• 13 Dec 2024, 12:30 p.m.

    Played football yesterday. It was mostly the same old crap, different day. Near the end, possibly my last kick of the game. I was down the right wing, chopped back inside and eyed up a curled shot to the far corner. A defender was coming out to me, and another coming back, closing the space. I decided I could get the shot off. As I hit it both their arms and legs were out, about five years from me, forming a shield shaped aperture about a ball and a half width wide, by two high. Drove it through the gap, with a touch of curl, hitting the base of the far post on the first bounce, and straight in. Unstoppable. It was a peak Robbie Fowler class finish.

    Like with all addictions, I choose to remember that to bring me back to the game, rather than the crap that preceded it.

  • 27 Dec 2024, 11:46 p.m.

    Against my better judgement our annual Christmas school reunion football match has continued. This year's fixture earlier today, the first indoors, was locked at more or less level scores for 85 minutes, one side never more than 3 infront. But then a tactical masterstroke, planned over the course of the second half by the dashing hero of the hour lead to a 4 goal victory. AC Afro - Radcliffe champions 2024.

  • 12 Jan 2025, 10:41 a.m.

    As I've been with the company 5 years, this year I get an extra five annual leave days. I've got permission from the Mrs to go away with a mate for a long weekend in March. Thursday to Monday probably. Anyone got any recommendations for a trip? I'm thinking a relaxed European cycling jaunt. 60-80km a day for a few days (leaving enough time for some relaxed mornings and an afternoon on a beach etc?). Wondered whether doing a lap of Ibiza island might work, ending on a big night at a club before flying home.

  • 12 Jan 2025, 11:22 a.m.

    I've got a friend who did a cycling tour of Majorca, said it was really good.

    Or you could join the teams and do a bit of altitude training in Tenerife

  • 12 Jan 2025, 11:46 a.m.

    Noted. Will take a look.

  • 12 Jan 2025, 11:51 a.m.

    Bangkok. Fly out Thursday morning, you'll be there Friday morning. Friday daytime, I know a bloke with a studio where you can get all your holiday photos done on green screen. Then head out onto the main strip, bang a lady boy, then another, then another, then another, then another. Don't sforget to end home your holiday snaps regularly. Then fly home.

  • 12 Jan 2025, 12:05 p.m.

    I think @Jim7 of this parish does a fair amount of this sort of thing. Although he may be not on much for a bit. I believe he's currently in NZ.

  • 12 Jan 2025, 12:34 p.m.

    I spent last week cycling through Moab, Utah. This week it's Chamonix.
    Who knows where the exercise bike will take me next?