Not half as bad

I’ve finally summoned up some enthusiasm to get something down on the old blog, a combination of tiredness, lack of enthusiasm and near depression sapping my energy for writing of late.

Anyway, it’s 17:30 on Thursday and I’m in my pyjamas and slippers, a sure sign of old age and a comfortable reflection on my surroundings here at http://www.theclifton.co.uk/contactus.html . Much as Loved the independence of the old  http://www.thomson-caravans.co.uk/ caravan last year with it’s seaside location at ‘The Village’ http://lifeattheendoftheroad.wordpress.com/2012/09/25/meanwhile-in-the-village/ , I’m glad I’m not in it just now. Much as I enjoyed the early morning sunrise as I walked the hundred yards to the toilet/shower block every day, I wouldn’t be too chuffed doing it just now.

This being my walk to college yesterday

past the Victorian edifice that is the town hall with its infernal clock that chimes every half hour. Not that I can hear it now in my double glazed room with ensuite  shower and toilet less than a couple of feet from my bed. No, in my cosy little room with its thick drapes I can’t hear very much of the outside world, unlike the single glazed caravan with its thin walls, just as well for Ocean road can have its fair share of pi55 heads and pelters at throwing out time, or at least the end nearer ‘the toon’ can

The first night I must have been pure shattered for I slept in and had to be woken for breakfast, the second night I went out with some of the boys for a couple of pints and an excellent meal at DaVinci’s Italian restaurant  http://www.davincisitalia.co.uk/ just up the road. It was great, Calamari followed by a pasta marinari, but the combination of huge breakfast, buffet lunch, two course dinner and several beers left me bloated and unable to sleep. Or at least unable to sleep once the alcohol had worn off at 3:00am Still, at least I got to college on time in the snow it was a very quiet walk in, if the snow was like this in the town centre it must have been far worse elsewhere.

The course itself, an electrical one, is certainly interesting and the days pass by far quicker than they did last year, the only snag is there’s nothing to do afterwards At least last year in September and October I could walk about up and down the coast or quite happily go on the ferry or Metro, now its the depths of winter and dark for most of the day

The scaffolding is up

As if tis not bad enough being away from home I’m missing the sight of our new house taking shape.

The scaffolding went up yesterday and just look at the weather there compared to here

 

OK, I know they’re a little dark but it was after 17:00

 

and wifey has not got used to holding the camera straight yet

 

The ‘wee dog’, after checking out the concrete slab was impressed with the work too

Meanwhile back on the planet Shields I’m beavering away at South Tyneside nautical college with six others, who like me are finding the course far more interesting than three days a week of filing and making door bolts Apart from lots of theory and practical work with electrickary we had a shot in the bridge simulator today.

 

And whilst piloting our tug up the Tyne who did we spot ???

 

none other than the MV Bute, quite a long way from her regular route on the Clyde.

She was alongside a quay and appeared to be loading scrap metal A certain skipper from Arran sprung to mind   

Not only the scaffolding

Fresh off the press and only ever so slightly out of focus

 

 

It’s starting to look like a house

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