It is 07.20. I am just back from my bike ride. There was a strong cold east wind - but very clear. It was stunning to see a massive red sun emerge gradually from the sea horizon and then become a huge yellow globe with a red bottom half. Almost unreal - so close - however no extra warmth yet for a while at least.
Some mornings/days it is a bit of a rush of course but here is a simple idea.
(I am not generally one for psychobabble - there are plenty of books about lifestyle and happiness etc. - (very few of which I have read - ha!). For me the route to happiness is simply explained by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Get that in your head and you won't go far wrong - everything begins to make sense and you will know where you are.)
Back to the simple idea - it is not original! All it is - try and do something each day - however small to make an incremental improvement in your life. Invariably it means investing a bit of extra time now - or hassle now for benefit in the future.
Question - "what have I done today to improve my life - make it that little bit easier, or enjoyable or special? The best ones have ongoing and regular benefit.
One simple one - we all have journeys to make in our lives. To school, to the shops - to work. In many instances there are route options. Is there one that gives more pleasure. Can the route be perfected. For instance I have 2 routes to the nearest town. One possibly a bit longer - it runs by the sea. If you have time to notice the sea and the sky - just for a few moments it adds some extra pleasure to your life. It is the route I use.
One yesterday - my lap top briefcase is crammed with files. It made getting my lap top in and out a hassle. It has been the case for ages. I sorted the files - reduced them down and tidied things up. It took 20 minutes. I actually smiled with pleasure yesterday when the silly old lap top just slid into the bag!
Another one - I have had the same car for a long time. Radio channels are selected by push button or by manually searching. There are a couple of channels I listen to now and again. One is for the cricket - but I have never set up the button press because I couldn't remember how to do it. Anyway I got the manual out - sorted it. Now I can listen to Test Match special with ease - ha - rather than miss it because I cannot tune in properly! Simple pleasures are best.
That is my tip - slow incremental improvements - improves our lives. (of course there will always be set backs - a puncture - or the washing machine goes wrong - but onward we go with a smile- ha!)
Tuesday, 29 September 2015
Thursday, 24 September 2015
Cleaning dusting and polishing
I have been having what might be best described as a spring clean. Usually there has to be a reason - on this occasion 4 old mates from Exeter - going right back to primary school - are coming to stay for a lads weekend - will be interesting as we are hardly lads anymore but maybe we don't fully realise it yet!).
Generally my home is tidy I would say - definitely not unhygienic I would say - ha! - but I will admit to being rubbish at dealing with dusting and vacuum cleaning - and cleaning the windows.
The question for myself is am I normal - in as much as my cleaning standards are where they are - or am I abnormal given where my cleaning standards generally are?
Certainly I am aware that a lot of homes are regularly cleaned polished and dusted - many on a daily basis. The "housework" is part of the living day to day routine. Do I think this is excessive? I certainly do not do it. Should I be looking at it as a case of a stitch in time - no need for periodic miserable - time consuming - boring spring cleans - as I have just done.
But do I really want part of my everyday involving dusting and polishing. (I do manage to keep the kitchen pretty reasonable as a sensible priority I would say - ha!). Are many people not OCD - are some homes just too sterile and too cleansed for the actual good health of the occupants!? Where does the right balance lie? Surely I have it about right or am I a lazy slob - surely I couldn't be! Admit it Shoulder - your standards are not high enough - but on the other hand it is not the Queen who is visiting - I am just an ordinary bloke with other things to think about and do - surely!
My problem is one of attitude. I get no pleasure whatsoever from dusting and cleaning. I know it has to be done. Maybe it is how some people feel about exercise or being outdoors.
Writing this and thinking about it is making me grumpy - maybe I should employ a cleaner - but that is lazy and I could do something more interesting with the money - maybe!
I need a solution - it is affecting my karma - what to do - I will report back - but first of all the weekend and the rugby - hooray!
PS see my blog 18th June #OCD
Generally my home is tidy I would say - definitely not unhygienic I would say - ha! - but I will admit to being rubbish at dealing with dusting and vacuum cleaning - and cleaning the windows.
The question for myself is am I normal - in as much as my cleaning standards are where they are - or am I abnormal given where my cleaning standards generally are?
Certainly I am aware that a lot of homes are regularly cleaned polished and dusted - many on a daily basis. The "housework" is part of the living day to day routine. Do I think this is excessive? I certainly do not do it. Should I be looking at it as a case of a stitch in time - no need for periodic miserable - time consuming - boring spring cleans - as I have just done.
But do I really want part of my everyday involving dusting and polishing. (I do manage to keep the kitchen pretty reasonable as a sensible priority I would say - ha!). Are many people not OCD - are some homes just too sterile and too cleansed for the actual good health of the occupants!? Where does the right balance lie? Surely I have it about right or am I a lazy slob - surely I couldn't be! Admit it Shoulder - your standards are not high enough - but on the other hand it is not the Queen who is visiting - I am just an ordinary bloke with other things to think about and do - surely!
My problem is one of attitude. I get no pleasure whatsoever from dusting and cleaning. I know it has to be done. Maybe it is how some people feel about exercise or being outdoors.
Writing this and thinking about it is making me grumpy - maybe I should employ a cleaner - but that is lazy and I could do something more interesting with the money - maybe!
I need a solution - it is affecting my karma - what to do - I will report back - but first of all the weekend and the rugby - hooray!
PS see my blog 18th June #OCD
Sunday, 20 September 2015
#John O'Groats to Lands End - maybe?
It was another glorious early morning this morning - a Sunday - not a breath of wind - sun up and casting a warm beam, through the hovering sea mist, across the sea from the middle of the Solent off Seaview all the way to Ryde Harbour. I was on my bike. I am riding more and more because it is helping with a knee ligament injury (I think - ha!).
If you are from the UK you will know there is a classic challenge - the longest route the UK can offer - top to bottom - end to end - John O'Groats at the very top of Scotland to Lands End at the very bottom of Cornwall - just under a 1000 miles. Many people have done it - most on a bike - some have walked it. At Lands End there are photographs showing people finishing in all manner of contraptions.
I have been to Lands End quite a few times - it is a lovely cliff walk. We were there this year and the thought yet again went through my mind - how great it would feel if you cycled there from John O' Groats - a real adventure - a real challenge - a big achievement.
Walking is a great thing to do but cycling offers a lot too. It is slow enough to enjoy the scenery - you cover more ground though - you see a lot over the hedges you might miss by walking and of course it is much easier on the knees.
As far is cycling is concerned I have no interest in the racing bike and lycra approach. For years we have done the annual Isle of Wight Randonee. The Randonee is a circumnavigation of the Island - 67 miles with some extreme hills. We just get out our hybrid bikes and do it. We ache next day - but it is possible - definitely.
So my thought process is I can do the end to end. Some people do it in 10 days or less. They often do it as teams - with support teams - (often for charity). That will not be me - I have no idea how long it will take - certainly 3 weeks. Much depends on the actual route taken. I will avoid the quicker major roads for obvious reasons - and will use a hybrid bike with panniers - and using secondary quieter roads.
Overnight stops is a big consideration. Many use bed and breakfast. I probably would - but I have lightweight camping gear and this might be a possibility.
So the seed is planted. I would like to do it and think I can.
The next question is when. Scotland particularly in the north is well known for its extreme weather - but I do not want to do it in full summer - for lots of reasons. So I am pencilling in May 2016 and am gradually going to formulate a plan. It may not come to fruition but this is the start and it feels positive to have it on the agenda. Imagine the feeling - you crawl into Lands End - you have cycled a 1000 miles through all weathers - there will be highs and lows - but what a sense of achievement. A big smile indeed.
If you are from the UK you will know there is a classic challenge - the longest route the UK can offer - top to bottom - end to end - John O'Groats at the very top of Scotland to Lands End at the very bottom of Cornwall - just under a 1000 miles. Many people have done it - most on a bike - some have walked it. At Lands End there are photographs showing people finishing in all manner of contraptions.
I have been to Lands End quite a few times - it is a lovely cliff walk. We were there this year and the thought yet again went through my mind - how great it would feel if you cycled there from John O' Groats - a real adventure - a real challenge - a big achievement.
Walking is a great thing to do but cycling offers a lot too. It is slow enough to enjoy the scenery - you cover more ground though - you see a lot over the hedges you might miss by walking and of course it is much easier on the knees.
As far is cycling is concerned I have no interest in the racing bike and lycra approach. For years we have done the annual Isle of Wight Randonee. The Randonee is a circumnavigation of the Island - 67 miles with some extreme hills. We just get out our hybrid bikes and do it. We ache next day - but it is possible - definitely.
So my thought process is I can do the end to end. Some people do it in 10 days or less. They often do it as teams - with support teams - (often for charity). That will not be me - I have no idea how long it will take - certainly 3 weeks. Much depends on the actual route taken. I will avoid the quicker major roads for obvious reasons - and will use a hybrid bike with panniers - and using secondary quieter roads.
Overnight stops is a big consideration. Many use bed and breakfast. I probably would - but I have lightweight camping gear and this might be a possibility.
So the seed is planted. I would like to do it and think I can.
The next question is when. Scotland particularly in the north is well known for its extreme weather - but I do not want to do it in full summer - for lots of reasons. So I am pencilling in May 2016 and am gradually going to formulate a plan. It may not come to fruition but this is the start and it feels positive to have it on the agenda. Imagine the feeling - you crawl into Lands End - you have cycled a 1000 miles through all weathers - there will be highs and lows - but what a sense of achievement. A big smile indeed.
Saturday, 19 September 2015
#RugbyWorldCup PT2
Last night the opening ceremony and the opening game - England v Fiji. A great night and a really excellent start for the tournament overall. Anticipation is high indeed.
The England Fiji game was an engrossing watch. Both teams did well taking into account the occasion and the significance of it.
Fiji - a country of less than a million people - players all playing their club rugby elsewhere were their usual magnificent handful and a better organised one too. A live potential banana skin for England.
It is always an emotional time - watching through the camera as it goes up the line with close ups of players singing their national anthems - big men with tears in their eyes - so proud of the enormity of what they have achieved - representing their country on the greatest rugby stage of all. Humbling - magnificent emotional stuff.
There is controversy about the use of the TMO. It is welcome and needed in rugby I think. Rugby lends itself very well to its use in the way for instance football doesn't. The problem last night was the ref changed a try awarded decision - using the camera as an afterthought. That is not right. The other issue is the time it takes. Maybe there can be more emphasis on a quick decision but it does create drama and it does mean vital decisions are more likely to be accurate. Without TMO the Fijian try would have been given and the last England one - would probably have not been!
The first night of a 6 week rugby fest. So much to look forward to. Well done England - not perfect but a good start. We have a terrific squad - strong off the bench - we have a real chance.
The England Fiji game was an engrossing watch. Both teams did well taking into account the occasion and the significance of it.
Fiji - a country of less than a million people - players all playing their club rugby elsewhere were their usual magnificent handful and a better organised one too. A live potential banana skin for England.
It is always an emotional time - watching through the camera as it goes up the line with close ups of players singing their national anthems - big men with tears in their eyes - so proud of the enormity of what they have achieved - representing their country on the greatest rugby stage of all. Humbling - magnificent emotional stuff.
There is controversy about the use of the TMO. It is welcome and needed in rugby I think. Rugby lends itself very well to its use in the way for instance football doesn't. The problem last night was the ref changed a try awarded decision - using the camera as an afterthought. That is not right. The other issue is the time it takes. Maybe there can be more emphasis on a quick decision but it does create drama and it does mean vital decisions are more likely to be accurate. Without TMO the Fijian try would have been given and the last England one - would probably have not been!
The first night of a 6 week rugby fest. So much to look forward to. Well done England - not perfect but a good start. We have a terrific squad - strong off the bench - we have a real chance.
Tuesday, 15 September 2015
#RugbyWorldCup PT1 and sport in general
Some people have no interest in sport - either participating or watching. To many - certainly to yours truly - this is incredible. The challenge of competing - the joy of winning - the purity felt from effort and tiredness and sportsmanship - the camaraderie - the controversy - the generated emotion - (yes a touch of gentle jingoism ha) - the tactics - the skills - the history - the rivalry - the optimism - either competing, supporting or watching - sport enriches so many lives. Hard to imagine a life without it.
On Friday the Rugby Union World Cup begins. It is in England. It is on terrestrial TV (no time issues) . It lasts for 6 weeks. It has the potential to lift the whole nation - or send it to an early sulk. It is going to be a fantastic spectacle I am sure. There is so much to look forward to. I have to admit I feel excited - yes really excited about what is to come. It brings a real smile - a grin based on the reality - England could win it - they are more likely not to (and that is sort of ok - depending on the manner of our loss if it happens) - there will be plenty of anguish, plenty of holding of breath - lots of cheering and maybe a few tears - joy or otherwise - what a prospect - it is going to be a great tournament - the rugby will be terrific - the coverage amazing and comprehensive.
For those that do not know much about rugby or for that matter about any sport here is a tip - the more you get to know about it - the more you stand to get out of it. If you know the names of the teams that will help. If you get to know individual players - a plus. Gradually you will build an insight. Things will become more meaningful. You will understand rivalries - things will become poignant at times - recognise the underdog - special efforts - courage - bad luck - you will form views about the play and the outcome. You might care! You might eventually feel passionate about your team - cheer - clap - dance (if we win the world cup again!) - get carried away immersed in something that is after all just sport - ha! and it does no one any harm - I could drone on!
As to Rugby Union itself it is both a simple and complex game at the same time. It could be a daunting watch for the newbie but don't let it be. Rugby can be great to watch even if you do not understand the finer points of the rules - because the majority don't - ha!
What you need to know -
You can only pass the ball backwards in rugby! You get 5 points for a try - 2 for a conversion and 3 for a penalty. You can't tackle someone in the air or around the head. You have to release the ball quickly when you go to ground - otherwise it is a penalty.
You will hear reference to rucks and mauls - What are they for? Teams use rucks and mauls to recycle the ball after a tackle. Basically, it all depends on whether the tackled player is held up by an opponent or goes to ground.
In a maul the ball is held off the floor and all the players must try to stay on their feet.
In a ruck the ball is on the ground and must not be handled by any of the players. Instead they use their feet to 'ruck' the ball backwards.
Scrum (and lineouts when the ball goes out of play) - a way of restarting the game. Rugby teams have forwards and backs. The forwards form the scrum. What happens in the scum is a mystery to the backs and some would say the referees. There are lots of rules - don't worry about them - just enjoy the spectacle and the excitement!
Offside - just listen to the commentary and the ref!
What else. The refs word is final. The rules of rugby are all about how the ref interprets them - you don't have to understand what happens in the maul (wait to you see the chaos and excitement of a sustained rolling maul - you will not understand what is happening - even where the ball is but it is a brilliant watch.)
Finally - points can be scored quickly in rugby. Momentum can swing momentum can build - you never know.
The great thing about this tournament is there are so many teams that can win it. New Zealand might be favourites but Australia, France, South Africa, Wales, Ireland and England of course can win it if they get their act together. There are many other good sides too including the Scots. England are in a very tough opening group with only the top 2 going forward to the quarter finals out of 3 world class teams. In addition England's opener is against Fiji - a big fast and powerful side. England are expected to win but it is a real potential banana skin - nervous already!
One final final thing for the newbie England supporter you must know Swing Low Sweet Chariot -
Chorus:
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home,
Swing low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.
I looked over Jordan, and what did I see
Coming for to carry me home?
A band of angels coming after me,
Coming for to carry me home.
Chorus
Get the actions off You Tube
Have a great tournament and enjoy your sport!
On Friday the Rugby Union World Cup begins. It is in England. It is on terrestrial TV (no time issues) . It lasts for 6 weeks. It has the potential to lift the whole nation - or send it to an early sulk. It is going to be a fantastic spectacle I am sure. There is so much to look forward to. I have to admit I feel excited - yes really excited about what is to come. It brings a real smile - a grin based on the reality - England could win it - they are more likely not to (and that is sort of ok - depending on the manner of our loss if it happens) - there will be plenty of anguish, plenty of holding of breath - lots of cheering and maybe a few tears - joy or otherwise - what a prospect - it is going to be a great tournament - the rugby will be terrific - the coverage amazing and comprehensive.
For those that do not know much about rugby or for that matter about any sport here is a tip - the more you get to know about it - the more you stand to get out of it. If you know the names of the teams that will help. If you get to know individual players - a plus. Gradually you will build an insight. Things will become more meaningful. You will understand rivalries - things will become poignant at times - recognise the underdog - special efforts - courage - bad luck - you will form views about the play and the outcome. You might care! You might eventually feel passionate about your team - cheer - clap - dance (if we win the world cup again!) - get carried away immersed in something that is after all just sport - ha! and it does no one any harm - I could drone on!
As to Rugby Union itself it is both a simple and complex game at the same time. It could be a daunting watch for the newbie but don't let it be. Rugby can be great to watch even if you do not understand the finer points of the rules - because the majority don't - ha!
What you need to know -
You can only pass the ball backwards in rugby! You get 5 points for a try - 2 for a conversion and 3 for a penalty. You can't tackle someone in the air or around the head. You have to release the ball quickly when you go to ground - otherwise it is a penalty.
You will hear reference to rucks and mauls - What are they for? Teams use rucks and mauls to recycle the ball after a tackle. Basically, it all depends on whether the tackled player is held up by an opponent or goes to ground.
Scrum (and lineouts when the ball goes out of play) - a way of restarting the game. Rugby teams have forwards and backs. The forwards form the scrum. What happens in the scum is a mystery to the backs and some would say the referees. There are lots of rules - don't worry about them - just enjoy the spectacle and the excitement!
Offside - just listen to the commentary and the ref!
What else. The refs word is final. The rules of rugby are all about how the ref interprets them - you don't have to understand what happens in the maul (wait to you see the chaos and excitement of a sustained rolling maul - you will not understand what is happening - even where the ball is but it is a brilliant watch.)
Finally - points can be scored quickly in rugby. Momentum can swing momentum can build - you never know.
The great thing about this tournament is there are so many teams that can win it. New Zealand might be favourites but Australia, France, South Africa, Wales, Ireland and England of course can win it if they get their act together. There are many other good sides too including the Scots. England are in a very tough opening group with only the top 2 going forward to the quarter finals out of 3 world class teams. In addition England's opener is against Fiji - a big fast and powerful side. England are expected to win but it is a real potential banana skin - nervous already!
One final final thing for the newbie England supporter you must know Swing Low Sweet Chariot -
Chorus:
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home,
Swing low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.
I looked over Jordan, and what did I see
Coming for to carry me home?
A band of angels coming after me,
Coming for to carry me home.
Chorus
Get the actions off You Tube
Have a great tournament and enjoy your sport!
#Meat we eat
We eat a lot of meat in the UK and it is a very expensive commodity. Much of it is intensively reared of course.
I like the idea of being a vegetarian but it would be hugely difficult. I can go for periods just eating fruit, vegetables and pulses - and cheese - ha! but need for meat starts looming!
In the UK it is chicken, pork (lots of bacon), beef and lamb. We are typically so set in our ways. We are so squeamish too - only eat what we know - nothing the slightest unusual. It is invariably packaged - almost to deny it was once alive.
I have just been to a local butcher. 2 local wild rabbits - skinned cleaned and portioned, a brace of pheasants - plucked, some liver and 4 packs of bacon off cuts - £17.43. What a bargain. So much better than standard supermarket fare - but not everyone would think so.
I like the idea of being a vegetarian but it would be hugely difficult. I can go for periods just eating fruit, vegetables and pulses - and cheese - ha! but need for meat starts looming!
In the UK it is chicken, pork (lots of bacon), beef and lamb. We are typically so set in our ways. We are so squeamish too - only eat what we know - nothing the slightest unusual. It is invariably packaged - almost to deny it was once alive.
I have just been to a local butcher. 2 local wild rabbits - skinned cleaned and portioned, a brace of pheasants - plucked, some liver and 4 packs of bacon off cuts - £17.43. What a bargain. So much better than standard supermarket fare - but not everyone would think so.
Sunday, 13 September 2015
Kathmandu Oct/Nov 2014
I have just been tidying my photos - a bummer job - especially as it is easy to get behind with it - as I always am. (Was it easier in the days before digital - certainly far fewer photos!) Anyway they prompted this blog.
In October 2014 I made a trip to Nepal.
I retain very vivid and happy memories of sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Much of what I was privileged to see was designated as a world heritage site. Much of what I saw such a short time ago has now been destroyed as a result of the shocking April 2015 earthquake.
Nepal is economically such a poor place. The people must be having such a terrible struggle. Hopefully everything can gradually be restored and repaired and life can get back to normal and the vital tourists and trekkers return. I attach a few photos.
In October 2014 I made a trip to Nepal.
I retain very vivid and happy memories of sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Much of what I was privileged to see was designated as a world heritage site. Much of what I saw such a short time ago has now been destroyed as a result of the shocking April 2015 earthquake.
Nepal is economically such a poor place. The people must be having such a terrible struggle. Hopefully everything can gradually be restored and repaired and life can get back to normal and the vital tourists and trekkers return. I attach a few photos.
 |
| Scenes around Swayambhunath (monkey temple) |
 |
| Kumari Bahal (House of the Living Goddess) |
 |
| The mighty Maju Deval Shiva Temple Durbar |
 |
| Dattatraya |
 |
| Durbar Square |
 |
| Scenes from the Royal Palace |
 |
| The Parliament building in the background |
 |
| A Bagmati River ghat - for Hindu cremation pyres. The ashes flow into the Ganges |
 |
| The magnificent Boudhanath stupa |
Wednesday, 9 September 2015
#WayneRooney
Last night Wayne Rooney became England's highest ever goal scorer. He scored his 50th goal to beat the great Bobby Charlton's record. A tremendous achievement by Wayne who deserves all the plaudits he gets - but I still feel the need to defend and support him against on going negativity towards him from some.
What is their beef? Well amongst others :
He was born and brought up on a council estate in Croxteth, Liverpool - the sort of place where many turn to crime and drugs - a tough area. Consequently he emerged into the high profile football world as a rough diamond - unsophisticated (too often taken as thick - especially with that very strong scouse accent).
He made his league debut at 16 after a stellar junior career and scored his first goal for the England senior team at 17! Wayne was the hottest property. Everyone wanted to sign him - recognising his potential. The reality is Everton were not a big enough club to hold him. He was always going to get to the top - it had its own unstoppable momentum because he was an outstanding young player.
Having said that there have been many outstanding juniors. The records are littered with players who did not fulfil their potential or couldn't handle the status. Wayne Rooney has.
Rooney might not be Messi but he is the best we have. He has the universal respect of all footballers as a footballer. All the managers he has played for as made him pivotal in their plans. He is captain of both his club and his country. That says so much about him. He is not star struck.
Yes when Wayne burst on the scene he had some disciplinary issues. Yes as a teenager he made a mistakes in his personal life (who hasn't). But Wayne to his great credit has learned. He has listened to wise council. Despite being a marked man and high profile he has managed to retain the energy and physicality of his game but kept his temper in check. As far as I know he continues to live happily as a family man with his wife Colleen - his childhood sweetheart and she deserves great credit too.
Footballers earn fantastic money. Some say too much. But that is the nature of football. It has spoilt many players - made them cynical - made them selfish. That is not Wayne Rooney. He is not driving around in a pink Bentley. He gives 100% in every match even if he is not playing well. He tries to respond to his managers requirement in every game - he has been asked to play in so many positions over the years - and not moaned or thrown his toys out as other players have and perhaps he might have been entitled to do.
I hope for Wayne Rooney's sake and for our sake he does have a great European finals and maybe a world cup to come. It is true he has not always been at his best in international finals - but injury and "systems" and general bad England performances have not helped.
Overall we are lucky to have Wayne Rooney. He is a credit to us and particularly to himself and his family. He has come from a difficult background to be earning millions. He has kept his feet on the ground, learnt from his mistakes, continues to give 100% and has achieved so much. A role model for any young footballer today. Well done Wayne and Colleen. Lets hope the critics will gradually get off your back - they certainly should - and I think in time you will revered as one of the greats in the way of course Bobby Charlton is!
What is their beef? Well amongst others :
- He is not a great player in terms of Messi or even Charlton.
- He has not done it for England in tournament finals.
- His disciplinary record.
- He is paid too much.
- He has made mistakes in his personal life.
- He left Everton for Manchester United.
- He does not have the charisma of a David Beckham.
He was born and brought up on a council estate in Croxteth, Liverpool - the sort of place where many turn to crime and drugs - a tough area. Consequently he emerged into the high profile football world as a rough diamond - unsophisticated (too often taken as thick - especially with that very strong scouse accent).
He made his league debut at 16 after a stellar junior career and scored his first goal for the England senior team at 17! Wayne was the hottest property. Everyone wanted to sign him - recognising his potential. The reality is Everton were not a big enough club to hold him. He was always going to get to the top - it had its own unstoppable momentum because he was an outstanding young player.
Having said that there have been many outstanding juniors. The records are littered with players who did not fulfil their potential or couldn't handle the status. Wayne Rooney has.
Rooney might not be Messi but he is the best we have. He has the universal respect of all footballers as a footballer. All the managers he has played for as made him pivotal in their plans. He is captain of both his club and his country. That says so much about him. He is not star struck.
Yes when Wayne burst on the scene he had some disciplinary issues. Yes as a teenager he made a mistakes in his personal life (who hasn't). But Wayne to his great credit has learned. He has listened to wise council. Despite being a marked man and high profile he has managed to retain the energy and physicality of his game but kept his temper in check. As far as I know he continues to live happily as a family man with his wife Colleen - his childhood sweetheart and she deserves great credit too.
Footballers earn fantastic money. Some say too much. But that is the nature of football. It has spoilt many players - made them cynical - made them selfish. That is not Wayne Rooney. He is not driving around in a pink Bentley. He gives 100% in every match even if he is not playing well. He tries to respond to his managers requirement in every game - he has been asked to play in so many positions over the years - and not moaned or thrown his toys out as other players have and perhaps he might have been entitled to do.
I hope for Wayne Rooney's sake and for our sake he does have a great European finals and maybe a world cup to come. It is true he has not always been at his best in international finals - but injury and "systems" and general bad England performances have not helped.
Overall we are lucky to have Wayne Rooney. He is a credit to us and particularly to himself and his family. He has come from a difficult background to be earning millions. He has kept his feet on the ground, learnt from his mistakes, continues to give 100% and has achieved so much. A role model for any young footballer today. Well done Wayne and Colleen. Lets hope the critics will gradually get off your back - they certainly should - and I think in time you will revered as one of the greats in the way of course Bobby Charlton is!
Tuesday, 8 September 2015
#Devon Blackdown Hills (Culmstock Beacon), Budleigh Salterton, Seatown Dorset and sea fishing!
I am a Devon lad - born and brought up in Exeter but I have lived away for the best part of 35 years - the last 28 of them on the lovely Isle of Wight (especially Seaview). My ties with Devon remain strong however - family and friends and I still feel an incredible draw to the place - a real affinity. Lately as I find myself returning to Exeter more, I am more and more aware of its spiritual significance to me - a sense of belonging there and a sense of roots and memories. I am a Devonian. Exeter is my team!
Devon is a massive county - and I am from South Devon - but not as deep as the South Hams. There is of course Dartmoor, and Exmoor in the north, the special and contrasting coastlines of north and south Devon, with their beautiful estuaries and the wonderful green, rolling, agricultural mid Devon. Add to the that stunning Cornwall is on the doorstep!
So Devon has and will feature more and more in my life and how I use my leisure time. Last weekend I spent a long weekend down there and attach a few photos.
First of all I cycled up on to Culmstock Beacon. This is the Blackdown Hills - mid Devon - in fact on the Devon Somerset border. I came across a sign to Nicholashayne - the home of the Pipe racing stables (a blog on this fantastic trainer to come). The Blackdowns are not spectacular I guess - just wonderfully quiet, wonderfully unspoilt and beautiful.
The next day I went down to Budleigh Salterton for some beach fishing. Budleigh is a retirement haven - a truly lovely spot on the South Devon coast with a shingle beach. To my families mirth I did not catch anything despite the big build up!
The following day I had to return to the Island and made a planned stop at Seatown in Dorset which is part of the famous Jurassic coastline. The shingle beach is special - the tide breaking gently onto it but enough to rattle the rounded little pebbles making a mesmerising and relaxing sound. The cliffs here are spectacular to walk on.
I had excess bait from the day before - so I went fishing again. But the day was too sunny and therefore too easy to doze. Another blank but a fish would have been a bonus only!
We are so lucky to have the scenery we have.
Devon is a massive county - and I am from South Devon - but not as deep as the South Hams. There is of course Dartmoor, and Exmoor in the north, the special and contrasting coastlines of north and south Devon, with their beautiful estuaries and the wonderful green, rolling, agricultural mid Devon. Add to the that stunning Cornwall is on the doorstep!
So Devon has and will feature more and more in my life and how I use my leisure time. Last weekend I spent a long weekend down there and attach a few photos.
First of all I cycled up on to Culmstock Beacon. This is the Blackdown Hills - mid Devon - in fact on the Devon Somerset border. I came across a sign to Nicholashayne - the home of the Pipe racing stables (a blog on this fantastic trainer to come). The Blackdowns are not spectacular I guess - just wonderfully quiet, wonderfully unspoilt and beautiful.
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| Culmstock Beacon |
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| Road block Culmstock style. |
The next day I went down to Budleigh Salterton for some beach fishing. Budleigh is a retirement haven - a truly lovely spot on the South Devon coast with a shingle beach. To my families mirth I did not catch anything despite the big build up!
 |
| River Otter joins the sea at Budleigh |
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| Budleigh Salterton |
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| My eldest granddaughter is not squeamish with my rag worm bait! |
The following day I had to return to the Island and made a planned stop at Seatown in Dorset which is part of the famous Jurassic coastline. The shingle beach is special - the tide breaking gently onto it but enough to rattle the rounded little pebbles making a mesmerising and relaxing sound. The cliffs here are spectacular to walk on.
I had excess bait from the day before - so I went fishing again. But the day was too sunny and therefore too easy to doze. Another blank but a fish would have been a bonus only!
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| Seatown shingle beach |
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| Cows on the cliff edge |
We are so lucky to have the scenery we have.
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