Bowling extravaganza

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....

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!

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?

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...