Smooth Christmas grinds to a halt

Well our plan to see King Kong today during our planned child free day has gone out the window.
My Dad had a Heart Attack and a stroke at 6am this morning, so We've spent the morning at the hospital, he's not too bad considering, has lost the use of his left arm and left leg, and has a small palsy on his face, but his speech is good, and so are his mental faculties. He seemed to be regaining a very small amount of movement in his left arm, but there's no way of knowing if he'll get use back.

He's having an MRI this afternoon to confirm it is a clot/stroke and not an anurism, and to assess the damage to his brain, I expect though that it is a clot, and the doctor suspects this as well. He'll be in for a couple of days and then he'll go off to a rehab hospital for intensive physiotherapy to aid his recovery and hopefully give him back use of his arm and leg to some extent [ fingers crossed]

I'd fully expect that he will ahve to retire after this though, as a painter and decorator not being able to climb a ladder is a bit of a bugger.

The hospital were a bit taken aback when me, all my brothers, and my Dad's brothers all turned up simultaneously...good thing we left all the kids at home that would have really scared them ;o)

Something isn't right

How did the Xmas period go so smoothly? This never happens...for the first time in 6 years I haven't been i'll or in hospital with a broken limb. The children got up at a reasonable time on the big day, the family didn't engage in a single argument for the whole event, the food was plentiful and cooked on time....how odd!!!

The Boxing day trip to MiL has passed without to much incident, other than her injuring her finger by a method she won't admit too...but looking at it, it looks to me that she was pokng something into a food mixer or blender [shakes head].

Off to Nanny A's today to meet up with my eldest younger brother and his family, more presents for the kids...then we are off to CQ's for a party this evening, pressies again, and for the grown ups too this time :o)

then tomorrow, I think I'm going to have fish and chips...

It's CHRISTMASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

MERRY

CHRISTMAS

21 things you can only get away with saying at Christmas

1. I prefer breasts to legs
2. Tying the legs together keeps the inside moist.
3. Smother the butter all over the breasts!
4. If I don't undo my trousers, I'll burst!
5. I've never seen a better spread!
6. I'm in the mood for a little dark meat.
7. Are you ready for seconds yet?
8. It's a little dry; do you still want to eat it?
9. Just wait your turn, you'll get some!
10. Don't play with your meat.
11. Stuff it up between the legs as far as it will go.
12. Do you think you'll be able to handle all these people at once?
13. I didn't expect everyone to come at the same time!
14. You still have a little bit on your chin.
15. How long will it take after you put it in?
16. You'll know it's ready when it pops up.
17. Just pull the end and wait for the bang.
18. That's the biggest bird I've ever had!
19. I'm so full, I've been gobbling nuts all morning
20. Wow, I didn't think I could handle all that and still want more!
21. I do like a good stuffing.

Today's Piccie....22 December only 3 Sleeps till Santa

....and relax

No more work for 13 days....whooooooopeeeeee.

Stayed in bed until 7:45 this morning...luxury, still feel absolutely knackered though, just the lack of work stress, I should have more energy come tomoroow; ready to get teh house ready for the festivities.

So today is the shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice is celebrated at Dawn and Dusk at Stonehenge today by the druids, it is now officialy Yuletide :o) No pressies until Sunday though. The days start getting longer from here on in, so I may get to travel to and from work in daylight again in a month or two

The winter Solstice is the most significant time of year at another of my favourite places to visit...Newgrange in The Republic of Ireland:o)

The passage and chamber of Newgrange, a splendid neolithihic tomb in Ireland, are illuminated by the winter solstice sunrise. A shaft of sunlight shines through the roof box over the entrance and penetrates the passage to light up the chamber. The dramatic event lasts for 17 minutes at dawn from the 19th to the 23rd of December. One of the passage tombs of the Brú na Bóinne complex in County Meath, is the most famous of all Irish prehistoric sites. Originally built c. 3200 BCE according to the most reliable Carbon 14 dates available, this makes it more than 600 years older than the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, and 1,000 years more ancient than the Stonehenge trilithons, (the earliest stages of Stonehenge are roughly contemporary with Newgrange). Although it was built thousands of years ago, it lay lost for centuries until the late 17th century, when men looking for building stone uncovered it, and described it as a cave. It was much restored between 1962 and 1975. It consists of a vast man-made stone and turf mound retained within a circle of huge kerbstones topped by a high inward-leaning wall of white quartz. A long passage, only going in one third of the length of the mound, leads to a cruciform (cross-shaped) chamber. Every year, at the time of the winter solstice approx 9.17am December 21, the sun shines directly along this passage into the chamber for about 15 minutes as it rises.

Myself and Mrs.A last visited it in 2000, and took the opportunty to take the guided tour into teh mound itself, we have had the pleasure of standing in teh central chamber, the sense of age is overwhelming, the neolithic spiral artwork amazing, it is well deserving of it's World Heritage Site Status, and i can't wait to go back an show it to the Agnothlings.

According to Irish mythology Newgrange was one of the sidhe or fairy-mounds where the Tuatha Dé Danann lived. It was built by the Dagda, but his son Aengus later tricked him out of it. According to some versions of the story, the hero Cúchulainn was born there.

And so my Pocture today has to be Newgrange....Click on the photo to enlarge (recommended)

Spiral Art on the Entrance Stone to Newgrange



Lots more Images of Newgrange Here

Looooooong day

back to work, to a flood of emails, with everyone wanting things done before the coming long break, with 2 hours notice I had a 6 hour meeting to attend...and that was my day.

The weekend was spent getting over my lurgy from last week, plus some minor electrical work around the house after a Light switch exploded on Saturday night, blew out the side of the back box. So I was forced to take a trip up to a local DiY Emporium - where I had a coughing fit upon entering the air-conditioner warmed and dried atmosphere of the store, at which point I was heartily sick all over the shop floor, not from my stomach it was purely the product of my lungs and sinuses...not at all pleasant...I felt much better after that; I eventually persuaded the store first aider I was OK. LMB, who was with me was not phased in teh slightest, I think my kids are used to Daddy and his illnesses :o)

We're slowly getting the house ready for next weeks festivities, we have a house full on Sunday as we are hosting the annual seasonal feast this year.

Agi's Pre-Yuletide Picture 19th December

7 x 7

Simon went and tagged me to do this meme, So here goes, here it is.

Seven things to do before I die:

Visit Australia & New Zealand
And Canada and China
Revisit Mexico
Retire and enjoy it
See my children grown, happy, healthy & succesful
Be totally debt free & solvant enough not to worry
Have time to read all the books I want to

Seven things I cannot do

Eat cucumber
Live without Insulin
Tolerate Bigots
Afford to go on a Foreign Holiday
Paint a wall (even though my father is a painter and decorator and keeps trying to teach me)
Touch the end of my nose with my tongue
Not check my blog every day

Seven things that attract me to my wife:

Intelligence
Love of Literature
Ability to express herself
Tolerence
Long dark hair
Courage of her convictions
Honesty

Seven things I say most often:

D'oh!
Can I have the news on now?
(insert employer's name here) are idiots!
You're beautiful/clever/fantastic (to the kids)
Yay you (to the kids)
Can we go to Mexico?
can I have.....(insert gadget here)

Seven books, or series, that I love:
This one was difficult (just like for Mrs.A) because I love all books. We own nearly 3000 books, and all of them are great.

The Discworld novels by Terry Pratchett
The Belgariad/The Malloreon - David Eddings
The Deverry series by Katherine Kerr
The Wheel of Time Series - Robert Jordan
JRR Tolkien
Bill Bryson
The Dragon Stories by Anne McCafferry

Seven movies I watch over and over again:
This one was difficult because I just watch so many

The Blues Brothers
Dogma
Pirates of the Caribbean
The Princess Bride
Strictly Ballroom
The Empire Strikes Back
Local Hero

Other Seven's meme's I know about:
http://dchassocks.blogspot.com/2005/12/ive-been-tagged.html
http://uab.blogspot.com/2005/12/7x7-meme.html
Mrs Aginoth

Michele Withdrawal

No Michele...her site has been intermittent all week , and now it's reset back a week and not accepting comments, looks like type pad has had an embolism.

So the post making me site of the day on wednesday has gone...sniff, ah well maybe my turn will come again, and those who could get on the site did visit me :oD which was nice ;o)

I'm feeling a bit better today, sinuses have depressurised, breathing is still a bit of a bugger though, will get some housework done today, and put up a few more decorations.

And a miracle has occured...Me and Mrs.A have the house to ourselves....no kids !!! not a single one, I can't remember the last time we had time at home without the aginothlings, 5 whole hours free of noise, we could do anything we want, I could sweep Mrs.A up in my arms and ensconce her in the bedroom all day...hell there are no kids who needs a bedroom !!! Mind you I think we'd both rather sleep, sad isn't it, the joys of parenthood. As it is we have loads of housework to catch up on....oh our swish our exciting lifestyle is amazing.... lol

Agi's Pre-Yule Picture - 16th December

Something amusing today...

Death by daytime TV

As enjoyable as it is to be off work, even if I do feel like complete crap, it is spoiled by one thing...Daytime TV.

Quite frankly daytime TV sucks, it has been designed by sadist TV executives to rot the brains of the masses and keep the servile and suggestible to the inane adverts that fill the gaps between the dross. Even having Satelite TV doesnt help much, the non-terrestrial channel just play repeats constantly, the kids TV is all japanese hyper-violence teletubbies or scooby-doo.

Thank god for my DVD player, think I'm gonna go for Cyrano de Bergerac next with Gerard Depardieu.

and of course I get to surf the blogosphere all day, something I cannot do at work, as much as I'd like too. :oD

Agi's Pre-Yule Piccie December 15th

10 sleeps til Santa

It wouldn't be complete without Slade :o) Merry Xmas Everybody is 32 years old this year. This million-selling stomper could be the all-time festive favourite, but Slade paid the price with their career. Noddy and the boys had scored number ones with five of their previous seven singles, but December 1973’s Merry Christmas Everybody was the last time they topped the charts. From being everybody’s favourite glam yobs, they were suddenly seen as a band you only got out with the mince pies. A floundering career was briefly resuscitated by Christmas hits My Oh My (1982) and All Join Hands (1984). However, revellers usually preferred to snap up Merry Xmas Everybody, which recharted every Christmas between 1981 and 1986 and in 1998. Meanwhile, Noddy has been doomed to a lifetime of having bystanders shout “It’s Chrriiiiisss-masss!” at him, in July.

For those of you who have never heard of it click here for a snippet (needs Realplayer)
Slade Circa 1975

An enforced day off

I don't feel good, LMD doesn't Feel good, Agi Junior is off school and doesn't feel good. I think it's time to put the big white Cross on the front door.

Someone decided to pressurise my sinuses yesterday evening, have a huge headache, and not feeling at all well, Me and Agi Junior have ensconced ourselves on the sofa in the lounge, and are watching crap on TV, currently Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Ho hum... beats going to work I suppose; I expect I shall not be back to work this week.

So being home I am free to blog, plan is for me and my boy to watch Superhero films and cartoons all day, quite frankly we're not fit for much else....Think we'll go for X-Men next :o)

Spare a thought for poor Mrs.A who has to cope with all us sickies...

But I have been cheered up today to find I am Michele's site of the day...WOO HOO :o)

Agi's Pre Yule Picture - 14th December - 11 Sleeps till Santa :o)

Something from home today...our tree, decorated by Agi Junior and LMB, there's no such thing as too much tinsels when you are 5 and 2 :oD

The Big Pressie is LMB's

Security Alert

As many are aware, the French government recently announced a raise in its terror alert level from "Run" to "Hide". The normal level is "General Arrogance", and the only two higher levels in France are "Surrender" and "Collaborate". The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France's white flag factory, effectively paralysing the country's military capability.

It's not only the French that are on a heightened level of alert:
Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout loudly and excitedly" to "Elaborate military posturing". Two more levels remain, "Ineffective combat operations" and "Change sides".

The Germans also increased their alert state from "Disdain" to "Dress in uniform and sing marching songs". They have two higher levels: "Invade a neighbour" and "Lose".

Seeing this reaction in continental Europe the Americans have gone from "Isolationism" to "Find another oil-rich nation for regime change". Their remaining higher alert states are "Attack random countries (ideally those without any credible military)" and "Beg the British for help".

The British are also feeling the pinch in relation to recent bombings and have raised their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved". Soon though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross". Londoners have not been "A Bit Cross" since the Blitz in 1940 when tea supplies all but ran out. Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to "Bloody Nuisance". The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was during the Great Fire of 1666. Their two highest security levels are "Complain about bloody foreigners" and "Write a strongly worded letter".

The Irish alert level remains constant at "Have another pint".

A Day off

Just a quickie...I have a day off today :o)

Off to see Aginoth Juniors School nativity Play {Insert Proud Dad Moment} in which he is playing one of the Kings.

The Tree has been erected in the Lounge...presents all wrapped...starting to feel like Yuletide, will do even more so when me and the kids decorate the tree this evening :o)

12 Sleeps till Santa...

Agi's Pre-yule Piccie ... 13th December

Just a classic card image of a tree, I'll post a picture of iurs when it is decorated later.

Struggling to find ...whatever

Enthusiasm failure....

Some days you just don't have any enthusiasm to do anything, you just go through the motions. I think it's just cos i'm tired, after a stressfull couple of weeks which have caught up on me. Of course spending a portion of the night up with LMD didn't help !

Aginoth Junior was the star of the school nativity play (according to Mrs A and Nanny A) not that they are biased or anything ;o) I shall be going to see tomorrow morning's performance, then I shal return here with a completey unbiased report (yeah right ! )

So the rest of the day, Office Christmas party, same old same old...people who you wouldn't usualy choose to socialise with, drinking more than they should, me completely sober as I had to drive, never a really enjoyable state of affairs...ho hum. I had hoped the food would be worth the £22 a head, but nice as it was there was not a lot of it, the rest of the office seemed to enjoy it far more because of the wine...

Left the "festiviites" early to go to an appointment with my Dermatologist, my first since my 2 week stint in Hospital in September to treat my Psoriasis. The drugs I am on have nasty side effects and must be monitored closely, Methotrexate (MTX) Click to see a truely scary list of side effects. Anyway My liver enzymes are showing a slight increase nothing scary yet but enough for me to be moved from 2 monthly to monthly blood tests just to be safe.

The Psoriasis itself is starting to slowly reappear, so the Dermatologist has slightly raised my MTX dose to try to counteract it, but this may not be enough. So at long last I am at the top of the List of my Consultant Dermatologist for treatment by a new Biologic drugs which are just a tad expensive and the latest technology in way of Psoriais treatment. Hopefully I can get on to a bilogic treatment in the next 6 months or so.


Oh nearly forgot...

Aginoth's Pre-Yule Picture - December 12th

Nearly Yuletide

Nearly Yuletide, nearly time for over-indulgence on an epic scale and time spent with family and friends to look forward to.

Finished the last of the present shopping today, got into town for as soon as the shops opened to avoid the heavig masses as much as possible, pushing around the double pushchair with LMB and LMD on board screaming, and Agi Junior running circles round us shouting and screaming at the top f his lungs "CAN I HAVE THAT?" at every toy, toy shop, and advert we go past...bribed them all into good behaviour with the promise of Pasta for Lunch, it amazingly it worked, they settled down, LMD went to sleep...Astounding !

Why Yuletide and not Christmas...well it was originally called yuletide before the christians stole it for their own ends. The yule feast would take place between the 21st of December and 26th December to celebrate the turning of the year at the Winter Solstice and the lengthening of days demonstrating that spring was on it's way.

Many of the symbols associated with the modern holiday of Christmas such as the burning of the Yule log, the giving of gifts, the eating of ham, the hanging of boughs, holly, mistletoe, etc. are apparently derived from traditional northern European Yule celebrations. When the first missionaries began converting the Germanic peoples to Christianity, they found it easier to simply provide a Christian reinterpretation for popular feasts such as Yule and allow the celebrations themselves to go on largely unchanged, rather than trying to suppress them. The Scandinavian tradition of slaughtering a pig at Christmas (see Christmas ham), and not in the autumn, is probably the most salient evidence for this. The tradition derives from the sacrifice to the god Freyr at the Yule celebrations. Halloween and Easter are theorized to have been likewise assimilated from northern European pagan festivals.

English historian Bede's Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum ("Ecclesiastic History of the English People") contains a letter from Pope Gregory I to Saint Mellitus, who was then on his way to England to conduct missionary work among the heathen Anglo-Saxons. The Pope suggests that converting heathens is easier if they are allowed to retain the outward forms of their traditional pagan practices and traditions, while recasting those traditions spiritually towards the one true God instead of to their pagan gods (whom the Pope refers to as "devils"), "to the end that, whilst some gratifications are outwardly permitted them, they may the more easily consent to the inward consolations of the grace of God". The Pope sanctioned such conversion tactics as Biblically acceptable, pointing out that God did much the same thing with the ancient Israelites and their pagan sacrifices.

So as a member of the growing secular portion of society I am pleased to wish you all a Happy Yuletide with plenty of the traditional feasting and over indulgenge required by custom; And as for those of you mistaken in the belief that Jesus Christ was born in Late December then we will of course take pity on you and allow you to share in our pagan festivities. After all whoever heard of lambs born in December?


Aginoth's pre-Yule Calendar... December 11th

Yule / Winter Solstice Dawn at Stonehenge, Wiltshire, UK

Explosion in Hemel Hempstead

LIVE COVERAGE FROM THE BBC NEWS CLICK HERE

Well it appears a fuel depot in Hemel Hempstead near London has suffered a series of Huge explosions this morning. The Blast could apparantley be heard over 100 miles away in Norfolk.

The police say it is an accident, no terrost involvment, and report about 20 casualties. currently there are over 70 Fire fighters attacking the blaze, the heat is so intense they have to use specialist fire tenders that have extra thermal protection...10 of them are there

This depot is the main aviation fuel storage for Heathrow Gatwick Stanstead and London City Airports, alternative supplies are being sought. It is also the main Regional Petrol supply depot for the South East of England

Approx 60million Gallons of Fuel are held there and the depot was full to capacity, they have to lt the fuel burn itself out.

Best coverage is from the BBC News atm...click here

Seasonal Silliness

something Seasonally Funny today for your enjoyment :o) Emailed to me and the rest of the Crazies yesterday...

FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: 4th November 2004

RE: Christmas Party

I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols...please feel free to sing along. And don't
be surprised if the MD shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A Christmas tree
will be lit at 1.00p.m.. Exchange of gifts among employees can be done at
that time; however, no gift should be over £10.00 to make the giving of
gifts easy for everyone's pockets. This gathering is only for employees!
The MD will make a special announcement at the Party.

Merry Christmas to you and your Family.

Pauline

----------------------------------------------------------------------------



FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: 5th November 2004

RE: Holiday Party

In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognise that Chanukah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year. However, from now on we're calling it our 'Holiday Party'.. The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians. There will be no Christmas tree or Christmas carols sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment. Happy now?

Happy Holidays to you and your family,

Pauline.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------



FROM; Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: 6th November 2004

RE: Holiday Party

Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous
requesting a non-drinking table...you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to
accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA
Only", you wouldn't be anonymous anymore!!!! How am I supposed to handle this? Somebody? Forget about the gift exchange, no gift exchange allowed now since the Union Officials feel that £10.00 is too much money and Management believe £10.00 is a little cheap. NO GIFT EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED.

Pauline.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: 7th November 2004

RE: Holiday Party

What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20th begins the
Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during
daylight hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a
luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs, perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party - or else package everything up for you to take home in a little foil doggy bag. Will that work?
Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest
from the dessert buffet and pregnant women will get the table closest to
the toilets, Gays are allowed to sit with each other, Lesbians do not have
to sit with gay men, each will have their own table. Yes, there will be
flower arrangements for the gay men's table too. To the person asking
permission to cross dress - no cross dressing allowed. We will have booster seats for short people. Low fat food will be available for those on a diet.
We cannot control the salt used in the food: we suggest those people with high blood pressure taste the food first.. There will be fresh fruits as
dessert for Diabetics; the restaurant cannot supply "No Sugar" desserts.

Sorry! Did I miss anything?!?!?!?!?!

Pauline.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------



FROM: Pauline Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All F****** Employees

DATE: 8 November 2004

RE: The F******** Holiday Party.

Vegetarian pricks. I've had it with you people!!! We're going to keep this
party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly
at the table furthest from the "grill of death", as you so quaintly put it,
you'll get your f****** salad bar, including organic tomatoes, but you know
tomatoes have feelings too, they scream when you slice them. I've heard
them scream. I'm hearing them scream right NOW!! I hope you all have a
rotten holiday, drink, drive and die.

The B*tch from HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------



FROM: John Bishop - Acting Human Resources Director

DATE: 9th November 2004

RE: Pauline Lewis and Holiday Party

I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Pauline Lewis a speedy recovery,
and I'll continue to forward your cards to her. In the meantime, the
Management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and instead, give
everyone the afternoon of the 23rd December off with full pay.


Aginoth's Advent Calendar - December 10th

Something for the weekend...this is similar what LMB had in her advent calendar this morning ....and also my first ever attempt at putting an animation into a blog :o)



And Finally, Muppetlord found this...LINK...very funny tirade against the whingers trying to destroy all references to Xmas, but caution it contains explicit language.

We have suceeded

Well done one and all for destroying the interloping pr0n pusher. By use of the Flag we have forced the site down. Mrs.A has put up a holding post to prevent a reoccurance.

I had kind of planned to take a day off blogging but I thought I'd share this news with you all, a well earned pat on the back to you all :o)

For details see my previous post "Exploitation"

Exploitation

someone has claimed my old blog address and is posting offensive material there, I have already had several emailed complaints blaming me (as well as a few friends warning me) I want to make it clear I have nothing to do with the content of that page.

I would like to ask you all a favour...

Can I please ask for all visitors to this, my new blog to go to my old blog and click on the flag in the top right hand corner to report it as containing objectionable material, this I did not expect. What sort of sick toerag would condsider doing this sort of thing? Please let me know if you click on the flag so I can get an idea of how many times it takes for blogger to take my complaint seriously.

And as a precaution I am going to turn on Word Verification again for a short while in case the new owner of the page tracks back any links to here.


Aginoths Advent Calendar Spot ... 8th December

YUM !!!

Better luck next time

I didn't get the promotion...ah well, main problem was it's been 6 years since I last had an interview and I was well out of practice. I'll apply for a few more jobs for practice.

On the bright side I like the job I already have and I wouldn't have applied for the other job had it not been for the fact it was promotion.

So after returning home after a day of Minute writing hell we've headed out for a Pizza blow-out and now I feel much better. It's 7:20pm and all three of the kids are miraculously asleep ! It feels rather odd not to have at least one child running about.

Aginoth Junior has made me and Mrs.A very proud, he has decided that God is not real, he says he enjoys the stories in the Bible , but he doesn't beleive in God. OK this is what me and Mrs.A tthink but we have never pushed our beliefs on to him, in fact we send him to an Anglican (Church of England) faith school where he is required to attend service every day. Why did we send hi to a C of E school you may ask...well it's our closest primary school, and even though we are not religious we can see the moral grounding that such a school could provide a child. We are even starting to think about sending him to Quaker run private secondary school not too far outside Weston-super-Mare, which has a good reputation for both behaviour and education...and boy could he do with somewhere that can deal with his behaviour (we're still pursuing the root cause of it)...but that is 6 years away yet and we will have to wait and see.

Aginoth Junior is playing King Number one in the school Nativity Play next week, he has learnt all his lines, and has teh added bonus of giving teh gift of gold, so now chance of Frankenstein or MUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRRR related incidents for him.

Right now it's time for....

Aginoth's Advent Calendar - December 7th

I've always like this since I first came accross it a few years ago :oD

Latest Scandal in Weston Makes National News

I am so glad i never ate in this place...

'Cockroach papers' buy-up denied
A restaurant owner who was fined £20,000 after an insect was discovered in a meal has denied buying up every local newspaper reporting the case.
The story about live cockroaches being found in food served by the Sea Palace in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, was splashed all over local papers.

But, mysteriously, those editions were snapped up from local shelves.

Cam Mu, who runs the Chinese diner, denied the story and said: "That's the funniest thing I've heard."

"It's definitely not true," he added.

Cam and Kiem Mu, who were fined £20,000 after a woman discovered an insect in a dish, later apologised to customers who had eaten at the restaurant where the cockroaches were found.

Other live cockroaches were found in the dining room and ladies' toilets.

The brothers have claimed it is now one of the cleanest in town.

All 1,400 editions of the Evening Post sold in Weston-super-Mare sold out when the paper reported the story on Monday.

'Feverish buying'

The Mu brothers, who have run the restaurant and takeaway for 18 years, admitted eight offences under the Food Safety Act during a hearing at Flax Bourton Magistrates' Court on Friday.


This is the first time in eight years doing this job that I can recall such feverish buying behaviour
Terry Hawkins, Evening Post

They were fined £14,000 for seven food hygiene offences, £6,000 for "serving food unfit for human consumption" between March and September 2005 and ordered to pay costs of £3,332.

Eyebrows were raised when the case was covered by the local paper - and its North Somerset editions sold out in Weston-super-Mare and a 40-mile radius around the seaside town.

Newsagents and supermarkets said two men were seen buying up all copies of the paper in their stores.


You can be assured that this is probably now the cleanest kitchen with the highest standards in Weston-super-Mare
Mu brothers' statement

Terry Hawkins, circulation director at the Bristol-based Evening Post, said: "This is the first time in eight years doing this job that I can recall such feverish buying behaviour."

But in a statement the brothers said: "We have been greatly embarrassed by recent events and wholeheartedly admit that problems were found at Sea Palace, since then we have spent considerable time and money rectifying the problem and readdressing the management.

"It has caused us a great deal of distress, as this is our flagship restaurant which has been operating for over 17 years, this is the first issue we have had in all that time.

"We would like to take this opportunity to apologise to all our customers and those concerned over this lapse in standards, but you can be assured that this is probably now the cleanest kitchen with the highest standards in Weston-super-Mare, and will continue to remain so."


Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/england/somerset/4506864.stm

Published: 2005/12/07 14:47:06 GMT

© BBC MMV

Still Waiting....

No news yet on the new job...boo hiss


Nearly got killed by some idiot on the Motorway on the way home, I was indicating and pulling out to overtake, when a horn was sounded so I reacted immediately and pulled back into the centre lane....to be overtaken by a complete fucking twonk with no lights on doing 80mph in the outside lane. It was pitch dark on an unlit stretch of Motorway !!! What the bloody hell were they thinking being on a motorway with no lights!!! I just didn't see them, How stupid do you have to be to drive at night on a motorway at night wth no lights!!!

So was very glad to be greeted home by the smell of roast turkey...mmmmmmm

The Boiler has been fixed, as suspected it was the main control board. Once again we have heat and hot water :o)

Aginoth's Advent Spot - December 6th

Somethng nice and serene is in order after that day and journey home....this fots the bill nicely, click to enlarge

Working like a Trojan

A long day at work, it was non-stop all day; mind you that did mean that the day flew past. Sometimes it good to be to busy to think...like when you are waiting on a letter telling you if you have been promoted or not...maybe tomorrow...hopefully, I've had eough of waiting now.

We took the kids swimming after work and a good time was had by all. Aginoth Junior can now swim a width (10m) in armbands, quite an improvement, the girls just enjoyed having a good old splash about. We treated the Aginoth Horde to a meal out as well after swimming, then stuffed silly we have returned to our cold, central heating-less home...then stoked up a blazing coal fire in teh lounge :o)


Aginoth's Advent Calendar...5th December

Who's getting excited by the prospect of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe..we're off to see it on Saturday as a part of celebrating RCA's Birthday :o)

brrrr...I thought it was cold

Oh what a wonderful nights sleep...not ! Been up 4 times with LMB plus it's been rather chilly.

wel LMB being up 4 times is not unusual, but the cold?

Came downstairs at 0730 with the intention of leaving Mrs.A to sleep, only to discover our Gas Boiler has died, we have no hot water or Central Heating, luckily we can keep one room warm because we reinstated a coal fireplace in the lounge a couple of years ago...


Anyway (it's that word again), I've called British Gas, and they can have an engineer out to us this evening because we have young children and we pay for their home care breakdown service, we get a priority call out...thankfully the breakdown cover includes the coast of all parts and Labour and has paid for itself many times over over the last few years. Now we just have to hope the problem with the boiler isn't termnal cos replacement of the boiler isn't covered.

UPDATE: The Main Board has blown in the boiler, a replacement will be available Tuesday, so it'll be coal fires and oil filled radiators for a couple of days. Plus boiled Kettles for hot water, at least our shower is cold water fed and self heating...

Aginoth's Advent Calendar spot ... December 4th

By request of Aginoth Junior today we are going to have a snowman theme...and this is my favourite snowman the star of the Pixar short Knick Knack :o)

TM & © 1986-2005 Pixar.

Have I ever Meme

I Found this Meme on Uisce's blog, who got it from Green Duckies...Mrs.A has done it as well a lot of our answers ended up the same

Have I Ever?

What is your favorite...?
Gum: Rarely have the stuff, but on the odd occasion I have it's PK Aniseed flavour
Restaurant: Flute de Paris in Weston-super-Mare. Fantastic food at reasonable prices.
Drink: any pop
Season: Spring
Type of weather: Warm & sunny
Emotion: satiated
Thing to do on a half day: Go see something Historic
Late-night activity: Sleeping
Sport: Rugby Union.
City: Venice
Store: Amazon

When was the last time you...?
Cried: I have no idea, probably when LMD was born
Played a sport: Played badminton about 3 weeks ago.
Laughed: 2 minutes ago at Shrek 2
Hugged someone: 5 minutes ago - LMB
Kissed someone: This morning when I woke up - Mrs.A.
Felt depressed: Friday when I deleted my old blog
Felt elated: I really can't remember :o(
Felt overworked: Friday.
Faked sick: I don't fake being sick, I'm sick for real often enought that I have no incliation to do so.
Lied: Last night when I told LMB I'd be back in 5 minutes (Same as Mrs.A!!)

What was the last...?
Word you said: Behave yourself!!! to Aginoth Junior
Thing you ate: A fry up
Song you listened to: Changes - David Bowie(during Shrek 2)
Thing you drank: Diet Coke
Movie you saw: Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire
Movie you rented: Polar Express (for the kids),
Concert you attended: Jools Holland at Uni Graduation Ball

Who was the last person you...?
Hugged: LMB
Cried over: Mrs.A's Brother
Kissed: Mrs.A about 2 mins ago :o)
Danced with: Mrs.A
Shared a secret with: Mrs.A
Had a sleep over with: Mrs.A ;o)
Called: British Gas
Went to a movie with: Mrs.A
Saw: Mrs.A
Were angry with: Noisy Kids in the Cinema last night
Couldn't take your eyes off of: Mrs.A :o)

Have you ever...?
Danced in the rain: Nope
Kissed someone: Yes, a few times ;o)
Done drugs: Yes, but not for some time, and probably never again since I became Diabetic.
Drank alcohol: Yes, since long before I was allowed to
Slept around: Nope
Partied 'til the sun came up: Yes, often years ago
Had a movie marathon: we hold DVD parties here every now & then
Gone too far on a dare: No, don't do dares
Spun until you were immensely dizzy: Yes, as a child and an adult:-)
Taken a survey quite like this before: yep.

Is it broke?

Turned off WV as it appears to be broke..keep getting the same code and it's not accepted on anyones comments.

Let's see how much spam I have come my way :o)

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire...well it was definitely darker than the previous 3 films, and jumped about the plot quite alot. Unfortunately the fourth book is just not written for filmng unless you want an 8 hour film, and so if you haven't read the book huge swathes of teh film will make no sense at all. I have read the book however, an I enjoyed the film. The SFX are very good, and lessons learnt from Lod of teh rings regards filmong and cinematography have definitely been learnt. I'd give it 7.5 out of 10 (but only 5 if you haven't read the book)

You can see Mrs.A's review of HP here

We have formed an escape committee

T: - 1 hour

Aginothlings Fed...Check
Babysitter on way....Hopefully....OK check it's CQ who is ultra reliable.
Money...well plastic so check-ish
Suitably placed supermarket to buy Munchies...Check (and ferrero rocher as payment for CQ)
Cinema within Walking Distance Showing Harry Potter 4...You Betcha

Right all is in place for 3 hours W.O.C. (With Out Children)

Been trying to get out to see HP 4 since it came out but not yet had a chance, and with the holiday season upon us there are a raft of films on my to see list...The Lion The Witch And the Wardrobe, Libertine to name but two, we have to catch up now or we'll fall behind.

So fuelled on Pizza, even better free Pizza, we are set for a night out as people instead of as Mummy and Daddy.

The Pizza was free due to the fact that they took 2 hours to deliver one to us a couple of weeks back...and I complain well, very very well. I am th e only person I know to get free food and a cash refund in McDonalds. We ahve even been featured in teh local newspaper (Bristol Evening Post) when we complained about our kitchen installation by picketing the local Moben salesroom, we got a quarter page article with photo's.

Don't get the idea that I am a serial complainer, we reward good service, we are good tippers when it is justified by good service, and give compliments when due; but we now consumer law and we know health and safety law, and we will complain if required. I haggle reasonably well too when buying anything, shame I'm crap at haggling when selling though :o)

Look see how I got side tracked again...where was I???

Oh yes...going out to the local fleapit, guess I better go tidy myself up and help get teh kids ready for bed....review of the film later.

Btw Weston-super-Mare Odeon Cinema is one of the only cinema's in the UK that still has it's original Organ in place and working...Picture below, details here at the West of England Theatre Organ Society Website

I'm Touched

...and I don't mean in the head LOL

I'm touched by all the messages of support I've received from all you lovely lovely people out there in the blogoverse, both on my comments and privately.

I'm hopefully going to get the rest of my Sidebar sorted out today, but I have one more important thing to do at home first....

XMAS DECORATIONS !!!!! Never an easy task as it involves rearranging the furniture to accomodate the trees, and re-running electrics for the window lights etc etc....pictures later i promise.

In the Mean Time...

Aginoth's Advent Calendar Spot...December 3rd

Something just a little more wicked today I think to reflect my mood....enjoy

Pull up a chair

welcome one and all to the new home of Aginoth...me, cruelly forced from my previous cyber-abode, I and pleased to invite you to take the load off and chew the fat here.

I have just spent teh evening doing what I can to recover my blog from the void, I am glad to say my blogroll survived, as did my hit counter. I have sent over 50 emails and left around 50 comments in teh last 3 hours to make sure one and all are aware of my new address, I hope I got you all...mind you if i didn't how would you know...saying that a few friendly folks have already tracked me down without my informing them, and for that I thank them.

I can't divulge what happened, needless to say though I had a choice of my blog ging or a ptentially unpleasant life changing experience to face...the blog went without a moments consideration. My lesson learnt I return and hope to be wise enough to prevent a repeat. Although I will be receiving a bollocking on Monday I'm sure, and one a really do deserve, I fucked up, a slip of judgement I should not have made.

rumours abound that I was brought low by my "Robin Porn", I must say now that the robin was innocent and the picture was purely art :oD

And thanks to the reader...you know who you are... who suggested that it was the National Elf Service who did for me after my second advent post...if you saw it you'll know..if not I bet you're really confused now aren't you.

Finally once more a big big thank you to all the supportive messages I've had, makes me glad to know you all and has really helped encourage me to continue blogging.

BTW today is my 7 month anniversary of starting my other blog....

A new begining

Due to a work related matter I have had to delete my old blog, More later as I slowly rebuild

Thank you all for your support, I'm getting there...a proper post will be put up soon ..promise

Can I please ask for anyone who has a link to my old blog can you please change it to my new one..thx

Aginoth