Confession Time 26.04.07

Robbie was late home - again! This time he'd managed to lose all his passes, so he had to go back to work in search of them. He thought he must have dropped them when leaving the station this morning but fortunately they were 'lost' under a pile of papers on his desk and he was able to catch the next train.

Well, I suppose it is confession time. I am quite interested in railways, but the things that interest me don't necessarily interest Robbie and vise versa. Robbie likes all things railway, but diesel is his passion. Robbie says that I like weird and random stuff - that must explain why I cope with Robbie without too many difficulties! He is probably right, I like wagons and rail grinders and that sort of thing. I love watching the Lafarge self discharge train that comes from Mt. Sorrel, I can't really explain why, it just fascinates me. I like the design and functionality but I also like the sounds of the railway and character and individuality of the different types of stock.
Recently I told Robbie about a wagon that looks as if it has been abandoned on the edge of Northampton Yard. It is old and faded with graffiti on one side and it looks unloved. It reminds me of a man I see most mornings, he is on his way to work, he looks old and tired but still reliable and ready to work. His face is wrinkled and the truck is faded and battered, but both have a certain dignity and both have their own unique history. That's what prompted Robbie to say I was weird. I wanted to take some photos of the wagon, but Robbie wouldn't let me because it was raining - wimp!

I like finding out about railway history and I love old photos. This site about Olney Station is really interesting and it has a couple of great photos, one is of the turntable and water tower, the other is of a train crossing the River Ouse bridge and viaduct during floods. Robbie was most impressed, he said he didn't know that Olney had a turntable, but I think he did because I remember reading about it somewhere before.
http://www.mkheritage.co.uk/odhs/mainframe.html

PJ Problems Again!

Well, Robbie threatened to do it yesterday and he actually did the deed today - he wore his shorts. In order to let me adjust gradually he wore his most sober pair, but it seemed a bit strange to see his very white legs on public display after all these months. Believe it or not he managed to tear his other pair of PJ's this morning, he was so cross with himself about it. He tore his other pair a while ago and he has only recently replaced them. When he told me how much they cost I could hardly believe it, they must be stitched with gold. He says they are not as good as the previous pair, so this time he want's to get the replacement pair from Gap. I always thought that stood for 'Gay and Proud' - but whatever floats his boat!

Megan has rolled and is polluting the atmosphere with the pervasive aroma of fox. Since she idolises Robbie, he can have the pleasure of showering her. This usually results in a clean dog, a devastated bathroom and a drenched and very dirty person.

Emily went away for the weekend to Gateshead with the County Youth Concert Band to take part in the National Concert Band Festival - and they got the gold award! Emily said Gateshead seemed a bit grim, but she liked what she saw of Durham.

Robbie has been playing with his latest toy - his usb turntable. He is delighted with it and has been busily adding to his i-tunes play list. He is woefully ignorant about certain types of music, I can't believe that he muddled Lonnie Donnigan up with Val Doonican! And before anyone criticises my taste in music, I must point out that a certain Mr B absolutely had to have The Funky Gibbon by the Goodies in his collection.

Birthday Boy 16.03.07

Well it's time for another 'GUEST' appearance on my site, so here goes.....
As most of you know, its was my birthday and Chris kept telling me that she'll buy me something but nothing too ridiculous in terms of cost, size, etc.... so Thursday morning came and cards and a bottle of expensive aftershave went down VERY well. When I got back from London, it was a little bit different! We all went to Chrisitine's mum for some dinner which was lovely as always. I had some lovely presents including a brilliant book from the children and a 'man bag' DVD's and a railway book. Then Chris brought out a great big bag.....memories of Xmas morning all flood back.....lol.! Inside the green sack was my BIG present....a usb turntable that will (given time...) convert all my vinvyl to digital format! Chris never ceases to amaze me, which is why I am so lucky to have her as my wife....! Im a very lucky man....!