK when it comes to cricket, swimming and er, well that's it really. Computers, nah!!!!!!

I may even get a picture from sunny Aussie to post here - hint!!!!

Knackered

Still no news about Tommy. I think all has gone off the boil and whoever kidnapped him is too embarrassed to let him fly back home.

Life is busy busy busy at the moment. Floorboards being done at home with the ensuing dust cloud. In work we have efficiency savings dreamed up my Cloud, Cuckoo and Land that well known firm of consultants. I think they use a different dictionary definition of efficiency than the one I am used to.

Today the Chancellor tried to con the whole country with his budget. Even those confused by the smokescreen will realise they have less money in their pockets on payday. Anything for a cheap "one over on the opposition" even if it costs the country a fortune. Just hope we get an election soon after he gets into number 10 - I still don't remember voting him in as Prime Minister, but his mates are going to so it must be OK.

Today's pictures are from Silv and George's 50th bash. Very nice it was too. Viv, Silv and Val - the three sisters, wasn't there a story somewhere about..........!

Day after the night before

Last night we headed off to the New Continental Hotel to celebrate Sylvia and George surviving 50 years of wedded bliss.

Meal was excellent and we had Glynn and Graham on our table for company. There was also another Valerie and her husband with us, but my hearing being what it is I caught about 25% of the conversation - if that. It was an evening for me to nod and smile without having a clue what I was nodding and smiling about!! A lot like one of those nodding dogs at the back of a car!

Viv, Val's sister, and her hubby Graham came down from Rochester to join in the festivities. It's been rather nice having them stay.

Jo and two of her lads came down for the ride and have been staying out with Ches and Al. Cheryl's back has gone again, I reckon Sciatica (probably spelt incorrectly!). Still, at least they have been able to have a good old chinwag, and can they wag their chins once they get started!!

This week has been a Little busy. Work is work and we just have too much on, never mind Tony Blair and his crowd will find some consultant to hand it over to a private concern. They can do it so much better than the public sector!!

This week we have had Cheryl's meter fitted at last - only taken 5 years or so. Carpet down in Cheryl's so yours truly had to clear the room, not as bad as I thought. Just means it all has to go back in the following day!

We are having our floorboards sorted. I was happy with the recently installed carpet, unfortunately Val wasn't. So dust everywhere and Ben, the chippy, is back on Monday.

All in all a busy week.

Must go as Primeval is just about to start, last in the series. Lin has just come back with Val for a chat and drink.

Never a dull moment!!

Todays picture is Val and Viv this morning.

The dream ends

That's it for another year folks. The mighty Greens roared and pushed but if you don't score then no amount of pressure and possession is going to help the cause. Beaten 1-0 by a Watford team that struggled but knew where the net was (only the once mind you).

Match stats will show that Argyle were far the superior side, but the only stat that really matters is the final score.

We had a bunch of 8/9 year olds around for a pre-match party. An experience I don't think we will repeat if Argyle do well next season!!

Argyle out, Tommy still missing. 2007 promised so much and we are only at March!

Todays photo. Another oldie, just not as old! From left to right, back row first. Joan, Cheryl, Lin, Viv, Fay and Silv.

I promise I will post some of the Aussie crowd but I am not sure if any of them have looked at this wonderful blog!!

Not up to the usual high standard

Al and I out to the Stoke game on Saturday. The second half was not a pretty sight. Our lot seemed to have one eye on not getting crocked before next weeks cup clash. This meant that Stoke won every 50/50 ball and we were scared to get into the tackle.

This gave the Stoke number 21 and 23 free reign, which they gladly accepted. We were lucky to get a draw in the end, but I suppose overall the result was a fair reflection of the whole game.

Bit of trouble in the Stoke fans area, rumour control has it that our stewards got a bit heavy handed. Doubt if the truth will out as in most cases this is down to perspective really.

Well the weather in sunny Plymouth is wet, wet and miserable. The insurance guy came out today and had a look at our leaks, he told Val they will pick up the tab so, hopefully, all will be sorted. I just do not trust any financial services organisation so will not be happy until all is finished.

Today's visit to the picture vault is Val welcoming a worried looking Kiwi, Brendon, to the family. He married little sissy, Clare, sometime ago. They just didn't tell anyone! Made for an unusually peaceful and trouble free wedding though!!

Up for the Stoke game!

Val and Alice went up to Argyle today and got tickets for the game on saturday against Stoke City. Should be a good one as, Pullis, our ex manager deserted us to head back to Stoke after they had dumped him.

Whilst at Home Park Val asked about the Watford tickets. We would only get standing ones so we are going to watch the game on telly. Live BBC 18.00 hrs 11 March. Arsenal got knocked out yesterday so that makes our journey to the final a little easier.

We intend to settle in front of the telly, Al's mate Josh is joining us. A picnic type tea and cheer the greens on to victory! Well, that's the plan.

Been very busy of late. Coming home from work knackered then up the park with Holly. Have a leak in the fire wall so insurance inspector out this coming Monday. Hope we can get it sorted quick as leaks in hall and main bedroom could get worse. Hope they pay for the leak damage even if they do put the initial problem down to the age of the house! See how I trust insurance companies!!!!

Because of an arguement between Sky (Murdoch) and Virgin Media (Branson) we no longer get Sky One through cable. Disaster for me as "Lost", "Battlestar", and "Atlantis" are all on Sky One! It appears that Murdoch is trying to squeeze out the opposition. I am a free market man but we can't let the big boys push us all around so I am sticking with Virgin and stuff Sky. Just hope their sadvertisers go for a discount because of the lower viewing figures. Boycott Sky is what I say.

That's my rebel bit done. Now I have to be a good boy and get tea done. I reckon curry is a good bet for tonight. See you all later and look after yourselves.

Just in case you are wondering that's my Nan up top. Thought I would start to publish family photos just for in case you are interested.