World Cup Diary Blog #16

Well it's time to come home.  We're on the bus on the way to the airport.  Everyone's really down about yesterdays performance and exit from WC2010.  However a few guys were feeling so sick last night they were still in the wc at 20:10.

At least one consolation for me is that I  am not about to get picked on by the press.  No game, no cap, no blame - perhaps.

Anyway the early exit means that Mrs D's possible TV opportunity has gone - victim of the programme makers austerity measures - allegedly.

We're still on for Skeggy next week.  Might even have a run up to Mablethorpe and  the naturist beach at North Cotes a few miles away.  Nobody saw me with my kit on in South Africa so people won't recognise me with my kit off in Lincolnshire. 

Fabio's future won't be decided for a couple of weeks.

Whatever happens we're back to football business with a friendly against Hungary in August.  Then European Championship qualification matches from September.  Looking forward to the game against Wales next March.  Mrs D told me last night that there is a young lad called Dyfan from some place called Llandybie who thinks he knows what I look like - but he could be getting me confused with someone else with the same name.  Maybe I will see him at the game and he can ask me for my autograph - it will be worth a fortune one day.

Thanks for reading my diary - it's been fun writing it for you. 

Look out for The Spurs winning the Champions League next season - especially if we can keep Harry at The Lane.  Keep your hands off England!!

World Cup Diary Blog #15

Well it's been a while - but eventually managed to get some time to write again.  The sense of relief in the camp is clear.  The performance on Wednesday was much better and the fans responded as well.

The gaffa seems more relaxed - hugs, back slapping and high fives after the game.  He has even allowed us to have a couple of beers on an evening.  The darts crowd has now taken "Don Fabio's" photo down from the bulls eye.

Upsy Daisy had a good game on Wednesday - some really great tackles and a solid all round performance.  Looks like I'm gonna have to wait a while to get my chance.  Carra's available again after suspension and Ledley's recovered from his groin injury so the gaffa will have a tough decision who to partner with JT.

Full training session in Rustenburg today.  We've been practising penalties - it just can't happen again - can it?  We're feeling pretty confident about beating the old enemy - for example do you know about the curse of Eurovision - no country that has won Eurovision has gone on to win the WC later that same year!  Here are some more reasons why we're confident Goal.com

Mrs D has kept me posted with reaction and news from home.  She watched the game on Wednesday with the cocker spaniels.  Funny though how these so called pundits can't seem to agree - see what ScotStevo from Ireland has to say about the coverage from BBC & RTE in the Daily Record

The WAGS at home are all keeping in touch and starting to think about plans for coming out to Sun City.  Mrs D's been shopping for new outfits - hope she's got something she can wear in South Africa and Skegness.

I'm a bit concerned that Mrs D is getting into this WAG life too much.  There are rumours that she is about to be offered some deal to appear in a TV reality show and I haven't even been of the bench yet - more news about this when she fesses up.  She was certainly disappointed not to have been asked to take part in the WAGs "Come Dine With Me"  Have to admit all this is making me a bit unsettled.  Can't believe she might become more well known and recognisable than me.

No more blogging until Monday - have to focus now.

World Cup Diary Blog #14

Well Don Fabio has decided that Upsy Daisy has got the nod for Wednesday's game.  Maybe he will trip up getting on the plane tomorrow - will see what I can do to help.

Looks like we will be training at Rustenburg tomorrow morning before flying down to Port Elizabeth as we've been told we can't train on the match pitch.

The gaffa has been disappointed by comments JT made to the press yesterday - tensions are running a bit high.  Lamps has tried to defuse things today.  Just seems like there's a power struggle going on.  Decided to keep my head down. 

So this might be my last blog for a couple of days.  The next one will probably be on Thursday - but where from that's the big question.

Hope you all enjoy the game on Wednesday - we'll be trying our best to put in a good shift and get through the group stage.  Don't really want to even think about all the stick we'll get next season if we don't get through.  Probably worse than Ronaldo got when he had Rooney sent off - the cheeky winker.

Mrs D said it's really muggy tonight back in blighty.  Also she's having a problem with the internet connection, she can't get the wireless to work - it's driving her crazy.  Really glad I'm not there.  The cocker spaniels are keeping out of her way as well.

Right I'm off to lie in wait for Upsy Daisy and see if I can't help him to have some sort of mishap.

World Cup Diary Blog #13

Training behind closed doors today.  I tried to close and lock the doors before Matt Upsy Daisy got there but his team mate Greeny dropped the key at the last minute.  So I will have to come up with some other way to make sure he's not available on Wednesday.  Only one more training session tomorrow.

Lamps has his mind on other things at the moment however - Chrsitine Bleakley just secured a transfer from BBC to ITV.  She's more in demnad than he is.  What has that Chiles bloke got anyway?

Heard Harry Redknapp on Radio 5 this morning saying that Upsy Daisy was probably ahead of me in Fabio's thinking simply because he was selected originally.  Lets just wait and see.

There's a full squad meeting tonight with Fabio and the management - don't know what it's about though.- probably summat to do with football.  We'll probably watch the video of the Algeria match and have an open and frank discussion.  Hopefully nobody will be sent home like Nicolas Anelka. 

Let's not forget other countries are struggling too - remember France, Germany and Italy.  All have had unexpected results.

We go to Port Elizabeth on Tuesday and play at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium at 3.00pm UK time on Wednesday - our WC could all be over by 5.45pm.  Hopefully my mates at the Leyburn Cricket Club will be taking the day off work to watch the game.

World Cup Diary Blog #12

Not good headlines in the press today - as we expected.  The gaffa read us the riot act last night.  We all know the performance and the result were not good enough.  Everyone who played tried hard but things just didn't work out for us.

Surprised to hear the fans jeering us after the game - especially since the boss said that we wouldn't be having any booze while we were here.  Just goes to show he doesn't know everything.

Spoke to Mrs D after the game - she said that most of the WAGs are keeping their heads down for while.  Although a couple have already sneaked into South Africa Mail Online

Carra getting booked might turn out to be good for me - really now hoping I will get a game on Wednesday - but I probably won't find out until just before we leave for the ground..

Still keeping options open about Butlins at Skegness.  If we have an early exit from WC then we will save some cash as Mrs D won't be coming over to South Africa.  With the money we save we can upgrade to a Premium Gold Apartment.

Spent the day in Cape Town relaxing and meeting fans around the city - trying to build some bridges.

We're on the bus right now and expect to get back to Rustenburg about 11.00pm.  Everyone's a bit quiet - it's really weird.

Start work tomorrow on getting things right for Wednesday.

World Cup Diary Blog #11

The Spurs lads took on all comers at Texas Hold Em poker last night.  At one point I had almost more clubs in my hand that Amelia Heskey has played for.  We're up a few Rands - especially from little SWP who couldn't quite get the hang of the game.  Meanwhile Glen Johnson is now leading the darts tournament - although Jamesy might have something to say about that.  It's really just a bit of handbags between them.

Carra's bought his kids a couple of vuvuzelas - yes, that's right.  He kept most of the lads awake last night trying to get a tune out of the blooming things.

The cat's out of the bag about the squad's Soprano nicknames Metro Online - being a Bruce Springsteen fan I like to be Silvio Dante (played by Steve Van Zandt from the E Street Band).  Anyway Mr Beckenbauer just be careful what you say or you might end up sleeping with the fishes in a pair of concrete football boots.

The freshly washed kit has gone off to Cape Town and we'll be going tomorrow morning.  I tried to hide Matty Upson's shirts so I would have more chance of playing but Golden Balls in his role as Mr Fixer checked all the kit as it was loaded on the bus - unfortunately for me he spotted that there were some numbers missing - didn't know he could count.

Managed to get another round of golf in this afternoon with some of the lads.  The picture in the Metro article above shows Roono has written some cryptic messages on his golfing boots.  What it doesn't show is that he has also writtenh L & R on the inside.

Just been watching Bafana Bafana get beat by Uruguay - shame but they looked outclassed.  And what a good result by the Swiss.

Right off to fill in my wall chart and then bed.

World Cup Diary Blog #10

Hands up everyone who remembers Steve Hodge.  Yes, that Steve Hodge - played for Notts Forest and Spurs as well as six other clubs and 24 times for England.  A man renowned for footballing knowledge - as here he calls on Fabio to pick Jamesy and me against Algeria on Friday - Telegraph Online  Anyway he's certainly gone up in my estimation.  Hope the gaffa takes notice.

Sunny, cold and windy in Rustenburg today.  Resemebles Stoke on winters afternoon at the Victoria Ground.

Yesterday me and Matty Upson went to off to visit a local orphanage near Rustenburg.  Spurs have paid for one of the bungalows that houses up to eight orphans.  I have sponsored one of the kids (Aubrey) for the last three years and it was really great to see him.  Gave him a signed England shirt - managed to find one that wasn't covered in crap from the drain leak - although it does have some dodgy autographs.  Here's a report from the Mail Online.

Couple of pretty dull games earlier today.  Have been looking forward to watching the best South American team and North Korea tonight.  I realy love Brazilians but every time I mention them Mrs D gives me one of her knowing looks.  Korea have been playing OK but as I'm writing they've just conceded a goal - whatever happens by the end of the game it will have been a close shave.

Spoke to Mrs D this evening and she had heard me interviewd on Talk Sport - the cocker spaniels went crazy when they heard my voice - one of them even did a whoopsy on the kitchen floor.

Mrs D thinks she will be watching the match on Friday by herself.

Card school tonight before cocoa and bed. 

Nite nite.

World Cup Diary Blog #9

Bright sunny day in Rustenburg - unlike other WC locations where it was chucking it down and cold.  At least we got the choice of hotel and training camp right.

Back to training - Roono decided to sit round the pool instead - claiming to have a knock on his ankle.  Ash had his usual day off as well - can't seem to play and then train immediately afterwards - molly coddled if you ask me.  My mate Ledders is really struggling with his groin injury.  I think he needs to take his time and make sure he recovers well.

Serious darts tournament going on in the squad - 501 is the game of choice.  David James is practicing every opportunity he gets and is leading at the moment.  Mmmmm 501? the number of minutes before Amelia Heskey scores his next England goal? and unless Matty Upson has a sudden injury it'll be 501 minutes before I get a game - that gets me on in the second half of the final.

It seems the pundits don't think I'm gonna get a game or play much part - even when I do get a mention they always add that I am uncapped and inexperienced.

Have to admit the Germans looked good yesterday and seem to be the team to beat right now.  Rumour has it that they have been using the WC ball in the Bundesliga since last December.  Clever beggars.

Sat with some of the lads to watch the Italians tonight - they got out of jail and I think will still be hard to beat.  Although we saw some of their usual amateur dramatics when they allegedly went down injured.  They've got it off to a tee.

Had a problem with the drains at the hotel today and the kit room was flooded with foul water and other stuff.  Not sure what actually happened - didn't fancy going to look to be honest.  Anyway the kit that was supposed to be on the way to Cape Town for Friday's game against Algeria had to be washed all over again - hmm perhaps I don't fancy wearing any of that.  Think I'll get down to Sportz Kitz R Us  and buy myself a couple of replica kits to be on the safe side.

As well as picking a team in the squad sweep we also had a guess how many red cards there would be.in the whole tournament.  I went for ten - blimey already four in the first eleven games.

Just had a text from Mrs D - she's watching Match of The Day on BBC2 - got a mention from Alan Shearer.  Mind you he said that I didn't have much pace - that's a bit rich coming from someone who never left the six yard box.

Right, off to bedroom to play FIFA World Cup on the Wii - I'm the England skipper and scored the winning goal in the last game.

Nite nite.

World Cup Diary Blog #8

Didn't get chance to write my blog last night.  We've been having the usual post match analysis as you can imagine.  The lads all feel that it was two points lost - but it's not a total disaster.

We got off to a great start with an early goal from Stevie G.  The rest of the first half was fairly even and then Greeny was caught out by a pot luck shot from Clint Dempsey.  I'm not gonna say anything here about what happened - that wouldn't be fair on Greeny - needless to say all the lads and the gaffa are fully behind him - as was the ball as it happens.

Second half we had some chances to win the game but didn't take them and Greeny made a super save from Altidore to keep the scores level.

My brothers met up with some guys from Hull (where Andy plays) and they are moving in with them later today - they've got a villa near Johannesburg.  So I will get my bed back.

Spoke to Mrs D before going to sleep last night - tried using Skype instead of just the phone.  It was OK - picture was a bit jerky though.  She went to Coleen's BBQ - here's a link to an artcle in the Daily Mail about it.  They had a great time but missed Wayno's cooking - they got professional caterers in to make life easier.
They watched the game on a plasma TV, enjoyed a few beers and some sausages and hamburgers.

Mrs D said she doesn't know yet what she's doing for the Algeria game - waiting to see what offers come in.

It was pretty subdued on the bus back to the hotel.  Some joker plugged their iPod in to the speakers and we got "Careless Hands" by Des O'Connor, "Fingers and Thumbs" by Erasure and "Great Balls of Fire" by Jerry Lee Lewis.  Greeny took it all in good spirit - put his head in his hands and promptly dropped it.

Had a cup of cocoa and then off to bed by midnight.

We'll be watching Algeria v Slovenia at lunchtime.  Hoping Fabio will get the "tictacs" right for Friday.

Speak again soon.

World Cup Diary Blog #7

Didn't sleep very well - three in a bed was actually two too many.  Not sure how long Andy and Kev will be with me.  Had to sneak them some breakfast this morning.

Training this afternoon - more running and jumping up and down.  I like training - especially being able to wear those brighly coloured bibs - I was in yellow today.

The gaffa had a press conference this afternoon - and still no clue about the starting line up.  Except he did say that Gareth's likely to be on the bench from the start.

We all watched the South Africa v Mexico game this afternoon.  It was an OK match with a great goal opening goal.  Fair result in the end.  Getting ready to watch Uruguay v France - kick off in a few minutes.

Spoke with Mrs D today and she is getting excited about tomorrow.  Going to the Rooney's for a WC BBC.  That's a World Cup BBQ - not a BBQ in their toilet.

Can't stop on long - "Aero" saving me a seat.

Early night then - think the brothers will have to sleep on the floor.  Need my rest tonight for the big day tomorrow.

Bye for now - and thanks for all your good luck messages that coming.

World Cup Diary Blog #6

Now, I know that Ferdz is a very influential member of the squad and a great skipper.  But sometimes players can get too wrapped up in their own publicity and self importance.  I don't mean to be disrespectful to the big man but.... The TV in my room has a clever gizmo that lets me see what pay per view films have been watched since the squad checked in - here's the list and you make up your own minds

Blame It On Rio
Rio Bravo
Rio Grande
Rio Lobo
Road To Rio
Girl From Rio
Flying Down To Rio
Lost In Rio
Rio Conchos

I mean come on, the man really needs to get out more on his crutches and get some proper perspective on his contribution to life and the universe.  Me, I'm gonna be watching Dawson's Creek tonight.

Closed training session today.  James Milner still not feeling well so he had yet another day off and Ledley did more gym work - shame about his chronically dodgy knees - but it might turn out to be good for me.  If Fabio has to choose between me and Matty Upson then I'm a shoo in.

It was off to Sun City after training for a round of golf.  Last time I played I had trouble getting the ball through the door in the wooden windmill.  Still, I managed to get round without losing my balls.  Unlike Glen Johnson who hit the wrong ball off the fairway.

By the way Mrs D just for you and our cocker spaniels - here's a link to my FA Quickfire Q&A for YouTube Quickfire Q&A

Only two more sleeps until we start our campaign.  The gaffa knows the starting line up but hasn't told us yet.  My money's on JT and Ledley at the back.  Hopefully I might get a run out at some point on Saturday - would be great to get my first cap at last.  Even better to get the 2010 version of the one in the piccy.

By the way - it seems FIFA are reading my blog as their website has now been updated to show me instead of Rio.  Thanks Sep. FIFA Website

Look at that concentration!

They also have a pic of me in training quality.

That's it for tonight - sleep well.  Not sure how much sleep I will get with Andy and Kev sharing the bed.

I'm getting really giddy.

World Cup Diary Blog #5

Oh dear more tension today as the gaffa has a right go at the press photographers.  Relationships with the photographers and TV crews seem a bit strained.  That's a shame - I need pics of me out there so I don't get mistaken for that Question of Sport bloke again or worse still Les Dawson.

Could do with a photo sending to FIFA as well and for the FA to remind them that I am now a proper member of the England squad.  They need to get their website updated - still have Rio in the squad list.  So come on FIFA get it sorted FIFA Website

In case you haven't already picked it up from the papers the gaffa is a bit of a disciplinarian.  We need to be smartly dressed and no mobile phones to be used at meal times.  It's a bit like being back at school in Northallerton - but discipline is important so we don't complain - well not publicly anyway.

Talking about being smartly dressed - those M&S suits are a bit of alright.  Will be able to wear it when I get back home.  If I leave the badge on I can even get tax relief on the cleaning bills - result.  Even George Osborne can't stop that - well not yet at least.

I'm getting a bit worried about my blog - not sure Fabio will be too impressed if he finds out.  I know our other halves back home are keeping a check on what's going on and read all the blogs and news stories.  It's a bit like the "WAGs dogging the tale".

More training today.  I quite like all that running and jumping up and down, stretching and waving my arms around - Training Video

The gaffa said we needed to practise our penalties.  He showed us a video to help Crouchy and Defoe with their synchronised diving.



My two brothers, Andy and Kevin are arriving tomorrow.  They haven't found anywhere to stay so they're gonna bus it up to Rustenburg and I'm gonna sneak em in to my room.  There's a massive bed in my room, in fact you could get the whole back four in at the same time.  Anyway me, Andy and Kev are gonna sleep top and tail - just like we did as kids.

That's all for today folks.

World Cup Diary Blog #4

It's been a bit tense around camp England today.  None of us covered ourselves in glory yesterday and the press and Talk Sport have had loads to say about the performance.  We're all getting fed up of hearing "can Lamps and Stevie G play in the same team", "can Roono keep a lid on his temper".  The answer is yes to both.  So just get behind the team.

There's a great atmosphere in the squad and we're all confident we can do well.  I'm really chuffed I got a couple of quotes in the quality papers today - The Guardian and The Telegraph.  Mrs D's started a scrap book.

Put up my Daily Mirror World Cup 2010 wall chart this morning - can't wait to start filling it in on Friday.  Got different coloured pens and everything.

We've got a sweep going and we drew our teams last night - felt really lucky - I got two teams - New Zealand and Honduras - don't feel so lucky now.  Might still put a couple of bob on each, you know just in case.  The odds are really good each one is 2000/1.

The Gaffa gave us a bit of a pep talk after training.

"Righta fellas, backa home they'lla be'a thinkin about'a us.  We are'a so far awaya.  So'a backa home they'lla be'a really'a behind us, in a everya game'a we play'a.  They'lla share'a every'a goala Rooney is'a scoring.  We will'a still heara them'a roaring'a.  And we'lla give'a all a we've a gotta give'a for those'a folks'a back'a home.  Avanti  "

Well it went something like that, and went on a bit longer.  Funny, but I thought I had heard it before somewhere.  Maybe all managers use the same speeches.

Had a safari trip in to the bush this afternoon to see the wildlife.  We saw three lions (see what I did there); giraffe's that took a keen interest in Crouchy; and buffalo with an uncanny likeness to Roono.

That's it for today - only four more sleeps before we whup the Yanks.

World Cup Diary Blog #3

Another hot and humid day here in South Africa.  Didn't realise how cold it would be at night though - temperature drops to as low as 3c so had to put on my fleecy PJ's in the early hours.

There was a bit of commotion in the hotel last night.  Some joker got in to Rooney's room and nicked his personal pillow.  Lots of shouting, laughing and joking until Wayno eventually tracked down his beloved pillow in Carrick's room.  Still some confusion whether or not it was Carrick who nicked it in the first place - the smart money is on Joe Cole - the little tinker.

Final friendly match today and I knew fairly early on that I would be getting a run out against what can best be described as a local pub team.  Not sure I will get a cap for this game but I suppose I am not an international player.

We were all required to meet local fans at the hotel before we set off for the match this afternoon.  Really surprised to see a group of people from the South African branch of A Question of Sport fan club.  They had come to meet Matt and had a big shock when they got me instead.  Could see the confusion on their faces but I think I got away with it.  Anyway I still autographed some of those funny shaped balls for them.

We got a good 3 - 0 win against Platinum Stars.  Not the best performance in the world and Wayno lost it a bit and got booked - he can be a divvy sometimes.  I was pleased with my 45 minutes and even got some comments quoted on the FA Website

Spoke to the boss (Harry) last night and commiserated with him after his England team lost the Soccer Aid 2010 game to a penalty by a bloke who's never played football in his life.  Some of the guys today were hoping David James would get crocked so that Fabio would call up Jamie Theakston as his replacement - he had a brill second half last night.

Right must go, me and the other four Spurs lads are having a card school tonight - if we can get some little nods, winks and tells between us we should be able to fleece the rest of the squad of a few Rands

World Cup Diary Blog #2

Had a good sleep last night - I was shattered after the flight and straight into training yesterday.  I've got Rio's old room - next door to his best mate Frank "Lampy" Lampard.  They've been pals since they were kids together at the Hammers - I can just see them "blowing bubbles" in the bath after a game.  Am getting a bit fed up already hearing how much the team will miss Rio - in the papers and on telly - no one's yet said I am a quality replacement.  Everyone just going on about the fact I haven't got any caps yet.

Looks like I'm getting the number 5 jersey.  Fabio sent Becks down the local market this morning to get some of those stick on letters for the back of my shirt.  I spent a couple of hours after breakfast taking "Ferdinand" off and sticking my name on - it does look good though but Rio's bloody shirts are gonna be miles too big for me - bet I look a right twat.

Phoned Mrs D before I went to sleep last night.  She'd had a call already from Montana Manning (Lennon's other half - and a bit of alright if you ask me) - she has a bit of a reputation though for flashing her knickers when photographers are around (according to the Mail Online anyway).  Seems like the "stay at home" WAGs are having a BBQ next Saturday at the Rooney's - Coleen's quite partial to a beef quarterpounder I hear.

Lots of really nice messages of congratulations and support from Spurs fans.  Even one from an S Quinn in Ireland - say they're big Spurs supporters and hope I get a chance to play - but they'll still be cheering for the USA on Saturday.

Also some messages from Gooner fans asking me to kick lumps out of Wright-Phillips in training so that he has to go home and maybe that loser Walcott will be called up before Friday - er don't think so.

Let me tell you I'm a pit pissed off with Panini as it happens.  Do you know there are stickers for the errand boy Beckham and that loser Theo - but there isn't one of me - bet Panini feel real stupid now.

OK, we're one hour ahead of you guys back in the UK so we're just getting ready to go down for dinner.  Fabio's imposed a booze ban - feeling a bit guilty now about that crafty drink with JT yesterday - still he's not gonna say anything he's been in enough trouble already.

Hoping to get picked for some part of the friendly tomorrow against the Platinum Stars.  Who needs bloody Rio.

Right, signing off now.

World Cup Diary Blog #1

Well what a day yesterday.  Me and the Mrs D went to see Jackson Browne in Sheffield.  We had already planned to have a couple of weeks away at Butlins in Skegness and I was getting really excited about that.

Got home last night and had a message from Fabio telling me to get on the next plane to Johannesburg as Rio had injured his knee in a tackle on Emila Heskey - well that's what it sounded like.  I can't really understand a word that Fabio says.

"Hello'a Mikel itsa Fabio ere.  Thata bloody Emila Esky as nackurd Rio'as knee'a.  I'a kneed'a you'a to catcha plane'a to Johannesburga straighta waya"

So there I was in the early hours of Saturday just hoping those BA strikers - no not Burton Albion, British Airways - don't cancel my flight.  Anyway plane got away on time and I was able to get my head down for a few hours.

I can tell you I was mighty relieved that it was Rio that got injured and not JT.  Wouldn't have wanted to leave Mrs D behind with JT back in the country - if you know what I mean.

Arrived in Jo'burg safely and surprised to see JT at the airport - thought my mate Ledley would have been there.  Anyway JT took me to a local bar for a swift half before heading off to Rustenburg and my first training session.  Not sure what my squad number is going to be yet - maybe I will just get number 5, which was Rio's number.

Accommodation looks good - deffo much better than we would have had at Butlins.

OK that's it for now - will keep you all posted - at least until the end of the first round matches.  If things don't go to plan might even be home in time to go to Skeggy - have told Mrs D not to cancel the chalet yet - don't want to lose my deposit if it's not necessary.

Speak to you again soon.

Reuben Sandwich

This is the first in an occasional feature on food - in particular food I like.  Hope you enjoy - reading and maybe trying the recipes.

So, continuing the sandwich theme here is a recipe for a Reuben sandwich - a classic from New York.

Modern day Reuben sandwiches are often open-faced and broiled, which dries out the corned beef and makes the cheese rubbery.  Or, under the misguided belief that more is better, they are overstuffed.  The main things to remember for a great Reuben are to keep the filling under control and in balance, so when you bite it you get a harmonious and succulent mouthful; and to grill the sandwich slowly, so the bread gets toasty brown and buttery crisp, the meat gets warmed through, and the cheese is just melted enough to be oozy (thats as in gooey not as in the machine gun).

Makes one sandwich

2 slices rye bread or pumpernickel

2 teaspoons butter, at room temperature

2 tablespoons Reubens Russian Dressing (see below)

1 quarter cup well drained, fresh-style sauerkraut

2 ounces thinly sliced Gruyere cheese

1 quarter pound thinly sliced american style corned beef

Butter each slice of bread evenly to the edges on one side.
Place one slice, buttered side down, in a small cold skillet - build the sandwich in the skillet you'll grill it in
Spread 1 tablespoon of the Russian dressing on the face-up, dry side of the bread.  Then put on the sauerkraut, spreading it evenly.
Arrange the cheese in an even layer over the sauerkraut, then do the same with the corned beef.
Spread another 1 tablespoon of Russian dressing on the dry side of the second slice of bread and place it, dressing side down, butter side up, over the corned beef.
Place the skillet over medium-low heat and grill the sandwich slowly, pressing down on it a few times with a wide metal spatula.  Grill until the bread is browned and crisped, then turn the sandwich over with the help of the spatula.
Now weight the sandwich down by placing a plate over the sandwich, then add on a weight, such as can of tomatoes.  Grill until the second side has browned and crisped, then flip the sandwich over one more time to briefly reheat the other side.
Serve immediately - yummy yummy.

Reubens Russian Dressing

Makes about half a cup.

half a cup of mayonnaise
1 tablespoon chili sauce or ketchup
1 teaspoon finely grated onion
half a teaspoon of horseradish
quarter teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
Caviar (optional)

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.

NOTE - 1 CUP = 8 OUNCES

British Sandwich Week

Tomorrow is the end of British Sandwich Week.  Now I know that you can buy sandwiches, make sandwiches or get Jayne to make sandwiches all year round.  So very soon we will be having a delicious bacon sandwich for Saturday brunch.

So come on sandwich lovers indulge yourselves.

For those anoraks amongst you here is a link to Wikipedia  Sandwich history        

Just be careful not to get crumbs in your keyboard or dribble brown sauce on your screen.

Enjoy.

Note:  apologies to all my vegetarian readers.

It's 'Be Nice To Nettles Week'http://www.nettles.org.uk/nettles/events.asp

So come on you people of Midsomer give him a break and stop the murders for a few days.

Early morning pub crawl

Start of my second week off work....home alone. Jayne is back to work today. I decided I would get up and get on....no lying about in bed all morning for me. So I walked Jayne to the bus stop in the neighbouring village of Gildersome. She was on the bus on her way to work by 7.05am.


Last year, in an effort to keep fit, we mapped out a few walks around the area – each one taking about 90 minutes. So after seeing Jayne safely on the bus I set off through Gildersome and Drighlington at a steady pace.

Armed with my trusty camera I decided to take some photographs on the way....but of what....that was a good question.

By 7.10am I had an idea.

I have a bit of a thing for real ale....and why not when you can get pints of the stuff at Wetherspoons for as little as £1.39. The local supermaket has a decent selection of bottled beer and there is also small independent brewery not far from us – Leeds Brewery....not to be confused with Tetley's Brewery in Leeds which is owned by Danish brewing giant Carlsberg.

It's a disgrace that Carlsberg plan to close Tetley's brewery in 2011 after 186 years....here's a link to a newspaper article about it Telegraph & Argus - Carlsberg to close Tetley's Brewery

According to a British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) report in January last year a record 39 pubs are closing each week in Britain - here's a link to BBC report on their website - BBC Website Report from BBPA

So there I was at 7.10am stood outside the Old Griffin Head pub in Gildersome taking a photograph and listening to Bob Seger singing “The Fire Inside” on my iPod.

I decided that I would photograph all the pubs on my route this morning and see what information / history I could find out about them. Unfortunately it was much too early to have a drink in each one!!!

Not much available on the web about the Old Griffin Head. I found a History of Gildersome which says - “During the Napoleonic wars drilling of ballotted men took place before the Griffin Inn”. This suggests that there was an inn, probably on the same site or nearby back in the early 19th century.

The village wasn't very busy yet. A few dog walkers, people waiting at the bus stops, some hardy joggers and a postie in his van. The Gin Blossoms are playing on my iPod - “Allison Road”....not heard this much before....it's really quite good.

7.19am I am outside the very art deco New Inn, Gildersome....a Sam Smiths pub. Never been in here....must put that right before too long. Again can't find anything interesting about this rather handsome building except that it has a Facebook page - New Inn on Facebook

It takes another fifteen minutes strolling before I reach the next pub. Best song on the iPod so far is “When Rita Leaves” by Southside Johnny. That's just playing as I stand opposite the Valley Inn, Drighlington at 7.34am. Another Sam Smiths pub situated on the A58 Leeds – Halifax road overlooking the Cockersdale Valley. There is no name on the building just a pub sign outside.

I have been in this “establishment” a few times in my youth. My dad's friend used to run the pub many years ago now.

Heading off again the traffic on the A58 is starting to get busy. I've got Patti Scialfa on the iPod now singing “Loves Glory” from her album “Rumble Doll”.

It's 7.49am when I get to the Spotted Cow at Drighlington cross roads. Have to wait for the traffic lights to change so I can get a clear shot of the pub. This place has recently changed ownership and has been getting some good reviews. They serve a variety of real cask beers and the pub has been refurbished. It's been a few years since my last visit to the Spotted Cow. Here is a Facebook page for the pub - Spotted Cow on Facebook  The pub is a venue for meetings of the LA Crusiers – American and Custom car club.

Almost immediately, 7.50am, I am taking a photograph of The Victoria at the same cross roads while listening to “Nothing Without You” by Joe Grushecky. This a Websters pub....although Samuel Websters brewery no longer exists. It originally opened in Halifax back in 1838 and is now part of the Scottish Courage empire with the beers being brewed at the John Smith's plant in Tadcaster, near York.

Next on the iPod is Dolly Parton singing “I Will Always Love You”.... I am smiling because this is one of Jayne's favourite songs.

It takes me about three minutes to get to The Black Bull....just next door to the Post Office and The Pantry bakery....tempted to go in and see if they do bacon sarnies but manage to resist.

There is Facebook page for The Black Bull Three Wheelers 1998 - 2003

OK, starting to flag a bit now – been walking for nearly an hour.

It's 8.03am and I am opposite another pub called New Inn. This place has developed more into a restaurant serving English and Chinese food. They get really good reviews on Trip Advisor. This pub also has a Facebook page - New Inn on Facebook

The Boss is singing “Worlds Apart”.


The first of the plastic places is next at 8.09am – The Old Brickworks....built on the site of the old Drighlington and Adwalton brickworks. This is a Brewers Fayre pub with a Fun Factory for the kids. Can't think of anything else to say about it.

Bruce is now singing “American Land” with beer flowing through the faucets all night long – quite appropriate I think.

My final offering is another plastic establishment at 8.38am – The Gildersome Arms....part of the Two For One Group. This was formerly The Mill House pub and before that it was the site of a Suziki garage....that's going back a good few years. The sign outside says I can have two rump steaks and Vienetta for £9.00....now there's an offer that's too good to miss....well perhaps not eh.

There is a very inactive Facebook page called - Down with the Gildersome Arms we want a pub  This is our nearest pub....we don't go in very much....think I will join the Facebook group.

That's it then....stroll back home to Devils and Dust.

So, I know there are pubs closing down all round Leeds but in the small area I have been this morning all the pubs are still open and seem to be doing well. It was the Leeds beer festival last month....I'm afraid it passed me by.

Memo to myself to support the local pub industry a bit more during the next 12 months.

Quote....Unquote: “Once during Prohibition, I was forced to live for days on nothing but food and water”. (W.C. Fields).

Like falling off a bike

Well we had a couple of days at the seaside last week. An opportunity to visit Jayne's brother and his wife and a birthday treat for me.....well that was the idea anyway.

We had good weather - sunshine and a bit of a westerly onshore breeze. I am reliably informed that this type of breeze is better than one coming from the sea – that would be much colder.

Thursday morning - I did something I haven't done for 18 years........I rode a bike.....didn't fall off....wobbled a bit. We cycled to the “family” beach hut.....or chalet if you're posh. The beach hut is on the “prom” at Sandilands, near Sutton on Sea, looking out over the murky brown North Sea - Cote D'Azure it is not. But it was calm and the waves were gently lapping on the beach.

Sandilands out of season is a bit like a ghost town and ours was the only beach hut being used.

So we had a relaxing couple of hours there before heading off on our bikes again.

This got me thinking about seaside holidays when I was growing up.

I remember going to Blackpool a few times. We also went to Cleethorpes three years in a row and stayed at the same guest house each time. Other seaside delights included Great Yarmouth, Scarborough (we went with some neighbours from our street) and Bournemouth and a day trip to New Brighton. But by far it's Blackpool and Cleethorpes that stick out most in my memory.

Day time was usually spent on the beach. We had the regulation bucket and spade. The grown ups had deckchairs. We had great fun...digging massive holes, building sand castles and our dad had a talent for building boats.

It didn't seem to matter how cold it was we always had to go in the sea. Then we would run back up the beach shivering and try to get dressed with the towel held around you to protect your modesty. Invariably you'd fall over trying to balance on one leg while getting your underpants on.

I nearly forgot donkey rides – the names, Polly, Molly and Dolly....Ok, but you get it right. Then there was the smell....now I know people who actually like the smell of horse manure but.....phew, it can be a bit stinky when you're only a kid. And when you're queueing for the ride you really didn't want to get the little scrawny one did you or the one that was a bit too frisky. As I'm writing this Jayne says the donkey's always looked a bit sad to her and she felt sorry for them....but then she was a girl.

After the evening meal we would go to the amusement arcades, to the pier or to a show. At Blackpool there was the Pleasure Beach for the big rides. Oh the disappointment if you weren't tall enough to go on the big dipper or the dodgems! In Cleethorpes we used to go to the boating lake and dad would let us steer the motor boat....at least we thought we were.

I remember playing bingo....you know the sort I mean where you pull the little plastic cover over your number when it's called. I dreaded the thought of winning....what did you shout....bingo, line, house, here....and what if I hadn't got all the numbers right. Phew someone else has won again.

Then there was the “grabber” machines....the ones where you guided a mechanical hand into all the goodies and nearly always failed to get a prize.

Often before going to bed dad would take us to a little cafe for a mug of Horlicks or Ovaltine.

If we were really unlucky dad treated us to some culinary seafood delicacies like cockles swimming in vinegar, whelks and more recently crab sticks.

When I had children of my own my mum and dad had a caravan at Flamborough Head near Bridlington. So for a few years this was our regular summer holiday of choice. We did all the same things I did as a child....beach, sea, getting dressed behind towels, donkey rides, amusement arcades, candy floss, dough nuts, fish & chips out of paper and sand in everything from your shoes to your sandwiches.....hmm wonder if that's where the name comes from.

We don't do days at the seaside much now – must try harder (now that's a subject for another blog).

Thought for tomorrow: The Tory Party is the cream of society – thick, rich and full of clots. (Anon)

                                                                

 

 

Two weeks off work

Quote....unquote: “The alternative to a vacation is to stay home and tip every third person you see”

I usually have time off work at this time of year. It's my birthday tomorrow and I like to be at home and not working so I save some of my annual leave to use at this time of year. I also use some of my time off to deliver leaflets for local elections (and this year of course a general election).

Perhaps, I think, that me and Jayne are a bit odd – now is not the time for you all to agree!!!

For a great many people having time off work means going on holiday – a vacation or a staycation – somewhere away from home. This might be to relax on a beach, a city break or an activity holiday – or any number of things. Trains, planes and automobiles. Long haul, short haul, self drive, coach, whatever floats your boat or indeed your cruise liner.

Don't get me wrong we have enjoyed some great holidays over the last 20 years or so. We've been to New York, Dublin, Paris, Amsterdam, Dominican Republic, Washington DC, Lake Garda, Majorca, Turkey, Minorca, Canary Islands, Mediterranean cruise, Normandy Beaches. In the UK we've also had breaks in The Cotswolds and Chester.

I wouldn't have missed any of those holidays and we had a wonderful time on each one – well except for Turkey where we had a run in with two men and a camel; and the Dominican Republic where we just had the runs for two weeks and got caught in the tail end of a hurricane.

Despite this I still love being in my own home surrounded by my things.

I don't have to get up for a sun bed, sit on the coach for another day trip, or feel like I have to do something, anything just because I am on holiday.

Yesterday, first day of my holiday, I stayed in bed until 11.30am. Logged onto computer. Watched some telly. Listened to music. Generally mooched around. It was just good to be at home and not have to make an effort.

Three of our holidays – New York, Dublin and Paris – were made to see Bruce Springsteen concerts. I'm not going to say anymore about this because I know that most of my family don't get it (especially my little brother Trevor). If you do want to read about our passion for The Boss have a look at Jayne's blog here idratherbeataspringsteengig

So I must admit that having been to NYC everything I have said about preferring to stay at home sounds even to me to be a bit.....well......odd. NYC is the exception that proves the rule – never did understand what that phrase meant – still don't.

Right must go. Did I say it's my birthday tomorrow (same day as QE2 – the queen not the boat). Need to pack our bags we're going away for a couple of days holiday to Sutton on Sea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thought for tomorrow: There's a fine line between fishing and standing on the riverside looking like an idiot.

Good common sense

Gardening

It always looks so relaxing – a bit of weeding here, a bit of planting there and a bit of digging everywhere. Then I decide to have a go and it's such hard work.

There seems so much to do – cutting the grass, pruning the shrubs/bushes, weeding the beds and borders, painting and mending the fence, cleaning the patio, planting up pots, keeping your tools clean, power washing the patio.....

I really love our back garden – sitting on the patio in the summer sun. A glass of wine, a cold beer or a cup of tea. The smells and sounds – rose blossom, birds chirping and the M621 motorway traffic just over the fence.

Some days it can feel really warm and you need to get in the shade – under one of those big umbrella things. Other days it's blowing a gale and you almost have to tie down the big umbrella otherwise it will be up and away down the M621 in to Leeds.

Sunday morning – not quite yet awake – still in that semi conscious state. The sun forcing it's way into the bedroom. Somewhere, far away, in the distance, you can hear the humming. Is it a wasp, is it a plane – no it's a bloody lawnmower. The bloke at number 5 up at the crack of dawn cutting his front grass.

You look out of the window – his lawn is immaculate – it has stripes. The edges are trimmed and there's not a weed in sight. Meanwhile your grass (not even a lawn) is like a jungle. OK I'm not putting up with this any longer – time to do something. Get a man in – dig up the grass and put some gravel and block paving down.

Maybe even put the lawnmower on eBay.

Decision made – right back to bed.

Time Passes

Saturday morning – sitting in the conservatory.  Sun is shining, Jayne's at the hairdressers, Sounds of the Sixties on radio.  What a great start to a weekend – looking forward to a bacon sarnie when Jayne gets back and then a win for Leeds United this afternoon.

April is a special month for a number of reasons.

Yesterday (9th April) was the second anniversary of my dad (Graham) dying.  He had been poorly for a long time with kidney failure and been on dialysis for a few years.  He was a strong and brave man in many ways – he worked in the chemical industry from 1959 to 1993 – a dirty and dangerous job.  He suffered some really serious accidents over the years especially acid burns but he just got on with life without any complaints.

Eventually it was lung cancer that ended his life.  Probably years of smoking and maybe working in the chemical industry didn't help either.  When we were sorting some paperwork yesterday I found a leaflet from one of his employers that warned of the possibility of tumours developing years after people have left work. We will never know.

Anyway we will be celebrating his life with what has become a regular event around his birthday (2nd May) with a “curry day”.  One of his favourite meals was chicken korma – so we will have family round for a day of curry and alcohol – hoping for good weather May Day Bank Holiday weekend.

Tomorrow (11th April) is mine and Jayne's 18th wedding anniversary.  We were married two days after the 1992 general election.  At that time I was active in the union and we had been anticipating a Labour win in the election – we had to wait another five years.  I still can't believe that we had our wedding reception in a room in the basement of the Pudsey Conservative Club!!!!

I had a look on the Internet to try and find out if the 18 years anniversary had a name – you know the sort of thing – paper, china, silver etc.  But no it doesn't although a couple of sites suggested that a modern or contemporary theme was porcelain.  So perhaps it's off to Morrisons this afternoon to buy Jayne a new mug for the copious amounts of tea she drinks!!

On Tuesday we're at the hospital for Jayne to have a check up.  It's just a over a year ago that she had surgery for breast cancer.  I know Jayne will say that paradoxically this past 12 months has been the best year of her life – go figure!!  Well here's why:-

• three months off work – OK had to have radiotherapy some of the time
• saw Bruce Springsteen and Gaslight Anthem at Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park
• a long weekend in Dublin – oh and two Bruce Springsteen shows at the RDS Arena
• a week in New York last November – including two Bruce Springsteen shows at Madison Square Garden, a trip to New Jersey and Asbury Park
• meeting some fantastic people along the way – you know who you are but you might not know just how much you have contributed to making this a great year
• saw Southside Johnny again – this time at the Opera House in York

My 57th birthday is coming up soon – I share the day with HRER2 but we don't bother to swap cards. We're off to Lincolnshire for a few days – hoping for sunny weather so we can use the beach chalet at Sutton on Sea.  Relax, chill, walk on the beach and have some of Bateman's best.

April is often the month when political activists gear up for local elections – usually the first Thursday in May – and this year of course we have a general election on 6th May – yes we do really – maybe you haven't heard.  So I have a couple of carrier bags of leaflets and letters to deliver for our Labour Party candidates.

This is also usually the month when Jayne starts to get the gardening bug again – yesterday she did a bit of tidying up – cutting back bushes and pressure washing the patio.  It also usually means spending money on plants and pots etc.

Some of you might know that the future of my job is in the balance at the moment.  If I'm made redundant maybe I will get in to this gardening thing – Jayne makes it looks relaxing but hard work as well.  Losing my job will probably mean having to develop my limited domestic skills – cooking, cleaning and watching day time telly. Perhaps I will also start to play my saxophone again.  Hope to know some more about the job in the next three or four weeks – will keep my followers posted.

Things we're looking forward to over the coming months and that might appear in future blogs:- 

• May - Suzy Bogguss at Sheffield City Hall
• June - J ackson Browne at Sheffield Hall and Gaslight Anthem at Brixton Academy
• July - 1 40th birthday party in Wales
• September - my daughter expecting a baby

Right ok off to the garden centre.

Best snow for years

All the snow over the last couple of days reminds me of the winters when I was a teenager in the 1960's. Is it my faulty memory or was the snow really heavier and deeper back in those days and stayed around for ages. On BBC Radio Leeds this morning they announced about 250 school closures in the area because of the snow disruption. School closures - I ask you. We used to trudge for miles to get to school in the snow, sit in class with our coats on to keep warm and have snowball fights at dinner time.

I remember having a really heavy wooden sledge with metal runners - non of these lightweight fibreglass things. There was (an no doubt still is) a perfect slope on Western Flatts Park in Wortley, Leeds. We used to set off from the top of the slope (it was really a huge hill to be honest) and end up at the bottom nearly hitting the wall or going through the bushes into the back gardens of the houses that bordered the edge of the park. Then we would drag our wooden sledge back up to the top of the the huge mountain and set of down again. We spent hours doing this and had tremendous fun.