We headed off to the Arrow Mill today to catch up with long time muckers: Ian, Ann and Mags (sans Alan). It’s been just over a year since we were last here and it was good to be back!

Yum yum!! A great menu that changes daily.

You can’t beat this ‘posh Pub’ for the quality of its food – and today was no different! It’s a three-star hotel, but feels like it should be at least four! What’s not to love? The diet begins on Monday! (again!) . Just a pity about the journey home that took almost an hour and three-quarters! Just 66 miles, and ‘Friday traffic’ I guess .

Next get together? December at ‘The Countryman in Daventry’.

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 Arrow Returned appeared first on Steve's Blog.

It’s our three-monthly catchup with long-time friends and ex-business colleagues, Ian & Ann and Alan & Mags. Today, our eatery of choice is the Arrow Mill in Alcester – we were last here in October, 2022.

It was almost deserted inside when we arrived just after 12 noon, but this place has a large area outside and given the gorgeous weather, that’s where most people were eating.

Not us though! We chose to eat inside, in the cool!

It’s a different menu every day here – and there’s always bags of choice. There was plenty to temp us, and it didn’t take long for us to collectively decide to skip Starters and head straight for Mains (with a Dessert in mind, of course!)

The Restaurant soon filled up – as did we! . Luckily for our waistline, the Arrow offers ‘mini-desserts’ that include a tea or coffee, saving us the difficulty of should we or shouldn’t we in terms of a FULL Dessert! Actually, it turned out to be a wise decision because the Brownie was so intensively chocolatey, even I – the group’s confirmed chocoholic – couldn’t have managed the full-size version.

Top marks all around for a first-class experience! Great food, comfortable and relaxing surroundings, a chance to catch up with everyone’s news and a varied menu – what’s not to love?

Our next get-together is planned for December!

Suitably stuffed, we left the Pub around 2.50 meaning we should have been home by about 4.20, but it wasn’t to be due to various pinch points along the route home. We eventually arrived indoors just after 4.35.

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 Arrow Time! appeared first on Steve's Blog.

We don’t need much of an excuse to catch up with friends (as many of these Posts here will confirm!).

“The Late, Late Christmas Dinner!” put a convenient label on today’s proceedings, brought about because we weren’t able to see Nicki over Christmas last year. Jo, Janet and Carol joined us, making it six for this belated celebration!

These days, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without one of my Festive Quizzes where we could enjoy a light-hearted challenge unburdened by any competitiveness (yeah right!). Download this one from HERE – “All me own work guv!”. We squeezed it in after the main course. Nicki & Jo formed a team with Janet & Carol, the other. After four rounds and twelve questions, Janet & Carol emerged victorious – with no one more surprised than Carol herself!

10.31am: Nicki arrived mid-morning and we were soon catching up with all her news, including her and Rich’s hunt for a boat!

2.15pm: Thanks to Nicki’s help in the kitchen, everything was prepared in double-quick time! The table was laid too, giving us all the rest of the afternoon off!

2.55pm: Movie time! A second watch for us, but Nicki hadn’t seen: “Bank of Dave” (courtesy of Netflix) – a heartwarming story based on the true story of Burnley’s Dave Fishwick and his attempt to start his own Bank. Excellent entertainment!!

6.00pm: Janet, Jo & Carol arrived, giving us the perfect excuse to crack open a bottle of bubbly! Oh, and a couple of Reds… and some G&Ts too! Well, it is Christmas!

With BOTH heat trays on overtime, it was a voluminous affair. I don’t think we served EVERY vegetable that exists – but it was close!

Dessert…

Cheese to finish!

…and a gift from Santa too! (thanks Janet!)

Wow! What an evening! We ate a lot, we drank a lot… and we laughed a lot!

In other words – perfect! . Our get-together probably could have gone on all night, but Nicki had a busy day coming up tomorrow and said her goodbyes just before 9.30. Jo, Janet & Carol followed shortly afterwards, and that gave us some time to begin the mega-clear-up before hitting the sack!

A very (late)
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

10.22pm: Nighty-night!

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 Late, Late Christmas Dinner! appeared first on Steve's Blog.

If you’re looking for a quality Italian meal, then you can’t go wrong by choosing The Palmichael in nearby Burton Latimer. We’ve eaten there many times, and it’s one of the few the only Italian eatery that still survives in this part of Kettering.

Many other ‘Italians’ have appeared on the scene – and disappeared – over the 25 years-or-so we’ve lived here, and so clearly, The Palmichael is doing something very right! . The staff are always very friendly and today was no exception.

OK, it’s not the cheapest place to parade your plastic, but quality comes at a price, doesn’t it!?

Whilst I chose the Mozarella Carrozza, Ann tucked into their Haddock Arancini for Starters.

Mains was a no-brainer! If you’re a carnivore, that is! We wholeheartedly recommend their homemade Lasagna. We both chose it without hesitation (as it never fails to please). It doesn’t skimp on flavour, and your tastebuds will thank you for your good decision! In a word: Yummy! In two words: VERY yummy! In fact, I’d go as far as to say that it’s the best Lasagna we’ve eaten anywhere (and that includes our trips to Italy).

Yes, it was all delicious and piping-hot too (which was a bonus on such a cold day here having had our first frost overnight!)

Fortunately, before we left home, we’d located a voucher (that expired tomorrow!) — and, when the time came to settle up, it spared that familiar smell of melting plastic! .

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 Palmers at The Palmichael appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Nope, nothing to do with a misheard Bond movie – we went bowling at the Kettering Thunderbowl today!

We were last here back in May of this year with Paul & Sue – when it was my first visit! Back then, I started well but obviously peaked too early and ended up rubbish by the end of the game. In spite of that, a return visit was planned and we picked up Sue along the way (Paul’s ‘slumming it’ in Tenerife with Ben) to see if I could improve. What’s that? Ahh, the sound of fans NOT holding their breath!

One thing you can say about the whole scoring process is that it’s very high-tech (maybe even more-so than last time?). No chalk on a blackboard here, instead an electronic scorecard with the option to link it to your phone. Even for me, it looked like a bit of a faff, but at least we got the scoreboard set up correctly with our names!

And so, with Lane 7 all our own, and the surrounding area evacuated, we polished our balls and aimed for the target…

Do you know what? We didn’t do too badly. I found my form and was victoriousin the first, whilst Sue won the second, and final Frame.

By way of celebration, we then headed off to nearby Fox and Peony (our first visit) for a snack-lunch!

Well, that was a very pleasant experience! A straightforward menu all at a sensible price – and all served with a smile! . Best of all, Sue treated us! Cheers Sue!

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 Thunderbowl! appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Off for one of our semi-regular get-togethers with Ian & Ann and Alan & Mags at the Arrow Mill in Alcester.

Located west of Stratford-upon-Avon, just off the A46, it was our first visit to this rather posh-looking Pub/Restaurant (with Rooms too!). It took us a while to get there though! It may have been only around 65 miles, but a detour around Coventry meant that the journey seemed to go on forever – and we arrived at around 12.25pm (for 12.30!) having taken closer to 90 minutes to get there.

Some of our other gastronomic ‘first visits’
HERE

It was surely a good sign that even on a TUESDAY, the car-park was already pretty busy! It certainly looked like a popular lunch destination (which was evident when we were shown to our table – the restaurant was already 90% full!).

It was also one of best decorated lunch-venues we’ve been to in a long while.

It sported an impressive menu, too!

Yes, a really good ‘first visit’ – quality decor, an imaginative menu and yummy food! If we had one criticism, it would be that they were a victim of their own success today! They were so busy, the kitchen was struggling to keep up, which meant the service, at times, was a bit slow.

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 First Visit: Arrow Mill, Alcester appeared first on Steve's Blog.

We never turn down an opportunity to visit The Ashmolean (having been there in November 2011, March 2012, September 2013, March 2014, May 2018 and August 2021).

Yes, it’s no surprise then, that this Museum is probably our favourite out of any of those we’ve visited ANYWHERE! .

On this occasion, it was to meet up with Cousins, Chris and Kate and grab lunch on the rooftop restaurant too!

We had a trouble-free journey there and after parking at Peartree Park ‘n’ Ride, we arrived just before 11am. Our Cousins arrived shortly afterwards and we were soon soaking up what the Ashmolean had to offer!

There’s always an exhibit that surprises its visitors, either because of its uniqueness, its age or its value – and today was no exception! How about the actual clothing worn by T E Lawrence aka ‘Lawrence of Arabia’?. It was in such good condition too! Wow!

Lunch in their rooftop restaurant turned out to be a delight (contrary to many of the recent posts online) – great food that was very tasty with great service to match!

After Lunch, we had a further (quick) look around the Museum and then said our goodbyes. Our journey home was also trouble-free and we were indoors with a cuppa my 4.35pm. Today had been a great day out with our cousins!

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 Ashmolean (again!) appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Off to the Dovecote Buttery today for Sunday lunch with Helen. We haven’t been here for about a year – and it was good to be back. Well, that’s how we felt when we arrived! Disappointingly, the place was so busy, the service levels fell well below how we remember it. Additionally, the food was just OK rather than excellent!

For me, the Sausage & Mash, whilst Ann and Helen had the Roast Lamb. We nearly skipped Dessert because we’d promised Rosi – our next stop – we’d be at hers by 2pm – and the clock was ticking with no sign of the table being cleared nor an opportunity to order Pud!!! . After a bit of frantic hand-waving in the direction of the staff, we were able to place our order, but by then were ready to leave.

Bakewell Tart for the girls and Banoffee Pie for me all went down a treat, but I wouldn’t have minded a bit longer to savour the flavour!!

All-in-all then, today was well below par. With so many other places to eat in our immediate area, I’m afraid that this one might drop of our list!

And if that wasn’t enough to dissuade us, when we got home, we found that we’d been charged for a drink we didn’t have! . It was 2.20pm and time to leave.

Next stop was round to Rosi’s to view their garden as part of the ‘National Garden Scheme’. In spite of the recent drought, the garden was in rude health – and I’ve never seen a lawn so green (Well done Dave!) .

It was pretty well supported too! — there were at least 20 other people looking around as we arrived. Dave commented that they’d seen about 40 people today! Great stuff!

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 Dubious Dovecote and a Great Garden! appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Maybe not everyone’s idea of fun on a Sunday morning, but here we are at Kettering Cemetery in London Road! Fortunately, it’s not for the reasons you might imagine!

We’re actually here as part of our semi-regular ‘Sunday Hosted Walks’ courtesy of Friends of Kettering Art Gallery & Museum!

‘Tour Leader’ today was David Brown and turnout was impressive – almost 40 0f us. We split into three separate groups: David B’s, Bernadette’s and (another) David’s and we were off, heading for the dead centre.

First learning point? This Cemetery is split down the middle between conscecrated and unconsecrated ground. The rich(er) in the former, whilst the rest in the latter. We began in Bernadette’s group and we were soon soaking-up bucket fulls of information about local people and their back-story. A great start and we were all totally engaged! However, on the downside, I don’t make a habit of visiting these sort of places, but in my limited experience, London Road was the untidiest and least well-kept of those I’ve seen. So many weeds and untrimmed/unmowed grass together with a high proportion of the headstones in very poor condition.

Not surprisingly, two of Kettering’s local heroes are buried here – Charles Wicksteed and Alfred East and we were given a very detailed background to their history and their good deeds for Kettering.

Well, that was all REALLY interesting! Grave numbers, plot numbers, unmarked graves to well-known locals plus the two ‘big’ ones gave us a much broader understanding of ‘good old Kettering’. Unfortunately, we didn’t get round to enjoy David (2)’s tour as both Bernadette’s and David Brown’s over-ran. We’ve lived in Kettering for over 20 years and today filled our heads with 100% new information that we didn’t know.

Thanks David and his team!!!!

Next stop was was for the living – lunch at nearby Café Oak in Geddington with Jo and Janet. A first visit for me and it didn’t disappoint! A menu full of homemade dishes with seating for around 20 inside and slightly fewer outside. We arrived just before 1pm and it was already very busy.

Run by husband and wife tea, Bernie and Sharon Hamilton, service was brisk and very courteous. Jo and Janet settled for the Sunday Roast whilst I tucked in to their homemade Burger. Janet and I squeezed in a pudding – homemade Cherry Pie with (hot) Custard). Portions were generous (and scalding hot too!!!)

Top marks all round – and if you fancy a visit, I’d say, make sure you book as they were turning people away by the time we left! Surely a good sign!!!! A really good value meal with enough choice to satisfy anyone. Worth a visit if you’re this way and you fancy a quick nibble of quality homemade fare at a very reasonable price. You can email them HERE!

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 Dead Centre! appeared first on Steve's Blog.

We picked up Helen today and headed for our favourite Emporium – Beckworth’s.

And if people are supposed to be tightening their belts and cutting down on eating-out, then no-one told those ahead of us! When we arrived just before 1pm, it was bonkers busy! . So much so, they’ve now introduced a pager system to alert you when there is a space! . Luckily, we didn’t have to wait too long until we got the buzz, and we were soon seated.

Ann and Helen both opted for the Steak Pie whilst I picked the Chicken Burger.

…all washed down with a rather cheeky (and very fruity) bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon!

None of us really had room for a pudding – but someone had to go for it!!! Surprise, surprise, it was me, and I chose their ‘Spaghetti Ice Cream‘ (basically, soft ice-cream layered on top of cream, topped-off with a fruit sauce). I did get three spoons with it though!!! .

In spite of how busy they were, it was a very enjoyable experience – first-class food with service to match (thanks Sophie!).

We were stuffed! A quick look around the shop where we picked up some English Strawberries (the best!) and we were then on our way home. After the past couple of days of tropical temperatures, we were greeted with a real downpour on the way 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 Bonkers Beckworth’s appeared first on Steve's Blog.

We got most of my ex-JS team over for lunch and a good gossip today! It’s been a while since we last did this (August 2017).

Roy (and Susan) couldn’t make it this year, leaving Rick (with Niall), Denise (and Steve) and Gill (and Chris) to fly the flag for the Romford Area Office Training Department!

Ann cooked enough food to feed around 100 more – but at least we’ve got leftovers for the next week! (in spite of some very impressive appetites!)

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 JS Gang Reunion 2021 appeared first on Steve's Blog.

It’s Valentine’s Day!! Usually, either I cook the meal, Ann cooks the meal, or we share cooking duties with David and Valerie and get together as a foursome.

So, with cards, flowers and gifts on display, by way of a change for this special day, the four of us left our kitchens behind and headed off to The Attic Restaurant in Lutterworth for lunch! David and Valerie had already eaten there on more than a few occasions, so we knew we were in for a treat!

Apart from the howling gale in the car-park, it turned out to be a very enjoyable experience. The service was spot-on, and the food was delicious! We were seated with a great view across the Golf Course and looking at the weather conditions, we agreed we were definitely in the better place! It was still blowing a gale outside, and it looked pretty cold too judging by the number of beanies being worn by the brave golfers!!

The Menu impressed us! I opted for the Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup followed by the Braised Short Rib of Beef (definitely melt-in-the-mouth!)

Whilst Ann and David managed to muster-up the necessary will-power, Valerie and I succumbed to the temptation of a Pud (just!) – in the shape of White Chocolate and Cranberry Bread & Butter Pudding.

Two hours later, all that was left to do was pay the bill, head home and try not to fall asleep during the journey! . We just caught the school traffic as we got nearer to base, but were home just after 3.30pm.

A great restaurant experience!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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 Valentine Meal 2020 appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Nicki joined us last night and after a lazy(ish) morning today, we headed off to our fave ‘Local’ – The Old Victoria, for lunch.

As usual, the food and service didn’t disappoint! Matthew was off today, but with Joanna running the show, we knew we were in safe hands!

We were all too full for Dessert though!

We headed home, spent a bit more time working through Nicki’s paperwork before heading out for a walk!

Nicki left us just after 5pm, and we spent the rest of the evening catching-up with the TV.

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 Lunch with Nicki appeared first on Steve's Blog.

This afternoon was a unique opportunity to see Shakespeare’s rarely performed production of ‘King John’ at the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.

We met Chris and Gill at theirs and headed over to the Theatre in time for a spot of lunch followed by the performance at 1.30pm. (The lunch incidentally, was superb!)

I wasn’t familiar with this production at all, but any performance that features a live food fight (warning those in the front-row that they ‘may not escape the fallout‘ gets my vote!).

On a more serious note, it’s billed as: ‘a tale of a nation in turmoil that vibrates with modern resonance‘ and tells the story of John’s turbulent reign from 1199 to 1216. Now that sounded like something worth seeing!

So, what of the production itself? If you like your Shakespeare productions on traditional side, then this most definitely WON’T be the one for you. And unlike many of the Bard’s other works, there’s no well-known characters in this, nor any famous one-liners to hang onto!

But overall, none of this really mattered!

For me, although the plot was difficult to follow (no change there then!) the acting, costumes, lighting, music and stage were all definitely something to remember! Everyone gave an excellent performance, and the very wacky production design didn’t distract at all. In fact, the ‘dad-dancing’ (yes, really!), the additional short dance routines, the fight scenes and the encouraged audience participation, made the aforementioned food fight feel quite appropriate! And yes, some of the audience will have had a cleaning bill!

Quite a lot of blood too!

In conclusion, a thoroughly engaging production but not one for the traditionalists

and maybe it was just me, but the fact that they brought on two Henry vacuum cleaners to clear up the stage during the interval made me giggle – ‘Part 1’ and ‘Part 2’ perhaps????

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 RSC: King John appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Ann and I drove over to Cambridge today. I say ‘drove’ as ‘sailed’ would have been more appropriate I think! – so much rain! ? And add to that, the mega-roadworks as they transform the A14, meant slow progress!

Still, we made it in around an-hour-and-ten!

Gone are the days where I used to drive into the city itself and take pot-luck with parking! It’s all too stressful in 2019, and so, instead, our destination was Trumpington’s Park and Ride!

And whilst Ann then jumped on the bus and headed for the city in full shopping-mode, I took the gentler approach and met up with Sal for Lunch!

Sal and I took the bus to right opposite our destination – Brown’s in Trumpington Street – in fact, it was such a quick journey we arrived too early for lunch!

A perfect excuse then, to try out their coffee area and begin our catch-up until lunch began at midday!

Twenty minutes later, having no doubt bored Sal rigid with news of our China trip, we then grabbed a table in the restaurant.

We haven’t been here for a while, and we both wondered if the food and service would be as good as we remember it! We needn’t have worried as Brown’s easily maintained its reputation for good-value food that was delicious, together with service that was efficient and friendly! Top marks!!

After our excellent Lunch we wandered back to John Lewis to meet up with Ann, before catching the Park-and-Ride Bus back to where our day began. It was still raining!

We said our goodbyes in the car-park, and as the weather deteriorated further, we headed off towards the M11 – Sal heading south whilst we headed north!

We’d all had a great day – Ann bagged some bargains whilst I caught up with Sal, who I haven’t seen in a while. Ducks would have also enjoyed the day!

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 Cambridge-sur-Mer appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Today was a welcome return to The Saxon Mill Gastropub in nearby Warwick.
Last time we were here (back in July last year) was for the same reason – Lunch with friends!

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 Saxon Mill – The Return appeared first on Steve's Blog.

…and it was free too! Brilliant!

10.35am: With great views along the short route of the re-developed Docklands!

Ten-minutes later, after enjoying a pitted history of the Dock area from our Driver err Pilot err Captain, we took the short walk to the Museum itself.

Think of everything that comes to mind about what a Museum looks like…

…and then immediately forget it!

Design-wise, the layout of the Museum was very unusual – with lots of and housed in acres of space! A great first impression!

..and did I mention it’s completely free to get in!

Five floors of virtually everything you could imagine about weapons and armoury – from the first bullet designs to modern warfare. And if that wasn’t enough (and it would have been!) there were various live demonstrations….

11.45am: Our first… (Floor 2)

This was how sword-fights were done back in medieval times. Very convincing choreography and a first-class explanation of the ‘whats’, ‘whys’ and ‘hows’!

With the first Demonstration over, we wandered about the various Galleries. Currently, there’s a special Gallery all about the Victoria Cross (Floor 3). Great stories of courage!

Next, it was another live Demonstration. This time, Normans v Saxons, with our ‘Saxon’ (David) firing-up the crowd beforehand (I’ve never seen kids so excited! – including us) Armed with swords, shields and spears they showed us in great detail how these battles were fought.

Time for a trip the Oriental Exhibits. Nicely presented (again!) with plenty to see.

1.45pm: A spot of Lunch is called for. So we headed to the nearby ‘Dock 29‘.

…and what it lacked in customers, atmosphere, product knowledge and cutlery (that’s all!), it made up for with an incomprehensible selection of continuous music. With the tunes clearly aimed at the ‘yoof’, it was a pity then, there were none there.

Still, it didn’t matter, we were hungry, and it all went down a treat. Suitably stuffed, we headed back to the Museum. It was clear now that we wouldn’t have time to do anything else today – but that suited us perfectly as the Museum had so much to offer!

2.45pm: Our penultimate experience at the Museum was the rather excellent ‘Crossbow Range’. Yes, really! On the very top floor, for a paltry 3 groats each, supplied with 8 bolts per person, we were let loose attempting to hit the target. Surely, with our recent experience of archery and rifle shooting at our Warner Weekend would help us?

Err, no! Let’s say, it was fortunate that we didn’t get to keep our targets. I blame the uncalibrated crossbows!

Last experience was another live demonstration. This time, that everyday task: ‘How to prepare for a jousting event’. Again, a first class presentation, expertly delivered!

4.10pm: Wow! It had been a full-on day, in a good way, and the time had passed in a flash. It was great to see Dennis and Sandra again and I reckon this had been one of our best Museum visits ever!

…this had been one of our best Museum visits ever!

4.25pm: As time was tight for 4.45pm, we all walked back to the Station rather than queue for the Water Taxi. Ironically, when we got there, there was a delay in announcing the Platform. After a delayed departure, we were on our way, reflecting on what had been an EXCELLENT day-out. Thanks to our friends Dennis and Sandra for getting it all organised.

6.15pm: We arrived back at Peterborough Station on time and were soon back on the road heading for home.

7.05pm: Shattered! (in a good way!). Time for a cuppa!

For your viewing pleasure, all the photos from today are HERE

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 Leeds, Feeds and Boats appeared first on Steve's Blog.

It was a welcome return to The Tollemache Arms in Harrington today. We met David, Valerie and little Evie there – where my natural charm with children took a back-seat and reduced Evie to a mega-sulk for most of the meal! Young children and me? It’s NEVER an easy relationship!

Today was to celebrate Ann’s Birthday. Last time we were here, back in January, the food was nothing short of excellent – and today was no exception!

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 Birthday Girl 2019 appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Well, here we are, I’m in my favourite city – London – and meeting with ‘The 5ive’ for Lunch.

We’re ‘The 5ive’ because there are 7 of us (I know! Don’t ask, it’s complicated!) who met and collaborated on a training project back in 1999. We’ve met semi-regularly ever since – and just to keep our mental arithmetic sharp, today, there’s just four if us!

Our Restaurant of choice was ‘EV‘, a thoroughly reliable and enjoyable member of the TAS family of Restaurants – and one we’ve been to a gazillion times before. It’s a Turkish affair and located a short walk from Southwark Tube.

Our get-together was a perfect excuse for a belated birthday celebration for Angela too!

The food and service was as good as ever!

…and Mains!

I was first to depart around 3.10, in order to get across London and catch my Train – I made it with about 15 minutes to spare!

All-in-all a really good get-together and a chance to catch up with everyone’s news!

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 5ive’ do Lunch appeared first on Steve's Blog.

It was a welcome return today to The Swan at Lamport (or the Lamport Swan as it’s also known). We haven’t been there for about a year (1st February 2018, in fact) and today we were catching-up with Ian & Ann, Alan & Mags for Lunch.

And our verdict? An impressive experience all-round!

Julie, our Server, was clearly very experienced and looked after us exceptionally well throughout our meal – Top marks for that!

The food itself was just as good as we remember it – generous portions, full of flavour and well presented too!

Another fine Lunch at another venue that’s being added to our (very) short shortlist of GREAT places to eat!

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 Lunch: Return to the Lamport Swan appeared first on Steve's Blog.