It has been a good start. We had a very comfortable ride up to Gatwick in the back of an S-Class Mercedes. Delivered in perfect comfort, we rolled our cases in to Departures and handed them over to Virgin in return for our boarding cards. Then we headed back out and across the road to Sofitel.
We have a VIP room at Sofitel, courtesy of Expedia, and vouchers for free drinks and a 20% discount on our food. We dropped our overnight bags and headed back down to dinner. Pork rib-eye for the Silver Vixen and jerk chicken for the Gorse Fox, all washed down with some free wine. Perfect.
Now we have a very leisurely evening and morning before our flight tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 08, 2019
Ready, Steady
It was absolutely thrashing down with rain this morning when the Gorse Fox came down. Jasper was happy to head for the Orangery but certainly wouldn't venture out.
Talking of Jasper, he clearly had checked the family calendar and understood the codes we had used to try and fool him. So it was that five minutes before we had to take him to the cattery he disappears upstairs and hid in the most inaccessible part of the Gorse Fox's study. We tracked him down and the Gorse Fox managed to get a good grip and deposit him in his carrier without incident. Twenty minutes later Mark greeted him like a long lost friend and Jasper settled into his run for his Spa break!
Back home we could finally break out the suitcases and get the packing done. The Gorse Fox, despite his lists, is convinced he has forgotten something - or may underestimated some items while overestimating others.
We've just been in contact with Agent Mulder - he's still scrambling round at work in NYC but is looking forward to meeting up tomorrow.
Cousteau-Cub has had her briefings on running the house and also has a monthly bus pass on order so she can get around. The Gorse Fox thinks everything is more or less set. We just need to wait for the chauffeur, now.
Talking of Jasper, he clearly had checked the family calendar and understood the codes we had used to try and fool him. So it was that five minutes before we had to take him to the cattery he disappears upstairs and hid in the most inaccessible part of the Gorse Fox's study. We tracked him down and the Gorse Fox managed to get a good grip and deposit him in his carrier without incident. Twenty minutes later Mark greeted him like a long lost friend and Jasper settled into his run for his Spa break!
Back home we could finally break out the suitcases and get the packing done. The Gorse Fox, despite his lists, is convinced he has forgotten something - or may underestimated some items while overestimating others.
We've just been in contact with Agent Mulder - he's still scrambling round at work in NYC but is looking forward to meeting up tomorrow.
Cousteau-Cub has had her briefings on running the house and also has a monthly bus pass on order so she can get around. The Gorse Fox thinks everything is more or less set. We just need to wait for the chauffeur, now.
Tuesday, May 07, 2019
Canon
Well the Canon ink arrived today and clicked into place without incident. The printer is now working again. A lesson well learnt.
The day has been spent fiddling with various technology, getting batteries charged, getting cables ready, and reviewing the Silver Vixen's tablet. The conclusion from the latter was that it would be pointless to cart it around as she finds it too heavy to hold comfortably when reading, and it is so slow. The upshot is that we dropped into John Lewis and bought her a new 2019 iPad Mini. The Gorse Fox was very impressed with the iPad setup. It was just a matter of moving the Silver Vixen's phone near to the new device and typing the unlock code.... and off it went.
Cousteau-Cub had an interview for a job today. It seemed to go well but we'll have to see what happens. No decisions until the end of the week apparently.
The day has been spent fiddling with various technology, getting batteries charged, getting cables ready, and reviewing the Silver Vixen's tablet. The conclusion from the latter was that it would be pointless to cart it around as she finds it too heavy to hold comfortably when reading, and it is so slow. The upshot is that we dropped into John Lewis and bought her a new 2019 iPad Mini. The Gorse Fox was very impressed with the iPad setup. It was just a matter of moving the Silver Vixen's phone near to the new device and typing the unlock code.... and off it went.
Cousteau-Cub had an interview for a job today. It seemed to go well but we'll have to see what happens. No decisions until the end of the week apparently.
Monday, May 06, 2019
Inking the deal
The Gorse Fox must start today's blog by talking about yesterday evening. We went along with the Sonning Crew to Southampton. Arriving a little early, we stopped into a pub for a drink before carrying on to the theatre for dinner. The Ovation Restaurant on the top floor of the Mayflower opened at 17:30 and we were the first guests. They were smart enough to realise that the Gorse Fox's booking for 2 and 4 was really a booking for 6 and had allocated a table for us all. The food, as before, was excellent and we had a very leisurely meal with plenty of chat, and plenty of laughter. We decided that the sweet course could wait for the intermission and just had teas and coffees before the show.
We had excellent seats in the stalls with an uninterrupted view. Bill Bailey started at eight and within minutes had us in stitches with his observations of the current political landscape. We thought Tinkerbell would need oxygen as she rocked back and forth with laughter - nearly disappearing under the seat in front of her. It really was an uplifting couple of hours of laughter and brilliant music. Bill Bailey is really so incredible funny, so intelligent, and best of all - clean!
The show finished at about 22:20 and we were home by 23:30. What a brilliant evening. The Gorse Fox cannot remember the last time he laughed so much.
Today started slowly. Coffee, porridge, and the papers before Urban-Cub turned up with Ellie and Cousteau-Cub in tow. Urban-Cub and Ellie didn't stay for long but did go round to feed the ducks. The Gorse Fox, meanwhile, took Cousteau-Cub out to do some food shopping for while we are are away.
Back home the nice man from Amazon had dropped off some printer ink. Frankly, the Gorse Fox wishes he hadn't. The Gorse Fox made the mistake of buying from a cheap OEM source. The first cartridge he tried to use leaked copies amounts of printer ink over his desk, his keyboard, and his study carpet. By the time he's cleaned it all up he was very irritated, and the carpet was ruined. He tried a second cartridge. This one didn't fit properly and the printer would not register its presence. The Gorse Fox wrote his first ever 1-star review on Amazon and then paid full price for a set of Canon original inks.
We had excellent seats in the stalls with an uninterrupted view. Bill Bailey started at eight and within minutes had us in stitches with his observations of the current political landscape. We thought Tinkerbell would need oxygen as she rocked back and forth with laughter - nearly disappearing under the seat in front of her. It really was an uplifting couple of hours of laughter and brilliant music. Bill Bailey is really so incredible funny, so intelligent, and best of all - clean!
The show finished at about 22:20 and we were home by 23:30. What a brilliant evening. The Gorse Fox cannot remember the last time he laughed so much.
Today started slowly. Coffee, porridge, and the papers before Urban-Cub turned up with Ellie and Cousteau-Cub in tow. Urban-Cub and Ellie didn't stay for long but did go round to feed the ducks. The Gorse Fox, meanwhile, took Cousteau-Cub out to do some food shopping for while we are are away.
Back home the nice man from Amazon had dropped off some printer ink. Frankly, the Gorse Fox wishes he hadn't. The Gorse Fox made the mistake of buying from a cheap OEM source. The first cartridge he tried to use leaked copies amounts of printer ink over his desk, his keyboard, and his study carpet. By the time he's cleaned it all up he was very irritated, and the carpet was ruined. He tried a second cartridge. This one didn't fit properly and the printer would not register its presence. The Gorse Fox wrote his first ever 1-star review on Amazon and then paid full price for a set of Canon original inks.
Sunday, May 05, 2019
Last post
Ellie was awake early - but Jasper had already disturbed the Gorse Fox so he pottered in to her room and brought her back to bed with us... where she stayed happily for about and hour or so. It was approaching eight before we all got up, in the end.
The Gorse Fox had his usual football game. It was a 6-v-5 affair. The plan was that the the team with the two most mobile players would have 5, and the the team with the other mobile player (the Gorse Fox) would have 6. Surprisingly it worked out pretty every and by half time the score was an even 2-2. In the second half, however, we started to pull away. The Gorse Fox had a couple of good shots saved, and also hit the post. (His last post for a few weeks). Eventually the pressure made the difference, the Gorse Fox scored and we started to pull away for an eventual 9-4 win. Very enjoyable, particularly as he won't be playing again for about three weeks or so.
Back home, the Silver Vixen had taken Cousteau-Cub and Ellie back to LA and was pottering around tidying up when the Gorse Fox arrived. We grabbed some lunch then had a quiet hour in the Orangery before getting ready for the evening's events. Along with the Sonning Crew we are going to Southampton to have a meal and to see Bill Bailey's "Larks in Transit" at the Mayflower Theatre. Two hats is driving so we can just sit and enjoy the view.
The Gorse Fox had his usual football game. It was a 6-v-5 affair. The plan was that the the team with the two most mobile players would have 5, and the the team with the other mobile player (the Gorse Fox) would have 6. Surprisingly it worked out pretty every and by half time the score was an even 2-2. In the second half, however, we started to pull away. The Gorse Fox had a couple of good shots saved, and also hit the post. (His last post for a few weeks). Eventually the pressure made the difference, the Gorse Fox scored and we started to pull away for an eventual 9-4 win. Very enjoyable, particularly as he won't be playing again for about three weeks or so.
Back home, the Silver Vixen had taken Cousteau-Cub and Ellie back to LA and was pottering around tidying up when the Gorse Fox arrived. We grabbed some lunch then had a quiet hour in the Orangery before getting ready for the evening's events. Along with the Sonning Crew we are going to Southampton to have a meal and to see Bill Bailey's "Larks in Transit" at the Mayflower Theatre. Two hats is driving so we can just sit and enjoy the view.
Saturday, May 04, 2019
Family day
Bright sunny day, but a bitterly cold wind.
Not a huge amount to report today. Urban-Cub arrived with Cousteau-Cub and Ellie during the morning and they spent the day with us. Cousteau-Cub and the Gorse Fox did pop out for some shopping, but that was only a short trip to stock up on fresh vegetables.
The Gorse Fox prepared roast pork for supper, and then Urban-Cub went home to get some sleep in time for her early shift. Cousteau-Cub and Ellie stayed with us.
Not a huge amount to report today. Urban-Cub arrived with Cousteau-Cub and Ellie during the morning and they spent the day with us. Cousteau-Cub and the Gorse Fox did pop out for some shopping, but that was only a short trip to stock up on fresh vegetables.
The Gorse Fox prepared roast pork for supper, and then Urban-Cub went home to get some sleep in time for her early shift. Cousteau-Cub and Ellie stayed with us.
Friday, May 03, 2019
Now that was fun
Though a leisurely start, there were plans afoot. The Silver Vixen had an appointment in Chichester and the Gorse Fox had a lunch scheduled in Soho.
Old Bill was kind enough to take the Gorse Fox to the station where he hopped on the train. Like most trains from Bognor Regis it waited at Horsham for more carriages to join from the inbound Portsmouth train. Unfortunately this was running late and as a result we were a good 25 minutes late arriving in London. This meant a quick change of plans. The Gorse Fox had intended to walk the couple of miles to the restaurant, but now had to resort to the Tube to make up the time.
As he arrived he was greeted by the restaurant's owner and shown to the private room where we would dine. It was the Old Columbans over-65s London lunch and there was a crowd of about 15 OCs already milling about, eating canapés, and drinking wine. The Gorse Fox stood and chatted with his cousin Peter, who had come up from Cardiff for the event, then went on to mingle with other old boys from other years.
We settled down for lunch. This was a noisy affair - though not raucous. Tales were told, memories stirred, and absent friends remembered. At one stage the Gorse Fox retrieved a photo of his class from 1965 and showed it to an old classmate... we managed to name most of the chaps in the picture, but the classmate could identify himself!
The food was fantastic and the wine flowed throughout the afternoon... indeed it was gone five o'clock before we got up from the table. Twice during the afternoon, the chap sitting opposite cousin Peter had leant on the table and in so doing, tipped our table spilling first a jug of water into Peter's lap, and the second time a bottle of red wine - but fortunately that just missed as it trickled down the tablecloth onto the floor.
As we broke up, we thanked the restaurant staff and the owner (who turned out to be an OC also). We said our goodbyes, and reconvened for a beer in the pub over the road. The Gorse Fox made his excuses after a while and headed for the Tube. At Victoria, he managed to just get onto the Bognor Regis train as the doors were closing and settled down for the journey home. It wasn't quite as busy as he had expected but maybe people had travelled early, being a Bank Holiday weekend.
Fortunately, the Gorse Fox had his portable power pack with him as the battery on his phone had died. He plugged in and allowed it to charge while he read his Kindle. Once arrival times were predictable, he called the taxi company and arranged to be collected from the Station and dropped off at home. He was home and chatting to the Silver Vixen just after nine-thirty.
Old Bill was kind enough to take the Gorse Fox to the station where he hopped on the train. Like most trains from Bognor Regis it waited at Horsham for more carriages to join from the inbound Portsmouth train. Unfortunately this was running late and as a result we were a good 25 minutes late arriving in London. This meant a quick change of plans. The Gorse Fox had intended to walk the couple of miles to the restaurant, but now had to resort to the Tube to make up the time.
As he arrived he was greeted by the restaurant's owner and shown to the private room where we would dine. It was the Old Columbans over-65s London lunch and there was a crowd of about 15 OCs already milling about, eating canapés, and drinking wine. The Gorse Fox stood and chatted with his cousin Peter, who had come up from Cardiff for the event, then went on to mingle with other old boys from other years.
We settled down for lunch. This was a noisy affair - though not raucous. Tales were told, memories stirred, and absent friends remembered. At one stage the Gorse Fox retrieved a photo of his class from 1965 and showed it to an old classmate... we managed to name most of the chaps in the picture, but the classmate could identify himself!
The food was fantastic and the wine flowed throughout the afternoon... indeed it was gone five o'clock before we got up from the table. Twice during the afternoon, the chap sitting opposite cousin Peter had leant on the table and in so doing, tipped our table spilling first a jug of water into Peter's lap, and the second time a bottle of red wine - but fortunately that just missed as it trickled down the tablecloth onto the floor.
As we broke up, we thanked the restaurant staff and the owner (who turned out to be an OC also). We said our goodbyes, and reconvened for a beer in the pub over the road. The Gorse Fox made his excuses after a while and headed for the Tube. At Victoria, he managed to just get onto the Bognor Regis train as the doors were closing and settled down for the journey home. It wasn't quite as busy as he had expected but maybe people had travelled early, being a Bank Holiday weekend.
Fortunately, the Gorse Fox had his portable power pack with him as the battery on his phone had died. He plugged in and allowed it to charge while he read his Kindle. Once arrival times were predictable, he called the taxi company and arranged to be collected from the Station and dropped off at home. He was home and chatting to the Silver Vixen just after nine-thirty.
Thursday, May 02, 2019
Bitty
It's been a bitty day. The Gorse Fox was up before seven to let Jasper out and to grab his first cup of coffee. He had to get across to LA in order to collect Ellie. Urban-Cub had some domestic issues to sort out and we would look after Ellie for a couple of hours. It was a slow drive across in the morning traffic, but the whole day brightened up when the Gorse Fox pulled up outside and saw Ellie jumping up and down and clapping his arrival. We soon had here tucked into the car seat and headed back so Urban-Cub could get on with things.
Cousteau-Cub and the Silver Vixen were the subject of great excitement as Ellie and the Gorse Fox approached the house. "Nana's house" she kept saying and the Gorse Fox would agree, as she went through the inhabitants of said domicile, including the cat,... but somehow "Bompa" never made it onto the list.
Cousteau-Cub wanted to do some shopping in Bognor Regis. She needs some shoes suitable for a working environment. It's not easy finding comfortable footwear when you have spent 19 years in bare feet or flip-flops. The Gorse Fox dropped her in town then stopped off to cast his vote in the district elections on the way back.
By late morning Urban-Cub had everything sorted and came to collect Ellie. We settled down for some lunch then the Gorse Fox walked in to the village to get his haircut. Now home, the Silver Vixen and Cousteau-Cub have gone back out to check-in at the local surgery and to drop Cousteau-Cub over at Urban-Cub's over night so she can look after Ellie briefly in the morning.
Cousteau-Cub and the Silver Vixen were the subject of great excitement as Ellie and the Gorse Fox approached the house. "Nana's house" she kept saying and the Gorse Fox would agree, as she went through the inhabitants of said domicile, including the cat,... but somehow "Bompa" never made it onto the list.
Cousteau-Cub wanted to do some shopping in Bognor Regis. She needs some shoes suitable for a working environment. It's not easy finding comfortable footwear when you have spent 19 years in bare feet or flip-flops. The Gorse Fox dropped her in town then stopped off to cast his vote in the district elections on the way back.
By late morning Urban-Cub had everything sorted and came to collect Ellie. We settled down for some lunch then the Gorse Fox walked in to the village to get his haircut. Now home, the Silver Vixen and Cousteau-Cub have gone back out to check-in at the local surgery and to drop Cousteau-Cub over at Urban-Cub's over night so she can look after Ellie briefly in the morning.
Wednesday, May 01, 2019
Surprise result
It was a bit cooler this morning, but still pleasant enough. Cousteau-Cub stayed home and submitted some more job applications and the Silver Vixen headed off for Pilates.
The Gorse Fox went to football. We had a decent turnout and played 7-a-side. He was a bit concerned when he saw how the teams had been picked. He commented to a team mate that it "looks like we'll be creamed" and there was a nod of agreement. Three of us played across the back to try and stop the onslaught and we held pretty firm. Our forwards meanwhile had started to pass the ball around nicely and started to get the odd goal. By half time we were 6-2 ahead but were under no illusions that the second half would be a different matter. It was. We scored 6 more goals without reply. Two of these from the Gorse Fox. The most satisfying of these was a bit of a breakaway and as their defender closed in one shouted "go on then, have a shot" so he did and the ball ricocheted off said defender back to the Gorse Fox and he, in turn, hammered it into the goal with his left foot. As he turned, the Gorse Fox was heard to mutter "what, like that?".
This afternoon the Silver Vixen and Cousteau-Cub have gone shopping. The Gorse Fox is pottering around at home and has just prepared some chicken things for slow oven bake. We'll have those with some pasta in a couple of hours time.
The Gorse Fox knows its a "first world problem" but getting the right collection of charging cables, sync cables, adapters, and power supplies ready for a trip is becoming quite a faff. He's done a checklist (obviously) and has been seeking out all of the correct bits of cable and where necessary ordering new ones from the nice man at Amazon.
The Gorse Fox went to football. We had a decent turnout and played 7-a-side. He was a bit concerned when he saw how the teams had been picked. He commented to a team mate that it "looks like we'll be creamed" and there was a nod of agreement. Three of us played across the back to try and stop the onslaught and we held pretty firm. Our forwards meanwhile had started to pass the ball around nicely and started to get the odd goal. By half time we were 6-2 ahead but were under no illusions that the second half would be a different matter. It was. We scored 6 more goals without reply. Two of these from the Gorse Fox. The most satisfying of these was a bit of a breakaway and as their defender closed in one shouted "go on then, have a shot" so he did and the ball ricocheted off said defender back to the Gorse Fox and he, in turn, hammered it into the goal with his left foot. As he turned, the Gorse Fox was heard to mutter "what, like that?".
This afternoon the Silver Vixen and Cousteau-Cub have gone shopping. The Gorse Fox is pottering around at home and has just prepared some chicken things for slow oven bake. We'll have those with some pasta in a couple of hours time.
The Gorse Fox knows its a "first world problem" but getting the right collection of charging cables, sync cables, adapters, and power supplies ready for a trip is becoming quite a faff. He's done a checklist (obviously) and has been seeking out all of the correct bits of cable and where necessary ordering new ones from the nice man at Amazon.
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Phew
Another pleasantly warm and sunny day.
The Gorse Fox had football this morning and we had a good turnout. Playing for the white-bibs with one player fewer than the other teams we managed a win, a loss and a draw. It was hard work, but we did play some lovely passing football - and the game we lost was by a heavily disputed goal. All good fun.
The second hour was down to 4-a-side played in the cages. This was hard work, but isn't that the whole point of exercise? Again we won a game, lost a game, and the Gorse Fox is pretty sure the last game was draw. He did manage a couple of goals in this latter session. Over the period he managed to cover over 9km so, whilst he could walk further than that in the time, that wasn't bad as it was lots of explosive bursts, direction changes and twists. A good work out... and his last Tuesday session for a while.
Leaving the sports centre he stopped off to collect Cousteau-Cub from Urban-Cub's. She had been there over night so that she could drop Ellie at the child minder's this morning. Urban-Cub was at the chiropractor then had to head straight to work... and Pistol Pete was on a full day shift too. The Gorse Fox dropped Cousteau-Cub in Chichester so that she could roam in peace and try some of the job agencies. The plan is that she will get the bus back when ready. Let's hope she alights at the right bus stop!
The Gorse Fox had football this morning and we had a good turnout. Playing for the white-bibs with one player fewer than the other teams we managed a win, a loss and a draw. It was hard work, but we did play some lovely passing football - and the game we lost was by a heavily disputed goal. All good fun.
The second hour was down to 4-a-side played in the cages. This was hard work, but isn't that the whole point of exercise? Again we won a game, lost a game, and the Gorse Fox is pretty sure the last game was draw. He did manage a couple of goals in this latter session. Over the period he managed to cover over 9km so, whilst he could walk further than that in the time, that wasn't bad as it was lots of explosive bursts, direction changes and twists. A good work out... and his last Tuesday session for a while.
Leaving the sports centre he stopped off to collect Cousteau-Cub from Urban-Cub's. She had been there over night so that she could drop Ellie at the child minder's this morning. Urban-Cub was at the chiropractor then had to head straight to work... and Pistol Pete was on a full day shift too. The Gorse Fox dropped Cousteau-Cub in Chichester so that she could roam in peace and try some of the job agencies. The plan is that she will get the bus back when ready. Let's hope she alights at the right bus stop!
Monday, April 29, 2019
Tasty batch
It was a lovely day - bright and sunny, and temps in the mid-teens. The Gorse Fox was up early but spent the first hour drinking coffee and reading the news. The Silver Vixen soon joined him and Cousteau-Cub soon after that.
Cousteau-Cub was busy crafting her CV and personal statement so that she was ready to approach the various employment agencies in the area. The Gorse Fox tried not to disturb her too much as he went through with the floor washer - but it does tend to be both noisy and disruptive. Interestingly, talking with Two Hats, he said that they use a steam cleaner on their floor and as long as you are quick and don't linger in any one spot - it does a superb job. We had been specifically warned against them for our floor type, but clearly - with care - they do the job.
After lunch the Gorse Fox took Cousteau-Cub into Bognor Regis so that she could wander round the agencies and the various charity shops. (Cousteau-Cub is a demon for finding bargains in the charity shops). He left her there as Two Hats had offered to fix a little crease we had spotted in the Silver Vixen's car door. It didn't take him too long, but was absolutely intriguing to watch as he stripped the door panel and eased the ding out. A master at work and now you would not know there was ever a blemish on the door. Payment will be made at the local pub!
Back indoors the Gorse Fox is making up a large batch of curry base sauce. Some will get used tonight, but most will be frozen and trotted out when needed. As it simmers away in the background, the smell is wonderful.
Cousteau-Cub was busy crafting her CV and personal statement so that she was ready to approach the various employment agencies in the area. The Gorse Fox tried not to disturb her too much as he went through with the floor washer - but it does tend to be both noisy and disruptive. Interestingly, talking with Two Hats, he said that they use a steam cleaner on their floor and as long as you are quick and don't linger in any one spot - it does a superb job. We had been specifically warned against them for our floor type, but clearly - with care - they do the job.
After lunch the Gorse Fox took Cousteau-Cub into Bognor Regis so that she could wander round the agencies and the various charity shops. (Cousteau-Cub is a demon for finding bargains in the charity shops). He left her there as Two Hats had offered to fix a little crease we had spotted in the Silver Vixen's car door. It didn't take him too long, but was absolutely intriguing to watch as he stripped the door panel and eased the ding out. A master at work and now you would not know there was ever a blemish on the door. Payment will be made at the local pub!
Back indoors the Gorse Fox is making up a large batch of curry base sauce. Some will get used tonight, but most will be frozen and trotted out when needed. As it simmers away in the background, the smell is wonderful.
Sunday, April 28, 2019
On any Sunday
The Gorse Fox was most confused. He had put his watch by the bed to charge overnight but clearly hadn't attached it correctly. As a result, when he tapped it, it displayed the analogue time instead of the usual digital display. It was also upside down... so when he read the time he was interpreting it incorrectly. In fact at 20 minute past two this morning in his mind, it was incredibly light outside and that shouldn't;'t be the case as the full moon was last weekend. Additionally Jasper was getting very demanding and that's not like him at two in the morning. Finally, as the Silver Vixen stirred it dawned on him that the watch was upside down and it was ten to eight. Technology, eh!
The Gorse Fox had football this morning. It was a good 7-v-6 game with the extra man switching sides at half time. The Gorse Fox's yellow team did well and managed to win 7-5 over all and the Gorse Fox added two of the goals.
Back home we grabbed some lunch then headed back out with Cousteau-Cub to the pet food warehouse to try and get some more food for Jasper that he might condescend to try. Various foods selected we then went in to the farm shop to get some more fresh vegetables for today's supper and to let Cousteau-Cub browse around for anything she fancied. A chicken is now in the Instant Pot and the Gorse Fox is deciding how to prepare the various vegetables to accompany the meat.
The Gorse Fox had football this morning. It was a good 7-v-6 game with the extra man switching sides at half time. The Gorse Fox's yellow team did well and managed to win 7-5 over all and the Gorse Fox added two of the goals.
Back home we grabbed some lunch then headed back out with Cousteau-Cub to the pet food warehouse to try and get some more food for Jasper that he might condescend to try. Various foods selected we then went in to the farm shop to get some more fresh vegetables for today's supper and to let Cousteau-Cub browse around for anything she fancied. A chicken is now in the Instant Pot and the Gorse Fox is deciding how to prepare the various vegetables to accompany the meat.
Saturday, April 27, 2019
Just chilling
Well Jasper isn't taking to his new diet very well. He's ignoring the wet food and just grazing the dry food occasionally. The Silver Vixen suspects he will tuck-in once he's hungry enough.
A message came through. Two Hats needed help moving a mattress into the garage - the Gorse Fox assumed he's done something wrong and been exiled, but no; they have a new bed being delivered and he was clearing the room. Old Bill and the Gorse Fox helped and we made pretty quick work of it.
Cousteau-Cub got in touch - she wanted to come and spend some time with us to try and make sure that there wasn't too much separation anxiety between her and the dog Tyson. The longer she stayed at Urban-Cub's the more Tyson would get used to her being around. The Gorse Fox hopped in th car and went to collect her.
Most of the afternoon the Gorse Fox has been tapping on the computer - some of the time on the family tree, and some of the time cleaning up the G+ missing photos. Boredom has set in now.
A message came through. Two Hats needed help moving a mattress into the garage - the Gorse Fox assumed he's done something wrong and been exiled, but no; they have a new bed being delivered and he was clearing the room. Old Bill and the Gorse Fox helped and we made pretty quick work of it.
Cousteau-Cub got in touch - she wanted to come and spend some time with us to try and make sure that there wasn't too much separation anxiety between her and the dog Tyson. The longer she stayed at Urban-Cub's the more Tyson would get used to her being around. The Gorse Fox hopped in th car and went to collect her.
Most of the afternoon the Gorse Fox has been tapping on the computer - some of the time on the family tree, and some of the time cleaning up the G+ missing photos. Boredom has set in now.
Friday, April 26, 2019
Diet
We have been advised to change Jasper's diet. He is marginally overweight, and as he isn't a particularly active cat, he needs to be careful. He doesn't play, he would much rather sit down and read than play with a toy.
Needless to say the vet recommended an expensive food that is only available from registered vets. Not impressed, and not going to fall for that we went to a local pet food warehouse and got chatting to staff. One, who has 5 cats, agreed with some of the vet's analysis and our own ideas that Jasper should be having more wet food, and less grain-based dry food. We spent ages looking through the options and decided on a couple of options (to give him some variation).
Back home the Gorse Fox cracked open a spreadsheet and started doing various calculations based on Jasper's weight, his recommended calorie intake, and the calorific content of the food we have selected. We now have a new regime planned... let's hope he likes it!
As the Gorse Fox writes this, the Instant Pot has just beeped to tell him the gammon is cooked. He'll let that stand and then tonight we'll have that with some eggs and fries.
Needless to say the vet recommended an expensive food that is only available from registered vets. Not impressed, and not going to fall for that we went to a local pet food warehouse and got chatting to staff. One, who has 5 cats, agreed with some of the vet's analysis and our own ideas that Jasper should be having more wet food, and less grain-based dry food. We spent ages looking through the options and decided on a couple of options (to give him some variation).
Back home the Gorse Fox cracked open a spreadsheet and started doing various calculations based on Jasper's weight, his recommended calorie intake, and the calorific content of the food we have selected. We now have a new regime planned... let's hope he likes it!
As the Gorse Fox writes this, the Instant Pot has just beeped to tell him the gammon is cooked. He'll let that stand and then tonight we'll have that with some eggs and fries.
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Keys
Well Jasper was using us as a trampoline by six-thirty, but for some reason the Gorse Fox had been awake for an hour or so anyway. The Silver Vixen checked that his breakfast had opened up correctly - it had, and she came back to bed. The Gorse Fox decided enough was enough and got up. Ellie, on the other hand stayed asleep until eight.
We had the usual chaotic morning with staggered breakfasts, showers, and so forth while waiting for Ocado to arrive with the week's shopping. Cousteau-Cub had got most of her paperwork sorted out to renew her driving license - but needed the photo counter-signed. Fortunately Old Bill was happy to help, so we popped over to get that done. Urban-Cub an Pistol Pete turned up to collect Cousteau-Cub and Ellie and go shopping in Chichester. The Silver Vixen and Gorse Fox were invited to join them but the Silver Vixen had stuff to get ready for the holiday and the Gorse Fox had bits and pieces to do.
After some lunch the Gorse Fox headed into Bognor Regis to get his railway tickets for a trip next week. It's so convenient just being able to walk into the station, and get your pre-ordered tickets in a couple of seconds. From there he went on to Sainsbury's to get some keys cut. It seems sensible to ensure that Cousteau-Cub has keys for both our place and Urban-Cub's.
Back home he got distracted by an email regarding his family tree, and another branch of cousins in Australia. As a result he lost a few hours doing some more research and after another distraction has driven one branch of the Silver Vixen's tree a further generation and has discovered some new information regarding her grandfather.
We had the usual chaotic morning with staggered breakfasts, showers, and so forth while waiting for Ocado to arrive with the week's shopping. Cousteau-Cub had got most of her paperwork sorted out to renew her driving license - but needed the photo counter-signed. Fortunately Old Bill was happy to help, so we popped over to get that done. Urban-Cub an Pistol Pete turned up to collect Cousteau-Cub and Ellie and go shopping in Chichester. The Silver Vixen and Gorse Fox were invited to join them but the Silver Vixen had stuff to get ready for the holiday and the Gorse Fox had bits and pieces to do.
After some lunch the Gorse Fox headed into Bognor Regis to get his railway tickets for a trip next week. It's so convenient just being able to walk into the station, and get your pre-ordered tickets in a couple of seconds. From there he went on to Sainsbury's to get some keys cut. It seems sensible to ensure that Cousteau-Cub has keys for both our place and Urban-Cub's.
Back home he got distracted by an email regarding his family tree, and another branch of cousins in Australia. As a result he lost a few hours doing some more research and after another distraction has driven one branch of the Silver Vixen's tree a further generation and has discovered some new information regarding her grandfather.
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Girls
It was a bit wet overnight and the weather dumped a load of Saharan sand on the cars and the Orangery. More rain is forecast for later so hopefully it will clear it off!
The Silver Vixen had her usual Pilates session this morning while the Gorse Fox headed off to play football. Just as he arrived at the sports centre, the heavens opened for an almighty cloudburst. It only lasted 5 minutes but he was glad that he was in car and not on the pitch at the time.
The game was a manageable 7-v-8. The Gorse Fox played for the Orange bibs on the 7-team. He expected it to be a hard game, but in the end our team passed the ball about a lot better than the yellows and we started to score the odd goal. (The Gorse Fox did manage to add another to his tally for the year).
The second half started to get a little silly as people tired and got fractious, but it never got out of hand. It's clear that Krakatoa Jack doesn't like being dispossessed though, as every time he was he claimed some form of infringement or foul. Fortunately, the ref was having nothing to do with it. We ended up winning 6-4, so were happy with the result.
Back home, showered, and fed we took the opportunity to put our feet up for an hour before we had to go back to LA and pick up Cousteau-Cub and Ellie. They are back with us overnight to give Urban-Cub a bit of a break before she returns to work on Friday.
The Silver Vixen had her usual Pilates session this morning while the Gorse Fox headed off to play football. Just as he arrived at the sports centre, the heavens opened for an almighty cloudburst. It only lasted 5 minutes but he was glad that he was in car and not on the pitch at the time.
The game was a manageable 7-v-8. The Gorse Fox played for the Orange bibs on the 7-team. He expected it to be a hard game, but in the end our team passed the ball about a lot better than the yellows and we started to score the odd goal. (The Gorse Fox did manage to add another to his tally for the year).
The second half started to get a little silly as people tired and got fractious, but it never got out of hand. It's clear that Krakatoa Jack doesn't like being dispossessed though, as every time he was he claimed some form of infringement or foul. Fortunately, the ref was having nothing to do with it. We ended up winning 6-4, so were happy with the result.
Back home, showered, and fed we took the opportunity to put our feet up for an hour before we had to go back to LA and pick up Cousteau-Cub and Ellie. They are back with us overnight to give Urban-Cub a bit of a break before she returns to work on Friday.
Serendipity
Yesterday evening the decision was for an Indian take-out.
The Gorse Fox went on to the Zeera Lounge website and ordered online with the intention of collecting the meal as he needed to pop out for some cash anyway. He got an acknowledgement email - it would be ready just after 6p.m.
The Gorse Fox parked outside and got some cash at the Post Office then watched as the chap in the Post Office shop stopped a woman for shop-lifting. A passer by stepped in to help saying how he worked at Lidl and had seen her shop-lifting there also. Issue was soon resolved as she handed back a huge armful of unpaid for good.
The clock ticked past 6pm. Zeera Lounge was dark, and the door still locked. Not looking promising. In fact it turns out that it was closed yesterday. The Gorse Fox went round the corner to Habib - ordered the same dishes and waited. This turned ou to be lucky as the food really was very good and the chap that runs it was absolutely charming. Level 5 hygiene rating, and Chichester Observer "Best Takeaway Restaurant 2019" award - and all their food handling certificates framed and on the wall.
It all turned out well in the end.
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
That was hard
It was bright and warm, not quite so sunny though. The Silver Vixen was planning to go into Chichester, and the Gorse Fox had football this morning.
We had a good turn out for football with 4 teams of 7-a-side in the first hour. The teams were not well balanced, however. We were pinned back and lost the first two games before finally redeeming ourselves with an unexpected win in the last game.
The second hour was much more of a challenge. In fact it was hard. We played 4-a-side in one of the cages. The point was that there were no goalkeepers and you could only score from within the goal area. This meant we had a lot of man-to-man marking and lots of attempts to move into space and break away from our markers. We played two games and the Gorse Fox was on the winning side for both... scoring 4 of his teams goals. In all he covered over 9km across the various morning games, so felt it was a good workout.
This afternoon he's been back working on the edits for errant Google+ entries in the private blog. The problem is the sheer volume of them that need to be checked.
We had a good turn out for football with 4 teams of 7-a-side in the first hour. The teams were not well balanced, however. We were pinned back and lost the first two games before finally redeeming ourselves with an unexpected win in the last game.
The second hour was much more of a challenge. In fact it was hard. We played 4-a-side in one of the cages. The point was that there were no goalkeepers and you could only score from within the goal area. This meant we had a lot of man-to-man marking and lots of attempts to move into space and break away from our markers. We played two games and the Gorse Fox was on the winning side for both... scoring 4 of his teams goals. In all he covered over 9km across the various morning games, so felt it was a good workout.
This afternoon he's been back working on the edits for errant Google+ entries in the private blog. The problem is the sheer volume of them that need to be checked.
Monday, April 22, 2019
Strolling along
A little high level, milky cloud to start the day and it was a little cooler. The cloud burnt off by late morning and it warmed up for a nice afternoon.
A message came through suggesting the Sonning Crew take a stroll along to The Lobster Pot for a coffee. This seemed like a great idea but we had a few things to do so resolved to meet them there. The Gorse Fox decided to head for one of the larger car parks, expecting the one that the Car usually use to be fun on a nice Bank Holiday Monday. The larger car park had plenty of space and it gave us the chance to get a bit more exercise as we headed for the caffeine elixir. As usual, the Lobster Pot was busy, but with the rest of the Crew already in situ, we only had to find a couple of chairs to join them.
We strolled back to the car, parting from the Crew at their car park and carrying on past the funfair that had been set up along the prom, and back to the car. We grabbed a quick lunch at home then headed back out to Urban-Cub's.
We spent a quiet afternoon with Urban-Cub, Cousteau-Cub, and Ellie in their garden. (Pistol Pete was out sea-fishing). The key item of play equipment this afternoon turned out to be the bubble wands which kept Ellie, the Silver Vixen, Cousteau-Cub, and the Gorse Fox amused for ages as the bubbles drifted up in the wind.
Today was the last day of Sainsbury's 25% off on wines so we swung by on our way home and grabbed a case. It would be silly not to!
A message came through suggesting the Sonning Crew take a stroll along to The Lobster Pot for a coffee. This seemed like a great idea but we had a few things to do so resolved to meet them there. The Gorse Fox decided to head for one of the larger car parks, expecting the one that the Car usually use to be fun on a nice Bank Holiday Monday. The larger car park had plenty of space and it gave us the chance to get a bit more exercise as we headed for the caffeine elixir. As usual, the Lobster Pot was busy, but with the rest of the Crew already in situ, we only had to find a couple of chairs to join them.
We strolled back to the car, parting from the Crew at their car park and carrying on past the funfair that had been set up along the prom, and back to the car. We grabbed a quick lunch at home then headed back out to Urban-Cub's.
We spent a quiet afternoon with Urban-Cub, Cousteau-Cub, and Ellie in their garden. (Pistol Pete was out sea-fishing). The key item of play equipment this afternoon turned out to be the bubble wands which kept Ellie, the Silver Vixen, Cousteau-Cub, and the Gorse Fox amused for ages as the bubbles drifted up in the wind.
Today was the last day of Sainsbury's 25% off on wines so we swung by on our way home and grabbed a case. It would be silly not to!
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Very Happy Bunny
Easter Sunday and the sun was shining, the sly was unbroken blue, and the temperatures even down here at the coast were well into the 20s.
We had a leisurely start before getting our things together to pop across to LA and spend the rest of the day at Urban-Cub and Pistol Pete's. We spent virtually all the rest of the day in the garden. Ellie was cycling between her various play activities and Cousteau-Cub, the Silver Vixen, and the Gorse Fox all got involved at some part in the cycle. In this picture she was just settling hey "baby Annabelle" on picnic table.
It was good to note how well the dogs had adapted to each other, but Tyson was finding the garden a bit strange as the various obstacles septs getting moved as Ellie played. This proved a challenge for him, but he coped.
Urban-Cub prepared a superb roast dinner - a leg of lamb, with all the trimmings. We all tucked in - including the dogs who each got a bone to munch on. When lunch was finished we all retired back to the garden.
The Gorse Fox was an extremely happy bunny - he had all his girls in one place - the Silver Vixen, Cousteau-Cub, Urban-Cub, and Ellie. He was the picture of contentment.
It was late afternoon before we left. Ellie was just about to go cup for her bath, the garden had been tidied away and the evening beckoned.
It was good to note how well the dogs had adapted to each other, but Tyson was finding the garden a bit strange as the various obstacles septs getting moved as Ellie played. This proved a challenge for him, but he coped.
Urban-Cub prepared a superb roast dinner - a leg of lamb, with all the trimmings. We all tucked in - including the dogs who each got a bone to munch on. When lunch was finished we all retired back to the garden.
The Gorse Fox was an extremely happy bunny - he had all his girls in one place - the Silver Vixen, Cousteau-Cub, Urban-Cub, and Ellie. He was the picture of contentment.
It was late afternoon before we left. Ellie was just about to go cup for her bath, the garden had been tidied away and the evening beckoned.
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