A bit of culture for Easter Saturday as we headed to The Citadel in town for this year’s Salvation Army Easter Concert. It was all part of their fundraising to refurbish the facilities here.

Tonight, for our listening pleasure, we had ‘Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem’, ‘John Rutter’s Gloria’ and Kettering SA’s very own Richard Phillips’ composition: ‘Jesus Victorious’. The local Salvation Army here in Kettering has a great track record with their musical presentations, and last year’s performance of part of Handel’s Messiah here was fantastic! . We weren’t familiar with the majority of the content on offer tonight (well, Ann certainly knew more than me!), but it was all in a good cause, and for many, it was good to be reminded of the significance of Easter.

Supported by a small orchestra (trumpets, violins, violas, cellos, double bass, trombones (including a BASS trombone), tuba, timpani, percussion, keyboard, harp – and a gong, they provided a big sound to accompany the Choristers. All-in-all, this was serious stuff to befit the Easter occasion. Fellow audience members would have been pleased delighted that unlike last year, I didn’t hum my way through it all (mainly down to my unfamiliarity with the ‘tunes’).

It was a full house for this, ‘tonight only’ performance, with close to 140 240 (Thanks, David, for spotting that. I did get A-Level Maths, honest!! ) of us in the audience! – including the Kettering Mayor, Cllr Ben James (at what must be one of his final official duties before he steps down after the usual year in the role). Meanwhile, ‘behind’ the orchestra, I’d never seen so many Choristers, aka Kettering Community Choir – I counted close on 70. No wonder Kettering Town seemed deserted! .

Strangely though, no-one was taking photographs, and even though I planned to, I followed their lead.

Holding it all together in his role as Conductor was the very talented Richard Phillips, who, as I mentioned earlier, was responsible for the third piece tonight. Richard has been an integral part of the music output here for as long as we’ve been coming to these kinds of events, including over 20 years leading the Kettering Citadel Band.

Completing the musical talents tonight was Mark Norwood – from my old stomping ground of Bromley – a baritone with a voice so deep, dark and thick, you could have probably made gravy from it – the Bisto of Baritones! Superb!!!

6.58pm: At just before 7pm, to enthusiastic applause, the evening officially began. The first piece, Requiem, was in four parts – and sung in Latin! Yikes! Not exactly one you could (thankfully) sing along to! Whatever the Choir was on, can I have some, please? . They were thoroughly enjoying themselves and giving it any mathematician’s nightmare of 110%! For me? Not so much. The combination of unfamiliarity with the tune and the revisiting of Latin (last ‘enjoyed’ by me at school in around 1970!) made it a difficult listen, but you couldn’t fault the performance itself, being demonstrated here tonight. Extra brownie points for soloist Cheryl Stone, who lit up the room during the final part Pie Jesu – what a voice! Angels beware!!. By the time Requiem came to the end, some of the singers looked exhausted, but we weren’t surprised, given the amount of energy that had been on show.

A short interlude followed, where the Choir and the Orchestra, together with Richard, all left the stage for presumably some more of the magic potion that had served them so well for their first piece – or maybe even an Easter Egg? Almost certainly, the queue for the ladies’ loos was going to be a long one!

The potion/the chocolate/the loo break had clearly done the trick, and some 20 minutes later, the dream team were back on stage for their second piece – Gloria. Shorter in length, but still on a mission to test my Latin, the performance also included some stunning solo work from Cheryl Stone, Ruth Humphrey and Alison Chapman. I enjoyed Gloria more, in spite of the lashings of Latin.

For many, I’m sure Richard‘s piece – the final part of tonight’s performance – Jesus Victorious – was eagerly awaited – simply because it was all his own musical work using the words of Stephen Pearson (no, not the former Scottish professional footballer, but the Managing Editor of the Salvation Army). And what a collaboration! . I don’t think ANYONE saw that coming, and those hoping to ‘rest their eyelids’ during this one were going to be very disappointed. As the title suggests, this was very upbeat with plenty of orchestral surprises. The official Programme described it as ‘raw, turbulent and emotionally charged’ and we wouldn’t argue with that! Sleeping is for wimps anyway!! Best news of all? It was in English. If the Choristers had given ‘110%’ up until now, then by this point, their enthusiasm was off the scale.

8.25pm: Almost 90-minutes later, it was all over. It had been a great evening (even if the unfamiliarity of the music took the shine off it for me, a little). If there are marks for enthusiasm and professionalism, though, tonight was unbeatable. Well done, Salvation Army, Kettering!

Quam praeclara vespera! (It’s OK, I looked it up!)

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Easter Concert (2026) appeared first on Steve's Blog.

It’s Easter Saturday, and we’re off to the Salvation Army’s Citadel in Kettering to see the 7pm performance of Handel’s Messiah.

Composed in 1741, there had also been a TV programme on recently featuring Gareth Malone coaching eight amateur singers to take on this monumental piece. Yes, it’s definitely Easter, and the TV programme reminded us both of what a memorable piece of music this is! .

Tickets for tonight were a very reasonable tenner each, and maybe not surprisingly, the Citadel was packed!

Yes, it was easily a sell-out, with 240 tickets taken. A sixty-plus strong Kettering Community Choir (drawn from 21 individual choirs), plus a very talented thirteen-piece Orchestra, together with four soloists were all perfectly co-ordinated with musical direction by Richard Phillips. As an added treat, our good friends and neighbours, David and Valerie were part of the Choir! The soloists: Gemma Hinchliffe (soprano), Sue Blyth (alto), Andy Ward (tenor) and Mark Norwood (bass) all excelled and together created a big and beautiful sound! The acoustics of the Citadel also helped to make this, in every way, an unforgettable performance.

The music took me back, instantly, some 50+ years to 1973 when I sang this as a member of the school choir performing at the iconic Fairfield Halls in Croydon. More recently, the last time we saw this was back in 2018 in Durham – it has clearly become a firm favourite for us two over the years!

The performance tonight covered around 80% of the complete Messiah suite. ‘Baton up’ was just before 7pm, and there he final applause came at just before 9.20pm. I was slightly surprised at how many of the tunes I knew. I read that everyone knows at least ONE track from this, Handel’s most popular piece (probably the Hallelujah Chorus!), but we chalked up at least half a dozen! Fans or what!!!!

Sadly, for the guy next to me, his enjoyment of the evening was somewhat ruined! Apparently by ME!

My gentle (and assumed QUIET) humming and occasional sing-alongs didn’t impress him – obviously I wasn’t quiet enough – where towards the end of the evening he expressed his displeasure in no uncertain terms by giving me a severe talking-to! . Even my apology (twice!) didn’t ease the situation, and so I guess I’m off his Easter Card list! . Note to self: If you want to sing in public, Steve – even quietly – join a choir!

All-in-all then (apart from the obvious), this had been a great evening! A really polished performance with everyone playing their part with enthusiasm and professionalism.

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Handel’s Messiah at the Citadel appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Since I suffered my hand injury on 22nd December, we’re still playing ‘catch-up’ with my social diary! Today was another of those days as we met Steve & Helen at The Old Bridge in Huntingdon!

We were last here as a foursome back in October, 2023 where we were so impressed, a planned return was a ‘no-brainer’!

Given that it was Easter Sunday, unsurprisingly, the whole place was bursting at the seams! So much so, they ushered us off into their (rather posher) oak-panelled room that seated just 30-or-so people. So far, so good!

We were soon seated and looking through their special Easter Menu. three courses for under £50 and with a choice of six for each course certainly got my vote!

The staff were super-friendly and it was good to be in a separate room where it was pleasantly quiet. A shame then, that things overall, were somewhat lack-lustre! The service was sluggish; different waiting staff asked us the same questions, and the food was lukewarm. I guess it could all be down to the fact that they were simply rushed off their feet.

Still, it didn’t ruin our get-together. We had plenty of time to catch up with S&H’s news including the fact that they’d found, at last, somewhere to live (rather than continuing to rent).

We chatted for ages and ages! and we didn’t get home until just before 5… meaning no need for any tea tonight!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Return to ‘The Old Bridge’ appeared first on Steve's Blog.

WARNING! Please read responsibly. This Blog contains large amounts of smugness!
So, that’s my ‘Lent event’ over for 2017. What began in 2010 as a small challenge, has now grown into a much bigger test of will-power!

Some of you have asked how I got on, so here’s a short summary. Thanks to all my friends and family – and especially Ann – who helped me out during the period with modified menus and words of encouragement.

I began the challenge on the first day of Lent this year – 1st March – and finished at midnight on Thursday, 13th April (yesterday). Technically, I know, for some, that’s not the complete period of Lent, but it works for me! I also didn’t take Sundays off, and many have commented that Lent allows this …but where’s the fun in that?

This year, there were 46 items to try and steer clear of – nothing special about the list except they are all my favourites! For 2017, I added ‘Coffee’, ‘Gin & Tonic’, ‘Lemonade’ and ‘Stilton Cheese’. In truth, after this many years doing it, I’m slowly running out of things to add!!

I lost a bit of weight too! I was 13st 12.5lbs (88.2 kilos) when I started, and I was down to 13st 2.25lbs (84.2 kilos) a few weeks ago – but back up to 13st 4.75lbs by the end. Porker!

So, all-in-all, I’ve lost a bit of weight, but it’s the ‘will-power’ thing that’s the real test. As in previous years, the toughest time was at the beginning, where I certainly had more-than-one attack of the ‘munchies’ around the lunchtime period. Things got better as the days went on though! The smug-o-meter was on the rise!!!

Out of everything on the list, I think I missed Curry and Chocolate the most!

As has been the ‘tradition’ since I started doing this, I always try and add a few items each year to make things a bit more challenging for next period of Lent, and that’ll be no different for 2018 it’ll total 48. I’m adding two more – Salad Cream and Semi-skimmed milk (the latter isn’t exactly ‘a favourite’, but it’ll still mean an extra challenge for breakfast cereals and my tea!)

2018’s List of Banned Items

Now, where’s that very large bar of chocolate?!?!


Previous Lent Lists…
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Lent Boy 2017: How Did I Do? appeared first on Steve's Blog.

A puntastic mix!

We set off for Gill and Chris’ today and then onto Stratford-upon-Avon to see the matinee performance of – you guessed it – Julius Salad Caesar.

In spite of it being the day before Good Friday (where we were expecting a lot of traffic) we had a good journey there and soon found a parking space near the Theatre. The weather wasn’t brilliant, but at least it was dry and I was able to grab a few shots of the area before we headed for lunch!

Gill had booked us all a table in the Rooftop restaurant at the RSC – and it didn’t disappoint! Good service and a scrummy menu set us all up nicely for the blood-bath that was to follow!

I’ll be the first to admit that although I like plays by Shakespeare, I wouldn’t say I loved them, but this production certainly changed my mind. Maybe the immersive feel of the stage layout helped, together with the fab acoustics, but I was hanging on their every word. Such powerful acting delivered with buckets of passion made this a must-see!!
    

Wow! Just ‘Wow!’, what an experience! Although It was a long production – over two-and-a-half hours – it didn’t feel like it and it’s certainly going to be a production I’ll remember for many years. It was impossible to single-out any particular performance, as they were ALL superb, but (for me), Caesar (Andrew Woodall), Mark Antony (James Corrigan) and Cassius (Martin Hutson) and Brutus (Alex Waldmann) were simply mesmerising!

When we left just before 4.15, it was still dry outside, but a bit overcast and so we headed for a local eatery for a cuppa and something sweet before preparing ourselves for the bank-holiday drive back to Gill and Chris’s. Obviously, we must be a bit out of touch with holiday traffic conditions these days, because we hardly hit any congestion at all going back, and after saying our goodbyes, we were soon on our way home.

What a fantastic day – and for me, this production of Caesar was simply outstanding!!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Caesar and Salad appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Wednesday, 23rd: Arrival
It’s Ann’s birthday on the 25th, so we thought we’d slip away for a few days.

The destination of choice this time was Canterbury – and we did it all by train! (me, on a train, what, for ALL of the journey? – some mistake surely!). 

Actually it was a bit of no-brainer. By car it’s around 150 miles, suggesting about a 2.5 hour journey – assuming no holdups – and it was about the same duration by train – only a lot cheaper and no hassle trying to find somewhere to park!
   
Our accommodation was at the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge Hotel unsurprisingly located within the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral itself – and as we had the Cathedral on our to-do list, it made the decision even easier! Better still, the accommodation allowed us free admission to the Cathedral. Kerchinnnng!

And so, after a trouble-free journey from Kettering to St Pancras International and then the same for the final leg to Canterbury West, we were soon checking-in; Lee next door in room 202 and us in 203, both with a fantastic view of the Cathedral.

The View from Room 203

After unpacking, it was straight into the Cathedral. Ann hasn’t been here for 40 years-or-so, and I’ve never visited Canterbury at all (not sure why not!). It was only when we got inside that we fully appreciated the scale of the place! I think it’s one of the few Cathedrals we’ve been to where there was more than one ‘floor’. The whole place has been expanded over the centuries – in many directions – and that meant there was an awful lot to see.

Wow! you can’t fail to be impressed with this Cathedral – even if you’re not religious – so many years of toil for so many people through the centuries has resulted in a massive expanse of stonework… tall… long… and wide.

With our senses assaulted (in a good way) it was off to find somewhere to eat. One great thing about Canterbury is there are plenty of places to eat. On one of our journeys of (food) discovery, we discovered a street where virtually EVERY outlet was an eatery – we really were spoilt for choice. In the end we dropped into The Shakespeare in Butchery Lane.

We weren’t disappointed! The food was excellent! and we arrived just before it got too busy too, so we had a relaxed meal in a not-too-noisy atmosphere. Lee settled for ‘posh fish fingers’, Ann had the Steak whilst I had the Lent-friendly Duck with Sweet Potato fries, Salad and Onion Rings. Yummy! No-one could fit in a dessert, so Lee settled the bill (thanks Lee!) and we headed back to our accommodation. Lee was tired, so we settled her in her room, whilst Ann and I went for an evening stroll and some window-shopping. By now the temperature had dropped quite dramatically, but luckily Ann had packed all the essentials – gloves, scarves and hats! We discovered even more eateries on our walk – and perhaps surprisingly, given that there were so many posh shops, quite a few people were sleeping rough.

We walked in a very large circle, and 1.7 miles later, we were therefore back where we started. We headed for our room, fired up the radiator, and spent the rest of the evening watching the TV.

We’re planning a relaxed day tomorrow. We’ve got a table booked at Cote Brasserie for 12.30, but apart from that, we’re probably going to do some more sight-seeing and get some retail therapy.

Thursday, 24th: Retail Therapy
Our day began with breakfast in the Lodge. It was a pretty good menu and the service was polite, if a little slow. After one (almost) full-English (Ann), Eggs Benedict (me) and two-thirds of a croissant (Lee), we were ready for our dose of retail therapy. Lee unfortunately became our first casualty within the first hour – she wasn’t feeling too well. We thought it best to take her back to her room – and some familiar surroundings – that meant the TV permanently on ITV3 and the radiator on full 11!

Ann and I then headed back into town for a more detailed look around the shops. First stop was Fenwick’s, the department store.

Boy, this place was very impressive! It must have been the retail experience in our genes, but we loved looking round all the neatly arranged displays. Fantastic!

Lunchtime arrived, and as planned, we headed for Cote Brasserie. We were hoping to meet up with an ex-business colleague of Ann’s and his wife, but they were down with a flu-bug, so our table for five was reduced to just us two. In spite of the lack of numbers, we enjoyed a fab meal with great service to match!

After lunch, it was a brisk walk down Canterbury Castle (or what’s left of it) and a quick look round. It’s one of the oldest in Britain, and although there wasn’t much to see, it was good to see it still standing.

By now the skies were turning very grey and the temperature had dropped quite significantly, so we headed back to the Lodge to see how Lee was, and eventually to put our feet up for a few hours.

At 5pm, Lee still wasn’t feeling 100% so Ann and I trotted into town for a small bite to eat. As we’ve discovered, there’s plenty of choice in Canterbury, but as it was starting to rain and getting really cold, we simply picked the nearest place that looked OK! And that place was Wildwood. We’d not heard of them before, but the Italian menu looked varied – and they didn’t look too busy. Just like last night, we timed it perfectly – it was quiet when we arrived and heaving when we left (and we were only there for around half-an-hour).

We shared their Italian Platter and weren’t disappointed. There was just about the right amount of meat and cheese – and the bread had been gently warmed through. Delicious!

…and then it was back to the Lodge for the last time. We check out tomorrow and we thought it a good idea to pre-book the taxi back to the Station just in case they were all taken tomorrow as part of the Easter events at the cathedral.

Canterbury has been great. Lots to see, lots of shops and plenty of places to get a meal. The weather could have been kinder, but we coped whilst still managing to keep up with our new walking regime. We’re leaving by about 11 tomorrow and if all the connections work, home by the middle of the afternoon.

Friday, 25th: Birthday Sun

Ironically, on the day that we depart – and Ann’s Birthday – the weather brightens up!

So, we just had time to grab the camera and re-visit the exterior of the Cathedral for some better shots…

Exterior shots of Canterbury Cathedral

…and then it was back to the Lodge to wait for the taxi to take us back to Canterbury West, and our journey home.

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post The Canterbury Rails appeared first on Steve's Blog.

For us, Easter this year was about getting together with friends and family – and eating! After a mammoth shop in Thursday night (unfortunately, ASDA was out of mammoths!) and a follow-up on shop Friday morning, we were all set for the feeding of the five thousand (well, not quite, but it felt like it!!)

Good Friday

David and Valerie popped over for coffee in the morning and it was good to catch-up with all their news.

…and in the evening, Karen, Paul, Trish, John, Rosi, David, Julie and Tom dropped in for our Fish & Chip Supper. Trish’s pickled onions made their debut appearance (here anyway) – and the food went down a treat (as it always does). It’s been a while since we all got together as a group, and there was a lot to catch-up with. Hopefully, there will be plenty more opportunities later this year. now that the lighter evenings are here.

Easter Saturday
An early start as we headed off to Leicester to pick up my Ring and a few last minutes bits and pieces before Roger, Jane and Oliver join us later for the weekend.

I’ve never seen Leicester so quiet!

My 30th Anniversary Ring – courtesy of Mr Tarratt 

Ann laid on antipasti for Saturday night followed by a ginormous cheese-board, that was about half the size of Northamptonshire!!!, and David and Valerie joined the rest of us for the feast. I also got a chance to test-drive my new Guinness Glass, that I’d picked up during our holiday in Dublin.

Best Drink of the Day!

Ready for the Feast

Easter Sunday
Sunday, as expected, began with breakfast followed by a lazy morning (unless you were in the kitchen). I spent some time with Oliver, giving him a few lessons on his Android Tablet, whilst Ann and Lee took on lunch preparations. Denis and Bev joined us a little later, where Bev got an opportunity to show-off her new camera (see photographs later in this blog). Denis was looking fighting-fit after his stents, pacemaker and heart valve marathon from a few months back – he’s certainly got value-for-money from the NHS!!

Lunch arrived just after 1, where as always, Ann excelled herself, with a full three-courser, and a choice of starters.

 
Spicy Prawns!

After lunch, it was all hands to the sink as we attempted to recover from the debris created by ‘lunch-for-eight’. An hour later, and a few capfuls of Fairy liquid lighter, it was all done. We spent a bit of time catching-up before Roger, Jane and Oliver said their goodbyes, followed by Denis and Bev.

Then, for what was left of the day was punctuated by an afternoon walk – I wasn’t too keen, but Ann convinced me it was a good move!

Then, all that was left was to put our feet-up and get prepared for watching the two highlights of the weekend’s TV – Poldark for Ann and Lee, and the new Thunderbirds are Go series for me!

Bev’s Photos

Easter Monday
I took Lee back just before 9, and once I was back home, Ann and I tackled one of the significant back-garden jobs – wiring the fences (not for electricity or sound, for plants!). Three hours later, it was ‘job done’ – just as the weather turned really warm! Phew! Steve, next door, tackled the damaged fences that had blown down a few days ago, and it was all looking pretty good – there’s a bit of touching-up needed with fence paint, but that’s the small contribution that I can make! 

Well, it’s been a really enjoyable Easter- great food, great friends, getting most of the family together and better-than-expected weather – plus a few jobs in the garden sorted! I’d call that very rewarding!!
    

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Easter 2015 appeared first on Steve's Blog.

The Calm before the Starter!

Who’s Who!

Ann, together with Lee’s help pulled together a superb Easter Lunch for the family today. Even though Mum wouldn’t travel such a distance for these things, it did still feel a little odd that she wasn’t ‘around’.

Let Battle Commence…

Italian Meats & Fruit

Bev’s Trifle


Guess who’s washing up?

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Family Lunch appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Together with Lee, we drove down to Mum’s to take her out for Lunch. It was a return to the now familiar Toby Carvery at Bromley Common, where we’d taken her a few months back. Being Easter Sunday, and the fact that they don’t take bookings, meant we had to time it just right if were to avoid the mega-rush. We set off from home around 9am and covered the 100 or so miles in good time, arriving just before 11. After a quick chat, it was back in the car for the twenty-minute drive to the Carvery.

Our plan was to get there before noon, and hang around in the Bar until the restaurant could squeeze us in. Actually, when we arrived, they were able to get us in straight away, in spite of the place already having plenty of guests already in the middle of their lunch (what time do they start eating round here???).

We opted for the Carvery – it’s always a good deal, and together with Yorkie Puddings half the size of Bromley itself and every conceivable vegetable, you can’t really go wrong. Fifteen minutes in, and the place was heaving – so our plan had paid off. Thanks to ‘Steph’, our Waitress, service was (again) excellent and that made the experience even more enjoyable. Given the volume of customers and the general pressure of working there, her customer service skills were absolutely spot-on – there are plenty of other restaurants that could learn a thing-or-two from her!!

We were stuffed by 1pm and headed back to Mum’s. We stayed for a while and then headed home. Traffic was OK for Easter (we’ve had it a lot worse in previous years) and the threat of serious jams on the M11 between junctions 27 and 29 being flashed-up on the overhead signs never materialised!

We dropped Lee back at hers, adjusted all her clocks, and stayed for a cuppa.

Phew! Job done, time for feet-up and some CHOCOLATE!!!!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Easter Sunday – Mum’s appeared first on Steve's Blog.

We drove up to Denis’ today for lunch. Bev was sorting out the main course whilst Ann took the raw ingredients for dessert. Neither disappointed and a few hours later we felt a lot heavier and very sleepy! A great meal girls – cheers!!

As is traditional this time of year, we take on The Ritual of the Garage. This involves clearing out all the bits and pieces that have found their way their over the year – and relocating them back to their proper home – or to the local dump! We’re always surprised as to how much c*** accumulates over the period of 12 months – and this year was no exception! An hour later, it was ‘mission accomplished’ for another year, but even after completing the task, we still couldn’t get both cars where they belong, but one out of two ain’t bad I suppose! – Maybe NEXT year!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Lincoln for Lunch/The Ritual of ‘The Garage’ appeared first on Steve's Blog.

A very productive and satisfying day here today!  First stop was ASDA for a few shopping essentials and then to Wickes the necessary DiY bits.

Next, the big task of the day was to tidy up the grouting in the kitchen – a job we’ve been planning for ages, but we just needed a period of  uninterrupted time to complete it. With the help of a ton of elbow-grease and some grouting whitener, (a product I’d never seen before) the job was very easy and straightforward.

I guess we got carried away, and before we knew it, the fridge was being defrosted, the cooker got a clean, the microwave too and then, the most boring job in the world (but ultimately satisfying!) – cleaning the brass knobs on the cabinets – zzzzzz!

Five hours later and we were admiring our shiny ‘new’ kitchen.

Sky Anytime+ – The Saga Continues…

The other significant job of the day (but slightly more challenging) was to try-out our recently upgraded Sky package – ‘Anytime+’ as I’d upgraded online a few days ago for the princely sum of £0! (a bargain!!!). The ‘+’ in the name is significant as it potentially opens up a whole new world of TV programmes. Well, that’s the theory!

I knew that our pathetic internet speed here (0.5 Mb/s mostly, but 1.0 Mb/s on a good day) would inhibit the package – and how right I was! My first test showed that it took almost 6 hours to download an episode (yes ONE episode) of Mad Men! Well, at least I know the router was talking to the Sky-box!!!.. sort of!!!

The confusing part was that the package it ‘replaced’ – Anytime – was not showing any content at all and that potentially suggested that the ability for my shiny-new upgraded package to download programmes via the DISH overnight (like it used to under the Anytime name) had been replaced with a download-by-ROUTER ONLY facility. Given the connection speed here, and as the Mad Men experiment showed earlier, this was going to be a disaster!!!

A phone-call to Sky didn’t help much, (they suggested turning off the router, if I wanted my download-overnight option back). My posting on their help forum was more successful, and revealed the solution.  I was wrong, and the old Anytime package WAS still alive and well, just cunningly renamed SHOWCASE under Anytime+.

Sky are you listening! I’m lucky that I find it fairly easy to understand tech-stuff, but how the average end-user is supposed to fathom all this out, I don’t know! The whole affair wasn’t helped by the Sky Help Desk NOT knowing/explaining the link between Anytime and Showcase. Phew! Missions accomplished!!!

With a smug sense of satisfaction on my face, it was feet-up for what’s left of the day, including a quick drop-in on Jo and Janet later in the evening.

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Great Grouting, Shiny Knobs and Sky Anytime+! appeared first on Steve's Blog.

It’s a gorgeous day here again today – not quite as warm as yesterday but just right for doing stuff around the garden! …and more stuff! …and more stuff!! …and more stuff!!! Of we go then – I pressure-washed the back-garden patio, then I did the same to the front pathway, then I removed the two dead bushes from the front garden, then returning to the back-garden, the top patio got a wash. A short break for lunch then some essential tieing-up of plants around the pergola finishing with a thorough sweep-up and the ceremonial washing of the front step.

Next time we looked at the time, it was 4pm – where did the day go! We’re both shattered and I think we may forego our regular walk tonight!!!

Time for feet-up, a long cool drink and a movie!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Easter Sunday (2011) appeared first on Steve's Blog.

After dropping into Central Garage to have the locking wheel nuts changed on Ann’s Fiesta, we headed up to Denis’ for lunch. It was another fine day here and even hotter there – 27 degrees – another scorcher!

After a full-scale roast chicken lunch followed by Ann’s ‘plums cooked in red wine and served with a creamy ricotta cheese mousse’ (phew!), we were all stuffed, so we did a bit of lizarding in the back-garden, and caught up with the papers. It actually got too hot for me, so I retreated indoors.

We left around ten past four as we arrived home just before five-thirty – a good journey back and if gave me an opportunity to see how the car performed with a boot half-full and three adults inside. Not bad!, it’s certainly comfortable, and there’s plenty of oomph under the hood. Better still, the return journey gave 38.4mpg.

Once home, there was just time to de-bug the windscreen and front bumper – the car seemed to have attracted all manner of livestock – it was covered! before settling down to watch the new series of Doctor Who.

Doctor Who – Episode 1: The Impossible Astronaut

I wasn’t sure what to expect with the opening episode. The hype surrounding Doctor Who can sometimes do it an dis-service, where the episodes (for me) then fall below expectation.

Well, I needn’t have worried, as lead writer, Steven Moffat had once again penned a masterpiece! (right up there with Blink! his first) Whether you are a Who-addict, an occasional watcher, or were just tuning in for the first time to see what all the fuss was about – you wouldn’t have been disappointed. The acting was a good as ever, and Matt Smith seemed to have settled into the role. and made it his own – as I’ve blogged before, he’s got a touch of the Patrick Troughton’s about his character – mysterious and a bit manic. A nice touch also, right at the start where there was a short tribute to Elisabeth Sladen, (who played Sarah Jane Smith) who died earlier this week.

I liked the tone of the whole thing and the storyline had plenty to get you thinking – astronauts, the death of a key character, and a pregnancy – not bad for a 45 minute episode.  The newest Who monster delivered the goods and was scary, creepy and haunting in equal measure – a few nightmares for some kids tonight, I think! Well done BBC – this is what we pay the Licence fee for!!

Part 2 next Saturday!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Easter Day (2011) appeared first on Steve's Blog.

I’ve heard that the new series begins on Easter Saturday. Full length trailer started to appear this week – up until then, there had been a short 5 second teaser.

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Doctor Who – New Series appeared first on Steve's Blog.

However you choose to measure it, Lent in now over and I can return to a diet of occasional junk-food and generally stuff that tastes nice, but isn’t good for you!

This year, I managed to stick* to my list for 40 days and nights and avoid the following:

*Well, when I say ‘stick’, I was almost 100% compliant…just ‘lost-it’ with some rather tasty looking chips on Saturday night.

Next year, it’s all of the above, plus:
Guinness
Custard
Pastry

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Smug Bugger! Lent Dented! appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Fuelled by the ‘Full-English’ breakfast, we set off in the direction of York. On the way there, we dropped into RHS’s property, Harlow Carr. This was disappointing, but perhaps that was down to the time of year and Spring being a bit late this year. Still, it gave us the perfect excuse to pop into Betty’s next door and sample their obligatory ‘Fat Rascal‘!!!

Next, we continued on our journey to York and took a chance that the Designer Outlet would be open just outside the city.. Luckily for us, the gamble paid off and most of the shops were open. Ann picked up a bargain Aquascutum coat at a bargain price!

Next, it was off to the Yorkshire Museum of Farming. A place full of tractors, livestock, a rather large Easter Bunny and a Viking settlement (made up of University students, playing the part with 101% conviction!). We originally planned to have lunch at the Farm but the menu was pretty limited, and there was a long delay for cooked meals, so we headed for our ultimate destination of York, and hoped we’d find somewhere.

After a short wander round, we discovered we were spoiled for choice – so we settled for Cafe Rouge – York. The service and the food was excellent – We shared the meat platter for starters then Ann had the beef casserole and I had the chicken in Dijon sauce – scrummy!

Suitably stuffed, we continued looking around the city centre – by now it was packed with people, but the Sun was coming-out at last! We finished the day with a short stop in a coffee-shop almost next-door to York-Minster and then wandered back to the car. We were back at the B and B by 4.45 and we started to get packed to ensure we got away sharply tomorrow after breakfast.

It’s been a busy and enjoyable day – just wish the weather had been a little warmer..and the rain stopped a little earlier!!!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Long Weekend in Harrogate – Sunday appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Looking out of the Band B window, it’s another rainy-day ahead!

So, a lazy breakfast followed by the short walk into town armed with our big umbrella. The plan today is to buy Ann a new fountain-pen as a belated birthday present. It’s not as cold as yesterday, but it’s still raining!!!

Success, we saw a nice Waterman’s fountain–pen in Jesper’s, a local stationers – we just need to get a broad nib for it, and it’ll be sorted. But that proved to be quite tricky in itself, requiring the new pen to be sent to France for ‘repair’!

We then took a short walk to the Pump Museum followed by a very short walk around the local Valley Gardens. 

We spent the rest of the morning looking around the shops in Harrogate and decided to go for a carpet picnic as our lunch, courtesy of M and S. So, after the uphill walk back to the B and B, the sun came out…just as we got to our room – doh!!

We vegged-out in our room, took a short doze before getting ready for the wedding tonight.

6.30pm Time to leave for the post-Wedding event. Once again, the sat-nav earned its keep by getting us there – I don’t think we would have found The Mansion (in spite of it being a pretty well-known venue) if we’d relied on just a map! Parking was difficult, but we did managed to find a space in one corner of a small car-park nearby.

Wow, what a spectacular place! It had recently had an extensive refurbishment, and it really showed. David ushered us up the elegant staircase where we met Delyth, who looked gorgeous in her dress, and Val, who looked every inch the ‘proud Mum’. We joined everyone else in the main room – there were already around 100 or more people chatting and enjoying the venue- everyone seemed to having such a good time.

Later, the Band arrived – and they were superb!! (who were they?) – Keyboards, lead and bass guitar, drums and a female lead-singer whose powerful voice made the place really rock! (even if you were sitting at the back like us!)

Ann and I had a dance – amazing!! – and managed NOT to trip over my two left feet!

Food was served in an innovative way – Paninis followed by chips (in handy little cardboard containers)..and then some more paninis…followed by some more chips. This was so much better than the traditional wedding buffet, and everyone seemed to be enjoying them. I tried to resist the chips (I’m supposed to giving them up for Lent), but the temptation proved too strong!

David introduced to John and his girlfriend Beck. We have seen John for a few years and it was good to catch-up.

At around 10.30, we finally caught up with the Groom, John and then said our good-byes to the others. We had a trouble-free journey back to the B and B.

It was a great evening and we really enjoyed ourselves

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Long Weekend in Harrogate – Saturday appeared first on Steve's Blog.

We’re going to John and Delyth’s Wedding tomorrow in Leeds, so that’s a perfect excuse to make a weekend of it.

We set off just before 10 and had a trouble-free journey  until we got to Doncaster, where the traffic just stopped just a mile or so before junction 36. We decided to make a slight detour and head for Brodsworth Hall and find somewhere for lunch.

Almost perfect timing then, as we arrived at around 12.35, just time to grab something to eat before looking round the house that opened at 1.

Brrrr, it’s f-f-f-f-freezing!, can’t wait to get inside!!!

What a nice place. A sort of modern old mansion – 1860s – if that makes sense.and English Heritage had had enough sense not to over restore the place, so you really got a feel for what the place really like. The Guides were really knowledgeable and the place was very busy. By 2.30, we’d done the place to death including walking round the very pretty – even in April – gardens.

A good onward journey too – arriving at Baytree B and B run by Mandy at around 3.45. We quickly unpacked and then walked (yeah honest!) walked into Town looking for somewhere to eat tonight.

The rain is getting wetter and colder, so the walk into town was pretty ‘orrible! Still, once into Harrogate, we wandered around the shops and even managed to spend some money too! (how unusual!!!!). We soon found a place to eat – Prezzo in Albert Street- and decided to eat early rather than walk all the way back to the B and B and walk back into town. The food and service was excellent and we had a really relaxed time (the bottle of wine between us helped!!!). Ninety-minutes later, We left staggered out of Prezzo, set the sat-nav to ‘walk-mode’ and followed the instructions back to the B and B. In spite of partial inebriation and a small screen, we made it. Time for feet-up. The final series of Ashes to Ashes starts tonight, but we’ll probably wait until we’re back home to watch it.

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Long Weekend in Harrogate – Friday appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Episode 1 of series 5 (or series 31 if you’re a purist!) premiered last night in Cardiff, with the main stars in attendance and available for interview afterwards.

For the rest of us mere mortals, we’ll get the opportunity to see the episode on Easter Saturday, in the evening – I think it’s going out at 7pm-ish – the episode is entitled ‘The Eleventh Hour’ and introduces Matt Smith as the new Doctor.

The Press are reporting a dark story-line balanced with good humour – that’ll do for me!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post TV: Doctor Who Series 5 premieres in Cardiff appeared first on Steve's Blog.

I got up around 7ish after Karen delivered us a cup of tea – I’ll miss that when I get home!

Ralph was already up preparing a breakfast of their bacon and our homemade loaf – a perfect combination! The sandwiches were superb!!

After a couple of cuppas, we got packed and said our goodbyes. It’s been a great weekend; we’ve seen a lot and done a lot; and of course it’s been good to catch-up with Karen and Ralph.

Our turn to return the hospitality next time – June in fact.

We popped into the new Sainsbury’s for some bits-and-pieces of shopping on the way out. We were back on the road just before 11am and had a really smooooooooth journey back – certainly better than going up – and we were indoors just before 12.40.

We quickly unpacked the shopping, read the papers and started to catch up with some of the recordings we’d made over the Easter break.

…back to reality tomorrow!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Easter with Karen and Ralph – Monday appeared first on Steve's Blog.