Friday, 19 August 2011
Friday, 15 July 2011
Another momentous day!
Another good news day!
Had a bit of a chat with Chris as we drove back to Durham - he is really growing up!
When i got home Ian gave me the news that we had a new addition to the family -Reuben!
It seems so strange when i think back to our childhood and think of Mam & Dad, getting used to Sue being with Russ. Of course Sue & Russ turned out to be one of the best couples, and have since gone on to have a great and loving family. Claire has 2 lovely kids - Katie (who i love - and is so very much like us!! Dad would have loved her!) and Daniel (who is a lovely kid too!). Jane now has 3 boys - Aaron, Lucas and Reuben (i wonder if he knows that Bob Dylan once sang about him!) and she is a lovely and caring mum.
It is interesting to look at your past and then to see the immediate future!
Had a bit of a chat with Chris as we drove back to Durham - he is really growing up!
When i got home Ian gave me the news that we had a new addition to the family -Reuben!
It seems so strange when i think back to our childhood and think of Mam & Dad, getting used to Sue being with Russ. Of course Sue & Russ turned out to be one of the best couples, and have since gone on to have a great and loving family. Claire has 2 lovely kids - Katie (who i love - and is so very much like us!! Dad would have loved her!) and Daniel (who is a lovely kid too!). Jane now has 3 boys - Aaron, Lucas and Reuben (i wonder if he knows that Bob Dylan once sang about him!) and she is a lovely and caring mum.
It is interesting to look at your past and then to see the immediate future!
Friday, 1 July 2011
Today at Wimbledon
What a day!
Had a crap day at work (so, what's new!). Looked forward to seeing Andy Murray beat Rafael Nadal on Centre Court today - but, of course that didn't happen. Andy started off really well - played amazingly aggressive Tennis against Rafa, but, even though i was impressed with this style of play, i along with many others knew that it was just a matter of time before the Spaniard began to wave his magic wand and produce winner after winner. As is so often the case in Tennis, One point seemed to change the whole course of the match. Andy was a set up and had an easy shot to make it 3-1 in the second, but he missed an absolute sitter. From then on the match seemed to belong to Rafa. The outcome was inevitable, and Rafa won in 4. My critique is that, although i think Andy murray is an amazing player with a worthy style of play that is worthy of winning a Grand Slam. Unfortunatly, i don't think this will ever happen - as i feel that this was his prime opportunity, which he didn't take. I only hope that Andy doesn't get crucified by the British media as i think he gave it everything he had - he just met a better man on the day (and i'm afaid this will be the case throughout his career!(
Had a crap day at work (so, what's new!). Looked forward to seeing Andy Murray beat Rafael Nadal on Centre Court today - but, of course that didn't happen. Andy started off really well - played amazingly aggressive Tennis against Rafa, but, even though i was impressed with this style of play, i along with many others knew that it was just a matter of time before the Spaniard began to wave his magic wand and produce winner after winner. As is so often the case in Tennis, One point seemed to change the whole course of the match. Andy was a set up and had an easy shot to make it 3-1 in the second, but he missed an absolute sitter. From then on the match seemed to belong to Rafa. The outcome was inevitable, and Rafa won in 4. My critique is that, although i think Andy murray is an amazing player with a worthy style of play that is worthy of winning a Grand Slam. Unfortunatly, i don't think this will ever happen - as i feel that this was his prime opportunity, which he didn't take. I only hope that Andy doesn't get crucified by the British media as i think he gave it everything he had - he just met a better man on the day (and i'm afaid this will be the case throughout his career!(
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Hard Rock Calling June 26 2011
Wow - just got back from a trashing visit to London where we saw the legendary Stevie Nicks - Live in concert, at Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park.
We set off from Sunderland at about 8.15, and got the Metro to Newcastle We then jumped onboard an express train to London. The journey seemed to pass in an instant. It's amazing how quickly you can get from A to B these days. We then headed for the tube and got the Circle line to Bayswater. It took us no time at all to find our hotel -The Caeser - a boutique sort of hotel (meaning that it was chic, but with an unbelievably small room!). Nevermind, it wasn't as if we were going to spend much time there! We dumped out bags and rushed out into the glorious sunshine. It was an incredibly beautiful sunny day and the temperature was scorching. (Luckily we had remembered to pack our sunglasses and a cap to stop my bonce from burning!)
Hyde Park was beginning to fill up nicely and so we joined the crowds and headed towards the entry gates. I had brought my camera along, as i felt that this was too good an opportunity to miss. I have to admit, however that it was the cause for concern, as i was worried that security may not be allow me into the venue with it! There was no need to fret though, as i got it through without any bother.
So we had arrived into the massive Hyde Park - where the sun was beating down and the throngs of people gathering to see the Queen of Rock & Roll for the first time in many many years. We waited around in the blistering heat, with smells of unknown origin floating around in the air! (was it horse manure? Vinegar? Toilets?). Seeing people with blankets and chairs, we soon realised that we should have been better prepared. After a couple of hours, with sore feet and legs we gave it up and decided to lay down on the dirty, smelly ground! We watched Rumer perform a laid back but decent set. Her voice really is like Karen Carpenter's. An hour or so later everyone moved forward, as the crowd grew. There were quite a few Adam Ant fans near the front and a loud cheer went up as he took to the stage. He performed quite a few of his early hits and the crowd seemed to appreciate that (he looked a bit crazy to me!)
Once his set was over we waited with baited breath, as the stage was prepared with Stevie's usual mike stand adorned with the usual ribbons. There were now loads of people gathed at the front and they were all really excited about the prospect of seeing Stevie perform. A short time later we heard the sound of the crickets humming and knew that it wouldn't be long until she took to the stage.
At around 1945, we caught a slight glimpse of Stevie being led onto an area of the stage (hidden from view by a Black sheet). A few minutes later, a roar went up as Mr Rod Steward appeared onstage, looking very dapper! then Waddy, Sharon, Lori and the rest of the band moved into their positions.
Rod said that he was honoured to announce the arrival of a wonderful women, who, he thought, posessed one of THE voices of the 21st Century (and of course he meant THE voice!!!).
Ladies and Gentlemen please welcome STEVIE NICKS! Stevie came onto the stage with a bang to 'Stand Back' and the crowd gave her a massive welcome. I clicked away with my camera, hoping to get some great shots (However, my hands were shaking so much, i found it hard to keep the camera still!). The sun was so powerful and glaring that Stevie had put on a pair of sunglasses. She sang wonderfully and she looked really surprised and happy with the response of the crowd - who were going mental! 'Secret Love' was up next followed by the familiar eerie piano intro to 'Rhiannon' (again, the crowd went crazy!). Stevie was dressed in her usual Black dress with the Gossamer batwings. She was on fire and sounded Amazing! Next, Stevie produced the biggest surprise of the evening - 'Outside the Rain'. Once the crowd realised that the song segwayed into 'Dreams', a massive roar went up, and everyone started to sing along. 'Gold dust Woman' got an equally massive response, with Stevie draped in her traditional Gold shawl. Landslide followed and Stevie told the crowd how her father had always thought that she had written the song about him, and about how the words were about getting older and staying strong. After a lovely rendition of the song she took off the sunglasses and wiped away a tear!
I was surprise when Waddy Watchel struck the opening Riff to Edge of Seventeen and Stevie, Sharon and Lori began to sing the first few lines.....Just like a White winged dove, sings a song sounds like she's singing!!! Everyone was singing and dancing and screeming for Stevie, and her voice seemed to get sronger and stronger as the song went on. Stevie, like the true Superstar, showperson she is, walked from side to side of the stage, giving each section of the crowd her ususal wave and beautiful smile, showing everyone how much she appreciated their response. She thanked everyone for their support, gave one last massive wave and then wandered off the stage to rapturous applause.
At this point, we decided to move back and to get a much needed drink (my throat was hoarse from shouting!). The crowd looked even bigger from near the back (approx 55,000!!!). We stayed to watch a bit of Rod Stewart's set, but to be honest, he seemed to be a really lazy performer, missing lyrics to songs like Maggie May (which, let's face it every one of us could sing!) and geting the crowd to sing large sections onf his songs. The crowd seemed to like it though and gave him a great reception.
We decided to wander back to the hotel as the light faded and darkness fell. Back at The Caeser, we could chill out and watch Beyonce's headling set at Glastonbury. She was good, but could learn a thing or two from the lady that we had just seen. A restless sleep then it was time to get up and rush towards Kings Cross to catch the 0900 train back home.
We set off from Sunderland at about 8.15, and got the Metro to Newcastle We then jumped onboard an express train to London. The journey seemed to pass in an instant. It's amazing how quickly you can get from A to B these days. We then headed for the tube and got the Circle line to Bayswater. It took us no time at all to find our hotel -The Caeser - a boutique sort of hotel (meaning that it was chic, but with an unbelievably small room!). Nevermind, it wasn't as if we were going to spend much time there! We dumped out bags and rushed out into the glorious sunshine. It was an incredibly beautiful sunny day and the temperature was scorching. (Luckily we had remembered to pack our sunglasses and a cap to stop my bonce from burning!)
Hyde Park was beginning to fill up nicely and so we joined the crowds and headed towards the entry gates. I had brought my camera along, as i felt that this was too good an opportunity to miss. I have to admit, however that it was the cause for concern, as i was worried that security may not be allow me into the venue with it! There was no need to fret though, as i got it through without any bother.
So we had arrived into the massive Hyde Park - where the sun was beating down and the throngs of people gathering to see the Queen of Rock & Roll for the first time in many many years. We waited around in the blistering heat, with smells of unknown origin floating around in the air! (was it horse manure? Vinegar? Toilets?). Seeing people with blankets and chairs, we soon realised that we should have been better prepared. After a couple of hours, with sore feet and legs we gave it up and decided to lay down on the dirty, smelly ground! We watched Rumer perform a laid back but decent set. Her voice really is like Karen Carpenter's. An hour or so later everyone moved forward, as the crowd grew. There were quite a few Adam Ant fans near the front and a loud cheer went up as he took to the stage. He performed quite a few of his early hits and the crowd seemed to appreciate that (he looked a bit crazy to me!)
Once his set was over we waited with baited breath, as the stage was prepared with Stevie's usual mike stand adorned with the usual ribbons. There were now loads of people gathed at the front and they were all really excited about the prospect of seeing Stevie perform. A short time later we heard the sound of the crickets humming and knew that it wouldn't be long until she took to the stage.
At around 1945, we caught a slight glimpse of Stevie being led onto an area of the stage (hidden from view by a Black sheet). A few minutes later, a roar went up as Mr Rod Steward appeared onstage, looking very dapper! then Waddy, Sharon, Lori and the rest of the band moved into their positions.
Rod said that he was honoured to announce the arrival of a wonderful women, who, he thought, posessed one of THE voices of the 21st Century (and of course he meant THE voice!!!).
Ladies and Gentlemen please welcome STEVIE NICKS! Stevie came onto the stage with a bang to 'Stand Back' and the crowd gave her a massive welcome. I clicked away with my camera, hoping to get some great shots (However, my hands were shaking so much, i found it hard to keep the camera still!). The sun was so powerful and glaring that Stevie had put on a pair of sunglasses. She sang wonderfully and she looked really surprised and happy with the response of the crowd - who were going mental! 'Secret Love' was up next followed by the familiar eerie piano intro to 'Rhiannon' (again, the crowd went crazy!). Stevie was dressed in her usual Black dress with the Gossamer batwings. She was on fire and sounded Amazing! Next, Stevie produced the biggest surprise of the evening - 'Outside the Rain'. Once the crowd realised that the song segwayed into 'Dreams', a massive roar went up, and everyone started to sing along. 'Gold dust Woman' got an equally massive response, with Stevie draped in her traditional Gold shawl. Landslide followed and Stevie told the crowd how her father had always thought that she had written the song about him, and about how the words were about getting older and staying strong. After a lovely rendition of the song she took off the sunglasses and wiped away a tear!
I was surprise when Waddy Watchel struck the opening Riff to Edge of Seventeen and Stevie, Sharon and Lori began to sing the first few lines.....Just like a White winged dove, sings a song sounds like she's singing!!! Everyone was singing and dancing and screeming for Stevie, and her voice seemed to get sronger and stronger as the song went on. Stevie, like the true Superstar, showperson she is, walked from side to side of the stage, giving each section of the crowd her ususal wave and beautiful smile, showing everyone how much she appreciated their response. She thanked everyone for their support, gave one last massive wave and then wandered off the stage to rapturous applause.
At this point, we decided to move back and to get a much needed drink (my throat was hoarse from shouting!). The crowd looked even bigger from near the back (approx 55,000!!!). We stayed to watch a bit of Rod Stewart's set, but to be honest, he seemed to be a really lazy performer, missing lyrics to songs like Maggie May (which, let's face it every one of us could sing!) and geting the crowd to sing large sections onf his songs. The crowd seemed to like it though and gave him a great reception.
We decided to wander back to the hotel as the light faded and darkness fell. Back at The Caeser, we could chill out and watch Beyonce's headling set at Glastonbury. She was good, but could learn a thing or two from the lady that we had just seen. A restless sleep then it was time to get up and rush towards Kings Cross to catch the 0900 train back home.
Monday, 20 June 2011
A big week ahead
Well here we are. The start of another week. Monday morning and looking ahead to the start of the biggest tennis tournement in the world -WIMBLEDON. This year i have decided to go against the grain and support Andy Murray completely (no changing towards the end of the 2nd week!). It is time for Andy to step up and take his first grand Slam title. If he plays the way he did at Queens, i feel he can do it.
Secondly, we are off to London, at the end of the week, to see the one and only Stevie Nicks. She is playing her First UK solo concert in 25 years. Hopefully, the sun will shine (and i'm hoping she'll play at leat 2-3 songs off the new album). 'In your Dreams' is out here next week, and has just been named as Radio 2's album of the week (Hugely deserved - as it is AMAZING!).
This is my first blog - so i am excited about that - though it has to be short as i need to get ready for work! I am working a late shift today and hope it is not too busy! Counting down the days - off Friday and then the weekend! Woop Woop!!!!
Later
Dave
Secondly, we are off to London, at the end of the week, to see the one and only Stevie Nicks. She is playing her First UK solo concert in 25 years. Hopefully, the sun will shine (and i'm hoping she'll play at leat 2-3 songs off the new album). 'In your Dreams' is out here next week, and has just been named as Radio 2's album of the week (Hugely deserved - as it is AMAZING!).
This is my first blog - so i am excited about that - though it has to be short as i need to get ready for work! I am working a late shift today and hope it is not too busy! Counting down the days - off Friday and then the weekend! Woop Woop!!!!
Later
Dave
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