It's been a busy one...and it went like this :

Monday
The dentist. My first check up in a year and I knew what he was going to say. "Wonderful teeth, but your gums will need serious looking after. So I'm back to see the hygieniest (sp?) in six months. I really don't mind going to see the dentist, but then people such as myself who are blessed with strong teeth (touch wood!) probably never do as they seldom need anything done. One thought that did occur to me when I was being scraped and polished was that my dentist, Mr. Evans, has been my dentist all my life and he'll probably be retiring soon. I don't know if I'll like going to the dentist as much when it's someone else. In the afternoon I went to Warwick to hand in my forms to do supply teaching. They now know everything about me from my full name to my inside leg measurement, and most of it's in triplicate. Why can't these things be merged into one form? This evening I went to the gym with Alex & Sabrina for the induction program. I've joined four gyms I think in the past and so although I've never used any gym more than about 10 times I do know my way around them. I do hate gyms, but when you've got to go you've got to go. A big hurdle will be the first proper session, so maybe I'll go tomorrow.

Tuesday
I took my new guitar to the guitar tech today. As expected my new guitar needs quite a few little jobs doing to make it playable, but he thinks that it's worth it because it's an interesting instrument and generally well made. He's going to 'phone me with a quote later in the week. This evening I played snooker again. I do enjoy playing snooker on a Tuesday night. It's fun and relaxing and every so often I play a really jammy shot that I can claim. Earlier in the day I received a call from Warwickshire County Council asking why there was a four month gap in my past addresses. "I was travelling" I replied. "Do you have an address for that?" I was asked. I pointed out that not having an address was central to the nature of travelling, and she offered the opinion that the criminal clearance board (or whatever it's called) might not accept that. We live in a mad, mad world. I haven't been to the gym today.

Wednesday
Another medical day. Went to the doctor's to see about a few minor ailments. A cyst on the side of my neck, a swollen gland underneath my jaw at New Year, not being able to breath...the normal stuff. He says I'm fine. Thanks! Then to the optician for what I presumed correctly would be a mere formality. "You've got wonderful eyes." said the young, attractive optician before adding "As you get older it's good to have them checked though." Thanks! Finally badminton in Alcester. It took me a few games to get back into it but then there was no stopping me! Very satisfying! Really though I did play well and one player even commented on my peculiar back-hand stroke which he had had real difficulty with. Thanks! Didn't go to the gym today.

Thursday
Went down to Reading to see Gay, who is over from Seychelles for a bit. It was a very enjoyable day, hosted by Kate, Jim and Sophie - friends of Gay who were very welcoming and excellent company. We went out for lunch and then gay tried to buy silk thermal undies (with no success) before we returned home to play games and try and half a piece of cheese until it was so small it was impossible... Guitar tech man 'phoned. £45 to put it all right. Not as bad as I had feared. Obviously, didn't go to the gym today...

Friday
Dad and I went to Ross-on-Wye to look at houses for him. No joy. But it was good to have a look around and reaccquaint myself with the area. I haven't been there for about 15 years I think when I went kayaking with Scouts. We did see a house that has purchase potential nearer to Stratford though. I may have a pension yet. Didn't go to the gym.

Saturday
Cambridge United. One day I'll see them win again. It's only happened once, against Wrexham in the FA Cup a few years back. Maybe I'm a bad omen? Anyway, Beccy came to watch it too and despite the cold and the defeat it was a good day. We had lunch in a pub that only sells Thai food (appropriate somehow) and Beccy had a cup of instant tea, which was an educational experience for her, but one which ended up all over the floor. I do like going to watch live football, especially when it's Cambridge playing. I must endeavour to do it more often. For the second time in three days I borrowed Dad's new car (the Escort roof is leaking at the moment as I haven't set it up quite right) and I have enjoyed wafting along in it. It's just like his old Granada used to be. Didn't go to the gym...

Sunday
Not much happened today. I played football in the morning, and put in a pretty good performance in goal. It was bitterly cold with rain and wind sweeping across the astroturf for much of the session. Great fun though. Then I took the pictures of Dad's Granada for it's eBay entry that I was supposed to do this evening, won the LDV Cup with Cambridge on Championship Manager, and then fell asleep until just now when I had lots of things to do...ah well. Didn't go to the gym either. Maybe tomorrow...