Relaxing break? Debateable...
Well, we returned from a very pleasant Golden Wedding bash in Leek. Whilst the bash was good, the experiences book-ending it were a bit more fraught.

We left on Sunday at 1:30 pm – a bit later than I would have liked, but still on course for getting there by 6. Dinner was to be at 7, so time for a quick shower and change and a pint at the bar.

Unfortunately the Alston Pass, M6 and weather did their collective bits to conspire against us. Diversion at the end of the Pass meant joining the M6 after a bit of a mystery ride through places I’d never heard of. No matter, it took about 20 minutes, not too bad, and still on course to arrive before 7. Ah well, maybe I’ll forgo the shower, and just get changed and have a pint in the bar instead.

About an hour on the M6 and the heavens opened, resulting in a 40mph crawl for about 20 minutes. Never mind, we can make some time up by disobeying the speed limit when it fairs up. Sun comes out, foot goes down. Vroooooooooom! Wahey, this is better, not much traffic, nice clear motorway… We’re making good progress. Still might not have time for a shower, but hey…

What’s this? A line of traffic? Arse. Next hour is spent moving at two miles a fortnight in what seems to be a 5 mile tail back. Has there been an accident or something? No, it transpires that it’s caused by about half a mile of one lane being closed for no readily apparent reason.

Cock. We are going to be late now, but we should be there on the dot of 7 after we hit junction 17. Check in, dump stuff, get changed, and away to dinner.

Oh noes – we’re 10 minutes from our destination and the road we need to take is closed and we need to take a diversion. Through Buxton. On twisty turny roads where the average speed is about 35mph. For 20 miles. Fuck. Not only are we going to be late, we’re probably going to miss the starter at this rate.

7:50 pm we roll into the car park. At 8:10 we arrive for dinner. Thank fuck they’ve kept our main courses warm.

Next two days, lovely time had by all, and the whirlpool bath in our room makes it that bit decadent. Trip home is uneventful, but we get home to find a pungent smell of gas in the living room. A quick check with the builders confirms it’s nothing to worry about, but to be on the safe side we decide to sleep at Tourette’s folks for the night. Means I have to go to work in jeans (not wanting to go back and get a suit just in case a spark from the light switch sends the place up in flames), but the Agency will have to put up with it for one day.

Today the gas has been turned off and the smell has gone. However, in the meantime the council has been round to turn the water off in the flat below on the basis that the previous occupant is dead. Fair enough, except the mongtastic workers have shut our water off as well in the process. So we’re camping out again tonight, although it is safe to go round later and collect some clothes.

The not getting the promotion I was in for just seals it really, although I’m not really arsed about that. I’ll enjoy my current job a lot more, and that’s what counts.
( Davros' Granddad a voice of calm reason in a world of spastics., Wed 13 Aug 2008, 16:53, 7 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

Oh phoey!
Better luck next time.

*hugs*
( girlinthehole, Wed 13 Aug 2008, 17:03, Reply)

Oh Davros!
Have a man hug... And a virtual beer.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Wed 13 Aug 2008, 17:08, Reply)

oh no!
who got it instead? please dont' say that mother woman...
(The Empress it seems you CAN polish a turd!, Wed 13 Aug 2008, 17:50, Reply)

That mother woman
I don't think she did, but I'm not sure. The successful candidate hadn't been told before me.
( Davros' Granddad a voice of calm reason in a world of spastics., Wed 13 Aug 2008, 19:08, Reply)

The phrase that springs to mind is
"putting the tin lid on it".

Bummer re the job, mate.

*hugs*

If the mad mammy got it, gaz me her address and I'll see to it that she, er, changes her mind ....
(TheWeeWitch hasn't been here much recently .., Wed 13 Aug 2008, 20:46, Reply)

Sends a big hug
and a fluffy kitten to Davros
( fuck shit up the best you never had, Wed 13 Aug 2008, 21:22, Reply)

update
the mother woman didn't get it :-)

Ah well, I'll be working 10 minutes from home and getting out and about far more than I do now, so lots of mileage expenses for me.
( Davros' Granddad a voice of calm reason in a world of spastics., Thu 14 Aug 2008, 13:03, Reply)