1004.24 ASHES TO ASHES

You must have been living in a cave if you haven't noticed the disruption caused by the Icelandic volcano eruption which spewed it's ash over the skys of Europe. The skys were completely clear from the usual jet-streams that normally criss-cross the heavens at this time of year. Morticia's Auntie and Uncle were stranded (along with thousands of others) and unable to get home. Ferry, train and car hire became a premium as people battled to find alternatives to air travel.

Maybe I am being cynical or somehow I'm not getting it but why are we so reliant on the aeroplane? I for one haven't flown for over 20 years, I just haven't felt the need. I can understand some destinations but local internal flights are just ridiculous, trains and coaches should be cheaper and therefore encouraged. I think I'm getting off topic here, I'm starting to rant.

The disruption wasn't just to travellers, my eldest's school was forced to close to 2 of the year groups because of teachers trapped on holiday

Anyway, after almost a week it was all over and life is gradually turning back to normal.

1004.17 HAIRY

That's right, I've grown a full beard. I've let my facial hair grow before but I really don't feel like shaving this one off. My self esteem and general mood is low at the moment so I guess the fuzz gives me something to hide behind.

The other day, Thursday I think, I had a terrible pain on the sole of my right foot. I looked but couldn't see anything. Upon closer inspection I found a white hair about an inch long sticking out of the source of the pain. It was quickly removed by tweezers but led me to some interesting questions. Was that really a hair growing out of the sole of my foot? Further investigation on the internet revealed that some people had come across this phenomenon. It was either a rogue follicle or a 'hair splinter'. Since it was the same colour as the fur on my cat's tail I'm leaning (hopefully) towards the latter.

1004.16 BRILLIANT BRITAIN

With the upcoming General Election looming (1005.06), the media is full of politics. I've never really considered myself to be very politically motivated but I have to say that the prospect of a Conservative government scares the shit out of me. I'm old enough to have seen what Thatcher did the last time around. Communities were destroyed and industries decimated so a few could get richer. I grew up in a small mining town to the south of Sheffield and saw first hand what the Tories did. They like to cut or sell to line the pockets of themselves or their friends and this will happen again if they get in.

The polls show a worrying trend towards the blue, I can only hope that people saw what Mr Cameron is all about on yesterday evening's leadership debate. 

As a public service worker I ask people to think about their vote. I urge all those who would not normally bother to vote this year, it's important. We all need to take responsibility for our own lives and 'not voting' is like burying your head in the sand.

1004.06 END OF EASTER

That's it, Easter is done for another year. I'm lucky since I've got another couple of days off to spend with my family. We've now returned home from our weekend with Morticia's mother and it is time to get on with it. I have just one out of my two eggs left, seems everyone in the house got loads more than me again.

Today the general election was confirmed as 6th May which is Morticia's birthday and the day after mine. I guess it's gonna be a dull old April.

1004.04 HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDAD

A week ago we thought he wouldn't be here for his 78th birthday, today he celebrates - all be it in a very low key fashion.

I wish I could be with him today but we are away at Morticia's mother's house. I spoke to him on the phone earlier and he is in my thoughts today more than ever.

Hopefully he'll be able to come home from hospital soon.

1004.04 ELEVENTH HOUR

Yesterday saw Matt Smith's debut as the eleventh Doctor in series 5 of Doctor Who. It was all change with a new Doctor, new assistant, new TARDIS, new title sequence, new logo and not forgetting new Executive Producer/Head Writer.

I've been defending the changes all along to the doubters (Doctor Who's gift is that it can refresh and 'regenerate' and it is that that keeps it from going stale) and yesterday at 18:20 was time to find out whether my faith was misplaced or not.

I was pleased to say that I wasn't disappointed, it was a fun, action packed opener which helped flesh out the new Time Lord's character. Amy Pond, the new companion looks to be the best yet (and she's gorgeous to boot). All in all I'm more excited now about the new series than I was before.

Fish fingers and custard? Hmmmm.

1004.03 THE EGGS-FACTOR

The year rolls on and before we know it it's Easter. It seems only yesterday it was Christmas. Maybe it's a symptom of getting older.

It's the Easter weekend and I find the period so much more enjoyable than Christmas. A time to relax and spend time with family without the commercialism of the festive season. A few Easter eggs and a good meal await tomorrow.

Yesterday was relaxed which culunated in the beginning of a new series of Ashes to Ashes. Today promises to be just as relaxing with a new series of Doctor Who this afternoon.

I can put my feet up and forget my worries.

Happy Easter everyone!

1004.30 CYCLING STATS FOR MARCH 10

As the weather improves I am stacking up those miles. More on the work bike has contributed greatly. A very consistent month with plenty of rides.

Best Distance (Daily)

= 29.85 miles (on the 2nd)

Longest Time out of the saddle

= 2 days (just weekends)

1003.30 GRANDAD

My Grandad is the most amazing man, I'm overwhelmed and amazed at his strength and courage. Last Thursday we all thought he was going to pass and I went up to say goodbye. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. I am not a religious or praying man but I prayed for him, he has said repeatedly that he's not ready to go.

Here we are 5 days later and he fights on. Not only fighting but succeeding. He is out of bed and waiting to go home (although I suspect they will be monitoring him for some time yet). When he does go home it's my Nan who will need the support, not only from family (and I have always tried to do my bit) but from other agencies too.

Get well soon Grandad. Keep fighting you old bugger. x

1003.24 BACK IN THE SADDLE

I think I'm falling in love with cycling all over again. After a rocky winter and some personal lows I can feel the miles calling to me. I do really need a new leisure bike though. I need something that will take me out onto those open roads. The bike I have at the moment is an excellent commuter machine. It's a mountain bike that will never live up to it's mountain pedigree since I have fitted it with slicks, I only take it out on the roads or light trails. I have recently acquired a rack bag and intend to fit a rack with a view to moving the load I carry in my rucksack onto the bike itself.

The last few days I have been working on increasing my times on the commute and as the weather and lighting improves I will be looking to varying and extending my routes.

There is some hope that the Cycle to Work scheme will be resurected at work, if this does happen (soon please) then depending on who they team up with depends on which steed I will purchase. In the past it has been Halfords which initially fill you with hope but since they stock the Boardman range then at least I'll be able to get something decent (that is within my restricted budget).

1003.23 REAL MEN DON'T SKIP

Today saw me participating in my youngest's PE class for a second time. Together with other parents and our children we got involved in some light exercise and dance games.When I was first asked to do this my first thought was to run for the hills, 'dancing' was mentioned and as anyone who knows me knows, I don't do dance (unless you add alcohol). But Morticia is in no fit state to do it, it was up to me not to disappoint my little girl.

I was worried that the turnout would be low or that all the other parents would be mothers. Fortunately I was wrong and it was a good turn out with a nice mix of mothers and fathers.

The exercise bit was light but fun and the dance bit just involved jumping about to music. A good time was had and I think I earned loads of father-daughter points with my youngest.

The only thing I drew the line at was skipping, not with a rope, the one when you chuck your arms and legs out in a rhythmic way. Real men don't skip right?

1003.22 GET A GRIP

I've just 'enjoyed' a 3 day weekend. What have I achieved in the 3 days given? Nothing! I have sat around (apart from yesterday when I picked a few bits up in the garden) and generally gorged myself on junk food and crap. This has to do with my current state of mind and has to stop. I can't live my life eating comfort food and feeling sorry for myself.

I need to get a grip and sort this mess out.

1003.18 TOUCHY FEELY

How boring has today been? 

08:30 - I'm on a course today, I've just arrived and there seems to be loads attending. I'm currently stood in a small room full of about 30 people. Think I'll hide at the back.

Luckily for us the group was split into 2 groups and we were in a more manageable size of about 12. It was a course provided by do-gooders who wished to tell us about a new service that our organisation is about to provide. I was bored shitless, I'd rather have been out doing my job instead of listening to that waffle.

Not even the provided lunch managed to save the day. It was a buffet and practically everything came with cheese. I HATE CHEESE!

Finally the day wound to a close with some role plays which we had a bit of fun with. A nice cheeky getaway to boot!

1003.17 DARK AGES

I don't pretend to have or even understand depression. I can say thought that I feel down. This is a dark period in my life. There is a fork in the road and I feel that I am in a position where I must choose my path.

This whole thing weighs heavily on my shoulders. I really don't know what to do. I am lost, I am alone amongst people and no one can see it. This is my greatest challenge. I have obligations that I will meet. Once they're met however, I don't know.

1003.12 HOME FRONT

"Kimberworth Park Youth Theatre presents the excellent 'Home Front' at Rotherham Arts Centre on Thurs 11 + Fri 12 March"

My daughters both love drama and performing and this week was the culmination of lots of hard work when they both appeared in "On the Home Front" yesterday and tonight.

Tonight was the night I got to see the performance, and I wasn't disappointed. I know I cannot be in a position to review the show, this is not the place for that, all I can do is say what I saw through my eyes which of course are biased.

It was a slick professional performance, all the cast were excellent and the story was thought provoking and touched the hearts of all the audience. The story was an original one devised by the group and worthy of any stage.

I can't wait until next year's show!

I have to say that my daughters were awesome, they are truly talented. I'm a very proud Dad. My actress daughters Harley and Rags!