Sunday 26 July 2015

The Lion Sleeps Tonight(The Tokens 1961)

You really cant beat a day out at Chester Zoo so on Sunday we decided to rise early and head off in hunt of lions, tigers and bears. Its very easily accessible by train from Stockport and to be fair its an excellent deal British Rail do for train, bus and entrance to the park!! Wearrived at about 11 o clock and carefully planned our route to take in as many animals as was possible. In previous visits to the park there have been many slight disappointments of not being able to spot certain animals in their enclosures. This visit was totally different with so many highlights. A close up of the fantastic jaguar having a pee, the amazing male lion getting so close i could smell his breath and the wonderful painted dogs devouring half a cow in front of our very eyes. Amazing!!!!!
We are so lucky to have this major attraction on our doorstep and to be able to see some ofthe animals up close that we would probably only ever see on television. A fantastic great value day out for adults and kids alike!!!

As you are all aware my son Jack has spent time recently in hospital due to an accident he had whilst on his scooter. His sister not wanting to be left out was admitted to Stepping Hill on Tuesday with gallstones. I dont really know alot about them but i can tell you all my daughter was in an awful lot of pain and discomfort. Its not nice seeing anyone in pain let alone one of your own. She was so brave and didnt grumble or moan at all. Well done Georgia.. She is now on a strict diet with an operation likely in February when she turns 16!!!

My pool career came crashing down to earth on Wednesday after two man of the match performances. I finally lost my unbeaten record. It wont be long before i can sharpen my arrows and resume my other sport of darts!!!!! I will have to up my training regime one thinks! If you cant comfortably drink 8 pints on a Tuesday darts night and still chuck the tungsten then there is no place for you in the side!!!

My son had to come up with a name for his dream team which had to include 3 footballers who had played in the Premier League. I reckon Michu@DeGea,Ba is a quality effort!! Well done Jack and can anyone better him.???

Saturday 18 July 2015

Young at Heart (Bluebells 1984)

There are various signs we get that we are getting older. Losing your hair,perhaps even a few grey ones?, bad back, dodgy knees or maybe the extra one or two laughter lines starting to appear!! Well for me amongst others, its the eyesight. I can see perfectly clear into the distance but just lately i have started to use glasses for reading. I only use them at home as i try to gain some confidence wearing them!! Last Sunday morning i nipped out to buy the papers and also to pick up some painkillers to soothe my head after a good Saturdays drinking. I was rushing to get back as the weather was terrible so i grabbed what i thought were some ibuprofen and paracetemol off the shelf and made my way home. When i got back and put my glasses on to catch up with the news i noticed i had purchased hayfever and constipation tablets instead!! I certainly wont be sneezing with itchy eyes whilst i am sat on the toilet trying to have a poo eh..I am still very much young at heart even though my eyes are slowly fading..

My son Jack is now out of hospital and he is doing really well with his knee. He is very cheerful and hasnt let his accident get him down at all. Every time i ask him how he is feeling he always replies with "with my fingers dad". He must get his sense of humour of his mother if you ask me!!

My pool career went up another level again on Wednesday. I was asked to play for the pub team again after my heroics only seven days earlier. I agreed to once again put my unbeaten record on the block!! I dont play all that tippy tappy cagey stuff. If a ball can be potted then i will have a go. The longer the shot the better with my eyes!! I was thrown into another must win game and i romped home with ease for the second week running. At this rate i will be in the race for "Player of the Season"!!

Still doing the knee exercises that my physio gave me. I am back to see him in a couple of weeks time so i am hoping for some good news.......

Saturday 11 July 2015

Physical(Olivia Newton John 1981).

Well what a weeks its been. I should have shares in the local bus company. Back and forth to the hospital to see my little stuntman Jack. He proper cut his knee open on Saturday but he is home now and doing really well. A very special shout out to the canteen staff at Stepping Hill. Without them i would of stuggled to keep my figure intact. Breakfasts to die for and the lunches were just as tasty!!

Big news on the super knee of my own. Went to see the physio this week and was told my quads are under formed. I have been given a full exercise plan to be done every other day to build them up. Apparently going up and down ladders daily and 8 pints of carling is not the correct way to maintain a healthy fit body..

I like to relax on a wednesday. Feet up, telly on and toffees out is the norm. I was disturbed this week by the local landlord and asked if i would come out to play pool due to a shortageof player. I am not one for letting people down so i dragged myself up and headed to the boozer!! The team was that pleased to see me that i was treated to my first pint courtesy of the landlord. The match itself swung this way and that until game six. 3-2 down with two games to play and i was next on. Win and we were still in the match, lose and it was curtains. I played like a seasoned professional and brought us back level. It was a man of the match display of tactical nous and unbelievable potting. I dont like to blow my own trumpet(i simply cant reach it even though ive tried) but without me they would never of won!! I may retire now with my unbeaten league record intact!!

Right then! I have to go now. Got an hours worth of exercise on my legs and knees to get through. Dont worry, i will still have a carling or 2 on completion!! Little steps, tiny little steps to a new and fit Clive.x

Monday 6 July 2015

S.H.O.P.P.I.N.G(Pet Shop Boys)

With a family wedding pending and a dress code of grey suit and cadburys purple tie in place, it was decided that Sunday was going to be my chance to purchase the above. As you are aware shopping is not my favourite past time but Operation Arndale was up and running.

Manchester as expected was full to bursting and it was an ordeal just to get down station approach, the journey to Burtons was twice as bad and i had worked myself into quite a state by this time!! On entering the shop a young lady asked if she could help me with anything. A few thoughts crossed my mind but i didnt think them appropriate so explained that i wished to purchase a suit. She quickly pointed me in the right direction and after about 20 minutes i was armed with everything i required. Its pleasing to know there are these sort of shop assistants out there and the fact i was £160 worse off was eased by her competance. Shopping aint that bad i guess!!

With bags on arm it was off for some liquid refreshments and even £5 a pint in one establishment didnt deter me off my goal to get pissed. Five hours later it was mission accomplished!!

With the weather changing for the better evening meals have contained alot of salad lately. I requested coleslaw and due to my lady forgetting her glasses i ended up with Florida Salad. I have never heard of it let alone tried it before. If you have never come across it before go out and get some!! Pineapples, mandrines, cabbage and apple all coated in mayonnaise is to bloody die for. It livened up my plate and will most definately be a feature in up and coming meals.

Saturdays work was halted with the upsetting news that my son Jack had had an accident. He had crashed his scooter at the local skateboard park and his knee was in a bad way(something about knees in my family)!! I rushed to hospital and was shown graphic pictures of his injury. It was horrific but massive credit to my son as he was in good spirits and the nurses were doing a great job managing his pain. Unfortunately they were unable to close the wound in surgery so he is still in hospital awaiting a second operation. Very proud of how he is coping with this ordeal and i will keep you all updated on his recovery!!