BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Paul & Dawn Wilson on the birth of baby George, who was born at 12:24pm today, weighing in at a VERY healthy 9lb 9oz – now THAT’s a boy! Wonderful news…we’re delighted for you all 
Nearly two weeks ago, my next door neighbour, Ida Gossage, died suddenly. She’d been ill for a while with cancer, but it was still a bit of a shock. I knew snippits about Ida’s life, but it was at her funeral last Friday that the gaps were finally filled in. She led an interesting life, having left Poland at the end of WWII – then aged 7 – when her father was executed. After some short periods in refugee camps, she and her family sailed to the U.K…eventually settling down in Liverpool. She met the love of her life, George, and moved to the U.S. for some years, before finally returning to U.K. and moving into their own place in the house next door to mine.
She was a lovely woman, always cheery and pleasant, and she always had a positive outlook, even when she became ill. It’s a shame, but then again, that’s life for you – one new life comes into this world, and one departs. She’ll be missed.
BIG congrats to Paul & Dawn who’ve just announced that Parker Wilson baby number two is on the way. The Liverpool Skellys are absolutely delighted at the news….hooray!! Sorry I missed you guys yesterday – someone has to bring home the bacon, and all that.
BIG Congratulations to Jacqui & Dave, who welcomed baby Henrietta to the world yesterday afternoon! Can’t wait to see her…wonderful news. Well done to you both.
Last night, Yvonne & I went out for a meal to Piccolino in town with some friends…and yet again, Nana stepped in to take care of little Seán – dunno what we’d do without her. It was great to see Paul & Dawn again, who were up from Yeovil. Also there were Mark & Dee, Lisa & Neil and Chris & Emma – all really lovely people. Having got home at a reasonable hour, Yvonne & I fell asleep on the couch & woke up at 3am. Doh!
Here are some shots from the night: pic 01, pic 02, pic 03, pic 04, pic 05, pic 06, pic 07, pic 08, pic 09, pic 10, pic 11, pic 12, pic 13, pic 14, pic 15, pic 16.
P.S. Mummy Skelly’s still in bed!
Just returned from a great weekend in Dublin. Cracking time…plenty of Guinness, singing and laughter with the lads. Saturday night quickly turned into Sunday morning, and we rolled in around 5:15am after lots of booze, one of the finer steaks I’ve tasted for a while, and a Karaoke session that started at 1:30am. Last night was a quieter affair, but up drinking until 1am, nonetheless. Big thanks to Colm & family for their wonderful hospitality, and special thanks to Darragh for the use of his bedroom – cheers!
It’s Wednesday night, and I’m off for an Indian curry and a pint with the lads. Happy now.
Last night, Yvonne & I headed over to cousin Graham’s place for his ‘Odyssey’ fancy dress party, where everyone had to go representing a country. It was a really great night, and the biggest surprise of all came when Graham announced that Lonely Planet TV and National Geographic had just confirmed their sponsorship of his ‘Odyssey’ trip around the world – EVERY country on earth in 12 months, by land or sea, on a budget of a packet of crisps! It was great, and out came the champagne, as we partied until 4am+
Here are some shots from the night: pic 01, pic 02, pic 03, pic 04, pic 05, pic 06, pic 07, pic 08, pic 09, pic 10, pic 11, pic 12, pic 13, pic 14, pic 15, pic 16, pic 17, pic 18, pic 19, pic 20.
Wonderful to see some of my friends over for the game tonight. It’s midway through the match and Parea of Atletico Madrid has just got away with a handball in the box. I hate that. I understand in-part the reason for not introducing video referee-ing, i.e. it could interrupt the flow of the game, but I’ve just seen Parea knock the ball out for a corner…and the referee didn’t spot that either!! I hate that!
The boys are over next Tuesday for the Liverpool v. Atletico Madrid game. No doubt, a few pints will be had…
Happy Birthday Colm. Hope you like the snap…
Big thanks to Michael Bolton for dedicating his most recent album to me. I recently received a letter from Michael, which came as big surprise:-
“…your heartfelt love for my music inspires me, and for that, I thank you. For all the support you’ve shown me through ‘the lean years’, I dedicate this album to you my friend.”
