Poets Corner

I'm a little bit of everything,
But of everything, I know not,
It's of the things I do not know,
That I think about a lot.

I wish that I was smarter,
That I understand every page,
I could try to be a wiser chap,
But wisdom only comes with age.

I've signed up to this big adventure,
Made my mark and made new friends,
But all to soon it changes again,
And God knows how it ends?

But now I'm not so worried,
And looking back it seems strange,
That due to my little bit of everything,
I'm no longer scared of change.

You know I'm good!

Here's to you Mr Allingham!

A verteran of the Battle of Jutland which took place 90 years ago today, Henry Allingham, 109, was handed a scroll, a badge of honor and a bottle of malt whisky by Graham Marsden, Mayor of Eastbourne in East Sussex.

Mr Allingham said the whisky, along with "cigarettes and wild, wild women", was the secret of his long life.

He is Britains' oldest man.

He turns 110 next week!

Cheers Mr Allingham.

The Beautiful Game

Thursday night saw the much anticipated game between Canada U-20 and Brazil U-20. This was the third and final game in a three match series. The Canadians won the first game, which was the first time any Canadian team had ever beaten any Brazilian team. Brazil bounced back and won the second.

So tonight was the finale. We nearly missed the kickoff as we got stuck in roadoworks. Canadians, not used to such things, panicked and started looting the streets. Us Brits however, used to such things, calmy waited on the bus and got to our seats just in time for the kickoff.

I have to say, I did feel quite a thrill seeing the bright yellow shirts of Brazil for the first time. There were a lot of Brazilian Fans there too, so both national anthems we met with equal amounts of gusto.
Right from the kickoff you could sense the quality of the Brazilian. They instinctively knew where all their players were. There first touch was sublime, and they his so many across field balls to the feet of the other players, I don't think the royal artillery could have done better.

They had so many tricks to pass defenders and bounced off tackles as if they were made of rubber.

However, Canada scored first! It was a screamer, right into the top right hand corner. The Canadian keeper had no chance. No you didn't misread. It was possibly the finest own goal I have ever seen.

To make matters worse, Brazil then scored one of their own. It was a very well taken effort, crafted from some lightening counter attacking.

Don't despair Canada. The Canadians then scored one of their own. In the other sides net. In my humble, but no less expert opinion, it was the best goal of the night.

This started a some sort of renaissance for the Canadians. The started a sustained period of pressure on the Brazilian goal. Too wary of the counter attack, they were loathed to bring more men forward, which was a shame, because the Canadians really didn't threaten.

GOALFLASH: The Canadians score again to make it 3-1 Brazil. Again, you're not misreading. This time a Canadian defender back heeled the ball into the net. I saw the replay on the TV and was just amazed at how he could have done that.

It could have been worse. The Canadian keeper pulled off the save of the night, to defy a flying header from a Canadian defender. It was at this point I started taking pictures of the scenery.

Nice mountain in the background don't you think

So the final score was three one. We all agreed it was very entertaining and jolly good fun. As we didn't have time to eat before hand we all went to Darby's for a bite to eat and a beer. As you can see, only Liz wanted to be in the photo with George Lucas. Holy Pants.... That's ME!

Mean Moody And Magnificent!

Just three words that describe me in that last week or so

Hello fans, it's been a while I know and I'm sorry for that. Because it has been a while since my last post, it seems that every other wannabe blogger has covered events of the last few weeks in such great detail, that there is no point in trying to mow over old ground. So I will try not too. So I thought I'd just post a few photos, of events that I rememberd to take my camera too and made me think.... Hummmmm!

Mean and moody Vancouver before the sun came. The camera didn't do it justice. We are on the coast of the Pacific along English Bay. I couldn't help but admire is majesty.
The water is so sofe and clear. I know, I have swam in it numerous times. I loved the drama of the cloud covered hills in the background
We also have pointless pylon "art" in Stratford too. Mind you, if I lookd through the sculpture in Stratford, all I saw was my old office. SO LONG BROADWAY HOUSE!
Here we are now at Ian's Birthday. Although it was meant to be Ian's evening, all the camera lenses seem to have been pointed at Paul all evening. He was magnetic that nightSee what I mean!
Gav and Liz, strangely, this slightly blury image is how I remembered them that night. Cute Couple.
Oh yea, it was Ians birthday. so here's the BIRTHDAY BOY!
BUNACS Golden couple. We'll I look pretty golden. Laura is more of a redish pink.
Couple more drinks Alan and this could have been your Taxi fare home. Just Kidding! Al and Janine. She was our one token Canadian for the evening.

Simon! Turned up late, but more than made up for it with a Herculean drinking performance. Simon loves Bush!
Next day!! Beach time and Kite flying. Laura getting hersekf mentally prepared for the challanges ahead.
Jade had bought Ian a very nifty stunt kite for his birthday. Ian stuck his index finger in his mouth and then in the air, and cried "It's time to Fly!"
After an 'experimental' start the Popester, showed just how kite flying could be sexy as well as just plain fun.
I myself dabbled, and created a short flight piece to the Chariots of Fire theme tune. Hundreds gathered in awe to watch.
As you can see, the crowds made space when Laura had a go. See also was pretty nifty. More importantly, we finally found something that Paul isn't any good at!

The last work goes to Ian, and his kite flying magesty. He's taking it out again today, so if I'm lucky I'll get another go. Yippeee!

Love to all. XXX

Hello Again!

Sorry about the lack of interesting posts recently. I have been a bit busy being busy and doing interesting things. I will try and put some photos up soon.

These will involve, Ian's birthday, The Whitecaps, kite flying and hopefully some sailing news!

Apologies once again, devoted fans (Banksy).

Football again tonight. I'll try to avoid controversy this week, by not accidentally smacking into any Canadians, on one of my long ball charges. I thought I'd knocked the fellow out last week. Fortunately he's a bit of a wimp and rolled around a lot in feign agony.

Until then dear readers! x

URGENT: FOOTBALL TICKETS!

UURGENT!

I have managed to book half priced tickets through work, to the Whitecaps this weekend! $16 each and all in the Grandstand. This is partly my present to Ian to attandance is appreciated

I have 6 up for grabs.

I have also booked 7 Tickets for Canada U-21 v's Brazil U-21(one of Brazils warm up games for the world cup) on the 25th May. Grandstand again $30.

Please leave me a comment if you want to come to either game or both, so I can reserve you a ticket.

I have paid for the lot so please come alone!!!

Cheers,

Andy

She's a Bad Influence On Me!

But why? (he knows what I mean)

In other news, I have been asked to Crew on a work mates racing boat on Thursday. I would really love to do it, but I have my pre-booked guitar lessons which I can't change. Thats a real pain.

Oh, and if people have been onto Ian's blog (god knows why you'd want to. Happy Birthday for tomorrow by the way) seen that pic of me looking scarily thin, don't worry. I am still at least 15 stones. The jug was just covering my beer belly.

I don't care much for Mondays. I always feel like my weekend has been robbed away from me, just as it was getting going.

I think I speak for many of the Bunacers when I say, "we think need a holiday"! Before my parent's shout "you're on a bloody holiday", I can safely say most of us work harder here than we ever did at home.

TTFN

Happy Birthday Lydia

My tallest little Sister will be Sweet 16 on May 5th (all day) Many congratulations. Still 1 year off driving and 2 off drinking, but you can now buy lottery tickets!

If you do manage to break the family jinks and actually win something, remember your poor improverished brother across the Atlantic.

Happy Birthday!

Simon: Sunderland Fan

Certainly was Si.

Good game against "all to play for" Fulham today, as Paul rightly pointed out.

Big welcome to Mrs Farthing and Mrs Liz (Barrat, or somethng like that) who will become the latest Bunacers to join our merry band at the weekend.

Love to all.

Mr Bull (jnr).

Ready to hit the Hit Parade!

You'll all be no doubt extactic to hear that I have just put the finishing touches to my First (of many) number 1 smash hits.

For the first time ever, I have broken the intro barrier, into full songdom. The poetic lyrics are semi autobiographical. "Moving On" is about a handsome young hero, spurned and traped in a seemingly unending cycle of misery and dispair, only through courage and Herculean will power, to arise a new improved version of his already handsome and heroic self.

It's pure bloody dynomite!

I won't do what I did last time and put the lyrics on the blog as HANNAH will only shoot my fragile confidence down in flames once again. And that would be a great loss to the musical world.

In other news (which pales into insignificance) It was Gavins (or was it the alternative Gavin's) birthday last night. We went to the Yuk Yuk comedy night. Although it was amature night, I thought the standard of the comedy was excellent. Even better, was the $5 price tag attached to the enterance ticket.

Work is fine. They are giving me money for voting an agreement not to strike (which I forgot vote for). For you Londoners reading, the bonus wouldn't probably buy you lunch, but here it means I get to live in my apartment for the next few months. Also I can now afford to buy a pair of jeans without a whole in the crotch. Ian and me will so be living in a "two pair household". How exciting!!! It should at least get me invitied to more Parties.

For the lowdown on what was a classic St Georges Day, please visit the blog of King Banks (the link to which is on your right)

Nothing much else to report on Walton Mountain. Better go back and do some work!

Love to all!

Andy

Blast from the past!

Clever old Ian has found a button on yahoo that lets you access all the photos that have been e-mailed to you. Ian thought that he had about 250 pics hiding in his inbox somewhere. He's already found some good ones and will put them on his blog as time goes on.

I simularly went throught my inbox and had a look at the photos. I only have about 150 pics, of which only 2 are fit for human consumption (you Jolly boys were into some strange stuff)

So without much further a doo here they are!

Ian and my good self at one of our working breakfasts. You can tell it was breakfast as there is a bottle of tomato ketchup is in the table. If you are a little concerned as to why Ian looks a tad bemused, it's because he'd forgotten about the meeting and had a few "Eye-openers" before work. Ahh, those were strange times!

Me and my first guitar at Pete's studio. A Yamaha F-310. I would throughly recomend it as a first guitar. It has a few chips and knocks now, and it's nowhere near as good as my new one, but I kind of miss the old girl. I just hope that I can play with it when I get home. I'm guessing my sister has prabably pawned it alredy to buy some magic beans or somethinf. Poor thing!

PS. See, I was thin once!!!

Happy Easter!

(Andy the treasure hunter)

Ahhh, at last a long weekend to rest up relax play the guitar and get rained on! Work is good. It looks as though I am going to be kept on for a fair while where I am, even if I don't get this job that requires 45 wpm. I am far to valuable in the field of production, making binders and doing a random selection of other no-brainer work.

The sun is now finally out and so life is good once again. Today is Easter Sunday. I went to Church on Easter Sunday for the first time ever. We played jeopardy!!!

I then went to the music shop to try out one of the new silent travel guitars Yamaha have built. Very good I have to say. Back to the Batcave! Laura starts cooking me lunch. And I thought miracles only ever happen at Christmas!

I then sat watching telly as Laura went into my room and made a few phone calls home. She returned 20 minutes later and asked "Andrew, can you come in here, we need to talk!" Oh heck, I thought, I have heard this one before. In my experience "talking" is in fact being told "we're through!"

As I came in she smiled and said " I have hidden 18 easter eggs all over your room and here's a basket to put them in when you find them" How sweet and easter egg hunt! I hope she didn't find the well worn copy of Playboy under my bed. I only get it because it's got the closest crossword to The Times cryptic, this side of the atlantic. Honest mum!

I found all 18. She's a cunning one that Laura, but very sweet!!!

Well, not much more to report. Laura says hi, and a big congrats to Helen, Greg and Baby Benjamin. I'm an Uncle................ of sorts! It's wonderful news.

Love to all,

Andy

All Fingers and Thumbs

I have been in Canada over 6 months now. Immigration tried not to let me in after I came back from the USA, but with a mixture of charm, smooth talking, and some evasive running that Jona Lomu would have been proud of, I made it back.

It's at times like these, that one starts to look back and reflect upon what has been, and that the same time focus forward onto what will be.

I have only set myself two goals since being in Canada. The first was to become the greatest jazz, folk and blues guitarist the world has ever seen (rock is for kids). This is a work in progress!

(My tools: L: S&P accoustic R: 3/4 classical)

The second, is to get my typing speed up to 45 words per minute, so that I can further my working relationship with WorksafeBC. The people here really want me to get my speed up so I can stay. They have even lent me one of the company laptops loaded with a typing programme for me to practice on at home!

Well then how's it going? I hear you cry.

Mixed bag I’m afraid to report. Although becoming the worlds greatest jazz, folk and blues guitarist the world has ever seen, is still some decades of constant practice, a hand and brain transplant away, my lessons with Dave are already bearing fruit. He has that special balance that really helps the improving guitarist. He didn't shatter my fragile confidence when he asked me to play for him. Nevertheless, he has certainly shown me plenty of areas for improvement.

My typing on the other hand; Oh heck. Learning to touch type is not easy when your used to the Tony Blair, two finger method. I am starting from scratch and it is a slow process. For example. I started this post last Tuesday!

(Me demonstrating my current typing technique)

Still, I have another week and a half to practice, and I'm so close to the 40 wpm right now. A bit of extra grit and determination and I may just get there. Either that or I get Laura to dress in my clothes, give her a false moustache and let her take it for me. She's up in the 90's somewhere. Show - off!

I'd ask Ian but he's in the same boat I am. We're so alike sometimes it's frightening!

Love to all,

Andy

Snooze Helmet for a safer BC!

Naturally, we all spring into work in the mornings full of vigor and enthusiasm, making it our days mission to keep BC safe! (see pic 1)

(Pic 1: Me, ready to work for a safer BC!)

However, sadly, after a long rambling lunch following an evening where you may have had half a glass to much red wine, we are not always at our best. If a doctor were present, they would undoubtedly prescribe a snooze.

Senior Managers, versed in 20th Century management techniques, may not yet be aware of the long term health and output benefits of snoozing.

Therefore, may I present my latest invention (see Pic 2). For the bargain price of $200 you to can own a snooze helmet, individually crafted for the wearer, faultlessly assimilating your natural features, to project a happy and alert visage for the boss, while you are taking a quick power nap and keeping BC safe.

(Pic 2: Am I awake, or am I asleep? Its impossible to tell with uncanny detailing of the Snooze Helmet)

Everyone's a winner with Bulls "Snooze Helmet".

Order now, Make cheques payable to CASH.

Andy the Gr8!!!

You may have guessed from my egotistical title that I finally did something good! More familiar readers will also know that it was 5-aside football last night. I usually average around 3 goals per game, once I got four. I'm usually lagging somewhat behind King Banks, but I take heart that I never actually know what team keenie is playing for.

Last night only 15 people turned up which meant we could only muster 3 teams. This in turn meant that we would play 14 mins on and 7 mins off. Over the coures of 2 1/2 hours we managed to play 12 games.

The more you play the more chance to score, plus the opposition get tired. This coupled with a tiny bit of skill and a lot of huff and puff contributed to my goal tally of 8 last night.

King Banks maintained his usual standard of play making and dribbling excellence, setting up a number of my 3in tap ins, and Keenie was heroic in defence. Keenie even scored twice, one of those was in the opposition net. Classic Keenie!

We only lost two games to my memory. Afterwards many ambuli were called to deal with the exhaused ex-pat footballing community as we were all in the later stages of dehydration.

On my return home I found British Hannah there. Welcome Hannah from the motherland! She brought proper chocolate, todays newspapers and proper sized bottles of Newcastle Brown Ale. What a star!

From Cockney to Cowboy!

Howdy Ya'll


I'm Back. Miss me? Of course you did! Straight to business.

Last week I went with Laura back to her hometown of Roswell, New Mexico, via Texas to meet some more of the Zuber clan, and what seemed like the rest of Roswell (seriously, the Zubers know everyone in that town). I was a little nervous about staying with her family and meeting her father Colonel Kenny Zuber for the first time. I wondered what they would make of the foreigner dating their only daughter. I'll start from the beginning. Meet R. Dub. He's a Texan through and through. It was with him and his girlfriend (Laura's old roomate), that we stayed with in Lubbock Texas on our first night. As I got off the plane in my ski jacket, I noticed the tempreature outside was a mild 88 degrees. I soon dispensed with the layers I had become accustomed to wearing in Vancouver.

I wasn't quite sure of what to make of R. Dub when I met him. He seemed very friendly, but I think we were a little cautious of eachother at first. Until that is, I learned of his love of home brewing. The pic shows, R. Dub with his beer taps (root beer on the right for pre 9am drinking). Needless to say we both ended up getting plastered drinking his 7.7% Winterfest ale. Arm in arm, we went to visit some of his friends down the hall. Later on I gave him my concidered opinion of some of the fine British ales he will soon experience when he comes to Britain.

Next morning, we both wake up hungover, go to play shuffleboard, and he asks me "Andy, do you smoke Cigars". I had to reply in the negative, but R. Dub, what a guy!

Laura soon dragged me away from my new best friend. She took me on a tour of the Texas Tech campus where she was a student. It's the largest campus Uni in the States. It was vast. The most interesting thing was comparing it to British Universtites.
NO BARS! Texas Tech is in the buckle of the bible belt, and drinking is over 21's. All the students get to go is play sports and study hard. What a waste of an education! Seriously, that facilities put British uni's to shame. Howver this does come at quite a hefty financial cost to the students. To study here is not cheap.

Later that day Kelly (Laura's youngest brother) came to pick us up and drive us the 200 miles back to Roswell. He was with a family friend Ryan, a US marine. I was surrounded by these two huge slightly scary looking fellas wondering how I was going to make it through the next week. I was too afriad to even make eye contact with poor Laura, just in case I got jumped on.


Happily, Kelly was an absolute charmer. The next day while Laura went to the dentist, Kelly took me Golfing. This photo illustrates the only straight driving I managed that day.
Kelly playing a shot up to the green. No it's not a bunker, it's just how dry New Mexico is at the moment.
Sadly more style than substance. I think my handycap is lurking dangerously near the three figure mark. Kelly thrashed me, but had the patience and good nature to forge my scorecard so it didn't look to bad.
Next day Laura drove me to the Carlsbad Caverns. It was here that Laura and me bacame proud parents of our adopted bat called Pinky. We sat Mum and Dad down to tell them the joyous news, but they only seemed happy when we told then it was just a bat. What else were they thinking I wonder!

The view from the Caverns car park. Absolutely stunning.
The Caverns themselves, aare the most spectacular I have ever seen. They were beautiful and dramatic. I know none of you will appreciate that so I took a photo of one that looked like a boob!

Laura and me out by the lakes

The lakes and the dam. This is where Laura ans her family learned to water ski, on THEIR boat! How cool is that

Be warned! Not all roads lead to Rome.

Meet the Colonel. After showing me the stuffed heads of the animals he has shot, he showed me how he did it! Perhaps a subtle warning not to get too close to his daughter. Big boys toys! Great fun.
Welcome to White Sands (guess why it's called that?). This had been created by gypsum rubbing together to create a brilliant white sand. It is the largest gypsum sand plane in the world. The dunes form a dramatic and phenomenally beautiful landscape.
So what do you do with it? Get a sled and slide down the dunes on your bum, thats what!
Laura and me on the dunes
Me attempting to snowboard down the dunes
Daniel (Laura's middle Bro), indulging in the new sport of running off a dune jumping and seeing how far you can fall. 6.0 for artistic impression.
Back in Roswell, with the Colonel in Millitary uniform with his most prized possession (even more so than the Oryx head)
Roswell, being the home of the alien landing some 55 years ago has a little museum and research centre for people who are curious as to what really happened at area 51. But and area as pretty as Roswell wouldn't play on the aliens to drag in the tourists would they??? A spaceship shaped Macdonnalds
The street lighting is out of this world (I also get Paul to write my Jokes for me)
On our last day Daniel, Laura and me went out to the lakes to take in some of the Big Country and enjoy the sunset.
Views of the craigs
Laura and Daniel lookign cool, calm and collected
Looks like something out of Pride and Prejudice. A wind swept LauraOn out Last night I was treated to another Zuber tradition. Earlier in the week, we had a fish fry where the Colonel frys up all the fish he has caught in a light batter. It's so good even Laura let's her vegetarian crown slip a little for this one. This though id the famous wiener roast.

Basically you roast cook your hot dogs over an open fire and have it with Chilli and baked beans. Nancy (Mrs Zuber) cooks the most wonderful baked beans in a tomato sauce with a little onion and brown sugar. They were fantastic.

Laura and me also went into Laura's mums school to do a presentation about the UK and Canada for her class of 10-11 year olds. The children seemed to like my presentation. My favourite question I was asked was "are the guards at Buckingham palace allowed to blink?"

I was sad to leave the Zuber house hold. They had made me feel so welcome. The Colonel had even given me one of his flick knives to take home as a momento. Nancy also gave me some new PJ's to take back with me. I got them both a little something to say thanks for having me, but it was a small token for what was a big thanks.

I had a really fantastic time. I enjoyed meeting all these new people (some of whom though I came down to ask for the Colonel's permission to marry Laura. Small towns!) and it helped me to learn about Laura a little more which is all good!

I wondered if the trip had any affect on me. I love the big country it's people and it's ways. I have always secretly wanted to be a Cowboy too. Nevertheless, I think I'll always be me and I'll never really change.

So Goodnight Ya'll and DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS! YEEEE HAAAWWW!