This weekend I will be spending time catching up with my daughter and lady. On Satters we'll be going swimming, shopping in Tesco and going for a nice walk to enjoy the sunshine. On Sunday it's Mothering Sunday and we'll be heading to the Hungry Horse in Thanet for Sunday lunch.

This week Parkes brought something shocking to my attention. There is somebody else on the Web who thinks they are "King Keith". This other dude holds a pub music quiz in Thanet as well! After mentioning this to the REAL King Keith he said he would be now know as Kaiser Keith. The King is dead. Long live the Kaiser.

We did manage to take two pictures whilst with everyone in Gijón. This is one of them. It is taken from the Playa de San Lorenzo looking towards the old fishing village of Cimadevilla. Our hotel was located to the left of the shot. Looking back (with rose-tinted glasses) it's a really nice city and I would definitely like to go back.

In March Parkes, Beth and I are flying to Asturias again but this time we'll be hiring a car and venturing an hour south to Astorga in the province of León. El Camino de Santiago passes through both Astorga and the City of León.

The aliens have landed but Beth seems unimpressed. We had a very nice weekend all in all. Parkes enjoyed her Take That musical adventure. Beth and I visited the Ramsgate Brewery, had a wee tour and bought some knockout beers. My particular favourite is the one that is being brewed for the Thanet Easter Beer Festival (about 5 weeks away). It reminds me of Christmas cake (really must sort my taste buds out). Parkes, Beth and I took a lovely walk on Sunday around Pegwell Bay and enjoyed the mild temperatures, whispering trees, whooshing sea and chattering tits.

Where's Winter Gone?

It seems that only a few weeks ago it was November and I was buttoning-down the hatches for a long winter of commuting. It's almost as if King Keith has waved his magic wand and we have been propelled into the future. Whilst I don't want to wish my life away I do prefer the lighter nights which are well and truly on the way! Brilliant!!!!!

My Open University course is causing me some grief. The course itself is great and I am thoroughly enjoying studying the coursework. The trouble is the timescales involved for submitting assessment papers are too aggressive. I think I will just keep studying on my own and bugger the assessments/exams. I didn't really want the qualification anyhoo, I just wanted to improve my Spanish.

This weekend promises to be a nice relaxing one. Parkes is camping it up at some Take That musical tonight in Bromley and I am babysitting and studying. On Saturday Beth and I will be doing some daddy and daughter stuff. On Sunday I will be washing my bits.

Three Score Years And Ten

Last Friday it was my birthday and the completion of my first 35 years on Planet Earth. It has been great fun. My sister and I were raised by two wonderful parents. I did okay at school and managed to get some qualifications. I found a decent vocational skill and earn enough not to have to worry about not being able to go for a beer on a Friday night. I have a wonderful partner and daughter and mates that I can call true friends. I feel very priviledged and lucky. Who knows what lies waiting during the next 35 years? Will there be 35 years? Maybe more, maybe less, who knows. All I know is what I have learnt thus far - never take a single day for granted and live life to the max! Bravo!!!

Back Again

Spent a good weekend with the crew in Gijón. The city is a nice place with lots of bars and big surf crashing down upon the beach. Pictures were taken by Deano on his super camera and I will try and get them off him soon.

This weekend Dean, Sarah, Justine, Darren, Bal, King Keith, Queen Nicole, Parkes and I will be checking out the scene in the northen Spanish city of Gijón. The weather forecast looks smashing and with such a collection of tinkers in our group it promises to be an excellent adventure.

Beth at the controls of her new baby-walker. It's a cracking thing that makes lots of noises and encourages her to make walking movements. I might have a go myself when I get home.

Parkes and Beth. Parkes is trying out her new Zoolander face.

Beth trying the get the knack of crawling. She manages to get her bum in the air but doesn't quite manage to coordinate the legs.

Knights Templar

Today I applied to join the order of the Knights Templar of England and Wales. I have always fancied wearing armour, my physique is of "knightish" form and would look good in a helmet. I filled in an application form online and await a response from the Knights. I feel both my title and my work for charity (Yomp 2007) will stand me in good stead to be accepted into the order.

Once I become a Knight I look forward to completing the IoT Yomp 2008 in September on a horse with big teeth. I will keep you up to date with any news of my application.