Mutterings for the Minority

Brizzle v Swans

I headed off to Ashton Gate in Bristol today to watch the Reds of Bristol take on the Swans, in what is officially known as a ‘bubble trip’. Why is it called that I hear you say, well quite simply it means getting on an official supporters coach in Swansea, being given your match ticket and then being taken all the way to the ground in Bristol without a stop - and straight into the match. Ditto for the return journey. Welcome to football in the 21st century eh!

I’ll add more bumf about my day in due course, but in the meantime here are some snaps to keep you going.

The Indian Cottage

We had a takeaway from the Indian Cottage in Pontardawe today - the first time I’d be back to the place in what must be over 17 years.

Whilst the deco (defintatley) and owners (possibly) might have changed, the quality of the food certainly hasn’t and I quickly remembered why it had won so many awards.

Mrs DDWT was suitably impressed with her first ‘taste’ of the Indian Cottage and I certainly enjoyed my Chicken Korma, chips and two keema naans

I think we can safely say we’ll be going back again at some stage in the not too distant future.

Running around

In true sadistic style, coach and I opted to go for a long lunchtime run today. Not a good idea really when you consider that neither have us has so much as put on a running shoe in what seems like weeks and to top it all, the sun was blazing down.

Undeterred however, we proceeded to pound our way around Singleton Park and promenade for 38 minutes 26 seconds - covering the best part of 4 miles in the process (or at least it felt as much as that!). It was a great feeling afterwards though as despite our rustiness we felt well chuffed with our efforts.

Not having really taken much notice before, I was amazed at both the size and pleasant surroundings of Singleton Park - it’s no wonder it’s such a popular destination for tourists, students and locals alike. I can also see why the Party in the Park, Escape and Fflam festivals are held there now.

Smile please

An early start for me today with an 07:45 am bike ride down to Limeslade and back. Foolishly I’d left my biking jacket behind and as a result I felt the windchill that accompanied our overcast 10.8 mile ride rather too much. Not the sort of thing that is good for heading off one’s cold I hasten to add. Despite feeling rather poorly our average speed of 14.9 mph was a pleasant suprise.

Upon our return we were greeted by a photographer. So here’s a picture of coach and me posing for a magazine…. a staff magazine that is and helping to promote our staff transport plan at the same time!

After all the excitement, it was time to go and do a day’s proper work.

Please don’t go

It was back to work for me today - which I’m sure as you all know only to well is always a difficult task after a good few days annual leave! It didn’t help either that DDWT Junior keep uttering the words “Pease don’t go to work Daddy” whilst I was munching my Special K (red berry variety) for breakfast. How did I manage to appease him? Well I merely stated that no work meant no pennies and as a result no toys! It seemed to do the trick.

With me being back in work - and facing mammouth amounts of unread emails - I simply had to get out on my bike at lunchtime. The rather splendid weather was rather enticing as well. So it was off to Verdi’s (9 miles) I went without stopping for an ice cream (I’d eaten enough of that last week). Besides I think I did enough stopping (well ok almost stopping) due to the sheer number of people dodging manoeuvres I had to undertake. What is it with pedestrians and cycle paths?

Despite the weather definately the warmest in 2007 to date and arguably the sunniest, muggins here is suffering from a cold (again). Although I am cheered by the fact that I’m not the only one with at least 3 others in the office suffering as well.

Gower Bike Ride 2007

Despite it being only April 1st today, I decided to submit my entry (3rd year in succession) for the Hearts First Gower Bike Ride 2007 - and no this isn’t an April fools joke. This annual event is organised by the British Heart Foundation and provides two courses catering for cyclists of all abilities (and fitness levels!). One is 29 miles and the other 15 miles both of which take you through and round the beautiful Gower countryside. This year’s event is on Sunday, July 1st.

If you would like to sponsor me (I’m doing the 29 mile course btw) - for such a great cause as the British Heart Foundation - then please visit my personal sponsorship page and give something, even if it’s only a £1, as every penny really does help.

At least the bike ride will help me focus and train towards something, as today’s weigh in was a disaster - 16st 12lbs. You can tell I’ve been off all week and haven’t trained one bit. Oh well, I’m back in work tomorrow so I guess that means I’ll be back training again!