Consett, McDonalds again, and Steve Bates

My new office: Consett McDonalds. Already finished my first coffee, and thinking about another. Enjoying the total peace of answering emails and looking at blogs: it was worth the very early start to have a good hour of air time. Once I have finished work I usually feel disinclined to get the computer out: too busy contemplating my evening glass of wine ( anyone out their counting my units- hope not?).

Thought I would treat you all to a shot of Consett. It is very high up and remote, but the town itself is growing every time I visit.

Had a very exciting moment last night. Pulling up outside our cottage in Corbridge I spotted Steve Bates ( Newcastle Falcons Director of Rugby) walking past with his dog. I spied his English Rugby rose on his raincoat. I said hello and hope he spotted my Falcons car sticker. Apparently he lives locally. He looked a little glum ( perhaps because he thought I was going to mow him down on the pavement) : the Falcons have an uphill struggle to get up the table this season, but I have every confidence in him, and then.

Had a lovely meal in the Black Bull in Corbridge:I recommend it. Staff were very friendly. Lamb shank, mash and fresh veg washed down with merlot. Great stuff!

Good to see an England win last night, boys watched it in the local pub in Bowness. Mum and I couldn't access it so kept getting texts about the score from teenager. Let's hope they can keep it going.... we need them to qualify.

Newcastle Falcons

Have uploaded a cartoon on Jonny Wilkinson from a google image page. I saved it into my photos file and uploaded it onto the blog. I am not even sure if I am 'allowed' to do this- it is someone else's picture? Aggh! Visitors to this page: please advise!

Anyway, the reason I have added such is to add flavour to my next posting. Teenager has spent the week at the Newcastle Falcon's summer rugby and activity camp, and had a thoroughly great time. Much of the day seemed to be spent diving into huge muddy puddles ( as a reward for doing well on the activities and competitions apparently- clearly the coaches have no compassion for the parents who have to wash all the kit daily...).

As a dedicated NUFC supporter ( as is teenager) I never thought I would ever be remotely interested in rugby. However, mum is very keen and has slowly converted me across to the sport. Teenager has now abandoned goalkeeping as his passion ( all that investment in goalie coaching and endless football events...) and is totally keen on playing the game. Bruises, bashings, scratches and blood seem to be a badge of honour, and are clearly part of the enjoyment. As Oscar Wilde said:"Rugby is a good occasion for keeping thirty bullies far from the center of the city."

We went to see Steve Bates ( Falcons director of rugby) speak to the supporters' club ( yes I am a member) on Tuesday night. It was interesting to hear his perspectives on the next season. There was a whole heap of technical chat about rules, none of which I understood at all ( but teenager apparently followed quite happily). All I care about is watching the lovely players and their even lovelier legs whizzing about in the mud: vacuous perhaps but very honest.