Goodbye to Jo.

Jo and the IT team in the staff canteen

Well, a sad day today.

Jo Howard, the ace project manager on our new building celebrated her last day (its been complete now for 8 weeks and her work here is complete).

Its a bitter sweet moment for me. I’ve learned loads of useful things from Jo, and I love working with her (along with Dan, Adam, Steve and toilet Jim).

But people like that, don’t stand still for long, and Jo is off for the next challenge.

Whilst we could have gone somewhere more elaborate for a goodbye lunch, it seemed more fitting to relax in the superb staff canteen (one of Jo’s many success story’s).

We reminisced about various fun (and sometimes alarming) experiences over the past year of the move.

I can honestly say, in employment terms, I’ve gained more skills and experienced more things in the last 12 months than I have in the previous 10 years.

I’m reminded of a quote by William Blake: Look around. Almost everything you can see physically around you existed in someone’s imagination before it become real.

When I walk through the new building each day doing my work. I realise the bridge between that imagination and the tangible building as it exists now was almost solely down to Jo’s organisation and hard work.

Okay, she didn’t actually put up any walls, and in my case, I built the network and the phones and stuff like that. But without a flag for us all to to march behind, none of it would have happened on time if indeed at all.

Its been an honour and pleasure to work with you Jo and I hope you’ll keep in touch with us back here in Warrington.

Fab weekend.

canteen

Well, last couple of days have been quite hard.

With the onset of dark days and evenings, I’ve been feeling a bit down, due to SAD and its really affected my creativity, hence delay in this and other updates to the website.

On a more positive note, one advantage of our new building, is an excellent canteen run by Dine with good food each day and a relaxing place to have lunch and breaks.

In the middle of the photo, is Emily. As well as being the head chef, she drives the entire kitchen with her energy and enthusiasm.

corks

An absolutely amazing weekend, began early evening in Corks Out wine shop in Chester.

For a while now, I’ve been seeing someone I really like. Not everyone is like me, and wants their whole life up on the internet, so I’ve not mentioned her specifically in the blog, until now.

N (that’s what I’ll call her) really enjoys drinking wine (not the way I enjoy drinking Carling, it’s more about the appreciation and the experience).

It’s nice when you meet someone with similar hobbies to yourself (like hill walking) but it’s also great to try out new things with someone nice.

Every couple of weeks, they do a wine tasting at Corks Out. We normally pay a couple of quid and then get to try 6 wines, representative of a particular region or supplier.

The evenings are normally lead by the shop manager Tom (an extremely talented and charismatic chap, who can engage all levels of wine expertise).

Okay, so I’m not a wine expert, and some of the specialist stuff is a bit lost on me. Thing is, I love trying new things.

For example, did you know, if you ordered a glass of White Zinfandel, it would arrive and you would probably send it back thinking it was Rose. In reality, Zinfandel normally creates a deep red wine, so even when processed into white, it keeps some of its colour.

After this, we head to a restaurant I’ve always wanted to visit.

It’s been open a couple of years, and I’ve heard amazing things about Upstairs at the Grill, but never managed to eat there.

Originally a fan of Jamie Oliver, I remember he once said the key to running a restaurant was simple food, cooked to perfection with amazing ingredients.

That’s exactly what they offered, along with superb service 🙂

We head home, and get some rest. There’s a lot happening the next day.

wwr

I love being outdoors, but honestly being wet and cold is one thing I simply cant stand, and as long as I can remember, I’ve always hated it.

N couldn’t decide what to buy me for Christmas last year. She knew I’d been in a helicopter, submarine and stuff like that, but I’d never mentioned White water rafting.

The main reason I’d never done white water rafting, is that the very idea horrified me. I’d had the chance 3 times before, in Borneo, Peru and Andorra. On 2 occasions, I actually paid for it, but couldn’t bring myself to go.

As I opened my card I found 2 places booked on a white water rafting adventure at the National White Water Rafting centre.

On the day of the event, this wasn’t something I was looking forward too at all. As we left the car to go to reception, I felt like a man walking to the gallows !.

Things were OK, until I tried to put on the wetsuit, and realised how ridiculous I looked in it.

We headed up the hill, put the boat into the water and off we went.

A dress rehearsal for hell !. Cold water splashing into the boat and soaking me. Awful.

After the first 2 goes, it got better, and the 3 after that were quite fun (I think the excitement had warmed me up).

So, will I ever do it again. Unlikely, but it wasn’t anything like as bad as I expected. Another lesson, to not be frightened to try something new.

white-lion-royal-hotel

We’ve decided to make a weekend of it, so we head to the White Lion Royal Hotel (I really liked the hotel but couldn’t help thinking the words were in the wrong order).

Bath and a couple of beers. Dinner in Plas-Yn-Dre.

portmerion

Up the next morning for a cracking full Welsh breakfast.

We had intended to do the 2 lakes walk in Bala (and after buying the wrong map, I bought the correct 1 with the 2nd purchase).

Unfortunately, we were “enjoying” some of the worst weather that the country had seen for an entire year.

A rethink was needed, so we instead decided to visit Portmeirion.

The rain stayed away, and we wandered for hours, around the forest and next to the ocean.

I even found a viewing point high above the village, where I could take this shot.

no6_house

Wandered by number 6’s house from the Prisoner.

As you’ll know if you’ve been there, its now a souvenir shop. I had a look inside, but I already have a mouse mat and mug, so didn’t buy anything.

We had dinner at an Italian restaurant in the village, then set off home.

What an absolutely fab weekend.

hosp

But life isn’t all smiles.

I’ve been a regular visitor at the Countess of  Chester hospital recently (nothing serious, I have Polycythaemia, which means my blood is very thick. The “cure” is simple, they just take a few pints out, to thin it out again.

As I was walking to my appointment recently, it was raining, and I saw a young woman sitting out on the grass, in just a jumper, in the pouring rain.

I wondered what on earth she was doing. As I drew nearer, I could see that she was beside herself with grief.

I gestured if she was ok, and she gestured me away, she wanted to be on her own.

Can only guess, that she lost someone close to her in the hospital.

The message, to me though, is simple. Life doesn’t go on forever.

Make the most of every moment, and dont put off your adventures. One day, there wont be a tomorrow, and the chance will be gone.

Near and far, the search for adventure continues…

Post move, and adventure calls.

Dubrovnik in Croatia

Well, its 10 days since the completion of the office move (but no time for reflection, loads of day to day stuff to do).

In the bible, it says that on the 7th day, god rested from his work.

The day ratio is a bit out, but otherwise, it sounds like a good idea to me.

Off to Manchester airport in an hour, to fly of to Dubrovnik.

Its a place I’ve always wanted to visit, but slightly on the expensive side. That’s why I thought it would make an excellent destination after the move.

I’m going for a total of 5 days (I normally just go for 2 or 3 on an adventure trip) as I want this to be a “proper” relaxing holiday, as well as fast track exploration.

Well, I’ll get going now, will post photos when I get back and near or far, The search for adventure continues…

I just found out, that Chesters last remaining cinema closes on the 10th of October. I’m going to make a point of going as a final farewell.

 

Office move complete.

Me outside our new building

At 4pm on Sunday, I called Jo (the amazing project manager) to give her that days update on IT progress.

She advised me that the project phase was now complete, and that we had moved to BAU (business as usual, technical support etc).

And that was it. After 3 and a half years of planning and hard work, the project is complete.

The new network, servers, phone system, wireless infrastructure and hundreds of other things are all complete.

Probably the greatest technical achievement of my career, and its now complete.

A strange feeling really, much like completing the blue list on Table mountain.

I’m elated, but at the same time disappointed.

The project has been a significant part of my life for 3 and a half years (and completely taken my life over for the last 7 weeks).

Now its finished, and life will return to normal.

curry

I had a few drinks and dinner. I decided not to fully celebrate then.

If we could get through the first day of BAU, without significant event, then my work would have been a success.

Monday was hectic, but we got through it, and everything was fine.

Markus was visiting from Steafa to help with the move, so together with Adam and Dan, we went out for a few pints and a curry.

A brilliant night out.

What am I feeling right now ?

Gratitude. I’d like to thank the following people:

Dan & Adam, my team in the UK

Markus, Gerry, Ed and Sven from our head office in Steafa

Steve the facilities manager

Andy and Craig from WTL

Rick and the crew from CE services

Sion, Graham, Mike from Damovo

Vaughn from Rawson Digital

Gary from Insight

Finally, I’d like to thank all of you reading this.

I haven’t updated this site, nor been in touch with many of my friends for the past 7 weeks.

Life gets back to normal now and I’ll be in touch with everyone soon.

London – Book of Mormon

Me, with a view over London

I try to visit London whenever I can. A friend from the walking group was heading down there for the weekend, so I tagged along.

As I’ve said before, its like visiting another country, and its only 2 hours on the train.

The photo above is taken at the Shard viewing platform, but more about that, later in the post.

Just out of interest, the jumper I’m wearing in this photo is from Rohan. I bought it, because I didn’t think it looked like the kind of jumper I usually wear, and I was experimenting with changing my image.

I’ve been told since, that it looks exactly like all the other jumpers I own. Feel free to post if you agree/disagree.

Travelling on a virgin train

We got the train down to London around lunchtime on Friday (to make the most of the weekend).

I always like Friday afternoons away from work. Its the feeling that the weekend has begun early (I still had 3 calls from my team, but nothing urgent).

Glass of wine on the train, entertaining conversation, and we’re there before you know it.

Around Mayfair

We’re visiting Mayfair (but not trying to strangle any celebrity chefs, this is strictly an exploration/sightseeing tour).

The wine I’ve drunk on the train is getting lonely, so on the way to our weekends accommodation, we stop at a really nice bar/restaurant called Browns.

We spend the next 2 hours relaxing and chatting. I don’t normally go for the London social scene (I’m more of a see the worlds most famous sights kind of guy). On this occasion its genuinely fab relaxing there.

In the end I have to be practically dragged out (not unusual for me in a drinking establishment, but on this occasion, it isn’t by the doormen 🙂 and were on our way.

Entrance to our flat in Mayfair

We end up staying at an apartment owned by my friends company. As we arrive at the entrance, its pretty impressive.

We open up, start to unpack our bags and have a look around the place.

Living room in our Mayfair flat

It has wi fi, tv and  a really nice relaxing lounge.

Our onsuite bedroom

Even better, it has 3 double bedrooms (2 are en-suit). I love this place.

We head back to Browns for dinner, then get some rest (its a feature packed trip, there’s loads to do and we’ll need all our energy to get the most out of each day).

The George pub owned by the national trust

The next day, we head out to a traditional pub (the Kings Head) where I practice my Cockney.

The pub is quite nice, and on about 3 levels (I mean with stairs, not any intellectual nonsense).

The Shard

We head around the corner, to visit our first sight of the day, the Shard. Its the largest occupied building in Europe, and one of London’s newest.

Shard viewed from directly bellow

The view from down the street was impressive, but I found the view from the foot of the building, to be even more so.

Diagram of the shard

We only have to queue for a few minutes, then were in the lift (which goes at a hell of a speed). There is a picture inside, that shows the different levels within the building.

Viewing platform at the shard

I thought the viewing platform might be inside, but its very “open air”.

View from the shard

The view outside was amazing. You can see for miles in every direction, and computer terminals help you to identify different buildings.

We head back to our hotel, get changed and have dinner at a Moroccan restaurant called Tagine in Sheep market (a brilliant place, but sadly I cant find website for it anywhere).

We head for the West End. It was really busy and there were crowds everywhere. That said, there was a real buzz in the air and a great vibe.

Londons West end, the Prince of Wales theatre

The main purpose of the trip, is to take in the theatre.

I’ve never been to a West End show, and I was really looking forward to it.

To be honest, I always get embarrassed at musicals and I was a bit nervous.

I’m not frightened of stepping out of my comfort zone though.

This play is a sell out every where in the world that its been shown so I’m prepared to take a leap of faith (pardon the pun).

The book of Mormon satirises religion generally, but focuses on the church of the latter day saints (who most of us know as Mormons).

Won’t spoil the plot, but some idealogical elder Mormons travel to Nigeria, where their faith is tested.

The play was written by the people who make South park, so it was far from conventional. In honesty, watching it for 2 hours was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

One superb song stayed in my mind. I believe.

The man sitting in front of me at the cinema

Do I believe that God is real ?. I’d only answer a question like that in person.

Do I believe in Karma ?. Well, when I arrived, I was told I couldn’t take any pictures inside the theatre.

I lined up a nice shot, which I took in secret.

I ended up with this bald head in the middle.

I’ll answer yes to that one.

A couple of drinks in the City (with some of the most polite doormen I’ve ever met) and then off to bed.

RAF bomber command memorial

In the morning, we decide to go exploring and set of wandering.

Although the Olympics are a year ago, there are still lots of signs of it, and as we walk under an underpass, there are famous quotes by English poets and philosophers.

We pass by Green park and see the 9 foot high memorial to bomber command pilots in WW2.

It also contains an inscription remembering the Germans killed by the bombs (although the 55,000 airmen who died are hero’s here in the UK, they killed half a million Germans, and the bombing raids are considered by some in that country to be war crimes).

A sobering experience for a Sunday morning.

It reminds me that my freedom to visit another city, wander around it and write pretty much whatever I want on my blog isn’t free. As someone once said, everything in life has its price, but sometimes someone else has to pay for it.

We find a very nice cafe nearby and have breakfast.

My breakfast arrives with chips (they have some odd habits in London) and its £9.50. Its also delicious, so I just get on with eating it and drink the delicious coffee.

The Alan Turing exhibition

Visiting London and not visiting the world renowned (and free) museums, is a bit daft in my opinion.

I wanted to visit the science museum anyway, but in addition they had an exhibit dedicated to Alan Turing (I have many heroes, but he’s probably my greatest, and johnsunter.com is dedicated to him).

The exhibit was due to run for a year, and excitingly, would finish only 8 days after we left London. Coolest of all, we would be visiting it in Turing’s Birthday.

As I wandered around the museum, I was surrounded by children. I dont really like children, but in a museum, I can forgive them their loud boisterous behaviour, as I know their excited about science and learning something useful.

Inside the Turing exhibition

They had loads of interesting exhibits, including a couple of Enigma machines, loads of stuff about mathematics, some video’s about stopping the German U boats and other stuff about the Turing test.

Letters written by Turing

The other stuff was good, but I’ve seen and read most of it before.

Most fascinating to me, were the collection of letters written by Turing personally.

The letters to friends and the mother of his growing up friend Christopher Morcom after his death, gave an insight to the man himself.

In the case of Christopher, he was heartbroken, and as a result became an atheist.

Favourite of all, was one exhibit about his first day at an independent school in Sherborne. I’d heard this story many times, but it always warms me to read it again.

It fell during the general strike of 1926. In order to arrive at school on time, Turin rode 60 miles by bicycle (not like the ones we have today) stopping over at an Inn on the way.

In my mind, fate/nature/god may have made him a genius, but the determination was entirely down to him as a person.

Difference engine #2

Reflective after the Turing exhibition, we popped to get some coffee.

I wasn’t going to miss out on the other cool stuff in the museum, so headed straight back out to do some exploring. First stop the computing section.

The Babbage computational engine number 2. Never built in his lifetime, it was built from his original drawings by this museum more than 150 years later.

Its reckoned that had it been working during the 1st and 2nd world wars, it would have enabled artillery to fire with accuracy an order of magnitude greater which would have changed the balance of both wars.

Not to over-dramatise, but its the 2nd time I’ve visited this section and it was an honour to stand in front of this machine.

The speaking clock

Low tech by today’s standards, was this speaking clock.

It uses very simple vinyl record type technology, but for most of my growing up years, a nuclear clock was “off the table” and if you wanted really accurate time, you dialed 123 on any phone. What I didn’t know back then, is that 1 of 8 machines like this one was what the nation was listening to.

I didn’t get a photo of it, but the MONIAC computer was off particular interest.

Described as a hydraulic computer it used red fluid to simulate money in an economic environment. ie, you increase taxes, there is less disposable income and investment goes down.

Not sure of the economics exactly, as I dont completely understand them, but made for a fascinating demo. The one we looked at, had the fluid removed to stop degradation, but there was a video showing it in operation (link above) which is really useful and interesting.

A brass band playing near Embankment

Our adventure almost over, we head back into the city.

We find this area, where there are deck chairs and a full orchestra are playing all sorts of traditional tunes.

Am I being soft, or does the sound of a brass band make me feel distinctly British 🙂

Inside the national portrait gallery

Our final stop before the train home is the national portrait gallery.

I’m instantly reminded of the scene in Skyfall with Bond and Q meeting for the first time.

I wander around and see that a talk is taking place in one of the rooms. Its amazing, but obviously goes on for 3 hours, led by someone who’s passionate about the subject.

I’m instantly saddened. I would probably need 6 months off work and to live around the corner to attend each lecture and know all of the treasures in this building, and that’s just one museum.

I begin to get overwhelmed.

What about all the other fascinating museums and historical place in London ?

What about all the other fascinating museums and historical places in the UK ?

What about all the other fascinating museums and historical place in Europe and the rest of the world ?

That’s when I start to smile, my frustration gone. That’s the whole reason I’m here.

The search for adventure. I’ll never see everything. Its not a problem to be solved, its a journey to be enjoyed.

If you haven’t been to London recently, go there soon. Its brilliant.

Bishops castle

Me set for my Barbecue evening

Pressure is on at work, but instead of vegging out at the weekend, I’m determined to make the most of them and get out and about.

On Friday evening, I had a barbecue at my house.

A slightly unusual affair as I couldn’t get the Barbecue to light, and ended up cooking the food under the Grill. Thanks though to Glenn and Dave E for bringing burgers and Tandoori Chicken.

It was an exciting evening, what with old men falling of bicycles, and demonstrations of nunchaku sticks and everything.

Overall, a brill evening, thanks to everyone who came.

Walk near Bishops castle

On a day walk a couple of months ago, a mate called Dave, recommended a weekend away at a place called Bishops castle.

It’s a beautiful spot in the middle of some great walking country, has a fab camp-site and 10 mins from a town with some good pubs and cafe’s.

Just like I always do, I added it to my mind-map, and decided I go.

A Saturday/Sunday project was opted for and we arrived there about 12 lunchtime.

We went on a walk. Unfortunately, a lot of the gates were locked. While traversing some barbed wire, I ripped my Rohan trousers. My friends instantly offered support, realising how upset I’d be.

I remained upbeat, and pointed out that it would be far worse if I’d ripped my scrotum or something serious like that.

 

Outside the bunkhouse

Although the camp-site is lovely, the weather forecast wasn’t looking good.

We opted for the bunk house (at £10 per person per night, offered superb value).

Having finished the walk (and had 2 pints along the way) we returned to our temporary home for a sit down.

Inside Bishops castle Bunkhouse

Inside there were 2 rooms, each with a single bed and bunks so it could hold 6.

This camp picture of Alex, shows how roomy it was, and it had a laminated floor and kettle.

Having a drink in 3 tuns pub

But walking weekends aren’t just about boots on the ground.

In the evening we head into town. I always take a personal pride in the way that we help struggling businesses to get through the recession (and at the same time get completely tater’d, spend time with friends, and have a great laugh).

A pub Dave had recommended (which wasn’t cursed with “real ale” exclusivity) was The 3 Tons. I absolutely loved that pub.

Fish & Chips

I’m known locally in Chester as a man of arts, and a high brow foodie.

I decided to try the local culinary offering.

The fish and chips were delicious. Only thing was, the price was based on the size and amount of fish, which seemed a fairly hit and miss affair. Prices ranged from £4 to £6, with seemingly no clue as to the difference.

A visit to 2 more pubs. One in the middle of the high street, catering for a younger audience (but with superb music).

Further down the street, our last pub of the night featured woman doing the monkey dance from Jungle book and the same song being played on a jukebox 5 times.

And so to bed.

Offa's dyke

It was a comfortable night all told.

I awoke in a bit of a grumpy mood (for which I’d like to apologise) but quickly pulled around.

We decide to head into town for some breakfast, and settled on a superb place called The Poppy house.

Before anyone asks, there was no “Amsterdam” type products on sale, just wholesome food and tea & coffee.

Finished breakfast, and then back to the camp-site. Sadly, Glenn had to leave us, and head back to work, so we bid him farewell (I was going to say something sarcastic about him ripping off old ladies, but the truth is, Glenn is one of the most genuine business men I know).

Worse was to come. When we actually arrived at the walk, I felt a little “out of sorts” and so had to lie down. My friends did the walk, and I found this spot next to Offa’s dyke to lie down.

Three hours later, I meet up with my friends and we all head home. Overall, a brilliant weekend, I’d definitely recommend it to anyone considering a weekend away.

Update 1

Glenn in  Morocco

Well, its been all go with the Sunter foundation.

As you may know, the Sunter foundation’s main goal is the promotion of pub tolerance.

When I was in Morocco a few years ago, I could hardly find a bar anywhere. In the whole of Marrakech, I only found 1 bar which sold 3rd of a pint cans for £2.50 each !.

In anticipation of the days when when things change to the way they are in the UK (warm beer in a cracked pot, with a wasp in it !) Glenn has been boots on the ground in that country, spreading the word.

I haven’t had a progress report yet, but I’m sure Glenn has made small work of crossing the cultural divide, and along the way, may even have had time for an adventure or 2.

Kuhl Revolver trousers.

Years ago, I always wanted a Berghaus waterproof jacket.

It was ages before I could eventually afford one, as even in those days, they came in at around £280 !.

In the end I got one, but what do you know. Almost overnight, city centre scally’s got an attraction for them too, and wherever I went there were gangs of hooligans dressed just like me.

Reason I mention this, is at Christmas, Glenn left a catalogue at my house. It was called Ice and Snow (or something like that).

They had some really good outdoor/casual trousers. Had a bit of a daft name, as they were called Kuhl revolver, but I liked them and bought a pair.

I didn’t buy them from the catalogue, as they were almost £100. Instead I found them on the internet at Taunton Leisure. I’ve since bought a 2nd pair, and it takes a lot to say this, but they are more comfortable than any of my Rohan trousers !.

Anyway, problem is I’ve started to see loads of people wearing them now.

So, before the world steals my dream, I want to stake my claim, that I was wearing them first.

Rememberence Garden Chester

My friend Nick Barker came down to visit a fortnight ago.

He’s been down to Chester a couple of times, and its always a pleasure to see him.

This time, to my delight, 2 things went to plan.

Firstly, when I took him to see the Albion (for those that dont know, its a pub with a “war years” interior. It literally looks like a pub would have looked during the blitz ) it was open. The few times we’ve been before, it hasn’t and he’s just had to take my word for it. I was starting to think that he thought it was just in my imagination, but finally it was open on a Friday afternoon and we had a couple of pints in there.

Secondly, the Remembrance Garden. I go there quite often on a Sunday morning, to read and reflect. The garden itself, has a flower bed laid out in the form of the Cheshire regimental medal. Whenever I pass with friends, it always seems to be winter, and all you can see is soil. This time it was in flower and we were able to see it in all its glory.

New Building

Office move continue”s on a pace.

Cisco Phones

Main network is setup and working, and we are presently setting up the new phone system. We’re installing new printers later this week as well.

Still loads to do, and exhausting work, but some of the most rewarding I’ve ever done.

Bishops castle campsite

But its not all work work work.

I actually have the coming weekend off. I’m having a Barbecue at my house on Friday evening and I’m spending Saturday and Sunday at Bishops Castle campsite with a few friends from the walking group.

My new panniers

I finaly got the new panniers to go wiht the excelent pannier rack that Glenn got me for my birthday.

The panniers are custom made to fit the rack, and clip on. *

New panniers with extra luggage space expanded

But the fun doesn’t end there.

The panniers are the ideal size for knocking about town, but if your on a longer trip (like the one I do to Llangollen each year) they are expandable.

Brilliant bit of kit, I cant wait to start using it. *

* Couple of years ago, I felt like my kitchen needed brightening up, and I didn’t have much money. I ended up with this awful yellow. I’d like to apologise for the garish colour you can see in the background.

1 original fish and 4 new one's

The last couple of months have been difficult with my fish.

I came home one evening and found that 1 of my fish had died.

I felt really bad about it. Was it something I had done ? Was there anything I could have done to prevent it ?.

I didn’t know, so I put down the fish and chips I was eating, to give him a decent Christian burial in my Japanese Garden.

Another died a few weeks after that, which left me with just 1, who looked really lonely (he shouldn’t have been, he still had me).

Since then I’ve got 4 new ones and the 5 of them seem to be getting on fine.

Finally, I’ve been updating some older parts of the website. If you have a moment, take a look at Frequently asked questions and 10 things I hate.

The search for adventure continues…

Difficult times

This isn't me by the way !

Sorry there hasn’t been an update of js.com in a few days.

A simple thing like carrying some camp chairs to an open air Blondie concert is all it takes to cause lower back pain.

My excellent Dr, advises that the problem will pass in 1 to 2 weeks, and that the problem is relatively common and not serious at all.

He also points out that the pain is far disproportionate to the seriousness of the problem. All I know, is that I can walk, or lie down for a short while, but after that, I’m in agony.

Putting on socks takes me about 25 mins, as the pain is that intense.

I know it will be gone in a few days, but the main problem is frustration. I have loads of important things to do at work.

With the pain, I literally can’t think straight enough to type an email, and if the facts I put in it are wrong, it will be worse than if I didn’t type it at all.

Worse still, with the hectic nature of my life, I dream of free time to do random things in the house.

So now, I have the painful irony of looking at jobs that need doing, but not having the energy or the pain “resistance” to do them (especially, I have updates for this website that desperately need doing, yet I’m lying on a sofa fighting of pain and fatigue).

25 years ago, I was on a once in a lifetime trip called the Hambrose cruise, with Fairbridge Drake. It was a multi activity trip, which shaped and directed my life. During the sailing, I had severe sea sickness.

After several days, I pulled around. Tony and Nadiah both looked confused that I had suddenly become so talkative. I said simply, I was in a dark place until now and normally,  if I can’t think of something positive to say, then I’ll say nothing at all.

The reason I’m posting this ? its simple. The next time I’m getting of a train, and have to wait while someone old is in front of me and struggling. I wont be so quick to judge.

On this occasion, I’m not searching for anything, just an end to the pain…

John

Glenn’s week of Birthday celebrations is complete

Glenn's birthday bash

The main event complete:  11:45 am, 07/07/2013:

Well, what is there left to say.

With all the preparation of a Royal wedding, Glenn’s amazing birthday evening went to plan.

For a brief moment, I thought something had gone horribly wrong, and I was worried. I arrived at the Weighing room, said hi to the bouncers and then headed upstairs to the private room with a few friends.

When we arrived, the room was empty and no-one was there. For a moment, I had emotions much like Charlton Heston in the closing moments of Planet of the Apes.

But everything was ok. Because of the superb weather, Glenn and his entourage had set up stage in the beer Garden outside.

Loads of cool people came. Friends from the walking group, IVC, Snow boarding, someone from military fitness and even Glenn’s brother Gwyn. Too many to name individually, but 20 +. A fantastic turnout.

Glenn also received several presents, including the cup he is holding in this photo, labelled his Lordship (chosen by Alex, I don’t think I could have picked a better present myself).

Lights in the background were heaters, but gave this photo a “rock star on the stage feel”.

Mini Burger at Weighing room. Quite delicious

In some ways, the food at the Weighing room, could be called poncy.

I had this mini burger (I’ve put a fork next to it, so you can see how small it was). However, it was delicious and only £4.50. Since most starters cost around a fiver, I thought it represented good value.

Although tables had been booked at the Church and Barton Rouge, we ended up having a few drinks in the Townhouse (previously called Politic). Later we visit a curry house on City road. I got to bed at 3am.

Fab event, thanks to everyone who came, and especially Glenn for organising it.

Dress code

Urgent – message from Glenn :  12:28 am, 05/07/2013:

It was mentioned earlier in the week, but Glenn has asked me to re-enforce the message about dress code.

Just like job interviews, marriage proposals, court appearances and visits to Buckingham Palace, there are times when being dressed the right way is important.

That’s like tonight. There’s a good chance we’ll be visiting the Church or somewhere like that later in the evening, and it will be a major downer if 1 of us gets knocked back for wearing trainers, jeans, a gimp mask etc.

* I grabbed the diagram above from the web. Glenn has asked me to point out that cleavage isn’t a problem in and of itself, but male cleavage must be covered at all times.

A group of complete strangers having a good time

Update – All the systems go :  08:28 am, 05/07/2013:

The hour is at hand. Yes, the Sun is out, and its the day of Glenn’s birthday do.

Adopting something of a “work hard, play hard” mentality, me and the lads (I mean my team at work, not the fish) are cracking on, and getting loads of work done, in advance of this evenings frivolities.

Promises to be a superb evening, see you all there.

Birthday boy

Update – Glenn’s legal birthday :  12:01 am, 04/07/2013:

Popped out tonight for a couple of beers around Chester with the crew from IVC.

Left a pub about 11:15, then hit on the idea of getting a pint, and celebrating Glenn’s birthday “in-situ”.

Sure enough, the excellent Church was open, so we whiled away the hours, with Andy, Phil, Giles and Hillary (and obviously me and Glenn).

And here you have it. Glenn at 1 minute past 12, aged 40.

The table in the curry house, is now booked at Barton Rouge after the private swaree at the Weighing room (details bellow).

Brill news, is that several other people out tonight, heard the sound of the pied piper (Glenn) and now there’s even more of us coming on Friday.

An artists impression of the incident

Update – Glenn’s birthday bash:  6:50 am, 02/07/2013:

I’ve just returned to my house, after finding that the 5:40am train to Warrington, collided with some cows in Mickle Trafford and they don’t know when the next one will be available.

But instead of feeling miserable, I was elated. Why ?

Hearing about Mickel Trafford reminded me, that its only 3 days to Glenn’s birthday bonanza, when the weekend comes to life.

Whilst I’d like to offer my sympathy’s to the bovine families of the fatally injured cows, every cloud…

Replace photo

Update – Glenn’s birthday bash: 15:10 pm:

OK, we’ve just got the low down straight from the horses mouth, so here’s the money shot. Friday the 5th of July, 7:30pm sharp.

Initially, Glenn will be receiving guests on the first floor of The Weighing room on Common-hall street, Chester (private room booked, cocktails on arrival, if you buy them yourself).

We will be  spending an hour or 2 here, while we give the “cake mix time to set”.

Probably another pub or 2 (all obviously of the highest possible calibre) and then its fine dining at Barton Rouge curry house at 11pm.

Smart casual attire (hardly needs to be said for a high profile occasion like this) attractive single girls should be aware that Alex Ford may be present on the evening, and should dress accordingly !.

Promises to be a superb evening, don’t miss it.

Update – Glenn’s birthday bash: 2:30 pm:

Still no granular details about the big event.

Having been served a writ by CAA (who handle all Glenn’s affairs) we’ve decided to change the photo (shame, as I thought the other one had more of a Miami vice feel to it).

More news when we have it !.

First look, Glenn’s birthday party.

Hot of the presses, that man-about-town Glenn is having a birthday Bash.

Rumours traversing the internet are that the Chester event of the year is to take place sometime on Friday next week.

More details as we get them here at johnsunter.com and best of luck to people awaiting an invite.

!!! Were expecting an update about 2pm today !!!

Hilbre Island and WBC

Walking to Hilbre Island

Out the other evening with the walking group.

I don’t normally go to evening walks, but Hilbre Island is somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit.

In a previous life, I was at a party in West Kirby, and people were talking about an Island you could walk too, only if the tide was out. That’s the stuff that adventures are made of.

To my eternal shame, it would be 6 years between that conversation and actually walking there.

hilbre1

There are a few private building there, and a sort of museum, but overnight stays are forbidden. I wish someone would build a youth hostel or a bunk house there.

Apparently they couldn’t get a park ranger to stay on the Island, as they couldn’t cope with no running water and no electricity.

I’d love it.

Alison working as a first aider

This weeks featured friend is Alison B.

I met her through Chester IVC, and since then we’ve become good friends.

Of special interest is her work with Saint John’s ambulance service. The work is entirely voluntary, and she was photographed here at Chester races (this picture actually featured in the Chester Chronicle).

The hut at Wild Boar Clough

About this time last year, I was invited to stay at Wild Boar Clough. The offer came around again this year, and I couldn’t resist.

I should point out, that quite a few people who said they’d go, dropped out at fairly late stages, and as a result, the event was nearly cancelled at 4pm on the evening we were due to set off.  I’m not perfect, but if I say I’m going to do something or be somewhere, then a visit to the hospital is the only thing that will stop me.

No matter. We drive to Macclesfield (passing by Rainow, I think about Lyndsay, and the Gritstone trail I walked last year with Tony), then walk over with our gear to our now familiar dwelling Cumberland cottage.

Leanne has been to China since we were here last and has acquired some skills of equipment selection and packing (so our walk in, doesn’t look like Younghusband’s trip to Lhasa this time).

Once set up, its off to the Crag pub for dinner (before setting off, I was disappointed that my kettle was no longer there !).

 

Walking across the moors

Next morning, I sit outside with my mug of tea and breakfast bars, and contemplate the day ahead.

I do most of my walking now around Snowdonia and the Clwydian mountains, so its nice to be somewhere a bit different.

Trekking to the Cat and Fiddle pub

It’s shaping up to be a beautiful day.

I’ve brought a packed lunch, but Aidan had arranged it so we’d be at the Cat and Fiddle pub (the 2nd highest in the country) in time for lunch.

I’d always wanted to visit the Cat and Fiddle, but never had the chance before.

Inside the pub

 

Pub turns out to be fab.

There’s a ramblers bar with a fire and stuff like that, but its packed. We head to the back bar where its quieter (In the above photo, I’m standing in the back bar, and Aidan is ordering Food in the ramblers bar).

I was delighted to see that they had a jar with Black Jacks and Frutella’s. They were 5p each, and it you wanted, you could have your change in Black Jacks.

I had sandwiches with me, so I decided to eat them later on the trail, and instead had 2 pints (this is johnsunter.com after all !).

It only rained once the whole day, which was otherwise mostly sunshine. Amazingly, as we were sat in the pub, the heavens opened. For 30 minutes there was a monsoon, which luckily, we just sat through eating and drinking, and by the time we came to leave it had finished.

Amazing timing.

Stopping on the trail

We carry on along the trail, and spend some time walking through the woods.

I chat do Leanne, and we discuss (among other things) how appalling the bar service is at the Church, Newgate street in Chester.

On the subject of church’s, we sit in a church yard and I finish of my sandwiches, before continuing.

Heading for Shutlingsloe, the Cheshire Matterhorn

From here we finish our walk with an ascent of Shutlingsloe (nicknamed the Cheshire Matterhorn).

For some reason, when we get near the top, I decide I’ve enjoyed the day, and will instead circle around the peak. Lately, I’ve started to “stop short” on some walks. I almost feel like I’ve got enough out of the expirience, and just want to relax. Its not that I cant do it or anything, and I’m lucky to have walking companions who understand this.

Heading for home

Back at the hut, we pack up our stuff, sweep up etc and then walk down the trail to get some dinner and head for home.

Another smart time away from home.

Would it have been more convenient to stay at home, and spend Saturday watching tv ?. I’m reminded of a quote by Kahlil Gibran.

The lust for comfort. That stealthy thing that enters the house a guest, then becomes a host and then a master.Â