Sam’s Monstera plant has come crashing down off the drawers in his bedroom. So I’ve brought downstairs and re-potted it into a bigger pot. It’s now currently in the siting room, tied to a book shelf so it won’t fall over again, but this won’t be it’s permanent home (not sure where that will be)
In other news, the weather’s not been wonderful – a little chilly and interspersed with some heavy downpours …
My wildflower lawn is looking good …
… and my seedlings, both sunflower and pumpkins, seem to have “”taken” and look healthy …
I do love the summer term, but I don’t normally get as much exercise as in the other two terms. Not this week, though. On Wednesday afternoon I went for a run – albeit not quite 5K, to the B & Q roundabout and back, yesterday I refereed at the Ashcott FC charity football tournament – three hours solid of officiating, half of it in the middle and half on the line, and today I went for a swim, getting in 30 lengths – a kilometre – before breakfast. With a little over three weeks ’till we head to Greece I need to get my self beach ready!!!!
Becky was going down to Cornwall for a few days, leaving on Monday morning. Before I headed off to work I said I was looking forward to a fairly easy week, a bit of a downward slope, the final full week of term.
But that morning, at school, we got the call: the Inspectors are coming, and they were going to be in from Tuesday through to Thursday. This, of course, added a layer of extra work and, if not stress, at least a sense of heightened anxiety, and I began to rue having agreed to referee a school football game that evening, knowing I could have done with the extra couple of hours to prepare.
Then, that evening at home, Becky called me from Cornwall to say the car was making a terrible screeching noise when breaking. A certain sense of de-ja-vu and long distance fault diagnosis. Anyway, my suspicions that it was worn brake pads was correct, and the next day a local garage replaced the front pads and discs for £200.
On Thursday, Sam had the next, and final stage, of his job interview, to be a trainee manager at Enterprise car rental in Bristol.
In a borrowed suit and tie (the trainers were just for driving to the interview) he said it went well, and would find out early next week.
But on Friday morning they phoned him and offered him the job!
Needless to say, we are all delighted for him! He starts on May 18th, so will work for a couple of weeks up at school after the Easter holiday, before hopefully moving to Bristol.
On Saturday morning, I got up to find a note from Sam to say the boiler was leaking. Not the best start to the day – I really did wonder if this week could throw up any more surprises. On my return home, I did some investigation – took of the front cover – and it was clear that the leak was coming from the auto air vent. I’ve found a replacement on eBay for £10 – due to arrive on Tuesday or Wednesday – and have established it should be a (fairly) simple job to swap the old one out and replace it with the new one. And more research today has led me to discover that I can just screw down the cap and it stops leaking, although that does stop it being an “auto” air vent, so I my need to periodically bleed a radiator or two, but no big drama, and certainly a job that can wait until our return from Italy.
And also on Saturday it was my birthday!
I had some sweet treats and a chilled afternoon/evening, but I shall have to wait a few months to be in my true happy place pictured above!
And in the course of this week, I’ve refereed three games on the Sir Gareth Edwards picth: U14 (Monday) and U15 (Wednesday) mid-Somerset sides, and on Saturday our U17s v Bristol City U16s (we won 3-0) Today I was due to do a game on the Bridgwater & District League, but 5 mins into my journey I got a call to tell me the game was cancelled as the home side couldn’t get enough players, so I turned round and came home. After the hectic week I’ve had, I was quietly quite pleased!
No blog for the next couple of Sundays as on Thursday we are off to Italy for nine days. Arrivederci!
Today is Mothers’ Day and Sophie and Becky have travelled up to Birmingham to see Benson Boone. Sophie came home on Thursday and its been nice to have her around for a few days (she plans to return early Tuesday morning) and so this morning we we all home together, which was nice. Sam has now gone to work, and I went to Bridgwater to referee a football match.
It was my fourth game in five days (and my third in three) and I am really starting to enjoy it again. It helps that the weather is warmer, and dry – Wednesday and Saturday were both beautiful days, Friday and today less so. March is oscillating from sunny blue skies to cold windy days, with the odd rain shower (which fortunately I have missed) Being on quality pitches – Pitch one twice, SGE once and BCA astro today, helps, both with the quality of the football, and the ease of running around.
I was a little worried on Wednesday as my left calf felt as though it had a tight ball in it – not a pull, but running wasn’t as fluid as it should have been. So I invested in a massage gun (£20) and it has been brilliant. Working the back of the calf, a spot, say 4 cm diameter, was painful, but by repeated use the pain has gone away, as if the problem has been “broken up”, and refereeing back to back games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday has been no problems, with no more than a “normal” post-exercise slight ache across all leg muscles.
With the light and lengthening says, colour is returning to our world: greens are vibrant with new growth, bulbs continue to flourish and blossom brightens many a tree. The forsythia on the way to school is a blanket of yellow
and the bulbs in the lawn and borders bring me joy, with grape hyacinths and the odd tulip joining the yellow see of daffodils.
To be honest, I could have titled this post ” F$%k off February” – I must confess that I am glad to see the back of it. Although its not seemed too long, it’s been wet and grey, and I seem to have been either tired or full of cold, or both!
But the good news is is that these week has signalled a real change – the weather is improving: some rain still causing misery, but in between we are getting to see some blue skies, and feel a bit of warmth. And added to that, plants are beginning to come back to life. The back garden is awash with daffodils, and in the front wooden trug we now have some colour.
I do love the little daffodils, but I am regretting my decision to not plant some normal sized daffodils in there too – a planter of this size probably needs the height for impact. Noted for next year!
And its not just the daffodils that are brightening our days. Bird life is returning and bushes and trees are beginning to green up.
This morning I answered the call to referee a game on the Bridgwater & District league – glad I did, the game was good, the weather was pleasant and it was nice to be out and about on an early spring like day. I saw Keith, and he was encouraging me give him the next six Sundays, don’t think I’ll do that, but my head has probably been turned …
Last week I had my prostate PSA test, on Monday I got the results: in the green I’m pleased to say, with a recommendation to be retested in two years, Fen ’28.
On Monday it was Sophie’s birthday – 26! I do find that hard to believe: that I am a father to a 26 and 23 year old! Sophie and Becky went to London to see Benson Boone, and by the sounds of it, it was an excellent show! Brian May was a guest appearance at the end, accompanying the boy Benson in a rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody.
For me, a far more mundane week, with a return to school, and dark evenings to walk home in. It does, however, remain remarkably warm – still no need to break out the winter clothes and coats. In the garden, my geraniums remain in full bloom, ably supported by the Bizzie Lizzie’s that keep on doing their thing, and offset by the lush green growth of some nasturtiums (which are also sported the odd orange flamed flower). There is a general dampness to the weather (and we’ve just had a quick downpour, soaking me as I rushed to retrieve the washing) but its not been too wet this week, although that is due to change in the coming days.
Progress is being made in the fungus gnat problem, the sticky traps are showing a much reduced incidence of the annoying insect, although I did give up on my avocado plant today, and took it to the compost bin: it had suffered through my reduced watering regime, with leaves curling and blackening, plus it still seemed to have a significant infestation, as manifested by both the the number of gnats on the yellow sticky trap, plus you could still see the little blighters crawling around the surface. For recording purposes, I took some photos of some of the yellow traps in my room before I replaced them today, after a week. (The one’s in Sam’s room I changed on Wednesday)
Today, I refereed on the Bridgwater District League – was aske by Keith to do so on Wednesday as they were short of refs, so I agreed. First ten minutes I was doubting my decision, but once I’d established myself on the game, and everyone recognised my levels and tolerances, I did come to quite enjoy myself. Of note was when one player commended me on a good advantage played, another when, with only about 10 mins to go a player from the losing side (8-0 down at this stage, ended 10-0) asked if I was a new ref. I explained I used to do this league, but hadn’t done for a while – he was very complimentary, him and his mate agreeing that I hadn’t got anything wrong. I’m not going back to doing this every week, but I am enjoying my refereeing at the moment, at whatever level.
Its exeat weekend, and Becky and I took the opportunity to go to Bristol to watch Starter for Ten an the Old Vic.
It was excellent – a great show, I really, really enjoyed it. Its a long time since I read the book but I could pretty much remember the block of the story as it unfolded. I didn’t really know what to expect before we went, but it was musical theatre, in a wonderful small venue; I do think it is the best bit of theatre I can recall seeing in a long time.
And to conclude the day, we went to The Stables to eat after the show (we had been to the matinee) I had beef nachos, Becky had a pizza, but it was so big I had several slices of that, too.
Today, I refereed on the Bridgwater & District Sunday league – they were short of a ref, I was asked and agreed to do it – enjoyed the game. I ran yesterday morning and I do think that my level of fitness is returning to a level I haven’t enjoyed for maybe a year or so. My running times are inching down, and when refereeing I am finding I can, once again, turn on that little burst of pace when needed.
This afternoon I spent a happy couple of hours in the garden, mainly tidying up the “raspberry patch” and then planting last year’s bulbs, in the hope of some Spring colour.
Medical: my right arm, and neck/shoulder area hurts, I think RSI from using a computer and mouse without giving myself the necessary support. Will monitor and report back.
This week has mainly been about sorting, organising and remodelling my room, the sitting room, and the shed.
We’ve had two new chairs and a sofa arrive for the sitting room,
meaning the sofa in my room had to go, to be replaced with the sofa from the sitting room, necessitating a major re-organisation of my room.
Anyway, the job is nearly done – I still have to build my shoe rack, put my shoes away and do the final bit of organising, but I’m nearly there and the results so far are looking good.
Also this week, the Micra passed its MOT; not so good car news – I was woken at circa 1215 Friday night/Saturday morning as Sophie had broken down on the way home from Taylor Swift (driving from London to Basingstoke.) Her dashboard had lit up like Blackpool illuminations, and the car was losing power, so she pulled over. Her scanner said P0302 cylinder 2 misfire. Long story short, I got her to clear the code, the car then started and ran normally and she drove on to her friends house. The next day she drove home without incident, so I suspect some transient problem had put the car into limp mode. I will, though, change the plugs and coil pack.
Yesterday saw a return to FA cup action, with me on the line between Wincanton Town and Fleet Town. A feisty game that ended 2-2, I really enjoyed it. Meanwhile Shepton Mallet lost to Baffins Milton Rovers FC in their cup fixture, so a new team to follow in the next round.
I spent the day at work, came home and had my Spanish lesson with Daniel, then I swam. For my pudding, I had a slice of this cake, which Becky had made for me, and Sophie had decorated. This year, I had said no presents – I don’t need anything and I don’t want people wasting their money buying me things I won’t use. I had a nice day, but a better day was Friday when I broke up for the Easter holidays!
Sam came home on Saturday (with a mountain of washing that I have now ploughed through) and yesterday & today saw me back on a (non-school) football pitch, refereeing a couple of games. I enjoyed it again, possibly have got my refereeing mojo back, but could still very much take it or leave it and don’t think I shall be doing masses in the future. But an important weekend that saw me take charge of two cup games, and officiate with my old calm authority, and do a good job. If I scale back my refereeing, it is on my terms.
Also today, I went to a “language cafe” at Strode theatre, part of it’s book week, and spent about an hour or so talking in Spanish with other learners, and a couple of tutors. Really enjoyed it, and was pleased with my ability to hold a conversation in Spanish with complete strangers. Makes me realise all my time and effort has not been wasted, and I an looking forward to speaking with Daniel again tomorrow,
Way back in September I decided that I wasn’t going to referee on “my” Sunday league anymore – a combination of getting fed up of low level dissent, a lack of respect and appreciation of what I did, and the time it took up on my precious day off each week.
On Thursday I got a text from Rich at New Forresters: they hadn’t been assigned a ref this week, and would I do them a favour and do the game. I agreed. It was foggy as I left Street, but the air cleared by Ashcott and beuatiful blue skies made me think it wasn’t such a bad thing to do.
But 5 mins into the game, I was reminded why I packed it in. The opposition keeper – who is also the manager of this team (I won’t mention it here, but you can use Full Time to find it) – started gobbing off that the nets weren’t fixed properly. I remembered this keeper/manager – always gobby, always questioning everything and today was no different. He set the tone for his team and the morning became quite unpleasant. I sent a player into the sin bin, then later, another two. Things were calming down now, but then a NF player continued to argue, called him over, he was going to get binned, but continued so I gave him a red for offinabus. He then got aggressive. Below is my report of the incident. I am certainly done with this league now, quite possibly refereeing altogether.
This relates to the red card/sending off of xxxxxxx, New Foresters FC Having taken the players name & number, I showed the red card to indicate the decision. The player then took a step towards me and raised his hands in my direction in a threatening manner. I felt physically threatened by his actions and took a pace back to add distance between myself and the player. Other players – from both sides – immediately stepped between the dismissed player and myself to provide a physical barrier between myself and the dismissed player, who then lowered his hands and left the pitch. Players from both sides checked that I was OK, and happy to continue with the game. After a moment to compose myself, we continued with the game. Some 10 minutes later, I became aware that the dismissed player had returned to the side of the pitch. I was aware of his presence as he shouted out a sarcastic comment about my officiating. I know the player should no longer have been pitch side, but the pitch was a public space without the facilities, structures and officials one might find at some clubs. Whilst I felt safe on the pitch, I did not feel safe to go and confront the player and ask him to leave, or ask any of his team to do the same, so the game continued with him pitch side. At the end of the game, accompanied by his manager, he did come and apologise to me on the pitch. At the time of the sending off, some of his team mates told me they would accompany me off the pitch at the end of the game, to ensure my safety. By the time the game ended, this was not needed as the threat from the player had diminished, but I am grateful for the support and assistance offered to me by the club & teammates of the dismissed player.
[Edited to add: the pic is of the amaryllis flowering, grown from bulb planted just before Christmas]
So Covid’s making a comeback and, consequently, I’ve made a big decision.
I’ve blown full-time on my refereeing, at least for the time being.
I don’t fear contracting the virus whilst taking charge of a fixture – its quite easy to keep oneself socially distanced and being outdoors I feel pretty safe, but what concerns me is getting a subsequent call from track and trace to say that someone at a game I have refereed has tested positive and that therefore I need to self-isolate for 14 days.
I don’t want to have to do that as it would drive me mad, plus I would feel I was letting down everyone at school. So I fulfilled my commitment to referee today, but other than school games, that’s it for the time being. I’m limiting my exposure to the world to work and home. I think that is now how things will be until Spring.
On a more cheery note, the pic above shows my pumpkins nicely turning orange. The leaves are (have!) turning into crisps, it’ll soon be time to harvest them. I have enjoyed watching them grow. With the leaves now a shadow of their former magnificence, the chard plants are once again beginning to thrive, it will be interesting to see how long they last through winter.
