2019 DIARY WEEK SEVENTEEN 22nd APR -- 28th APR

Easter Monday and another day off work, if only I had some funds it would have been nice to go out somewhere for a break but we'll have some fun at home anyway, can look ahead to pay day on Thursday this week and then planning the finer detail for next week when I am off and ready to go out for my birthday. Have made contact with a few people to see if we can meet up it would be nice to see my old boss Cathy, or Kate down in Hampshire, or Sarah in Bognor. I did make a trip out on Monday to Hanworth Crematorium, very sunny and stayed an hour till it got too much.

Not many flowers out and the Rose Garden was rather disappointing as expected lots of colour there this time of year but seems to have been cut back and all bare. Never mind maybe next time. Back home and a quiet afternoon, no Dons football today as we have leaders Luton Town on Tuesday night instead which was a surprise result 2-2 although we remain in the drop zone. Back to work on Tuesday and the children will soon be back to school so will be a bit busier out there, but at least I can enjoy this week a bit more knowing I'm off soon. Tuesday was not a bundle of fun really but we did survive it with the added surprise of breakfast (thought we'd missed that cos of Easter) so if we can get through Wednesday then all being well the rest of the week will be fine. Have at least sort of arranged next Monday to meet up with Cathy so that will be nice. Got paid on Thursday and a small bonus not as good as I had hoped for and also getting clobbered for more pension contributions which I really don't want but have to pay. Have some money for next week so go out and enjoy it mate. The weekend and although other things haven't gone to plan I did get out to see Julia and AFC Wimbledon beat Wycombe 2-1 in the final home game and we are at last out of the bottom four with one more game to come. 

2019 DIARY WEEK SIXTEEN 15th APR -- 21st APR

The week that takes us up to the Easter Break so at least only a four day working week. Still no money, but have at least sorted out Mrs Hughes Birthday (Monday 15th) and a card plus some money for David to send a little later in the week for his 19th. Been keeping busy with blogs on both mine and Dads pages, this does help although there is no real following for them so it wouldn't matter if I stopped. Another meeting at Pontefract races on Monday and then creating more football ones for the Easter weekend too. 

How does the rest of the week go? Well we scrapping by somewhat, but all being well the Easter weekend I can get a lot of things tidy and maybe even get the trains out for a run around that might give me some comfort. Take some pictures too and give the wagons a run out as well. 

Started to put together an itinerary for Ascot and my 50th birthday in couple of weeks time, so far got a few people going and maybe we can enjoy the day, would also be nice to arrange to see Kate on Tuesday but so far not heard anything more about that and really don't want to put pressure on her. Have also suggested a lunch with my ex boss Cathy, which would be nice, maybe take dog for a walk I will see how that turns out. 

Also had a call from my brother Graham so all things are set to go to Ascot, they are away for a day or two beforehand but we have tickets, I have a little money and all being well we can have a good day out. The rest of this weekend has just been nice to chill out and not be at work so nice lay in and no commute is welcome. Have been listening to loads of podcasts and catching up with few shows I missed too, and next week we will have been paid so I should be better off until I lose it all at Ascot for sure. 

2019 DIARY WEEK FIFTEEN 8th APR -- 14th APR

Monday, back to work, see how this week goes again compared to recent ones. Manged to survive today spending no money, good, had breakfast and good for the day, if you can do at least one more of these then that would help as I need to be sure you can have money and gifts for Mrs Hughes. Her birthday looms large in the coming few days. While I should be fine for her Birthday and that of David my nephew in a weeks time, it does mean I have nothing left for me and the Easter holiday will be four days when I will have to find somewhere to go out but no money to actually go very far? Suppose that means probably a trip to the Crematorium Gardens if weather is fine, or we can jump on bus to Hayes and train up to Ealing Broadway or Acton Main Line perhaps with the camera. 

Pam wanted to go out over Easter, I simply cannot do it so have had to drop out, probably not gone down well though not sure what they had planned. However sadly there was no alternative at this time. 

Catch up on the Football (AFC Wimbledon away at Oxford this weekend) and the F1 Grand Prix highlights in China as long as I can manage to avoid the results of both Qualifying and the Race itself as I only have access to the highlights on channel four. 

Generally it's been a disappointing year to date, have tried but failed to sort things for my birthday, the constant dark thoughts in my head are that things will not end well soon.

2019 DIARY WEEK FOURTEEN 1st APR -- 7th APR

So the clocks have gone forwards so it's daylight in the mornings now on the way to work, doesn't make it that easier but at least it warns us that spring is here, hay-fever, and a step closer to my 50th Birthday in about 4 weeks time. Absolutely no money again so the next three weeks will also be rough, as you have birthdays to pay out for too so see what you can do. 

Nothing exciting this week, aimed to leave a bit early on Thursday and go into Kingston and pick up little shopping plus Mrs Hughes gift then we are nearly there, and that will be a slight weight off my shoulders. Need to end the constant twist or bust approach to life it's really bringing me down and not getting me anywhere at all having to keep digging myself out of a hole every month is not good. Genuinely not happy this week, more so than usual, but seems that we have 4-5 coming out with us for birthday. 

Got through to Thursday and nipped out to pick up some bits in Kingston, at least have couple of items for Jean, still need a little more, but we'll get there. Will have money and card to send to David later and then need to know we can do Ascot. 

Aintree Grand National on Saturday will see if Tiger Roll can repeat last years win, but is no price at 3/1F. 


I'm hoping for a good run from either VINTAGE CLOUDS or an outsider WALK IN THE MILL. 

Generally though it's been another difficult week, but you got through and maybe next week can begin afresh and be better. Hold your head up mate, it could be a lot worse.