West Pier

Bert has had a lovely day with his Granddad. He stayed with my Dad while I went to do the hotel site visit in Brighton. The site visit and meetings went really well. It’s a lovely hotel. One I’ve been to many a time before. One I’ve stayed in many a time before. One I’ve been rather drunk in many a time before…

At least I know that when I am next there, I won’t be getting drunk. I’ll be running around like the swan I am.

As I left, I walked down the promenade past the old West Pier. It looks so sad. Once a beautiful Victorian Pier, it’s now a tangle of metal work after two separate arson attacks in 2003.

It’s sadly beyond repair and left to the ravages of time. Though still a key feature of the Brighton seafront. That’s seen many changes over the years. But as I drove through Brighton today, there were so many things I remembered from when I lived there. And in Hove Actually (in joke for those who know).

I have so many wonderful memories of the city. It taught me to be able to parallel park into the smallest of spaces. And on both sides of the road. Believe me that when you find a space in Brighton, you will get into it even if it takes a few attempts.

I was reminded of this when I sat for what seemed like an age on Grand Avenue watching two separate drivers reversing into spaces. It did make me smile. Funny the life skills you pick up along the way.

Car crisps

I have to do a hotel site visit in Brighton tomorrow. So I came down to stay the night with my Dad. I bought some snacks for the trip – including a big bag of Marmite crisps. I love Marmite, I love crisps, so I really love Marmite crisps.

I may have accidently eaten the whole bag! It was only afterwards that I saw the warning. They were spot on there….!

Cold shoulder

Back to reality with a shiver today. It took me ages to scrape all the frozen snow and ice off the Comedy Car before I could head home from Birmingham. I know I’ve spent 3 days running around like a headless chicken, but it did feel like I might have skipped a few months as it was so mild when I arrived.

After yesterday’s long day and massive step count, all 42k of them (nearly 23 miles), my feet looked like they’ve got frostbite. They are very sore and throbbing.

Got home to find my house was a cool 7 degrees! So headed to see Buddy while the hearing did its thing. I definitely got the cold shoulder from him to start off with. But he soon thawed and came over for a cuddle.

I am very, very tired. So early night for me. I’m so proud of what the team achieved over the past few days. It’s getting 5 star reviews!

Icey

Well this wasn’t quite what I expected to see when I arrived in Birmingham that’s for sure. Neither was I expecting to have to de-ice my car this morning before I set off. Conference is later this year so we’ve hit the Christmas run up.

This sings Christmas songs when you press the button. Now I’ve fallen foul of these things before. You know the ones where you innocently press the button and it’s so loud everyone looks at you. Or it goes on forever. So as much as I wanted to press the button. I resisted and let someone else do it.

It was very cheery indeed!

Manor House

Isn’t this window stunning? It was the view on my way to breakfast. Part of Celtic Manor is a very old Manor House. That’s the bit I’m staying in. Not that I’ve spent very long in my room.

Today was pre-con day. The day when we check everything with the hotel. And then make a billion changes to everything we just agreed.

Still the first batch of people have arrived. And all have room. Phew. Always a nervy time.

Things kick off tomorrow so here’s to another day of running around like an idiot. Sorry, that should be gliding around gracefully like a swan. Let’s see which one it actually is?!

Condiments

I’m staying in Birmingham for a couple of night. I’m here for a conference. As a delegate rather than working. So that’ll be a novelty.

I walked into the bathroom and saw these bottles. My first thought was great condiments. Now I know that’s not the collective noun for them, but I couldn’t think of a better one. It was a long journey and I think my brain was still on the M6.

Got me thinking, what it is the collective noun for them. Answers on a postcard please. I may love words but I don’t know them all.

Thankful

Back home after a long couple of days in Wales. Very productive ones though. Last night I sat in my very luxurious hotel room feeling so thankful for the way my business is going.

You know it’s a posh room when housekeeping come to turn your bed down. And give you an Elemis pillow spray for good measure.

Don’t get me wrong, running my own business is bloody hard. But I get to do things that bring me joy, utilise my extensive skill set and I work with some great people. Oh and I get paid for it!

This morning I woke up to a rather stunning view. After eating so much yesterday, I wasn’t sure I’d want breakfast. Still managed a full Welsh though. I may not need to eat for the rest of the week now…

Still the food choices are all made for the conference. It’s going to be a good one.

Wide load

Well it’s not every day you see half a house driving down the motorway. Made me wonder where the other half was!!

Yes I’ve been on my travels again. This time a day trip to Birmingham to do a hotel site visit for a conference in 2024! It’s been a long day. But a very productive one.

Simple pleasures

Another lovely lunch out today. This time at the Oaklands Hotel, Norwich. Their terrace is perfect for alfresco dining. The sun even made an appearance. Not quite ready to ditch my duvet coat just yet though.

This toilet roll holder made me smile. Sometimes it the simple pleasures in life. Good food, good company and a sheep on the wall.