nephew Joe and uncle Paul play house of the dead on 12seconds.tv
They were both quite good, tho’ I had to take over for the boss fight (dont tell them I told!)
Archive for the ‘family’ Category
House of the dead
Friday, July 31st, 2009
Easter Mission
Friday, April 10th, 2009Today, we went to Mexborough, my old home town. Which, although I wasnt stepping down from a train, did look just the same.
We were on a mission from the Easter bunny, delivering eggs in advance of the upcoming Sunday “thing”
I presented Nephew Joe with a beautiful Creme Egg and bless him, he smiled sweetly for a moment, then informed me he doesnt like Creme Eggs. Ever the resourceful Uncle, quick as a flash I delved into my bag and produced a Smarties egg originally destined for Nephew Owen.
Sadly, this egg cut no ice. Nephew Joe is 5 years old and a proper little man with a developed personality, he didnt hesitate to explain that he doesnt like Smarties.
“What do you like?”, I asked.
He replied, “chocolate, just chocolate”
“So what’s wrong with Smarties?”
“They’re to crispy”
“and Creme eggs?”
“Too sweet!”
“So what chocolate do you like?”
“Just chocolate.”
Luckily, my Mum had some mini dairy milk bars that I could substitute for the Creme Eggs.
So there you have it, a 5 year old that wont eat or drink anything sweeter than water or solid chocolate, who heard of such a thing?
But do you know, he is my Nephew and I love him!
Christmas Traditions Old and New
Saturday, December 27th, 2008Christmas flew by in a blur didnt it? All that preparation and then in a flurry of visiting, eating, drinking and gifting, its all over.
Something I noticed this year was a distinct lack of Turkey. We ourselves had Beef and I’ve heard so many people talking about going back to traditional Geese and even 3 Bird Roasts
We’ve got a little tradition of our own starting up. Over the last few years myself and Paul are getting progressively later when it comes to opening our gifts to each another. The last few years its been late on Christmas day, this year it was late on Boxing day. When it comes to the things I’ve bought Paul and he has bought me, we like to do it in private. Settle down at the back, it’s not like that, no rude pressies! We like to buy each other a few stocking fillers to open, silly bits of stuff that we might not otherwise stock up on. A lot of it is foodie bits that I like and he doesn’t and vice versa. I scored some Olives, Corn Chips, a Nasi Goreng meal kit and a Chilli n Garlic Mill to name just a few. He got some tinned Braised Eel (will he try it?), Toffee Popcorn, Turkish delight (2 kinds) and Chinese Egg Cake (really!) among his gifts.
Of course, we had opened our gifts from other people at the same time they opened theirs. This year it was especially nice that Nephew Jacob, being only weeks away from his 10th birthday, took time to look at and enjoy his gifts. Nephew Joe, being only weeks away from his 5th birthday, continued his tradition of tearing the wrapping off and only glancing briefly before reaching for the next thing to unwrap!
After Christmas lunch, several members of the family took time out to practice another traditional Christmas activity
Sleeping those sprouts off!!
See You See Me
Saturday, October 18th, 2008News just in…… I didnt always look like me…there was a time when I looked like him. Yes, him there on the left!
So, this is circa 1979 and left to right its me, my sister Amanda and brother Billy. Eeek, school photo day, so obviously Mum sent me and Bill to school in matching jumpers! You almost cant see but the thing hanging around Mandy’s neck is a pocket-purse thing, they were all the rage!
The major mystery is, how did we get the shirt collars to do that??
Its quite a picture isnt it? One of the few photos where I can almost see that Amanda and Bill are twins, something about the face shape I think.
I’ll leave you with this, I’m off on holiday for a week
Happy Birthday to Dad
Monday, September 8th, 2008It is my Dads birthday tomorrow, he wont be reading this but I’ll say it anyway, “Happy Birthday Dad!”
We couldnt make it to his birthday lunch with the rest of the family on Sunday, so I suggested taking him out for lunch on Saturday. We picked them up and headed to the Wetherby Whaler in Wakefield. Here’s Mum and Dad as we chatted while waiting for our food.
Hurrah, my “Giant” Haddock arrived. I can confirm that it was wonderfully cooked, the chips were like Gran used to fry and the mushy peas perfectly mushed
On the way home we stopped off at New Miller Dam and enjoyed a treat from the ice cream van. The boy in the ice cream van had 2 hearing aids, he was very good though.
A couple handing out religious postcards were quickly rebuffed by me. Unfortunately, Mum opened things up again, “is it religious? I’ll take one, I am a confirmed Christian.” I then had to spend the next 5 minutes explaining how this version of religion is just a little bit kooky.
We then went for a walk in the woods along the waters edge. An Andrex puppy being walked by a couple caused quite a stir, I put my foot down, no dogs allowed in my house!
We made it back to the car with seconds to spare on the parking meter and completed the journey back to Mexborough, dropping off the parents, finally driving back to Sheffield and liberating a couple of Lagers from the fridge.
A succesful day and mission accomplished
The End.
The 19th hole
Friday, August 29th, 2008Yeah, that’s right, the 19th as in golf. What’s that you gasp, “a sports related post on this here blog!”
Now, get your breath back, if you ask me golf was once accurately described as “a good walk, spoiled.” However, I understand that amongst sporty types, the golf is quite popular. So I say, “ok golf could be fun, but do I have to walk?” The answer of course being, yes.”
Now thanks to technoligical-thingummy-ness, the answer is no! Paul’s brother, Russell, is one of the partnership behind Green, Sheffield first golf simulator and bar type place. It is quite literally, the 18th and 19th hole in one!
WELCOME TO THE GREEN SHEFFIELD
Green is like no other bar in Sheffield. Where else can you relax with your friends in the heart of the city centre and at the same time play 18 holes on some of the world’s most famous golf courses?
Amazing, eh!
Anyway, tonight is the launch party and I’m on the guest list baby! That’s the guest list, BABY!
I better go start getting dolled up, the Paps are sure to be there, I need to look my best
Laterzz!
One potato, two potato, three potato, four…..
Tuesday, July 15th, 2008NaBloPoMo July 08 Day15
I went over to Mexborough on Sunday and Shaun was kind enough to let me have some of these little beauties, fresh from his allotment. Actually, there were more, but we scoffed them already
The variety is Charlotte and let me tell you they are excellent, great colour, wonderful texture and most importantly they taste divine. I cant wait until my Potatoes begin to crop and I can return the favour!
Turkey and Mushroom Pie
Monday, July 14th, 2008NaBloPoMo July 08 Day14
Sunday lunch yesterday was a Turkey and Mushroom Pie made by Paul. It was very nice, and so I ate too much and gave myself heartburn. It’s the pastry that does it, I cant eat any shop bought pastry, but I can never resist the stuff that Paul makes. He does try to make it a bit lighter for me, but what can you do really? Its just fat and flour in some ratio and so I’m bound to suffer later. I took a Ranitadine, but it seems, too late to stop me feeling the pain, thankfully it didnt last too long before the tablet kicked in.
We ate it with cauliflower, cabbage and gravy. The cabbage was especially tasty because Shaun, the brother in law, gave it me from his allotment
All wrapped up.
Thursday, April 10th, 2008I saw a trailer on TV tonight, a Cutting Edge show called Cotton Wool Kids, something about killing kids with kindness or something.
It got me thinking about how things how things have changed over the years. A colleague recently told me a tale of her daughter having a bit of a strop after a bit of wet water was spilt on her jeans. When I was a kid, somewhere around the 80’s, if it rained in the morning I still had to walk to school. I’d then most likely have wet trousers and blazer and just have to put up with it until I dried out.
A day or two afterwards, I was talking to another colleague and in the course, we landed on the topic of his childhood. He arrived from Africa into the UK aged 4, and over several years his family came back together, each taking their own journey to freedom and (some) normality. The most disturbing thing is that he remembers saying to his mum, “If its a war going on, why are people sleeping in the road?”
I’m sure you can guess why he thought they were sleeping.
In conclusion, watching stupid programmes made by idiots about how difficult things are in the UK, just makes me angry.
Quick and tasty breakfast
Monday, March 24th, 2008Gotta run this morning, after I drop Paul off at work, I’m visiting my nephews to give them their easter eggs. I’m also taking them my recently replaced 19″ LCD monitor, for once I think I’ll have something that eclipses the chocolate!
So quick breakfast required, hmmm what do I fancy? that houmous needs eating, use by yesterday but I’m sure its good, 1 left over chapati from Saturday night. I heated the chapati in a dry frying pan until hot and crispy, tore it into pieces and spread houmous on it. Quick, simple and delicous.
I always could make something out of nothing
Enjoy your Bank Holiday!
Torremolinos pics
Wednesday, March 12th, 2008We got back from Torremolinos on Monday, the weather was fantastic and we all had a great time. Here’s a couple of pics to enjoy.
These 2 ladies may have also had a great time but they will be regretting being around me and my shameful lack of camera restraint.
Watch out if you see me poking my camera in your direction!!
(more) News from my hometown.
Tuesday, March 4th, 2008You might remember previous news from my hometown, in which the shameful residents urged a fellow to jump from a tall building.
I was surprised to hear Mexborough mentioned on BBC breakfast this morning and to hear that they had closed the railway station.
It seems that a “Trail of blood found near railway” brought the place to a stand-still.
No further details are forthcoming at this time.
I do know that the station is open again now, my brother caught the train this afternoon to get to our house.
In the morning we are all going to Spain for a few days, so I’ll catch up when I get back.
See you all soon
Christmas Meme
Sunday, December 16th, 2007A seasonal meme nicked from Ms.Mac who also nicked it from Tinakala in Estonia.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
First of all I have to say that Paul does most of wrapping. We’re using a combination of the 2, depends how special you are and how many pressies we’re sending you.
2. Real tree or artificial?
Artificial every time, less hoovering involved.
3. When do you put up the tree?
This year we put it up early, a couple of weeks ago, it was OK though, a neighbour had theirs up 4 days before us!
4. When do you take tree down?
Normally, its a 12 days after Christmas thing, this year its coming down on the day before we fly to India on New Years Eve.
5. Do you like eggnog?
I don’t remember trying it, does it have Advocat in it?
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
The gift of life. No seriously, I really loved my (boy doll) Maskatron from the Bionic Man.
7. Do you have a nativity scene?
No.
8. Hardest person to buy for?
Steven Seagal.
9. Easiest person to buy for?
The boy from Mask (a mask)
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
A remote controlled Crane (sorry Dad……….Oh, you died, I left this apology a bit late……)
11. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Neither, I give Christmas cards to close family but that’s about all.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Gremlins 2 ?
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Never earlier than my birthday, November 26th.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Yes, I also have a few under the bed in reserve, if anyone drops in unexpected like, I’ll be running upstairs to wrap!
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Turkey? Goose? Anything but Christmas cake.
16. Clear lights or coloured on the tree?
Clear.
17. Favorite Christmas song?
How can yow choose? That Slade song or Elton’s Step into Christmas, oh! what about that Pogues song?
18. Travel for Christmas or stay at home?
Stay home.
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?
Rudolph, Cupid, Comet, Donner, Blitzen, Dancer, Prancer, how many did he have? I’m probably missing a couple.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Both, Angel on main tree and a Star on the conservatory tree.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas evening, after visiting everyone else.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
Shopping Madness (or maybe Christmas Memes
23. What I love most about Christmas?
Beautiful gifts and family wonderfull-ness of course.
Birthday stuff.
Wednesday, December 5th, 2007Dear Valerie,
With my Birthday money I bought a new Webcam, Gamepad and some blank DVD’s.
Thank you very much, I’m very happy
Love
Andy
Come on, Lets Fly!
Wednesday, September 19th, 2007I’m back, tanned, gorgeous and rested, well as rested as I ever am. I swear that sometimes I need a holiday to recover from a holiday!
The trip got off to an interesting start when, 15 minutes into the flight, the Captain made an announcement.
“I’m very sorry to announce” He said, “that we will be returning to Manchester.”
My brother, a nervous flier at the best of times, added a whimper to his usual repertoire.
“There’s nothing to worry about”, the Pilot continued, “the aircraft just isnt performing as I would like.”
A few people around us managed a half-hearted attempt at humour, mostly by reminding everyone that it was the 11th of September. Yeah, we laughed too, NOT!
We circled around for a while, I’m told we were dumping fuel, and then made our approached back into Manchester. Paul cant understand how I managed to sleep for about 10 minutes here, obviously I was thinking I might need to be fresh and alert for my ride on the emergency slide and the dash across the runway!
You know that moment of anticipation as you feel the wheels are just about to touch the ground? I’m sure I heard the sound of a communal intake of breath spreading up the airplane, Mexican wave style, as everyone held their breath.
I thought that pointing out the fire engines at the side of the runway, would offer my Brother some comfort and maybe some distraction. He didnt take it so well saying only, “I’m going home, I’m not getting back on!”
He did get back on, though one couple didnt, and we were back underway within 2 hours.
The holiday itself was great, Palmanova was nice, we were very close to the beach and our hotel was clean and spacious. I have some nice photos, I’ll post some soon.
Just to rub it in, I’ll start the countdown here, its only 25 days to our next one!
