Too busy for gossip!

Well, that’s my excuse…

… and I’m sticking to it!!!

Been to Italy, rambled in the Alps, dined on wild boar and pollenta, drank the local wine, took snaps of bits of Turin (but didn’t see the Shroud – apologies to the Catholic contingent!), watched the entirety of series 10 of “Friends”, and generally had a good time relaxing and catching up with Anna. Dani was away on business, which was a shame, but they’ll be coming to visit in November, so I can catch up then. Anna sends her love to all who know her, by the way. As Dean Martin would say, That’s Amore…

But the big news (well, some of it – there’s a few big news items!) is that the group birthday bash has been booked for 19th November at Parker Place, in Parker Street WC2, just off Kingsway. For the geographically ignorant, click here for a map (cheers Ian! ;). So far, I’ve managed to elicit the services of the astoundingly good and rock-mungous Gin Panic for entertainment purposes, not to mention the crackin’ly good Eight Foot Elvis on the decks afterwards. I’m currently in the process of trying to enlist Oprah Mad Alfredo (formerly Ben Jamin) for further musical pleasure, and you never know, I might get up and strum a couple of tunes myself. We’ll see…

But the whole point of this do is that it’s a joint birthday bash, in the tradition of mine & Gwyneth’s historic events – with a twist. This time, we’ve got a new co-birthdayer, in the form of Gin Panic stickmeister Mono, so half of England should be showing up to this event! I swear, that man knows more people than I’ve had alcoholic beverages – and that’s saying something! In any case, you’re all cordially invited, and I can promise you a kick-ass evening. Invites will be winging their way to all and sundry via e-mail shortly, and in the unlikely event that I’ve forgotten anyone – just spread the word!

Other news – hmmmmm…. You’re not going to believe this. I’ve got a motorbike. Yes, another motorbike. And yes, I know I already have a car. I’m selling that to try to pay for the bike, not like that’s a tragedy or anything. Oh, come on – anyone who knows me knows that I belong on two wheels! In any case, I pick it up this weekend, and proceed to shorten my life accordingly. As I’m sure everyone expects of me!

So, having recovered from this momentary blip of insanity (whatcha mean, “momentary blip”???), I’m now selling an L reg. VW Golf 2.0 GTi 8v, not to mention my beloved acoustic bass guitar. If you’re interested, or know anyone who might be, get in touch. They’re currently in Loot and on eBay respectively, but I can always make outside arrangements, being the shyster that I am…

Can I just say big up to Stuey for a phenomenal barbeque event on the weekend – much food and alcohol was in evidence, to the extent that I lamented my choice to drive there. The company was good, the wine fine, the food excellent, and the evening was a hit. More of those would be appropriate, if we only had the weather for it!

Well, best crack on with my work. I’m off to Ireland in a couple of weeks (another holiday? So soon?? You betcha!!!), and I’d hate to have to be lugging my laptop with me to polish off unfinished work – so I’d best knuckle down. More on the new bike when I pick it up, and maybe a photo or two. The philistines among you can look elsewhere, but the bike fans are in for a treat! 🙂