Having sold my soul to the Building Society I can now look forward to another 40 (yes 40) years of mortgage payments, I forgot to mention that males in my family seldom make it to pensionable age!!
Highlight of the last couple of nights was an evening with birding mates involving beer and a monster Chinese. Nothing else of note except I'm feeling happier than I have done for years.
Today is Drunk Birders piss up eve. By tradition this should involve consuming too much beer, eating hi fat foods followed by some birding in a semi drunken state. However as it is easy to wander around on Shetland half cut and go birding, we might have a problem creating the effect. That is unless we wander around Birstall looking in peoples gardens and climbing fences - hmm I wonder.
Quote of the day: Female contestant on Deal or no Deal "I have never had a big one in my box" narrrrrrrr
27th November: MADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
Recently I have been asked by a friend of mine if I am losing my mind. The simple answer is no I am just as mad as I've ever been. Cal and I have sorted things out amicably (sort of) and I will soon be moving back to Aston, on my own, unless I get a better offer - which is not very likely. My friend Mr Predictor, below, can confirm that I am indeed totally sane.
Mr Predictor says today will be happy
Mr Predictor says today will be happy26th November: Day Break
Getting to work at 7:15 does have some advantages like this stunning sunrise over Sheffield.
An evening out socialising and getting dunk on a Monday night - not clever.
An evening out socialising and getting dunk on a Monday night - not clever.
25th November: Some Birding
With a renewed sense that life's really not that bad I finally went out and did some birding. A visit to RV produced no surprises but I took the chance to blow the dust off the camera and photograph some duckies.
24th November: Social Embarrassment
A warning to all you fellow birders out there. According to Parker Rhodes (tin pot solicitors in Rotherham) Birdwatching causes Social Embarrassment - you have been warned.
Anyway it pissed it down today so being the weekend parent, that I now am, Beth and I went swimming. After swimming it was raining even harder so we went into Sheffield for a bit of culture.
The Art of Willard Wigan
This is an exhibition of microscopic art that is totally mind blowing (even though I'm not into art per say). Basically it's microscopic sculptors within the eyes of needles or on pin heads. As I had the Samsung NV3 about me I took the opportunity to do a spot of impromptu digiscoping. If you get the chance to go then go.
Anyway it pissed it down today so being the weekend parent, that I now am, Beth and I went swimming. After swimming it was raining even harder so we went into Sheffield for a bit of culture.
The Art of Willard Wigan
This is an exhibition of microscopic art that is totally mind blowing (even though I'm not into art per say). Basically it's microscopic sculptors within the eyes of needles or on pin heads. As I had the Samsung NV3 about me I took the opportunity to do a spot of impromptu digiscoping. If you get the chance to go then go.
The Leicestershire branch of the 'cheque book birders'
Christmas fancy dress party 2007 was a big let down.
Christmas fancy dress party 2007 was a big let down.
20th-23rd November: I was sleeping
It's been a pretty uneventful few days though things have improved on the pie front.
Firstly I have a photo of a Fish pie made by Helen. This could be a serious contender for one of Kerrie's pies, though until I am back on Shetland to sample one (hint hint) we will not know.
The second pie of the week was a hand made Pork Pie from the Proper Pasty Company. It was quite nice although a little salty and would, had it not spent the afternoon repeating on me, have earned a decent 8/10. Instead I can only give it 4.
Final pie of the week was a stunning pair from Laura, Steak and Mushroom from the Denby Dale Pie Company. This was a quality pie (even when microwaved) in every way and scored the maximum 12 points. These pies are available from Waitrose and Sainsbury's and cost about three quid.
Firstly I have a photo of a Fish pie made by Helen. This could be a serious contender for one of Kerrie's pies, though until I am back on Shetland to sample one (hint hint) we will not know.
The second pie of the week was a hand made Pork Pie from the Proper Pasty Company. It was quite nice although a little salty and would, had it not spent the afternoon repeating on me, have earned a decent 8/10. Instead I can only give it 4.
Final pie of the week was a stunning pair from Laura, Steak and Mushroom from the Denby Dale Pie Company. This was a quality pie (even when microwaved) in every way and scored the maximum 12 points. These pies are available from Waitrose and Sainsbury's and cost about three quid.
19th November: Wetter than an Otters pocket
Today it rained all day and was generally very miserable, but you don't need me to tell you that. Highlight of the day was a rather juvenile email discussion with Kerrie (the lovely) about the very confusing array of cooking utensils available in Ann Summers. Apparently the thing I mistook for a pastry cutter is not!
Weather's too crap to go birding so here's a picture from earlier in the year. Taken in the garden at my parents house. This is a real mean bugger that has a fondness for Collared Doves.
Weather's too crap to go birding so here's a picture from earlier in the year. Taken in the garden at my parents house. This is a real mean bugger that has a fondness for Collared Doves.
Famous Pie Persons No:3 Simple Simon
Watch this bast**d !
Watch this bast**d !
17th-18th November: A big pile of crap.
Well I said it would be shit and for the most part it was. Bethany had tonsillitis so there was going to be little chance of any birding and swimming was off. Fortunately the weather was on our side so we paid a visit to Sheffield's Botanical Gardens. Despite being almost in the centre of Sheffield this site has had some pretty good birds, namely Black-throated Thrush, Arctic Redpoll and Yellow-browed Warbler. Today it had just a few Redwings.
One more move and I'll kick your head in.
One more move and I'll kick your head in.Sunday's forecast was also spot on in that it was very cold and wet all day. We went to Murderhall with all the other saddo's and bought stuff. With my weekend parenting over I returned Beth to base and went home :(
My weekend just got better I have been invited on a long weekend to Islay in late February by some very nice people :)
My weekend just got better I have been invited on a long weekend to Islay in late February by some very nice people :)
16th November: Better than yesterday
Had a lie in this morning. Got to work at 9 ish, drank tea, sent some emails then went on site visits to look at bits of road with Tim. I was a bit concerned that he was going to lock me away in unit 10 (highway's equivalent of hanger 18) in order to stop me talking to Kerrie (the lovely), but my fears were unfounded and we returned to the office safely. An extended lunch with a good friend made a change from the usual Friday fishcake butty. The day was finished off with another site visit to Sheffield's notorious Manor estate - though it's not nearly as bad as some areas of the city. I returned to the car half expecting it to be on bricks but it was still intact. I went home with the thought of an exciting weekend ahead, but I think I was having someone else's thoughts as mine was going to be shit!
15th November: Boring
Today was quite boring.
A diet of pies never hurt me
A diet of pies never hurt me
Beware not all Macaroni pies are the same as Mr Fray reports below.
Today I went to Fetlar (again). You can read all about the exciting birds I saw on my blog (including co-finding a White-billed Diver) but you will be more interested in pies I expect. So here is a short review of a pie stop today at the shop at Ulsta on Yell.
The fridge only had four pies in it - two "meat" pies and two of the legendary macaroni cheese pies. I was all of a quiver about this, but then spotted a hot food cabinet thing which contained some more macaroni pies. However, the ones in the hot food cabinet were not made by Johnson and Wood, who are the people who make all the good pies here. I decided to give this unmarked macaroni cheese pie in the hot food cabinet a go. It is my sad duty to report that it was not very good. The macaroni cheese wasn't very cheesy and there wasn't the expected baked bean bonus underneath. I awarded it 5 out of 10, plus 2 points for the heating facility. Unfortunately, it then lost all its marks and became the first pie to get minus points as I gave a bit to Sparky and he was sick!
Here endeth today's pie report from up north
14th November: Huge Erection and a Little Dip
Today was quite exciting in that I got to watch a large group of men handling a huge erection. That is they were erecting a rather tall crane on the site next to work. Apparently the big one on the site is the tallest in Europe and can apparently make itself even bigger.
At last some bird action. Duncan Bye rang me at 1pm to tell me there was a Little Auk on Ulley Res' (made nationally famous by its dam wall threatening to burst during the great flood). Fortunately my ever supportive and part-time birding boss, John, offered to take me for it. Unfortunately on arriving by the bridge it became obvious that the little bugger had buggered off or been eaten by a Pike of which Ulley has plenty. On returning Mr Norman, who met up with us at Ulley, showed me a rather nice looking meat and tattie pie, from Morrison's, that he had been suppressing. This is the second time that Mr Norman has failed to A. provide me with a score and B. Not fetched me one (I think he's jealous that Kerrie is my main supplier).
A quick winge at the useless TW_TS at Rotherham Council who managed to thieve £70 out of my bank account. Despite me cancelling their direct debit the incompetent devious gits managed to set up another DD without my permission!!
Birthday wishes to the lovely Kerrie today. Happie Birthday.
At last some bird action. Duncan Bye rang me at 1pm to tell me there was a Little Auk on Ulley Res' (made nationally famous by its dam wall threatening to burst during the great flood). Fortunately my ever supportive and part-time birding boss, John, offered to take me for it. Unfortunately on arriving by the bridge it became obvious that the little bugger had buggered off or been eaten by a Pike of which Ulley has plenty. On returning Mr Norman, who met up with us at Ulley, showed me a rather nice looking meat and tattie pie, from Morrison's, that he had been suppressing. This is the second time that Mr Norman has failed to A. provide me with a score and B. Not fetched me one (I think he's jealous that Kerrie is my main supplier).
A quick winge at the useless TW_TS at Rotherham Council who managed to thieve £70 out of my bank account. Despite me cancelling their direct debit the incompetent devious gits managed to set up another DD without my permission!!
Birthday wishes to the lovely Kerrie today. Happie Birthday.
13th November: Rabbit or Donkey
A pretty uneventful day. Following a couple of emails from Helen I was asked the question Rabbit or Donkey. This had nothing to do with my sexual prowess which at the moment is non existent, but stemmed from a conversation about the dangling of carrots. Anyway after a great deal of consideration I came up with the following:
Hmm Rabbit or Donkey? Both have their advantages. Rabbits are always bonking and Donkeys are renowned for apparently being well endowed hence the phrase hung like a donkey! However they equally have their downsides too. Donkeys are stupid and smell and Rabbits like staring at car headlights (which is also stupid). So given the choice it’s a tricky one. It’s no good being a well endowed donkey if you stink of shit and are too stupid to know what to do with said appendage. I think I’ll opt for a rabbit, short lifespan but what a life providing you keep away from the headlights. Hold on a minute don’t rabbits eat their own shit? Oh well I suppose I could live with that after all that bonking
Also is it me or is this pastry derived rabbit (made by Helen) the scariest thing you've ever seen.
Blair Witch Bunny
12th November: I don't care if Monday's blue
A good day today. First off Ms Miggins (AKA Kerrie) brought me in a new pie -a Mousaka Pie no less. A worthy rival for its Italian cousin the famous Lasagne Pie. Another first rate effort Ms Miggins. An hour long interview late morning was successful in that I progressed to my next grade.
Famous pie person No.2 William 'Fatty' Foulke
According to the Times
According to the Times
The football chant "Who ate all the pies?" dates back more than 100 years, researchers have discovered. Sung to the tune of Knees Up Mother Brown, it was directed at Sheffield United's 24-stone goalkeeper William 'Fatty' Foulke by his own fans in 1894.
11th November: No birds
An afternoon visit to RVCP produced no birds of any real interest. There were no Long-eared Owls in their usual roost and the only highlight on the Reserve was three Goosanders - whoopee! With this in mind I decided to spend an hour or two torturing myself in the gym.
Highlight of the day was being invited down to Leicester for the first gathering of the Drunk Birders since Shetland. This will take place on the 1st December involving beer, curry and possibly high quality Melton Mowbray Pork Pie. I fully expect the Bog Ostrich to make a reappearance
Highlight of the day was being invited down to Leicester for the first gathering of the Drunk Birders since Shetland. This will take place on the 1st December involving beer, curry and possibly high quality Melton Mowbray Pork Pie. I fully expect the Bog Ostrich to make a reappearance
Famous Pie Persons of our time No.1 Mrs Miggins
10th November: Too much pie
When I were a lad my old mum (though she was actually a lot younger than I am now) used to pop to the local shop on a Saturday morning and return with a fresh baked pork pie. Thus my love of proper hand made pies was born. Unfortunately the baker went bust years ago and a decent pork pie is now an endangered species in these parts. For instance today I had half a 1Lb pie for an afternoon snack! It was not good and even with a liberal dollop of HP did not improve. Perhaps the £1 sticker on it should have been a clue to the quality.
Anyway that fan of beer, rugby league, the Pigs and pies John Hague has sent me a fine picture of his man breasts. Bizarrely they resemble two steak and tattie pies.
Anyway that fan of beer, rugby league, the Pigs and pies John Hague has sent me a fine picture of his man breasts. Bizarrely they resemble two steak and tattie pies.
9th November: Friday I'm in love
So sang the Cure, but what do they know.......
A couple of site visits this morning, to photograph some bits of road, resulted in a pair of Peregrines over Midhope Moors.
A bit of road
A couple of site visits this morning, to photograph some bits of road, resulted in a pair of Peregrines over Midhope Moors.
A bit of roadUnfortunately the Purple Sand' was not seen this morning.
Spent this evening looking up train and ferry fares to the Northern Isles. Train £57, ferry £45. The only drawback being that it takes a full 24 hours to get up there!
On the pie front I have been promised a freebie from the Denby Dale Pie Company. Providing Laura doesn't eat it first I should be able to review it shortly.
Mr Norman demonstrates how to correctly eat a pie (though admittedly using a sandwich) whilst at the same time keeping all of your finger ends.
Spent this evening looking up train and ferry fares to the Northern Isles. Train £57, ferry £45. The only drawback being that it takes a full 24 hours to get up there!
On the pie front I have been promised a freebie from the Denby Dale Pie Company. Providing Laura doesn't eat it first I should be able to review it shortly.
Mr Norman demonstrates how to correctly eat a pie (though admittedly using a sandwich) whilst at the same time keeping all of your finger ends.8th November: A lost lost weekend!
Well fortunately sense prevailed and I wasn't tempted to head north for the Brunnich's.
However more tempting was the invitation to a party apparently full of "very sexy ladies" Unfortunately the party was on Shetland and with parental duties, financial restraints and incredibly rough seas it was a non starter. How good could that have turned out Brunnich's on the list and a lost weekend in south mainland - we'll never know.
A Purple Sandpiper at RVCP, this morning, will hopefully still be there in the morning.
A Shepherd's Pie for tea (that's dinner to you Southern freaks) was delicious but sadly not a pie in the true sense.
Back in Scotland it's all happening here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7080759.stm
However more tempting was the invitation to a party apparently full of "very sexy ladies" Unfortunately the party was on Shetland and with parental duties, financial restraints and incredibly rough seas it was a non starter. How good could that have turned out Brunnich's on the list and a lost weekend in south mainland - we'll never know.
A Purple Sandpiper at RVCP, this morning, will hopefully still be there in the morning.
A Shepherd's Pie for tea (that's dinner to you Southern freaks) was delicious but sadly not a pie in the true sense.
Back in Scotland it's all happening here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7080759.stm
7th November: Tempting.
A Brunnich's Guillemot near Aberdeen this afternoon made me ponder for a while. Feeling P'd off I actually considered driving up overnight for first light. The trouble is I would probably have been tempted to board the Thursday evening Lerwick bound ferry for a long weekend pie and alcohol feast. Writing this now I'm seriously wondering why I didn't. Two lifers in Scotland tempting.
6th November: Peace talks
Another session in the gym first thing lead to a further reduction in the man boobs - which is a shame as they are the only ones I get my hands on these days.
First meeting with a moderator today (though on my own) went okay but unless they're thinking of using Kofi Annan I'm not expecting miracles!!
On another note: The Sandringham Harrier Slaying
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said: "The bodies of the Hen Harriers have not been found and there is no forensic or ballistic evidence." CPS lawyer Andrew Baxter was quoted as saying "I am satisfied the police investigation has been thorough and there are no other areas of investigation which can be pursued."
Police had originally identified three suspects: Prince Harry, William Van Cutsem and David Clarke, a gamekeeper
Shame the Ginger tosser couldn't have used his firearm skills in Iraq. Don't suppose they'll still be investigating this one in ten years.
First meeting with a moderator today (though on my own) went okay but unless they're thinking of using Kofi Annan I'm not expecting miracles!!
On another note: The Sandringham Harrier Slaying
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said: "The bodies of the Hen Harriers have not been found and there is no forensic or ballistic evidence." CPS lawyer Andrew Baxter was quoted as saying "I am satisfied the police investigation has been thorough and there are no other areas of investigation which can be pursued."
Police had originally identified three suspects: Prince Harry, William Van Cutsem and David Clarke, a gamekeeper
Shame the Ginger tosser couldn't have used his firearm skills in Iraq. Don't suppose they'll still be investigating this one in ten years.
5th November: Remember Remember
Believe it or not I have managed, so far, not to see a single firework. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for hearing the bloody things. I can't imagine that Sheffield was this noisy during the blitz and probably less explosives were involved. Anyway rant over.
No birds were seen today except for the usual scabby town pigeons and no pies have been consumed for days (since the wonderful meat and tattie). I even thought about popping into Greggs but fortunately the queue of chavs outside deterred me.
No birds were seen today except for the usual scabby town pigeons and no pies have been consumed for days (since the wonderful meat and tattie). I even thought about popping into Greggs but fortunately the queue of chavs outside deterred me.
4th November: Derwentdale
I received an email last night from Square Pies. I'd cheekily asked them for some free samples in return for adding a link to the blog. They have agreed to give me a couple of free pie meals on presentation of their email. The only snag is is that their outlets appear to be exclusively in the southeast. So if any of you southern softies are near any of their outlets and you want to review their pies let me know and I'll forward the email to you - first come first served.
Well by now I should have got Mourning Dove on my British list, but I haven't. However had I been interested in seeing it I could have offered Kris (billy no mates who comes from Sheffield and always advertisers for lifts on RBA) a lift, been up there Saturday, ticked it and probably back home now writing about how fantastic a bird it was. But by following the rules of the UK 4,000000 calories club and its commander in chief LaRGE Pie Gobbler I can tick it. Why? Because had I gone over the last two days I would have seen it. Also by choosing this option I have also added a carbon neutral tick to my list, number 484 thank you LaRGE.
Windy Corner (though it wasn't)
Howden Res'
Well by now I should have got Mourning Dove on my British list, but I haven't. However had I been interested in seeing it I could have offered Kris (billy no mates who comes from Sheffield and always advertisers for lifts on RBA) a lift, been up there Saturday, ticked it and probably back home now writing about how fantastic a bird it was. But by following the rules of the UK 4,000000 calories club and its commander in chief LaRGE Pie Gobbler I can tick it. Why? Because had I gone over the last two days I would have seen it. Also by choosing this option I have also added a carbon neutral tick to my list, number 484 thank you LaRGE.
Instead of chasing pigeons I opted for a 5 hour walk in the Derwent Valley with both parents. Being over 20 years since I last did this walk I'd forgotten just how far it was. I saw very few birds, the highlights being several Crossbills and a Raven, but the weather was amazing and better than most days this summer had to offer.
Windy Corner (though it wasn't)
Howden Res'Having tired the old folk out and burned loads of calories off I let them treat me to a Chinese, what a generous chap I am.
3rd November: Swimming
No birding this morning as Beth wanted to stay in - boo. In the afternoon we went swimming at Ponds Forge. After dropping Beth off at the requested time of 4pm I decided to try and get an hours birding in. Another trip to Pit-house West proved fruitless, for Bitterns, but I was kept entertained by a sky dancing flock of c.350 Starlings which roosted in the reed bed.
The evenings dilemma was should I go to the Gym or slob around watching SCD, drink wine and eat bacon butties. The latter won followed by a twelve hour kip, tiring thing that swimming.
Helen has sent me a clip from the Shetland Times advertising an Aberdeen band called Pie Shop.
Seems like another perfectly valid excuse for me to make another visit - not that I need one.
The evenings dilemma was should I go to the Gym or slob around watching SCD, drink wine and eat bacon butties. The latter won followed by a twelve hour kip, tiring thing that swimming.
Helen has sent me a clip from the Shetland Times advertising an Aberdeen band called Pie Shop.
Seems like another perfectly valid excuse for me to make another visit - not that I need one.
2nd November: WTF
The results of the Pies V Pasties poll are in and it's a massive landslide for Pies. No longer will pasties be mentioned in the pages of this blog. Personally I think this a shame, as I quite like a nice pasty, but as we live in a democratic society, the public have spoken and I must go with the majority.
A barrage of solicitors letters, accusing me of just about everything except the holocaust, arrived on the mat this morning. Some birding therapy is much needed.
It would appear that I misunderstood Rob's text. He is in fact behind the bars of the Sumburgh Hotel along with Helen. I expect the hotels profits to plummet during the coming months.
A barrage of solicitors letters, accusing me of just about everything except the holocaust, arrived on the mat this morning. Some birding therapy is much needed.
It would appear that I misunderstood Rob's text. He is in fact behind the bars of the Sumburgh Hotel along with Helen. I expect the hotels profits to plummet during the coming months.
Killdeer standing knee deep in pie shit.
1st November: Nostalgia trip
Stop Press News: Rob texted me last night to inform me that he is back behind bars. This is good news for the single mothers of Shetland (or anywhere for that matter) who will now be able to rest in their beds or wherever they choose to sleep.
Northern squalorEnough about the old days I'm starting to turn into my dad and you wouldn't want that! Yesterday I was presented with a impressive birthday pie! As I don't have a sweet tooth a pie is far more appropriate than a cake. Once again this was created by Kerrie whose skills with pies are fast becoming legendary, I feel her days as an admin' officer are numbered and it is only a matter of time before her pastry products become an household name. As always the pie lived up to expectations and I dare say was the finest meat and tattie pie I have ever tasted.
Birthday Pie (Meat and Potato)
Henderson's. Essential Pie condiment (not available outside South Yorkshire)
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