As I start to write this coming up to the long Bank Holiday weekend, I am feeling tired and weary. May has thus far been a pretty physical one in the office, with van loads of kit going to external events and room set ups galore for internal events. All going on with staff sickness in the background. I feel like I deserve a well earned long weekend, which luckily I have coming up. More of that later, as I am getting ahead of myself... On 4 May (a long bank holiday weekend), the weather was cracking and we had Jenny's family (well, some of them anyway) round to Ratters Manor for the first major barbeque of the season. I had replaced my old BBQ as rust had taken hold, so a panic build took place, followed by a panic 20+ mile drive to find a suitable gas bottle - on a very hot pre-Bank Holiday Sunday. It went pretty well, and a good time was had by all - especially the young people who were in the paddling pool. The following Saturday 12 May, James, Chris and I went on a boat ride from Westminster to the Thames Barrier. Before that we dropped in on my Mum for a cuppa. I had done the Tourist Boat, and Thames Clipper version of the river trip before but this was a little different. The Thames Rockets are rib inflatables which potter as far as Tower Bridge, then open up between there and Greenwich. After Greenwich, restrictions are lifted and the boat is thrown about a little. It was a little wet, but very, very enjoyable <More here>. The following weekend, Jenny and I took the opportunity of Layla being with her Dad to do some tidying and clearance at my place. I am by nature a hoarder, and space needs to be made so we can spend more time at Ratters Manor and to make it more homely. We have a plan for the second bedroom to make it fit for an 8 year old to stay, but in essence I need to clear out a lot of stuff. This is a job worth doing, and will be on-going. In other news... The appointment of Unai Emery as manager at my beloved Arsenal is very interesting. I wish him all the best in the coming seasons. I will keep this one short, as I am running out of time.
Watch this space.... "Let's be careful out there". Pip pip....
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This is NOT an analysis of a song, merely personal observations about a song that I love. Enjoy. "Oliver's Army" by Elvis Costello From Declan McManus's 1979 album, Armed Forces, this song alludes to several "trouble spots" around the world including South Africa, Palestine, Cyprus and "Checkpoint Charlie". It has been suggested that the "Troubles" in Belfast prompted Costello to write this "anti-occupation anthem". "Hong Kong is up for grabs London is full of Arabs We could be in Palestine Overrun by a Chinese line With the boys from the Mersey and the Thames and the Tyne But there's no danger It's a professional career Though it could be arranged With just a word in Mr. Churchill's ear If you're out of luck or out of work We could send you to Johannesburg" "Oliver's Army"
Written by Declan Macmanus • Copyright © Universal Music Publishing Group Don't start me talking I could talk all night My mind goes sleepwalking While I'm putting the world to right Called careers information Have you got yourself an occupation? Oliver's army is here to stay Oliver's army are on their way And I would rather be anywhere else But here today There was a checkpoint Charlie He didn't crack a smile But it's no laughing party When you've been on the murder mile Only takes one itchy trigger One more widow, one less white nigger Oliver's army is here to stay Oliver's army are on their way And I would rather be anywhere else But here today Hong Kong is up for grabs London is full of Arabs We could be in Palestine Overrun by a Chinese line With the boys from the Mersey and the Thames and the Tyne But there's no danger It's a professional career Though it could be arranged With just a word in Mr. Churchill's ear If you're out of luck or out of work We could send you to Johannesburg Oliver's army is here to stay Oliver's army are on their way And I would rather be anywhere else But here today And I would rather be anywhere else But here today And I would rather be anywhere else But here today, oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh Oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh |
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