Day 130 - Flight of the bumble bee...

I'm early today, but just off out for an afternoon of Strada and Natalie's "Cultural Celebration"....

The Cultural Celebration is like a children's version of BGT and X-Factor all rolled into one, we have celeb judges as well....I have been reliably informed that our seats are close to the judges - so I could be mingling with Craig Revel Horwood and Kaddy Lee-Preston this afternoon!   

My photo today is of a bumble bee in flight....just happened to catch it at the right moment.

Last night was a super sangria fuelled evening....thanks Solange for a fab paella and a thoroughly enjoyable time!  I hope you finished the marinated apples?  Below is a Solange medley, paella and stair artwork.......

Day 129 - Out with the old....

The Dark Destroyer has gone and replaced by the Silver Fox, yep the Vauxhall Astra is no more!  

I am now whizzing round Tunbridge Wells in a shiny silver Fiat 500, very smart it is - it has this cut out feature when you are at junctions!  Just have to get used to that and the weird positioning of the gear stick!  But most importantly I can play my I-pod and adjust the volume from the steering wheel!

Today has been a struggle, been in a red wine haze all day.....just been to the gym and if I had licked my sweat (which I didn't) I am sure it would have tasted of Rioja!  But no time to rest my liver, as I'm now off for a Spanish themed evening at Solanges.....Paella & Sangria!!!!  Buenas noches.

This also arrived today.....

Bloody cheek, I'm not 40 for 49 days........how rude!!!!

Day 128 - Facebook Game

Tonight Dickie introduced a new game!  The FNC Facebook game, absolute genius....who said what over the years on the social media portal!!  Hard guys, I only got 2 out of 10...even got my own quote wrong!  Nat, the least FB'er of us all won with 6.....wtf!!?

Dinner was a delight, the main was a stunning lamb curry burger! Love Dickies toasted brioche bun. He is a whizz in the kitchen :-)

We are now about to play mr & mrs...ummm interesting!! Nat & Dan v Me & Solange...results tomorrow!

Day 127 - Banksy comes to Jackwood

White doesn't stand out on light blue as I had hoped. 

But I'm not disappointed, my Banksy's "Fallen Angel" wall transfer is subtle. So extremely subtle that I am the only one that knows it's there!!!!  No I am not disappointed at all.....

Thankfully my choice of colour was slightly more intelligent for my Chinese health symbol!  At least that is visible to the naked eye.....

Also these transfers are not easy to get on the wall.  It's not a great idea doing it after spin and while fasting.....the tetchy tree monster emerged!  Avoid Jackwood Court at all costs......

Day 126 - Sarah's Sole!

Sorry got distracted by the best of X-factor!  Slightly concerned that Jo McElderry was voted the publics best moment......ummm, hello Alexandra & Beyonce!!!? The British public, yes you lot....are weird!

So after a busy day at work, yep the world of Kerala Connections is picking up!  Then a pummelling on the TRX machine at the gym......what is the perfect way to spend a Wednesday evening?

Yep with Sezzie P and her tasty sole!  Lemon Sole, whopping big prawns and sweet potato cooked two ways (mashed and roasted), delicious....watch out Nigella!!!

At least Simon put Leona above One Direction in his favourite X moment....goodnight all!

Day 125 - Cusco

My mind has been traveling today......

Suddenly dawned on me that the #GMT40 trip is next month....cannot believe how quickly it is whizzing round.  By the way #GMT40 is my hash-tag for the "Gary & Melissa Tree/Tiffin 40th birthday trip" - sad I know :-)

As I was investigating San Francisco restaurants and Napa Valley vineyards I suddenly had a thought, two years ago today Melissa and I first saw one of the most magical places in the world - Cusco.  We just loved it, a wonderful city in Peru that you fly into before taking on the mighty Inca Trail.

You need to adjust to the altitude and I have to say we needed a few nights in Cusco to get used to the thin air....walking up hill was tough, but we were assisted by many cups of Coca Leaf tea......naughty but nice, and it certainly hit the spot!!  Our first night over dinner we couldn't stop giggling....our poor waiter!!!

Cusco, is so colourful - the people are lovely and the whole vibe of the place is terrific.  Cobbled streets, ladies with llamas and markets galore....

After our exhausting, invigorating and amazing 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we headed back to Cusco to recover - and we were lucky enough to find ourselves in the midst of festival season - the main square full of dancing, music and the most vibrant colours imaginable!

Melissa and I spoke about Cusco recently, and we would love to go back.....if only to have one of Prasada's delicious lentil burgers!

Day 124 - the big "0"

Firstly MAK (Mark Arm-ache King).....I can't lift my arms up, the King's upper body workout has left me immobile...but ache is good, Vin Diesel watch out Tree is on his way up!

It is crazy how many people I know have the big "0" birthday this year....my boys Daz & Dicky (30), me and lots of my school friends (40), Ruth (50), my boss Trevor (60) and Veronica (70)....

Here are Ruth and Veronica - the birthday girls. 

Tonight it was time to celebrate with V, this lady is an absolute treasure and always puts a smile on my face!  A special woman :-)

She loves reminding me of my tennis tantrums, I know you are thinking tantrums....Gary, couldn't be true.....I have to add in my defence, I was passionate!  And I hate losing.....

Many many years ago at the tennis mix in, V and I had an unbeaten summer on the courts.....no other pair could beat us!  V with her all court experience and me with my passionate hunger to win, what a combo!

Happy birthday V!!