Referring to the title of the post, it may well be closer than jested if I don't publish this latest entry soon. I don't know why I've struggled so much in my attempts to keep this web log updated over past 6 months. The old work/life balance is a struggle, granted, but when is it not? I'll mark my own report card "Must Do Better"
Yesterday, at Duthie Park, Aberdeen. He'd never set foot in a boat until now, having previously only eyed everything from canoes to full blown vessels with fascination and awe - from afar. I'm not sure what bolstered his courage, but quickly removed the fiver from my wallet (£5! Bah humbug) and sat our be-helmeted hero at the boats bow. "Faster Dad!" he squealed as I sweatily powered the oars through the lake, through circuit after circuit after circuit. Little *******.
Of course, no weekend would be complete without me being called into the office. Our on-call facility is seemingly determined not to let me reduce this stress knot in my neck. Luca, however, loves the experience curiously, and sees is as a treat to visit Dad's office. I took him into our warehouse before he left which left him even more giddy. X-Ray machines and forklift trucks - what more does a 5 year old boy want?
Before work called we'd also visited the cinema (Tintin - not bad) and the Maritime Museum too. amongst the many naval/oil wares Luca somehow located a pirate hat. Photo opportunity ahoy indeed.
Thankfully my hangover from 2 days previously had pretty much dissipated before the "Luca And Dad Day of Chaos". I'd enjoyed one of my ever more rare excursions into Aberdeen for a Friday night out with a couple of chums, primarily to see The Charlatans play the Music Hall. However, the evening turned into such a hoot we ended up turning up late for the gig. So late in fact the final song of the encore was already underway! Best value ever. No regrets.
Forest walks have been the activity of choice for our intrepid shorts-wearer over the summer months. Squint and you'll see Luca, Isis and Yoda scarper ahead. Every time I took out the camera he took off.
The Scottish Road Runner. You could hear his squeals for miles after I took off after him, Wile-E-Coyote style, seconds after this picture was taken.
Another weekend, enjoying a healthy lunch. I haven't told him what's in a hot dog yet. I'm not sure I should.
You spot a digger, and Luca will pose.
Funfair again. "I bet you're more scared than me Dad!". I bet you're right son.....
Lower league football, and a rare weekend away from Luca. This was Forfar Athletic V Partick Thistle. The mighty Jags are currently on an 8 game wining streak. I'm actually giddy.
Nottingham, a few weeks ago. Cousin Max and Luca are permanently attached when they're together.
Not a photo the Armstrongs will treasure I feel.......
The best bit of our recent visit to Nottingham/Lincoln. Mike and I visited Nottingham Forests City Ground to watch Mexico and Japan's Olympic football teams square off in a pre-tournament friendly. Mexico went on to win the Olympic gold, while Japan reached the semi's. An inarguably worthwhile trip. The local pub, naturally, wasn't too shabby either.
**Useless fact of the day - Mexico are ranked 18th in FIFA's current ranking system**
