Our usual Christmas eve cheese fondue, but without Selina, but with Winney.
Christmas we had both Selina and Graham over, lateish meal at 4.00. Our last turkey from the farmer because he is selling up.
PSD day at Heathrow
The company has a us stay for one night at the Radisson Edwardian hotel next to Heathrow airport for the Cedar Professional Services gathering. There were many presentations about implementations of various software, and enhancements to other software packages, but nothing about e2.
Reasonable meal, followed by ten pin bowling in a near by alley.
Visit to Edinburgh
Short two-day trip to Edinburgh to do some training. Caught the early flight up to Edinburgh from Luton, good trip with Easyjet, arrived on time.
Had lunch with Ed Aldridge at the Star Bar, a massive plate of chilli and nachos. In the evening a few pints of Stella at the Burke and Hare, before wending my way back to the Apex in Grassmarket. Notice they now have wireless lan and DVD players in all their rooms.
Next day gave my training course, seemed to go OK. Took less time then I anticipated. Back on a late Easyjet flight, which again arrived on time.
Waddesdon Manor
Visited Waddesdon Manor to see the rooms dressed for Christmas. There was a small competition where you had to write down the rooms in which you found the items from the Christmas song about Swans, turtle doves and gold rings.
Needless to say we missed one object so failed to get entry for the draw.
There was also a Christmas food fare taking place in the old dairy, where there was some very nice items to be purchased.
Not sure what was going on, but around the fountain were parked several porsche cars. Maybe it was a day out for a porsche owners club?
Edinburgh RBS party
Flew to Edinburgh Friday afternoon for a Christmas meal with RBS. On arrival booked into my flea pit hotel, and then having a few minutes to spare, popped into Whistle Binkies for a quick pint. The intention was to check out what bands were playing for later in the evening.
Then it was on to the Opal Lounge where I met the RBS and other Cedar employees who contributed to the project. There was a good meal where I ate Sushi, followed by Monk Fish on a bed of rice with a lime sauce. I can’t remember what I had for the third course. Next we seemed to consume more alcohol, and I do remember dancing with Mary at some stage. The group who attended were Andy, Campbell, Douglas, Kevin, Mary, Neil, Simon, Ed, Danielle and Brian. From the whole group, Ed , Mary and I were the last to leave.
Next day treated my self to a greasy breakfast, then went around the Royal and Scottish museum. Saw the model coffins mentioned in the Rebus books. Then it was on to the Scottish parliament, where I visited the debating chamber. It is quite a building, not sure how well the outside will wear because of all the bits of wood decoration attached.
Later I had a meal at the Petit Paris. As I walked by the waiter came out and welcomed me in, asking if I was back for more work, I had their plat de jour of Boeuf Bourguignon. Then it was on for the late flight back.
Ravi Kanbur
Several months ago I had an email from a friend from back in my university days, (Ravi Kanbur). I had not seen him since leaving university. He had found me on the web. This weekend he threw a party to celebrate his 50th birthday, and 25th anniversary of his marriage to Maggie.
The event took place at the Beet club in Ely, where we were entertained to a 60’s disco, and a fantastic feast of food. There was a great mix of people from India, Cambridge, Oxford, Scotland and Wales. Those who attended from my undergraduate days were, Simon Potter, Mike Bell, Norman Housley and Richard.Gleed.
Afterwards we adjourned to the Lamb hotel where we were entertained by rugby songs. Sunday we visited Ravi and Maggie in their home in Ely, and then went onto Newmarket to meet my father for a Christmas present exchange.
Two days off sick
The cold that had been brewing eventually came to fruition, and I took two days off work
Margaret and David for lunch
On Sunday we visited Margaret and David for lunch, and the annual Christmas present exchange. It was a very nice lunch of roast wild duck and oodles of cheese.
Managed to trap Oliver the cat, and was able to tickle him under the chin. After he escaped, he remained very aloof and never entered the house again.
Jimi Hendrix
With Rosemary away for the week visiting an old school friend in Devon, I decided to have a day off and visit London. I chose the worst possible day. The day before and the day after were beautiful sunny days. The Thursday was the wettest and most miserable day of the month.
I caught the train down into London, to visit the Jimi Hendrix exhibition at the Marquee Club in Leicester Square. The collection is estimated to be worth around $15 million and features thousands of unseen photos, promotional materials, recordings, videos, clothing, guitars and more. Much of the exhibition was up for sale by auction.
Afterwards I visited China town for a meal, and had duck with a gloop sauce. It was disgusting. Must read the menu more carefully next time.
Fred Giacoma
Travelled down to London to meet up with Fred Giacoma and family, and Christine Buckley. Met them at the Tower of London, had a tour around the tower, saw the Crown Jewels, and the armoury. Afterwards had a drink and some food in the nearby Weatherstones. Rather embarrassing being guided around an iconic London tourist site by an American.