Splash Down

First off Happy Birthday to Sally. Positive vibes her way.

We visit Mattie in Cardonald in the morning, a regular receiver of the mock Cal postcards I scrawl while on holiday. Good to see her and she endures the New Zealand photo experience with good humour and grace. Cal in the meantime merrily beats me up and plays with another flurry of penguins that have come his way courtesy of Burger King yesterday and Mattie today.

Back to Coatbridge and lunch with Kitty. Quick tour of duty in the kitchen washing up and waiting the requisite time before heading to the 'Time Capsule'. Swindon's Oasis has been moved and given a prehistoric makeover with an ice rink surgically attached. Fun had by all and free massage for me courtesy of the waterfall and many a flume for the boy and the girl.

Buy beer not for the journey (that'd be silly) but for the post journey chill out. Summat to do with Merlin and Mary Queen of Scots. I've learnt over the years that no matter how tired I am having driven a reasonable distance, sleep is hard to come by. Not a problem tonight because if it goes completely horrible there is always the cricket to listen to. I do know that I'm likely to be quite uptight by the time I'm home because the weather is foul.

Wet, Wild and Glasgae

How do you cheer up a shopping trip to Glasgow? Easy, discover a three - nil win against Spurs. This discovered while waiting outside a heaving Boots cheered Cal and myself up mightily. To be honest though the shopping trip really wasn't that painful. One Denby dinner service later and a fine set of pans and things are sorted. That's before the quest for red coat for Callum. No joy because of the boy's insistence on red, despite Monst finding something that was good in grey. Glasgow was heaving as the big Chrimbo shopathon rumbles into life.

Then we go to see 'Happy Feet'. Cal enjoyed it so that was fine. Not certain it had the biggest plot on the planet but the animation was mightily impressive.

I escape CSI and head to the pub for a pint. Discover it's karaoke night and not wishing to reprise the 'Blockbuster' experience, I flee the pub and return to the dog end of CSI - deep joy!

Has Anyone Seen Kosher Pickle Herring? If You See Him, Tell Him Herbert is Looking for Him

Asleep with the Ashes on the couch last night. Cool, we're at Kitty's in sunny Coatbridge so I spent the night drifting in and out of sleep constantly updating with events. England seem to be doing well which is a relief. Still the Aussies have yet to bat.

Drive up yesterday wasn't bad but the rain was dreadful over the border. Wipers on speed seemed to make bugger all difference.

First morning up here and fetch coffee from the Spar and papers from Rod's Post Office. Nice to be able to read a paper without wanting to clip bits. Relax with a coffee. Fine breakfast, sorted.