Tuesday 24th March 2009

Time is passing rapidly, and within the next 72 hours we'll be sunning ourselves in the Tenerfian (?) sun. Unless it rains.

The second featured picture was taken by a Danish tourist at the infamous monkey zoo in Tenerife. No question, we will be going here, although I imagine Luca's reaction will differ slightly to our unnamed Scandinavian friend....

The top picture, less interestingly, is of "Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez". Or Tenerife Football Club's stadium in other words. Again, I hope to visit this (as they have a home game on Saturday) but I suppose it depends whether the barrel of Becks is (as promised by the villa owner) is present on arrival, and how many pints Carole, Dad, Scott, Ross and Craig partake in in order for me to convince them to go!

Will Luca come? Doubtful, he's still a touch too little, although as an Aberdonian (or Inverurian to be precise) it would be nice for him to experience a live game of football without experiencing the prerequisite gale force winds and horizontal lashing rain once in his life.

Surprisingly, we're pretty much ready to go. I picked up Luca's car seat at lunchtime today (this will be coming on the plane), and Carole will obtain our Euro's from the exchange bureau based in Tesco tomorrow. Other than that there's just the dogs to drop off at the kennels on Thursday - I've managed to wangle an extra half day off work in order to relieve the strain from Carole and make the run myself - before I join Carole in getting the bags and cases packed. Surely we've forgotten something, it's looking like we are far to well prepared. Is it not tradition to run around like a lunatic screaming "where's the passports?" 5 minutes before departure?

It's just reading material to come. Carole's ordered her book of choice, "Wetlands" from Amazon.co.uk, although not without some previous confusion. She couldn't remember the title, so was initially searching through "Waterstones" on Saturday for "Riverlands"....Which brings up another prevalent point - Waterstones were selling it for £17, while Amazon were only £6! Surely in such financially prudent times such differentials between retailers should not exist?

My choice of reading material has yet to be decided. I was intending to scour the library (being a heavy reader I'm a member of two libraries) but my cars lack of forward motion has put the brakes (literally) on that idea. I think the latest edition of "Q" magazine, picked up from the airport shop may have to suffice!

Aside from the holiday, most of my thoughts today have been taken by work issues. We eventually got rid of a particularly poor worker today (we can't continue with staff who don't/can't pull their weight whilst in a recession) whilst another returned from long term sick. As such, today has thus far been rather interesting. Carole is suffering from work woes too, and is battling away with a project which also involves hours of work from home on the laptop. Perhaps the holiday is well timed?

**Useless fact of the day - The world's largest cockroach (which lives in South America) is six inches long with a one-foot wingspan**

Sunday 22nd March 2009

A rarity of late, some video's and pictures! I've taken a number of others and will continue to post across the next few days before we depart for Tenerife. For the benefit of the Lincolnshire section of the family, the top picture is Lucy and Scott (my sister and brother-in-law) from America teaching Luca the "aeroplane" method of feeding. I've tried this numerous times before without success so I imagine an American accent increases the likelihood of this method working. We may have to move his US auntie and uncle in.... The video is of Cade and Braeden, our nephews. Cade in particular has grown somewhat since I last saw him, and is shaping up to be a tradtional rough, tough, blond haired gridiron player. Braeden's got smarter, and has already perfected the roll of his eyes in response to any Scottish daftness!

Both video and picture were taken yesterday. I'd invited Mum and Lucy across as, for Carole also, I was cooking a Mothers Day lunch. Three courses, with a separate main course for the kids. Ambitious eh? Thankfully the kitchen remained un-burnt down and the food edible in the main. Indeed, the vol-u-vents, burgers and banana cake were the main successes (all home made), although as only 24 hours have passed we can't yet ascertain any potential cases of food poisoning.

It was great to see Lucy and family - it's been so long. The week in Tenerife, with all the family present, can't come soon enough.

On a more negative side, we received distressing news on Friday about Val (Carole's stepmum) who had a relatively serious angina attack, and is presently in hospital recuperating. Suffice to say Carole and I are thinking of her, and despite our concerns know she's strong enough to get home ASAP and sort Mike out!

On Saturday we left Luca with his "Mad Auntie Annie" and traversed through to Aberdeen to buy clothes for our holiday. We don't do much clothes shopping - indeed I think this was our first ever clothes shopping trip together - and predictably, despite a four hour adventure, came home with little to show for our efforts. It was just about enough though, and with Caroles unnatural hatred of shopping the finish was warmly welcomed!

Saturday night? I spent it cooking. Did I not mention my culinary concoctions for Mothers Day earlier?

As my memory starts and stalls like a Skoda on a frosty day, I've neglected to mention Carole taking Luca swimming on Sunday morning. It was their first time together since he were just a little 'un, and by all accounts was worthwhile. It was mentioned that Luca eventually made small jumps from the poolside into the water, of which I can't wait to witness. Carole instinctively knows Luca's capabilities better than I, and the huge improvement was of no surprise. Neither was his atypically tired whining on arrival home!

Last night? I made more burgers with the last of the meat, and popped down to Blockbuster to pick up a movie to watch while we ate. It was "Ghost Town", starring Ricky Gervais, which had earlier been heartily recommended by Ross. Suffice to say, despite occasional giggles, the formulaic nature of the flick means I'll take his future recommendations with a pinch of salt...

**Useless fact of the day - Ricky Gervais has accumulated 7 Bafta's, 4 British Comedy Awards, 3 Golden Globes, 2 Emmy's and a Screen Actors Guild Award**

Monday 16th March 2009

Recovering today from a hectic Sunday. The day started with another trip to the pool, this time with Luca attired in his new "all-in-one" swimsuit. Yes, that's not Luca above but mentally superimpose his face on top and you've a pretty good idea how he looked. His majesty wasn't too impressed initially, but he got used to it and even - albeit accompanied by "The Exorcist" style screams - floated unaccompanied a few times.

I forgot to mention I watched the aforementioned horror film on Friday night - it was great, It'd been so long since I last saw it I had forgotten how scary it was. Lucy, I'm sorry for mentioning it!

After the swim Carole gave us (and her pregnant buddy) a lift into town. They were going to their fitness class (which the unfortunately arrived too late to take part in) whilst also dropping Luca and I at the bus station. We jumped out of the car on Union Street and walked the final half mile to the station, via the Trinity Shopping Centre. Luca demanded being carried through the streets, but loved walking beside Dad through the shopping centre. His excitement had almost reached fever pitch by the time we reached the bus station. "Bus, bus, bus" he screeched as he saw the plethora of single deckers waiting to board.

As is typical with public transport, our bus didn't depart until 20 minutes after it was scheduled to go, by which time Luca was becoming a little confused and disoriented - his Dad had promised him a ride on a bus, yet I was keeping him standing in the cold while ignoring all the other buses that were pulling away. Eventually we were allowed to board, and Luca immediately chose his seat and climbed up. I paid (free for him!) and joined him. "Knee" he immediately demanded, so I lifted him onto my lap and shifted into the window seat. He had a great time watching the world go by as we drove, and also had a chat with a couple of old ladies who took an immediate shine to him. It is a long journey though (the guts of an hour) and he became restless about ten minutes from the end. Our arrival couldn't have been better timed.

We walked the last leg from the bus stop to the golf club, and arrived in perfect time - ie once everyone else had arrived yet before the food was served! It was a great afternoon, and nice to see such a huge turnout for dad, especially Barry, Helen, Dawn, Lauren and Meghan coming up from the Central Belt. And thanks again to Dawn for the presents for Luca, I'll post a photo later this week of the wee man in his new attire.

Eventually we made our leave, and Ross gave us a lift home. By now it was 6.30pm and Luca hadn't slept a wink all day. What with the excess food swilling about his stomach (he ate both his own prawns, and followed it up with a demolition job on his Dad's - "Prawns for Luca" was the little man's statement as I asked if I could have some) and the lack of sleep I've rarely seen him so tired. Indeed, after his Mum had bottled and bedded him once we were home, we were then faced with a long night. He awoke about 10.30pm, crying loudly and wouldn't go back to sleep. From what we could ascertain, it appeared he had a bit of tummy ache. Most likely from the excessive amount of prawns, chocolate bourbons and cake!

Thankfully Carole did well and eventually settled him, and he was bright as a button again this morning. It was both a physically and mentally exhausting weekend for him, and perhaps I overdid it. He's a hardy wee thing with energy to burn but sometimes he needs reigned in a little.

Back to work today to find I have two staff members off today - interesting that it's always Mondays - and a meeting with BP later this afternoon. Fun times ahead! I'll also be racing home tonight to get Sima to her vet's appointment (she's OK, just deworming and holiday jabs) before settling back in the house and thanking Carole again for the tasty dinner last night. The Venison Goulash was a first attempt, but one I hope will be repeated.

**Useless fact of the day - "Goulash Communism" is used to describe the maverick brand of Communism practiced by Hungary during the Cold War, characterized by some degree of political freedom within the Hungarian Communist Party as well as limited economic freedom and freedom of speech, inspired at least in part by the 1956 Hungarian Revolution**

Saturday 14th March 2009

As previously promised, have a look at the video of Luca posted above. Although he's not demonstrating any new skills - albeit it is his recently acquired "bouncy" game - it's quite cute nonetheless, and is also intriguing viewing as the video ends. Listen to him bid adieu to the camera, relating to it in the same fashion he would to you or I.

This morning I took him swimming, accompanied (for the first time in a number of weeks) by Carole. Unfortunately, the addition of his mummy watching from poolside seemed to peculiarly unnerve him, and it was the worst session we've had in quite some tome. His ever increasing gallus streak deserted him, and he gripped tight to his dad throughout. Strange, but hopefully rectifiable.

His cocksure attitude returned after we'd left however. There was a farmers market in town today, so we walked him down after we'd finished at the pool. He (and we) loved this, as almost every stall had samples to try. Our favourite were the non alcoholic raspberry wine, the beetroot muffins and the goulash. As expected with such a wide variety of fresh (and relatively rare) food and ingredients present we spent a fortune, but it was well worth it. Indeed, Caroles now cooking a dish she's never before attempted and as such I've already drafted an email to work to advise them of my impending absence on Monday due to severe stomach cramps.

I'm joking, I've sampled a bit already and it tastes great!

After the market we got Luca home and to bed, before settling down to the big Man U - Liverpool game. Great game, despite the result, only interrupted just before the end by the appearance of Mum and Ross turning up. As expected I must add! Mum had turned up to visit Carole and Luca, while Ross and I had arranged to visit a garage in a place called Longside to check out a Subaru Forester car. Curiously, we hadn't actually decided who's benefit this was for! Obviously, with my car having passed away during the week (god rest it's metallic soul) the initial intention had been for me to give it a test drive. However, with my reluctance to commit to a date when I will actually invest in a new car, mixed with Ross's interest in this car of my fancy there was suggestion that a spot of brotherly rivalry could commence. See the picture below for the object of our enamour:-

Very nice, and also listed in a poll as the 2nd most reliable car around. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) the car had been sold before we arrived, we'd missed it by a number of hours. Despite this, and since we'd travelled the distance, we had a look around the lot for any others of interest. Ross pointed out the following as a very sensible choice for me:-

It's a Nissan Primera, an should be the logical choice for a mature, family man such as myself. Predictably though, I quickly ruled it out for being far too boring before draping myself over the following vehicle:-

Yes, it's a Totyota Celica. I'm still trying to figure out how I'll fit Isis in the boot, and as soon as I do I will take it home! Finally, just to wind up Ross I feigned interest in this car:-

It's a Fiat Multipla, and for the life of me I can't work out who would want to own such a car. Other than a blind man, but then that brings up so many logistical problems....We were most amused this motor's "unique" selling point of having 3 seats side by side in the front. I've come to the conclusion that the Fiats designers were clearly the same drug-addled fools who write "In The Night Garden". Very, very strange.

Eventually we dragged ourselves away, and returned home - obviously not before taking a slight detour to a country pub to watch the football scores come in whilst enjoying a John Smiths.

Our next day trip will involve checking out a 1994 Mercedes in Edinburgh. Will we return home empty handed again? Only the Gods know......(although my God, Carole, has determined that the answer to this question is a resounding yes!)

After getting Luca to sleep tonight (no mean feat considering his hyperactive mood following an afternoon with his Gran) Carole and I watched the new Keanu Reeves film "The Day The Earth Stood Still". "A bit disappointing" was my review as the end credits rolled. "Utter cr*p" was Carole more honest, succinct appraisal.

**Useless fact of the day - In December 1999, Keanu Reeves' girlfriend Jennifer Syme gave birth to a stillborn daughter who was named Ava Archer Syme-Reeves. In April 2001, Syme was killed in a car accident**

Friday 13th March 2009

For those of you wondering whatever happened to my proposed visit to Cambodia, it looks like we're trying to wriggle our way out of it. Despite the fact the dates have fallen back slightly, we (as a company) are using the recession excuse to avoid attending. A load of old tosh (as we have funding secured through until 2015) but it will be a waste of time, hence the decision. Personally though, I'm quite disappointed as (despite my unnaturally morbid fear of flying) this excursion to visit an entirely new culture would have fascinated me.

Yes, I am aware on such a trip I would likely only see the inside of an airport and hotel, but the idea itself is exhilarating.

I've still had no word back from the garage as to the condition of my dying car, despite having called a couple if times. They are rather a shambles there. However, I have already accepted the undeniable passing of the rusting beast, and the inevitability of public transport for the foreseeable future. I'm weeping as I write this!

With this, I've had to cancel my games of football tonight, one being Dad's 60th "footy extravaganza" unfortunately. Strangely though, with my decision being forced by lack of transport it has simplified matters somewhat, as it allows Carole to go to a work do with BGG (she'll understand the initials) without having to adversely affect Luca's sleeping time.

As such, my evening will involve getting Luca down before settling down to watch "Red Nose Day" on TV all night. Riveting...

Tomorrow will be a little better. I'll take Luca swimming again, and then we'll visit the bi-monthly farmers market in our area. I can see the phrase "want it" occurring at regular intervals...

Afterwards I'll get Luca home and down for his nap before the Liverpool - Manchester United game starts. It's possibly the most important game of the season, and promises to be unmissable. Which means it'll likely be dreadful.

On Sunday Luca and I are coming through for Dad's (belated) 60th golf day. It promises to be an interesting experience as I'm considering taking us through by bus. Although circumstances have dictated as such, there are always other options. However, as Luca has never been on a bus (despite his undoubted fascination with such phallic symbols of poverty) this most certainly seems like the perfect time.

Please wish me luck...And finally, Ross has taken a very active interest in my transport issues. In fact, he's been scouring the web, without prompting or encouragement I must add, for a car for me. His search has led him primarily to a Subaru Forester in Peterhead. He emailed me a little earlier to ask if I wanted to go and see it tomorrow. As I'm not in a position to do as such I declined, yet he is still going up. On my behalf? Nope, his search has whetted his interest to such an extent he now fancies this enormous estate for himself! My sincerest apologies to Mum and Dad!

**Useless fact of the day - Apparently, it is 7.5 times safer to travel by bus than car**

Wednesday 11th February 2009

A horrendous day thus far. My car is - almost - officially dead. I picked it up from the garage last night (apres a £100 bill), only to have major problems today, and it looks like the main problem (which the mechanic didn't diagnose) is that the head gasket appears to have blown. As those of you with any knowledge of cars will be aware, this is a mjor job, and taking into account the cars value simply isn't worth doing. I'm dropping the car back in tonight to have this confirmed, but it appears likely. What with my recent crash and a garage taking 8 days to complete a completely unnecessary repair to the car while not diagnosing the obvious problem my luck most certainly, in common with my car, has died.

I'll now be on the buses for the forseeable future. Almost 34 years old, strong (ish) earner and I can't afford a car that works. Aaargh.

Rant over, I promise. In response to Dad's blog I'd suggest "Red And Yellow Ale" or "Renshaw Rum"

Tonight (assuming the car can make it back to Inverurie) I'm leaving the office early in order to look after Luca while Carole go's to her fitness class. It's not often I'm home at teatime, so it'll be interesting to see how awkward he is with his tea. Very, if recent reports are anything to go by...

I neglected to mention in the last blog how grateful Luca is to his Grandma Liz for the new cardigan. For the more eagle eyed amongst you you'll have noticed he was wearing the same cardigan in every photo and video. He loves it, and it's the first thing he asks for in the morning. "Cardigan!!!!"

I've been investigating places to visit whilst in Tenerife, and it transpires there's a Zoo where you can walk around amongst the primates. Sounds terrific, but my only hesitation would be how we'd differentiate Luca from the monkeys?

**Useless fact of the day - The top ten weirdest named ales are:-
1. Arrogant Bastard
2. Flying Dog In Heat Wheat
3. Moose Drool
4. Santa’s Butt Porter
5. Fiddler's Elbow
6. Old Speckled Hen
7. Dogfish Head Snowblower Ale
8. Sick Duck
9. Homo Erectus
10. Seriously Bad Elf**

Monday 9th March 2009

Believe it or not, out of a selection of twelve photo's taken within a three minute period, the top two pictures were easily the most concise. He's so active now that - without the presence of a professional photographers camera and related apparel - it's nigh on impossible to gain any clear images of Luca. For those of you familiar with comic book legend, the closest comparison I can compare to Luca is "The Flash". Though I expect the mentioned superhero would, on the very odd occasion, stop moving at the speed of sound long enough to say cheese. Luca, as I'm unfortunately painfully aware, would never consider this to be an option.

To combat this, I'll take more videos of "Flash Junior", which increases the chance of catching the occasional Luca shaped image which is recognisable to the naked eye. Hopefully today's videos will make up for the atrocious pictures. And for Luca's Lincoln based family, go to his Granny's blog - http://jostewart.blogspot.com/ - for a cute video of Luca singing Happy Birthday to his sexagenarian Granda.

And while we're on birthdays, best wishes to his Aunty Jane who turned 24 today. Or something like that anyway.

Since the last blog, times have, as usual, been quite eventful. As always, most activities/frustrations/tiredness/hyperactivity/physical meltdowns/etc have either been caused by or featured Luca. In a good way obviously. Friday was a rare exception, with the cancellation of my Friday 5 a side enabling an evening with my "hermoso senorita" - whether she liked it or not! Luca was behaving (ish) so I disappeared back out to pick up a Chinese meal, which gladly was the tastiest we've had in a while.

On Saturday morning, after our usual weekend lie in (8am, and grateful for it...) I took Luca swimming again. His confidence is increasing, but he stills wraps both arms and legs around me, even in the baby pool. He splashes and mimics my front crawl and breast stroke actions, but has a mental block about going further. He enjoys it though, and actively looks forward to visiting the "big bath", and that's the progress I'd initially only hoped for a couple of months ago so surely my concerns are ill founded?

Afterwards, a damp Dad and boy hopped back into the car and headed through to Aberdeen, as we had a number of miscellaneous items to buy in the shops as well as my usual overdue library books to return. Luca, strangely for him, fell fast asleep on our journey through, despite the moderately sociable hour (11am). Once I'd parked in Aberdeen, however, he woke with such a start it was as if I'd thrown a bucket of water on him. His trademarked grimace, a warning to me not to wake him so suddenly again, is so similar to hi Mum it's frightening. Indeed, the physical resemblance to his Mummy increases day by day - the video of him in Carole's arms on Granny Jo's blog (as linked to earlier) shows a perfect illustration of this fact.

He forgives as quickly as he damns though, and he was perfect in the library again. Actually, almost perfect, as there was unfortunately the incident where he walked across to the old man sitting in a chair reading a book and held out his hands insisting that said article was indeed "Luca's book - want it!"

After the library and the shops (interspersed with demands for chocolate, and reluctantly predictable submission and provision of a Twix) we set off for home. On arrival back he was exhausted, yet still demanded his beanys, occasionally asking where his Mummy was - of which the answer was at lunch with pregnant pals and gym buddies. He went to sleep rather rapidly thereafter, and I took the opportunity to start dinner. Words which send chill up Caroles spine, as I can - as much as this may surprise you - occasionally create a little bit of a mess. However, after Carole got home, and Luca awakened, we sat down to a (relatively) edible meal of chicken, roast veg and mixed rice and peas.

Luca ate the tomato sauce on the side of his plate, steadfastly refusing to try anything unfamiliar. As time runs closer to the holiday, we're redoubling our efforts to be as strict as possible foodwise, even in the face of a hungry toddler. He's going to have to learn, but it's going to be an emotionally fraught period.

After he went down for the night Carole and I sat down to a film, "Against The Dark". It was a zombie movie. Starring Steven Seagal. Was it any good? Do I need to comment after that most crushingly basic of synopses?

On Sunday I took Luca swimming again, with much the same result as Saturday. It was only enlivened by my ever so slightly stern "words" with a plump gentleman (I'm being polite) who drenched (and as a result terrified) Luca, and also by the words only a toddler can get away with. To explain the latter involves obtaining a basic knowledge of a certain childrens book "Peppa Pig". Peppa is a pig (honestly), and Peppas has a mum who is of the slightly larger, more rotund variety. With that in mind, try to picture the scene where a rather rotund mother and baby walked passed us at poolside. Is it even necessary for me to tell you that he pointed at said woman and shouted, at the top of his voice, "Mummy Pig!".......

After returning home Carole headed through to her fitness class, before all three of us drove to Banchory to have a 60th birthday (belated) dinner with Luca's Granda. As he had only returned from a week away on Friday night he was still little weary, but in good form, and Granny cooked a terrific dinner - one of her best, and almost Heston Blumenthal-esque.

I'm not entirely sure if that's a compliment right now, considering the alleged 400 plus cases of food poisoning that have recently enforced the closure of his world famous restaurant...

Today - intermittently mixed with doing a little work in the office - involved finalising certain arrangements and requirements for the forthcoming holiday. Things are - as most of you will already be aware - much more complicated to plan when accounting for a toddler and his demands.

Carole also has a piece of - highly confidential news - involving her work just now that, once finalised, will bring a large glint to her Spanish eyes....

**Useless fact of the day - Gordon Ramsay is the worlds highest earning chef, with an annual income of £15,000,000.00**

Thursday 5th March 2009

I've decided, from today, that until all other blogs (apart from the ever updating and reliable Dad) are updated on a semi-regular basis then there will be no further pictures of Luca on this blog. Just consider that when you think of all his relatives in Lincoln looking for pictures of their Grandson/Nephew/Cousin and not receiving the chance to watch him grow. Just think of his poor Grandma sitting in front of the computer screen with a sad look on her face, wondering where her little Grandson is...

Following that appalling guilt trip (I may be kidding, but take note!), what's Dr No been up in the interminably short period since I last updated? Aside from the usual griping, laughing, eating and sleeping? I got home from work last night to find Carole out at her class while Granny Jo held the fort. Unfortunately, it was almost half past six and his Gran hadn't yet given him his dinner! She used "In The Night Garden" as a rather poor excuse. However, she helped rectify the situation by staying back and - almost literally - shovelling his favourite "beanies" down his throat, as well as two yoghurts. I'm rather hoping Carole doesn't read that bit...

After which, it was bathtime, and a much better behaved boy was evident this time. He also had quite a few "trumps" while in there, which he now comments on after each incident. Very funny, but the "trumping" is becoming rather too regular now, and indeed reminds me of that famous scene from the Gene Wilder film "Blazing Saddles"....

We had a bit of a rush on after - it transpired we were out of milk, and a Luca without his night time bottle is not a sight you wish to behold. Granny saved the day by driving like Jenson Button up to the local shop, while I stayed at home to distract his attention.

Yes, I said Jenson Button. You see, she only drove quite fast, not very...

Carole arrived home not too long after Luca went to bed and his Gran had set off for home, and very quickly turned off the (admittedly poor) football game off the TV while I ran the dogs out. It's not been a pleasant experience taking them out these past few days, as the weather most certainly has taken a turn for the worst up here. Brass monkeys would be a pretty accurate description.

**Useless fact of the day - Blazing Saddles is considered one of the great American comedies, coming in at number six on AFI's 100 Years... 100 Laughs list**

Wednesday 4th February 2009

Just a brief entry today, after yesterday's "War & Peace". Our first subject today refers to the above picture - and "why?" would be the relevant question here. The answer being that due to my car being in for repair I've been reduced to public transport (spit) today, and decided to take a photo of the "modern multi-seat carriage" the bus company provided us with.

Yes, that's a fib. Obviously. Although the bus I caught certainly wasn't a whole lot cleaner. Actually, I have a plethora of complaints about the service. Taking aside the condition, heat (or lack thereof) and cramped conditions provided, my main objections are with the routings and timings. We live just outside Aberdeen, with my office being just several miles away. In the car the journey takes me (on average in rush hour) around 35 minutes. However, after spending yesterday searching through various options (both bus and rail) I came to the conclusion that my best bet was to catch at bus at 0708 from Inverurie to Aberdeen - however, the service doesn't actually stop at Dyce (where I work) so I have to jump off around 2 miles from my office and walk the rest of the way. I eventually arrived into the office well over an hour and a half after leaving the house. There is only one bus that travels straight into Dyce in the morning from Inverurie, but as I'd have to leave the house at 0620 to catch it then I don't think that'll ever be an option!

Yes, I am praying my car is ready by tomorrow! I haven't even mentioned the fact that the bus fare was also more expensive than the petrol I would have used in my gas guzzler either. So much for the government enticing people onto public transport....

For those of you still with me after that rather elongated rant, I'll move onto some Luca related topics. Carole had a fitness class last night, so feeding and bedtime responsibilities fell onto me after I arrived home. Gladly, he was in a good mood (life is so much easier when he is....) so we spent our time watching "In The Night Garden" before having a chat about it. Luca reciting "Iggle Piggle's going to sleep in the boat" does make sense after watching the relevant programme, honestly...

Carole got home not long after shorty visited the land of nod, and watched most of the Liverpool-Sunderland game with me. Good game incidentally. After which, with Carole having dropped off and snoring like a good 'un on the sofa, I took the dogs out in the car with me to the garage. I had to drop the Frontera off in advance of it's service this morning. Unfortunately, as soon as I dropped the car off and posted the keys through the garage letterbox the heavens opened. Isis, Sima and I suffered a real soaking on the way home. Sima in particular severely objected to the drenching, and as Carole commented on our return, she's a real "fair weather" dog.

Later today I'll try to leave work as sharply as possible, as Luca is being babysat by his Granny, and I imagine she'll want to escape for home - and dinner - as soon as she can.

As this entry has now - unintentionally - evolved into a War & Peace sequel, I should perhaps finish up. One final point being a response to Dad's query about the holiday - yes, the Inverurie branch of the family are ready to go, all three passports are up to date with travel insurance acquired and holiday time organised. Our one last query involves Luca's travel seat, but I'll liaise with Lucy and the airline over details for this.

**Useless fact of the day - The minimum bus cash fare in London is now £4.00, even for only travelling one stop. Britain now has the highest public transport charges in Europe**

ff

Tuesday 3rd March 2009

After receiving these pictures via email from Carole last night, I thought long and hard as to whether to post them on the blog or not. Have I - or Carole - ever looked so foolish? Comments to the affirmative will be ignored.

As you'll have guessed (at least I sincerely hope so), Carole and I haven't been eating a Texan style diet these past few months, nor have we discovered a new fashion - although I wouldn't be too surprised to see something similar trot down a Paris catwalk shortly, considering the tosh these pretentious fashionista's try to flog as "high fashion" - these are merely photo's taken during our day out at Valentines. Carole's picture was taken during a fleetingly brief second where she wasn't killing herself laughing or on trapped on her back like the tortoise you used to roll onto its back as a kid for a laugh.

If we promise to never again mention these images, then I'll continue. A busy, albeit enjoyable, weekend for Carole and I has just passed. On Saturday morning we (Carole, Luca and I) took a walk into Inverurie town centre for shopping. This was an admittedly brief venture, as the quality and variety of shops isn't great. Luca enjoyed the trundle though, and of course the fresh air tires him out, which is always a bonus for his weary parents! The weather was surprisingly bright and warm too, and Carole and I spent our time looking up to the sky wondering what on earth that big round yellow thing was.

It's been a long winter up here.

In the afternoon I took a trip to the football while Carole shuttled Luca to Banchory, as his Granny was babysitting him overnight. Carole and I had a night out in Aberdeen with friends which was good fun - despite the trials of our journey home. We caught the last bus back to Inverurie, which leaves at 0245 in the morning, and have since vowed never to take it again! The bus was so busy it took us 20 minutes just to get on - despite our boarding at the bus station - and spent the journey squashed tight in this boiling hot tin can on wheels, with the added bonus of others (outwith my vision unfortunately) smoking throughout and leaving little air to breathe. Not the perfect experience when you've spent the evening drinking too many tequila's....

Speaking of smoking, it's now been about 6 months since my last one. As most of you know, it's particularly hard to resist when drink is involved, but the lack of a growling "harrrummpphh" from the bottom of your throat in the mornings is reason enough to stay off them.

After a long lie on Sunday (11am! Just doesn't happen when you've got kids!) we took a trip to "Pittodrie House Hotel" for our lunch. Pittodrie House is actually a country estate, and is quite beautiful, with the surrounding scenery reminding you why living in the North East of Scotland can be so rewarding. Our lunch was much anticipated, as our hungover stomachs would have accepted anything of substance by the time we ate! The food was of great quality, although predictably not quite up to the standards of the immense and recently visited "Meldrum House". However, it was good - perhaps I'm being a little churlish here. Carole was a little disappointed though, as after the meal we retreated to the drawing room for coffee, only to find the fire had just been extinguished. She was particularly looking forward to a roaring fire. Still, it was hugely comfortable, and we could have fallen asleep after snuggling in with the Sunday papers and fresh coffee. But that can't happen when you have a two year old to collect....

We hit the road and took the scenic route to Banchory. This was a misjudged move, as my stomach was starting to realise it still had too many varieties of spirits and beers sloshing around - and I'm not the greatest traveller at the best of times. On arrival (as Luca was sleeping) we settled down for a chat and chocolate orange with mum. Or I should say Carole chatted - I drifted off rather quickly in front of the Cup Final on TV.

We eventually had to wake Luca at tea time, and impressed he certainly was not. The small one is not a fan of being woken up, and he certainly let us know. Screaming, bawling and crying - and that was only our response to the tantrum he was having! Eventually, however, he calmed down. Chocolate always wins the battle...

After leaving Luca's exhausted Granny in peace - thanks Mum! - we set off for Aberdeen to collect my car, which we'd left parked up overnight. It was a fraught journey home though, as there is something wrong with my car - again. As such, I've now got it booked in for a check up by the mechanic tomorrow. Perhaps I should start a straw poll - is it time for me to get rid of the Frontera?

Positives:-

It's solid as a rock, and Luca is safe within

Plenty of space for the dogs

Negatives:-

High fuel costs

Breaks down - a lot

Let me know?

I came home from work last night to a cacophony of noise. Carole was giving Luca a bath, and for once he wasn't having fun. Indeed, he was in full "objectionable" mode, and was working his mum extremely hard. Still, he's as sweet as chocolate (or candy for our American readers) most of the time. And even when he's not we always know he'll eventually go to sleep anyway! And as a final note, I have to ensure I get hime to sleep on time tonight - there's a big game on live which I want to see, and it's been quite some time since I saw one from start to finish. Carole will likely join me on return from her fitness class - in particular since her "Old Trafford" experience she's become a bone fide football fan!

**Useless fact of the day - Recent statistics published by the Stolen Lives Project estimate that the number of cases in the United States relating to police brutality has reached the thousands, but these statistics come with a disclaimer - many, if not most, of these instances are never reported due to fear of reprisal**