Christmas is here

Rainbow Koromiko

Purdah Dark

Minka Koromiko

Marlborough Sounds

Koromiko clouds

Daz and Minka Koromiko walk

Clare Sailing (Those shoes look really suitable for the crewing job Clare!!)

Andes Brendan and Clare with friends

Into City Centre today to do a bit of the old Christmas Shopping. I have heard the news about the economic downturn and the worries that are keeping the buying public out of the shops.

I thought that it would be nice to have a wonder around, just Val, I and a few other hardy souls who weren't taking a gamble on the shops having a sale before Christmas. No problem getting a parking slot as there is no one shopping this year.

WRONG!!!! Took me bloody ages to get a parking slot. The queue's at the tills were snacking back some flaming distance. Where were the deserted streets I had heard all about. Not in Plymouth City Centre I can tell you!!!!

Uncle Christopher has been at the comment button again. Here we go, here we go, here we go...

"Suffolk Sojourn 28 of 137. It's only me - From over the sea - Barnacle Bill the Sailor!

So - more contributions to the Blog - Hurrah. Nice one Clare, and nice to see the newly arrived Foal - have a name yet I wonder? Looks perfect out there - as East Anglia cuts itself from the rest of UK, thriving Blue Tongue, and now Bird Flu. More exclusion zones than Iraq. Fish Fingers for Christmas I'll be bound.

As for PB of the SBIC (Rtd. Hurt) - I thought HR banged on a bit, but this takes the biscuit. I've got 1,000 shares in Northern Rock - is he interested? Is Binney Towers due for demolition? Don't forget your PA Pete - she's on the top floor watching your Earl Grey brew.

The final photo of the Iranian Hostage trilogy been sent to you Paulie. Editors' decision of course re transmission - but be warned readers: the Girlie is finally revealed, and the print can be labelled as topless. Don't log on till after the Watershed.

Tractor Boys and Pilgrims back in action this w/e - how will things look by Tue 29 Jan when we host you at Portman Road. I'll be there and will send the programme.

If you're out tonight - on your bike - don't forget - Wear White.Blue Skies !!??!!!**? "

You will be aware that the third picture of our intrepid band has already been posted. I know the Mighty (headless) Green Army won a wonderful away three points today. Even though the chap that lectured us all about integrity and honesty, and the lack of it in some quarters in the football arena, decided to cash in his forty pieces of silver. Ian Holloway, man of the people and lover of Plymouth Argyle has shown his true colours. Coat of many colours or just turncoat. Take your choice. He is not a popular person down this neck of the woods at the moment.

Baby Sissy Clare has sent me an e-mail with some photo's. Thought I would share them with you. An extract from the e-mail below to explain a little bit of the background.

"Maybe we are carving out the best life here - working in Sydney and the city life and time off for writing, reflecting, reading and pups (oh joy) in NZ. It is terribly slow here which may sound great - being off the hill at least gives us privacy and we can always close the gate! Ha! The lovely things are the horses, sheep, goats, birds, wildlife - and I attach a photo of a new foal which I was the first lucky person to find the other day. Also some photos of the pups on my daily walk up the hill with them and then sailing with two friends Andy and Andrea. Brendan has been working here with him and has set up the first recycling system in Picton (3000 people) "

Hope you don't mind sharing the piccies with the rest of the world Clare.

It is time for me to go my friends. Lin is downstairs chatting with Val. They have been friends for many years now, since about five or so I believe. So many many many years now! Ches has just dived off to pick up Al from some dance thing in town. Didn't quite understand what it was all about but assume I will be told tomorrow.

Talking about Al. That wonderful chap Ernie sent her a cheque for £100 on Wednesday. Most I have ever got from him is £50! Ah well.

I started so I'll finish

As their colleagues were whisked off to Fleet St. - then there were 3 ....... (1 x PARA, 1 x SAS and an RAF PTI/PJI). Now can you spot the Girlie?'

I started today's posting as my spuds were on the boil. Thought I would have plenty of time. Unfortunately I changed my settings yesterday to add the Hindi translation button (you never know who may pop in for a visit). I couldn't stop the damned thing translating! Well I know you lot are a pretty switched on crowd but I wasn't sure you could actually read Hindi.

Anyway, the spuds boiled over all over Val's nice (ex)clean hob and we ended up with fried potatoes for tea, great for the cholesterol levels. The point of this quickie is to let Podga show off another of his photo's. The end of the Trilogy. I'd like to point out that Frank Herbert's Dune Trilogy now runs to some 15 books - so come on Podga live up to that one! Over to you.

"Yo Ed!
For possible inclusion - hope I haven't missed the copy deadline. Hope all continues to be well.

Best wishes from Blue Tongue and Bird Flu Country - Looks like Fish Fingers and Curried Beans for Christmas,

Loadsalove to all. Blue Skies"

I still reckon the girlie is in the middle. Re Xmas Turkey, some of us watched the news and noticed the Turkeys getting their Christmas treat a bit earlier than planned. My Xmas Turkey is now sitting in my freezer - just in case. Reckon a bit of Chutney would go down well with it actually don't you think?

Benevolent employer or wot?

It is with great pleasure that I am able to inform you that my financial advisor has joined the ranks of correspondents associated with this blog. I have been trying to work out a colour appropriate for him. As I am running out of them I have decided purple, as his investments always seem to hit a purple patch. I introduce to you ex founder member of the Scroat Busters Investment Club and ex Civil Servant of some standing - well I may be getting a bit carried away here. Anyway over to Pete.

"It is with great regret that I took your bait and left a lengthy dissertation ref. comment on your blog only to find that it would not accept anything over 300 CHARACTERS and not WORDS as I had interpreted it !!!!! This is no good to ME-I can use 300 characters in one sentence!!!!! Hence, my reply to your impertinence is thus:-
Minimum wage entitlement has already been discussed with my over-age YTS trainee whose main secretarial duties involve 1) answering the phone (as she is becoming increasingly deaf incorrect information is often forwarded to me) 2)making the tea (which I demand is brought to me in my study and has been received lukewarm on more than one occasion of late due to my employee's inability to climb the stairs as quickly as she used to do-a rather lame excuse, I feel).
In order to prevent standards deteriorating further, I had to take disciplinary action only recently which involved confiscating her pension book and forbidding her to cuddle the cat. I know what you're thinking -I've been far too lenient, but I'm glad to report that standards have begun to improve. You 'll also be reassured to know that as her performance of the said tasks is still not good enough to warrant a minimum wage, she has requested that she be employed in a voluntary and vocational capacity thus taking the stress out of the situation in attempting to achieve the required standard whilst realising that said penalties are still applicable if productivity levels fall again.
Although this is not an entirely satisfactory outcome for ME, I would like readers of your BLOG to know that, contrary to impressions given to them by you, I am, in fact, a most benevolent employer as my actions above show, I'm sure they'll agree???!!! I might add finally that I have reassured my ageing employee that while she works in a voluntary capacity, greater disciplinary action (the renting out of her room) will be most unlikely!!! Not even you, Paul, could doubt the generosity of this action!!!??? I must admit it has given me a rather good feeling too!!! You must take some credit, I feel, as it was you who encouraged me to be good to the workers!!!
Regards,
All @ Binney Towers."

Well I have certainly learnt something today, they do say that you should learn one new thing each day. Must be a wonderful day today as I have learnt two things today - but more on the second one later. I didn't know that you could only use 300 characters in a comment.

I have to apologise to Pete as I didn't realise what a wonderful employer he is. I must admit that when I have left messages for him his secretary has been a little familiar. Speaking as though we were equals!! I now understand his frustrations. She expects to gain advantages just because she is his mum, just not fair on the poor old guy.

Now on to the second thing I have learnt. You know Val has been busy on the hall and has all but stripped all the paper off. When she spoke to the guys about an estimate she was talking about having the ceilings sorted with board. All I said tonight was that it may be a bit expensive and why don't we just paint or take the paper off and have it skimmed the same as the walls. She said something about nearly finished , gave me a dirty look and has since not really spoken to me other than when absolutely necessary. She is down taking the paint off wood in the downstairs closet as I type. I think I have put my foot in it again!! I am not sure I will ever understand this particular female in particular or any other one in general!!

I will update you later - if I am still breathing!!!!

Another discovers the delights of comment

Podga continues to celebrate with the 'Hostages' - things degenerate as they patiently await the Tabloid Limousines to whisk them off to Fleet Street

I can't get him to stand up (he's only 3 hours old)

I actually have a little bit of time spare in my busy life. My thoughts immediately went to the blog and the adoring public just waiting for the next post. Is it coming from the West Country, or maybe Brownfingers in Turnip land is going to spread some news of his gardening skills? Surprise surprise, we have a bit from Turnip land rabbiting on about some Tractor something or other but I notice he does build up the word "green". Is the mighty Green Army getting to him?

We also have a contribution from our New Zealand correspondent! Hay, meet sissy Clare folks. At the bottom of her mountain domain the miracle of birth has happened again. One 3 hour old foal. Check the photo above.

"Suffolk Sojourn 27 of 137.2 weekends gone since my last - and the same for you - sulking??Tractor Boys and Pilgrims have played another 3 matches each - both teams have won 1, drawn 1 and lost 1. Tractor Boys remain above Pilgrims, and still a game in hand.Early days say's Paulie - yeah, right! Thanks for putting the Iran hostage photo on - very brave of you. It's suddenly got colder in Suffolk - picked my final 4lbs of tomatoes today - albeit green. Stand by for a couple of jars of Podga's Home Made Chutney - incoming.

Other than that - I await to read any other comments on your missives. We know they're out there don't we.

I'm prepping to strike as the 2,000th visitor - just to repeat my previous triumph of cunning stealth.Onwards and Upwards, and Blue Skies. CT"

You will notice that Another photo from someone's glorious past has appeared. All sorts of comments about Queen and Country flow through my head!

Without further ado (drum role please) welcome Clare to the blog. Go for it gal!

"Well - hello from New Zealand. I have to say our family was always one for having many faces but this dressing up beats it all! Have to say a lot of effort has been put in and it looked like great fun - I am sure a lot of alcoholic punch was drunk! Say hi to blighty for me folks."

Val has just come back from dropping Ches and Al back to their car. She has asked if we are having tea tonight so it looks as though my spare time is up! Never mind, Thursday is comedy night on the telly!

Before I go, must mention Anne, sister in law in Aussie. Hope you had a super birthday and when are we getting a comment on the blog then??

Also, got an e-mail from Pete, my investment guru. He says he pops in here for a view every so often. What do you think of a bloke who employs a 89 year secretary and I am sure he doesn't pay the minimum wage?? How about a comment from Binney Towers?

Time for tea.

Val has finished her bit

Val has just about finished her bit, she is a little chuffed.

Ches, Al and Val survey the work

That's it folks

Just had to do a quick entry to let you all know that Val has finished her bit in the hall. Well, just a little bit to do but let's not worry about that.

She has told me I have to do the high bits as she is such a short arse and can't reach. Excuses excuses. She just wants to see me engaged in a little manual labour. I keep telling her that I am really not built that way nor am I emotionally prepared to undertake anything over 3 feet. She doesn't believe me.

Ah well, I shall be able to report the completion of our part of the enterprise next year sometime!!!!

Once we have prepared the whole area then we shall get the builders in to skim plaster and put up a couple of false ceilings. It has been a long time since my house didn't resemble a building site and I have become quite accustomed to the layer of dust covering everything!!!

I have no idea how much this little lot is going to set me back, still waiting for the estimate!!

Hope you all noted the brilliant display by the mighty Greens over the weekend. 3-0. Pity one of our top forwards got a little carried away and got himself arrested in Union Street in the early hours of Sunday morning!! Professional athlete or what?

If you don't know Union Street. Think Boogie Street, Singapore or the Gut in Malta. The Gut is now long gone, at least it was when I visited around 75/76 time. The days when we had a navy rather than the offshore defence force we now have!

Can't talk really as the RAF has shrunk somewhat over the past few years I think most of the Stations I served at over the years have gone! Upwood, 12 Fld Wksp REME Osnabruck, St Mawgan, Abingdon, Portsmouth CIO, DDLS Rheindahlen, Chivenor, RAF PMC Innsworth, Mountbatten, Chivenor (again). Even the training units at Swinderby and Hereford are no longer! Oh yes and don't forget the firemans strike in the East End of London for a few months in '77/'78, we were in the TA building in Plaistow, probably find that's gone as well!

Tell you what, looking back I had a bloody hard time of it in my career didn't I!!!

Weekend here at last

Podga celebrates with the Navy hostages on their release from Iran - having secured lucrative tabloid paper deals for their story. (PS Spot the girlie!). (Ed. The country is safe now most of this lot are drawing their pensions!!)

A photo from podga's past here. I am guessing the girlie is standing in the middle as centre of attention?

As appears to be the norm at the moment I have been a bit on the busy side, hence nothing from Plymouth for a week!! Work is toddling on and keeping me and my colleagues well occupied - thats enough of that! The dread word is FRAIMS will mean nothing to you but I am just interested if anyone feeds that into Google and ends up here! Very expensive and what appears to be a crap not up to the job IT system just in case you were interested.

At home Val is doing wonders with the hall. I think this weekend I am going to have to get stuck in as 5 foot 4 inches doesn't reach too high, even though I did buy her a super magic ladder! The things I do for her!! She is getting all the paper off the vestibule as I type. 'Tis far more important to get the blog updated than stripping wallpaper off the wall - anyway she tells me she enjoys it!

A quick Happy birthday to Anne, my sister-in-law in sunny Aussie, for next Wednesday. I did Leon's Plaxo thing for e-mails and they sent me a reminder. How the hell they knew it was her birthday, still, modern technology eh!

As a matter of interest still waiting for Tony to post a comment just to prove he looks at this wonderful blog!

Well my friends the turnip farmer has posted another. To be fair on the poor old boy he did comment before last weekend. I just couldn't think of a decent retort to the fact that the mighty Greens are letting me down a little!! Go on Podga - go for it.
"Suffolk Sojourn 26 of 137. The weekend starts here - and did I laugh as I scrolled through your Halloween party photos - when I arrived at the one of Val - and your caption 'Val pissed'. Classic - I'm sure she wasn't really - so hurtful Paulie. Maybe Lucozade and Painkillers don't mix?Reminds me of those old days of putting an Aspirin in your bottle of Coke! The team photo's are excellent - Al looking more like Ches every day.
So, this weekends' football looms. Shall I be crowing again as the Tractor Boys triumph and the Pilgrims slip further into oblivion? As for Leons' Gunners - Man U. are closing buddy.
I've emailed you a photo from the past that came in from Spain - only 'cos I'm in it (Another gang, not as old as ours) and have suggested a caption that might swing it for you to add to the blog. (Editors Decision is Final) So - HR is legally back in the air, and you're putting aircraft spotter pics in. Right - Parachuting material incoming. Love to all ghosts and ghouls in Plymouth. Blue Skies - CT "

I reckon it must be time for me to get tea sorted. Val must be getting a bit hungry now. before I go, on the subject of birthdays. Happy 50th to Andy Parkin of FIS Plymouth fame. You don't look a day over 49 3/4 my son!

HR is back in the air

Got an e-mail from HR as he STILL hasn't managed the art of the comment yet! Not the only one is he Clare?

Thought I would share with you all. I reckon he should do a pen picture so we can all get to know him a bit more (Yes I know I know him but you may not!). And what about Blue Skies and Leon I hear you ask. Yeh, why not indeed huh?

"Hiya, the real Bob is back ! I have attached a picture of 'TZ' and the link below for you to see why. http://www.westernairthruxton.co.uk/fleet.htm
The real reason is that having been on the ground since Jan 07 I booked a check flight at Thruxton and after 35 mins circuit-bashing,which included 3 landings, I was set free !
On top of that : the aircraft in the picture was (I was told) being sold off , but she has been retained by popular demand and so I can continue to fly the most beautiful aircraft I have ever been privileged to control.
On top of that , this now means that I can continue with my solo aerobatics once I get a refresher with Bob Cole. He is an ex lightning pilot and was the CAA Test Pilot for some time.
So the one first and true love of my life (flying) is back, so I am me again!
Have fun and be good. Thanks for the funny emails at work , I enjoy them."

Now you know why I have a picture of an aeroplane on the blog!!

It is now Friday and no more work for two whole days. Val is feeling a bit better so that means she is ripping paper off the wall downstairs. How she enjoys that I will never know. I do know I can hear an awful lot of mumbling from down there!

Have a super weekend, no matter where in the world you are. Visitors feel free to comment!

Guess what we did last night

Ches, Paul and Val

Ches, Al and Val

Ches and Al looking scary ?

Mary and Val (Note Mary gave up on the teeth!)

Paul and Mary's dad (Clare's as well but she choose LA over the party!!)

Mary and cobwebs

Val pissed

Paul and Val just arrived caught not quite expecting the flash yet!!

Rocky and Mary (With teeth)

Words are unneccessary!! Look at from bottom up!