My black Google bar up there ^^^ just vanished, and now everything is under the Google+ logo.

My black Google bar up there ^^^ just vanished, and now everything is under the Google+ logo. When did that happen? I think I like the new look, cleaner but...

Just finished roasting some chestnuts.

Just finished roasting some chestnuts. The fact that they were done was signalled not by the end of the cooking time, but the two dull thuds as a couple exploded. After a suitable cooling period however they have shelled beautifully and taste divine.
Chestnuts rock, fact.

Been out for the ride on this blustery evening.

Been out for the ride on this blustery evening. Pretty hard going at times, the woods are pretty soft under the wheels at the moment and a couple of times it made me wonder if I should put some gears back on the bike... Might help me outrun the werewolves and falling trees as well... Anyway.

One stretch in particular, not ridden it before (isn't solo night riding in the woods in heavy winds the best time to explore?) was really heavy going, and was going to be even harder on the way back up the hill, turns out it was actually downhill on the way back... Yay for gravity! Boo for night riding disorientation. That was also the section where I thought I would try and work out what the annoying zinging noise was. Did up the two allan bolts holding on the... front brake calliper... and carried on. Quite pleased I stopped to check would be an understatement.

Still, got back before the heavy rain and had a few minutes fun swapping the tyres on the commuter for the Schwalbe Marathon Winters Santa brought me. Bring on the frost :-)

Now, where did I put that sandwich...

Here is hoping that the second attempt at getting our little girl off to sleep is more successful than the first.

Here is hoping that the second attempt at getting our little girl off to sleep is more successful than the first. Or should I say the second attempt at getting her into her own bed. It might be blowing a gale out there but I have a bike to ride!
If operation bed transfer takes too long though I might bottle it and have a go on the turbo instead. Just as cold in the garage but probably fewer trees shedding branches than the woods.

Daughters plan to enhance my performance when operating on minimal sleep seems to be working.

Daughters plan to enhance my performance when operating on minimal sleep seems to be working. Her recent sleep depravation techniques meant that when she woke just now I got up, got her up, started getting ready for breakfast and only glanced at the clock briefly to see how much of a lie in we had had. Only then did I realise that it was... 3.30 am! Felt pretty good on the 4 hours so far so will be awesome come actual get up time (alarm at 6.30 to try and recover some normal routine).

Have you seen this little robot dude on his bike? Might be jumping on the fixie bandwagon but still, pretty cool :-)

Have you seen this little robot dude on his bike? Might be jumping on the fixie bandwagon but still, pretty cool :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mT3vfSQePcs

Just seen the voting %ages for #SPOTY Could have saved the price of my call by the looks...

Just seen the voting %ages for #SPOTY Could have saved the price of my call by the looks...
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/road/article/roa20111222-road-BBC-Sports-Personality-of-the-Year-2011-0

I have never voted on a TV popularity contest before, they are after all pointless.

I have never voted on a TV popularity contest before, they are after all pointless. This one however... 09015 22 26 01 made an exception.

Just in case any of you here on Google+ weren't aware, it is the BBC sports personality of the year, and Mark...

Just in case any of you here on Google+ weren't aware, it is the BBC sports personality of the year, and Mark Cavendish is there representing cycling, and he has had a pretty good year, after some other pretty good years!
09015 22 26 01 is the number (in the UK) to show your support :-)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/sports_personality_of_the_year/default.stm

I've a dehydration/chocolate hangover.

I've a dehydration/chocolate hangover. Drank next to nothing yesterday, forgot drink on ride, replaced it with choc, time for tea and bacon :-)

Looks like all is still well with Santa, need to closely scrutinise this one, see if I can see my house :-)

Looks like all is still well with Santa, need to closely scrutinise this one, see if I can see my house :-)

Originally shared by Camilla Corona

T- 3 days, 7 hours and counting for liftoff of Santa One. FAA Flight Plan attached. http://www.faa.gov/santa/

#embracethefilth when mountainbiking? Filth embraced :-)

#embracethefilth when mountainbiking? Filth embraced :-)

19 month old baby girl dancing with her teddy to The Stranglers, No More Heroes. All's well with the world :-)

So that's how to work out which one is Santa :-)

So that's how to work out which one is Santa :-)
http://popchartlab.tumblr.com/post/13837405559/santa-explained-via-venn-diagram-via-stephen
http://popchartlab.tumblr.com/post/13837405559/santa-explained-via-venn-diagram-via-stephen

This seems about right, quite like iPods, Twitter and my mobile phone though :-)

This seems about right, quite like iPods, Twitter and my mobile phone though :-)

Originally shared by Christopher Haggerty

I was BORN in the 70's. We are the last generation who learned to play in the street, we are the 1st who played video games and the last to record songs off the radio on a cassette tape. We Learned how to program the VCR before anyone else, play from the Atari, to super Nintendo-We are the generation of Tom and Jerry, Captain Kangaroo, Mork & Mindy, The Osmonds, Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, Dif'rent Strokes, Silver Spoon, etc.... We traveled in cars without seat belts or air-bags and lived without cell phones. We did not have flat screens, surround sound, iPods, Facebook, Twitter, computers & the Internet... but nevertheless we had a GREAT time... re-post if you're a 70's baby!!!!!!

Actual, genuine, settled even though it is wet, snow on the ground. I repeat, snow on the ground. #happyface #snow

Just gone through the weather map. It is so going to snow tonight :-)

Seen the weather for Matlock, for tomorrow morning?

Seen the weather for Matlock, for tomorrow morning? It's got one of those raindrop/snowflake/coud symbols. It's coming! #snow

Now that's what I call music to tile to :-) rediscovered the album...

Now that's what I call music to tile to :-) rediscovered the album...
Lee Haslam - NRG
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBvhRlblMIA

Some days you are the hammer, some days you are the nail.

Some days you are the hammer, some days you are the nail. Others, you miss the nail, and batter your thumb. Hey ho :-)

11 miles up hill and down dale.

11 miles up hill and down dale. Muddy, sloppy, slippy and I probably could have used more than the one gear I had. Still, really good to just slog up and down for a while. And I rode OK as well, bonus!
Back to dreams of riding heroism tonight I think (and back to reality next ride :-) )

A few pic's from doing the Sustrans C2C over 5 days camping and self supported...

A few pic's from doing the Sustrans C2C over 5 days camping and self supported...

C2C camping

C2C camping

C2C camping

C2C camping

Photos from doing the Sustrans C2C in one hit...

Photos from doing the Sustrans C2C in one hit...

Tonights ride was 19 miles of soggy dreary slog on a single-sped Halfords special.

Tonights ride was 19 miles of soggy dreary slog on a single-sped Halfords special. My Carrera Fury stripped of gears, a size too big and with some Mud-X's on it.
Bloody marvellous :-) I really miss getting out on the bike and it has been a while but just pounding out a few miles with a mate makes it all good again. And I really could get used to this single speeding lark, keep surprising myself with how far up a bloody steep hill I can get and sill pedal when I get there.
Anyway, bike therapy is over, food has been guzzled, now time to put the nappies in the washing machine and go to bed and dream of bike races... again :-)

This made me giggle, after a moments thought admittedly. Appealed to my inner chemist :-)

This made me giggle, after a moments thought admittedly. Appealed to my inner chemist :-)
http://fumaga.com/10165
http://fumaga.com/10165

Now this looks like fun! :-)

Now this looks like fun! :-)

Originally shared by Andy Roberts

The best 'pump track' ever?...probably!
http://www.vimeo.com/31294716

Bugger, it is no longer the last weekend of the summer holidays.

Bugger, it is no longer the last weekend of the summer holidays. No #k100 for me next year even if I could have made it otherwise.
http://www.sip-events.co.uk/kielder-home.html

When did that Youtube tab appear? ~The one over on the right, that shoots out a search box when you click it...

When did that Youtube tab appear? ~The one over on the right, that shoots out a search box when you click it...
I am going to use it lots and see if it gets joined by anything else.

Just set off the iRobot Roomba 530 that we have ended up with (previous owners thought it had a duff battery, bought...

Just set off the iRobot Roomba 530 that we have ended up with (previous owners thought it had a duff battery, bought a new one but it was no better). Am hoping that it just needed a reset and a proper charge to get working properly again, seems to have managed 5 minutes of exploring ok so far so I guess we will just have to see how it goes.

It is somewhat mesmerising to watch I have to say...

This evening we have been fed by by dad and step mum, been given a whole Victoria sponge that was surplus to a cafes...

This evening we have been fed by by dad and step mum, been given a whole Victoria sponge that was surplus to a cafes requirements and acquired a Roomba 530... for nothing. The Roomba may have a fault, but seems ok so far and a bit of a Google suggests that a battery reset and charge/discharge cycle may solve the issue.

All in all, a fair evening I think :-)

Anyone else been confused by "Sparks" disappearing from the column on the left?

Anyone else been confused by "Sparks" disappearing from the column on the left?

If like me you thought it was your browser or an extension messing up, it isn't...
You can now add Sparks by searching at the top, but then saving that search. Just as I started to think they might become useful I lost them. So I guess saved searches are the new Sparks...

Any thoughts? It is kind of on my mind at the moment :-)

Any thoughts? It is kind of on my mind at the moment :-)

Originally shared by Kitty Warrior

New adventures in poking the vipers nest - why UK IT GCSE needs revising http://postdesk.com/blog/ict-gcse-edexcel-overhaul-national-curriculum-teaching
http://postdesk.com/blog/ict-gcse-edexcel-overhaul-national-curriculum-teaching

Now this looks interesting...

Now this looks interesting...

Originally shared by Russell Baker

Android watch anyone?
http://live.imwatch.it/

Ok, Facebook and Twitter integration.

Ok, Facebook and Twitter integration. Quite like SGPlus as a Chrome extension but that only let's me post to them from G+ from my laptop. One of you fine people was using hashtags to post to Facebook and Twitter. That would work from the mobile site and apps yes? So, what was it again?

This cold has gone from 0-60 in about 4 hours, streaming nose, itchy eyes, the lot.

This cold has gone from 0-60 in about 4 hours, streaming nose, itchy eyes, the lot. Lovely, still, deployed Horlicks and an early night so here is hoping for a better morning...

I might have found you a place near-ish Nether Edge.

I might have found you a place near-ish Nether Edge. A mates brother is advertising on Gumtree and mentioned it on Facebook a couple of times. Couldn't remember who it was first time but caught it this time.
Asked him if a 6 month lease would be ok, but he hasn't got back to me yet. In the meantime, here is the Gumtree ad.
http://www.gumtree.com/p/flats-houses/lovely-double-room-in-a-great-house-share-near-hunters-bar/90604665
http://www.gumtree.com/p/flats-houses/lovely-double-room-in-a-great-house-share-near-hunters-bar/90604665

Just been playing with the Google+ photo editing stuff, quite good actually!

Just been playing with the Google+ photo editing stuff, quite good actually! (spoken as a non photographer/photo editor) ;-)

Last night I think I tried to replace sleep with food.

Last night I think I tried to replace sleep with food. Although not entirely successful, it was not unpleasant... #sleepy

Cracking weekend up in York, yay!

Cracking weekend up in York, yay!
Followed by niggling sore throat, bugger.
But it already seems to be getting better, without getting chesty, yay!
Car passed MOT without any extra work, yay!
So no motorbike replacement for Chris, bugger.
Emily only went to sleep in her bed when she was cuddling me, yay!
But only because she is a bit poorly, bugger.
Cavity wall insulation is all sorted out now, yay!
But it left holes inside to sort out, and mess to clean up, bugger.
Got tool to replace bushings in rear shock on my EX9, yay!
But not the bushings yet, bugger.

Swings and roundabouts :-)

"downstairs" in the campervan it is 12c and not much more upstairs but just a normal duvet for us to sleep under...

"downstairs" in the campervan it is 12c and not much more upstairs but just a normal duvet for us to sleep under upstairs and a sleep bag + duvet downstairs for our little girl. We are all perfectly snug. Why do we burn so much gas at home? We should just live under duvets :-)

Long day parents evening day, still, some good news for me and them so not too onerous.

Don't usually watch Later with Jools Holland but just back in from a little bike derelict and it was on.

Don't usually watch Later with Jools Holland but just back in from a little bike derelict and it was on. Eclectic isn't it? Mastodon sounded pretty good though...
EDIT-iPod touch seems to think that "fettle" should be "derelict". I disagree...

After working until nearly 2am last night I am rather keen on the idea of an early night.

After working until nearly 2am last night I am rather keen on the idea of an early night. So, here is hoping that our baby girl falls asleep soon and that iPlayer has downloaded some good stuff.

You know you are a mountain biker when....

You know you are a mountain biker when....



...you take your washing out of the machine and the first thing out is an inner tube, oops!

Yet another reason why tubeless is better than tubed :-) anyone got an unused Stans kit I could put on my SS bike to prevent further mishap. That said, it was the spare that was in my pocket I think, so converting may not solve the problem. Glad I had taken my multi tool out though!

I am now going to bake a cake, a birthday cake after some successful bike bit shopping I am sure this will go just...

I am now going to bake a cake, a birthday cake after some successful bike bit shopping I am sure this will go just as well... I mean, what could go wrong, my hands don't smell of GT85 that much :-)

Snigger... :-)

Snigger... :-)
http://t.co/KRs084Db

Right, time to fettle some bike...

It would appear that we are expecting a baby in a few months time.

It would appear that we are expecting a baby in a few months time. That will make 2 is the formula for the correct number of babies the same as that for bikes, n+1? :-)

Matlock might be a lovely place to live but when the local substation blows up (literally apparently) it gets, and...

Matlock might be a lovely place to live but when the local substation blows up (literally apparently) it gets, and stays, pretty dark. Good job it was night ride night. Now just got to hope we get some juice before the freezers defrost and the fridge spoils... Not looking good though, went off at 1.00 pm and nothing yet. Hey ho.

Oooo, our ongoing car saga is potentially coming to an end.

Oooo, our ongoing car saga is potentially coming to an end. The endgame has begun anyway, here is hoping that it is done and dusted by tomorrow night, bills resolved and car sold.
Wish us luck!

How are you finding Google+ so far?

How are you finding Google+ so far? Have to admit, I am loving it as an alternative to Facebook and there is a thriving MTB community combining people I generally communicated with through forums (fora?) and Twitter but in a way that makes much more sense.
Looking forward to enough people coming over from Facebook so I can ditch it, the bloated pile of poo.

And how are you keeping? :-)

Well look at that, I still have a myspace account!

Well look at that, I still have a myspace account! Thought I had deleted that... wonder if the bebo one is still there, pretty sure it isn't (already used Google+ more than those two combined).

Right, that is a baby bathed, carried downstairs, who then fell asleep as I converted a .pdf into a .jpg image for...

Right, that is a baby bathed, carried downstairs, who then fell asleep as I converted a .pdf into a .jpg image for someone. Who then had her nappy, vest and pyjamas put on, and put into bed, without waking up. Either I am awesome, or she is very tired. I know which I am going for ;-)

For Rob, and anyone else who missed it from wherever I saw it :-)

For Rob, and anyone else who missed it from wherever I saw it :-)
Imperial March on two floppy drives...
Floppy music DUO - Imperial march
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHJOz_y9rZE

Had our "new" car for nearly 3 weeks now.

Had our "new" car for nearly 3 weeks now. It has got a thermometer in it and so far we have seen a high of 29 C and a low of 8 C. Don't think there is anything wrong with it either... And we haven't been away...

Just watching my not quite 18 month old daughter swiping through pictures of herself on my phone.

Just watching my not quite 18 month old daughter swiping through pictures of herself on my phone. Don't know if I should be more impressed with her intuition, or the intuitive nature of the phone...

Well it maybe shouldn't come as a surprise with his recent history but RIP Steve Jobs.

Well it maybe shouldn't come as a surprise with his recent history but RIP Steve Jobs. He maybe just touted Apples products but he was bloody good at it! I never stayed up to watch anyone else give a developer conference speech or announce "just one more thing"
Thanks for the rev.b Bondi Blue iMac and everything since.

Robert Llewellyn I have an educational hangout proposition for you (nothing too alarming though, don't worry :-) )...

Robert Llewellyn I have an educational hangout proposition for you (nothing too alarming though, don't worry :-) ) I am a teacher, of a Year 3 class and we are currently have transport as our topic. One of the things we did this week was try and decide which was the "best" form of transport. Some good ideas were produced, donkey because it doesn't use petrol and it can carry a lot. Hot air ballon because it is peaceful. F1 car because it is fast (you get the picture).

The problem is that they struggle to see the con's as well as the pro's of their chosen mode of transport and it would be nice to have a passionate and eloquent supporter of a mode of transport they hadn't chosen speak to them.

None of them chose an electric car...

Can you see where I might be going with this :-)

Did I mention that they are 7-8 years old?

If you are interested, or if you are not please let me know so I can either panic and plan something properly or heave a sigh of relief and not worry about how it might go :-) I do understand that you actually do have a real job and this could be a big ask.

Thanks for reading all this anyway

Chris Auton, Y3 teacher at Grassmoor Primary School, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

p.s. I am pretty sure this is only going to you, there is only your name in the sharing box but you can mail me at mr.auton@gmail.com if you prefer.

Baby girl in bed, ready for school work.

Baby girl in bed, ready for school work... Oh, hang on, I'm shattered, late-ish night of mediocre work, or sleep, genuinely early to bed...

Todays ratatouille is brought to you by an oversized courgette and a lack of mushroom.

Todays ratatouille is brought to you by an oversized courgette and a lack of mushroom. It's close friend Herby Pork is looking rather good whilst Charlotte, the potatoes, simmers away nicely...

Lots of decent rides going on, anyone else not got out 'cos there is simply too much other stuff to be done?

If you look up "over tired" in the dictionary, then you will find my photo. So it is bedtime for me!

If you look up "over tired" in the dictionary, then you will find my photo. So it is bedtime for me!
Night all, have a good weekend.

Today I shall be mainly dressing as James from James and the Giant Peach #RoaldDahlDay

Cracking singlespeed ride this evening.

Cracking singlespeed ride this evening. Not too much gurning up the hills, not too sketchy down the hills and the easy spinning between that a singlespeed brings. Lovely.
Last mile or so through the woods was almost pitch black though, lights next time I think :-) Good to be out in the sunset and feel the warm air cooling.
Refreshing and recharging...

Politics should be about policies, not personalities. An ideal I would subscribe to.

Politics should be about policies, not personalities. An ideal I would subscribe to.
I do however wish that the bloke who leads the party I normally vote for was just a bit less dull to listen to. Sigh...
Oh, and had a less gormless smile...

It would appear that it simply truncates posts when sending to Twitter.

It would appear that it simply truncates posts when sending to Twitter. Hey ho, at least it warns you with a character count. Eventually.

Having an experiment with the SGPlus plugin for Chrome.

Having an experiment with the SGPlus plugin for Chrome. Posting to Twitter, and Facebook, and seeing those feeds as well? Let's see what happens (especially with a post that is too long for Twitter...).

Late night working at school is hard work for two reasons.

Late night working at school is hard work for two reasons.
1. it is late at night, on a Sunday, and that is hard.
2. you end up waiting a while for the police to come and buzz the pillock (I think ex-pupil) kids throwing stuff, mainly conkers I think, at the school because some lights are on.
Still, keeps you busy :-)

Is there a Twitter style "follow Friday" thing on Google+?

Is there a Twitter style "follow Friday" thing on Google+? Well, my follow Saturday recommendations, if you aren't following them already, In my "Interesting people" circle are Ron Garan for the pictures as much as the other stuff and Robert Llewellyn for being, well, interesting, and not smelling fucking gorgeous (check his timeline :-) ).

How can doing nothing take so much time?

How can doing nothing take so much time? Want to at least get a bit of a walk in and maybe follow Mike McTimoney's fine example and mow the lawn. Last time this year? I expect so, only about the 4th or 5th time anyway...

Well if nothing else, our little girl getting up has given me a chance to play with the iPhone app (albeit on an...

Well if nothing else, our little girl getting up has given me a chance to play with the iPhone app (albeit on an iPod touch). It really seems to work quite nicely. Better than the web app on my venerable Nokia 5800 anyway but you could probably have guessed that...

How long has that games button been up there?

How long has that games button been up there? Never noticed it before... Hope that doesn't herald a new era of "updates". Or a quick look at turning them off anyway. It does have angry birds though... bugger...

It would appear that I am not the only one looking forward to a slightly damp commute home.

It would appear that I am not the only one looking forward to a slightly damp commute home. Ahhh, it is good to be back on bike commuting again. Hope my resolution to do it at least 3 times a week isn't scuppered by my slightly haphazard organisational skills... like this morning nearly was...

Only if you go to maps.google.com rather than .co.uk, but still, quite handy if you want to share a map...

Only if you go to maps.google.com rather than .co.uk, but still, quite handy if you want to share a map...

Originally shared by Bradley Horowitz

The world has yet to catch on as to some of the cool applications and possibilities of +Snippets... Just getting started!
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/snippets-on-google-maps-if-you-can-see.html

That is the malt loaf in the oven, somebody give me a shout at 9.00pm when it should come out would you?

That is the malt loaf in the oven, somebody give me a shout at 9.00pm when it should come out would you?
Thanks :-)

I don't mind getting up with or baby girl in the night, but ready to sleep again now... Night all...

Riding buddy at Ruthin CRC marathon being taken to hospital after knocking himself out.

Riding buddy at Ruthin CRC marathon being taken to hospital after knocking himself out. Am hoping we can have a laugh about is 10 speed chain snapping (apparently the cause of the crash) when he gets back and it is no more than that.
Good cut on his chin apparently so maybe a scar to go with it as well to remember it by.

Bit later than planned but, night world!

Night night world, see you tomorrow.

Our cute baby girl (OK 16 months+) had just decided she had had enough of today.

Our cute baby girl (OK 16 months+) had just decided she had had enough of today. After wandering around fighting sleep for a while she just fell/lay down, curled up, blinked a couple of times and went to sleep, on the floor, just next to her mum on the settee.
Simply adorable :-)

Every little helps I guess.

Every little helps I guess. If this is another, large and loud voice campaigning to maintain access to forestry then so be it. I have signed up anyway...
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/our-forest-panel-message
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/our-forest-panel-message

If any of you are close enough, the penny farthing racing in Matlock Park (yes, you heard that right) is today!

If any of you are close enough, the penny farthing racing in Matlock Park (yes, you heard that right) is today! Mass start hour long race is at 2.00 pm but the full schedule is here :-)
http://penniesinthepark.co.uk/race-schedule/
http://penniesinthepark.co.uk/race-schedule/

Well, with the main "proper" bike (gears and suspension) still resting, awaiting parts after Kielder tonights ride...

Well, with the main "proper" bike (gears and suspension) still resting, awaiting parts after Kielder tonights ride was on the other bike.
My too big Carrera Fury with just the one gear. Only ridden it on my own or towing the trailer on family rides. It was great! Don't really have the strength for epic rides on it but we certainly gurned up a few hills without actually expiring. It does of course have tubes rather than tubeless so inevitably I punctured but even that wasn't too awful. All in all a cracking ride.

OK, that is the bike pretty much fettled for Kielder.

OK, that is the bike pretty much fettled for Kielder. What a pain in the arse! Got rid of the annoying rattle that I couldn't trace I think, by rebuilding my cassette. It would have appeared to loosen itself enough that every sprocket had a degree of movement relative to every other one. Hoping not enough damage to the freehub to need to replace that though...
Oh, and thanks Superstar, I do like your cheap pads, fit my elixirs when Disco brakes didn't, but when one pad has a misaligned braking suface they won't fit, and will leave me one set short! So my best worn set on the rear and a new set up front.
Fingers crossed...
Oh, and my shiny new jockey wheels are seriously shiny, and new, ninja throwing stars be gone! KNC bling (for me anyway) do your stuff.

Right, thats it, my first malt loaf in the oven.

Right, thats it, my first malt loaf in the oven... A tried recipe by others, just not me with my basic skills (and ingredients) :-)

Hello, I think this is essentially a DM on Google+ as I have only included your name in the address to twin purposes.

Hello, I think this is essentially a DM on Google+ as I have only included your name in the address to twin purposes. Will check no-one else can see it (with wife's account) and also ask you a question. You recently got a wood burning stove? Can I ask why? It has just been in my head that it might be a practical alternative to burning ever more expensive gas (and something I have always wanted) and was wondering if you had done the maths and decided it was potentially cheaper or if you also just always wanted one, and so did it :-)
The ideal would of course to take the family on regular foraging trips into the local woods to collect dry fallen wood, the reality would undoubtably be buying stuff in but it would be an alternative to gas central heating not a total replacement.
Was just pondering and remembered you got one recently so thought I would be nosey :-)

Chris.

Navitron do some good eco energy things, including this rather funky little paraffin lamp/radio.

Navitron do some good eco energy things, including this rather funky little paraffin lamp/radio.
http://www.navitron.org.uk/product_detail.php?proID=18&catID=67
Cool :-)
http://www.navitron.org.uk/product_detail.php?proID=18&catID=67

It's been nearly a year...

... since I put anything here.
Busy year, really busy. Our little girl has been growing up, going from a gorgeous gurgling little rug rat to a gorgeous, smiling, giggling, happy little adventurer, who is utterly fearless in every respect (it would be nice if she gained a healthy respect for things like big drops, sharp things, really hot things but hey, there is plenty of time for that later).
Work has continued to be a changeable place, in a good way but at least a years stability beckons and I am kind of looking forward to it. Remember what I am actually supposed to do for a living.
As far as the cycling is concerned, I did say that this would be the place for that kind of thing didn't I? Well, I am still enjoying it, managing to commute a bit more but the next month will show how well that goes (I actually need to be at work to commute after all) and the Kielder 100 is looming large again. Next Saturday of course. Wow.
I am fitter than last year. That is certain. I have also actually cycled less than last year, that is also certain. I will be going up on my own this time which I have mixed feelings about. I should be able to be pretty selfish and mooch about, sleep when I feel like it and get ready in a slow and long winded way. But I will miss my girls and the phone reception up there is pants, so might literally be out of contact totally for a couple of days. Not done that before and not sure I will like it...
Still, it could be a dull midge infested couple of days for them so it is the right decision.
Right, that is it for now time to go to bed and dream of dusty Kielder trails and making the first cut off before it actually cuts off :-)

Happy birthday to me

Happy birthday to me,
Happy birthday to me,
Happy biirrrthdayyy dear me-eeee,
Happy birthday to me
:-)
Glad it is raining hard enough on the campervan to let me enjoy lots more birthday!

A Nokia 5800 may not be an ideal Google+ companion and the Facebook mobile site may be way more developed, but here...

A Nokia 5800 may not be an ideal Google+ companion and the Facebook mobile site may be way more developed, but here I am first... Think I like Google+
I am also quite partial to this new site (to us) in York. Easy cycle into York and York itself is a good place to spend spme time. A return with the extended family seems in order...

Just added 14 various ways of impeding access to cupboards and drawers in our house.

Just added 14 various ways of impeding access to cupboards and drawers in our house. Getting ready to look after other peoples kids can really mess up your house. Hope I get used to them before I tear one of them off by accident.

Time for more unscientific turbo training fun :-)

Wow, long day.

Wow, long day. Met dad and step mum at Bakewell station to go along the Monsal trail and back with my dad. Nicola Auton and daughter out for a walk with step mum. Monsal trail was pretty busy by lunchtime on the way back and we have all worked on sorting out our garden since then, until about half an hour ago.
That is 11 straight hours of activity, I think I will need very little rocking tonight. I also hope our gorgeous baby sleeps, well, like a fictional baby rather than a real one :-)

They are finishing google labs! That disappoints me slightly, it was always good to see what might be, hey ho...

They are finishing google labs! That disappoints me slightly, it was always good to see what might be, hey ho...
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/more-wood-behind-fewer-arrows.html
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/more-wood-behind-fewer-arrows.html

I think it is fair to say, teething is having a good go at ruining my summer.

I think it is fair to say, teething is having a good go at ruining my summer. Our poor little girl is suffering as she tries to cut a handful of teeth simultaneously. Still, I am only awake, not awake and in pain... mustn't grumble!

Well, that is just shy of 2 hours fun on the bike, quite hard fun, but fun exploring the local woods all the same.

Well, that is just shy of 2 hours fun on the bike, quite hard fun, but fun exploring the local woods all the same. Now it is time to make a start on tea... Was quite nice last time...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/creamychickenkorma_67790
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/creamychickenkorma_67790

Watching a beautiful sunrise is a great way to start the day, but it does mean I am either up very early, or the...

Watching a beautiful sunrise is a great way to start the day, but it does mean I am either up very early, or the days are getting shorter again and I have started to notice.
Still, it is a lovely sky...

Was just watching our daughter try and plug in the lead for the iPod touch she occasionally seems to mistake as hers...

Was just watching our daughter try and plug in the lead for the iPod touch she occasionally seems to mistake as hers into this computer. Was struggling a bit so (very) briefly tried the wrong end, shook her head and smiled at me then went back to trying the USB end. Still didn't manage it (was 45-90 degrees out if that makes sense) so just shook her head and smiled at me, then went back to playing with her things.
If she was older it might be more mundane, but as she is insanely cute 15 month old it made me smile loads and oddly proud :-)

I am sure I just posted something.

I am sure I just posted something... Did I click on something else and Google or Lion didn't just sort it out for me? Best try again... :-)

Another good days holiday, our little girl was beside herself it the aquarium of the lakes.

Another good days holiday, our little girl was beside herself it the aquarium of the lakes. Toddling up to all the tanks, pointing, babbling and going backwards and forwards :-)
Back home tomorrow though, possibly via Lyme Park for a picnic lunch. Then I really need to cram in some bicycle riding or turbo time or something... Kielder is coming........

Few days in the Lake District is panning out nicely, bit of rain has been had, but so have bath buns and splashing...

Few days in the Lake District is panning out nicely, bit of rain has been had, but so have bath buns and splashing in puddles :-)

Well we made it to Ambleside at least!

Well we made it to Ambleside at least! Felt like a really long drive with a couple of stops and next to no sleep the night before. Seems quite a luxury to be up for a feed now after a few hours kip :-)
Anyway, she is nearly done so time to try and get back to sleep. Helped by the continuing slow subsidance of Wednesday nights monster nettling. Never been kept awake virtually all night by a nettling before!

Went out for our usual Wednesday night ride earlier, in the unseasonable rain.

Went out for our usual Wednesday night ride earlier, in the unseasonable rain. Blimey it was a bit sketchy! Every rock and root had clearly been polished to within an inch of its life and anything exposed had taken the surface dust and rain and produced an incredibly efficient lubricant.
Got back after nearly 20 miles of near disaster and calamity, soaking wet, brambled and nettled to buggery and with the bike in need of a thorough clean.
What a brilliant ride :-) filth embraced! But a bit more summer would be nice though...

Couldn't stay awake when little one was feeding, so got up to sort some stuff out.

Couldn't stay awake when little one was feeding, so got up to sort some stuff out. Watched some news. Feel sick, angry and dismayed. There really are plenty of worthless bastards in the world aren't there?
Cannot think of any excuse for what is going on, none at all. Does not matter how angry you are even if your anger is justified you simply cannot carry on like that.
I don't like feeling like this, it makes me a less open and trusting person, makes me suspicious and less likely to help those who actually need it.
Not anywhere near what is happening thankfully, can only imagine what it must be like for decent people who are trapped there, fearing that they may have to literally fight for their lives, not knowing what might happen next as their world goes up in flames.
TV is going off now and I am going to try and go to sleep encouraged by the brave voices in the communities. I hope they still have hope.

First utterly un-scientific turbo session, film on laptop, forgot a drink though.

First utterly un-scientific turbo session, film on laptop, forgot a drink though... might grab that as it is getting warm in the garage but too noisy to open a door at this time!

The Kielder 100 is 4 weeks today?

The Kielder 100 is 4 weeks today? Hmmmm, I really need to make the most of the time between now and then. Still last nights turbo test went well, I am nearly deaf (it is a cheap fan one) but it was quiet enough in the house... Time to punish my legs! Well, not right now you understand :-)

My OTB moment a few days ago made me think my hand was hurt/broken, it was just hurt.

My OTB moment a few days ago made me think my hand was hurt/broken, it was just hurt. Woke the next day and found the bruises and grazes on the fronts of both shoulders, and they started to ache. Did the Cut Gate ride the next day without any issues (well, I only fell off once, sideway, going uphill, into a ditch). Then woke the next day and my ribs were feeling it. Today? My hand is about the only thing that doesn't feel battered!
Still, wouldn't have missed either ride, why do we do it? :-)

So HTC are packing up.

So HTC are packing up... Talking about Mr Cavendish the other day and couldn't see any reason for him to move. Maybe that is why I don't run a pro team or rider...

After yesterdays eventful ride Cut Gate out and back, with a little extra, seemed a proper slog.

After yesterdays eventful ride Cut Gate out and back, with a little extra, seemed a proper slog. Body aching all over, clearly hit the ground harder than I thought yesterday.
Still an awesome ride though, fast bits, techy bits, unrideable bits (this time...) and enough near misses to keep it exciting. I think I might be getting better at this riding thing :-)
Hope I get some uninterrupted sleep tonight though... Could use it.

6.8 miles, apparently 1400 ft of climbing but a lot of that is in one go to get into the woods, and I was trying to...

6.8 miles, apparently 1400 ft of climbing but a lot of that is in one go to get into the woods, and I was trying to stay level. Lots of little rough singletrack I couldn't get much momentum on so had to grind out on the singlespeed. Then crashed OTB on the fast loamy fun bits.
Loved it all the same :-)

Baby girl awake, just.

Baby girl awake, just. I am very awake but fading back to sleep fast. If she goes back down soon I might just get on the bike and get out for an hour or so.
Over to you little one...

Ah, forgot to ask our 15 month old daughter if we could sleep through. It would seem not :-)

That's another Mock the Week watched, thanks iPlayer, now time for bed.

How did you structure your training?

How did you structure your training? (noticed your intervals post the other day) Have been off the bike for a few weeks when I should have been desperately cramming in rides to try and survive the Kielder 100 so think I need to try and be a bit clever as well as riding lots. So where did you start making a programme, book, website, trainer...? Or is it all from that "Time Crunched Cyclist" book you recommended, and I still havent got my hands on...

Operation Aubergine update...

Operation Aubergine update...
Plinths, fitted.
Upstand, fitted.
Extra faffing required? Yes.
Quantity, masses.
Details, never made so many trips to a power tool (miter saw) to shave so little material off to try and squeeze it together. Still, thats it done now :-)

If this works it will be quite very, no, exceedingly cool :-)

If this works it will be quite very, no, exceedingly cool :-)

Operation "finally sort out some more bits on the kitchen" may need a more snappy title, Aubergine maybe?

Operation "finally sort out some more bits on the kitchen" may need a more snappy title, Aubergine maybe? But it is GO! Splashback/upstand thing needs fitting, as do the plinths. All the bits have been cut to size so now it is just a simple jigsaw... Right?

Good morning all, hope you had a good weekend?

Good morning all, hope you had a good weekend? I expect it will start getting busy here again shortly, I guess Google+ is still not blocked at work for lots if people :-)

Hmmm, seems you can't add any pictures when you edit a post, so, by way of an experiment, here are some pictures...

Hmmm, seems you can't add any pictures when you edit a post, so, by way of an experiment, here are some pictures from our little stroll and lets see where they end up, Picasa somewhere I assume...

2011-07-30

2011-07-30

2011-07-30

2011-07-30

2011-07-30

2011-07-30

2011-07-30

2011-07-30

2011-07-30

2011-07-30

Just been out for a little walk with the little one on my back.

Just been out for a little walk with the little one on my back. Am so glad we got a decent baby carrier/rucksack thing. Just under three easy miles, she can stroll when she likes, look when she likes, sleep when she likes and the terrain can't stop us. And I get a tiny bit fitter, lovely :-)

Too late, too tired, done too little, time to go to bed and dream a route to cycle tomorrow, or at least where to...

Too late, too tired, done too little, time to go to bed and dream a route to cycle tomorrow, or at least where to start exploring... after I have actually done something useful in this house! #mustmakemostofholidays #mustrememberthisisnttwitter #shameasIquitelikehashtags :-)
Night.

What "fabulous" news, Formula 1 only half on the BBC from next year and Sky say "We will give F1 the full Sky Sports...

What "fabulous" news, Formula 1 only half on the BBC from next year and Sky say "We will give F1 the full Sky Sports treatment with a commitment to each race never seen before on UK television." Bet they still fill it with bloody adverts though... Not that happy...

At times on last nights blast I was telling myself "no pain, no gain." Today I think I may still be gaining a little.

At times on last nights blast I was telling myself "no pain, no gain." Today I think I may still be gaining a little. Aches not helped by our little one having a bad night and finishing the night in with us. She does an excellent starfish impression :-)

I did ride bikes today, twice :-)

I did ride bikes today, twice :-)
A 10 mile singlespeed gurn in the morning and a 26 mile Fully geared and suspended blast this evening, both included some chunks of road and the blast included the entire length of the Monsal trail on the way out, and some on the way back but it was still great to get some miles in

I am going to ride a bike today, twice!

I am going to ride a bike today, twice! One singlespeed gurn over to school to collect the car ('cos it is easier to fit in the car and allows for some exploration on the MTB) and then a "proper" MTB ride tonight, with gears and everything. Am quite looking forward to it/them...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14287822

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14287822

Just read this text exchange, talk about lost in translation! I would have hoped they could find someone who could translate the meaning of this exchange and not just the words...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14287822

35 minutes on the phone to PayPal, two people and one supervisor to be told, you may as well just leave the dispute...

35 minutes on the phone to PayPal, two people and one supervisor to be told, you may as well just leave the dispute as none of the options are suitable and we will sort it in 10 days anyway.
Great, creating an account with them to ease the collection of funds for our school seemed such a good idea at the time...

Just been composing a letter of complaint, the recipient of which probably shouldn't mention out of common courtesy,...

Just been composing a letter of complaint, the recipient of which probably shouldn't mention out of common courtesy, but when you cost me an extra £400 quid for your cock up it annoys me... lots...

Making fortune cookies, what else would you do on a Monday?

Been following this for a bit, glad it might finally make it into the real world...

Been following this for a bit, glad it might finally make it into the real world...

Originally shared by Robert Llewellyn

I'm so pleased to hear about this concept taking the next step. There's been talk of it since the mid noughties, finally coming to Arizona. Worth a watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKyDaWmiNiU

Back from Tatton, chilli eaten, now just hoping for an early bed for the baby so we can relax and catch up on the...

Back from Tatton, chilli eaten, now just hoping for an early bed for the baby so we can relax and catch up on the Grand Prix... With a cup of tea... And ponder when I might get a ride in... Soon!

Hot and sunny at the Tatton show, cloudy, sunny, cloudy... You get the picture :-)

That's the chilli in for tonight, shower, pack and off to Tatton Park for the show...

Going to tempt fate by saying our little girl is back asleep and there is still time for good sleep before going to...

Going to tempt fate by saying our little girl is back asleep and there is still time for good sleep before going to Tatton in the morning. Wish she would stop making those noises though...

Right, a day that included Magna, Meadowhall, Toys R Us, my lovely wife and baby girl is clearly a good day :-) Lion...

Right, a day that included Magna, Meadowhall, Toys R Us, my lovely wife and baby girl is clearly a good day :-) Lion seems to have installed nicely on the Mac and the fact that I no longer have any word processing ability thanks to running an older version of Office is only a little annoying...
Night all. :-)

If I am gone for a long time it is because a Lion ate my Mac...

Yay!

Yay! I am now on my summer holidays, as long as I am sensible, and a bit organised I might even cycle enough to not die at Kielder on September the 3rd...

Another busy, and long, day but hopefully the car will be fixed quickly, the kids will go home happy from school and...

Another busy, and long, day but hopefully the car will be fixed quickly, the kids will go home happy from school and I can start to enjoy my family again. Here is hoping :-)

My insightful wife has just made an interesting observation, you know ancient greek depictions of Medusa.

My insightful wife has just made an interesting observation, you know ancient greek depictions of Medusa... You know that Rebecca Brooks...

Unless I am very much mistaken, I just knocked 4 mins off my quickest homeward commute.

Unless I am very much mistaken, I just knocked 4 mins off my quickest homeward commute. Been consistently 58 minutes, 54 was a very pleasant surprise :-)

Long night with a restless baby but to a honest it was all made fine by the 30 minutes spent with her snuggling down...

Long night with a restless baby but to a honest it was all made fine by the 30 minutes spent with her snuggling down in my arms as she nodded off :-) Lovely!

Right, time for bed, night all you facebook refugees, if you miss the place you could have a look here (warning,...

Right, time for bed, night all you facebook refugees, if you miss the place you could have a look here (warning, begging content...)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grassmoor-Primary-School-Playground-Fundraising-Page/148098525267079
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grassmoor-Primary-School-Playground-Fundraising-Page/148098525267079

OK, let's see what happens if you just dump an "embed" thing into this little box...

OK, let's see what happens if you just dump an "embed" thing into this little box...

Go on then, it's a Twitter v Google+ race, how did the stew on the stovetop turn out then? :-)

Morning all, nice and drizzly outside :-)

Shopping done, bit of tidying, not enough really, had some food, time for some Ikea action for storage?

Shopping done, bit of tidying, not enough really, had some food, time for some Ikea action for storage? Could be... Must remember the bins though, really must remember the bins...
Not every day seems that amazing but shopping with our baby girl was great fun, finding out a litre of Bombay Saphire would cost 37 quid and the nice Jack Daniels would cost 47 quid was a bit of a shocker!

OK, so who is going to devise a plan for me so I can happily cruise around the Kielder 100 course, considering the...

OK, so who is going to devise a plan for me so I can happily cruise around the Kielder 100 course, considering the fact that
a. I have the summer holidays to get ready (am a teacher, one week to go)
b. have a wife baby girl who I would like to spend time with
c. have hardly ridden my bikes for about 6 weeks thanks to injury, but am fine now.

Fire away, happy to answer any questions if it helps sort my programme :-)

Middle of the night and Emily has woken me up agai.

Middle of the night and Emily has woken me up agai... Oh, hang on, she, and the rest of the world, is fast asleep. Wish I was. Night all!

There, a couple more pics added of the Tatton garden, pretty much completed yesterday, now just needs to live until...

There, a couple more pics added of the Tatton garden, pretty much completed yesterday, now just needs to live until the judging on Monday, or is it Tuesday...

Here are the first, poor, badly framed, taken on a mobile at the end of a long day (you get the excuses) pictures of...

Here are the first, poor, badly framed, taken on a mobile at the end of a long day (you get the excuses) pictures of our unfinished garden at Tatton for the Royal Horticultural Show. :-)

This post is brought to you from a school playing field near Chesterfield.

This post is brought to you from a school playing field near Chesterfield. Watching other people run an athletic event for someone else's class, wishing I was paddling in a river with my daughter and wife. Steady afternoon in the sun all the same, shame I burned a bit yesterday doing our Garden at the RHS show, Tatton. It is a diverse life being a teacher sometimes...

Right, been up for 25 mins and at risk of being late. Tatton here we come... again :-)

Bother, cannot find my adaptor to connect my MacBook to a projector.

Bother, cannot find my adaptor to connect my MacBook to a projector. Might make the film premier tonight a little more tricky...

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