What an Xmas that was!

This report comes to you from CenterParcs! This year the family Brain decamped from Four Oaks and relocated just outside Nottingham in a New Executive Lodge in Pine section. This was a great break from tradition and a step further than last year. For nigh on twenty years Xmas has always been at Chez John and Lisa then last year we went out for Xmas lunch which was very nice. This year after number 2 son had moved to London and spent a full term there, and having not been together as a family at all this year, we decided to go to a different location so that we could function as a family where no-one could escape and we did old fashioned things like eat together, talk and play games. The boys took various turns at playing badminton and squash whilst Mrs B and I walked and took in a lot of fresh air and then finished off with a massage. We had some good meals out, we cooked Xmas lunch in the Lodge, slept a lot and chilled as a family.
A good time was had by all.
Tomorrow we return to chez brain and back on the hamster wheel for me.
I am certainly hoping that when I check my blood pressure tomorrow it will reflect how I feel, if not it will be another great injustice in my life!
Number one son's girlfriend arrived on Boxing night and completed the extended family.
How the days have gone so fast I don't know, I guess that is testament to how good a time we have had as a family.
We have fed ducks, and looked at wildlife, things we have never done before.
What a shame we have to go back to the real world. Maybe I could become a ranger here and watch ducks all day.
So all good things come to an end.
I will re engage once we are settled back.
Happy New Year to One and All!

Miracle on 34th street

Christmas is getting close. I know this for 2 reasons. One my dear old chum the Overgraduate Has commenced his advent blog, secondly some great sentimental films are on the box.

This time of year has lost a lot of its magic even for the hard hearted cynic that is this author. Wide eyes and excited giggles as presents are opened are a thing of the past. Now I look forward to a good helping of corny rom cons such as Love Actually and 3 weddings and a funeral as my Xmas cheer.
This year the Brain Clan for a whole variety of reasons that can't be mentioned here are off to Center Parcs over Xmas! Pray tell why I hear you say? Basically cos it was the cheapest option compared to Mrs B's ideas! I am sure she thinks my middle name is Roberts and not Richard!
Anyway after much chuntering from en famille they are now resigned to the fact it IS happening and their job is to make sure Mummy has a great time!
Lots of films, lots of walks, food, chocolates, even Carol singing, it will be a change!
Prior to that lots to look forward to, a Deloittes (Arthur Andersen) reunion drinks, me has alterior plan ha ha!
A night out at School House, Xmas party night in a big crowd of approx 12 friends is set to be a great night as well as a much looked forward to (took some planning I can tell you), night out at Chez Overgraduate! When we try to plan more than a couple of things a month it s like trying to sort out Greece's debt problem only worse!
A few other times to comment on -
1 ha ha Chelsea, shame mr Clattenburgh is moving on and not suing you, you arrogant tossers!
2 double ha ha Chelsea I sincerely hope you don't get Pep as your Manager the Owner doesn't deserve him. He needs to understand you can buy players, you can't buy results, even though he has probably tried that as well.
3 Engerrrlaaaand, wot a result at the weekend! Mind you the AB's looked knackered, I am pleased especially for 2 people, not the 2 everyone s thinking of. Firstly Stuart Lancaster, he has conducted himself magnificently and more importantly insisted the players respect the shirt! Secondly Chris Robshaw, what a tremendous performance not only as Captain but as a player. Why can't everyone appreciate his naevity in the heat of battle. Rather it came now and not in the World Cup Final! For goodness sake people give he guy a chance to grow into the job.
4 finally - saw a great documentary about Jeff Lynne the other week so enjoying Tavelling Wilbury's.
Back soon!