This Weekend

1. Tennis - We are at the middle weekend of Wimbledon and as usual most of the Brits haven't made it to the 2nd week. In fact we have only one player left in the competition thats Andy Murray. Could he go all the way, I doubt it think it'll be a Federer v Nadal final again but I've a feeling the Spanish player may just do it this time.
More surprising than our players getting beat is the fact that the Americans have no men reaching the 2nd week. Long gone are the days of Connors, McEnroe, Sampras, etc. Whay has happend to American tennis ?
Of course the ladies its slightly different with the Williams sisters looking likely winners. A lot of the top seeds have gone and I wouldn't be surprised to see at least one of them reach the final. To be honest I hope they don't, not that I've got anything against them I just can't stand their Father, when he's interviewed he comes over as such a big head.

2. Football - We've reached the final of the European Championships and on Sunday Spain will face the Germans. It should be no contest on form Spain have looked really good where the Germ,ans have been so lucky to reach the final. However you can never count the Germans out, they have a knack of winning competitions when playing badly.

The English FA have come up with a classic way of improving the game over here. They are banning under 8's from playing competitive matches so they only work on skills. Well a load of poppycock as far as I'm concerned life is about been competitive whether passing exams, driving test, getting a job, basically everything. Kids have to learn about the ups & downs in life and sport is a great way of doing it.
Apparently Wales & Northern Ireland have had this policy for a number of years and I can't think they have set the Footie world on fire.

3. Nelson Mandela - Well he is celebrating his 90th Birthday but I don't know if its only me but I can't respect this man. Everyone makes such a fuss like he's some sort of Martin Luther King. Yes sure he played a big part in ending apathaid in South Africa but this is the bloke who was jailed for terrorism. This was the bloke who led the ANC in a bombing campaign, he was rightly jailed in my opinion. Strange now most of our countries are fighting terrorism around the world, perhaps one day Osama Bin Laden will be president of Afganistan and get the Noble Peace Prize.
I'll also mention that Mandela as done absolutely nothing about his mate Mugabe carrying out atrocities in neighbouring Zimbabwe, South Africa could do something about it if they wished, its about time somebody did.

4. Music Choice - Well from the Who's rock opera "Tommy" came the classic song "Pinball Wizzard" which was actually performed by Elton John in the Film.

Raring to Go

1. Training - Tonight I'm gonna resume Table Tennis training as I'm raring to go. My Elbow although still swollen is on the mend its not painfull so I need to get in training. Obviously I'll have to be a bit careful not to agravate it but I'm optimistic it will be ok. Of course it'll do my fitness good, I'm hoping to put a lot of work in this summer, I'm planning a good season.
I'm building up for my first tournament in late August in Halifax, its a veterans tournament and the standard is usually very high.

2. Weight Loss - I think I'm maintaining so far this summer, to be honest lack of exercise has been my big negative. I've eaten more or less to plan so if I can now up the exercise I'm sure I'll start to dump a few pounds.

3. Holidays - I was looking at maybe taking a trip somewhere in early September but at present flight prices are sky high, think its to do with the Oil price. However I'm checking and if I can find a deal I'll take a trip I'm sure.

4. Smoking - Our Government have come up with another classic, they are going to give people money to stop smoking as its a burdon on the health service. They are only experimenting and just going to trial it in Dundee (surprisingly thats where our Prime Mnister Gordon Brown is from).
What do I think of giving my money that I've paid in tax to people if they promise to stop smoking is another example of how stupid the people running the country are.

5. Music Choice - We'll have some classic Beatles today with "Long and winding road", superb song.

Skint

1. Car - I reported earlier in the week that I had a new rear tyre fitted on my car cos I got a nail in the side wall. Well today my Car went in for its service (change oil, filters, etc) & its Mot which wasn't cheap but budgeted for so its ok.
The good news was that it passed the MOT with no extra cost, now there is a first. However they did point out that both my front tyres tread is wearing down, still in the legal limits but within the next 6 month I'll need new tyres expense I could do without.
Another expense is my Car tax is due by the end of this month, gee there is no end to paying out.

2. Further Spending - This week I've bought a new vacuum cleaner cos mine was on its last legs, I'm impressed with the new one, its very powerful but you can adjust the suction for different carpets. I fell lucky cos I got it half price at Argos, I reckon a good buy.
Yesterday I also bought a new lawn mower, just used it today and its done a good job my lawn looks good, my old one had well passed its sell by date, it didn't owe me anything.

3. Nights Out - I've a few big night outs coming up which I'm sure to spend plenty of money, next Friday I'm out with a few of the lads. The following Friday its out with the old work gang, so some of the ladies informed me today.
Then in the middle of July I've a friends wedding to attend, its one of the people I plat Table Tennis with.

4. Banking - Well I reckon my credit card is getting a bit of stick at present, I'll have to maybe transfer money out of my savings accounts to pay it off.
I'm thinking of going to "Internet Banking" with my accounts so I can transfer money without going into town. Also some of the internet only accounts offer better rates of interest, I've been reading up on it. Does anyone use Internet Banking ? just wondered.

5. Music Choice - For today's song I thought I'd pick a video that reminds me of my school days (I wish), so here is Hot Gossip with "Walk on the Wild Side", same uniform girls at our school wore if I remember correctly.

European Championships

Footie - For all of you that don't know the European Football Championships have been taking place in Switzerland & Austria over the last couple of weeks. This tournament is 2nd only to the World Cup and you may ask why I haven't been posting about it, the answer is simple England f****d up and didn't even qualify.
Anyway tonight its reached the last eight and it becomes a knock out competition from here so I thought I'd give my expert (lol) opinion on the outcome.
Germany v Portugal - Despite Portugal looking good I'm hoping Germany (and I don't say that often) win this one. Why because Portugal have that little shite Cristiano Ronaldo the biggest cheat, poser, cry baby, etc in world soccer and a Scum player as well. Some people reckon he is the best player in the world not me though but you judge for yourself -

Croatia v Turkey - Gotta support Croatia in this one mainly because I just hate Turks (Leeds fans do, murdering b*****s) they shouldn't even be in a European tournament, Istanbul is in asia. Croatia is a newish nation and I love their attitude, total patriots every player runs themselves into the ground for the cause and their fans with their passion are something else. Always rated their manager Bilic when he played in the English league good no nonsence centre half.

Holland v Russia - Its hard to argue against Holland been the team of the tournament so far and their supporters have travelled in large numbers but look so stupid in orange tango suits. I watched Russia beat Sweden last night to reach this stage and they were impressive, just all out attack, a young squad I reckon will have to be watched in the next World Cup.

Maybe Holland will have too much quality for them but one thing about Holland is there history shows they self destruct in major tournaments, too many players with big egos spend a few weeks in a hotel together and they start to fall out with each other.

So I'm supporting Russia in this one well they do play in white.

Spain v Italy - Along with Holland, Spain have looked excellent with their fast passing game and in contrast Italy have struggled to reach this stage. Howver Spain have flattered before only to crash out they remind me of England everyone expects them to win but they fall short. However in the past Spain have had great attacking options but always looked dodgy at the back. From what I've seen they have toughend up and are much harder to beat.

Saying all that I'm going for Italy because history say's if the Italians start a tournament badly, sneak through they go on to win it just look at the last world cup. I think a lot depends if Luca Toni finds his shooting boots this player get himself in great positions but misses too many, I've a feeling like his side he'll come good when it matters.

Not a Good Day

1. Car - As I say its not been the best of days, got my car out and noticed something on the Tyre, further inspection found it was a nail stuck in it. I darn't pull it out so I took it to the local garage hoping they could do a repair. However as the nail is in the side wall it needs a new tyre at a cost of £92, thank you very much.
I'm getting it done in the morning cos they didn't have suitable tyre in stock and are getting one this afternoon.
The Car actually goes in for a service & MOT on Friday so I haven't a clue what that will cost. Its a first MOT cos its coming up to 3 year old.

2. My elbow - Some of you who have read my blog a long time will remember about two years ago I got a inflammed elbow. The technical term for it is Olecranon Bursitis apparently its related to gout which explains these attacks. Knowing what it is doesn't help the pain though.

Not for the sqeamish here is my post from my origional blog with photos - http://whiteroseboy.blogspot.com/2006/09/pain.html

Anyway I decided to try get an appointment at the Doc this morning, believe me it usually takes a few days. Anyway I was offered one with a Doctor that is new to my surgery and I hadn't seen before. I've just got back and must admit it was a shock when I walked in and it was a lady Doctor, now thats a first for me just glad I hadn't gone with haemoroids.
Actually she was really nice very profesional but friendly, put you at ease, also quite attractive to go with it, I'll certainly not hesitate to use her again. To cut a long I'm on a course of Anti-biotics & anti-inflammetry pills.

3. Holidays - I've finally got my photo's of my last trip to Austin & Kansas City downloaded onto Flickr.

You can check them out here :-
Austin
Kansas City

4. Weight Loss - For obvious reasons "my elbow" I cancelled my TT training session today so nothing much to report. Food is about norm - Breakfast (Weetabix, Strawberries, Blueberries, Glass Orange Juice), Lunch (Bowl Soup with wholemeal bread), Afternoon (Coffee & Biscuits), Dinner (Fish & Chips, thats not from the chip shop its lower fat one's you do in the oven), Late night Snack (Pineapple, bought one as a treat).

5. Music Choice - Today's choice is for those of you who like Drummers its the legendary Cozy Powell with "Dance with the Devil".

New Pool Season

1. Pool - Tonight we start the Pool summer league but I'm not sure I'm looking forward to it. As its only the fun summer league the committee have decided to experiment with a new set of rules, they call them "World Rules" and to be honest I think they are a load of crap. We play English Pool rules and most people prefer them apart from a few on the committee. Anyway the other week was the presentation for the main league (winter) and my team won the 2nd division so we are up with the big boys next season, can't wait to lock horns with a few called star players.
The photo below is our team with our trophy's minus a couple of players who were away on presentation night.
2. Feeling Crap - I'm feeling fairly rough at the moment, I think its part to do with the fact I did my first TT taining session of the summer on Saturday, it was a all day (6 hour session) and my back & legs ache from it. I'm actually training again in the morning so that will be tough I'm sure but will help the weight loss.
The other night I had a few ants in the living room so I went around the carpet with some ant killer aerosol, it seems to have done the trick with the ants but I think I got some of the fumes, I got a headache and a sore throat but am improving now.

3. In the News today - Did you see the article about the Italian bloke who dragged his ex girlfriend out of the Pub to do his ironing & washing up, what a star. Trouble is he is getting charged with kidnap. -
" ROME (Reuters) - An Italian man was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping his ex-girlfriend from a pub, taking her home and forcing her to iron his clothes and wash the dishes, police said on Monday.
The 43-year-old man dragged the woman out of a pub in the port city of Genoa, shoved her into a car and took her to his home where he made her iron and wash dishes after threatening her, they said.
Police arrived at his house after being tipped off by a friend of the woman who watched the scene at the pub.
The man, who was apparently furious at his ex-girlfriend for leaving him, was arrested on charges of kidnapping, police said".

4. George W Bush - My American friends I see we have your President over here at the moment, he met the Queen the other day which must have been nice for him to meet somebody important. In fact he is the 7th President during Lizzies reign. He's also met Gordon Brown our PM and persuaded us to send more troops to Afganistan. I actually judge this as a far more important war than Iraq, this is definately a terrorist state and needs turning around. I am now certain Iraq was purely about Oil.
I saw the other day that our troops destroyed a world record amount of drugs, that can only be a good thing because the drugs imported from this part of the world does not only fund terrorism it destroys lives here and is responsible for so much crime in our country.

5. Music Choice - How about this one, how many people can you name on this clip, its a total who's who of Rock'n'roll, soul, blues, R & B, check it out. Jerry, Lee Lewis, Ray Charles, BBKing, James Brown, Bo Diddley, Little Richard, plus many more.

National Security

1. Idiots - Yes idiots are running the country I am sure, weve been hearing so much about the 42 days to contain terror suspects and how concerned our present regime are about national security. Then what hits the news "A top security official leaves important papers concerning Al Queada on a public train" Of course to make sure peoples attention weren't drawn to them they were in a bright orange folder.
Of course the numpty that left them has been rightly suspended from his job but to me other questions are left unanswered. a) Why did these papers have to leave HQ b) Why was he travelling on public transport with such important items.
Surely there is something wrong with the system but who is surprised with the muppets running the country.

2. Petrol Crisis - At least it looks like the cost of re-fuelling my car is not gonna be a problem cos the garages are gonna run out. The tanker drivers are going on strike so the garages are likely to run out. Of course the government are saying don't panic which sort of makes everyone rush out to fill up their cars making the problem worse.
I was almost sympathetic with the tanker drivers until I saw what salary they are on £32k basic and have been offered a 7.5% rise. Gee tanker drivers is the best of the driving jobs, its the hardest to get.

3. Weight Loss/Fitness - I'm starting TT training this weekend which will be a step in the right direction towards fitness. Our season doesn't start until September but I'm aiming for a good summers training in preparation.
I mentioned a few weeks ago I was feeling very unfit and was concerned my rested pulse rate was high at 78bpm. Well even though I haven't done a lot of fitness training by eating sensibly its come down to 68bpm as of today so I reckon thats good. I'm a believer pulse rate is a good guide to cardio-vascular health.
As for eating my days are quite balanced breakfast is usually Weetabix with blueberries & strawberries, lunch is usually soup with 2 slices of bread (I've changed from white to wholegrain). I sometimes have a coffee with biscuits in the afternoon as a treat. I make dinner my main meal which can be anything from a salad to meat with vegetables. I must admit I haven't got out of grabbing a quick snack late at night though, just can't do it.
Any other snacks if any throughout the day are always fruit and I'm drinking loads of water.

4. Music Choice - Here is a classic with 4 great guitarists BB King, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy & Jimmy Vaughan with "Rock me Baby"

Mind Reading

26 or 42 Days ?

1. Terrorist threat ? - At the moment our Government as usual are falling out with themselves this time over the period that a terror suspect can be held with out charge. Personally I think this is a tough one, at present Police can hold a suspected terrorist for 26 days before they must charge them or free them the Prime Minister is pushing for this to be increased to 42 days.
Well my initial reaction says I want my country to be as safe as possible and you should be able to hold fanatics and potential terrorists indefinately. However the more you think of it that is not what we stand for this is what happens in countries where democracy doesn't exist. Another question is if you don't have evidence that a person is guilty then why would you arrest them ? Surely 26 days should be enough the produce the evidence required most of it should be in place before the arrest.
Ok we could argue that a person could be released and be a threat but that could also happen after 42 days so I don't think that is a good enough reason. I am strongly for locking up (and even the death penalty in some cases) but we must keep been democratic and a person is innocent until proven guilty.
I accept it is a tough decision though and I'm still not certain what is a reasonable length of time to hold somebody without charge, what do you think ?

2. Music Choice - I've been very critical of our present government in recent posts, rightly so I think so for todays music choice I'm gonna play a song that is a tribute to a time when my country was great a time when we were the top dogs in the world, a time when the sun never set on the British Empire the greatest empire the world has ever known. It was the time we were led by probably the greatest Monarch Queen Victoria and remember its only just over 100 years ago her reign ended.
So the song "Victoria" by The Kinks with a great slide show to match.

Great Government Decisions - NOT

1. The Economy/house market - Just listening to the news there is great emphasis on the economy in particular the house market, basically nobody is buying so house prices are plummeting in value. Now what confuses me is why the government are confused to the reason people arn't buying, well its fairly obvious the fact that prices have about doubled in the last 10 years I sure has something to do with it.
However I think the government and local councils have been carrying out a policy of building more houses, why I don't know but everywhere I go I see new houses going up and of course there all empty. In fact a lot of housing estates are going up but with no thought to infrastructure, ie, shops, schools, hospitals, etc. I wonder why a lot of these are remaing empty gee talk about crap planning.
These decisions are some of the worst mistakes since the decision to build high rise tower blocks in the seventies (see todays music choice).

2. Environment - I see the City of Manchester look like following Londons example and introducing congestion charges for vehicles in the City limits, how long before all our cities follow suit I don't know. I was reading about it the other day and if you work in Manchester it will cost around £6 per day (£30 per week + £1,560 per year). Of course it will also effect works vehicles, deliveries, etc so will put the cost of everything up to us consumers, what a great way to put already struggling companies out of buisnes, how stupid does this get.
If its really the environment we are thinking about why not a good, clean & cheap public transport system that encourages people to use it. All I see is our railways are about to hike up the prices, f**k me its already too expensive. I can fly to Europe cheaper than a train ride to London.

3. Music Choice - Well a fitting song for todays rants, its a classic from The Jam "The Planners Dream went wrong" -

Irritants

1. Irritants - So what do people do that irritates you, here is some of mine -
a) Mobile Phones, mainly people who talk on their phone in public places far too loud, its just as they want everyone to listen or are the saying look I've got the latest flash phone.
b) Crap music or in particular people who drive their car through town with the windows wound down playing crap dance or rap music full blast on their stereo.
c) People who blow smoke in my face.
d) Badly fitting modern fasions such as really baggy jeans that hang down your a**e or young chavs who wear baseball caps that are too small for their head.
e) The smoking ban in summer, I know can't spend time in a Pub beer garden without having smoke blown in my face.
f) Queue Jumpers, when its my turn its my turn right, I don't do it and get angry when people do it to me.
g) Tail gaters, don't drive too close cos I'm gonna keep dabbing the brakes.
h) People who go out in football shirts on a weekend, these shirts are usually red.

2. Music Choice - How about this one, Marrianne Faithfull with "The Ballad of Lucy Jordan"

Back Home

1. Dad - Yesterday my Dad was discharged from hospital which will mean me looking after him for a few weeks while he gets more mobile with his new hip. To be far I'm quite surprised how well he is doing, ok he's on sticks but is moving ok. Its just bending he is unable to do yet but that should improve in time.

2. British Politics - I see our government have come up with another way to spend our tax. Apparently everyone is going to get free swimming which on the face of it sounds a good idea. Thats of course if you want to go swimming (and it isn't everyone), personally I'd rather have a Tax cut and decide myself what I spend my money on. Anyway its not yet down to the local Swimming Pool cos it doesn't apply to everyone until 2012, its just under 16's & over 60's for now. Now if you are going to make decisions like this why does it not start immediately for everyone, not 4 years down the line when the political party making the decision are probably not even in power.
Another thing that came to light with this great idea is the people of Wales already get this and have done for a few years. Now I don't think they pay any more taxes than me so basically I've been subbing somebody else, how can that be fair. Again its the English that are shit on by our own government.
The Free Swimming is a joke anyway as you have to pay a fortune for parking your car in most Public Car Parks, they'll probably just put the parking up.

3. American Politics - I see Hilary as final thrown in the towel and accepted she is beaten in the Democrat election, now how much as this pointless competition cost ?
So now we have Barack Obama and his "Change" Polices which in themselves I'm still waiting to see. First everytime you see him he promotes himself as the man who will change things which is quite interesting because since been a member of the Democrat party he has voted along with the party polices in 97% of the votes he has taken part in, what a rebel.
So what are his polices if he gets to power, well we all know he is against the war in Iraq but would he pull out the troops, no course he wont cos if he does Americas fuel prices will double in under one year making him look bad. He also can't pull out because it would leave a big mess any pulling out must be over a prolonged period as and when Iraq are capable of looking after themselves.
Other polices is health care for everyone & tax cuts, interesting because lets be honest the sums just don't add up, improved health care means tax increases. Yes I know he say's it will be the rich he hits with taxes but in my experience that wont work because they will invest their money in overseas tax havens, that happens in my country. The bottom line when it comes to tax the rich wont pay, the poor cant pay so its left to the average working population, that is fact.

3. Weight Loss - Still been eating to plan although last night I went to a presentation do and maybe wasn't too controlled where the food & drink was concerned. But I do allow for special occasions.

4. Music Choice - Here is a classic from the Moody Blues "Forever Autumn" superb song.

Inflation ?

1. Inflation - Reading this mornings newspaper I was interested to read an article saying Food prices have gone up 6% over the last year which was twice the rate of inflation which is running at 3%. Now me just been a normal citizen started to wonder, I know Diesil for my car as gone up enormous amounts, I know Electricity & Gas have gone up significantly more than 3%, I know Beers & Cigs (I don't smoke but a lot do) have gone up much more than 3 %, I know my council tax & water rates have gone up more than 3%.
Now can someone please tell me what they f*****g use to calculate inflation cos this government is no longer a joke its gone beyond that.

2. Weight Loss - I've eaten ok today again I reckon -
Breakfast - 2*Weetabix, 1/2 portion Strawberries, 1/2 portion Blueberries, 1/2pint Orange
Juice
Mid Morning - Apple
Lunch - Soup (Italian Chicken, Tomato & Red peppers), 2*slice of bread.
Mid Afternoon - Coffee, 2*biscuits.
Dinner - Jacket Potato & Spaggetti
Supper - I'm actually out at a meeting tonight, I'll probably have a couple of beers, I'll be in the car so it'll be no more.
All drinks throughout the day other than those mentioned have been water.

3. Music Choice - For todays pick I'm going for the George Harrison classic "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", this was always one of my favorite Beatles songs but this is Georges solo version.

I'm a idiot

1. Dad - My Dad has been transferred to York District hospital which to be honest isn't in the same league as the place he was in. Anyway I visited this afternoon and he had some washing to do so I brought it home to do. As I was leaving he said I could bring a pair of shoes home for him as he didn't need them. Anyway we got talking and he wated soething out of his toileteries bag so I got it from him.
To cut a long story short I set off home and put the washing in the passenger seat at the side of me, half way home I noticed the bag open and caught a glimpse in, you've guessed it no shoes but the toiletries bag was in. Yes I had his Razer, Tooth Brush & tooth paste, soap, etc and no shoes. Well he needed them so I had to U turn and take them back, I feel such a plonker.
As for his progress they are going to put a camera down his throat Friday then he expects to come home on Saturday.

2. Weight Loss/Fitness - I seem to have been running about all day again, just seems like there isn't enough hours in the day.
Food Intake -
Breakfast - 2*Weetabix, 1/2 portion Strawberries, 1/2 portion Blueberries, 1/2pint Orange Juice
Lunch - Soup (Tomato), 2*slice of bread.
Mid Afternoon - Coffee, 3*biscuits.
Dinner - Salad (Ham, Lettuce, Tomato, Radish, Celery, Pickled Onion) 1* slice bread.
Supper - Glass of Milk, 2* Crackers with jam.
All drinks throughout the day other than those mentioned have been water.

3. American Politics - Looks like Barack Obama has beat Hilary for the Democrat nomination and I know some of my friends do support him. However I'd just like to warn you he reminds me too much of Tony Blair when he came to power here, talks well, promises everything but as absolutely ruined our country (remember we pay $11 per gallon of fuel, Immigration is out of control, unemployment is through the roof, health service can't cope, prisons are full, crime is at all time high, housing market is out of control). For my American friends hope I'm wrong but if he wins the election I fear the worst for you. Strange coincidence like Blair and his wife Obama and his other half are both lawyers I believe.

4. Music Choice - For tonights instalment I'm going for the gorgeous Deborah Harry (she used Deborah rather than Debbie during her solo career) not as part of Blondie but the classic from her solo career "I want that Man". Its not hard to see why I had a crush on her in my teenage years is it, total quality this video.

Not out yet

1. Dad - Following up from last night he had a scan on his Gall Stones which confirmed the problem. I've been doing a few searches on the Web today to find out which foods are good & which to avoid, learnt a bit.
Anyway the bad news is they are moving him from the 5* Bupa hospital to York District to keep him under observation until the inflammation dies down then he can come home. I'll even after pay for parking at the new place. It also looks like he may after eventually (6 months time) have to undergo surgery on his Gall bladder. In the meantime he needs to get his new hip working.

2. Weight Loss/Fitness - Nothing new to report on the exercise front, visiting my parents and the fact its done nowt but rain as seen to that. So I'm trying to control my eating, here is todays intake :-
Breakfast - 2*Weetabix, 1/2 portion Strawberries, 1/2 portion Blueberries, 1/2pint Orange Juice
Mid Morning - Banana
Lunch - Soup (Vegetable), 2*slice of bread.
Mid Afternoon - Coffee, 2*biscuits.
Dinner - Jacket Potato, Baked Beans.
Supper - Glass of Milk, 2* Crackers with a slither of Cheese (love cheese).
All drinks throughout the day other than those mentioned have been water.

3. Music Choice - For tonight we'll go back to the swinging sixties to the classic girl group with their most famous hit "Leader of the Pack" -

Not Coming home yet

1. Dad - Well my dads hip operation as gone well so far he is getting quite mobile albeit on sticks and I was expecting him to be coming home either tonight or in the morning.
However things have gone slightly wrong, he has eaten someting that disagreed with him and was sick last night. He does suffer from Gall stones and his attacks have worsened recently, its usually caused by eating fatty foods and he's blaming a Shepherds Pie he had in hospital. This attack as been quite severe so the hospital are quite concerned and wont release him until he is better. He has had tests to prove this is the cause and tonight he is having a scan to see if the stones are causing a blockage. I've an aweful feeling they are going to suggest surgery.
So for the time been my visiting of both parents looks set to continue.

2. Weight Loss/Fitness - Again no time for proper exercise I've been dashing about all day, my mother needed two visits today, and the traffic to and from York was really busy so my Dads visit meant about 4 hours. I visited my Mum this morning as planned got home was about to get something for lunch and the nurse at the home phoned, my Mum needed some medicine she had at home so another trek for me.
One thing I'm keeping my Food intake sort of in control, todays intake :-
Breakfast - 2*Weetabix, 1/2 portion Strawberries, 1/2 portion Blueberries, 1/2pint Orange Juice
Lunch - Soup (Oxtail), 2*slice of bread.
Dinner - Chicken, Roast Potatos & mixed Veg (Broccoli, Carrots, Peas, Cauliflower, Sprouts), Grilled Tomato.
Supper - Glass of Milk.All drinks throughout the day other than those mentioned have been water.

And while I'm on I've been asked what Weetabix that I have for breakfast is (ty Regina). I was quite amazed that they are not well known in the US because they have been about years over here, they are very common. I think they are maybe starting to appear in US stores because Jenny thought she had seen them recently.
Here is a weetabix advert from UK Television

Anyway they are basically a large Wheat biscuit but containing iron & Vitamins, they also are good for fibre are low in fat & salt. A normal serving of two is 127calories for those counting. Many people put warn or cold milk on them but I use hot water. Other things that people do is have them with fruit on top can be anything really but I use Strawberries & Blueberries cos they help fight Gout which I'm known to suffer from.

3. Music Choice - Only one person I'm gonna post today and thats the legendary Bo Diddley (The Originator) who has sadly passed aged 79years.

Another day of visiting.

Nothing much different in my life today, visiting both my parents is taking up a lot of my time, with that and doing a few jobs around the house I've not much time to do anything. My ankle is still a bit sore so I'm gonna get my feet up tronight. My food intake today is what I call normal, not particurarly bad or good, had my usual sunday lunch of Chicken & Veg which I enjoyed.

Todays Music Choice - "All the road running" a fantastic duet with Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris the title track from the album they did together.