The Ruse

A couple of weeks ago I had the idea to take Lincoln Go-Karting for his birthday and mentioned it to Jamie who said we should make it a surprise so we began the ruse.

The fact that she is leaving to go home for three weeks on Friday meant wanting to spend this weekend all together as a family was perfect but for to suggest going to a National Trust to make Christmas wreaths was cruel. Reagan spotted it first and said again why would you pick that as an activity for Lincoln’s birthday weekend? Lincoln was far behind but when he complained Mommy guilt tripped him saying that she thought it would just be a nice way to spend our last Saturday together as a family. It worked because he apologised. The ruse was was set!

Over the last couple of days, we kept dropping in the odd comment about how important it was to be on time and added in visiting a shop in Stoke that shuts at 2pm to make sure both kids were ready to leave in good time. It all worked perfectly Lincoln went to school as an ambassador until 12 Reagan and I went horseriding got home at 12:30 and all four of us were out of the house by 1pm

Arriving in Stoke in plenty of time we pulled onto the Teamsport car park and the penny dropped with Lincoln admitting he was disappointed about Mommy’s idea but was going along with it so she wasn’t upset and Reagan was also glad and excited to go Karting.

Both took it in the spirit it was meant to be and we all enjoyed the adrenaline rush that was racing at high speed.

Afterwards we said there was a second surprise and drove to Lincoln’s favourite restaurant, Hickory Smokehouse, in Crewe where Nannie  Uncle Karl & Auntie Karen were there waiting.

I think he was suitably surprised and impressed and after eating his rack of ribs with mac’n’cheese followed by a donut with whipped cream and a candle to blow out after we all sang Happy birthday… he was full too!

Best birthday ever…?

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81 not out

Although Grandad preferred to go to a funeral rather than celebrate his birthday, we made up for it by taking a cake and singing him happy birthday too!

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How much

I got a “Good news, you’ve won a prize!” email this morning from the Lottery and I had that. Oh my gosh I wonder how much, 30 second feeling while I found and opened the app and logged in.

I had actually won £30 the biggest win I have had for years. Although I only occasionally have a go on the lottery, it was a pleasant feeling to win more than I actually staked for once

Ironically, Reagan mentioned that I owe her 4 shifts worth of pay £24 so in one hand out the other…

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Weather or not

If we didn’t have weather we’d have nowt to talk about well the weather since cutting me mums lawn on Monday has been “rainy” ranging from annoyingly damp to horrendously torrential the latter being usually when Billy needs a walk.

It might be the last cut of her lawn this year but it’s like I won a little by getting it done before the weather changed…or maybe not?

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Extend idea

A little project to extend my shed to the end of the existing roof has been mulling over in me head for a few days. I am never going to go any further with the bar idea so the roofing wasted and would be ideal if I stuck some footings in framed it up and extended my shed.

It could house the extraction and create alot more storage or just space….?

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It’s a field!

Went to mow me mums lawn tonight because there won’t be many more opportunities this year because the weather is drawing in as well as the nights. It rained all day yesterday scuppering my chance to walk Billy up to her house and getting it done but tonight after a dry windy day I spied my chance and took it.

As a kid it was my playground a a cricket pitch a football field tennis and badminton court motocross circuit you name it we played on it.

Today it’s still massive but for different reasons the main one is its like mowing a field that if you don’t getting on it regular it is a maul even for me, but it’s worth the effort  because it makes me happy!

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Game Day

Finally!

It’s been a long off season, the @broncos last game was a loss against the @raiders (hawk tuah) 7th January, but let’s not think about that! ?

A new season and new hope tempered with the reality that we are rebuilding with a rookie quarterback @bonix10 who looks promising and under the tutelage of coach @sean.paytonofficial could prosper but it will take time!

The ‘success now’ culture we live in crushes talent unless results are instant, yes we won 3 preseason games but the real test starts tonight in Seattle, not an easy start to a career but we will hopefully start to see a foundation to build on?

The fan in me thinks maybe a win…?

Anyway, I will be watching and cheering as always

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Beaming

Jamie arrived home from her pastoral meeting where she is hoping to become a preacher, I was in the garden and as she walked towards me she was beaming.

She looked happier than I can ever remember with a smile that was uncontrollable.

She proceeded to explain how she had received really great feedback and that not only was she scheduled to preacher for the first time in November she will do the whole service on the 16th anniversary of her arrival here to live.

It is amazing, or maybe not(?) how far she has come since arriving and it is so good to see her flourishing every single day

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First week done

A short week helped both Reagan and Lincoln’s transition into school routine again.

Reagan had her breakfast with the headteacher for volunteering at the library which was really great to be recognised for.

Lincoln came and informed us that he has been chosen as a school ambassador and will represent the school later this month.

As first week go, I am not sure it could have gone any better!

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Reagan recognised

It’s only day two of term but Reagan has already impressed the school because she volunteered to work some shifts o er the summer holidays and the school found out about it and recognised her efforts and invited her to a celebration breakfast tomorrow.

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