Category Archives: Family

Aventinus

I have fond memories of Schneider Weiss Aventinus from many years ago. My now son-in-law sampled a little too much of the 12% Aventinus Eisbeck when I was last in Munich, while the 8.2% Aventinus proved to be a safer option. 

I’m now back in the Schneider Weiss Brauhaus after twelve years. This visit was only for the purposes of a single Schneider Weiss original. And it was very nice. 



As is the Tap 6 Aventinus I’m now drinking. 

TNG

many years ago, my eldest grandchild believed that I was Patrick Stewart. There’s a family thing round my mother’s most Saturdays and, years ago, there would be old episodes of Star Trek, the Next Generation on TV while people were there. 

Nowadays, it tends to be 60 minute makeover, but at the time there was a lot if TNG stuff. Anyway, my eldest grandchild used to point at the TV and exclaim  grandad whenever she saw Captain Picard. 

A drawing appeared. I may have mentioned this previously. Me in my Captain’s uniform. 

Yes, that’s me, although the picture was cropped a long time ago, so you can’t see my uniform. 

The original drawing included my second in command, so for completeness I shall show her picture too. I think she’s quite beautiful both in this portrait and in real life. 

Her picture’s nicer because it’s a straight copy from the original, with no attempt at editing (well, she didn’t need any airbrushed hair). 

So, this evening, in town, in the Box Social, I became engaged in conversation with a gentleman while my second in command went to have her nails done. 

Said gentleman mentioned that he lived in Heworth, so I told him that I live in Sheriff Hill. On hearing this, he questioned whether my name was Gary and, if so, I look like my picture on Twitter. 

It turned out we’d been exchanging messages fot a while on Twitter. And he turned out to be a nice bloke. We parted company after a couple of beers, but I’m sure we’ll keep in touch. 

Apparently my eldest grandchild is pleased that her drawing so accurately depicts her grandfather. 

Zipwire

It all happened so fast. The thought that those look like Suzy’s legs ran through my mind before I could get my phone out of my pocket and switch to video. 

Anyway, my second in command very bravely zipwired across the Tyne. 

From the top of the Baltic – you can just make out the cables. 

Apparently, she needed a nudge to leave the roof. 

My Second in Command

I may need to explain why I often refer to my other half as my second in command. My eldest grandchild once drew a picture of us together. A picture founded on her belief (as a very young child) that I was actually Patrick Stewart in Star Trek: the next generation. 

This is a picture of my second in command, drawn by my eldest grandchild a few years ago. 

The first drawing has long since been lost (the above is from a recently discovered archive). However, a cropped image still exists. 

There’s a lot more detail in the original; it’s apparent that my second in command’s hair lacked strands in the follow-up (the first picture above).

OK, in the absence of the original, here’s the later version 

Note the detail, the presence of Geordi La Forge on the left 

Davy Crockett

Gentlemen of a certain age will be able to hum along to the theme tume from the 50-60s Davy  Crockett TV series. 

I’m currently watching the Alamo. No, not the early 60s John Wayne film, the 2004 version. 

There’s a family connection, you know. No, I have no ancestors, that I know of, who fought on either side at the Alamo. 

Unless you count Mr Wayne’s Alamo, that is. 

Ok, so technically not a relative, I have a Davy Crocket connection. Somewhat tentatively I admit. 

My mother’s uncle Jim was in the RAF during and after the second world war. And so was Davy Crockett.

Well, Fess Parker. He played Davy Crockett in the 

Although Mr Parker was was known to my family as Daniel Boone. According to the TV series, he was a big man. You can’t beat a good theme tune. 

Anyway, while family history has become somewhat diluted, Mr Dale (my mother’s uncle) and Mr Parker became friends at some point during the 40s. 

And that friendship continues until my great uncle Jim’s death in the late 50s. 

Wallpaper

Someone in our local noticed my phone’s wallpaper. 

My second in command was recognised. Well, she does make a decent background. Her one good eye. 

Dizzy

No, it’s not a Vic Reeves & the Wonder Stuff thing. I’m feeling somewhat dizzy because my second in command wanted to go to our local for food. 

I’d mostly avoid eating anything cooked in my local (but the food this weekend is cooked elsewhere). Seriously, it’s really nice. 

We had a lovely afternoon though. 
This weekend, our local has a Mexican food festival and I’d recommend taking a look. Naturally, I’d recommend the meat free options. 

Responsibility

My father, as I may have mentioned, was a bit of a shit. Apparently, he left this world with around (knowing him, more) thirty grand in debt. We’re not talking about mortgage debt, but the real thing. 

Despite not having spoken to the bloke for 37 years, I’m paying towards his funeral costs. I’m doing so because I can’t leave it all to my newly discovered half sister. 

So both of my sisters and I are sharing the outstanding bill. 

If I dropped dead tomorrow, which I hope I won’t, no one would have to pay a penny. I can’t comprehend how my father didn’t bother to make arrangements. 

I have no words to describe my feelings towards the man. Fortunately, we’re no longer in the middle ages, so neither me or my sisters are liable for his debts.