Three Months

For a long time now I've not had the blog bug in fact its nearly 3 months since my last post but I know think its time to bo again.

So whats been happening during the last three months, what have you all missed ?

Well the highlight was probably my holiday to America, did a trip called "National Parks & Canyons, Mount Rushmore & Little Big Horn.

Obviously Mount Rushmore & LBH were two of the places we visited but many other fantastic sites along the way including Yellowstone (even saw a Grizzly), Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, etc to name but a few.

It was with a singles group, there was 28 of us and had a fantastic time despite a couple of major hiccups. Well the holiday was supposed to start in Denver, we were to fly via Atlanta, however not enough time was allowed between flights (thank you Delta) and 25 of us missed the connection, 8 were put on a later flight that night while the rest of us were put up in Atlanta.
As the tour were leaving Denver the following morning we arranged to be flown to Rapid City via a day in Minneapolis (lovely airport), however my luggage along with 5 others had been sent to Denver, luckily our comrades who caught the later flight took it off the carousel and reunited it with us in Rapid City.
That does raise a couple of security questions, first why was luggage allowed on a plane without the passener ? thought that was a total No with all airlines.
And why was somebody allowed to walk out of Denver airport with 6 suitcases that weren't their own ?

That was only the start, 2nd week coincided with the American Government spitting the dummy and shutting down meaning we couldn't visit some of the places planned. However our tour manager did a fantastic job in finding alternatives so credit due there.

Eventually we finished with two nights in Vegas.
Met some real nice people, sort of eight of us knocked around together and I'm sure we'll keep in touch.
You can see all my photos here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157636575071433/

 Actually one of the group came over to my area last Saturday and we had a nice day in York, walked part of the Walls, visited the Castle museum, had a nice pub lunch, etc. Was a good day with a very nice lady, hopfully wont be long before we meet up again.

Have been planning ahead a bit, am off away to Chester at Christmas just three nights but should be a bit of a laugh.

Have already booked a couple of holidays for next year, in May am off to Slovenia for a week,half the week in the mountains andthe other half at the coast, should be great.

Ok its a year away but i'm back to America next November on another tour, this time starting in Chicago and travelling to New Orleans via St Louis and Memphis, sort of following the Mississippi.

Still thats only the start of my travel plans, more to follow I'm sure.

Moving on its about time I started looking at weight loss again, so decided I'll weigh in tomorrow and make a new start. Although I'm feeling quite fit at present i've nt been on the scales for a long timeand know i've put weight back on (holidays dont help). So here we go again.

Many other things I could write about but that'll do for now, more tomorrow.

Samaria Gorge

Not posted for awhile, two reasons really, not really felt motivated to blog and also spent two weeks in sunny Crete and wasn't online.

 

One of the highlights of the trip is I tested myself by walking the Samaria Gorge, its one of the longest in europe 16km long. Sounds nothing but it starts 1200metres above sea level n the white mountains and ends at the coast, the terrain is tough with loose rocks and many places you can slip.

 

Their are some very steep downhill sections which really test you knees and calf muscles. Add to that steaming hot tempretures it was no easy trip. Most people take around 6 hours+ to complete and was quite chuffed I did it in less than 5 hours.

 

Here are some photos from the Gorge :-

 

 

 

This was very nice at the end of the trek.

Really enjoyed the trip, here are the rest of my photos (including more from the Gorge) :-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157634406852706/

Tits and things

Its awhile since I posted and to be honest I'm just not inspired to post at the moment, think all us bloggers have periods like this.

Anyway just to keep any readers up to date here are a few things.

Better start with the "Tits" part of the post, well I'm really pleased it looks like a family of Blue Tits are nesting in my bird box, first time for 6 or 7 years so really pleased. On top of that there are a family of robins nesting somewhere close its actually quite nice watching them all feed and go through their daily activities.

So on to me and I've been busy in the garden last couple of weeks and even though i say it myself its looking good, spring flowers are about finished now but have put in loads of summer plants and it'll be a sea of colour.

I'm back on a weight loss campaign, its planned between holidays. I've put a little on since I stopped working on it and of course the Italy holiday didn't help.
My next trip is to Crete and I started 2 weeks ago just cutting Bread & Sweet stuff out of my diet for now.
Been at it 2 weeks and although not weighed am starting to feel the difference so am sure its working. My intention is to keep it going until i go to Crete then will decide future plans after that.
I'd already cut back significantly on m beer intake and only drink on special occasions (even stopped on Pool match nights, actually go in car now so only have soft drinks). Did go out last Friday to a local Italian for our Table Tennis Clubend of season meal, about 20 of us went. Was really nice had the homemade soup for a starter followed by fillet steak, no pudding though, stayed strong.

Have a couple of things coming up where I'll have a drink, meeting a friend for lunch on friday to catch up then early June another lunch with someone from my holiday who is in he area so gonna meet up. Yes its a lady but don't read anything into that just a friend i met on holiday, one of a group of us that got on well.

Talking holidays I've really enjoyed these organised group trips and have another touring holiday planned for sept/oct but I'm getting the feeling I want to do something solo again, maybe a city break where i've to find my own way around. Fancy either Berlin or Madrid so watch this space, probably its the adventurer in me.

I actually like planning these trips myself, not same someone doing it all for you (although made some great friends), probably a mix of holidays is the way to go.

One thing I want to do is plan a big fly/drive in America, got a couple of ideas but wouldn't do it totally solo, need to talk one or two people into joining me on that one.

Italy Photos

Here is a link to my Italy Photos :-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157633441210068/detail/

Back Home

I've just had a week away in Italy, had a great time and the weather was very hot and sunny. Actually got back late Sunday and have been catching up with a few jobs especially in the Garden.

Went to the Cilento Coast and stayed in a small fishing village a couple of hours south of Naples, the hotel was great and the food really good (thought i was a taster for master chief, lol).
The area is very unspoilt and not really touristy although did a few day trips to more well known places such as Amalfi.

Need to get back on track with the weight loss, think I've put some back on but thats what holidays are for, must admit the home made ice cream was to die for.

Will post a link to my photos when i get them downloaded.

Away again this weekend, off to Wolverhampton to play in the National Table Tennis Championships (Veterans), I'm entered in the over 40's and over 50's and seen the draw and have tough games in saturdays qualifying.
Depends on timing whether i have to withdraw from one of the events Sunday as I'm fitting the trip in with a meet up with some relations for lunch, its more important (long story).

Getting my kicks

Here is a link to the photos i took on my recent Route 66 holiday for anyone interested :-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157631999025129/detail/

Back Home to weight loss plans and dating

Well I'm back from holiday and must admit with all the travelling and living out of a suitcase it was very tiring. Still doing Route 66 as been a ambition for a long time and i saw some interesting places and met some crazy people.
Hopfully get some photos downloaded soon.

Did weigh in on my return and the scales showed 203lb so a increase of 12lb although hopfully getting back to normal meals and not partying every night will soon get me back on track.
So starting next week (Monday) for 8 weeks i plan to calorie count and reduce my average each week upto Christmas.
Next week I'll be aiming for a average of 2,400 cals per day, then each week that total will drop by 50cals (eg week 2 daily average 2,350, week 3 2,300, etc.).
Apparently to maintain my weight i need 2,500cals per day for a average lifestyle but i also aim to increase how much exercise i do so will see where the plan takes me.
So at this stage no weight targets will just see what happens.

A little early so not counting my chickens but i had some first dates (from a online site) before my hol, just meal or coffee meet ups. Some went well and one in particular i got on really well with and she feels the same so we are hopfully doing a 2nd date next week, will see what happens but at this stage keeping my options open.

Weigh in Wednesday - Ex Girlfriends & holidays

We'll start with the weight loss and I'm pleased to report a 3lb loss this week which now brings me to 193lb, pleased about that because I'm still on target for 189lb before i go on my American trip (2 weeks to go).
I know on this holiday I'll possibly gain a significant amount and am already planning my weight loss campaign for when I get back. A few years ago (2007) I did a stringent calorie counting system which did me good, at that time I came down a lot and eventually got down to coincidently exactly where I am now 193lb. Couldn't believe that but have checked my old records, obviously a lot as happend since then and i've had bad times wheresome of the weight as gone back on.
I designed a spread sheet that I fill in on a daily basis everything i eat and drink and it calculates my daily calories (each day and average), i'll be aiming for under 2,000 per day which should bring the weight off slowly.

Yesterday was ex girlfriend day, first of all sadly it would have been Janes 49th birthday so she was definately in my thoughts. Phoned her Mum in the morning and had a good chat which was nice, think they are always pleased to hear from me. I'm actually going to visit them (take to lunch) the day before I fly to America as I'm staying over at a airport hotel so will take the opportunity to visit Janes grave again.
And last night actually went out for a drink and chat with Paula which was nice. I know we split awhile ago but it was more to do with circumstance and lifestyles, we never fell out and always remained good friends. Before anyone asks we are not planning to get back together, we've both moved on its just friends going out for a drink. Whether we do it again, well don't see why not if we both fancy a drink, we had a good laugh last night.

As for holidays I've taken the plunge about Christmas, think been home alone would have depressed me so booked a singles holiday to the Costa Brava, in fact its 12 nights so Christmas and New Year will be partying in sunny Barcelona.
Bit overspending this year with holidays and home improvements but was helped with the christmas decision with a nice tax rebate, apparently they calculated my tax wrong in 2008 and I got a nice little sum that paid for half my holiday.

Great Holiday - Weight Loss Disaster

I'm back from Croatia and must say what a lovely country it is really enjoyed my time there. My hotel was one of three in what was called the flower complex and must admit the gardens were beautiful especially the roses.

 Men and guns, lol.

 view from the balcony of my hotel, stunning.

You can check out my photos here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157629768024576/detail/

Things were cheap the country is not on the euro, have there own currency (kuna) but that goes with a downside. Things like ice cream, cakes & beer were dirt cheap so it would have been rude not to indulge on a daily basis.

So you've probably guessed i've pilled a lot of weight back on, in fact i got a major shock when i jumped on the scales immediately on my return to find i was 232lb a increase of 24lb in a fornight. Ok there is always some temporary weight gain and to be honest it followed a big meal and 24 hours later it was 8lb lower at 224lb but still way above the 208lb i was pre-holiday (16lb above).
Think by wednesdays weight in it'll be a few more pounds lighter now i'm into normal eating habits but its still gonna be a record holiday increase i think (7lb is about normal for me during a fortnights holiday).

So its time for a big push on the weight loss, from wednesday it'll 11 weeks to my Austria trip, I'll weigh every wednesday morning and am setting myself a target of losing 20lb in that period from whatever i weigh this wednesday.
However I challenge any of my friends (and blog friends) that read this and want to lose weight to also take me up on this. So name your own 11 week target loss, doesn't need to be 20lb same as me as we are all at different stages, can be whatever you want to lose in that period.
Then every week (tues or wed morning) message/comment me your weight and each week i'll produce a league table on my blog based on percentage of target loss achieved (also a weekly performance result).
Should boost those doing well but will name and shame those failing.

So any volunteers to take up my challenge (don't need to be bloggers).


Back to flowers what you think to this beauty in my garden :-

.

My Adventures

"My Adventures"

Well thats the name of my blog based on my determination to see the world and I've not lost the hunger, been busy making plans. You all know I'm doing Route 66 in October this year well thats a long way off so gonna slip a couple more trips in.

So two new countries are on the agenda for me to visit, Croatia in May followed by Austria in August and don't think I've finished there.

Updates

Went to Docs yesterday and he gave my knee a examination and thinks I've strained my ligaments, says it could take a few weeks butshould improve. If it flares up i've to take anti-inflammetry tablets and steady exercise is ok just got to avoid twisting and explosive movements. Walking is good but not running at this stage.
To be honest its actually best its been for a long time today so hopfully if i'm careful will mend sooner rather than later. Happy it looks like i could avoid surgery.

Got my Lisbon photos downaded if anyone interested :-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157629298831802/detail/

Did I mention got through in both my singles and doubles at Pool last night, singles was pleasing as it was against a good player at his venue. Awaiting draw for next round, could be interesting cos a few from our pub got through so reckon some will draw each other.

Back Home Older & wiser (and in pain)

I'm now back from my Lisbon "Birthday" trip and have got to admit although I had a good time its not a City I'll be returning to. Its been on my "to do" list a long time but the city itself was a dissapointment, one of the worst I've been to.

Yes its got a few historic areas and buildings but they are quite often covered in graffiti, litter lines the streets in many areas it is so run down.

I'd only been in the city for a few hours and felt I'd been mugged twice, first got charged 24euro for my tax from the airport the hotel receptionist told me it should have been no more than 15euro (was actually 11euro on my return).
Then I went for a meal at a restaurant close to the hotel that had been recomended (trying to avoid the beggars lining the streets). It was average (sort of posh greasy spoon) and I thought a nice touch when they put bread, cheese and other nibbles on my table while I waited for my order.
However when the bill came they charged me for all the stuff I'd touched apparently this is the normal in Lisbon, all restaurants do it, soon learnt to only touch what you want to eat.

On a plus side visited some nice places (usually outside the city), Oriente which you can do on the subway is a nice modern area, great shopping centre and waterfront.
Also visited the pituresque mountain village of Sintra, expected the train ride to be through nice mountain scenary but it was 40 minutes of seeing slum after slum and I'm not joking. However it is a nice place when you eventually arrive just a pity it was the only rainy day.
Another day I took another train to the coastal resort of Cascais, now my advice to anyone visiting the area is to stay here and take a train to just visit Lisbon.

One thing thats good value is public transport a day pass is 5euro and allows you on all subway, buses and trams within the city limits. However this comes with a warning to watch out for pickpockets, they are everywhere. Although didn't get caught out myself did have two experiences, first visiting a market on the tram an portugeese lady spotted one with his hand in another ladies bag and warned us to watch out as more than one gang were working the market.
Also a elderly german couple staying at my hotel lost everything (money & cards) on the subway, luckily it was their last day but neither the german embassy or the hotel would help them get to the airport. They were distraught so I gave them some money for their taxi, didn't want anything for it but the lady insisted on taking my address and said she'll pay me back.

Will download photos later.
Thats enough on Lisbon for now but i will mention my birthday, was pleased to get 4 cards (3 more than expected, lol) and loads of messages.

Starting to worry about my knee, it keeps flaring up and giving me grief think i done a bit of damage. Plan to go back to Docs this week although it was the other knee i origionally injured (thats fine now) I've a aweful feeling this is more serious. Ok maybe jumping the gun but I'm thinking it may need a operation, will see.

A tale of 3 ladies

Had my trip to London yesterday to have a reunion with 3 ladies I met on holiday last summer, really enjoyed it was great to see them again.

Set off early and was it cold, minus 7 when I left home to o to the railway station for the 7.24am train. Arrived in London just after 9.30am so went for a coffee and bit of breakfast before making my way to Covent Garden for our meet up. Actually as I was early went to Piccadilly first and walked via Leicester Square checking out a few shops on route.

We met up at 11.30am and went to a pub first to knock the froth off one and have a chat, eventually went to lunch and our local guide Rachael decided on a Mexican restaurant. Meal was good but cant tell you what I had, enjoyed all the same and of course we saw off a few bottles of wine.

After lunch we made our way to the river where we spent the rest of the day on a boat near millenium bridge and opposite the London eye, which had been converted into a pub.
Had a good few laughs, can't believe its 8 month since I saw them all, hope its not aslong to our next reunion.

picture is of us on a jeep safari in sedona last summer, was god laugh, left to right, Rachael, me, Liz & Eirian.

Exciting times ahead

Of course I'm still a bit down but feel I'm now starting to focus on my future and what I'm going to do with the rest of my life.

Don't think any of my readers will be surprised to hear it will involve travel its a big world and there is a lot I still want to see. Well the big news on this front is I've booked one of my dream holidays, I'm going to do the historic Route 66, yes Chicago to LA all 2,000 miles. Its not while October and its with a Singles group but you'll certainly be hearing more about this.



Not stopping there either going to Portugal (Lisbon)in March and looking at doing other places around europe(Berlin for one appeals to me) throughout the year. I have a few air miles so that will save a bit of money.

Also want to do at least one more singles holiday but don't know whether I should class that as holidays or dating (lets face it the hunt is now on, lol).

On the dating side of things I've finally come to terms with splitting with Paula, have been in a bit of self denial to be honest, hadn't told many people but thats now resolved.

Of course I'm still sad about it but at least we are still very good friends and will do things together (next friday off for a meal with her workmates). Want to also do something special for her birthday, lets just say plans are in motion. We had a good talk and stuff on Sunday, sort of how we feel, think part of both of us maybe wishes we were still together, know i do.
Sure we could eventually get back together people may suggest, well who knows we may both look elsewhere and realise together is best. The again either or both of us may find someone else, I really do hope she finds genuine happiness even if it cant be with me and would most definately bring out my jealous side.

I'd will add I don't normally believe in going back over old ground but the way we've split is purely down to circumstances and we still are geuine good friends that care about each other, we will do things together, it sort of leaves the door ajar.

Still we will now both go our own ways and have a look out there hopfully both eventually finding the right person, I for one wont be jumping straight into a commited relationship (dating on the rebound isn't right) but will date, meals out, laugh, etc, in fact already planned a weekend with the lady I mentioned in my last post. Can't really see it been long term serious relationship given the distance apart we live but dating is fun and while I'm single why not. We both have no ties and like travel may even holiday together to cut down on costs, still thats maybe for future and as we know a lot can happen, one weekend with me and she'll prob run away, lol.

Also considering joining one of the social networks dating site, just sort of put my profile there and see what happens. You never know what'll pop up.

Here is a song that sort of represents the way I'm feeling its the Rolling Stones with "Mixed Emotions" :-

Back Home

Back from holiday and must admit had a good time, it was a good decision to go following recent events. Feeling a little sad and lonely at present, seem to be in limbo waiting for the new year, I know its only a date but pyschologically I feel thats when my life will start again.

The holiday was two firsts for me, 1st coach holiday and 1st Christmas holiday, not sure about the coach bit, think I prefer flying ut would do a christmas trip again.

Some of the scenary in the mountains was fantastic and I was with a good group of people, we had loads of laughs.

You can check out all my photos here :-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157628633320045/detail/

Tonight

Tonight I'm away to the French Alps for christmas even though I'm not a big lover of the French, still hoping to have a great time.
Heres a few songs to leave you with :-






Even calling at Paris on the way back, swore I'd never go again after what happend on May 28th 1975, bloody cheating Germans.


Anyway hope you all have a fantastic Christmas.

Keeping Busy

Its well over a week since I last posted so thought better do an update.

Had the week away staying in Norfolk which I tied in with playing a table tennis tournament in Norwich, I did ok qualifying into the main draw in both over 40's & 50's, sadly my knee was too sore so I had to sratch on the Sunday.
Still had a nice week with Paula staying in a cottage we rented, ate out at local pubs some nights but others we stayed in and just chilled watching films or playing board games such as Chess, Backgammon, scrabble, etc.
Was really impressed with the cottage, wouldn't hesitate to stay again it was spotless clean and had was well equipped. http://www.angelcottages.co.uk/

Got home mid day friday then on the night went out with a few ex workmates, was good to catch up with them all.

Sunday I played tt again this time in the British, we played at Derby which is about a one and half hour drive for me. We lost our first match but won our 2nd and are currently 4th in the league, managed to win 2 out of my 4 matches but the knee still isn't right. Think I need a bit of a break.

Tonight we haven't a Pool match as the league as finished, may go down to Pub for a practice though weather permitting. Apparently the forcast isn't good we have some big storms (heavy rain and strong winds) on the way.
Got most of my xmas cards done today, visited a few relations taking them out. Also had to call at the solicitors because they had sorted the probate certificate for Dad so I can now deal with his affairs. Gee them solicitors know what to charge.
Also sorted the House insurance today as its due in January so I've spent a lot of money.

Friday its out TT Club Xmas dinner, not sure if Paula is coming but really hope she can make it.

Well its only 9 days and I'm on my way to the French Alps for Christmas, really looking forward to the trip. Really need to get away this year with everything thats happend.

Getting ready

After lunch we'll be on our way to Norfolk, looking forward to it as I've never done a cottage holiday before. It'll take us about 4 hours to drive down or maybe longer depending on traffic as friday is never good.
Over the weekend I'm entered in a TT tournament in Norwich about 15 miles from where we are staying but my knee is not good, its been very sore and swollen since I slipped a couple of weeks ago. Did play a match last night and came through ok but playing loads of matches at tournament level is a different prospect. I'll take it one game at a time and if I think I'm making it worse I'll scratch.

Paula used to live in the area we are staying (for 5 or 6 years) so she'll be the tour guide and think she is playing for us to meet up with a couple of old friends.

Not sure if I'll be online so this might be last time I blog for a week or so but you never know as I think Paula is taking her laptop.

Just thinking when I get back it'll only be a couple of weeks before I go to France for Christmas.

Moving on

Just to update you all on yesterdays post I'm no longer thinking about booking a holiday over Christmas, actually gone and done it. Was origionally looking at either Germany or the Italian Dolomites but they booked up so decided to go to Lake Annecy and the French Alps. Should certainly see some fantastic scenary and hopfully meet some nice people and maybe make a few new friends.

Only time will tell whether I've made the right decision, just hope so.

On another note I'm off out tonight to the local pubs Pool finals, looking forward to it just because sat here at home is making me miserable, just need someone to talk to, Sunday can just be such a nothing day. Was busy this morning sorting through a few things, still lots to do but was getting a bit emotional finding some stuff.
Think one of the biggest problems is when someone close dies everyone initially contacts you to off their sympathy but then they seem to back off and give you some space believing you want to be alone with your own thoughts. But in truth you need to be around people otherwise it drives you mad, suppose its maybe worse for me been a only child and not married, well thats how I see it anyway. Still I'm a big boy and will deal with my emotions, its a case of having to I suppose.

Cyprus

Well I managed to get to Cyprus for my holiday despite Dad been in hospital, my cousins rallied around and he got visitors everyday.
I got back late Sunday night and picked him up Monday, he's well on the mend and back to his old self.

As for Cyprus it was a good holiday but not a place I'll be rushing back to, nothing wrong just other potentially better places I want to visit. A full week with Paula and she's still talking to me, things are looking good lol.

A selection of photos :-

View from our hotel room balcony

Having a Paddle

Church in Limassol

 

Paula loves cats, these wild ones took to her.

You can check the full set here :-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157627692217861/detail/