clevercherry.com Blogs

Pancakes by Shaun

Shaun — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I had pancakes last night. Just Lemon & Sweetener.

Happy Birthday Russell by Danielle

Danielle — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

It's Russell's turn to receive birthday greetings today. He thinks it's the first time his birthday has ever landed on pancake day. I may have to whip up a birthday batter when I get home.

Last weekend we got stuck into those little DIY jobs that you never get around to and just end up living with ready to get a few valuations done on the house. I think we'll give ourselves a night off tonight with a glass of wine. It's a good job Sadie and Mark invited us to Sunday dinner as I think we'd have survived on home made fudge otherwise.

Smashing Contest by Sue

Sue — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Last night's University Challenge was a cracker - it went to the wire and was thoroughly enjoyable.

The rest of the telly was rubbish!

Long Weekend by Amie

Amie — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I had a very productive long weekend...the bathroom is now all finished and looking fab. Kitchen ceiling is finally painted so that's now done too! I also managed to squeeze in a late christmas present for Matt and I took him to see Shinedown at the new HMV institute. I'd definitely recommend seeing the ban and the venue. It's smaller than the O2 so it's a lot more intimate and has got great sound!

In other news...it's pancake day today! Woohoo!

I'm a record breaker by Mark

Mark — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

And I dont mean Roy bloody Castle with his funny little tap dancing and irritating little trumpet, I mean proper record breaking. I was one of the 201 people who dressed up as a nurse for the Cure Leukaemia Radio WM launch to break the world record for people dressed up as a nurse in a single place (was 116).

Anyway we did it so I am now a record breaker.

I asked the Guiness world record adjudicator if he knew Norris Mcwhirter, he didn't.

Help Doreen by Mark

Mark — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Me and Mr Loaf came accross the plight of Poor Doreen who is a true inspiration to us all, just watch this 4 minute video and you will see what a remarkable woman she is and how she overcomes huge adversity in her life.

A lesson for us all, there won't be a dry eye in the house, really.....

Doreens Story

top night at the race night by Ed

Ed — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Friday night attended the race night organised by Rotary Club of Rutherglen with my Father-in-law whilst up in Glasgow on a week break, it was really good night and raised funds for the Mercy Ships. A very worthwhile charity which being completely honest didn't know anything about them, but thankfully I do now and they raised a very respectable £1500 for the organisation. Managed to win 2 races and couple of close seconds too.

The four days up in Scotland were great, plenty of quality family time, night over at Crieff Hydro which is always great and then various trips out with the kids. It was a a relaxing break and some great food, namely Mother-in-laws homemade scotch broth, Sunday lunch and I even cooked up a storm on Saturday with scallops, black pudding with apple and a serious sirloin steak and salad - just brilliant, I do love it up there!

Shoe Rack by Mark

Mark — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

This weekend was spent with me assembling a new shoe cabinet to take all of the (basically Sadie's) shoes and tidy up the hall. It even involved me sawing bits off the bloody thing so it would site flush to the wall as our skirting boards are so high.

Anyway here it is:

Exciting stuff eh !!!

Other weekend fun involved friday pub which was very funny, Mrs Loaf dyeing my hair, me dyeing hers, shopping and our mate Brian cooking some fantastic pizza.

What a beautifull weekend by Lee

Lee — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

My weekend was bliss.. thats all im saying

Blackberry or iPhone by Sharon

Sharon — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

So my Blackberry has crashed at least 3 times a day for the last week... time for a new one! ...do I get a new Blackberry or an iPhone... decisions, decisions.

Catch-up Weekend by Helen

Helen — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The weekend was a nice and relaxing one, with not too much going on. After the contact lens disaster that was Thursday, Friday night was spent lying on the sofa, supposedly resting my eyes, but actually watching many episodes of Dexter. I'm a bit late on this one, but it's great.

I went to Emily's house on Saturday for a much needed catch-up, and took Cleo along with me to meet her cat. It went better than expected; they pretty much just ignored each other, aside from a bit of growling. I was expecting to be breaking up fights, so it was nice to have a good chat without any fur flying! This was as close as they got voluntarily;

On Sunday, I took En for another trip around the block, and got to see Riley, the little dog we found a few weeks ago! He's put loads of weight on and is looking much better - it looked like he wanted to say cheers to Enya for helping him out;

Weekend Report by Richard

Richard — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Saturday: Ventured into town to get new tyres for my car. As usual, it took a couple of hours so I met up with Jo and the kids for a spot of lunch.

During lunch we noticed that the wee man was really interested in Abigail's doll. He was chuckling at it like crazy before he grabbed a hold of it and decided that he was going to gum the hell out of the doll's head! It was cute as hell.

Sunday: Felt ill for most of the day for no particular reason. A meal out (steak; what a surprise!) in the evening with Jo, the kids, my parents and brother Matt cheered me up, though.

Rabbits..... by Ian

Ian — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

.... I cooked some at the weekend. I'm usually rubbish at it but I got it right this time. I love rabbit it's delicious. I also cooked a fennel and celeriac soup which was interesting.... not great, but interesting. I spent most of the weekend in the kitchen, I enjoyed myself.

Paintballing by Gavin

Gavin — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I went Paintballing at the weekend with the Shapes and &U&I lads. I'd never done it before, and wasn't particularly bothered by it if I'm honest, but after a couple of slow first games it picked up and I was really enjoying it.

We were losing most of the games at first, partly because we were teamed up with a load of kids who just stood on the spot firing aimlessly, but we still put in a valiant effort and did ourselves proud. We caused a fair bit of damage in the final rounds, and felt like a real band of brothers! A well-earned curry and beers followed it.

I'm aching something rotten now though, I feel like I've done a million squats, my legs are so tight!!

A Desire Line by Matt

Matt — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Jen and I tackled a 9 mile walk around the area of Henley in Arden yesterday. The weather was perfect as was the scenery.

Strange by Paul

Paul — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Yesterday Liverpool played Brighton in the FA Cup. Strangely Brighton scored 4 goals and lost 6-1. Plus there was a comedy streaker at the end. This sets cup a quarter final draw for Liverpool v Stoke. Come on King Kenny

Funny by Alex

Alex — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Dear comedians and everyone else,

Here are a couple of things that are no longer funny:

Switch it off and back on again as an answer to computer problems
Energy-saving lightbulbs being slow to turn on (pro tip: stop buying really cheap or old ones)

Happy Birthday Mum by Danielle

Danielle — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

It's my mum's birthday today. Happy Birthday mum!

Whilst lying in bed last night and remembering that it was the 16th, I realised that exactly 4 months later would be my wedding day. So, this weekend I will mainly be spending lots of money as we try and tick a few more things off the wedding to do list!

Weekend Plans by Richard

Richard — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Tomorrow I'm taking my car into town to have new tyres fitted. Apart from that, my weekend is fairly open.

Apple Applications by Lee

Lee — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

This weekend I am heading out on the town for a friends birthday. Although it will be a quite one as Im not drinking at the moment and havent been for some time.

I will be also starting the mammoth task of learning to build apps for iPhones and iPod’s . Its been a long time coming and I have been itching to do this for a while now. I actually cant wait... App city here I come..

Ik ben een Nederlander by Alex

Alex — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

So we've just spent a couple of days in Eindhoven. These trips are a lot of work and not much play (doesn't help it's usually just one night) but still we had a good time there. We've made a few more breakthroughs with the project (the technical stuff gets sorted much more quickly when everyone's in the same room) which is good. Now everyone's scurrying away for the next interim review in March.

The weekend plans involve lounging and catching up on sleep a bit for me. Manda's been ill while I was away so we have a bunch of relaxing to do.

i like half ...... by Ian

Ian — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

..... term. The road are much quieter and less violent. So much so, I can get to work in twelve minutes instead of forty minutes. However, today is the last day I'll be able to get in so quickly as half term is now over. That was quick, as is everything.

This weekend I mainly be: resting.

Back Gnome by Mark

Mark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Well it's good to be back. Holland is a lovely place and i'd love to visit it properly. The architecture is quite unique and I know Sadie would love it.

In the airport on the way back I bought more whisky to replenish what was drunk last weekend as well as some rum. Other essential purchases included some clogg slippers for the little un which I gave her this morning and she was pleased as punch with.

They even have Miffy on them (I dunno if he's dutch or what, or even a he for that matter).

This weekend will be spent at home with Sadie & eBo as I feel I have been neglecting them of late as i've been away so much. Dunno what we are gonna do, but hopefully it will be nice.

A family friend of Sadie's died on Tuesday, she was 81 but it was still a shock as she hadnt been ill at all (sudden heart attack). She did smoke 40 a day and drink about 3 bottles of gin a week,so if anyone can look back on life and say ' you know what I dont regret a moment of it' it's her.

No regrets people !!

Allt Yr Ynys by Helen

Helen — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

We had a lovely afternoon/evening at Allt Yr Ynys, a gorgeous country house on the Welsh border. It's beautiful there; a restored medieval building next to a stream in the middle of nowhere, but with an indoor swimming pool and sauna.

We had a few drinks by the log fire, a nice swim and sauna session and an amazing meal in their restaurant. I even cleared my plate, despite not knowing what I was eating, which is a bit of an achievement for me!

Unfortunately yesterday wasn't so good, as I spent the majority of it in the eye hospital. No longer a fan of contact lenses - time to look into getting my eyes lasered I think!

It's oh so quiet... by Danielle

Danielle — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

in the office today. I've had this half of the office to myself for most of the day. It feels a bit strange as we're normally falling over each other. Warren even had a choice of 4 chairs to pinch when he came in. Only during half term!

LULZ by Richard

Richard — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Jo often sends me photos of Anthony throughout the day. They always cheer me up; today's batch were most welcome.

Grimm by Paul

Paul — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

A great new series started this week on Watch - called Grimm its a modern day take on The brothers Grimm and not a documentary on Coalville. But well worth a watch

wee break by Ed

Ed — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

so I'm off for a couple of days with the family up to Glasgow to the grandparents - it's due to the fact Zach is now at school and thought we'd actually do something constructive. with his half term We've got a night and couple of days at Crieff Hydro where they have kid's activities, swimming pool, gym, nice restaurants and great countryside walks. So here's to a lovely break and quality time with the family.

See you all on Monday.

Murky Soup by Mark

Mark — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I am in Eindhoven at the mo, i have already commented that the place is very flat, there's not a hill to be seen anywhere?

On another note I was given Tomato Soup for lunch here and halfway through I found they had thrown in some small grey meatballs for free (nice with me being a veggie and all that). Bah

Anyway apart from mystery meat surprises (it happens a lot more that you would think abroard) its very nice over here. Tonight we are going out for dinner then maybe for a few drinks (at the Hot Love Sexy Dance and GoGo Bar) so that should be fun. I could make another gag about unwanted meat but I dont think I will)

Grammar by Gavin

Gavin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

A few of us here are quite particular about our grammar, whilst others somehow overlook it. It seems that way across the nation, maybe the world, yet it seems that those who are aware of where their apostrophes should go tend to get rather annoyed by those who dont' no wear there apostophe's should go etc..

Here's a little blog item backing up my frustrations right here

Cherry Christmas ! by Shaun

Shaun — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

There is only 313 days until Christmas !

Happy Valentine's Day by Amie

Amie — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

It's that time of year again when we all need to get soppy and romantic. I know it's a con however I fall for it every year! It doesn't matter what you call the day...every girls wants to be wined and dined and brought flowers!

in other news, I'm off the next few days catching up on some DIY around the house. I'll be back in on Monday! Have a good week people.

Oh and before I go...if you received a Christmas email this morning from Clevercherry, that was my fault! Slip of the finger and I managed to wish everyone a merry christmas instead of a happy valentines day...doh!!

Mailmaison by Lee

Lee — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Had a lovely valentines weekend with Jo we decided to spend it at the mailmasion in brum. On a football note, shame on Luis Suarez for not shaking Patrice Evras hand. For those who are unaware Suarez has just finished a ban for a racial slur jurying a match against Patrice Evra. At the weekend the two players met again for the first time and Suarez decided he didnt want to shake his hand! This idiot doesnt deserve to wear a Liverpool shirt. Get him out!!!

Return of the Zombie Fix by Helen

Helen — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

After a break of a few months, The Walking Dead has finally returned. We watched the new episode last night, and I'm glad it's back; last night's could have used a few more zombies though in my opinion!

At the weekend, I took Enya out on the roads to explore the new area a bit. My plan of 'keep turning left and eventually we'll get back where we started' worked pretty well, although I did spend about 10 minutes thinking I might have got us completely lost. She's been totally different since we moved, in a good way. All her old silly habits seem to have been broken, and she hasn't put a foot wrong so far.

Mark and I are ignoring Valentine's Day a bit, and celebrating having been together two years tomorrow instead. I'm finally using the Smartbox voucher I was bought for my birthday for us to go away for a night - the place we've booked has a swimming pool and spa, so I'm looking forward to a swim and a chill!

Magic & madness by Sue

Sue — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

I had a magic time last week with my 3 month old granddaughter. Babies are darned hard work but worth every moment when you are rewarded with a beaming smile, gurgle or chuckle.

Seeing her however makes me even more concerned for the future . What kind of society will she and her peers have to look forward to. It seems to me that instead making the country a safer place for future generations we are heading towards a pretty grim place. A man who is considered a threat to national security is allowed to live here at our expense, albeit under struct supervision, all because a European judge says sending him to Jordan to stand trial breaches his Yuman Rites. This has to stop - if Europe are so ready to put his interests first then I think we should dump him and his family in that same court and tell them to look after him.

As for the idiot who was driving his fully loaded fork lift truck backwards on the roads around the wholesale markets this morning, well don't get me started! What was he doing going through red lights, cutting up drivers and abusing anyone who tackled him - was he drunk? Does anyone know if forklifts are supposed to be plated to go on the road? 'Cos this one wasn't.

What I Saw & What I Ate by Matt

Matt — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

In London I saw:

And ate :

Roasted aubergine with turmeric yoghurt,
crispy onion, basil, rocket and
pomegranate

Grilled pear, stilton and caramel macadamia nuts with mixed leaves and
orange blossom dressing

Chili infused beetroot with roasted red peppers, shaved pecorino, blood orange,
walnuts and basil

Flamed mackerel fillet with seaweed, shiso and
cured mackerel salad

Seared scallops with butternut squash, cauliflower fritters, chard, curried pumpkin seeds and
balsamic sauce

Special Day by Paul

Paul — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Today is Valentine’s Day the most romantic day of the year, the day when we all get to spoil our partners.

Short Week! by Amie

Amie — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

As it is half term for all those teachers and students out there I have decided to give myself my very own little half term this week. I’m in today and tomorrow then I’m off for the rest of the week. I would love to say that I’m being whisked away for valentines but instead, I will be making the most of my time off and having a DIY break instead…can’t complain though, I do love a good DIY day!

In other news, I’m taking Matt to see his favourite band on Friday at the new HMV Institute. 'Shine down' are an American rock band which I’ve had to decorate the house to for 18 months so it will be nice to see the real thing! Looking forward to seeing the new HMV institute as well…looks like a pretty cool and intimate venue.

Worn Out by Danielle

Danielle — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Last week was horrible. Getting up early to do an hour on my assignment before work, then working again in the evening took it out of me. As soon as I'd submitted my plan on Friday evening, I came down with a stinking cold and have felt rubbish all weekend.

My assignment tutor hasn't come back with many comments on my plan, so it sounds like she thinks I'm on the right tracks with it.

Russell and I went to view a few houses on Saturday. Most of them would need gutting and extending to get anywhere close to what we need which also requires pouring tens of thousands of pounds into them. We did see one that we really liked, but we need to pull our finger out and get our house valued and find out realistically how much we can afford to borrow. It was quite exciting to see something we really liked on our first day of viewings though.

Mark did promise me that if his numbers came up on Saturday, he would buy me the house. You can imagine how disappointed I was this morning when he told me not to cancel the meeting with the mortgage advisor!

Oh well, there's always next week's lottery...

Weekend by Mark

Mark — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Was very pleasant thank you (although we did very little). Friday pub was abandoned due to everyone being away or busy, Saturday saw us doing a bit of shopping, then us three along with Danielle and Russell went to Saturday pub instead. We then ended up back at ours and drank an outragous amount of whisky (Danielle very cleverly stuck to wine).

So Sunday was a bit delicate and we just chubbed around all day eating comfort food, rehydrating and watching Futurama on tele (eBo loves it)

Speaking of eBo, this is a pic of her washing up after the Roulade on friday (which ruled!!)

How cute is that!