PENSIONERS, POLISHED PLATES, AND PROPER CHATS

henever my shift pattern gifts me a Saturday off, I tend to head over to see my parents. They only live ten minutes away, making it easy to catch up, though I usually have to wait for the "all-clear" text before dropping by. Like stereotypical pensioners, they insist on doing their weekly shop on Saturday mornings—stubbornly ignoring the quiet aisles of the working week to brave the crowds when the rest of the world is off.

MYTH OF THE QUIET HOUSE

very now and again, my wife heads off for a few days of well-earned respite. She’s with a friend who understands the ins and outs of her disability and knows exactly how to help her navigate the world to get the best out of the trip. This week, they are down in "that London" for a whirlwind of fun and frivolity. Me? I’m here, keeping the gears turning as usual.

CHAOS IN A SMALL SPACE BY THE HEARTH FIRE

wenty-five years ago this year, we moved into our home. We were a young family with a five-year-old and another on the way. It’s a little house—three compact bedrooms that were perfectly fine for our small family at the time. Life, as it tends to do, unfolded in its own way, and today we still find ourselves in the same place. However, looking back at those twenty-five years, I realise I haven't yet shared the current makeup of our household as it stands today.

ZERO HANGOVERS, TOLERANCE, AND SPACE

ero-percent beers have been a total game-changer recently. Being able to head to the pub or share a drink with friends without the looming dread of a hangover or the logistics of driving is brilliant. I first blogged about this back in 2018 and followed up a year later, but the landscape has shifted so much since then.

THE MIDPOINT OF MY YULE

hile many feel the festive spirit starts to fade as soon as the Boxing Day leftovers are cleared, those who celebrate Yule know the magic is only just beginning. Far from being a fleeting moment, Yule is a season that carries us through the heart of winter, with celebrations continuing well into the New Year. As we reach the midpoint of this ancient festival, I wanted to pause and share a recap of my journey through Yule so far.

OUR NEW CAR ADVENTURE: FROM FIAT TO THE FUTURE

elivering us to work, school, and taking us on holidays, the car is an undeniable cornerstone of modern life. For me, however, this functional role has always been the extent of its purpose. I've often lampooned those who lavish so much affection on these mechanical steel boxes, a habit born from observing our society's over-reliance on these four-wheeled chariots. It's a peculiar phenomenon to see people treat their cars with more devotion than they show to other people.

CAR DREAD & 8-BIT DREAMS

ust recently, a heavy cloud has hung over me, the weight of my responsibilities pressing down with a relentless force. As I mentioned before, the looming prospect of a significant car repair bill has felt like a constant threat. Well, this week that anxiety finally materialised.

BETRAYAL OF THE VULNERABLE

his week, the government unveiled proposals to overhaul the welfare system, with a particular focus on those with illnesses and disabilities. In my opinion, and that of many others, these measures represent a deeply damaging attack on the most vulnerable members of our society.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025

appy New Year. 2025 is here, we are a quarter a way through the century. Time is something that rages past and we can't control the speed in which it travels.

So, Yule is almost over for another year and soon "normality" will return.

THE CAPTAIN'S YULETIDE MESSAGE

ule is a special time, a moment of peace and reflection that transcends beliefs and means so much to so many. The world continues with its wars and the disasters continue it’s important to cherish the simple joys of life whilst the rich still seem bent on destruction for their own benefit.

So whilst the King is waffling on on the telly I get to deliver my message to the world.

2412.03 LIGHT AT THE END OF THE BEGINNING

In my previous post I mentioned a few things about the last few months which have been a whirlwind of challenges, testing our resilience as a family. From unexpected family issues to car troubles and a broken television, life seemed to conspire against us.

2409.16 FIRST HOLIDAY

Because Rags couldn't come along in May we organised a return (which we took last week). This makes this trip my Grandson's first proper holiday. I'm proud that his first holiday was in a place that is so special to all of us.

2409.02 THE WEDDING

On the 19th of August my eldest daughter, Harley, was married to her long term partner, Josh. The day was the culmination of months of organisation by Harley mainly which came together for a magical and emotional day.

2404.27 BABIES, CARS AND HOSPITALS

Considering just how much has been going on recently you wouldn't be mistaken for thinking that I had plenty of excuses for posting a blog. Unfortunately all I've had on my plate has been a tad overwhelming. But here we are, or at least here I am.

2401.24 THE NEXT GENERATION

Our lives are full of milestones, points in our lives that map out our very existance. When we meet the love of our lives, the birth of our children, the arrival of a beloved pet. Of course these are just some of the positives - this is what I want to concentrate on today...

2309.30 POSTCARD FROM CEI NEWYDD

I've done so many blog posts about my holidays and it could be said it's the same every year. I don't really care that we visit the same place every year. People might roll their eyes when we say we are going there but when you find a place which just resonates with you and makes you happy then why wouldn't we? This year, however, there is one significant difference... the dog, Magnus, came with us.

2309.23 CATCHUP TIME

It's been a while since I did a blog post,  So I'll attempt to go over a few of the thing that have happened recently, it's difficult because bugger all has really happened. 

2307.23 DESTRUCTION AND DEATH

Every story has an ending. Everything ends. During our lifetimes we witness many endings, some good some not so, but we can't avoid them. 

2301.01 VIVA LA RESOLUTION!

For some years now I've stated that resolutions are not for me. Instead I usually set myself 3 achievable tasks, this year is no different.

2212.25 THE CAPTAIN'S YULETIDE MESSAGE

If we thought 2021 was bad 2022 said "hold my beer". Covid is reduced to a background issue now, we are in the midst of a cost of living crisis with prices and inflation flying upwards. Then there's the energy prices which are scarily high and are having to be capped (slightly) with government intervention. Life in 2022 is so much more expensive. This has lead to strikes and hardships across the land.