Well here’s a turn up for the books. Chris Wise, Services Director at Logicalis contacted me to ask if I wanted to come back as a Contractor.
After negotiations re daily rate, start date and length I have started today. 9 months at a very nice rate, thank you 😄.
To be honest having taken July out, it was becoming a slight worry about getting a job. Had quite a few interviews for Azure Cloud Architect positions . Always got through first interview but failed at second. I realised that I didn’t have enough experience but from extensive studying thought I could blag it through, nope. So at my age I had to go down the contract route and miraculously up pops Logicalis, basically doing my old job but paying me much more. Happy Days 😄
Strange times. Alice and Mabel have been in Beckley family holiday in Austria. Coincides with Caitlin, Ava and Oscar coming to visit so Alice very kindly suggests staying at Boyd Close. Makes sense, space and garden, but obviously mixed feelings for me.
However had a brilliant weekend. Saturday we visited Natural History Museum, dinosaurs being the main attraction 😀
Packed lunch at V&A garden
Met up with Lola
Planned to then go to Westminster, South Bank and Tate. But, too hot, too busy so decided to head back.
Sunday, Great Yarmouth, with Tilly 😀. Surprise for Mum.
As I write this on plane to Ibiza, should have been in the air an hour ago but passenger taken ill just before takeoff so back to stand! However been informed we are ready for takeoff 😀….took off
This was a surprise for Mabel. Alice and Lola knew I was coming but we didn’t tell Mabel. Arranged to meet at our favourite restaurant Can Xarc.
I could see them sitting at a table and Mabel on the beach, hid behind a tree until Mabel walked up from the beach and jumped out! Never seen such of look of disbelief then big bear hugs. Wonderful.
Booked Osees pre covid, then Mark took tickets when rescheduled, then didn’t make it. Two years or so on, up popped Osees at J1 Cambridge. Grabbed a ticket, asked Mark if he was interested, but he is in Majorca.
Come tonight on my own. No problem with that, however a 10 minute walk from Cambridge station turned into 45 as I missed a turn. Actually enjoyed the walk and saw some areas of Cambridge not seen before. Arrived just as they kicked off.
Observed over the years the demographic of bands that you may think are for just a younger generation. Of course not, that exciting loud fast sweaty sound feels the same at 60 as it did at 15. The difference is all the old buggers stand at the back jigging around leaving the youth to the nutty stuff up front.
After doubts that Mabel would be coming with me, last minute change of mind by Alice (and I think from conversations with her mum), we are off to Wales.
Early start, easy journey, we are there by 10.30. Oscar and Ava are at school so take Caitlin to lunch at Corn Mill. Very quiet and relaxing, real treat for Caitlin, doesn’t happen too often.
Pick up Ava and Oscar from school, all pleased to see each other. Back home for tea and eventually bed.
Intention on Friday morning to take children school, but find car has puncture. So rush for Caitlin to take them.
Fortunately garage 2 minutes away can fix. Caitlin takes Mabel shopping while I do another section of the Llangollen Round. Beautiful day, 10 miles. Now done around half in two walks so at least have a feel for directions. Great views.
Friday evening we drove over Horseshoe Pass to Mold. Dinner in Spoons. Good to see Conor of course. He is off to Liverpool tomorrow with his team, 9.00 start, good luck there 😀, it is Grand National day.
Saturday we all headed to Bala lake. On way someone drove in to the back of us. Ava was very upset, as was Mabel, Oscar fine. The car was not hugely damaged but his car I suspect is a write off. When we pulled off the road he asked for a bit of time to compose himself as his girlfriend had died in a car crash a couple of months previously, he was with his son around 15 who was really upset. Felt for them and turned out to be an ok guy, from Colchester. Insurance all sorted.
Had great fun walking round the lake.
Sunday Caitlin worked Sunday. So all down to me. Not too creative I’m afraid, 3 hours plus at the play area. Then time at he park, Mabel very close to riding a bike.
Back Sunday evening. TBH, knackered. Slept like a log. Big bed. Mabel and I squeeze on the futon when we travel, fine for short period, but takes its toll.
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