tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57871562011-12-12T22:23:57.711ZThe gumph in my thoughtsGumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.comBlogger2641100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-111705212930458332011-12-12T22:23:00.001Z2011-12-12T22:23:57.717Z

Within a couple of hours earlier today, I two hugely different messages regarding friends with cancer. The first, from an old friend who had battled it and won, he was overjoyed at having just being given the all clear. A few hours later, another old friend letting me know that his mother had finally passed away after losing her battle.

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-9805006278175217012011-11-23T12:04:00.001Z2011-11-23T12:14:15.527Z

I know man should always be in charge of his dog and all that, but sometimes life ain't perfect, and this video is what it sometimes can be like having a leisurely stroll in the company of the fuckwit spaniel Bizarrely, this scenario actually happened last week when Amanda was walking said fuckwit spaniel with a few of their respective human and canine chums. There were a few key

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-58852972981508230272011-11-16T09:43:00.001Z2011-11-16T10:09:09.190Z

I know it's about as socially acceptable as admitting that you like hanging out the back of pigs whilst wearing a pink thong, but, I'm a smoker. I shouldn't be, because it kills you and stuff, but at times I enjoy it, and it's somewhat of an addiction. I can't stand the smell of fag smoke. Pubs are much nicer places to be since they stopped being submerged in a blue fug. I don't smoke in the

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-4478691098324941382011-10-20T09:09:00.001Z2011-10-20T09:09:50.692Z

When one is doing the enjoyable jiggy bit that actually creates an infant, unsurprisingly, you're not that preoccupied with thoughts of what the coming years may bring. There's no user manual either. Duw, it's hard sometimes.

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-6220711839312902502011-10-13T12:31:00.001Z2011-10-13T12:31:30.696Z

Is forty three middle aged? Probably. Anyway, unless you come from a different planet (or Norfolk, much the same thing) you will know that putting fuel in your car now costs roughly the same as the car itself. Public transport isn't an option, as it never goes where you want to go go, it's usually broken, and generally stinks of piss. So, when it was obvious that Amanda's car was due a few quid

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-9702854493799730762011-10-07T10:30:00.000Z2011-10-07T10:30:02.557Z

It's World Cup quarter final weekend! And we're still in it! Unlike four years ago when we went out in the group stages and I had already booked my trip to Marseilles for the quarter final. More of that here Rugby and oysters and here  Rugby and oysters 2 I am going to struggle to sleep tonight, 6 AM kick off here we go.

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-37894596831430786982011-10-06T08:45:00.000Z2011-10-06T09:13:42.905Z

I am not a particularly hirsute man, but nonetheless, I do like to be clean shaven. I appreciate that stubble looks rather fetching on some blokes, the laydeez tell me that some chap by the name of Clooney carries it off rather well. I don't. If I don't shave for a few days, I don't end up with a even layer of stubble of my face. Oh no. I end up with some strange appendage on my upper lip more

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-63353624513556556672011-09-29T11:26:00.001Z2011-09-29T11:26:27.242Z

Some oddball with severe spelling issues somehow arrived here after chucking 'fuccing+lisbians' into Google. Also, CUNT+PHOTO, bingo, you're in, helloooooooooo. That, I feel, is a tad harsh. No lesbians here, oh no sirree.

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-52248179547041524412011-09-29T10:36:00.001Z2011-09-29T10:36:46.604Z

On top of not being in the best of health for the past six weeks, and not being able to take any time off (running your own business has plenty of upsides, the downside being, don't work, don't get paid) we have had the added bonus of poor Josh going through a rather unpleasant bout of night terrors. Last night, he finally got off at 2.30 AM after a few screaming fits which woke us all,

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-570348559257294962011-09-20T21:24:00.000Z2011-09-20T21:24:18.106Z

When you're a kid, your shadow is your chum, it grows, it shrinks, you jump about it. My shadow as an adult lives a damn sight closer. It's about two and a half feet tall an makes an odd hissing noise. It has never left my side for the past six weeks. It reassures me with it's constant presence, yet I always resent it being there. It's my oxygen cylinder, and it's changed my life. I resent it,

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-27183101111196489012011-08-31T05:42:00.002Z2011-08-31T05:52:38.685Z

I am currently taking enough medication to make a medium size carthorse raise an eyebrow in gentle query. One of the annoying side effects is sleep, or lack thereof. I am a blissful eight hours a night kind of chap, so getting between three and four hours, and then not feeling tired, is a bit odd. Amanda says that I'm acting a bit weird. I have bitten my tongue, to avoid acting a bit rude. I

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-11094138441001978202011-08-30T15:15:00.002Z2011-08-30T15:33:11.578Z

Gosh it's me, on a blog. Useless I've been, proper crap. No reason whatsoever either, other than utter crapness. Life pootles along with it's usual ebb and flow of highs and lows. The big high of the year was Amanda's fortieth birthday which we spent with a wonderful group of friends in a delicious riad in Marrakesh which we had all to ourselves. Debauchery and hilarity was very much the order

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-7193423608798604142011-08-10T10:02:00.000Z2011-08-10T10:03:24.863Z

It makes me a bit sad, and a big bit cross.

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-54506705459549069202011-02-15T12:17:00.002Z2011-02-15T12:35:03.778Z

A few months ago, one of the quangos that survived Dave's cuts went into Charlie's school to measure and weigh all of the kids.Shortly afterwards, we received a letter telling us that he was overweight for his size and age and that we had better bloody well look out or else they would kick the door in in the middle of the night, drag us outside and shoot us.A few posts below there's a picture of

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-16668848758285608752011-02-08T20:58:00.002Z2011-02-08T21:22:06.601Z

Poor Josh continues to spew and keff and has had another day off school.Today was also the day of his first appointment with the consultant child psychologist and I had the day off.He hadn't been sick, so off we went to Malvern for the appointment. Five minutes away, the poor chap chucks up everywhere. We rang ahead, and they said to come in and they would speak to the quack. When we arrived, he

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-91181907540951593722011-02-01T14:53:00.003Z2011-02-01T15:04:40.199Z

The Six Nations starts on Friday night with Wales against EnglandPlease, please can we cease the shiteness of the past few months and attempt to recapture the glories of 2005 and 2008? Can we also have a gameplan which is a bit wider reaching than 'Fuck me, give it to Shane?'Also, Friday night kick offs suck the clingons off a fat birds arse. International rugby should be played at 3pm on a

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-26068501235439801082011-01-28T11:24:00.002Z2011-01-28T11:37:10.968Z

Amanda has cleared off to Centre Parcs for the weekend with a bunch of chums leaving me, the hooligans, and the fuckwit spaniel to fend for ourselves.I must say, she and her friends are very organised. This is the third year on the trot they've done this little jaunt, and every year the spouses involved go into mad panic and forget, hence I'll be collecting numerous kids from school today as I am

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-56414220735107162972011-01-24T16:16:00.002Z2011-01-24T16:25:14.109Z

I've just filled my car up with petrol.It cost nearly as much as I have paid to fly to North Africa in a few weeks time.Back in 2000, we had a series of blockades which severely restricted fuel supplies as a reaction to petrol creeping up to 80p per litre. Yesterday, I found myself out in the sticks after rushing around and forgetting to go to a 'cheap' petrol station, and ended up paying £134.90

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-9611373265004172012011-01-20T12:10:00.001Z2011-01-20T12:12:40.516Z

It would be very nice if you could just bog off now.I've had enough of being cold.Thanks.Only 6 weeks to go until a weekend of debauchery in Marrakech.I just hope they're not planning any Tunisian style stuff, not until we've been and gone anyway.Selfish, you bet, it is my wife's 40th party after all!

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-54979830563438595002011-01-19T22:14:00.002Z2011-01-19T22:21:38.222Z

Hooligan number 1 was eleven today. Happy birthday to Bean.Normal school day followed by a tough session at boxing club and then his fave Chinese take away in front of a dvd.Tomorrow I'm taking him and a few of his chums to Castle Grim for an evening European rugby match.I cannot believe it was eleven years ago that I was desperately avoiding the business end,nursing a bad hangover as a very

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-30652963990528174272011-01-18T10:57:00.002Z2011-01-18T11:08:54.194Z

I don't get football.Well, I do get in the sense of 'win ball, put in the net', sport doesn't get simpler than that. I don't get some of the people who follow it.This weekend, there was crowd trouble at Newcastle v Sunderland, and Villa v Birmingham. On Monday, I spoke to a chap I know as we bumped into each other walking the kids up to school. He'd been to the Villa game and confessed to feeling

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-15671060144208001082011-01-07T15:29:00.002Z2011-01-07T15:35:58.188Z

During the Christmas jollidays, I finally got off my arse and got on with what I had told myself to do for ages, but constantly put off due to the vast boredom of the task - renewing insurance and utilities.I was right, it took up the best part of a day, but I have saved, get this, £1020 a year.That's by moving gas and electricity, cars, buildings, contents, and annual travel insurance to

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-25637610960670027942011-01-04T12:49:00.001Z2011-01-04T12:54:28.574Z

I never have New Year resolutions. Once again I simply hope that I will enjoy the year even more than the previous one. Constant optimism.A quick piece of advice for the morons who were all over the media yesterday complaining of 'mountains' of uncollected waste on the pavements.Yes, you pay your council tax, and yes you have not received a service for which you have paid, but the rubbish is

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-503361200073233582010-12-10T14:29:00.001Z2010-12-10T14:32:31.697Z

The utter cocksocket on The Cenotaph has come clean and issued what sounds like a professional press release, rather than an apology.He, (I thought it was a woman, girlie looking twat) is one Charlie Gilmour, the son of one of my favourite guitarists, Pink Floyd's David Gilmour.I bet he would really struggle to pay back tuition fees.

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-18559765812968517722010-12-10T13:03:00.002Z2010-12-10T13:14:20.940Z

I don't know what the answer is to tuition fees. Let's get that straight from the outset.But what happened yesterday is not the answer.Do we teach our children that if you disagree with something, simply get out onto the streets and start smashing the place up?I followed it through social, rather than news media, and I was simply stunned by the attitude of some of the people who were taking

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-2649998177090944512010-10-21T12:41:00.002Z2010-10-21T12:59:20.001Z

I am properly ill. I have even jibbed out of tonight's game of squash, I am that properly ill.My wife is a towering beacon of sympathy. Not. She claims that I have a mild case of manflu. Bollocks, this almost qualifies as manthrax, so severely has it debilitated me. I am even struggling to drink beer and smoke fags. I told you it was serious.I am off to my Mum's in Abergavenny tomorrow night,

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-12487638467964576432010-10-19T14:43:00.002Z2010-10-19T14:52:57.390Z

Why am I getting so irritated by the kids using the term 'gay' as an insult?It seems to be applied to everything,. Gay hair, gay rugby boots, gay cars. It really pisses me off and my two get a right bollocking when they use it. Which doesn't seem to deter them.Pillock is another current favourite of my eldest. Delightful.I'm also sick and tired of hearing and reading about some potato faced,

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-90944672086213293922010-10-14T20:02:00.003Z2010-10-14T20:24:13.790Z

Gumpher on deck, and the beautiful Josh

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-26981392175582531772010-10-14T19:35:00.002Z2010-10-14T19:44:36.380Z

I've just got off the phone after a long conversation with a wonderful friend.His Mother is dying from cancer. Chemo has stopped working, and she has months to live.I took my beautiful boy to his school for problem children this morning, as I do every morning.He cried as I made his breakfast, he cried as we got in the car.He sobbed his heart out in great gulping heaves and clamped himself to me

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-46257673984265203892010-10-07T10:27:00.002Z2010-10-07T10:50:46.349Z

It's back again.Where on earth do they get these people from? Does anyone work with people who behave and talk like this?Every year, I assume (always wrongly as it turns out) that this time they will weed out the tosser element.Dan, the chap that got fired. Good grief. 'My motto is JFDI, just fucking do it'. Yep, you went on national television and actually said that. What the hell is wrong with

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-73333016192270976602010-10-05T16:29:00.002Z2010-10-05T16:57:52.919Z

I have had a weekend based entirely around the hooligans.Amanda cleared off to a spa with a bunch of chums, leaving us to our own devices.On Saturday we went to a hill climb. Never been before. Bloody hell those cars shift up the narrow track, mental the lot of them. It was an American themed day, so other than the racing there was a fair bit to do and see. Rather strangely, they had six full

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-12697567628015240042010-09-28T09:35:00.002Z2010-09-28T09:52:16.823Z

The set is complete, chock full of total dweebs.Never before has a Blackadder quote been more appropriate.'I say, Blackadder, are you sure this is the PM? Seems more like an oily tick to me. When I was at school, we used to line up four or five of his sort, make 'em bend over, and use 'em as a toast rack'Oily little ticks indeed.All in their early forties and and all have done virtually fuck all

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-13095117831364669682010-09-21T10:28:00.003Z2010-09-29T16:32:39.921Z

Another post about Boy 2, but it is a very dominant factor in our lives at the moment.After a very long time when we thought we were banging our heads against a brick wall, it is truly remarkable how quickly things spring into action once the diagnosis of ADHD was made.It's all rather daunting, (for us as parents) so goodness knows how he's going to feel about it. It's very difficult to know

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-71382654645651070952010-09-15T16:40:00.004Z2010-09-29T16:36:43.161Z

I don't like this time of year. Summer has gone, and the gloom of dark evenings looms.I haven't posted about the end of our summer (more about why later) but we had three great camping weekends despite the weather. Good times with wonderful friends. Particularly memorable was seeing The Flaming Lips at The Green man Festival. Fabulously bonkers and the best live act I've seen.My legal battle with

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-89936535047346154252010-08-09T08:50:00.002Z2010-08-09T09:05:25.962Z

Yesterday, the hooligans and I pootled down to Monmouth with our bikes and cycled along the Peregrine Path which follows the River Wye from Monmouth to Symonds Yat.The weather was good, and it was a great ride, with wonderful scenery. We picnicked on the way, grabbed an ice cream in Symonds Yat, and turned around for the return journey.Boy 2 insisted on weaving at speed on the gravel track,

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-43960212811292076982010-08-03T11:15:00.002Z2010-08-03T11:20:25.114Z

After six months of phone calls, the email sent below finally solicited a response which resolved the situation.But they told me off for swearing. An incident was created in RightNow: Subject: Billing Contact Data: First name: Gumpher Last name Email: @hotmail.co.uk

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-18278704148082449852010-08-02T19:18:00.005Z2010-08-02T19:26:57.070Z

We swam in the surf on near empty beaches.We caught lots of crabs.We ate grilled sardines and fried eels.We had ice cream every day.We drank near frozen Sagres and cheap cold red wine.We all read.We did an awful lot of not a lot at all.We all rather enjoyed it.

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-25304197556998273582010-07-17T21:00:00.003Z2010-07-17T21:07:56.894Z

We're off to take life at a slower pace.Sadly, just for a week.This is about as busy as it gets.Joy.

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-10716997173361714942010-07-06T21:08:00.002Z2010-07-06T21:13:20.759Z

So a few terror suspects get slapped about whilst British intelligence services are present.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/politics/10521326.stmBig fucking deal.They're not trying to learn how to walk again with no legs, or trying to put their lives back together simply because they happened to be on a random London bus or tube carriage.Do fuck off.Really.

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-43192204088759530002010-07-05T14:27:00.002Z2010-07-05T14:32:04.819Z

So, I paid the fine, as by only allowing me twenty fours hours from receipt of notification, I had little choice.Opened the post this morning, another HMR&C envelope, oh joy.Enclosed was a cheque. A refund on the fine. For £3.18. If the Nick and Dave show want a few pointers on how to make departmental savings I'd be only too happy to assist.

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-23344011364341960012010-07-01T19:15:00.003Z2010-07-01T19:24:01.417Z

Is feeling very sorry for herself.She was charging around a friend's garden (Nicki Nipples, so called due to her perfect, expensive fake breasts) with her spaniel chum Wilburt ( what you call a dog when you have expensive, fake breasts) when she ripped a claw out.Blood everywhere, and a swift trip to the vets to remove the rest of it. Boy one was at NN's playing with her lad after school ,and she

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-57067793339836939602010-06-23T21:06:00.003Z2010-06-23T21:40:09.129Z

Velsheda appearing at dawnThe fleetWhat a fantastic weekend.Headed off to Port Solent on Thursday to pick up our boat, a Jenneau 37. By the time we'd shopped, sorted out and sat down to eat surrounded by the other seventy Sunsail charters it was around ten. I knew six of the eight crew, as it was a 'village' boat, a tradition which goes back a while and we were racing against another crew from

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-37957916978799810712010-06-23T13:14:00.002Z2010-06-23T13:17:52.490Z

Must get a post with pics up about the island race, had a wonderful time but bloody knackered after getting up at 0330 to get to the start line.Taking another skive tomorrow, a mate has just offered me a corporate freebie to the one day international in Cardiff. Corporate tickets in sport are a bad thing...........................................Until you get offered them!.Note to self, stop

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-59549451963666082292010-06-16T11:02:00.002Z2010-06-16T11:15:08.524Z

We went to a Help for Heroes event on Sunday and all had an excellent time.There was an airshow with Tornadoes, a Sea King, a Spifire, brilliant.The Army had loads of tanks and assorted vehicles which they were quite happy for us to clamber in and out of, and even showed the boys how to operate some of electronic gizmos.The police had a great display of vehicles and put on a cracking fake armed

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-25342108579033542292010-06-09T12:38:00.003Z2010-06-09T12:46:26.433Z

Today I received a letter from HMR &C stating that my corporation tax return for, wait for it 2006, yes 2006, had been filed late and that there was a penalty 0f £204.26 to pay.I was fairly sure that this was bollocks, as I am anal regarding my tax affairs, so I rang them to chew the fat.Despite my protests, they insisted it was payable and guess how long they gave me to pay before taking legal

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-42617409137341158772010-05-27T12:28:00.002Z2010-05-27T13:41:00.041Z

Those who have been following my turgid output over the last few years may recall the occasional mention of the behavior of Boy 2, sometimes written in a jocular fashion, sometimes not.This may go on for some time, so give up now if you like, I'm sort of using it as a bit of a release.Boy 2 has always been a bit different. His development as an infant was very quick. He crawled, walked, spoke and

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-71964596022177982462010-05-19T20:27:00.002Z2010-05-19T20:44:01.294Z

Boy oh boy oh boy.Arseholes who use spray deodorant in the tiny squash club changing rooms.There is no such thing as 'The Lynx factor', get some roll on.When I come into the changing rooms gagging for oxygen, and then I get a deep bite of cfc in the lungs and the nose I simply want to kill you.Talk talk, it's been said before, but once again, you are so cunty.Triton showers. Don't sell products

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-49781611036751540042010-05-14T14:10:00.002Z2010-05-14T14:21:31.885Z

I must get around to putting up the Cornwall pictures, we all had a wonderful time.I'm going to indulge in some shameless proud Dad stuff. The boys had their annual rugby presentation award dinner the other week. It's a great night, there's over two hundred kids from the under 7's to the under 17's all spruced up in their club ties, and we always have a couple of top players to present the awards

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-4475244406325242162010-04-28T09:44:00.003Z2010-04-28T10:26:43.249Z

We're off again, this time to Cornwall, to the little town that was always my family's home base, despite all of our travelling.My Mum sold the house about eight years ago, and this will be our first trip since. I'm very much looking forward to going back there with my boys. C can't remember it, and J's never been. We've got a little two up two down cottage in the town centre. Plenty of walking,

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-19745029204916824962010-04-22T08:49:00.002Z2010-04-22T08:57:55.615Z

Necessary as I am no longer 41.42 today.Oh well, at least it's a beautiful day.My Mum's coming up tonight for a few days, and we'll all have dinner together, which I shall be cooking. I trust an Italian fish stew to no-one but me.It will be great to see Mum, although she doesn't live far away, a lot of her time recently has been taken up looking after my Grandfather, who is now very elderly, and

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-42712737072881128042010-04-19T19:40:00.002Z2010-04-19T19:58:51.494Z

I have been tagged by http://www.blogger.com/profile/08481107164497582398 DJ Aspey to complete the following, and I think it is a tad tricky, to tell six truths and one lie about yourself.I'll give it a whirl.1. I have travelled to thirty one countries,and have lived on three different continents. Only eight of these countries are in Europe.2. At the age of sixteen, I was the Welsh trampolining

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-79357215108264693892010-04-16T19:44:00.002Z2010-04-16T19:49:55.820Z

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-42834351868505956572010-04-16T11:08:00.002Z2010-04-16T11:13:02.416Z

My wife is out with the boys as it's the last day of the school jollydays, so the mutt below is in the office with me.I'm having a mellow day, struggling through the boredom of doing some accounting with a bit of Mozart on in the background ( I can be civilised, it's not all rugby and beer).I popped out for a crafty fag, and came back to three piles of dog sick - on my light grey carpets.One

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-78749149485234721402010-04-13T19:50:00.002Z2010-04-13T19:58:48.186Z

Beer on the beach

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-37221473456538593972010-04-13T19:47:00.002Z2010-04-13T19:49:36.615Z

Waiting for crabs

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-17545790052523219452010-04-13T19:43:00.001Z2010-04-13T19:46:45.096Z

Braving the surf

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-43738430044361343202010-04-13T19:40:00.002Z2010-04-13T19:43:33.261Z

Spaniel heaven

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-42500525350921765002010-04-13T10:50:00.002Z2010-04-13T11:06:36.596Z

We've just had two cracking weekends in different parts of Wales.The first was with friends who have a smallholding halfway up a mountain just outside of Builth. We had the full Easter experience complete with new bunnies and chicks (which they breed) and bottle feeding their two pet lambs which are going to be used as lawnmowers in their woodland.It's always a real novelty going for a weekend,

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-46477542747458320052010-03-31T19:46:00.002Z2010-03-31T19:57:56.285Z

I had a fun experience today. It also blew a few urban myths away. When you think that you might die, your life does not flash before your eyes, nor do you shit yourself.I was on a straight two lane road in my van, pootling along at fifty when the two cars ahead of me hit the brakes, as the car in front of them had just indicated for a right turning about thirty feet in front of them. I also hit

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-8278817778527743042010-03-30T10:28:00.002Z2010-03-30T10:38:54.764Z

We are now officially lurgified at Gumpher towers. A is still on antibiotics, and C has a gland problem which has knocked him for six. He's a pretty solid chap on usual form, but he's zonked out. Pale, not eating, and in a fair bit of discomfort.He fell asleep as I was reading to him last night, and I didn't want to disturb him, so he and I shared our bed last night, with A in his. Not sure it

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-92127757012276196502010-03-25T10:34:00.002Z2010-03-25T11:15:47.665Z

I read a lot, always have. As well as my enjoyment of the content of a book, I like books themselves, and I am always a tad suspicious when I go into a house and there's not a book in sight.I read a great deal from an early age. We didn't have a television, not because my parents couldn't afford it, they simply believed that there were better ways to occupy your time. I think we first got a small

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-90123695106947454092010-03-19T11:24:00.002Z2010-03-19T11:35:49.782Z

A has the most shocking ear infection. She managed to get to the quacks this morning and has a course of antibiotics, but the effects won't kick in for twenty four hours. She was sobbing through the night, I really didn't know what to do, other than to give her a hug.I'm going to clear off early and pick up the kids from school and take them up to the park, out of her way. We'll get some free

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-42640975567057489082010-03-12T11:50:00.002Z2010-03-12T12:02:02.775Z

What a bunch of chimps.I'm not asking to be flown to the moon. I would like a telephone line and broadband. I have a direct debit in place, all they have to do is email my invoice, and take the money.I have the most simple e mail address on the planet, but for some unknown reason, every other month, some fucktard from TalkTalk decides to add a '1' to it, and unsurprisingly, it doesn't get

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-80605139983700418852010-03-11T10:55:00.002Z2010-03-11T11:05:48.778Z

I am in pain, deep pain.I've been back playing squash for two weeks now, and I had planned to ease myself gently back into it, but the childishly competitive nature of me and my playing partners has not exactly made that possible.Last night was daft. I was two one down and came back to two all. Somehow I managed to get 7-4 up in the deciding fifth when the lights went out. It was bugger all down

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-60189065446751308692010-03-05T15:18:00.002Z2010-03-05T15:27:54.883Z

I haven't been sailing for years.Growing up next to sea I spent my youth cocking about in boats, and great fun it was too. Dinghy sailing with dad until we both came to the conclusion that father and son in a small boat is like the same mixture with driving lessons. I then started crewing on offshore yachts for a bit. I'd always windsurfed, and fortunately that is like riding a bike, so I always

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-42046264624168742282010-03-03T15:44:00.002Z2010-03-03T15:53:05.508Z

As expected, Cardiff was great fun, despite the rugby.Also as expected, we got roaringly drunk and ended up in a curry house. Nothing if not predictable. Cardiff was chock full of very happy Frenchies, and the more I drank, the better my French became. Ahem.Great walk along the Wye valley on the way back, although it was a round of soft drinks in our target pub, and none of us could face lunch.

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-18714894096539896082010-02-25T15:35:00.001Z2010-02-25T15:42:08.621Z

Lifes little pleasures.Drive to Newport tomorrow, ditch the car at the 5* B &B and get the train to Cardiff. I love it when the French come to Cardiff, a wonderful atmosphere, although you don't get cockerels being released in the city centre these days.We're probably going to get a thorough spanking, but it should be a cracking evening. A few beers before, try and grab a curry afterwards and

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-25646043060404688202010-02-23T16:16:00.002Z2010-02-23T16:27:08.158Z

I was sick of snow a long time ago. The first few days of sledging last month were fun, although I was relegated to the role of spectator. It all looked very pretty, but now it's just dull and turgid.The boys have had one rugby match and one training session this year, due to the pitches either being covered, or waterlogged after the thaw. It's got to the stage when even they want to yomp across

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-20169293935970898272009-12-15T10:37:00.002Z2009-12-15T10:44:23.095Z

After saying I would get back to posting regularly, once again, a long break, but it's not my fault, I've been a guest of the NHS.My appendix went, bloody painful it was too. I was lucky enough to have a private room for my stay, and through all the horror stories of the NHS, I have nothing but praise for the level of care I received. The only downside was that the food was minging, but as I was

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-81234313618609268262009-11-26T16:57:00.002Z2009-11-26T17:13:52.499Z

I'm alive.Very much so.Made mental note to self, must start blogging again.The puppy in the photo is now just gone one, and stark raving bonkers, but adorable. Her energy levels are remarkable, so she gets loads of walks and also goes running with A a few times a week. Seems to do the trick as she spends most of the evening passed out in front of the fire. The ginger boy remains hugely

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-39046088139934268282009-02-04T22:30:00.004Z2009-02-04T22:37:27.211Z

This gorgeous woofa is the latest addition to the Gumpher household. She's been here since November. Officially she's a Sprocker, although I prefer Cockspring.The ginger chap, as you may tell from his expression, remains mightily unimpressed.And as the six nations starts this weekend, Wales, by feckin loads, hear me now .

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-67452055111422771292008-08-22T10:07:00.002Z2008-08-22T10:13:03.472Z

My youngest son takes on an almost zen like state when he's flying a kite, and being a five year old, can say things that make life seem so much better.'Y,know Dad, this is the life, just you and me, flying a kite on Bredon hill'.I'll be away from here for a bit. I've been dipping in and out, which is not how I want to blog.Lots on the mind.When I start blogging again, I'll be clear.

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-40961308685066525272008-08-04T20:13:00.002Z2008-08-04T20:36:42.620Z

'Sup, as the kids said. Years ago.What to blog and when to blog it. I have lots to express ( none of it breast milk) but at the moment this is not the place to let it out, for my own foolishness.Ahem.Life is odd, and I'm not in the best place. I've cocked my frontal quad again, which means no sport, and that gets me arsey, a kind of locked up feeling.I have a work problem. A few years ago ( look

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-71323180406490213092008-07-15T19:11:00.002Z2008-07-15T19:22:48.713Z

I have just had an absolute dog's arsehole of a day.The situation with boy 2 and school has escalated to a totally unacceptable level ,and A and I are angry and upset. Boy 2 is confused, and unusually unsure. I may blog more when I have collected my thoughts, I might post the letter I've written to the head.Then my car car broke down, and the hire company have given me a hideously shite and

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-26471708838927279682008-07-10T13:41:00.002Z2008-07-10T13:52:35.037Z

Yay, we've finally got a date sorted out for a holiday. Back to Portugal this year, the wallet won't take another trip to Thailand.We're going to try the Silver Coast, just above Lisbon for a change. Found a tidy looking villa with a big pool in a small town about ten minutes from the coast. Should be off mid August. hopefully we'll be able to manage a few days in Italy as well. I love the lakes

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-40413859956035396982008-07-04T21:36:00.002Z2008-07-04T22:00:08.440Z

School report day.I am not happy.Boy 1. Proud as a Dad could be. He tries hard and gets his just rewards. But, he has to put in the e effort, it doesn't really come naturally, apart from his imagination, which is wonderful. Well done C.Boy 2.A class of 13, with a teacher and an assistant. We told them. Devil, idle hands etc.We don't tolerate it when he misbehaves, but they do. It's pathetic,

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-3657932538892323252008-07-03T11:47:00.003Z2008-07-03T12:06:06.618Z

The stats for knife crime in London this year are astonishing.Back in more simple times, I carried a knife, as did most of my friends. It was a beauty. A four inch sheath knife with a smooth wooden handle. I bought it from the tackle shop in the small seaside town I grew up in. I saved up my pocket money for ages, and would regularly check the shop window to make sure that it remained unsold.

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-48452734312118952182008-06-30T09:06:00.003Z2008-06-30T09:10:56.595Z

We're all a bit sad in the Gumpher house this morning.Our eldest cat Harry, the tabby in the picture died yesterday.He was seventeen, and had a good life, full of love. He was also a bit thick, which made him all the more endearing.

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-25406137307245757142008-06-16T12:55:00.002Z2008-06-16T13:18:05.467Z

I've been poo at blogging. Brennig popped in to give me a gee up, and when I checked his blog he has turned into a sex blogger ! Naughty chap. Please, fight the urge to post pictures !I've been doing 'stuff'.Had a great back to the wilds camping trip with the boys. Dads and kids only. No chicks. One field, one big wood, one tap, two holes in the ground, one firepit. Excellent. The kids found out

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-65637116580981626252008-05-12T09:18:00.002Z2008-05-12T09:38:16.499Z

It has been a busy time at Gumpher Towers of late.I've been checking my regular reads, and leaving the odd comment, but have had little time to get something down myself.I'm currently running projects in Peterborough, Totnes, and Launceston, and unsurprisingly, my arse has spent an awfully long time stuck to the seat of my car as I traverse the wonders of our nations motorway network. I've still

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-28428640770255654762008-04-24T10:57:00.002Z2008-04-24T11:09:13.473Z

Am I being tight ? We rarely use public transport, but today my wife took a bus from the nearest town back to the village. She'd been to a pilates class and her friend who had driven, had forgotton about a dental appointment and had to shoot off, hence the bus.Now, am I totally removed from reality ? The journey is a shade over three miles.£1.75, fuck me, she could have got a cab out here in the

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-42467708909155247972008-04-22T21:08:00.002Z2008-04-22T21:12:50.019Z

Sitting here, quaffing a wonderful glass of Sauvignon Blanc, I am looking forward to a weekend with my wonderful wife at The St.David's in Cardiff Bay, dropping the boys off at my Mums in Abergavenny on the way down.It's not so bad.I could be English and forty.

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-71780047677433902402008-04-22T20:36:00.002Z2008-04-22T21:02:13.439Z

Forty.Still the same, or as my Father's wonderful card said, 'You're not forty, you're twenty one with nineteen years of experience'.The funeral, as ever was grim. The point when the curtains came around the coffin was particularly sad. My nephews, who are the same age as my boys, had been stoic in their approach to the event, but collapsed, crying, into their parents arms as they said goodbye to

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-51877126304381386792008-04-21T09:52:00.002Z2008-04-21T10:21:55.342Z

Quite literally.Decided to go for a ride with the boys after lunch, and as I was getting the bikes out of the shed, noticed a fairly unpleasant smell and a strange ooze seeping from underneath the patio.I lifted the inspection cover to be greeted by the sight and smell of rather a lot of shit.Blocked drains. Cosmic.Im fairness to dyno whoever, they were round in an hour, but at 80 quid per half

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-57991991410495633862008-04-15T21:19:00.002Z2008-04-15T21:39:50.088Z

I am less grumpy of late. I am sitting here, slightly warm of tongue, having just consumed a rather yummy Thai fish salad ( I think I overdid the chilli, which should make for a stinky night for Mrs. Gumph) The lateness of consumption is down to a game of squash in which I, lost rather badly to a chap I mullered last week. I only lost my temper with myself twice, shows my laidbackedness. (New

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-38717469459345908432008-04-07T20:27:00.002Z2008-04-07T20:44:05.736Z

I am bereft of blogging inspiration at the moment, but then I am generally uninspired.I'm in a slump.I need to jump on a plane, with A and the boys, and head off to somewhere with clear blue skies and gently lapping shores.I need to not see the pointlessness of the Olympics, the loss of what was the Corinthian Spirit, the inevitable involvement of politics in sport ( but accepting that it's ok

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-14981423551393587622008-03-26T13:43:00.002Z2008-03-26T13:58:02.410Z

I'm forty in a few weeks time, and I'm really not looking forward to it. I've banned parties, as I don't feel the need to 'celebrate', plus I've had a gutsful of other people's fortieth parties over the last few months.Is forty old ? It's older than thirty nine for sure, but is it really old ? Odds are that I'm over halfway to pushing up daisies, which is a tad fatalistic, but probably right. I

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-50226502097001295422008-03-20T15:27:00.001Z2008-03-20T15:31:09.690Z

As the clock winds down to the start of the bank holiday, the inevitable happens.It starts to sodding rain.Four days off work, and it's going to piss down. 'Triffic.

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-7522110551214260072008-03-19T15:55:00.002Z2008-03-19T15:58:10.373Z

We are Welsh and we are mighty !It was a bit good and a few beers went down the hatch on Saturday. (Polite speak for being deliriously banjaxed)

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-17277884415756610222008-03-19T15:07:00.002Z2008-03-19T15:26:33.979Z

Yesterday I went up to the big smoke to see the specialist at the London Migraine Clinic. It all went swimmingly well, and she will be writing to my Gp to tell him how and when to treat me, and what medication is required. It's a bloody huge relief, I'm finally going to get some pain management, which should make coping a bit easier. Also, studies have shown that for cluster headaches to persist

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-15917826458354415412008-03-14T14:27:00.001Z2008-03-14T14:29:09.624Z

The three petrol station closest to me are now selling diesel for £1.17 per litre.It's getting beyond silly

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-21020280291753167592008-03-13T11:04:00.002Z2008-03-13T11:36:09.420Z

He really is one of the least charismatic politicians, and out of the current bunch of wooden lookalikes, that takes the biscuit, and I must say I'm a bit baffled by his budget. Essentially, it is a tax raising budget, but all done with the finesse of Kelvin MacKenzie. Where was the financial nous ? Sadly lacking. It was a tabloid budget. £950 on a gas guzzler, and make us think it's a green tax

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-35748267156370009482008-03-03T10:39:00.004Z2008-03-03T11:15:19.676Z

More frolics in the Wye Valley, but a lot further down this weekend. Boy 2 was off to a birthday party on Saturday, so I suggested to Boy 1 that we load up the bikes and head out. I'd found a recently opened trail called The Peregrine Way, which is the old railway track between Ross on Wye and Monmouth. The cycle trail has been done so that you can ride next to the river from Monmouth to Symonds

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-34993787190424716662008-02-22T11:05:00.002Z2008-02-22T11:22:49.025Z

I like Fridays. The boys primary school has an open assembly on a Friday which parents can attend which sets me up for the day, as it usually has the odd moment of utter hilarity, invariably around the hymn, which today was 'I wish I was a wiggly worm'. The words were rib crackingly funny and the school 'orchestra' were so out of time with the whole thing I was pissing myself all the way through.

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-3019163534264352242008-02-20T11:14:00.002Z2008-02-20T12:12:08.653Z

I could really do without being at work today, but I have a site meeting for a major project this afternoon, and as I run my own business, needs must.I had a fucking awful cluster attack last night. 1.30 am, and finally went back to bed at 3. I feel totally shattered, and for some reason I'd reacted by scratching at my chest and stomach, and have big red weals over both, but have no recollection

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-58813421145488895832008-02-18T12:21:00.004Z2008-02-18T12:35:37.876Z

We had a huge walk along the mid section of the Wye Valley near Builth Wells at the weekend.It's rather pretty, don't you think ? I never mind what the temperature is as long as there's a clear blue sky, it was glorious, but bloody cold, the diesel froze in my car on Saturday night, we had to push it into the sunshine to thaw out ! Parts of the shallows had frozen, which our friends' dogs found

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-83460207996303377532008-02-14T10:22:00.002Z2008-02-14T10:47:15.238Z

We had planned a couple of quiet days at the start of the week, as the boys had gone to my Mums for a few days as it was half term. (Praise be for the gift of grandmothers).It didn't quite end up as that. We'd just had the dining room decorated, and A wanted 'finishing touches'. Thats woman speak for curtains and cushions. It took all sodding day, Worcester, Malvern, and finally Cheltenham. Still

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-81921101855365167132008-02-09T21:26:00.001Z2008-02-09T21:33:11.137Z

The trip to the match just got better.Had a phone call late last night and got offered an extra ticket. So I took boy 1. What a great day, he was all togged up in his Welsh shirt and scarf, face dragon painted. His first 6 nations game, and we won.Look at that view, virtually smack on the halfway line.Happy days.

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-34841431153553636872008-02-08T11:05:00.000Z2008-02-08T11:20:54.719Z

What the flying fuck has Rowan Williams been smoking ? I thought he was meant to be first in line on the batphone to the Big G, but it would appear that he spends most of his day sat in a squat chowing down on a crack pipe.So, certain aspects of Sharia law should be adopted in this country then. Oh do fuck off. Muslims make up around 2% of the population of this country, so why the hell is the

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5787156.post-1822562681208959072008-02-05T15:38:00.000Z2008-02-05T15:40:21.224Z

Just found out that I have a ticket for Wales v Italy. Off to check the train timetables.

Gumpherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16726016327449532210noreply@blogger.com2