I have been getting up rather early the last few days to watch the Test Match in South Africa, very exciting it is too, as I write England need just two wickets to clinch the second test and go 1 up in the series. All in all its been a pretty good Test Match, it has similarities with England vs Australia during the summer, at the end of the First Test against Australia England had to battle for survival on the final day, and then went on to win the next test and the series, well in the First Test here England had to bat to survive, which they managed, and now in the Second Test her thanks to Englands excellent batting and some stunning bowling from Stuart Broad and Graham Swann England are on the verge of a massive victory, are we finally becoming a consistent top rated team? I think so.

Sunday night was one of those messy nights I have from time to time, we have decided to put on a Panto next Christmas for the District Scouts, I have been appointed Producer and chief writer, so 4 of us met up to put together a story line, our District Commisioner brought some food, ant the rest of us brought Gin, Bombay Sapphire to be precise! As you can imagine putting us in a room with gin has a certain effect, the measures where getting more outrageous as the evening progressed, we have a great storyline and started working on some sketches which to be honest were in places filth! luckily we have toned it down, but it does seem very funny in the cold light of day, all was going well until our DC produced a bottle of Merlin. Merlin is Penderyn Whisky's version of Baileys, and what a fine drink it is, by the end of the evening two bottles of Gin had gone as had Matt's fine bottle of Merlin! the rest of the evening descended into a giggling mess, and my poor son had to put up with his dad singing and then lying in bed giggling, poor lad, Monday morning was a tad quiet. I spent the best part of yesterday was spent writing the opening scenes, which have been done and looked at by those he need to and apparently it is funny, and most importantly suitable for a young audience, we have managed to cast the major roles, and for once I will not be wearing a dress!

Belated Yuletide greetings! Had a very nice Xmas Day with friends and their family, we were very well catered for. Young Finch has spent this Xmas at his mum's because next year we will be heading off to Switzerland for our Ski Trip.

Went out for a drink with friends Christmas Eve, started off in the Old Mill, but quickly realised the pub was a dump so we headed off to the The Star, much more to our liking that one. As a result of our evenings drinking I have been asked to produce a panto next year for the District! looking forward to it already, we are writing a brand new panto, which will involve all the panto characters, we had some ideas Xmas eve and will meet up again Sunday evening for food, drink and a bit of panto writing.

Well its here! Wingit tonight and your truly taking to the stage to belt a tune out, had a rehearsal Thursday evening, which was ragged to say the least, but that in my experience that is all the good thing, in all the years I have been getting up on stage, I have noticed that if the last rehearsal is cack the show itself is usually pretty good, so here's hoping that is true on this occaision! The old butterflies are kicking in a little this morning!

Middle brother had surgery yesterday on his shoulder, cant slow down his bowling any further as its as slow as it canbe already, he has not used the injury to explain how my batting and bowling averages were better than his just yet, but in time I am sure he will.

Well this damn stomach bug is taking its time to clear! Still at least its not as bad as it was on the weekend. Just started on a course of pills to help me give up smoking, started them first thing Monday and was high as a kite for the rest of the day, much to the amusement of others! Scouts have finished for the year now, only a couple of weeks off then its backto the new Scout Hall.

Our Scout trip to Switzerland is booked, an we have 20 of us travelling next Xmas night, all 20 are very excited and now focussed on fundraising!

Tonight its my final rehearsal with Wingit before the Xmas do Saturday night, entry is by ticket now, so if you want one give me a call! Young Finch is attending tonights rehearsal, one band member has suggested ear plugs for the lad, because of the noise factor of course!

We are aiming to have a quiet night Friday, catch up on some Sky + viewing, I have two Top Gears to catch up with.

Afternoon all, its been a strange weekend. I have been struck down with some sort of stomach bug, it has felt like the mother of all battles going on in my stomach, deeply unpleasant and although not as bad as yesterday I am still suffering! Young Finch has taken it all in his stride by ignoring my plight...ungrateful little sod.
His size is now becoming an issue, he is 5" 10 and still growing, so much so that he went out this morning and as he walked away from the house I noticed he was wearing my trainers!

Still in a bit of wonder having seen Disco doing his stuff on the scan Friday (See Friday blog) Disco is the right name for the little tyke as he was continually moving around making life very difficult for the poor Dr on the scanning machine!

Next Thursday sees me rehearsing with Wingit for their annual Xmas shindig next Saturday, I have been given Chantilly Lace to sing by the boys, and the whole event is being recorded on video, so no doubt You Tube will be graced with my presence soon enough! The event is at Charlton Park Rugby Club next Saturday the band are on at 9pm and tickets are a fiver on the door! As well as singing, sound engineer and roadie I will be spinning the tunes before and after!

I was at an ultra sound scan yesterday with a friend, have not done that for 14 years, wow, the 3d image was awesome, and its a lively bugger thats been christened Disco......