A fun day of bowling was had on Saturday with friends. To be clear, yes it was bowling and not bowls, more commonly played at a slow pace by the mature generation, wearing the obligatory white suits and shiny white shoes on a perfectly groomed lawn. I was enjoying the more frantic indoor bowling experience where noise from the nearby lanes bombarded my eardrums. My good friend Matt Barton and Co organised a few games at an indoor centre in Poole, and as soon as I walked in, was told, much to my disappointment that "special" shoes are no longer required for their surfaces. As far as I'm concerned, puting on a smelly, well-worn pair of size 10s completes the whole indoor bowling experience, but to be wearing my regular shoes left me feeling somewhat short changed. Matt, if you're reading this, only joking.....'twas fun and always a giggle.
Despite not having played since I was a kid, I was able to push my (pigeon) chest out with pride at my ability having achieved not one but TWO STRIKES. GET IN. Apparently, it's all in the wrist action....
Saturday, 27 July 2013
Friday, 19 July 2013
Family reunion
At the weekend in Swindon, it was family reunion time. I've not seen my sister, brother-in-law and the kids since Christmas, and they're now back from Chicago where they've been living for the last year. They were due to be in America for two years, but due to job changes, they're back in the UK earlier. I think they've got mixed feelings about the early arrival back. It was lovely to catch up with them all, and my parents and my other sister and brother-in-law Andy (pictured after a few too many bubbles) who were also there were wonderful hosts as always. Many stories to tell, many photos to view and much to much to drink.
My two-year old son Oscar was the centre of attention racing around at 100mph, and pre-occupied with a paddling pool in the garden to soak his two cousins which he had much delight in doing.
So how long will the hot weather last? Do we take a family trip to the beach, only to be sat in a massive long queue because everyone has the same idea when the sun's out.
Friends and colleagues of mine must be kicking themselves, after having forked out to go to Spain/Turkey/Greece for their summer holiday only to realise they can get the same hot sun for free back home. DOH!
Wednesday, 10 April 2013
Birthday bonanza
As a broadcaster and voice-over artist, I do have the inclination to spout on about...well anything that either comes to mind or what's written on a script in front of me.
In the interest of saving my listener from complete boredom about the inner workings of my life, I like to blog instead, hoping that you reading this might think I'm more down to earth rather than some vain, pretentious little git. Yes, I'm opening myself up to a resounding "You are anyway Roger!".
I'm normally associated with having, as the saying goes, short arms and deep pockets in the spending department. Thanks Mum & Dad for training me all those years ago. You're entirely to blame! Outside of my control is the necessity to spend, and spend a bit more during April, for it is a hectic month for family birthday's. Firstly my sister, then my nephew, then my brother-in-law, then my wife. For this year, and this year only, sending pressies to my sister and family is expensive as they currently live across the pond in Chicago, until they return in July....can't wait. I sent a big parcel last week, with cards and pressies inside. The postage by airmail cost enough to make me gasp to the cashier on the other side of the glass. Nonetheless I paid up, feeling a bit lighter in the pocket and light-headed.
Note to self - don't forget wife's birthday, 28 April. Be generous. Am I entering into uncharted territory?
In the interest of saving my listener from complete boredom about the inner workings of my life, I like to blog instead, hoping that you reading this might think I'm more down to earth rather than some vain, pretentious little git. Yes, I'm opening myself up to a resounding "You are anyway Roger!".
I'm normally associated with having, as the saying goes, short arms and deep pockets in the spending department. Thanks Mum & Dad for training me all those years ago. You're entirely to blame! Outside of my control is the necessity to spend, and spend a bit more during April, for it is a hectic month for family birthday's. Firstly my sister, then my nephew, then my brother-in-law, then my wife. For this year, and this year only, sending pressies to my sister and family is expensive as they currently live across the pond in Chicago, until they return in July....can't wait. I sent a big parcel last week, with cards and pressies inside. The postage by airmail cost enough to make me gasp to the cashier on the other side of the glass. Nonetheless I paid up, feeling a bit lighter in the pocket and light-headed.
Note to self - don't forget wife's birthday, 28 April. Be generous. Am I entering into uncharted territory?
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
Food, glorious food
I could spout on about the seemingly endless health complaints I've had since the start of 2013, but I don't want to bore you rigid (even more). Exactly, it's an age thing. So just to summarize...lower back pain, tooth ache and a bloody accident with a chef's knife all in the space of a few weeks. Away from the doom and gloom now with a few pickies of my son...
Bedlam and disorder in the Clarke kitchen this week as my wife had some "help" from Oscar making Easter cup cakes. And very delicious they were too.
So last year!
And the best best bit...
I want that one...
Saturday, 29 December 2012
Christmas excess
As always, big build up and then it's all over and done with. No it's not what you think, I'm talking about Christmas.
Bearing in mind my son Oscar has his birthday just 12 days before Christmas, the volume of prezzies he receives is suddenly huge. The lounge and living room is groaning with different types of cars, lorries, car transporters, car parks, books, teddies....you name it....we could start a toy shop with all this variety. Grateful to all that have been generous with gifts for his birthday and Christmas, but we now need a bigger house to accommodate the sheer volume.
Christmas day was spent with my wife Jo and her family at her sisters' place. There was a slight hiccup of the oven failing at the most crucial point...when the turkey was in. So mother-in-law to the rescue, and with a short drive to her place, she finished off the cooking in her oven. A delightful Christmas dinner ensued, with the table replete with festive goodies.
I'm sure this kind of arrangement happens up and down the land, especially when there are two sides of the family to consider - repeat performance on Boxing Day, with an equally lovely Christmas dinner with my family this time. End result - indigestion tablets to ease the pain of gluttony.
Bearing in mind my son Oscar has his birthday just 12 days before Christmas, the volume of prezzies he receives is suddenly huge. The lounge and living room is groaning with different types of cars, lorries, car transporters, car parks, books, teddies....you name it....we could start a toy shop with all this variety. Grateful to all that have been generous with gifts for his birthday and Christmas, but we now need a bigger house to accommodate the sheer volume.
Christmas day was spent with my wife Jo and her family at her sisters' place. There was a slight hiccup of the oven failing at the most crucial point...when the turkey was in. So mother-in-law to the rescue, and with a short drive to her place, she finished off the cooking in her oven. A delightful Christmas dinner ensued, with the table replete with festive goodies.
Oscar with his two nephews Josh and Dan...and after a hard day's playing with my sister Nessa.
Sunday, 16 December 2012
Ho Ho Ho
On Wednesday me, Jo and my son Oscar went into town to visit Santa and yes, another photo opportunity...
Santa's enthusiasm was as usual zealous and full of ho-ho-ho's. Oscar was a little shy at first with this new experience. Who is this stranger with a long flowing beard bearing gifts? And why is he saying ho-ho-ho all the time? But he quickly warmed to his kindess and happily told Santa that all he wanted for Christmas was a car.
The one and striking characteristic I noticed about Santa was that, this year, unlike ones before, he looked skinnier. Ageless, but skinnier. You see, even Santa isn't immune to the economic downturn. Even the omnipresent has to be thrifty sometimes. Oh Santa, we need that belly back.
Santa's enthusiasm was as usual zealous and full of ho-ho-ho's. Oscar was a little shy at first with this new experience. Who is this stranger with a long flowing beard bearing gifts? And why is he saying ho-ho-ho all the time? But he quickly warmed to his kindess and happily told Santa that all he wanted for Christmas was a car.
The one and striking characteristic I noticed about Santa was that, this year, unlike ones before, he looked skinnier. Ageless, but skinnier. You see, even Santa isn't immune to the economic downturn. Even the omnipresent has to be thrifty sometimes. Oh Santa, we need that belly back.
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Back in time
It was time to travel once again. This time to Scarborough. I town I'd never visited before, but with anticipation and a feeling of excitement, for it was another chance for me and other radio "nerds" to gather and mull over the state of the radio industry, share stories, and drink and eat until we collapse.
The hotel in the brochure looked quite desirable, but upon further inspection, quickly resembled a shabby, unkempt, unloved ramshackle of an ex-Butlins hotel that hadn't seen a lick of paint in many generations. It reminded me of the Inbetweeners movie where the teenage idiots arrive at their so-called hotel to discover a dead dog being pulled from the well by the hotel manager...."this isn't what it looks like in the brochure", they cried.
The hotel clientele were mostly elderly, and in the lounge area, it looked like God's waiting room with a plethora of hair pieces and dentures. While I was happily drinking and talking to other nerds, I noticed an elderly woman scouring at me, with a constant look of disapproval on her face, as if I was uttering the most obscene language. I think that was just her normal facial expression.
The single room I booked was the cheapest, yet had spectacular sea views of Scarborough beach. Friends had spent double the amount I did, only to occupy a basement room with no windows and no view - where's the logic there then.
After having spent very little time sleeping in my hotel bed, I crawled down to the breakfast area to be greeted by a sea of blue rinses, miserable faces and a strong smell of burnt toast in the air. YEP, it was time to eat a budget DIY breakfast out of a trough. Before I could sit down, an unfriendly member of staff abruptly asked me "Have you got your ticket?"....."um, no, I left it in my room"....."Well, how am I supposed to know you're a paying customer. You should have your ticket with you at all times!" Grunt, Grunt. Trying to be smart, I replied "Surely, my hotel door key is enough to tell you I'm a paying customer?". I feel I'm becoming cantankerous in my old age.
The hotel in the brochure looked quite desirable, but upon further inspection, quickly resembled a shabby, unkempt, unloved ramshackle of an ex-Butlins hotel that hadn't seen a lick of paint in many generations. It reminded me of the Inbetweeners movie where the teenage idiots arrive at their so-called hotel to discover a dead dog being pulled from the well by the hotel manager...."this isn't what it looks like in the brochure", they cried.
The hotel clientele were mostly elderly, and in the lounge area, it looked like God's waiting room with a plethora of hair pieces and dentures. While I was happily drinking and talking to other nerds, I noticed an elderly woman scouring at me, with a constant look of disapproval on her face, as if I was uttering the most obscene language. I think that was just her normal facial expression.
The single room I booked was the cheapest, yet had spectacular sea views of Scarborough beach. Friends had spent double the amount I did, only to occupy a basement room with no windows and no view - where's the logic there then.
After having spent very little time sleeping in my hotel bed, I crawled down to the breakfast area to be greeted by a sea of blue rinses, miserable faces and a strong smell of burnt toast in the air. YEP, it was time to eat a budget DIY breakfast out of a trough. Before I could sit down, an unfriendly member of staff abruptly asked me "Have you got your ticket?"....."um, no, I left it in my room"....."Well, how am I supposed to know you're a paying customer. You should have your ticket with you at all times!" Grunt, Grunt. Trying to be smart, I replied "Surely, my hotel door key is enough to tell you I'm a paying customer?". I feel I'm becoming cantankerous in my old age.
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