Goodbye to my Kenwood
When I was 24 (and that’s a little while ago now 🙂 I decided to buy a really nice hi fi.
I knew the following year I was going to buy a house, and money wouldn’t be so readily available. I decided I’d make a big splash.
At the time, the Kenwood UD90 cost £900 (I paid it in 10 installments). I absolutely loved that thing, and in good times and bad, I sat and listened to an array of different cd’s (it had a dizzying array of features, but I hardly used any of them).
Today, most musical needs can be provided with a mobile phone and most pc’s and tv’s have comparable sound quality (and also neighbors seem to have a lot less patience for borderline “loud” music).
So, I’ve decided to give it to charity. But for 2 weeks, I’m keeping it set up, and as you can see from this picture, I’ve got all my Smith’s cd’s to listen to.
Off on a walking weekend on the 2st of March, and another the weekend after (when I’ll be giving a talk on Social Media to the YHA association). I’ve also paid the final balance on my Cuba trip in May.
Other weekend, went out walking with the CDWG. One of the best day walks I’ve ever done with the walking group, it started off with a trip to Aber falls.
As we wandered up the hill, it really took it out of me.
Walking across uneven ground, when there’s no path is far more tiring than the alternative.
Once your above the fern line, you have snow to deal with which makes it even more exhausting.
A sit down, sandwiches and coffee from my flask.
And then it happens. I decide to wander back down the valley on my own. I walk carefully, as I’m wandering across snow drifts and ice.
I had to be careful (some people think you can only move on ground like this with crampons and ice axes, but if you’ve had training and your careful, its fine.
Down at the car park, there’s a pub nearby. I find that I’m locked out of the car, and my money is in the glove compartment. Its an hour before anyone arrives !.
For the first time in ages, we go into the pub for an after work drink, and I choose coffee rather than lager !.
Spent some time in our Cambridge office recently
It really is a nice place there, and although I’m busy in the daytime, its very relaxing during the evening.
One of my favourite things there, is the Scott Antarctica museum.
Just like how whenever I’m in London, I always pass and visit the British musuem, whenever I’m in Cambridge, I do the same.
At home I still enjoy the picture I bought from there, Grotto in a Berg.
On the subject of things at home.
Just thought I’d put up this picture of my fish, as they haven’t been featured on johnsunter.com in a while, but still provide me with constant inspiration.
Otherwise, I’ve been doing loads of stuff in the house, in readiness for summer. I’ve also taken care of the pigeons in the back garden (I’ve used some pigeon spikes on the top of my drain pipe. I had to fight the urge to just shoot them with an air rifle !).
Visited another office a few days ago.
It involved a brilliant trip to Llandudno.
I always love the train to Llandudno, as it travels right down the coast and the views are superb.
I also saw loads of caravans, which reminded me of family holidays in my youth.
On a different travel subject, I was delighted to read this article about Interailing.
Although summer hasn’t fully arrived yet, it was a nice day last Sunday, so we headed to Ness Botanical Gardens on the Wirral (still unsure about putting “the” in front of Wirral, but old habits…).
Had some nice lunch, and then spent 3 hours just wandering around ponds, tree’s and plants.
A little expensive I thought at £6.50 but compared to the price of say the cinema, quite competitive. You could also bring you’r own picnic, if you don’t want a sit down dinner, and the good news, you can stay there all day.
Well, the 5th series of Jonathan Creek (one of my all time favourite tv series) is over.
I have to say I felt a bit underwhelmed. The actual crimes and mysteries were a bit too off the wall this time. I liked the dynamic with his wife, but considering it was full of “in” jokes, I’ve watched every episode and been a fan for years, but I couldn’t get a lot of them.
Glad it was back, but hope they do it better next time (and should really bring the duffel coat back 🙂
Saw this superb bar at Antique Pine Imports, run by my friend Glenn.
I love it, and think its fantastic. Key challenges are:
1. I don’t know where it would fit in the house.
2. Beautiful stuff like this isn’t cheap. It costs about £5000
For the 2nd one, Ill try this.