Home dad

This week I am home trying to make up for the time I miss with my family. Long hours invariably mean I miss a huge amount which can never be gotten back. So this week I opted for the week at home. It's Jack's last day of Primary School and wanted to be there to witness it.

In the morning I did the school run with J dropping #2 and #3 and then taking #4. Opted then for a cruise on the bike. Holy smoke I am rusty with the heat not helping. It always takes me 10 rides to get the riding legs back and then can hold my own. Will try and get out most days this week. A very sultry 30dc in London today and going to be hotter still tomorrow.

We are blessed with awesome countryside from our house and so opted for the Biggin Hill loop with a couple of minor extensions.  Here is the route: https://www.strava.com/activities/644928734

In the afternoon I jogged to Jack's school testing out the sciatic and whilst still not 100% I am beginning to move much better which I am very happy about.

For dinner we went into Beckenham for burgers at our local bistro. The boys are starting to eat a lot of food. I am actually quite scared!

Lords

Day with eldest son at Lords. A fantastic day in glorious sunshine courtesy of White and Case and Marcus.

Have not been here at the Home of Cricket for 30 odd years and the place has aura. Enjoyed every minute and even allowed myself numerous day time beers. Great company around and spent most of day chatting to Richard Spring (Lord Rigsby) a member of the House of Lords who was also one of Marcus' guests - despite being high up in the Conservative party we got on famously. The MP Mark Field for the London City and Westminster was also there. Cracking day spent with Tommy A.

Nothing day

Nothing much today. Hung with the family. No excerise.

Cav won his fourth stage. Impressive.

Nice

Terrible news to wake up to with the stories from Nice. Simply horrible and it seems that every week we are faced with a global tragedy. I spent many a summer holiday in Nice on that same promenade. In fact I can even remember having pretend running races with my folks and siblings whilst eating the Karomac chewies or wherever they are called. Heartfelt thoughts go to the families who were effected. They are good people.

My floor today was similarly somber. We are an equal mix of Germans French Spainish and me being one of the few Brits. I would not have it any other way and missed that multi cultural interaction whilst in Aus. London is truly the capital of Europe and undeniably this is now at stake.

I am annoyed by Brexit and the aftermath on so many levels but now is exactly why we need a united European Union.

And this after Froome having to run up Mont Ventoux yesterday.  The world has gone stonking mad. A friend was up there and said that it was chaotic, the issue being that all the supporters up the mountain had crammed to the lower slopes given the 6k shortening.

Today was the usual insane day in the office but again forced myself away from my desk for 60 minutes of stretching and strength. It helped as it always does.

Have been invited to Lords on Sunday courtesy of one of the law firms and will surprise #1 Tommy A x. I have been meaning to take him since we have been back as we made a promise to his Manly Villiage teacher who put Lords as her #1 place she most wants to visit above anywhere else. I was about the same age when my dad took me to see Richard Hadley no less play for the Kiwis against Gatting Gower and co. I also remember that like yesterday. It's funny what moments you do remember.

Have to say I am incredibly thankful for having 4 amazing normal healthy boys and an adorable wife - I love them dearly and always set out to tell them and hug them everyday.

Breaking point

Every day I think it cannot get any worse and then more mental'ness. Work is simply out of control.

I got away from my office for 45 mins at lunch but otherwise was completely nuts.

Purposely avoiding any news so that I watch the Tour when I get home.

Officially wasted

I am completely knackered - literally crawling to the weekend. Glands are swollen and feel like crap.

Meanwhile more amazing entertainment at the Tour today with Sagan and Froome in a break away of 4 (WTF) and both green and yellow jersies (even more WTF). Looking forward to watching highlights.

Sammy B now extended to 10 minutes over Lars AT THE Bak.

* 40 mins at the gym at 2pm to de-clutter mind.

Sammy Bennet

Sammy Bennet still doing me proud in the Tour and has even opened up a 5 minute lead on Lars 'AT THE' Bak (oooooi) which I find highly amusing :)

Today was more mayhem and worked my socks off again with no break to 9pm.

Jack had his district race today and finished 9th which is no mean feet for Bromley which has lots of running pedigree. He was nonplussed as ever.

Monday manic

God I hate Mondays. Got home at 10 and felt like I worked a week only to log on for another hour or so. Seriously. I earn every single penny.

Yesterday I got some more Accupuncture but left side even more sore today. I did though manage 30 mins of strength in the gym to preserve sanity more than anything else.

The late arrival home meant I missed Sarah and kids visit from Manly Australia. As I say....every penny.

Boys annual performance

Bloody hell this sciatic thing is a bind. Not able to do much and so just taking it easy.

Morning spent with J and then the arvo with the two elder boys as the inseparable duo were at their final rehearsal ahead of tonight. So another day it was camped in front of the tele watching Hamilton breeze it in the British GP, Froome reign supreme in the Tour and finally Murray Mint take down his second Wimbledon. Britain tearing it up again. So much for cannot win anything? Take note Ireland who win sweet FA - if they stopped quipping about England for once they may actually win something one day. Then again may be not. Oh dear.

Tommy spent the latter arvo at the Langley golf club around the corner playing 9 holes. He has a massive opportunity to be quite good with the golf course all 5 mins walk from home and now with membership can play after school. I really hope he takes advantage but is down to him.
Now watching the younger two's performance which is their end of term performance from their music and arts school. There is only so much watching of dancing and singing kids I can take particularly when it's not your own.

Some core work with J but that was it.