Father and son combing the sands at Kingsgate. We spent a lovely day
relaxing and eating.

Beth in the shop window. We went shopping today in Ramsgate - taking
advantage before starting back in London on Monday. Didn't buy
anything but Beth seemed to have a decent time.

Four days into my beer ban and I have started thinking about a pint of
ale with foxy bra and knickers on, powting at me, wanting me to take a
sip. Am I ill or just strange?

Jus' 40th: Strings ready for action. Il Divo.

Jus' 40th: Jus and K getting cosy in the midnight hour.

Jus' 40th: Parkes getting ready to rock with her new outfit and boots.

Jus' 40th: The party in full swing. The vino was flowing and so was
the chat.

Jus' 40th: JC and Strings enjoying conversation in the kitchen. JC was
on form - eating cheese and talking brum.

Jus' 40th: Jus and John Taylor celebrating their respective birthdays.
Fab party and great company.

A Year Without Beer (and other alchoholic beverages)

Here I am lying in bed, feeling very sorry for myself after drinking
too much beer and Tio Pepe last night. I have been a casualty too
often this year and have decided to give up booze for a whole year. My
daughter and common-law spouse deserve better from me. So, on Sunday,
my quest begins. Maybe Kaiser Keith will join me.

Parkes, Beth and I visited the Rare Species Conservation Centre in
Sandwich yesterday. We had a fairly pleasant time and saw some animals
and birds that we hadn't seen before. For us the stars of the show
were a couple of Sun Bears and a couple of Snow Leopards (beautiful
creatures). The facility is fairly compact and the £8 per adult fee is
a little over-priced. Still it was quite interesting. Beth was more
interested in talking about the cake I said I'd buy her.

The picture is of a couple of Asian birds with luverly blue plumage.

The girl from Ipanema enjoying herself on Palm Bay beach on a bright
and sunny Sunday afternoon.

Beers With Keith

Keith and I popped out for a quick couple last night. Andy at The
Monty was serving Darkstar's Oktoberfest and, weighing in at 5.9%,
it's a bit of a brute. It has a lovely peachy nose and drinks
beautifully. We downed several pints of this nectar then wobbled home.
From there on I had a one way ticket to Headspin City.

Last Day

Tomorrow is my last day at BCS. There are some lovely people there but the job isn't for me. Maybe I'll regret my decision but I doubt it. Maybe something new will crop up. It's "Hello" to new opportunities wherever they may lie. I have a feeling everything will be just fine.

Sunday morning on Westgate beach, scaring crabs and washing shells.

Beth chalking in the back garden.

Essex Boys

I know I am an Essex boy but please can someone tell Jamie Oliver to shut his puppy dog gob. Parkes has been watching another cooking programme on TV and, while JO's cooking seems quite fancy, the jibberjabber that comes out of his mouth ain't. It just isn't cricket!

Beth trying out her new pillow and duvet set with covers courtesy of
Keith & Nicole Babywear Ltd.

Valencia: Parkes woofing black pudding with beans in Las Cuevas. It
was amazing.

Valencia: Beth playing around.

Valencia: Fire engines at the bottom of our apartment block. There was
lots of smoke and the police entered our apartment whilst I was in my
undercrackers. All very unnecessary.

Valencia: Central market action as Beth tries to force feed Granny B with a cucumber.

Valencia: The ceiling of the central market which is a fantastic place full of sights and smells.

Valencia: La plaza de la virgen where we spent a lot of time drinking coffee and Beth spent a lot of time chasing pigeons.

Valencia: Granny B and Beth playing with bears.

Valencia: Las Torres next to our apartment. My mother and I made it all the way to the top and weezed a bit when we got there.

Valencia: Botanical Gardens pond with frog.

Valencian Food

The food in Valencia was fantastic. Two places we really enjoyed:

Las Cuevas is a small and fantastic bar with the most amazingly varied and plentiful tapas. We have been there a few times and every time we are blown away.

Il Piccolo on Calle de Borrull served beautiful food and the best flan I have ever eaten.