The clouds were very dramatic on Sunday.



I don't know the name of them, or what creates them, but it looks like Mother Nature has splashed a blob of cloud paint on the sky then scraped it along with her fingers.

Hey, You Know What?

　
I am nearly overflowing with very strong emotions this weekend.
　

Pride, because Sam achieved his yellow belt. I am so proud of him doing this sort of thing at just six years old. His Mum was crying at the award ceremony, because she’s a girl.
　

Sadness, because of all the Remembrance activities going on. Not just because of the men and women who have died or been wounded, some of whom I knew, but also because it’s a special day to remember my Dad, who spent many years in the RAF himself, and who was, still is, and always will be, a hero to me. He’s been dead for two years now.




Contentment, because I’m at a point in life where I know what I’ll be doing “most” of the time in the future, and that‘s a novelty. I’ve been working my nuts off for a while, and I’m happy now that I have a predictable, some might say boring, few months ahead. I am Very happy with that.
　

Anxiety and/or Terror, because I have been summoned to The Bank. I don’t know why, but you can bet it’s not going to be pleasant!
　
　
　
　
But, returning to the title, you know what? I have found myself with an Ayrton Senna in me sky rocket, and I’m going to go to the pub to watch the FA Cup football this afternoon! Hey Big Spender!
　
　
　
p.s. if you can, please spare a thought for the husband of one of my sisters, who has just lost his own dad.

Yellow

Sam made me very proud on Saturday, when he was awarded his yellow belt after performing well in his kuk sool won grading test. The students are called up in front of their peers, one group at a time, and the most senior adult students remove their old belt, tie their new one around them, then hang the previous one around their neck.

There was a nice group photo before we left.

Sam doesn't like being the centre of attention, but at kuk sool won he feels very proud.

As a treat, one of the seniors performed a weaponry routine, and taped glo-sticks to the weapons. The pictures are very blurry, as Matthew was moving very fast, but the routine was absolutely fabulous. Well done!

Remembrance On Telly

I'm watching the Remembrance do in the Albert Hall. I watch it every year.


It "seemed" to mean something when we watched it every year when I was a child. We never missed it. For me, then, it was excellent fun, with the various displays of the three services, always exciting. It was even better because it was a special occasion that I was allowed to stay up late for.


Nowadays it's different of course.


Now I am, officially, a "veteran". I am applying for the badge to prove it.


But I was shot at in my service, and had missiles lobbed in my direction. I spent many, anxious, hours in bomb shelters, with ears a-prickin' for impending doom. They all missed, thank goodness. I was lucky. Opening mail from home with a bayonet seemed normal at the time, but now seems bizarre.


So watching the Remembrance nowadays has heavy impart.


It's still a hugely impressive spectacle. Dramatic when the poppies fall.



I think that's it for me about the subject.




Remember.

That Friday Feeling

Ah, Friday!
　

The end of a hard (half) week’s work. Three jobs really takes it out of a chap.
　

To be perfectly honest, this week has been pretty damn good, including starting the new job, trying out the new round, and with another mystery shopper job on Saturday night. At a pub. It’s work, honest! The new round is literally on my doorstep, and includes the block of flats that we live in. 431 papers a week, which I can rattle off in under three hours, perfect.
　

Sam’s tucked up in bed next door, ready for a full-on day tomorrow. We’re not doing much, playing at home all morning I hope, watching TMI, and not getting dressed until dinnertime. At half twelve it’s Sam’s martial arts grading ceremony - he did his grading test last Sunday and passed, so tomorrow he receives his promotion. We think it is going to be to his yellow belt.
　

On Sunday I’m out and about delivering telephone directories and more than likely getting wet and miserable as the forecast is glum. So I’ll be soaked to the skin and fed-up by three o’clock, but a few quid better off.
　
　

Time for bed, have a fab weekend.

It Don't Take Much, Do It

Tonight King's Lynn is presenting a free bonfire night bash, named Fawkes In The Walks.


I reckon that's a good name, and having walked through the park a couple of hours ago, it will be a great event. I hope it's well-attended. This town puts on a great deal more free entertainment than almost any other, as far as I know.


Anyway, the point of this post was to express a little Daddy-ish heart-warming pride. I texted to Sam (a sign of the times! And through his Mum's phone) "Hi Sam. Dad here! Just wanted to say I hope you have a fab time at the fireworks tonight, and I'll see you tomorrow! Lots of love, Your Father xx"


A few minutes ago my phone beeped, and I read "love you"


It's obviously made my day. I'm a lucky man, and I totally love my wonderful son.

The End Is Nigh!

By "the end is nigh" I mean that (nearly) full-time employment is just around the corner.


I'm happy with that. It's taken some bloody doing.


Things are going great with the cute nurse. Sam is a superstar. Next month my earnings will be greater than my routine outgoings (Only just. But it's a start).


And thank you for the offers of a financial pick-me-up. Aren't people nice!