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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.

Heightened Terror Threat

Heightened Threat Levels In Europe


The English are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terrorist threats and have raised their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved."

Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross." Londoners have not been "A Bit Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies all but ran out. Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to a "Bloody Nuisance." The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was during the great fire of 1666.

Also, the French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from "Run" to "Hide." The only two higher levels in France are "Surrender" and "Collaborate." The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France's white flag factory, effectively paralyzing the country's military capability.

It's not only the English and French that are on a heightened level of alert. Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout Loudly and Excitedly" to "Elaborate Military Posturing." Two more levels remain: "Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides."

The Germans also increased their alert state from "Disdainful Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs." They also have two higher levels: "Invade a Neighbor" and "Lose"

The Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual, and the only threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels.

The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy.!!!

Cold & Lonely

Yes I'm cold as my Boiler failed last night, I've put a call out for the engineer but they not coming until tuesday morning. Sods law they wont have the right parts with them so will have to come back at a later date.

Luckily I have a electric fire I don't normally use, it not great but it helps. Also got a immersion heater as back up so can heat the main tank up so plenty of hot water.

Was actually out last night at our TT clubs christmas dinner, 32 of us atteneded it was a good night which I enjoyed. Paula came along and stayed over which was great but the bad news on that front is we've decided to split up. We had actually made the decision well before last night but are still good friends and decided to fulfill all our commitments together.
I doubt anyone there last night guessed the situation as we are still quite close, its hard to explain but we've never argued, neither are seeing anyone else or anything like that. We are both different charactors and want to do different things, have different priorities at this stage in our lives so decided to give each other some space.
Maybe time will change things who knows because I think we are both fond of each other but feel its maybe right decision at the present, we'll see. Think maybe we'll meet up for a drink/meal at some stage unless of course one of us meets someone else.

I'm a bit depressed about it, we've been together the best part of this year and I suppose christmas isn't the greatest time but when is. Sill got to look on it as another chapter of my life and its time to move on to my next adventure.

Soon be on my christmas holiday need to start thinking what to pack.

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.