timtum

Those bangers ain't gonna make themselves! Off to make 220 packets of snorkers. I'm tired just thinking about it. Back in about nine hours.

So that's what you end up reporting on when you lose the rugby league gig at the Times.....

Lord have mercy that's a good trawl.... I was sat having my morning coffee today and France 2 morning show had the break music as.......

My lungs are knackered..... 38 years of smoking is taking its toll.

Stay strong boys, stay strong.....

I think I might be permitted a little "woo hoo!" Most exciting back I've seen over here in the last ten years. As for the union hint from Canetman, he is possibly too slight to play at full back / wing in the XVs. My feeling is that one of the big British SL teams will be having a very good look at the lad.

Caramelised red onion bangers for tea! Might indulge myself and sling a couple of free range eggs in as well. Washing the ensemble down with a cheeky red from Cases de Pene (two litres of which cost me a packet of sausages this morning). Still absolutely no sign of a diet here. If anyone sees my feet please let me know how they are.

The ski station up above where I live is open this weekend.

Look after yourself pet. And get him to look after you even more. Bisous, Tim

Im on a week's holiday. Its much like an English seaside break so far. Beer, pizza, horizontal rain, and being vigorously sand blasted.

FACT. I didn't find Canetman but did find the splendid Jacques Jorda.....

I'm in Canet. Anyone seen Canetman?

Really regretting sporting a pair of rugby shorts, plastic croc thingys, and a t shirt today as it is blowing a hooley up here..... Pride prevents me changing the bottom half of my attire so I am now snug in the top half with a fleece. Looking a complete loon as ever.

Yes, yes, file it under so wrong but so right....... ...not one, but two fray bentos pies about to head tummy wards.

Just finished a big ten hour shift making bangers listening to BBC 6 Music. Peel's lad's programme was splendid http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01s5k1w Including a lost wonder Blloody brilliant

The wonderful Stereolab and French Disko

Twas album of the day on 6 music the other day. I was rather impressed and surprised (as well as having a bit of a dislocated feeling, desperately seeking hair gel and cavalry shirt). I didn't like them very much back in the day, but I was wrong.

Currently watching and listening to Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds live from Coachella http://www.slicingupeyeballs.com/2013/04/16/nick-cave-bad-seeds-coachella-video/ Edit: Didn't realise he was doing Stagger Lee. Very potty mouthed, naughty Mr Cave.

My latest chin wig is coming along nicely. Going for one of those long goatee numbers and nearly at the putting it into bunches / plaits stage. Wife deeply unimpressed although a little amused.

I provided the ingredients for a sausage fest on Saturday night. We had: Caramelised red onion sausage rolls Lincolnshire sausagemosas Barbecued chipolata pork & leek and apple & cider Bangers and mash, onion gravy, red cabbage using cumberland sausages Jalapeño sausage meatballs in a putanesque sauce with spaghetti Traditional sausage sliced into a nutmeg pilaff. Washed down with lots of local red wine. Followed by bread & butter pudding, lemon and orange drizzle cake, cheesecake, and tarte tatin. I was a bit full afterwards....

...and I believe currently touring with Ringo Starr!

My neighbour came 27th in the 1984 Milk Race.

Up to the goolies in snow again. Darren the turning dog seems to have found a new place to turn. Tampon the cat is currently wintering with a neighbour.

Big thing to happen for me in the vittals department in Australia since I was last there eleven years ago was the incredible growth in the small brewery market, and the consequent improvement in the mainstream. Spent far too much time in places like this: http://www.archivebeerboutique.com.au/ Just about all still pasteurised but compensating with some great smoky, hoppy, malty flavours. All still cold enough to take the enamel off your teeth. Coopers is still battling ("improving Australian pubs one tap at a time") but is no longer a stand out in the same way that it used to be. Even the old rogues like VB and XXXX are now changing the recipes, taking out preservatives and still not tasting of very much but at least are a little more hangover friendly. The James Squire range seems to be everywhere and is not bad at all - its one fifty lashes is one of several very good IPA;s now doing the rounds. The whole lot of course is mouthwateringly expensive. Paid around a tenner in many places outside happy hours for a schooner and a midi. Ouch. Loved the response from the barman at the Hero of Waterloo when I asked him if there was a happy hour. "No mate, helps keep out the amateurs".

http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2013-02-05/royal-opening-for-new-scanner/ Ickle bruv meeting Mrs Betty Queen (in the first of the photos). Sporting his newly acquired Spencer Hart whistle I sincerely hope that he did not live up to the label on this occasion.