One day at a time

Became a tourist in Wales and took the steam train from Aberystwyth to the Devil's Bridge. It was a pleasant journey riding along the hillside, behind a steam engine. Unfortunately there wasn't that much to do at the destination to warrant waiting for the later train so we can back sooner than originally planned. We took the journey back in the open carriages, which was less comfortable than first class but still enjoyable.

Left Nottingham for a few days in Aberystwyth in mid Wales. The train journey was fine apart for the part after the train split and we had to cram into two carriages. The hotel is basic but functional. Had a simple evening meal of fish and chips.

I spent the morning with my father at the home of one of my nephews and in the company of his twin sons, who recently celebrated their first birthday. They were very entertaining and it was nice to see Daren and Diana again.

I caught up with my sister, her daughter and her two children for lunch. Still disappointed by the gluten free options (or more precisely the lack of) offered by UK restaurants. Showed my sister the android tablets that I had found for her in John Lewis's.

Another wet day, but didn't matter as I took my parents to the Unicorn Hotel on the banks of the Trent down in Gunthorpe. The family used to run this pub but a lot time along and several generations ago. The meals were enormous, my parents received half a chicken each, so I helped finish them off.

I spent a large part of the day shopping, although I didn't by that much. Just a pair of shoes and a couple of T-shirts from Primark. In the evening I caught up with my friend Steve who lives in Nottingham and had dinner near to his place down in the Castle Marina. Quite a pleasant day overall.

After driving back from the garden centre, later on I drive over to see my eldest sister at here home in Nottingham. We had an interesting conversation, unfortunately mostly about getting old and what happens.

Going to take my parents to a garden centre they like to visit and have lunch there.

Spent a good part of the day in the company of my sisters. Firstly we had lunch in the renovated Yates wine bar, which is kind of famous in Nottingham. Then we went shopping, all I bought was some underwear from M & S, but my sisters both have good eyes for a bargain and pick some up in Primark. Finished with a coffee, before the bus back to Carlton.

Shell suits and football kits, large numbers of the UK population haven't moved on since the 80's fashion mistakes. It hadn't occurred to me how little has changed here since I left. There are very few hipster guys and girls, but maybe that trend hasn't moved beyond  London yet.

Took a small excursion to the Castle Marina retail park to pick up a toy for Dad and helped him install it, but I must watch my temper (too much like the old man). Have taken some pictures of the garden, Buster seems to like seeing those.

Had dinner with my sister, her husband and a couple of their children (although they are definitely not children any more). Enjoyed seeing them all again, had great food and interest in conversation.

Easter Sunday has started off wet here in Nottingham. Nothing. Will be open so no point taking the car out anywhere and I'm expecting one of my sisters to come to collect me for dinner at my niece's home. Have planned a couple of trips with my parents, one to the garden centre that they enjoy visiting and another to a pub sitting on the banks of the Trent River, which incidentally use to belong to the family.

Picked the car up and I wonder how long the Budget brand will last know that it has merged with Avis. I think that I might have been upgraded as I thought I was getting a class A vehicle and picked up a class B reasonably high spec Vauxhall Corsa. I have taken it for a drive but need to remember that it is manual and not try to put it into gear without using the clutch. Had more of the family come to see me at my parent's place including  my sister and some of her family. I'm going to have dinner with them tomorrow at my niece's home. Tried to call relatives in Australia but their phone is playing up again, Telstra definitely has infrastructure issues.

After a long sleep (almost 10 hours), I'm awake earlier on Good Friday. Looks like today isn't given the same treatment as back in Australia and the shops will be open today. Lucky because I am still having an issue with my mobile service here in the UK.

By the time I arrived in London, I was virtually dead on my feet. I managed to get to the Premier Inn at Euston and they were extremely kind to find a room available for me. I crashed out for about 4 hours and then went for a walk. St Pancras station was full both East Midlands and Eurostar had had incidents, delaying their services. I collected the tickets for my trip to Nottingham and to Wales as well. I had to checkup on my hire car as there was an issue with the pick up time, Budget were trying to move it earlier! Plus my 3 sim card wasn't working, but they were very helpful at the local 3 shop. Fingers crossed these will both sought themselves out.

The trip to the airport went remarkably smoothly, although the morning was unusual. My mate stayed over night to meet the plumber to my apartment and I had to leave before this had been completed. I have my fingers crossed for a smooth flight and a resolution to the leak.

Was out of sorts all day, brunch was an ordeal, just trying to get there, each way I went I got stuck in traffic. Even afterwards it took an hour to get home. All other plans then came to nothing, but at least I packed for my trip. I should be looking forward to it but feel worn out by it all already. Its a long way to go!

Took my cousin and friend down to Hastings to have lunch with my aunt. We all went to the Stillwater Restaurant down in Dromana and enjoyed the excellent food and service.

After a morning meeting in Bairnsdale, I drive the company car back to work. The journey was long and took an unexpected twist when my manager received some unfortunate news. The drive was tying both physical and emotional, and was very happy to get home to recovery from both.

Spent the morning waiting for work men to come and look at the hole in my ceiling and then spend the afternoon mainly in a car travelling to Bairnsdale, with a short stop off in Morwell. Overall its been an enjoyable experience, not so sure about the 4 hours its going to take to drive back tomorrow.

Going on my first work related road trip to Country Victoria. Nearly 4 hours of driving ahead tomorrow!

I'm trying my best for my team members but it's not always simple to work out what that is. Am I avoiding difficult choices by asking others to pass on tough messages or developing their skills. Probably some combination of the two.

Had plans to go out shopping in preparation for my trip, but unfortunately my bowels had other ideas and I haven't left the apartment all day. I did do some online shopping but there's a doubt that that will arrive before I leave. I was productive, started backing up my computers and got through four loads of washing. I've started to sort out clothing for my trip and they need to be washed before I pack them away.

I got some unexpected news this week that may effect my management duties going forward. It was a surprise but not completely. Will have to be careful to respect the confidence and hope it all turns out well for all concerned.