Dad is [many] years old today. Happy birthday! (not that he reads this, but, you know, the thought is there and all that)
Fidgeting
Well, the talk went better than I expected – I covered all the main points in a logical and complete fashion, and successfully fielded some difficult questions from a very switched-on audience. And I think I may have gained a new client who has a few problems with a plant that has already escaped into the marketplace, but may be salvagable from a commercial point of view. The venue was in the pavillion at Essex County Cricket Club, so there was a great view over the County Ground.
The only fly in the ointment was a lady who complained that I fidgeted about too much as I gave my presentation. I know I do tend to move a little, largely because I naturally tend to use gesticulation and body language to emphasize what I’m talking about, but she claimed that it was enough to make her giddy! I’ll try to be a bit more aware of it in future, but I naturally do that sort of thing as a subconscious action, so I’m not sure if I’d be able to control it and concentrate on what I was saying. Multitasking – not a strong point.
Beer with…
Beer in the Nags and W2 with Paul F, Malcolm, Kearn, Phil, Dave, Gary, Jeremy, Tanya and Arron, with sightings of Chris and Kristian. W2 really needs a major sort-out, as the bar is not really doing anything to retain the regular customers. As has been said numerous times before, it needs a good bar manager, and quickly.
Ideas
If you were paying attention to the old design, you will remember that it featured a pull-down menu of music related website links. I plan to reinstate this feature on a separate page, as well as redesigning the other pages (like the graybiography) so that they match the front page. All in good time.
One of the ideas I have had for the site is to add a page of food (and drink) sites, as the epicurean is something of a passion for me. I’ve got some ideas for links – I’m thinking of purveyors of your finer foodstuffs more than links to Tesco and the Co-op – but if you have any suggestions, you know what to do.
Preparation
It’s taken much longer than I’d planned, but I’ve now got a detailed set of notes for tomorrow’s presentation, so I should be able to get through it without looking a complete arse. It’s also got a bit of structure now, so hopefully it will not be a case of me rambling aimlessly for an hour.
I’ve just realised that I don’t have a clean shirt for tomorrow night’s wedding reception, so you can guess what I’ll be doing when I get home. I think a readymeal is called for tonight, so I’ll have time to prepare a shirt and get to the pub.
Curry
Hels and I are on a mission – to get as many people as possible to go to her local Indian restaurant, the Kirthon, in The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells. We’ve been there twice now, and had the best Indian food we have ever eaten – incredibly tender meat in the creamiest and most flavoursome sauces you could imagine. The sauces are laden with herbs and spices, but are not hot for heat’s sake, so you can actually taste the flavours and not run screaming for the nearest fire extinguisher.
The service is excellent, and there is a huge plasma screen at one end of the restaurant which is always showing a Bollywood film (or the S Club 7 video, depending on their mood!). Their prices are very fair too, and they also offer a takeaway service.
The only problem with the Kirthon is that it just does not seem to be busy enough to be a sustainable business. So we are on a mission to get more people to go there, as it would be almost criminal if ever it was to close for lack of trade. We’ll certainly be regular customers.
Pictures from Nepal
A new mail from Penn…
well all i have finally figured out how to reduce the photos enough so that they are actually sendable so i have sent you one of my kids queing for dinner, one of the street where i am staying early in the morning before the onslaught of bikes, rickshaws and bloody taxis!! And one of the classroom before i started the work on it.
They are of a fairly low quality so may not be that clear but i will show you the high quality ones when i get home!
Hope you enjoy them see you all soon
Me xx
Secret Santa
If you are not already signed up for Secret Santa, then you should do so soon!
Beer with…
Beer on the way home with Sarah, Pol and Jo. I now have hiccups.
45 minutes, not out
On Saturday, I’m giving a presentation to the British Clematis Society entitled "Plant Breeders’ Rights for Beginners". This will be the first time that I’ve given this talk – I’m always a bit nervous about any subject that is new, as I’m always concerned that there will either be questions that I’m not able to answer, or, worse still, someone there who genuinely knows more about the subject than I do. Whilst my skills at flanneling are world famous, even I can get a bit flustered sometimes.
I’ve just been sent the directions for the venue, and it is being held at Essex County Cricket Club‘s County Ground in Chelmsford. I wonder if I should take an autograph book?