Old Times...

Great to see Will & Carmel at the weekend. They flew over on Saturday afternoon and Florence and I went to pick them up. Florence was very excited about going to the airport and was shocked to see how big planes are on the ground. Had a fantastic curry at the Balti Tower, just what we wanted, nothing posh but reminded us all of being back in Selly Oak! Had gone for a drink in the Devonshire Arms first and sampled some Bridge beers. Had a good chilling day on Sunday, big fry up at lunchtime a walk etc, before getting them back to the airport in the evening. Florence was in tears when Carmel left.

Big Party

Forence went to a big party last night (60 + kids). When Tasha dropped her off and realised that there was only the Mum running the show, she offered to help out. Despite the number of kids things didn't go too badly, and everyone got home in one piece.
Good productive day at work, but rumors are mounting that Mavis will not be changing his job after all (despite the other candiates being loosers) I can only think that relocation allowance came into it, or opions of Mavis are more realisitic of even the knightrider shipping someone else into the role.
Anyway Team brief on Monday, so hopefully there will be some detail of the new structure revealed. Hope beardy's there!

Snow

The snow that was promised, hasn't really materialised. This mornings journey in was the worst of it. There was a car in the ditch on my way in, which looked innocent enough, but when Stuart came in an hour or so later the road was completely closed and the air ambulance was in! There was snow all over the roads, which has now melted.

Went to Florence's parents evening last night. Seems she is doing really well, got to see her work etc. Good to chat with GJ and hear that his PC is now up and running!

The Grain Drain

Well glad that I'm not here alone. The days on site are awfully dull. The customer hasn't even been into see us today! We are just sitting in the site hut waiting for something to come along. Managed to get a footy game on the internet radio working which killed a couple of hours. Its pretty much how it must be in prison! (just looking forward to your next meal). I've done some open studios work, read the newspaper, magazines and books and generally got a sore arse sitting down! We occasionally just go for a walk, but its really cold here and site restrictions prevent you from walking very far. At least getting back to the hotel and its great facilities is worthwhile (can't image what it'd be like if the digs were shit). We didn't even manage to stay until our prmit expired yesterday and today is even slower (but at least its time and a half!!), a couple more hours should see us today I think.

Working with the trapper

Working with the trapper,
originally uploaded by Phillip.

With our life jackets on trapper and I went to the jetty. Site is moving as slowly as expected and I feel that my weekend working is going to be very laid back (made even more so that everyone apart from myself and Mike are leaving tomorrow). Drove down late on Wednesday night and had induction this morning. Then its been pretty much been setting stuff up and waiting really - nothing else seems ready!!
AND FOR MARKS BENEFIT
the graphics are not very asthetic!!!

Autostitch Composite

Autostitch Composite,
originally uploaded by Phillip.

Managed (after a bit of fiddling) to get Autostitch to make this picture of our day at Carsington on Sunday. Had a great time even despite the bitter cold and snow. Tasha was out most of Saturday with committee business, so Florence, Nate & I got the popcorn maker out and made a big bowl to eat while we watched Shrek 2 (which everyone really enjoyed). Very chilled out evening last night just watching TV (mindless stuff I can't even remember - aprt from 24). Also started work on the 2005 edition of the open studios brochure. Today at work found out that I am needed to help commission the GRAIN project (which is a pleasure/pain situation), the money will come in very handy for the next holiday payment!!! Also at work today it was "officially" announced (but only to me - keep it to yourself please) what the new structure would be, and it is pretty much what everyone thought but confirms that I'm now a "Technical Specialist"

...Happy birthday dear mummy...

...Happy birthday dear mummy...,
originally uploaded by Phillip.

Wow, what a weekend!
Started out on Firday. Although working from home didn't do many hours, decided to do the "kids" thing today, so that Tasha could enjoy her birthday. Went to Je-Ja-Jees in the evening and ate ourselves stupid!!
Saturday was very productive - finished off quite a few little DIY jobs, and to celebrate we had another one of our famous fondues!!!
On Sunday, did the swimming thing (but only with Nate, Florence had a bit of ear-ache). In the afternoon we made dough and sauce and created some good pizzas.

Thinking of Mark this morning who goes into hospital - BEST OF LUCK MATE!

20" Cinema Goodness

20" Cinema Goodness,
originally uploaded by Michael Heilemann.

Found on Flickr earlier today. How sweet is that

Squash

Another not very good game for me, I had moments of good play, but generally sh!t - which was reflected in the final score, because I didn't even when a single game last night! Stubbs on the Detox, so we skipped a drink too.