They won! Actually, after the lightening delay, in the pouring rain, the other team gave up in the 3rd qtr. They were only down 26-0... (5th shut out game, the Raiders are amazing!)

beautiful kids cap'in. Look at that smile.

congratulations crimson. That is something to be proud of.

yay jinx. Your pride is contagious.

Thanks, Bri and sky.
Yeah, I think I'll keep her.
Mainly because I'm getting too old to deal with someone else's bullshit.
(Just got smacked for that.)

Congrats, jinx.

I need any extra thoughts/prayers/positive energy that you can spare. Interview tomorrow downtown at 10am. This could be a good job.

You got it Syc! Good luck

Sending positive job vibes your way Syc. You're a good man!

I am deliriously happy today that I am no longer a Chiefs season ticket holder.

Run in there and nail it man!

Sick'em, Sycamore!

Grandad's diahoerra has finally dried up!
Got the last load of washing today and there were a couple of suspect spots, but nothing more.
All washed and ironed and ready for Mum to come home.
Also next to nothing to clean up in his bathroom - just the usual old man misses.

AND he asked me to buy a sandwich today. Sounds minor (and I have to walk a mile to town and back - tcha!) but it means a lot. M&S salmon & cucumber in case you're wondering.

Mum was convinced it was caused by an overdose of laxatives - in fact he admitted that to her - but as the days went on I was worried that was a coincidence and in fact he had a real illness.

Now I know it really was what Mum thought and I can be quietly cross at all the washing, ironing and cleaning I've done. Except, really, I'm just so glad he didn't get properly ill on my watch :)

Have you hidden the laxatives?

Yes, but you don't want to know where.

We've hidden this family's laxatives in the chocolate souffle....

Let's see if they notice....

He has to take prescribed ones every day. They are a bit like fibre drinks and come in sachets. If he only takes one it keeps his old bowels moving. However for people with "impacted stools" (according to the packet) you can take up to eight a day. Grandad suspects he has a problem if he hasn't been for a while, and starts taking them willy-nilly. Silly old fool - he eats like a bird, except less worms - and can't expect to poo like a 60 year old who eats steak & eggs!

Anyway - he's fine now and it's all sorted.

Good news of the moment?
Mum & Dad get trick or treaters!
Yes!

Why is this so great?
Because I can wear my halloween costume and wig from last year, and make myself up. I'm not intending to scare them. I just really wanted to dress up, but the only places I could viably go were pubs or bars - too much money, too much temptation and not much fun alone.
Now I get to stay in the comfort of the 'rents home, in full make-up, nice and safe.

I even have all the right cosmetics (from last year) so no cash to splash.
I think I might try a skull face. Just for fun. Gotta see how complicated it is first. My pumpkin attempt reminded me I do not have a delicate touch. In some things.

Pictures will follow.

Just had a second piece of good news I wanted to share.

We've just confirmed our B&B for the January trip to Cardiff, when I'm going to see the great JB in pantomime, and Mum is just along for a weekend in Cardiff. Grandad has offered to pick up my hotel bill. Bloody hell. Where there's muck there's brass.

Sorry - I mean I am overwhelmed by this and so making jokes.
I have found us a great deal though. Mum wanted to stay at the Marriott, where they stayed before, but was offered £170 for the 2 nights, double only no twin, no breakfast. She tried a number of other hotels - all twin rooms fully booked. Blimey, second to last weekend in January, Cardiff hoteliers must be raking it in! Turns out there are quite a few things on over the weekend.

So I went back to the place I had a provisional booking with, Ty Rosa. Turns out they have an annexe, with two double rooms which share a bathroom/ shower. We can have both rooms, with a gourmet breakfast and the total is £129.80. It's not in the city centre, but Mum and I are great walkers and anyway it's a friendly, clean, personal service. It's a gay B&B, but hetero-friendly. I won't have to pretend Mum is my elderly lover. Then again, with my hair lavender I look like her sister anyway. Oh, wait. That would still be wrong.

I much prefer small and intimate than corporate giant. So I get to save Grandad money, not share a bed with Mum, get a yummy breakfast (seriously - look!), get local advice and get some exercise. And if they recommend a bar where I can sneak a drink and admire nice young ladies then I can cope with that too ;)