Spur of the moment weekend

The Outfit,
originally uploaded by Phillip.

Well it was about 4 o'clock on Friday afternoon, we were just getting the dinner ready, after finishing work around lunchtime.

We were talking about how great it would be to take the caravan over to see Gordon and Gill (who we knew were at Uttoxeter) - and we couldn't think of a reason why we shouldn't. So, with 1/2 hour notice we all jumped into the car, went up to the farm, hitched up the van and set off.

We had a great weekend and the weather was fantastic. Now we've done the first one we are changing the location of our second trip, to be a little more extreme - and we are also considering the the bonfire weekend too now so we can take in a big organised display.

Business, Balls & Beer

Yesterday at work (just as I was leaving) my mangare said that he was trying to get myself and the other TS involved with a conference in Germany. That would be really cool if it comes off, getting to know some contacts, information, seeing HQ and generally spending a bit of time with Mark & Adrian.

When I got home Tasha also had some great news. Several years ago she helped pilot the TOPS dance scheme in Staffordshire schools, which is still going strong. She has now been approached by Staffordshire to be a dance specialist and go into schools all over the county and just teach the dance lessons (while the normal class teachers use the time for PPA). It really is her ideal job as she can choose her hours, shes only teaching dance and it would look pretty cool on her CV!

Martin came round last night to see if I wanted to hit a few balls done the driving range, so Col and I went with him. I can see why I don't play golf now. Although I hit some real monster shots, most went one way or the other out of bounds. Had a beer after and chewed the fat before coming home (via the chippy) - so much for a healthy week!

Whores, Fire Engines & Caravans

Its been a mixed bag of a weekend (and really busy). Friday night went out with Louise, Sue & Sara to see "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" starring Tasha. What a fantastic show. Didn't really know the story, other than the summary on the back of the script, but it has some great music and Ed did a magnificent job with the band. Everyone played their roles well and there where plenty of laughs from the packed brewhouse crowd. Bit distressing in the sex scenes for me - but they were done in a comedy fashion so it wasn't as bad as I had thought it was going to be. Went for a few beers with the girls after too and Tasha went out to the Thai.

Saturday, Tasha had her lie in after the do, so I had to do the whole ballet thing. The bun and hair thing was the worst, but the results I got were damned impressive. In the afternoon, Tasha went off to do the matinee and Florence went off to her friends house for the fire station visit. Nate and I went next door to Martin & Alison's and had a good afternnon chatting and playing. We harvested the sunflowers with a view to drying them out and eating them. Florence got back from her visit at just after 9 that evening and was full of it. It appeared that they had done loads of stuff, RTA rescues, thermal camera, fire engine tour etc etc.

We Tried to keep Sunday a bit of a rest day, so that we could spend some family time together. However, we ended up having to go shopping (albeit as a family) as we were out of grub. In the afternoon we got together our boxes for the caravan and went over to the farm to put things away. I think we are pretty much set now, and the credit card bill has been paid, so I can start to recover financially too.

The outfit is complete

Unfortunately no pictures as it was a pretty long journey home, but the caravan pick-up was sucessful. Had a short tutorial on how to use it (emptying the toilet, draining the water, hooking up power etc) then had to pay our balance. Then got another lesson in how to hitch up and then it was on our way. I don't think I scared Gordon too much, but took an easy ride up to the farm, so all in all a 80 mile round trip today. I really enjoyed the actual driving and towing - the car seemed very stable and apart from watching the speed, you didn't really know you were towing. Positioned the van at the farm and had to get my head round the security, hitch lock and wheel clamps etc.

It is fast asleep in its shed now with the vicious peacock looking out for us. Have got a couple of small jobs that need to be finished off, but will probably pop up and do those over the coming days. Feel shattered now I've stopped though, I guess the actual concentration took it out of me more than I thought!

Just going to chill with a beer and a movie tonight.

Tasha in the Paper

Tasha in the Paper,
originally uploaded by Phillip.

As usual the Mellows got their page in the paper ready for opening night. Tasha said this morning that the crowd last night was good but they were a bit wary of the subject matter - and the language!! But once they settled the crowd did react in the right way at the right time.

Tasha was pleased that they actually got her name right this time (although typically drawing attention to her being the only one named!!