Dealz

It's been an odd sort of week. I was only work for three days after taking the previous week off. My mobile rang. It's Tricky is my ring tone, if you're interested. Australia had another batting collapse. The cause of my phone ring was John Lewis contacting me to advise they would finally be delivering a piece of furniture I had ordered. It was only a week late and not really their fault as the boat didn't sale for most of that time. Although I do notice that Dealz has managed to fit out and stock their new shop while this has been going on. Still in view of this I got some cash back as a gesture of goodwill. Long may the rough weather continue.

Friday saw me hitting Laxey with an old mate of mine. Lunch was taken in the Mines Tavern, lamb chops for me, with a few pints plus trips to The Shore for their Bosun Bitter and finally The Queens where it is still possible to get 2 pints of bitter for under a fiver. Happy days.

November

Well November will shortly be no more and my attempt to grow a moustache will come to an end. It was all for charity. It's a good job I wasn't being sponsored for length or bushyness as the pennies raised wouldn't have covered the cost of the rubber gloves needed for the prostate exam. I've done my bit and cash has been raised for a good cause. Cheers to all who donated.

Birthday Bonanza

It's birthday drinks round at my house later today. Not my birthday though. A good friend has decided that my town house it a suitable place to celebrate. I can only think it's the sideboard that swung it.

The entertainment is going to be an HD broadcast of West Ham United v Derby County. I live in hope. Previous football events have been marred by technical failures plus I'm not expecting much from the game.

I just need to work out how to open the keg.

Route 66

I've already headed up a blog with this title but I veered off the pavement and was heading for the levy so I had to rename it.

A road is after all just a road but Route 66 has a history and to some a romance that other roads don't have. The A66 on the UK just doesn't do it. By the way it runs from Penrith to Scotch Corner but what's at this corner, egg or whisky? Already I can feel another road trip on the way. In the Isle of Man the nearest we have is the A6 and to be honest I had to google that to see where it went:

"Originally the Old Castletown Road, linking the centre of Douglas to the A5, it was rerouted, taking over part of the A24 and a unclassified road to form a box around west Douglas. Recently, it was extended further, taking over the A21 to reach the A18 and form a route around the northern and western outskirts of Douglas."

From that I'm none the wiser.

What I can tell you is that the bit of Route 66 I travelled down from just east of Flagstaff via Spring Peaches to Kingman is populated by many a deserted filling station/motel and some fine scenery.

                                                               

                                                                    

Arizona

Part of my recently finished holiday was traveling through northern Arizona, some of it on the most famous of American roads, Route 66. Billy Connolly stole some of my thunder by deciding to do the same thing at almost the same time for an ITV  programme. Most of the shows are still available via ITV Player although he probably would have been better using a Ford Mustang rather than a trike. No cracked ribs for me. Only baby back with BBQ sauce.

The road trip out of Las Vegas was simple, day one drive to Flagstaff in Arizona, day two trip to the Grand Canyon, day three travel through northern Arizona ending up in the Village of Oak Creek near Sedona and the day four back to Neveda. Simples. It was, a satnav is a wonderful thing. I've traveled to the Grand Canyon via car before and the only practical thing I could remember was turn left at Kingman and my most recent knowledge of Kingman was a jail break in 2010, so no stopping for hitch hikers. Knowledge is power after all.

More to follow with this one.

From Kingman it was I 40 to Flagstaff rather than Route 66, although they mostly run parallel. Some of the gradients are steep as you rise 4000 odd feet from Kingman to Flagstaff. This can cause a problem if you get caught behind a truck in the process of passing another. The pass seems to take for ever as one truck inches pass the other. The only rest bite is an occasional passing lane, allowing the Mustang to leave the Kenworths eating our dust.

As the altitude of the road rises on the way to Flag so too does the scenery. The bare rock gives way to scrub then grass land and finally ponderosa pines which line the roads into town. Besides the trees as we rose in high I also noticed the signs advising that ice was a possibility. Not what I had been expecting when I originally booked what was my summer holiday. A storm front was passing over the area bringing with it unseasonal cold weather. I hadn't even brought a jumper with me, never mind a beanie to keep the chill off my bonce.

Route 66, the replacement interstate and a railway line all run close together in this part of Arizona. As is common in the US the tracks are solely used for freight. Mile long trains lumbering past you. In Flagstaff the line goes right through the centre of the town. Luckily for the good citizens the trains no longer sound their whistles as then enter the city limits.

I had originally headed up the blog "Route 66" but have had to change that, as I'm no where near my trip down the Mother Road yet and this seems to be my longest blog already.

The reason for the trip to Flag was for a visit to the Grand Canyon. I've been before but really its one of those places that can't be tired of.

Back to the Grind

Las Vegas seems along time ago and I haven't been back a week yet. Nothing much has changed while I've been away, it's still wet and windy.

The contrast in parts of my trip were quite noticeable, Las Vegas and northern Arizona offer very different experiences of America.

Details of my American road trip to follow.

Apple Store

where else? Even managed to set Sky+ for Boardwalk Empire. It's great this technology. Sadly no cocktails by the pool.

Seize the Moment

That moment is almost here. I start my journey soon. They're not epic anymore these travels half way round the world. You're just sat in a seat for hours on end, hoping the person in front doesn't put their seat back. I'll eat a meal from a plastic container with a plastic fork. Oh happy days. It's not about the traveling; it's about the arrival. Hopefully with suitcase.

Must Watch TV

Some new seasons of some great shows are starting on Sky Atlantic:

Treme already started
Blue Bloods starts 1st week of October
Boardwalk Empire due soon.

Sky+ will be heavily used while I'm on holiday.

It's nearly here

and I'm not talking about the Isle of Man general election, no I'm talking about Las Vegas. I was so excited a couple of weeks ago I thought I might burst. I calmed down a bit especially when I heard someone from the same company as me will be flying out to Sin City on the same day. Don't need to be running into pains in the ass while I'm there. Luckily he's flying on a different airline from a different airport so not much chance of bumping into each other. I'll be enjoying a cold one in Bills while he'll be clearing immigration at Atlanta.

Part of my trip involves a road trip out to northern Arizona, Flagstaff and Sedona. I'm putting together a bit of a playlist for this. Just got my Creedence Clearwater Revival cd through the post, via Hoboken NJ for that American link, so a few of those tracks will make it onto that list.. Bad Moon Rising anyone? I'm a bit old fashioned and still like the cd rather than just down loading plus the 11 minute version of one song wasn't available as a download.

It's nearly time for part 2 of Billy Connolly's trip down Route 66. I hope he gets to Arizona next week otherwise I'll be there on the spot and won't need his show.

Winding Down

Into LV

Hopefully in 4 weeks time I'll be sipping cocktails by the pool or atleast having the brew of the day in Starbucks. I just thought I'd share a couple of photos from my trip last year. The 1st one is Yosemite Falls in the Natioanl Park in California. The 2nd one is the view of Las Vegas travelling north on I15. After a hot day in the desert it was a welcome relief to see this mecca.

The devil is in the detail.

The flights have been booked for months, the hotels for almost as long. A car needs to be arranged but that's no biggie. I even got my ESTA. As Murray Walker would say it's "go go go" for my trip to Las Vegas. But what new places to visit when I'm there. It's all very well going back to the old favourites but the boundaries need to be stretched. Last year it was Todd English Pub , a fine LV drinking establishment with a typically American large central bar, bare brick and white tiles. An extensive range of domestic and imported beers. Sadly no dollar domestics when I was there. I couldn't stay long as the two pints I had in there was breakfast. It had been a long night. This was something to do with my room overlooking Carnival Court not the quietest of locations.

This year one place I want to visit is Stage Door Liquor , a taste of old Vegas. Passed it a few times over the years but never been in.

That's one down, several more to find.

Help yourself

Of all the images from the recent disorder in English city centres and Gloucster one of the most shocking things for me has been the return of Hazel Blears to our tv screens. I hoped we'd seen that last of her after the MPs expenses scandle when it came to light she was flipping her houses to avoid capital gains tax.She stands there and lectures on law and order.  You might remember her clutching a cheque which she was going to give to the Revenue to make everything ok. In her world it'll be ok for the looters to stump up the full retail price of the stuff they took and go on their way.

Although that was nothing compared to her asking yesterday, in a Sky News interview, why the looting youngsters weren't at school. It had to be pointed out to her it was the school holidays.

Again, that's enough politics. It's Sausage Saturday and I'm just about to start cooking mine. They're call dragon sausage but I'm not sure if they have dragon meat in them. I think a couple of fried mushrooms will go nicely with them. After that a brief hike to the Royal show and a look into the beer tent there with possibly some best in show action.

Hacked

It's never ending this phone hacking thing. Heather Mills is trying to jump on board now. I wonder if she'll be more successful that the last unpopular has been to try: Gordon Brown. He fell flat on his face and it turns out he was for ever meeting News International bigwigs.

Anyway enough politics. My main concern is how am I going to take my dollars to America. I normally take cash and then top myself up at an ATM. I might try a prepaid debit card this time. It's a better rate and no charge for using it. It might only be saving me a couple of $s but better in my pocket for more cocktails later.

Bitten

The weather has turned  hot and humid and that can mean only one thing, insect bites. Damn those pesky blighters.

As I write this I'm watching an episode of Man v Food , the host is tucking into a rueben sandwich. I'm getting an itch ( and not from the insect bites) for the States. I'll be scratching that itch in a couple of months with a trip to Sin City and the Colorado Plateau in northern Arizona. It'll be good to get back out on the road again and sample some small town America.

An alternative view of Man v Food can be found here. 

My technology marches on. A 4th generation ipod has been purchased via ebay. Very reasonable, if I say so myself.

London Calling

It's not even 8.30 on a July evening and I'm already thinking of putting the lights on. Where's the summer?


Anyway I've enjoyed some sunny weather over the last few days on a long weekend to London. It was clammy to say the least but an enjoyable trip none the less. Possibly not the hi-lite but I did enjoy a warm scotch egg, the first one I've ever had, at The Durell Arms in Fulham along with some fine ales. This place was jumping for a Sunday and the bar staff were working hard. Not something you'd be used to seeing in Douglas. Also visited was  The Algerian Coffee Store  in Old Compton Street. I picked up some coffee from Thailand, I didn't even know it was grown there. You live and learn.


Just typing this on my new laptop. The technology marches on. I've probably got more power at my finger tips than NASA had for the moon landings.

Never ending TT

Well it seemed that way on Senior Race Day what with all the delays. They did finally get underway and complete the full six laps. It was the usual suspects in contention, as it had been most of the week, apart from a first win for Gary Johnson earlier in the week. As I have to work and also the thought of spending hour after hour sat on a damp hedge I tend to view most of the racing via my tv. Due to the wonders of technology you can still see most of the ITV4 footage via their handily named ITV Player. If you can't be bothered with all of that then at least look at the footage of Dan Kneen . No idea how he stayed on his bike.

With the TT over my mind turned to other things, mainly it has to be said sausages. Yesterday was the 2nd Saturday of the month so it was Sausage Saturday. I treated myself to a sausage and bacon bap using only the finest local produce of Moore's oak smoked bacon  and spicy pork sausages from Quine's plus a local produced bap. Top notch stuff. 

That's enough links to keep you going for the rest of the day.

There is one more thing, a Syrian blogger has been using a picture of someone else at the top of her blog to help hide her identity. I would like to take this opportunity to assure you the sausages at the top of this blog are genuine and have been in my possession.

Bank Holiday

End of May so it must be a bank holiday, four day week followed by another four day week with Senior Race Day. Not bad going. I like to take it easy.

I've changed my Sunday routine today so I won't be popping round to my Mum's for a big slap up meal. Instead I will be at Bushy's Beer Tent to watch some local bands go through their paces for charity. It'll be nice to attend the tent so early in the TT festivities. Clean toilets and the floor might not be so sticky. On my way on might stroll along Strand Street and see which shops have motorbikes in their window displays. It just makes me chuckle.

Shadow Lines

I've been watching the 1st couple of episodes of the Shadow Lines on BBC2. Filmed in the IOM, if you can notice. It's a bit slow to be honest but I might give it one more week. What I did notice though was our glorious minster of Economic Development has managed to get his name on the credits, he's up there with the best boy and key grip. I'm not sure why as Vince Cable has managed to keep his name off the list.

I've not been resting on my laurels since my last blog, oh no. Flights have been booked for this year's holiday. Yep, it's the south west USA again. I'm looking forward to some north Arizona action along with the old favourite of Las Vegas.

Hot Damn

It's turned chilly and wet. Hose pipe ban next week?

The decorating has slowed some what as I have distemper on the bathroom ceiling. It sounds to me like an early 80s synth band, all angled hair and eye make up but it's something to do with a powdery substance. Not really sure but I need a scraper and a sealant. Luckily I have both.

Bank Holidays

Well the bank holidays have been coming thick and fast and as I work for a bank, it's been great. Plenty of time off.but not much done.

This last 4 day weekend has been full of surprises. I watched a bit of the Royal Wedding and enjoyed it. We might not have any aircraft carriers and not enough helicopters but we can still put on a bit of a show. To top that, I awoke in the night to discover that Osama Bin Laden has been found and kill. As the saying goes "you can run but you can't hide". I'm not sure it will make a whole heap of difference to the terrorist threat around the world but it's good to know search is always on.

Anyway back to more pressing matters, I'm not at work this week so some household tasks need to be done. The bathroom ceiling needs a coat of paint or two and I have been planning to repaint my bedroom for a while. I've even got the paint for that and there's no cricket on the telly so I'd best crack on.

Sky Atlantic

Possibly the best thing to happen to TV this year is the channel Sky Atlantic. I'm loving the new stuff: Boadwalk Empire, which finished last night and Treme. It's running old series from the start as well. The Sapranos is been shown from the 1st series onwards and I think they are going to do the same with The Wire as well. It's the best American tv has to offer in one handy channel, with the added bonus of no Glee.

It's a slippery slope

Monday's match we dull to say the least but I suppose that's why it's 1st Division football. A point a piece after a nil nil bore was a fair result.

Wednesday's curry was a lot better, chicken tikka chahee for me. Basically chicken tikka served in a minced lamb sauce. Meat served with meat, that's a winner with me.

Over The Hump

The weekend is nearly here, something that gladdens my heart after a week at work. I even had to talk to customers on the phone, a busy old week.

To lift my spirits a spot of Buffooning has been organised for Saturday. Early(ish) start with an early finish. I don't like to commit myself to getting up too early at the weekend, it goes against the grain but I've placed the good the of the group before myself. I should still have time to rustle up a bacon and egg bap before setting off to one of the Island's more remote locations. The result of the early finish is that I will be free on Saturday afternoon to attend a pub viewing of Wales v England. It's not looking so good for boys in red now that Gareth Bale is out but fingers crossed.

There's more football on the cards for Monday evening; Oldham Athletic v Tranmere Rovers live on Sky Sports HD1. That's the one for me. hopefully a win but I can never tell with Tranmere. Our wunder kid Dale Jennings is back so anything is possible. I haven't invited anyone round for this as when I do either something happens to the HD reception or ITV cut to an ad break.

Regulate

This week saw the death of hip hop star Nate Dogg. Only 41. It's a tough trade. He made G-Funk his own and will probably be best remembered for Regulate, his 1994 collaboration with Warren G although he featured in the work of many rap stars.

The conversations at work can cover a huge range of topic, never banking, but I surprised myself on Tuesday with my knowledge of the English canal network. I wasn't as surprised as my colleagues though. 

It's nearly the weekend and there's some birthday celebrations to look forward to, possibly including a rare sighting of the lesser spotted tit. We shall see what hoves into view.

The Weekend

Friday evening saw me in Bar George, a rare trip as I've never taken to the place. All the tables were reserved and as usual the church hall sound effects meant I heard nothing. The evening was finished off with a quick trip to The Rovers for a pint of bitter. Much more my kind of thing.

As yesterday was the second Saturday of the month, it was Sausage Saturday. Just a simple sausage bap for me with a smear of ketchup. Very nice. Its a bit of a sausage fest as the moment as I'm currently cooking up a sausage cassoulet for tomorrow's tea.Lovely.

Off to my mum's soon for a good old nose bag.  


















One I made earlier.

The winner was......

Food. The bout was uncontested as due to a sudden lack of interest in the works do it fizzled out. I was disappointed but I have moved on.

This afternoon I was in a secret location undertaking secret work which I can't talk about. It was over very quickly though so an early start on tea. I had a pork chop, tried a paprika and black pepper rub but I can say it made any difference to the taste. More pork chops will be purchased this Saturday as its the Farmers Market at the Villa from 10.00am.

Later I'm attending the Courthouse night club. Not been in there since the night Michael Jackson died. Nothing to do with bad memories just haven't been bothered.

Man v Food

Tomorrow sees me visiting Jaks for tea. It's a work thing and Monday is the only day that we are all available. The last time we eat in Jaks, I became involved in a Man v Food. challenge when I opted for the mixed grill. 6oz steak, pork chop, gammon, lamb chop, sausage and an egg with chips. I glad to report that on the man won. I did suffer afterwards with meat sweats and a pint to wash it all down was a mistake. I'll probably take it a little easier this time.

I really must find something to do on a Sunday morning.

One more thing, a good friend of mine is bringing over a one man show, Beating Berlusconi to the Palace Hotel and Casino. You can more details of this from his site.

The Week Ahead

I'm already looking forward to Saturday as not only is it Sausage Saturday I'm heading to the hills with The Rambling Buffoons, an informal alliance of like minded people who enjoy a hike and a scotch egg.

I've moved.

I used to blog.

It got increasingly difficult to find so I thought I'd move.