clevercherry.com Blogs

Kindle by Helen

Helen — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

This week, I finally got my hands on a Kindle. It's Mark's, but he was planning to sell it anyway, so I don't need to feel too guilty about stealing it.

Since Wednesday, I've been busy stocking it up with everything I've been meaning to read for ages, although I can't help thinking it would have come in handy when I was at university lugging a massive bag of books around!

Aside from playing with that, I'm going to meet the owner of the young horse at my new yard on Sunday. Hopefully it'll go well and he'll be happy for me to start riding her; if so, I'm going to be in for a very busy summer.

Special weekend by Ed

Ed — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

So, not only is it a fantastic spectacle of sports this weekend from Heineken Cup Final Leinster vs Ultser it's an all Irish affair kicking off on Saturday 1700h and then straight after that it's the Champions League Final Chelsea vs Bayern Munich KO 2000h and almost forgot before those two it's the NPower Championship game for promotion to the Premier League Blackpool vs West Ham KO 1500h. So all in all a great weekend and also not forgetting it's my Birthday, so here's to a lovely Birthday weekend with the Wife and kids at Pizza Express - it's going to be great.

See you all Monday.

Zee Germans by Paul

Paul — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

I think I must have broken a mirror or walked under a ladder this week. So far this week I’ve managed to throw bleach over my new - week old suit – ruined. Completely demolish the hoover beyond repair. Smash a jar of jalapenos in the kitchen and bang my head so hard on a cupboard it’s left what looks like a conjoined twin on the side of my head. Which made shaving my head this morning interesting and painful

So this weekend I might just stay in bed and watch the champion’s league final on Saturday. Bayern Munich play Chelsea. German v England. Being a proud and patriotic Englishman I can’t say who I’ll be supporting in public. However I will be watching the game drinking Reisling, eating Bratwurst with Heinz ketchup, in my Adidas t-shirt with matching Lederhosen

John Terry is banned from the final and has allegedly posted on a popular micro blogging site saying “it won’t be the same watching the game on TV from home with Christine Bleakley” poor old Frank.

Chelsea have 4 player suspended and Bayern’s defense is make shift at best, so there will be goals. So I’m having a bet on Bayern to win 3-2 and Mario Gomez to score first, returning 90-1

Black Sabbath by Amie

Amie — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

So it looks like I'm not going to make a small fortune on the Sabbath tickets but secretly I'm quite pleased as I am really looking forward to going. I know they aren't exactly my cup of tea but as everyone keeps telling me I should go for the experience! I'll be getting there early though as I don;t want to be fighting over a seat!!

In other news, the toptally awesome band that played at Matt's birthday party are performing in a local pub in Halesowen tonight...might be worth a visit I think!

Have a great weekend people x

I'm not here by Matt

Matt — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Im not here today. I'm at Sarah and Ant's wedding.

if ever you get.... by Ian

Ian — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

...the opportunity to see him, go. It was one of the best gigs I've ever been to, seriously. It's up there with seeing Thin Lizzy at the Birmingham Odeon mid 70's, Queen at Bingley Hall 1977, Frank Sinatra 1988 and the mighty ACDC at the NEC mid 90's. He is that good.

Looking forward to dinner tomorrow with Danielle and Russ and then I'm lying down all Sunday.

This weekend I mainly be: eating and lying down.

I survived by Gavin

Gavin — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

I survived the gym, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Although after a long Shapes rehearsal last night I was pretty achey. I'm going to attack it again tonight, and hopefully by the end of next week it'll feel a little easier!!

Maybe by tomorrow I'll be hitting the achey zone after this though...

ssssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhh.... by Ian

Ian — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

..........don't tell anyone.........I'm going to see Barry Manilow tonight.

Rock of Ages... by Sharon

Sharon — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

im sooooooooooo excited about this new Tom Cruise film coming out in June I might actually burst. My favourite actor all rocked up, and my favourite type of rock music.

The King is gone by Paul

Paul — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Oh my god they’ve sacked Kenny. You Yankee’s

It seems ages by Sue

Sue — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

It's be a while since I last blogged, have I really been that busy?

Well, much has happened including losing my Mum.   As in many families, her funeral was one of those occasions for catching up with relatives we don't see often enough It got me to thinking that I really should organise annual get togethers that aren't the result of a wedding or a death so I am on the case.

My granddaughter continues to thrive, she brings so much pleasure but golly I had forgotten what hard work babes can be.

The telly continues to please and horrify in equal measure, Homeland was brilliant and I am delighted that Silk is back on our screens but Britain's Got Talent!!!!   A dog won for heavens sake!

Finally, do you think that Michael Parkinson has a real Parker pen?

Back in the room by Mark

Mark — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Well what a fantastic 2 weeks off that was, Turkey was a blast (it was nealy 40 degrees) and by the sound of it I didnt miss much weatherwise over here.

As it was my birthday whilst I was away, i've had some ace gifts including:

A Wheelbarrow
Whisky Stones (ceramic stones you use instead of Ice)
Chocolate for Wine
Monkey Shoulder Whisky
Port Sippers (see below)
A Book
A professional cocktail making set

I've still got some more to come aparently as well (woohoo).

So, port sippers, they are weird blown glass vessels that you drink port from. It takes the liquid from the bottom of the glass and you drink through a fine tube, it stops the port oxidising until you drink it (it tastes stronger). Anyway I had a go with them on Monday night and they rule (although it looks like you are drinking port from a crack pipe).

And here's a pic of little un on holiday

Cute.

Gym by Gavin

Gavin — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

I've joined a gym. Ha ha funny isn't it! Imagine me doing all that!! ha ha. I'm even laughing myself.

I'll report back with aches and pains tomorrow...

Street Dance by Amie

Amie — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Tonight I'm taking my niece to see a street dancing show at the hippodrome as a late birthday present. I find it really awkward to watch dancing shows as i get the twitches cus I want to start dancing...I'm going to be jumping all over the place tonight!!

Happy Birthday Lord Johnson by Amie

Amie — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Today is Matt's 30th Birthday and my special treat for him (other than a trip to Cyprus) is an official Lordship title! I am so chuffed with this gift as I have never seen it before and I think it's hilarious! The best part is it's official...he can actually change his passport and driving licence if he wants to! Hello upgrades!!

As for the party...it was awesome! I think I should be a party planner! The band were brilliant so as usual my family and I danced the night away! The hog roast supplied by The Oak Inn was lovely and there was a really good turn out from his friends. We definitely celebrated it well!

Malvern by Shaun

Shaun — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

I went to the Malvern Spring Flower show (as usual) . Bought some nice plants, met some nice people.

It was a bit of a mud bath though. It was like a scene from the Glastonbury festival, but with lots of frail pensioners slipping around, and wheelchairs sinking.

A lovely time.... by Ian

Ian — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

.....was had by all, and as usual, the weekend went as fast as ever.

We have 7 new children. Uncle Phil made us a bird box with a camera in it and a Great Tit family have moved in. She's had seven eggs and now there are seven chicks. It's simply wonderful to watch, how both Mum and Dad feed the kids, truly fascinating.

The New Yard by Helen

Helen — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Our new yard just might be paradise, at least for me! It's a huge farm with plenty of massive fields, lakes, amazing brand new facilities for the horses and a herd of miniature shetland ponies. It's also around a 15 minute drive from my house, which, after being used to a 34 mile round trip, is going to be amazing.

There's also an opportunity for me to ride a youngster that belongs to someone there who doesn't have time for her. She's even bigger than the horses I'm used to and hasn't done a great deal yet, but she's got the breeding to be an amazing jumper.

I'm so excited about this summer. Looking forward to sunbathing by the lake with these guys;

Equus by Gavin

Gavin — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Hollie and I went to see Equus at Derby Theatre on Saturday. Hollie studies it at college, I knew nothing of it. However it has gained public fame lately due to Daniel Radcliffe's role in it recently.

The story is based around a psychiatrist treating a 17 year-old boy who blinded 6 horses. The story was very well put together and fully engrossing, with a minimal set and cast. The psychiatrist was played by an actor called Malcolm James, who was absolutely amazing. His script was very heavy, with some seriously long text, yet he delivered it exceptionally and was thoroughly convincing in the role.

We moved Hollie up to Shrewsbury on Sunday as she is temporarily relocating there whilst on work placement as part of her studies. She'll be there Mon-Fri for the next 2 months, which will be a bit weird for us. But, in looking around Shrewsbury briefly we found it to be a lovely looking place, and full of pubs too, so I'm sure she will survive!

Ha Ha by Paul

Paul — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

To all the Manchester United fans out their.

Blue moon, you saw me standin' alone
Without a dream in my heart, without a love of my own
Blue moon, you knew just what I was there for
You heard me sayin' a prayer for
Someone I really could care for

And then there suddenly appeared before me
The only one my arms will hold
I heard somebody whisper "please adore me"
And when I looked, the moon had turned to gold
Blue moon, now I'm no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own

And then there suddenly appeared before me
The only one my arms will ever hold
I heard somebody whisper "please adore me"
And when I looked, the moon had turned to gold

Blue moon, now I'm no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own

How awesome if football?

It's Party Time! by Amie

Amie — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Tomorrow it's Matt's 30th Birthday Party! It's at Bewdley Rowing Club and we've got a hog roast, band and dj all sorted! Looking forward to it!!

Drumming face by Gavin

Gavin — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

If you happen to be in WHSmiths this weekend then pick up a copy of Rhythm or Drummer magazine and you can see me pulling a fine drumming face in the new Paiste Cymbals advert. I look right stupid!

If you can't be bothered to make the effort, then here's what that there stupid face looks like...

Im Lying by Lee

Lee — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Weekend consists of lots of lying down followed by more lying down ...then eating while lying down then some watching telly whilst lying down and possibly more lying down.. I’m just lying I will be chilling on the settee all weekend so not lying down at all really lol..

House Hunting Update by Danielle

Danielle — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

So, the house hunting is going ok. We've seen quite a few and a couple of those we're pretty interested in. It's just such a mindfield. We've seen houses we could move into and not really have to do any work to and houses that need to be stripped back to the bricks and completely renovated. Houses on main roads and houses in quieter areas. Houses with box rooms and houses with enormous living spaces. So much to consider.

We have another two house to view this weekend (the one we're viewing tomorrow I'm most excited about) and we then need to do some sums and think about what's most important to us.

We may have even found a buyer for our house.

I've been trying to get little jobs done for the wedding afterwork. The past 2 nights have been spent making place cards. Matt and Jen are coming over tomorrow to help us print a few things on the letterpress - they've been itching to have a go on it for a while so we may as well make the most of their enthusiasm!

Holiday by Alex

Alex — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

This time next week, I'll be in Turkey.

So yeah.

Happy Birthday Nan by Helen

Helen — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The whole family were out last night for Nan's birthday - her actual birthday is today, so happy birthday Nan! Hopefully she'll be doing plenty of celebrating, maybe even enjoying a drop of her present from us - a bottle of Cardu whiskey.

At the weekend I'm off to see our new yard as we're moving again! This one is only seven miles from home though, so I'm excited about massively cutting down the journey over there. Not quite so excited about shifting all of our stuff again, but with any luck, it'll be worth doing.

another one bites the.... by Ian

Ian — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

......dust. Child No.3 reaches 18 years old this weekend, three down one to go. Mr A reaches adulthood properly, let's hope his attitude matures along with his physical age.

So, we got all the family round this weekend to celebrate Lewis's Birthday so you can guarantee it'll be loud and funny.

This weekend I mainly be: cooking and cleaning.

Golf Day by Matt

Matt — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Ed and I are representing Clevercherry at a Cure Leukaemia fund raising golf day. I haven't played in a while so it's a good Job Nigel managed to aquire some golf balls as I think I'll be needing them.

Four by Ed

Ed — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Matt and I are off golfing Friday all in aid of a great cause - cure leukaemia! I may be a little rusty with the clubs, but it's not about the winning - it's the taking part that counts!!!!!

Just Hold On! by Helen

Helen — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Last night was a great one for me as I'd been offered the chance to compete on a very talented young horse, providing that I could stay on!

He's much quicker and sharper than En, and I wasn't too sure what to expect when we got into the arena. Luckily, not only did I avoid hitting the deck and making a total fool of myself, we went clear and came 2nd.

It's pretty clear that he's capable of so much more than was asked of him last night; I just need to get my act together and get up to his level...

Lee... by Gavin

Gavin — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

...buy some decent shoes. Start wearing socks. Stop moaning. Simple.

The Day... by Lee

Lee — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

started off so brightly , hence me wearing my Toms (which are like slippers) and I have a no sock thing kind of going on. Now its raining and I have to walk again in the rain :( with no socks and basically no shoes.. When will this wheather get better.. cuz ive had enough.. im having a bit of a winge today.. can you tell ... im happy really .....

Bank Holiday Monday by Amie

Amie — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

That has got to be one of the most random, yet entertaining bank holiday Monday's I have ever had. As you know I went to see 911 playing at Mary Stevens Park in Stourbridge and they were as awesome as I remember! It's safe to say I turned into a 13 year old girl again and even scared myself a little! Especially when I snuck around the back of the stage so I could get a photo with them...only managed to grab 2 of them but you get the idea. Even my nephew Billy was getting into the groove!

P.S. Highlight of the day was when Jimmy jumped off the stage and pointed the microphone at me to sing...thank god I remembered the words!!

So saturday.. by Lee

Lee — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

was the Flyod Maywheather v Miguel Cotto. I must admit it wasnt the best fight in the world but Maywheather made this usually awesome fighter look nothing more than a public school boy.. No wonder he felt stupid during the fight. Although I cant really stand Maywheather because hes an arrogant so and so.. hats of to what he has achieved.. he will probably go down in boxing history as one of if not the best pound for pound boxer that ever lived..

Busy Bank Holiday by Gavin

Gavin — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

We had a very enjoyable and rather busy bank holiday weekend. Consisting of:

Beer Festival and Food at The Barton Arms - lovely pub and great company
Shopping at Merry Hell
A bit of the cup final - 2nd half only, Liverpool owned it
The Avengers in 3D - very good
My Step-brother's lovely daughters Christening
Seeing the family, on both sides
Catching up with Dave, good old Dave
Watching Quantic and Alice Russell with Combo Barbaro at The Hare & Hounds
Breakfast at Loco Lounge - very nice

Raspberry Pi by Shaun

Shaun — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

I want a Raspberry Pi, but I don't know why I want one.

Hen party fun... by Sharon

Sharon — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

On Saturday I went to my close friend's hen party - she gets married in four weeks and she looked fantastic not even showing an ounce of nerves or stress with the big day so close - the hen night was held at the Rainbow Casino in Edgbaston, the night started with plenty of drinking at the bar with some very funny party games (to name but a few.. truth/dare, ive never and fuzzy duck) - we then had a meal in the Clarendon Restaurant upstairs - lovely lovely food, we then hit the casino tables and I managed to come home with £8 more than I bet - not amazing, but not bad for a beginner!

go see.... by Ian

Ian — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

....The Avengers, it's wonderful eye candy and full, just full, of action. It's non stop and the effects are stunning, well worth a watch.

The bank holiday was quickly over. I was just getting into the swing of it on Sunday when, all of a sudden, it was Monday afternoon. How did that happen then?

over by Paul

Paul — Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

It was over, definitely over, over. Maybe most of the ball was almost over some of the line.

It’s all over

Learn To Fly by Helen

Helen — Sun, 06 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Indoor skydiving was amazing! I'd definitely recommend having a go; there are no sudden drops or freefalls involved, unless you want there to be, and it's made me want to have a go at the real thing!

The rest of the weekend involved a lot of time at the stables, with two horses to look after rather than one. I managed to get out for a couple of nice rides around the farm, including a particularly enjoyable and calm one on my friend's horse Wiz. It's the first time I've ridden him since the move and the first time he's been out in months; potentially a disaster, but surprisingly lovely and chilled.

Here's a few pictures from Saturday, complete with attractive matching jumpsuits; the bottom one is so blurry because we were spinning so fast!