Thursday 31st May 2007

Black & White, with a hint of Colour..

Photoshop is a wonderful thing! After ages using Microsoft Image composer, which is more than capable I should say, I have deceided to teach myself Photoshop 101, 102, 103, etc etc.. I have a copy on my laptop and after some initial hints from Alex who is an old pro (Boom Boom) at Photoshop I was away. Now I have the basics I have now tried some things which I have been thinking about doing for a while and the results are below. These are not perfect and I wont be exhibiting anytime soon. But for an hour or so's work I'm pleased with the results.

Daryl has finally upgraded his Web Developing software and is now in the process of updating with ease his site, www.wilkesfamily.com so if you get the urge click, have a look, have a laugh and tell him about it.

Comment | Posted by Andy Wilkes | May 31st 2007

Sunday 27th May 2007

BBQ's, Bank Holiday & Bale

So, first up BBQ's. At work on Friday we were all treated to a massive free BBQ courtesy of the Catering Contractor on Site. We were told that he has made soooo much money on the job that he felt guilty so offered this free lunch as a thank you for raking it in over the last 18 months. They even cleared the staff car park so he had an outdoor venue big enough to hold the event as there are usually 1500+ people on site at any one time, including Core (Carillion) staff, the Client, (News International) and all the contractors working on the build. It was to be served in 3 phases, and I was in the first. In fact I think I was the 5th person to get their Grub. When asked what I wanted I replied, 'Everything', so they piled it all up on a plate, chucked in a free slice of bread and a can of Coke and I was happy. Belch.

Bank Holiday = Rainy days in England. Although we managed to get most of the garden sorted before it started late on Saturday. Saskia mowed the lawn, Ryan was on weed duty, me and Alex were doing the front and Luke did not a lot. We are traveling to Cambridge for  another BBQ Sunday. I fully expect it to be eating indoors, after it's been cooked on a barbie with a parasol covering it. As I expect many other BBQ across the country will have suffered the same fate.

Me and the kids also took our bikes out over the big field did some exploring, abused some random woman on the walkie-talkie's, investigated some woods and a dried up river bed, found some tennis balls, let off some bangers, spied on an open air pool, which had no-one in it. And messed about the rest of the time. Pictures of our adventures can be found here.

Gareth Bale, the Welsh Wonder Kid has signed for Tottenham, and said, 'Spurs are a Big Club, no, a Massive club. (I already knew this) ;) And Spurs have 6 players named in the England squad. Robinson, Dawson, King, Lennon, Jenas & Defoe.

Comment | Posted by Andy Wilkes | May 27th 2007

Wednesday 16 May 2007

Connor is 4

Connor is 4 today, and I've forgot. Oops. But to make up here is the picture Daryl sent to me this morning.

Make way for Noddy

Not quite sure I like the way Noddy is looking at Hannah, I think a visit from 'the boys' could be in order.

Comment | Posted by Andy Wilkes | May 16 2007

Monday 14 May 2007

Entourage

40 episodes in 4 days. I have watched them all. Simply the best. Added to LOST and Heroes as essential viewing. Awooooga!

Comment | Posted by Andy Wilkes | May 14 2007

Sunday 13th May 2007

Saskia's Football

Saskia had been selected to play for the Borough in the Hertfordshire County Games 2007. Although only 12 She'd been promoted to play with the U14 side. Her side had been coached for the last 8 weeks by Ralph Coates (Spurs 1971-77).

In the 1st round, which was a round robin of 4 Teams Saskia's Team won 1 and drew 2, and in the end was on 7 points along with 2 other teams, One of those qualified as they had better goal difference and the other 2 had to face a penalty shoot-out as their records were identical. The Video of the shoot out is below.

Saskia saved 2 of the penalties and they went through to the semi finals. They won that game 1-0. So were in the final. Saskia still had a clean sheet. Unfortunately they lost 1-0 and it was the only goal Saskia conceded in the whole tournament, they were desperately unlucky. Still she got her runners up medal presented to her by Colin Jackson.

See all of the photo's here at my Flickr account.

Comment | Posted by Andy Wilkes | May 13 2007

Saturday 5th May 2007

Partner Whist

Went straight to Mums' after finishing work yesterday, wanted to see her and Dad sometime over the 3 day weekend, and as my work is halfway there already, Half the hard work done already. Got Mum to make us a Bacon and Egg sandwich for tea which was nice and heard Baz was on his way round too, as he'd had enough being the brown-nose at work for the day. Hannah asked to go to bed at about 8pm so we put her in the cot in my old room and settled down to play some cards. My love of cards comes from my Mum and her family. I spent all my years growing up from as early as I could remember playing cards with my Mum. All sorts of games. All the evenings spent around Auntie Eileen's playing Partner Whist or Newmarket and I even introduced them to Hearts and we played that to death.

Eileen turned up at Mums and we persuaded Alex to play partner whist, Mum & Eileen against me and Alex. Alex couldn't get to grips with the whole concept and we were soundly beaten. Eileen said it was the best fun she'd had in ages. I agree. We need to play more often.

Had a lay in and then took Narnners to see and feed the ducks over at Letchmore heath. A bit of shopping afterwards, and then home. 

Being with Hannah made me hope that Madeleine McCann is found safe and well in Portugal after going missing a few days ago.

Comment | Posted by Andy Wilkes | May 5 2007

Tuesday 1st May 2007

Bong & a Flapjack?

Toight, like a tiger. And my feet hurt. And Heineken was £3.50 a can. And Daryl said MacDonalds was only a short walk away. And Ryan wanted to get back for Dr Who.

But we had fun. See it all here

Comment | Posted by Andy Wilkes | May 1 2007