Day Fifty Nine

Hello Reader

Good effort by Everton today, but the Hotspurs from Tottenham were just too much.

We went to Bollington to visit Debs' family today and it was lovely.  We were fed and watered and then Luke had a good old play with his cousin (but he'll tell you he's his brother), Jacob.

Photo one is Jacob scaring us by dressing up as a Bear!  (with a cameo from Grandma, too)

"Roarrrrrrr"

Photo two, is of Luke and Jacob playing, although you'd never believe it was anything other than common assault.

"80's Style Saturday Tea-Time Wrestling"

Day Fifty Eight

Cripes

Almost forgot to blog today.  I am frantically uploading pics from my phone to the blog even as I type!

Oh the pressure. You have no idea what I go through to keep this bloody thing going!!  And.... breathe..

Today's photo is something that irritates 13 of the 14 people I work with. One of our "colleagues" insists on parking his weird asian car the "wrong way" in the car park at work.  There isn't a "wrong" way, but - everyone else parks them facing one way, and he just doesn't.  We don't know why.

"Thrush"

Day Fifty Seven

Heinz

Veeery late one today, apologies Clare!

At work, I don't have my own desk. 14 of us share 4 desks, so where some people have photo's of loved ones or memento's on their desks, I don't.

However, I put this on one of the phones a few days ago and it's stayed.  It made me happy every time I look at it.

"No Prob's Bob!"

Day Fifty Six

Hey

Night two of four tonight. I hate four nights.

I took these photo's early hours of this morning.

The first one shows the office I work in - usually full of people, but at night - completely deserted. It's ace.

"Empty"

The second photo I have for you this evening made me very upset. I was really looking forward to my cheese and ham pitta.  When I took one bite of it - this happened...

"Broken"

Day Fifty Five

Ay Up.

Spent this morning next door making computers see each other over a wireless network, then went to the tip to get rid of LOADS of boxes I extracted from the loft. I love the tip.

Came home at about 11:30, ate kippers (house STILL stinks) and went to bed as I'm in work tonight.  Didn't sleep a wink until after 2:30. I'd set my alarm for 4:15 to collect Luke from his child minder's.  Not great.  Will have to hope that work isn't too busy tonight and I can sneak a few hours there.

Today's photo is a very happy Luke playing with his engines. He loves them SO much and he is animating them all the time. They're having chats with each other and ringing people on the phone, and even going to the toilet with him. I know it sounds odd, but he's happy.

"Choo Choo"

Day Fifty Four

Ooooooorrrrrriiiiteee Mate!

Had another busy day today. Not happy nor used to this.  Deb invited three of her friends (and associate off-spring) round this morning so they had a lovely chat about childbirth, breastfeeding and perineum's whilst I washed our car.  I spent ages washing it, but it doesn't look superb, like I thought it would.  It was rather breezy and my theory is that the strong wind was drying the soapy water before I was able to rinse it with non-soapy water. Ideally, a hose was required, but circumstances did not allow.

After that, we headed up to McDonalds to use some vouchers that we'd been given. It was ace. I miss McDonalds food.  From there, up into Wigan again to drop my watch off to have it's battery changed.  When I arrived, I was told it needed a "service" instead of a battery change.  A watch - having a service. Has the world gone completely mental??

Then it was time for the days big event. Luke's haircut.  I don't think I've ever seen him wail, scream, kick and punch all in one session like he did today.  Poor Ella at Dads And Lads (see Day Twenty Seven) will no doubt be sitting at home tonight nursing her bruised legs.  Luke received a cut to the neck, too.  He was throwing himself all over the place whilst Ella was attempting to clip his hair.

Photo one is before all hell broke lose. You can see he looks a bit cagey here:-

"Calm Before The Storm"

Photo two shows the finished product - sort of.

"Nice Hair"

And finally, there was a dog in the barbers. A fairly new dog called (I think) Cassie.

"Too Much Skin"

Day Fifty Three

Yodeleyheehoooo to you

Had a busy old day in the Francis household today.  Up into Wigan to see Dr Claire our dentist at 10:40. Except it wasn't Dr Claire - it was some child.  She was lovely though. Very gentle and her chatting with her dental nurse about weather or not Alexandra Burke is better than Leona Lewis was most amusing!  I told them they sounded like my daughters.  I now wish I'd got a photo of the dental surgery. Bugger.

So - on our way home, we got a couple of Poole's Pies - Wigan's finest don't you know. And people - when it comes to pies - Wigan knows what it's on about.

After we'd demolished the pies at home, it was time to start the big tidy up.  Deb has invited friends round tomorrow who have children a similar age to Luke.  I'm going to wash cars whilst they... do "stuff".  During the tidy up, I'd opened windows as it got a bit warm in here.  Luke complained he was cold - so got himself wrapped up.

"Nesh"

And here are the results of the tidying.  

"oooohhh - there IS a floor!"

"and a sofa bed AND an oche"

Just as I was typing this blog entry, Luke pointed out to Deb and I that he had found "L for Luke, D for Daddy, and M for Mummy".  It's all progress.  I say that, but he hasn't shit any more numbers recently - which is disappointing.

"Almost a Lily Allen Song Title"

Day Fifty Two

Greetings reader

Woke up to snow today. It was crap snow, though.  It snowed a fair bit, but in fits and starts and in between each fit and start it kind of warmed up a bit.

However, Robert and Charlotte were able to make the most of it, between them, creating this.....

"Snow Gentleman"

When I took them back to Rhyl this afternoon, we treated ourselves to an Indian. Meal - not person.  It was lovely. I went to collect it.

"mmmmmmm"

Day Fifty One

Well - what a day.

I've had a banging headache all day, but for 90 minutes at least, it didn't matter.  I shall say not one more word about it.

"Cups"

We went for a bike ride this afternoon. All six of us. We went 2.5 miles down the canal towpath and back. Matthew fell off, Robert crashed into Matthew and Debbie was shattered.  I enjoyed it anyway!

"Gerron yer bike Deb!"

When we got home, everyone was pleased to be back. Until Charlotte and Matthew knocked into each other, spilling Hot Chocolate over Matthews legs.  Poor thing - he's been in the wars today.

"Tour De Wigan Finale"

Day Fifty

Fifty days?!  Blimey. I know it shouldn't, but that came as a surprise to me as I type that.

I've been computer fixing and doing lots of driving today.  Started the day with a knock from my neighbour Phil and his daughter Natalie.  Her laptop was infected with spyware (again), so I invited them in and we sat in the lounge whilst Luke exhibited all of his toys for them!  It was lovely.  After about 2 hours her laptop was sorted.

Off to Wales, and after driving through weather suitable for each of the four seasons, we returned home.  I swear - if Luke had a hoop, he'd jump through it.  He is SO happy to see his brothers and sister. Note the lack of plural there. Abbey stayed in Rhyl to go shopping with some school friends.

Three photo's for you today.

"Weather"

"Gorgeous"

"Beautiful"

Day Forty Nine

Not a great quality photo today, but it captured a moment quite well, so - here you go.

This was Luke watching (yes, watching) a CD play.  He was singing away to it, but was lay like this, watching the tv saying "track one".

"Old before his time"

Day Forty Eight

Hello reader

Today is a good day for justice. Polar opposite's when it comes to significance, but justice all the same.

Justice One - Today I read this article in the Daily Mail and it made me happy.  I know it's a few days old, but I only found it today.

Justice Two - Following the dreadful weather experienced in these parts over new year, myself and my neighbour wrote to Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council and requested a grit bin be placed somewhere on our road so we can deal with conditions like that again, should they arise.  Today - this arrived.

"Citizen Smith"

Secondly, and somewhat randomly - I passed my driving test here.  The now closed Driver Standards Agency office in Wigan.

"Congratulations Mr Francis, I'm pleased to tell you...."

Day Forty Seven

Ay Up

Had some crisps today. Not any old crisps.  Tayto crisps.  If you've never had Tayto crisps visit your local Home Bargains store and be sure to purchase some today. They taste like crisps used to taste like.

"Bloody - mmmmmmm"

Lastly - the sky looked lovely this evening.  So I took the tried and tested photo of Winter Hill from my garden. Dull, but lovely too.

"Wintery Hilly"

Day Forty Six

Now then.

Not many words tonight because I feel rubbish.

We went for a walk to drop off a form to hopefully enrol Luke at School.  It was closed.  It's half term.  Ah well - we had a smashing walk in the rain for half an hour round Worsley Mesnes and Hawkley Hall instead!

"School's Out"

Day Forty Five

Today we looked at some more cars. In Hesketh Bank this time. Zafira's.  We test drove a 1.8i petrol and it was nice and smooth with plenty of "welly" when required.  It is not a sporty model like the one we have. This is more refined and... chilled.  Which is where I see myself at the moment.  However. I've found a nice sporty one with 18" wheels and a panoramic roof kind of within our price range at the same garage.  I think I'd like a drive of that one before deciding 100%.

After Hesketh Bank, we trundled down the M6 to Haydock to meet up with my sister and brother in law, along with my nephew.  An nice, but expensive time was had by all at Costco.  We all headed home and ate some of the Costco food and drank some Costco wine!  We danced to Wii Dance and had a lovely time!!

In between fighting, Luke and his cousin, Jacob, had moments of being lovely with each other - as captured here....

"Butter Wouldn't Melt...."

Day Forty Four

So today we went looking for a new car. We set off and my heart was set on a buying a Toyota Corolla Verso. Decent enough looking car, 7 seats, 175bhp diesel engine returing 41+mpg.

We drove to Stockport to look at one and... the rear seats are tiny. Really really small.  So that model of car had to be discounted from our search. We returned to Wigan land and visited our local Citroen dealership and took at C4 Grand Picasso with a fancy schmancy EGS gearbox out for a spin. It was lovely. SO smooth and effortless.  We got back to the dealer and I enquired about the MPG and was told 31.  Another that had to be discounted.

Then we went to visit friends in Blackley and ended up staying the night. We'd kind of anticipated it might happen so we'd taken provisions for Luke.  James (the male partner) is a DJ.  A mixy dance music DJ.  Oh my lordy. I did mixing.  I mixed and mixed and mixed until I was told to stop. I bloody loved it.  Back in the day, I never mixed. I played smashing songs and spoke. No mixing at all.

Here is James' "Equipment".

"Beauty"

And here is another shot of it. Because it's friggin awesome.

"Beauty - again"

So - after I'd finished mixing, Luke went to sleep. Deb put him in bed and off he went to sleep. Like a really good boy.  We went up to bed about 2 hours later... and found this:-

"Rug Rat"

I need to apologise to my ever increasing readership, and in particular my lovely Sister In Law, Clare, for not updating this blog yesterday. As explained in this post, we were away from home and I was busy mixing my tits off!!

Day Forty Three

Got a quick photo of my son when I woke up (just about) this morning, following my night shift.

He is in such a good mood, having spent the morning with his Grandma.

I really want to go out and get a Valentine's present for my smashing wife, but I have to wait in as her new mobile is being delivered today by Virgin Mobile. Love them, I do. Wish I was with them instead of 3.

"Amazing how much enjoyment £1.50 can buy!"

Got a bonus photo for you.  Luke was playing with his Roary The Racing Car magazine and it had some stickers in it.  He very graciously let me stick the stickers to his face!

" Roary, Cici, Big Chris & Drifter! "

Day Forty Two

Got a letter from the hospital yesterday confirming my appointment for an MRI scan.

Bit scared if the truth be told. Be well pleased if they find nothing. When I say nothing - I'm sure something will be there, but nothing adverse. That's what I mean.

"Claustrophobia"

Day Forty One

Howdy.

I am a proud Dad today. Luke had a trip out to ASDA with me today to get a few bits. He travelled in his underpants. We got into the store and he asked me where his potty was. We made our way to the toilets where he did a big wee. Basically - we had a trip out and he remained dry!

"ASDA way to do it"

.......update......

I couldn't let the day pass without adding this AMAZING photo that I have just taken.  Ten years in the making - and we finally did it.

"Well Done Everton"

Day Forty

Hello one and all

Last evening, my splendid wife prepared a surprise lunch for me in my big boys insulated lunch bag.  I had no idea what was in it until I got to work and opened it!!

"I had Bacon Frazzles, too but I'd eaten them before I took the photo"

Day Thirty Nine

This might be the latest posting I've ever done so far! (22:48)

Been in work all day, so as usual it's a struggle to find anything none-sensitive to photograph. Instead - here is a photo of my empty plate after a very enjoyable Indian this evening!  Lamb Makhani. It was crackin!

"Baby Sheeps"

Day Thirty Eight

We went to Chester Zoo today, all seven of us.  It was ace!

Everyone had a good time and despite being there from early on, we could have done with another hour or two, as we didn't quite get round the whole zoo.

Took loads of photographs, but thought I'd share just this one on the blog.

"I Love My People"

Day Thirty Seven

Greetings

Got a few for your today.

Firstly, Luke is SO happy that his brothers and sisters are her to stay this weekend.  He grabbed Matthew this morning and kissed him. And kissed him and kissed him and kissed him.

"I Love You Matthew"

The second photo was one of the highlights of todays Merseyside derby game. Everton lost 1-0 which is a shame, but - at leas Mr Kuyt took a Fellaini sized boot to the face!

"Ouch - Sorry Dirk, my mistake. At least the ref didn't see, eh?"

My last photo of the day is THE best photograph I've taken in a long long time.  Luke sat on his potty, did something, then jumped up saying "Mummy, I've done a number 2!".  We were impressed with that, but then we looked in, and saw....

"A number 2 in the shape of a number 2"

Day Thirty Six

Going to treat you to three photo's today.

Firstly, my garden, looking bleak and sort of post winter-y.

"Diiiiiirty"

Secondly, Luke decided that the patio needed a mow, so mow he did.

"One Man Went To Mow"

And lastly, I caught a glimpse of Domino the rabbit in next door's garden, so got one of that, too.

"I Thought It Was Dead"

Day Thirty Five

Two more for you today.

The first one is, well - it's just Luke. I suppose I am responsible for this sort of behaviour (50% at least) but please don't think for a minute I do it myself.  I really don't know why he does it. We've never asked nor encouraged him to do it, but do it he does.  He also licks furniture.  Sorry.

"Window Licker"

Anyway - The second photo paints him in a more beautiful light.  Whilst getting back in the car in Pemberton today, He became fixated on something on the side of a house next to the car, and I was fortunate enough to capture this photo.

"Beautiful"

Day Thirty Four

Two for you today.

First one of Luke wearing my boots this morning.  He couldn't actually move in them, but he was happy wearing them all the same.

"Little Boots"

The second is one of several snowy pics I took this afternoon when we had a lot of snowfall mid afternoon.

"On The Fence"