Do all girls pack pyjamas?

Three o-five in the morning and I'm just shuffling back in to the Premier Inn, Angel St, Sheffield.

Not a late night out in South Yorkshire, but the all clear on a loud, sudden and prompt fire alarm.

The hotel was fully occupied and we all turned out on the street. Four fire engines arrived loud and fast within four minutes, not a bad shout.

As we all gathered on the street outside, there was a definite gender difference; all the girls had pyjamas, shoes and handbags, we blokes were in various states of dress but no one much beyond boxers and a top. I put shoes and socks on in the street and then stood about reasonably warm for forty minutes.

A definite Yorkshire experience.

I wonder if I'll have a refund.

Forty

Here we are at forty. May 12th 2012.

Blimey, that went fast. It was only a moment ago that it was about being thirty at the same venue and drinking beer and being equally silly.


I had a great weekend with loads of the people I love and would choose to be with at the drop of a hat.

Here are some pictures of the event.

Copper!

These pictures were taken at Saltram, a fine country house now in the care of The National Trust. It's in Devon and was the home of a family of wool merchants and farmers called the Parkers.

This is the kitchen with masses of copper pots and pans and about 100 jelly and fruit moulds. Copper sinks too. No shortage of cash in their heyday at Saltram.

I am getting right into my National Trust visit. On the cusp of forty years old and getting right into character.

Geeky pictures, Bristol to Bedford.

Today I have taken trains from Bristol to Bedford via London ready for a couple of days of work in this part of the country.

Some great geeky shots of Bristol and London today, though perhaps not that expertly photographed.

The order might chop and change when I post but it should make sense (and in fact one won't upload) :

First of all, two Inter City 125s ready to go at Bristol. I took the left one to London.

Next, a whole load of 125s all resting at Paddington.

After that it was over to Kings Cross/St. Pancras. This is the newly cleaned and and refurbished roof at Kings Cross (as is the close up).

Over the road via the new KC entrance that opened in March. Funky lighting, big queues.

And lastly a shot of the Euro Star platform at St Pancras with the no doubt expensive (and pointless ?) Olympic rings!

Top geeky action.