Tuesday 31 July 2012

Wenlock

Last blog today - promise!
Had a lovely day, wandering around the Olympic Park was as good as the basketball.
Stayed quite late and found a scary Wenlock standing by himself in a beautiful garden.
Strange how he stands just like me.

Review of basketball - written in the queue for McDonalds

I am not a basketball expert, but I have a few thoughts on todays games.
We had the absolute back  row seats so hung our flag over the back wall.
First game was Lithuania against Nigeria and there were lots of very loud Lithuania fans in the hall.
I was shocked that they booed all the time Nigeria had the ball and chanted songs and jumped up and down whenever they had the ball.
They won very easily and this result was obvious from early on, but it made no difference to them.
Totally unsportsmanlike behaviour.
Then GB played Brazil and was much more pleasant and a more even match.
Nearly all the crowd supported GB but no one booed Brazil, even though they won.
Just writing this while queuing for a McDonald's.
Totally authentic experience.

At the Olympics

Had an easy journey here and got in really quickly. It is fantastic, really surprised that there are so many beautiful flower beds around.
Taken a few photos and just got to our seats at the Basketball stadium where we are on the very back row.
Will post some distant action shots soon.

Bali weather

Very excited today.  Off to the Olympics later, but things are going against us slightly.
The underground from Woodford is suspended due to a suspected fire - strangely not a real fire - and it is also raining, quite heavily.
Sitting in Margaret's lovely conservatory looking out at her amazing garden which unfortunately reminds me a lot of Bali.

Monday 30 July 2012

Lunch at Tower Bridge

Left Margs and Dave this morning and zoomed along Cycling Superhighway 7 into London. Turned right at the river Thames and stopped to eat our sarnies outside the Tower of London. It was really busy and saw some real life Beefeaters in the Tower. The scary mascot with only one giant eye was on our path dressed up as a Beefeater and tourists were queuing to take photos of him. We couldn't be bothered to queue, but these were the best dressed tourists we saw. They kept shouting "one, two, three, happeeee" while their friends took many photos of them. Just got to Margaret's in Woodford Green and cycled 44 miles to get here.

Sunday 29 July 2012

Lazy Sunday afternoon

Darren has got the blog back on track, so a big thank you to him. Spent the whole day sitting on Margs and Daves settee watching the telly, The day was only broken up by the arrival of the four M`s. Had a good drawing, colouring in and making paper aeroplanes session with Maddie and Megan before watching Rebecca Adlington get a bronze in the 400 metres.

Come on Cav and Wiggo

Just seen the cyclists go past twice now. So exciting and fast, also really, really close. Had to move the chairs back as it was a bit terrifying. Team GB are on the front of the peloton but there is a breakaway of 12 that are five minutes ahead. Would still bet on Cav for the win.

Sitting on Box Hill

Watched the opening ceremony until just before 1am, gathered up our sleeping bags and set off in the dark to find a tiny campsite where Dan and Anna had very kindly set up a little tent for us. Found it at about 2.30am and am now settled by the side of the road on Box Hill. Really excited, it doesn't look like it but it is really busy. The riders are on their way and will cycle past us 9 times. Update later.....

Cycling to the Olympics

Caught the 1428 from Nottingham to St Pancras and got there just as our friend Dave arrived to meet us. Set off on the bikes across central London, catching sight of St Paul's cathedral and the Shard before crossing the Thames and on to the cycling Superhighway for about 8 miles. It was the rush hour and very macho with Lycra glad people racing along, and we all had to slalom past buses and parked cars. It was exciting but I wouldn't like to do it too often. Then straight on to a Sustrans route through woods and along the side of rivers for a few miles Stopped at a pub for refreshments after 20 miles and got to Horley after 32 miles. All set to watch the opening ceremony and then we are off to sleep in a tent in a field so that we can see Bradley Wiggins in the Olympic road race tomorrow.

Saturday 28 July 2012

Cycling to the Olympics

Caught the 1428 from Nottingham to St Pancras and got there just as our friend Dave arrived to meet us.
We set off on the bikes across central London, catching sight of St Paul's cathedral and the Shard before crossing the Thames and on to the cycling Superhighway for about 8 miles.

It was the rush hour and very macho with Lycra glad people racing along, and we all had to slalom past buses and parked cars. It was exciting but I wouldn't like to do it too often.
Then straight on to a Sustrans route through woods and along the side of rivers for a few miles
Stopped at a pub for refreshments after 20 miles and got to Horley after 32 miles.
All set to watch the opening ceremony and then we are off to sleep in a tent in a field so that we can see Bradley Wiggins in the Olympic road race tomorrow.

Cycling to the Olympics

Caught the 1428 from Nottingham to St Pancras and got there just as our friend Dave arrived to meet us.
Set off on the bikes across central London, catching sight of St Paul's cathedral and the Shard before crossing the Thames and on to the cycling Superhighway for about 8 miles.
It was the rush hour and very macho with Lycra glad people racing along, and we all had to slalom past buses and parked cars. It was exciting but I wouldn't like to do it too often.
Then straight on to a Sustrans route through woods and along the side of rivers for a few miles
Stopped at a pub for refreshments after 20 miles and got to Horley after 32 miles.
All set to watch the opening ceremony and then we are off to sleep in a tent in a field so that we can see Bradley Wiggins in the Olympic road race tomorrow.

Having a few technical problems at the moment and just trying to get it back on track, Thinking of turning it off then back on again, or as Matt would say, power cycling it. Luckily Daz is on the case so confident that normal service will be resumed shortly, but it will look as if I did about a million different things, all on the same day.

FW: Cycling to the Olympics



From: Christine Darvill
Sent: 28/07/2012 17:37
To: christinedarvill.flyfishing@blogger.com
Subject: FW: Cycling to the Olympics



From: Christine Darvill
Sent: 27/07/2012 21:15
To: christinedarvill.flyfishing@blogger.com
Subject: Cycling to the Olympics

Caught the 1428 from Nottingham to St Pancras and got there just as our friend Dave arrived to meet us.
Set off on the bikes across central London, catching sight of St Paul's cathedral and the Shard before crossing the Thames and on to the cycling Superhighway for about 8 miles.
It was the rush hour and very macho with Lycra glad people racing along, and we all had to slalom past buses and parked cars. It was exciting but I wouldn't like to do it too often.
Then straight on to a Sustrans route through woods and along the side of rivers for a few miles
Stopped at a pub for refreshments after 20 miles and got to Horley after 32 miles.
All set to watch the opening ceremony and then we are off to sleep in a tent in a field so that we can see Bradley Wiggins in the Olympic road race tomorrow.

Cycling to the Olympics

Caught the 1428 from Nottingham to St Pancras and got there just as our friend Dave arrived to meet us.
Set off on the bikes across central London, catching sight of St Paul's cathedral and the Shard before crossing the Thames and on to the cycling Superhighway for about 8 miles.
It was the rush hour and very macho with Lycra glad people racing along, and we all had to slalom past buses and parked cars. It was exciting but I wouldn't like to do it too often.
Then straight on to a Sustrans route through woods and along the side of rivers for a few miles
Stopped at a pub for refreshments after 20 miles and got to Horley after 32 miles.
All set to watch the opening ceremony and then we are off to sleep in a tent in a field so that we can see Bradley Wiggins in the Olympic road race tomorrow.

Cycling to the Olympics



From: Christine Darvill
Sent: 28/07/2012 17:37
To: christinedarvill.flyfishing@blogger.com
Subject: FW: Cycling to the Olympics



From: Christine Darvill
Sent: 27/07/2012 21:15
To: christinedarvill.flyfishing@blogger.com
Subject: Cycling to the Olympics

Caught the 1428 from Nottingham to St Pancras and got there just as our friend Dave arrived to meet us.
Set off on the bikes across central London, catching sight of St Paul's cathedral and the Shard before crossing the Thames and on to the cycling Superhighway for about 8 miles.
It was the rush hour and very macho with Lycra glad people racing along, and we all had to slalom past buses and parked cars. It was exciting but I wouldn't like to do it too often.
Then straight on to a Sustrans route through woods and along the side of rivers for a few miles
Stopped at a pub for refreshments after 20 miles and got to Horley after 32 miles.
All set to watch the opening ceremony and then we are off to sleep in a tent in a field so that we can see Bradley Wiggins in the Olympic road race tomorrow.

FW: Cycling to the Olympics



From: Christine Darvill
Sent: 27/07/2012 21:15
To: christinedarvill.flyfishing@blogger.com
Subject: Cycling to the Olympics

Caught the 1428 from Nottingham to St Pancras and got there just as our friend Dave arrived to meet us.
Set off on the bikes across central London, catching sight of St Paul's cathedral and the Shard before crossing the Thames and on to the cycling Superhighway for about 8 miles.
It was the rush hour and very macho with Lycra glad people racing along, and we all had to slalom past buses and parked cars. It was exciting but I wouldn't like to do it too often.
Then straight on to a Sustrans route through woods and along the side of rivers for a few miles
Stopped at a pub for refreshments after 20 miles and got to Horley after 32 miles.
All set to watch the opening ceremony and then we are off to sleep in a tent in a field so that we can see Bradley Wiggins in the Olympic road race tomorrow.

Come on Cav and Wiggo

Just seen the cyclists go past twice now.
So exciting and fast, also really, really close. Had to move the chairs back as it was a bit terrifying.
Team GB are on the front of the peloton but there is a breakaway of 12 that are five minutes ahead.
Would still bet on Cav for the win.

Sitting on Box Hill

Watched the opening ceremony until just before 1am, gathered up our sleeping bags and set off in the dark to find a tiny campsite where Dan and Anna had very kindly set up a little tent for us.
Found it at about 2.30am and am now settled by the side of the road on Box Hill.
Really excited, it doesn't look like it but it is really busy. The riders are on their way and will cycle past us 9 times.
Update later.....

Friday 27 July 2012

Cycling to the Olympics

Caught the 1428 from Nottingham to St Pancras and got there just as our friend Dave arrived to meet us.
Set off on the bikes across central London, catching sight of St Paul's cathedral and the Shard before crossing the Thames and on to the cycling Superhighway for about 8 miles.
It was the rush hour and very macho with Lycra glad people racing along, and we all had to slalom past buses and parked cars. It was exciting but I wouldn't like to do it too often.
Then straight on to a Sustrans route through woods and along the side of rivers for a few miles
Stopped at a pub for refreshments after 20 miles and got to Horley after 32 miles.
All set to watch the opening ceremony and then we are off to sleep in a tent in a field so that we can see Bradley Wiggins in the Olympic road race tomorrow.

Wednesday 25 July 2012

Orange Wednesday - no!

Despite saying I was looking forward to this weeks Orange Wednesday and Batman, I have had some enormous second thoughts.
Darren told me that Robin isn't in the film, apparently no one says 'holy sausages' or anything similar, and there is no nanananananana batman music.
Susan went to see it and thought I might like it even less than The Avengers, so Darren thought it wouldn't be pleasant taking me, even though I did promise to try and be enthusiastic.
Our alternative entertainment for the evening was beach volleyball in our front garden.
It was arranged by Notts Volleyball Association and they were pretty good. No bikinis, but that's probably not a bad thing. I was cheering for the team called Darkstar, but I don't know if they won because right at the crucial point, some guy sat down in the deckchair next to me and started telling me all about his arthritis.

Monday 23 July 2012

Happy Olympic birthday to Elaine

'Happy birthday to you.......etc'
Congratulations to my sister Elaine and the theme of this years presents is a bit obvious.
Darren and I bought her the sensible teeshirts and her mates at work got her the hands and the tasteful umbrella hat.

Sunday 22 July 2012

Out of stock at Nicholsons

Just been out for dinner at Nicholsons, which says that it 'takes sophistication to a new level'.
It is part of the Hilton Hotel on Milton Street.
We had a voucher so we got a reasonable deal, but they had run out of:-
Chardonnay
Chenin blanc
Rose wine
Berry rekorderlig cider
Potatoes - the table opposite tried to order some
Large glasses - ditto
Sticky toffee pudding
And these were only things we requested that they didn't have.
It was particularly funny as there were only six of us in the whole restaurant.
The website said 'enjoy a unique dining experience' which it was, just not sure if I would recommend it.

Tour de France

Having a lazy afternoon at home watching the Tour de France live.
Wiggins is on for the overall win, but we are really hoping Cav can win the sprint for the fourth year running.
Great race this year and can't wait to go to see the Olympic Road Race next Saturday.
Also watching hundreds of people having a lovely time in the fountains in our front garden.

Saturday 21 July 2012

Nottingham Splendour

Walked over to Wayne Manor - otherwise known as Wollaton Park to see the Splendour Festival.
Much sunnier day so got the picnic blanket out and made ourselves at home.
Saw Hard Fi then Katy B, who had a lovely posh speaking voice and got the crowd jumping.
Wandered around both main stages and saw a local girl called Ronica. Darren got right to the front and took loads of photos, so hope that she becomes famous.
Best act were another local band who we just happened to hear on a tiny stage when we were making our home. Miss 600, I think, with a saxophonist and trumpeter. Stood right at the front and watched the whole show.
Good day out.

Friday 20 July 2012

Jack the Ripper - review

The Lace Market Theatre is a lovely, cosy little theatre, with perhaps 100 seats and tonight was a sell out.
It was billed as a musical play and it had some sarcastic similarities with an old tv show called 'The good old days', with a music hall feel.
Gareth (Darren's mate) was a policeman, who said very little during the first half, but came into his own towards the end as he dressed up as part tart, part copper and sang a solo.
Excellent entertainment, didn't totally follow the plot, but that didn't matter.
Very professional actors, particularly the ladies who were very tuneful and lively.
Much better than some of the films I have seen recently.

The beach is open

Heard a load of screaming outside of our window and realised the beach wad open and people were on the rides.
Headed on over there to check it out. People are already sitting on deck chairs in the sand and the hot dog barbi was all set. Tested one and they are very good.
Next stop the cider special at Lloyds Number One.
I have to say, not all ciders are the same, also stay clear of gimmicky ones. I had blackcurrant cider and Daz had plum. Both tasted like cordial and scored very low on the ciderometer.
But you can't always trust these new rules as last weekends strawberry cider was fantastic.
Conundrum, conundrum.
Next stop Jack the Ripper - on at the Lacemarket Theatre and with one of Darren's mates from work in the cast.

Wednesday 18 July 2012

Nottingham by the sea

It looks like the tide is coming in at the Market Square, but it is actually a view of the padding pool and sand being made ready for the grand opening in Friday.
It's starting to look good and the weather is even going to pick up by Saturday.

Sunday 15 July 2012

Cycle ride to Derby

The sun is shining so in the middle of a cycle round trip to Derby. Done just under 20 miles and stopped for a coffee and a bacon cob in Derby city centre.
Interesting muddy route along the river, I am covered in splashes but Daz has mudguards so he's looking lovely and clean.
Ps liked the dog walkers paddling along in the middle of a lake.

Saturday 14 July 2012

Saturday morning Parkrun

No rain this morning so off to do the Colwick 5k Parkrun. Very muddy course and time definitely wasted slaloming around puddles in my lovely clean, new trainers. Noticed the more serious runners just went straight through the middle of them.
Not a great time 28.06, and behind Darren by over three minutes but finished 18 out of 67 ladies.
Darren has kindly donated his old bike to me - it is identical to my fantastic flowery bike that got stolen - so I have customised it.
Before my old bike was flowery I called it Team Jamaica as I had stuck green and yellow electrical tape on it. So now I have Team Jamaica Two - just in time for the Olympics - but I have also added a small bouquet of yellow roses on the basket.
Also bought a much, much stronger lock this time.

Friday 13 July 2012

Notts Bike Weekend

Just been down to the Embankment to watch the semi professional main event bike race.
Inspired to go, particularly after watching the Tour de France where Britain has just had its fourth winner of a stage, although I am no fan of David Miller.
Got myself a strawberry cider - no ice thank you - and watched the action in the freezing cold.
Amazing how fast they go - me and Daz aren't like this on our outings.