Celebrity Ski Yoghurt and Horse Devours Darling

Well folks we have done what I never thought that we would get around to doing. You see Mrs. B and I are very good at talking about what we are going to do, but not that good at getting around to the actual doing of it. So, surprise-surprise when en-route back from York; ‘the Boss’, AKA Mrs B explained that she wanted to go on a cruise and I went and booked one.

So here we are on the Celebrity Eclipse and it meets the hype. I was told that this was as good as it gets and guess what? The lovely Thomas Cook lady was right. This is indeed the Hilton 5* hotels at their very best with brass knobs on top. Pure luxury on each and every deck and so big that I keep finding new gems every hour or so.

The lovely chap at the hotel yesterday said words to the affect of “oh, so you’re going skiing?” “Huh?” replied I, “Spending Kids Inheritance” he countered. Yes indeed, and a blinking good job too. That is, I’m have a jolly good stab at spending the lot. It may be the price of a small car, but it’s a jolly nice car, and I’m well impressed.

The best bit is that there is no need for any of you to worry about the house back in Wales. One of the children is there with Yoghurt Boy on guard duty with the perimeter almost as well lit as the Celebrity Eclipse. Albeit the lights from the house are not reflecting on the water as we glide onwards to Gibraltar. I also recognise that the two back in Wales, would appreciate a bit of the 5* service and food while crewing the Watch Tower.

On the Celebrity Eclipse it is astonishing food. I enjoyed the champers followed by the cheese burger relaxing in the sun around mid afternoon prior to our 2045 dinner sitting. Thankfully being a lad from the gasworks, it all began with an appetiser and not ‘Horse Devours’ as one of my gang likes to say it. It’s good to be reminded of your roots. A listing in Burkes Peerage and Gentry ain’t much good if you forget the gasworks. It is wonderful service, wonderful venue, wonderful food, and wonderful company. We are extremely fortunate to be on a table with four other guests, all of whom flew across 'The Pond' to catch the ship in Southampton. One hails from the Americas who collected her granddaughter in Washington DC en-route to the U.K. and the other two from the South. All genuine lovely people so it couldn’t be better.

So for the Thomas Cook Aberystwyth crew if you are reading this: (1) we got an upgrade and our stateroom is stunning. So much room we could breed a flock of sheep. I could also feed them on the grass on the upper decks, and exercise them around the running track, (2) yep, it was a double hit folks; we also got our preferred 2045 dinner sitting, and (3) parking was a breeze and the Cruise Parking team were lovely, (4) gratuities were paid for in advance in that price, and yet another well done as (5) the drinks package is handy and good value. Well, as well as being from the gasworks I am also a Cardi and we mustn’t forget that!

Gosh, its day one and I already feel as if I am a celebrity. It doesn’t get much better than this, now I have to start saving for the next one.

Celebrity Cruise Tip 1: Book with Thomas Cook, Aberystwyth
Celebrity Cruise Tip 2: Bring along a coloured highlighter pen to highlight items in the daily detailed itinerary, and thereby reduce your chance of missing something special

Extra, Extra - read all about it - 4 Bedroom House in Aberystwyth for sale

Well the 'Daily Blog' is back. Its demise was not linked to the NoW crisis, and when I say 'back', I actually mean that it is for this teaser session. Well it was put on hold because Mr Tister was home! And the lovely little fella made his way back to London today. So the 'Daily Blog' well more 'Weekend Magazine' than a 'Daily Blog' is back on track.

So as you can see from the heading our lovely four bedroom home near to Aberystwyth is for sale. But that's not the big news, the really, really big news. No that begins on Saturday and runs for two weeks or so if I can get an Internet connection. Meanwhile feast your eyes on this lovely detached house for sale in Aberystwyth. The selling agents await your call; 4 bedrooms in Penrhyncoch in the County of Ceredigion. Accompanied viewing through the selling agents will continue even if we are away because we can't afford to take everyone with us and the house is therefore occupied. So don't put off until next year, that which you could do in 2011.

This has been a true family home for our Family History contribution. It was big enough for lots of family there with us (and sometimes without us when we are off out and about) and with four double sized bedrooms it has been a great place. But now is the time to set forth onto pastures new and closer to some of our family. Or as one of my former friends once said; "as one chapter ends, another chapter begins".

Keep well Bloggers, and don't forget to pop back on Saturday night when I shall try to reveal what we are up to while the gang enjoy looking after our home.

Selling agent Lloyd Herbert & Jones
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-34505984.html

Daily Blog

Hi everyone, I apologise for not writing much this week but we have been away, I have been trying to relax, and the brilliant news is that Mr Tister is home on one of his lovely visits. It all began a few weeks back with a repetitive "I neeeeeeeeed Grandad" followed by, "Grandad we're coming", only to be informed that they were on their way to Tesco, and not our home on the coast. Poor thing, he must have been crest fallen. But the next day they set out on their seven and a half hour adventure.

Mr Tister is like a whirlwind; and has even taken to encouraging me to make a few things. This morning it was Duplo Space Ships with "four, two, three, balst off" (nope it's not a spelling mistake), whereas this afternoon we dismantled the started and never finished 'n' gauge railway in order to make a flat board and keep it simple i.e. the trains go round and round. You see like Tom on the Apprentice I am also a starter-none-finisher. It started when I became ill and hasn't really re-engaged. I know that I do it, but I can't seem to shake it off. The commentary from Mr Tister has included; "Come-on Grandad" and "Grandad, where are you", and even "Oh, traiiiinsssSSSS! Choo CHOOOOOO". Brilliant; health, happiness and family, that is all that matters.

I have so much to tell you, but as is so often the case there is so much else impacting on my time and focus. Well writing is a passion, but you have to be up for it, even when dealing with your passions. There have been 362 posts over three years, so on average it appears to be one post every three days. Mind you, like today, some days I write more than one post. You know the feeling; when some days are good and other days are bad. So it is more akin to one post every 3.5 days or two posts per week. I'm more of a "Weekend Magazine" than a "Daily Blog". But the frequency is not just about ability, passion, enthusiasm or any other impact. One of my close friends is unwell at the moment and I feel for him as I have been through the wringer so many times. Well, three times to be precise.

So I do apologise that the writing is more often than not ad-hoc rather than 'Daily', but the best intentions are there. When I do pen something you can be assured that it really feels good this end. So with Mr Tister around; the Blog can be placed on the back burner for a few days or at least until late at night. But whoever you are and wherever you are, I sincerely hope that you enjoy and continue to enjoy good health.

The Apprentice

Don't read this if you have taped the programme and foolishly several days later still haven't watched it, but are dumb enough to trawl the Internet!


Well folks back in May 2011 the day after the first episode I blogged amongst others things; "My money is on the inventor". Well that was a very good call indeed as my two preferred candidates made it to The Final, and Tom the Dyslexia sufferer won. Well done Tom, you were a great contestant, you came across as a lovely chap, and you offer hope to Dyslexia sufferers everywhere.

Plus a big well done to Lord Sugar for continuing to run with the series and thereby providing lots of business ideas and experience to thousands upon thousands of people. No wonder he is a Lord.

Old boot Car Boot

Now I quite like a good old Car Boot Sale; as there's always a chance that you will meet someone interesting, maybe see something worth buying, and of course there's all that 'lovely lolly'. But there is a downside to lazing away a Sunday morning. No, not the lack of exercise, but the lack of impact that your money will have to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

I have spent quite a few months whiling away the hours downsizing our possessions. That which is worthy of resale has been distributed to Wales Air Ambulance, Oxfam, Tenovus, and Barnardo's. In fact, for all but the Wales Air Ambulance; I am a Gift Aid Card carrier. What we give, is in fact seriously important stuff. Not the physical items, but the actual act of gifting. So as nice as a good old Car Boot Sale is; the charitable need far outweighs having a jolly good day out and collecting a few bob.

So this morning I have been pottering around and putting out some rubbish (that which isn't passed on, tends to be recycled, but some of course to my eternal shame can only go into land-fill). I have booted up the Laptop to say hello to all Bloggers, and now intend to paint the downstairs toilet. But the most important jobs of today are all happening later this afternoon. That is when I leave the village to travel into town and drop off a large box of items for Oxfam, another large box of items for the Air Ambulance (whom I note sold our dining table and chairs this week [thankfully it was the donated one, and not the small one we are using this evening!]) and a large bag of clothes to Barnardo's.

I'm also popping in to hand over a small monetary donation to the current DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee) Appeal. Those affected by the drought in East Africa really do need I help. Nearly all of us can spare a few bob, and think of that the next time you want to take yourself to an old Car Boot Sale to turn your stuff into cash.

What you get, you will flitter away in almost an instant, but what you donate will save at least one life

.

Sir Henry Morgan

I have mentioned more than once on these Blogging pages that Mrs B. and I enjoy our food. We have eaten in some very nice places and in some of these very nice places we have been served some dreadful food. Maybe we are a bit unusual because on more than one occasion we have paid for our main course and left without eating it.

If we are off out for grub then we are not going to endure the ‘ping’ of the microwave or try to eat a steak where the chef doesn’t know the difference between braised and ‘medium rare’. Unless we are having a Nepalese or Indian meal, then we also don’t want food that is soaked in a sauce in order to hide the quality of the produce. In simple terms Mrs B and I want good food, well prepped and cooked well.

We had planned to visit what we know is an extremely good steak house in the Bay in Cardiff. But those who follow the Blog will know that I am a fatalist. Things happen for a reason, and when I suggested to someone that we were popping over the road for a lunchtime drink (non alcoholic thank you), they recommended The Sir Henry Morgan further down the road. Good choice folks as the nice clean pub had a suitable nice clean and large car park. I like a bit of leather, which is why in many ways I like the Volvo brand. Quality comes at a price and The Sir Henry Morgan like Volvo didn’t disappoint. Our lunchtime drinks, newspaper and nibbles went down a treat. The friendly staff mentioned the menu without being pushy. We both cast an eye over the well laid out double page, and decided to cancel our Bay idea and instead book a table for dinner.

Quite a few hours later after a hectic day in the City we trundled back by cab. Yet another pleasant welcome and a table already set with our names chalked on a small slate table mat. Nice touch, great smells, great anticipation. I can’t tell you what Mrs. B’s food was like, as she eats hers, and I eat mine. There’s none of this silly double spoon food sharing malarkey with us. But I must say that her cod starters looked exceptional and based on what was said at the time, the taste and texture matched the image. I can however wholly recommend the asparagus and poached egg. I’m a bit of a poached egg aficionado. Whenever we stay in the Hilton or the Marriott I always ask for two poached eggs with my breakfast. Our eldest Jodi can do a mean poached egg, equal to any 5* chef. Ok, I have to admit it; so can The Sir Henry Morgan.

Now Mrs B and I do like a bit of variety, you know, it being the spice of life etc. But on this occasion we were both drawn to the steak accompanied by homemade chips cooked in beef dripping. None of this ‘cook it until it flames’ with us, after a spot of touring in France, its medium rare at the most. The best way to sum up the main course is to mention the conversation between us and the group opposite. He and I speaking simultaneously both came out with the phrase; “that was probably the best steak that I have ever had in the U.K.“


The Sir Henry Morgan
635 Newport Road, Rumney. Cardiff
02920361311
Opinion: Fine dining at IKEA prices
Probably best to book for Friday or Saturday evening

Where is the NoW? And on Being Bonkers

In my last Blog post, I asked where the other news was. Maybe I should have asked where is the News of the World?

You have to be extremely naive to believe that spying including phone hacking is a new phenomenon. There are many examples of tape cassette recording, secret filming, telephone and room bugging of individuals to get a story. Best part is; this type of behaviour is nothing new. So maybe we have to ask ourselves what is new about what the News of the World has been accused of? Has our tolerance threshold for such behaviour declined, or is there some other influence that has caused the collapse of what is (was) the best selling Sunday newspaper.

You don't get that many readers from being useless or average, and you don't get that many stories from phone hacking.

To be perfectly honest with you, I am a (London) Times and Sunday Times reader. But I was shocked when I heard that the News of the World was closing. I mean lets be real, if you had sat at a table with a few friends a decade ago and one of them said; "In the next ten years, Woolworths will close, so will MFI, and Focus, and Habitat, oh and the News of the World", you would have quite rightly thought that he or she were completely and utterly bonkers. I mean, these were all institutions. OK, Focus wasn't right up there with the others. But hey ho, I'm sure that you get my drift.

I was so shocked about the News of the World, that this morning I had a copy of the last ever edition delivered to our hotel room. Along with my Sunday Times of course. "Hey, Mrs. B" I say, as I'm walking back into the room having just closed the door and with the two papers folded together. "I have the Sunday Times, do you want a read?"

"Yes," comes the reply, "chuck it on the bed and I'll have a look later." To which I respond as I swiftly take the goodies from behind my favourite read, "Oh, I've also got the News of the World!".

"Brilliant, pass it here" as she instantly starts the read. Sort of says it all, doesn't it? The fools, they should have sacked anyone who was to blame and ridden out the storm. Better still, they could have outed them all one at a time each and every Sunday and we would have queued to buy the next edition to see who was going to prison that week. It would have made a great serial. They could have even put a strap line under their Heading;

The News of the World
No hacking - only sacking

They missed a great opportunity, because everyone loves a bad boy turned good. Especially if others think that they had something to do with the cleansing. They may be rich and they may be powerful, but sometimes the best in the land could do with an impartial opinion of a qualified strategist. You have to look beyond the 'quick win'. There's no point in dumping a winning formula, if by doing so you run the risk of dumping everything else. I think that it was a big mistake, but then again, I'm not a billionaire so what do I know?

So what's next; 'the SUNday'

But where is the other News?

The level of reporting for the Stephen Lawrence murder trial may be correct, but there is certain other news that seems to have slipped from our radar. I would like to know what is happening to Ms Sakineh Ashtiani in Iran.

If the lack of news reporting is keeping her alive, then due credit to the Iranian authorities. We can all be quick to condemn but it's also important to give credit where it is due.

Now would be an excellent time for Iran to release Ms Ashtiani. To do so would be to seize the moral high ground in this saga. As any decision to release Ms Ashtiani would be made without any obvious external influence or pressure. Therefore Iran would be doing so of their own accord as a sovereign nation. The Iranian authorities could make the move and taunt the West. Especially if they accepted the Brazilian offer to grant Ms Ashtiani asylum. By taking this action, the Iranian authorities would be creating a win-win situation. They would seize the moral high ground, remove the problem to another Continent, and make new friends.

If you stop and think about it, then you realise that it's all too easy. But if it's not happening, then I would like to see some news coverage so that the case of Ms Ashtiani is not forgotten.

News

Yes the Stephen Lawrence murder trial, is in the news, but the story is not being reported at a level that I would have previously expected. Has society changed, or are the media backing off in case they hash this one up? I think it's more about the latter. The story is well known; black youth minding his own business, attacked by racist thugs and slaughtered in the street. You know the kind of story, little people, who are very brave in a gang. Especially when armed with a knife, and with the intent to use it on someone at some point in time.

The murder was sad enough, but the act was compounded by what appeared at the time to be poor policing. It led to a failed private prosecution and an enquiry.

I sincerely hope that the news is in many ways suppressed, if only so that at last justice can be done. If they did it then they go away for a very long time, and if they didn't do it then they walk free. The most important part being that the jury is not tainted by reporting and emotions, but instead consider the evidence and the pleadings as presented to them in the court room.

I was particularly pleased when I found the latest update in the (London) Times way back on page 28 or so. The small amount that was written and its position in the paper was relevant to the story as it now unfolds.

Independence Day

Most people will know that the 4th July is Independence Day across the Pond. As well as being an important anniversary for our American cousins, the date also holds fond memories for me. You see I was promoted to the giddy heights of Leading Fireman (the then correct term) on the 4th July 1986. I have always thought of that date as my Independence Day. Trying to gain promotion from the mass of firefighters was never going to be easy.

I had two written examinations to pass before I could proceed to the next bit. I struggled with the theoretical examination and managed to pass one paper and to fail the other. So for the next twelve months I worked really hard to understand that which I previously could not grasp. The examinations came around and I passed the paper. Which was all well and good, except I went and failed the paper that I had passed twelve months earlier. Then I met Mrs B and her Dad. A lovely man, the Dad that is, and Don set me on the straight and narrow. I remember living in our flat in Maindee in Newport South Wales, when I opened the results letter from the Fire Services Examinations Board after my third attempt at the Leading Fireman theoretical examination. I also remember all the whooping and shouting when I read that I had passed both papers.

This was all well and good, but in many ways it was also only phase one of the process. It simply meant that I was now eligible to sit the practical examination. Which was no mean task, as it involved detailing and controlling other firefighters undertaking physical drills contained in the Manual of Firemanship Drill Book, along with convincing several examiners that you could explain accurately and to a great level of detail two items of equipment selected by the Board. Which meant understanding technical notes, having working experience of the selected equipment, and grasping the detail in yet another Manual of Firemanship Book about equipment. But it didn't stop there, as other Manual of Firemanship Books contained this and that detail about those or other pieces of equipment and you had to know all of that as well. The thing is, I passed first time. No fluke mind you, simply sheer hard work and determination to succeed.

So there I was, now qualified for promotion to the rank of Leading Fireman. Only qualified mind you, there was no guarantee that I would ever get promoted. Then on Independence Day I was shortlisted along with four others for one vacancy at New Inn. And to be absolutely blunt about it, I was the underdog. There were four front runners of which one of two were certain to get it, and I was there for the ride. I went in first and after the interview I was ushered into a separate room. One by one the others joined me. In my ignorance, when the senior officer came in and called out my name, I truly thought that I was getting a bollocking. Hey ho, congratulations and all of that. The panel with the Deputy Chief Fire Officer and Elected Members deemed me suitable and I was duly appointed.

So you see; Independence Day means different things to different people, and not just in the United States of America. I hope that you had a lovely day, as lovely as the day I had all those years back, and again on the 4th July when I relaxed, reflected, and enjoyed time with family and friends. It was a great day, as indeed the Fourth of July should always be.

Expansion and busy bees

Yep, it may be a shrinking world, but what really gets me is that there is so much going on.

If Facebook is anything to go by, then Jeffers Ghana had a great adventure in part of the airport the other day. Lucky for him that he was trying to pay some import duty and not trying to accompany a friend through to the departure lounge. They don't like that sort of thing in Accra. You only get past the armed guard if you are flying that day. Pilot, Stewardess, or someone with valid travel documents.

But the parcels bit seems a tad more relaxed than the people bit. Electricity and back up generator failure meant lowering an electrical cable out of the window to hook up the supply from somewhere else. Jeffers then popped off to get some petrol to help with starting the standby generator. Gosh, Health and Safety would have a fit back in the UK. People with petrol, cables out of windows, hooking up to a supply from goodness knows where and in whatever condition. The worrying thing about this story is that it all appears to be so matter of fact. As if it's an everyday occurrence to lob the cable out of the window and to go off hunting for petrol. Well I suppose that in some ways it does beat hunting for tigers. Maybe the mid day sun had got to everyone. Indeed when I first read the story, I sent a message, enquiring if Jeffers had changed jobs.

And there was me, thinking that I was a busy bee. You see I have been pottering around outside for a few days and hence the lapse with the Blog. Well, I suppose that the fine sunshine here in Wales was always going to lead to some tidying up in the garden. Mmmmm, almost enough space for me to build an outdoor model railway. Well, maybe not, as Mrs B will have something to say about that idea. Still, I'm in her good books as along with the tidying I also managed to complete a few of those DIY tasks that us men, seem to forever put off for another day.

With it all looking so nice, I wonder if I can convince Jeffers and Tammy to pop over from Africa to enjoy our warm weather and Welsh hospitality? Now that would make for a good 2011.