January 2024
Invited some of my old students from KFA (back in the late 80’s) for a meal at The Raj Garden and then we played some UNO round my place!
21 January 2024
I still get to do some decent games, in decent grounds with a decent crowd:
5 February 2024
I had to attend a disciplinary meeting on line because a certain Club didn’t accept my report, after a game last December. It’s the unpleasant side of refereeing, but it’s a job worth doing properly, or not at all.
Thu, 15 February 2024
My sister Mary died after a few months in hospital. Her heart condition which troubled her for many years finally caused her death.
We visited Mary in the Royal Free hospital where she was being looked after and was almost under constant pain-relief. We chatted for a bit but she seemed very tired drifting in and out of sleep. She seemed calm.
Her daughter Evy was by her side on a daily basis and she eventually wanted her mother to go back home.
Sadly, a few days after she was allowed to return home she died.
She was buried at Church Street cemetery in Edmonton not far from where she lived most of her life.
Mary leaves behind her twins Helen and Kosta and her younger daughter Evy.
Tue, 2 April 2024
My father in law died in a hospital near Athens. He had been ill for some time having fallen again at night and was hospitalised with bruising.
We dashed to Corinth the following day and arranged a hasty funeral in Examilia, near Corinth.
7 or 8 April
Nikos got married for second time in York.
14th April 2024
One of the toughest runs ever, The Geraneia Half Marathon Challenge!
24 April
A week in Madeira:
26 April
Madeira: Trek up the mountains:
1st May 2024:
Completed Part 2 of the “Dialogue” course of Humanists UK.
Saturday 4th May
Completed the very tough Brecon Beacons challenge 27.5 miles of steep climbs and steep downhills.
26 May: Stymfalia lake Half marathon
31 May 2024
We went to an amazing outdoor concert with the ERT choir.
2 June Chalkida Half Marathon
14-16 June:
Katerina and I attended the Humanists UK conference in Cardiff. We combined it with a parkrun in Cardiff.
7 August
Day trip down to Barton-on-sea to see Stefanos’ friend from their primary school days, Neil and his mum.
28 August
Loads of figs this summer but just a few plums and just four apples. Last summer the tree was so full of plums that a very large branch snapped and broke!!
Today I will be going to a meeting at the Central London Humanists. The launch of this year’s “One life” course was well attended by speakers as well as people interested in attending. It starts on September 23rd. The course is organised by Central London Humanists and South West London Humanists.
Tonight’s debate on www.koubebi.com was “Should we limit the use of flights and private cars in order to save the environment?”
30th August
Enjoyed refereeing the U18’s Watford v Kings Langley at Westfield School Astro earlier today.
31st August 2024
A day full of running and football refereeing.
At 9am I did a pacing run at Cassiobury PR and then went to the Bushey Met to referee an U14 girls game: Garston 1-1 Harvesters.
I then did some leafleting for the local LibDems regarding possible building on the nearby old golf course.
After lunch I went to Chipperfield for an eventful Corinthians 3-2 Hinton.
1st September 2024
A lovely sunny day, officiated a game at KGV Rickmansworth, Surelywood v FC Railway. In the afternoon we watched a lovely Jazz gig at the Cassiobury bandstand featuring the singing of Alex Williams!
3rd Sept 2024: Enjoyed running the line at Oxhey Jets v Hoddesdon in the charity Cup.
4th Sept: Enjoyed going to the Watford Interfaith Association gardening project at the “Peace Garden” in Cassiobury Park.
Thu 5th Sept: First thing this morning was a gentle 6 mile run.
Then I went to the Peace Garden in Cassiobury Park and did some work on the “labyrinth”.
Then went to Paddington and got soaked to the bone while viewing a new development!
Back home I did my Thursday radio show where I interviewed Effie & Marion Kokkinou and Colin Taylor.
The debate on the radio show tonight was: “ should drug-addicted criminals be shown more leniency?” In the debate we had Kam, Guadalupe, Jazzmine and Rob.
6th Sept: A 4 mile jog followed by more gardening at the Peace Garden.
Sat 7th Sept: With a 10am ko in Harpenden I didn’t have time for a Parkrun this morning.
A really good game between Harpenden Colts and Broxbourne ended up 3-2 to the home team.
Back home had a chance to record a quick podcast with Alex Williams.
The game in the afternoon wasn’t as sporting as the morning one. Three players SinBinned in the last 6 minutes of the first half. The team started the second half with just 8 players! Thankfully they learnt their lesson in the second half!
Sun 8th Sept: A one sided match to referee this morning… the away side from Welwyn winning with a 15-0 score! At one stage a home player wanted to dispute goal #13… 😀
Then off to BoogieTown to see Incognito, ABC, Village People and Boy George with Culture Club!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/BS52fVMz6h7NDioB/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Mon, 9th Sept: A short 4 mile jog and then we drove to the Isle of Sheppey with Stefanos.
A short 4 mile jog and then we drove to the Isle of Sheppey with Stefanos.
Tue 10th Sept: A short 5 mile jog along Laysdown-on-sea seafront.
A short walk around Canterbury city centre. We must visit again. A lot to see here!
After lunch we walked along the seafront of Sheerness-on-sea!
Wed 11th Sept: One final 5 mile jog along the seafront of Leysdown-on-sea.
Then a walk followed by lunch at the “Garden Cafe” by the multicoloured huts!
Driving back to Bushey took over 2.5hrs!
12th Sept: An hour of walking football this morning, first session after the summer break.
A short trip to Uxbridge (Brunel Uni) to deliver some stuff and then a bit of shopping and cooking.
In the evening I did my weekly radio show on Koubebi Radio which included a debate: Do you have evidence of a god or gods? Listen back to this and all other debates.
13th Sept: Waited for the delivery of our new sofa and then went for a 6 mile run. After the run I went and did some more “edging” at the Labyrinth of the Peace Garden.
In the evening we said farewell to Elena who is off to Crete… although we might see her again on Monday en route to Greece via Luton Airport!
Sat 14th Sept: Drove to Cassiobury and did the Parkrun. Then drove straight round to the Met Police Club (now called Bushey Sports Club). Parking was an issue but managed to squeeze in. The game was a good, even game played in good spirit. Garston Ladies U18 0-0 St Albans City U18. Then straight from there to Everett’s ground for Watford ladies U16 1-2 Denham ladies U16. A scrappy game with one caution for the away captain.
After the second game I drove straight round to the Peace Garden in Cassiobury and continued to work on the “edging” around the labyrinth.
A tiring but satisfying day.
Sun 15th Sept: I decided to try playing 11 a side football again for a local Vets team. It wasn’t easy and the team are not really a “team” yet, losing by a huge score.
After the game I went straight to the Peace Garden to finish clearing up the Labyrinth. Then off to referee a ladies game at Evergreen, ended up being goalless.
Then did the radio show, a Greek hour followed by an English hour.
Mon 16th Sept: A short 4 mile jog and then picked up Elena to take her to the airport. She was flying to Crete, we were flying to Athens.
A good flight and nice warm weather in Greece.
Tue 17th Sept: The first night in Greece is always a little uncomfortable because of the change in temperature.
The heat and the light wakes you up nice and early. We did a gentle 5 mile stretch along the sea front and then had some breakfast.
In the afternoon out for a walk and a meal at Number 1. Then an Ek Mek at Mon Ami. Perfect. If Liverpool win at Milan it will be their perfect ending to the evening.
Wed 18th Sept: The customary 5 mile run in the morning and then a drive to check the progress at the Olive grove. Impressed by the work Alexis has done! Then a quick visit to the grave of my father-in-law at Examilia.
In the evening we went to the ancient museum at Isthmia to watch an outdoor concert under the full moon… torrential rain meant we crammed into the reception area and saw none of the moon! The kids’ orchestra was amazing, considering the situation!
Fri 20th Sept: A longer run to “Galaxias” and back and then we packed for a short stay at Ioannina. Set off at midday and stopped at Patra at Bianco where Georgia works.
Saw Georgia, Konstantinos, Panayiotis, Maria and Stelios (Georgia’s bf).
Then set off across the bridge and arrived at Ioannina around 6ish. Took a little stroll to get our run-pack then went for dinner at Balsamiko. Before returning to our hotel we stopped at the launch ceremony of the 18th Ioannina Lake run.
Sat 21st Sept: A relaxed morning without a morning run. Instead we walked up and around the Ioannina castle, its museums and mosques. The silvermaking museum was very impressive. In the afternoon we joined in with the 5k runners on a lake front run!
Sun 22nd Sept: early to rise for the 30Km round the Ioannina lake run! Weather was beautiful and sunny. Finished in 2:53:11, pleased with an average 9:15 pace. After a short couple of hours rest we went out for lunch and a walk around town…
Mon 23rd Sept: A short 4 mile jog along the lake front followed by a short boat trip to the small island in the lake. Amazing history, costumes, original artefacts! Back to Ioannina for lunch followed by a car drive up to the nearby mountain for some amazing views!
in the evening I joined via Zoom the first session of the “One Life” humanists course. This is a course I did two years ago, so this is a bit of a “refresher”.
24th Sept: Last morning in Ioannina. Another short 4 mile jog and then packed our stuff into the rental car. Drove to Perama and took the short “trenaki” bus ride to the Caves. The walk through the caves took around 45 min and was amazing. After that we drove our way to Dodoni ancient site where we saw the massive amphitheatre.
After that we drove further south to Amphilohia for lunch. Then onto Patra where we stopped for a coffee / drinks with Amalia, Sotiris and Fotis. Then finally back to Korinthos.
25th Sept
A run-less morning. Just attempted to clear up the mess of a large water bill in one of the flats, unsuccessfully.
Had a siesta nap and after I went for a 4 mile gentle jog.
After that a nice evening walk.
26th Sept
An early morning jog up to the Olive Grove in ancient Corinth and back.
Visited my father in laws grave in Examilia and took a pot of flowers.
27th Sept
A short 4 mile jog along Kalamia beach and back.
Then went to the Olive grove to clear some plastic bottles and litter.
In the Makariou house cable was being installed outside all the flats.
Sun 29th Sept
An early rise and drive to Argos for the Castle 10km climb run. Hot and sunny it was an amazing run with fantastic views from the castle. Katerina came 5th woman and got a cup! I finished in 55 min and some seconds.
*
There was a very strong wind in the afternoon!
There was a massive fire near Xylokastro with smoke covering the whole of the area, including Corinth.
Mon 30th Sept
Last day in Korinthos for now. The smoke from the fires in Xylokastro still in the air.
A short jog to Kalamia beach and back and getting ready for the flight back to London.
October 2024
1st Oct
A miserable, cold, dark, rainy morning back in London. A quick run to also walk with Stefanos to Delrow. Then sorting out car MOT, car insurance and home insurance. Next, packing for a Germany trip.
2nd Oct
Flying from Stanstead to Leipzig for the week! First time in Germany.
Leipzig is a lovely city, plenty of parks and open spaces. Went for a run across the city towards the park where the special Parkrun will take place in the morning. On the way back I felt a pain in my right knee… I hope it doesn’t spoil things…
Sadly when hungry only the Golden Arches had something I could understand… I can’t speak or read German.
The main square had a live band and lots of tables ready for the OktoberFest partygoers!
3rd Oct
Early rise in Leipzig for some breakfast before going to the Parkrun. The usual 20 runners were joined by many UK runners. Lovely flat Parkrun through the woods.
I was actually 1st in my age group, running the 5km in just under 24 min.
Back to the hotel we saw a marching band go through the central streets; to do with today being national unity day in Germany.
After a short nap we went out for a walk in the drizzly rain and watched some of the live music in the nearby square.
4th Oct
A gentle 3.5 mile jog along the Leipzig streets and then back for a huge breakfast at the Best Western Royal Blue! Needed a long walk afterwards to digest the food…walked to the entrance of the Zoo before looping round through a couple of parks.
The free live band tonight is particularly good… 70’s songs sang in English wiz a German accent ja!
5th Oct
Another early rise and a 3mi jog to the Leipzig Parkrun, the second in three days. Again ended up 1st in age group. A jog back and a quick shower before enjoying a big breakfast!
6th Oct
Another gentle jog around the streets of central Leipzig. Yet another big breakfast back at the hotel. The sun made a brief appearance so went out for a walk on a nearby hill with lovely views of central Leipzig!
7th Oct
No morning run but a leisurely stroll up to the breakfast hall for another binge! Then checked out and walked the short walk along Nikoleistrase for the train station. Twenty minute ride to the airport and back to London Stanstead.
8th Oct
Leisurely rise back in London. Did a Zoom English lesson with O. and then had lunch. Refereed a match at Queens school, U16 boys in the national cup. Easy home win. Cut the game short when lightning appeared nearby.
9th Oct
Went to see my mum in Edmonton and then returned in time to change and go to referee at The Hive, Barnet FC. A one sided game between Barnet and Kings Lynn U19 boys.
10th Oct
A gentle morning jog to Bushey Grove to play some walking footie. In the afternoon I went to Beaumont School to referee an U16 game.
In the evening, back to Koubebi Radio after a 3 week break with chats and a debate.
11th Oct
A morning of flat-sitting at S’s waiting for the engineer to do a gas safety check.
Then off to Westfield Astro to referee Watford 3-1 QPR in the U19 cup.
Sat 12th Oct
An early rise to drive to Leavesden for a Parkrun.
Then drove to Evergreen for a cup game. Went to penalties. Then off to Parmiters for an U15 Watford girls game and then a swift drive to RVC for a third game of the day! Tired!
Sun 13th Oct
A rush in the morning to go and pick up MA and then go to Welwyn to play a football match.
In the afternoon I attended the Watford Area Humanists and I was voted the new Chair!
Back on to Koubebi Radio for a live show after three weeks break.
14th Oct
A very rainy morning meant staying in bed longer… then a leisurely 4 mile run before lunch at Tesco and shopping at Costco.
The new router arrived which should avoid disconnections, especially upstairs.
In the evening another CLH online module to the Humanism course (repeat).
15th Oct
A 6 mile jog in the morning followed by a visit to mum in Edmonton. Then two football matches to referee at Rickmansworth school. The second was a game against Queens school and because they lost 6-5 their coach, Mr D was very unhappy with some of my decisions.
in the evening I took part in a London Humanists Group on line zoom chat.
Wed 16th Oct
No morning run, instead I went to the Peace Garden and did some edging on the Labyrinth.
Then home to get ready to go to referee at The University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield.
Alex popped round briefly.
The game against Sussex Uni was a high octane game!
After the game we went to see “Our House” at the Palace Theatre. Loved the music of Madness!
17th Oct
A leisurely morning with a short jog to Bushey Grove and an hour of walking football.
Then a drive to Edmonton to see my mum.
in the evening Chat Shows on Koubebi Radio.
18th Oct
A gentle 6 mile jog followed by some edging at the Peace Garden in Cassiobury Park.
A bit of admin in the computer and then walked to The Holiday Inn for the monthly social. Met Karl and Dennis for the first time. Derek came and brought some paperwork for the transfer of the Treasurer task.
After I walked over to Popworld and walked with S home before giving him a lift.
Sat 19th Oct
a rainy morning at the Cassiobury Parkrun and then a drive to St Albans to referee a JPL game between St Albans City and Global. One red card at the end of the game for OfInAbus!
After that I went to visit mum in Edmonton.
Sun 20th Oct
A drive to Caddington to play football for Old Salvos FC. I ran the line in the first half and played all the second. Enjoyed it despite 13-2 thrashing!
After that I went to Ware to referee a women’s game. Ware 2-5 St Margaretsbury. The usual silliness and dissent from the losing side.
Watched a bit of Liverpool-Chelsea and then Internet Radio on Koubebi Radio.
Mon 21st Oct
A gentle 4 mile jog and then a walk around Canons Park with a guided voice tour App.
in the evening another session on the online Zoom course with CLH
Tue 22 Oct
A short 4 mile jog in the morning and then went out with S and V for a pre-birthday treat for K 🙂
23rd Oct
A leisurely rise, got dressed for refereeing then went to the Peace Garden for some work on the Labyrinth.
At 11 I dashed off to Donkey Lane Astro in Enfield to referee Enfield v Fox Academy. A very good game with no cards.
After the game I drove to Beaumont School but after waiting for 25 minutes in the reception I was told the game had been cancelled!
Back home and a walk to the Lounge for a birthday celebration meal with K! On the way back we bought a small cake and some hot chocolate powder!
Thu 24th Oct
Walking football followed by family breakfast at the nearby Simmons with A and K.
A bit of a blocked gully on the patio needed unblocking in the afternoon.
In the evening on my radio show I interviewed Alex Wood and then the debate on Koubebi Radio was “is it time to legalise assisted dying?”
25th Oct
A gentle 4 mile jog followed by some work at the Peace Garden.
Then a drive to Haringey Borough stadium for the academy game between Spurs and Malaga. It ended 0-0
26th Oct
Drove to my 150th Parkrun at Cassiobury Park. Did pacing for 26min then drove straight to Harebreaks for the first of two matches, the second at Parmiters School Astro.
Sun 27th Oct
Panicked when I woke up as my Garmin said 8:30! It was of course still 7:30, just my Garmin hadn’t updated…
Got ready and went to pick up Mazin from Watford Junction station and we drove to Walkern for a Vets football match.
After the game I gave Mazin a lift to Potters Bar and then drove home, changed quickly and jogged to Met Police Club to referee a very close game, Garston Ladies 3-2 Watford Ladies Dev.
At 7pm I did my weekly radio show on Koubebi Radio.
Mon 28 Oct 24
A 5 mile run with short intervals with K. Then went to Cassiobury Park to see Helen and her two little daughters. We had something to snack on at the Cedar Cafe and played in the play area for a bit. Back home I had a midday siesta, unusually, and then got up in time to join the 6th session of the One Life CLH course.
I then received the AGM minutes from Sunday 13th October and distributed them to the Watford Humanists members & supporters.
29 Oct ‘24
A dash to Harlow in the morning to referee in an in-house Norwich City tournament.
after over 5 hours continuous refereeing I dashed back home to get ready, change and go by train to Euston for the CLH event with a guest speaker from the US.
30 Oct ‘24
A gentle 4 mile jog and then drive to the Peace Garden to do some edging.
In the evening we attended a meal and presentation by the Watford Rotary Club in Mayfield Village, opposite Watford General.
31 Oct 24
A tired 4 mile run followed by some gardening, at home this time.
A radio chat with Chris Martin followed by another debate on Koubebi Radio.
November 2024
1st Nov
A gentle 6 mile jog and then in the afternoon I picked up S from Watford Mencap.
We walked to the post office and then to Greek Time for a halloumi wrap and some kebabs! Afterwards we had ice cream from Kaspa’s!
2nd Nov
A Parkrun at Leavesden for Katerina’s 250th Parkrun. I couldn’t stay for the cake and sweeties but I dashed to Greenwood Park for an U16 girls match. St Albans 3-4 Broxbourne poppies. I had to send off one of the Away coaches for screaming at me.
After the game I had leftover cakes and swirls!
Then off to another game at Parmiters. Another coach got a red card.
Sun 3rd Nov
A drive to Trent Park for the cross country run needed for the Motiv8. Always fun to run with fellow Watford Joggers.
In the evening we went to the Met Police Club for fun, music and fireworks!
Monday 4th November
A gentle 4 mile jog and a chill day with Costco lunch and a bit of shopping.
5th Nov 24
A gentle 6 mile run and then J D visited to bring the wreath for Sunday’s Remembrance ceremony in Watford’s centre.
At 1:30pm Peter Smith came over to pick me up for a match at Harrow school. The visitors from Australia beat Harrow 2-1 in a fast and furious close game.
Back home and ready to watch Liverpool in Europe followed by the election results in the US. Harris or Trump?
6th Nov 24
Woke up to the news that Trump has become President of the USA again…
Went to the Peace Garden for a couple of hours of gardening. Home to change and then on to Westfield Academy to referee Watford v Chippenham academies.
Online meeting with Barnet SACRE followed by a first visit to the Fishers Field AGM at the 79th Scouts Hut.
7th Nov 24
A gentle 6 mile jog then waiting for the Watford Humanists flag to arrive!
As you can see the flag did arrive so I had to assemble it and take a picture!
In the afternoon, Mary the photographer came round to take pictures again, 4 years after the Lockdown! She first took pictures on the 1st May 2020!
In the evening I did my chat show and the debate hour on Koubebi Radio.
8th Nov ‘24
A drive to mum with Stefanos and also saw Myroula.
Back in time to drive to Beaumont School to referee a school game. A massive score 7-6 to the Home team against St Michael’s school.
9th Nov ‘24
A non stop day of running and refereeing!
09:00 Parkrun at Leavesden Country Park; under 25 min
10:00 Refereeing at Everett Rovers ( Watford Ladies 2-1
12:00 Refereeing at St Albans, St Albans City 3-1 PSA
2:15pm Refereeing at RVC 3-4 Birkbeck
Got back home around 5pm! Hungry and thirsty!
Showered and then went to Chiswick to celebrate Mujgan’s birthday! Loudest restaurant ever!!
10th Nov ‘24
A very early kick off at the Met police, playing for the Old Salvatorians. Another massive defeat, we are used to them, almost expect them at the moment… not sure if it was 2-9 or 2-10…
At 2pm, with my suit and tie and the Watford Humanists wreath I went to St Mary’s to attend the service followed by the procession and the ceremony of laying the wreaths.
Saw the ex MP Dean Russell amongst the dignitaries as we were both laying wreaths and had a quick chat with him.
There were many people there and lots of videos and photos taken…I’ll post some if I find some.
Monday, 11th Nov ‘24
A very late rise out of bed, then waited for Neill to come over and sign papers to transfer the Treasurer post for Watford Humanists.
Went for a 4 mile run after midday and then did some uploading and editing of podcasts.
Listen to a bit of Haji Mike’s show on Koubebi Radio.
13th Nov
Drove with Katerina to the Peace Garden where we did some gardening.
Drove back at midday and got ready to go refereeing at Westfield Academy, Watford U19 v Plymouth Argyle (1-2)
In the evening I joined an Interfaith online meeting on prayer and meditation introducing humanism to the group.
14 November 2024
Didn’t feel good last night and this morning so decided not to go running today. Stayed in all day.
Did my chat & debate show on Koubebi Radio in the evening.
Sat, 16th Nov ‘24
Felt a little better this morning so I decided to do a Parkrun before going to referee at Everett’s.
Cassiobury Parkrun and then straight to Everett’s for Watford ladies U16 v Ruislip ladies U16, score 5-4!
After a bit of lunch we drove down to the south coat to Southampton!
17th Nov
A no-run morning in Southampton. Knew there was a 10Km race at St Mary’s stadium so decided to go and see a few runners!
Was very impressed with the huge turnout of runners, less impressed with the rusting metal structure that is St Mary’s Stadium. Give me Vicarage Road any day!
The day was cold but the countdown to Christmas near West Quay in Southampton was warm. Even tried some roasted chestnuts, although they turned out to be disappointing too…
18th Nov
Full English breakfast with seconds at the Premier Inn in West Quay!
Then checked out and drove to Eastleigh, then Winchester before returning home.
Tue, 19 Nov ‘24
Woke up to this…
I still went for a longish run of just over 12 miles along the Ebury and back, as it was “Truffles Cup” day.
Wed 20th Nov ‘24
A cold crispy, bright morning. At just after 10am I go to the Peace Garden for a bit more work on the Labyrinth.
I decided to count the number of stones before I left!
In the evening I went to Pushkin House in Bloomsbury Square.
The Purcell School piano concert began with Anna Avramidou.
Thu, 21st Nov ‘24
An early rise to get everything done today!
First I went out for a 7 mile jog and then came back to take Stefano and goes to Crews Hill for brunch with George & Maria.
In the evening I went to a meeting with other local people to hear a discussion about the Assisted Dying bill with local MP Matt Turmaine.
Fri, 22nd Nov ‘24
A gentle 4 mile jog and then a drive to North London to see Costas (and eat some fish & chips) and then my mum and mum-in-law.
At 7pm we went to the Holiday Inn for our monthly Watford Humanists coffee & chat get-together.
At 10pm I picked up Stefanos and gave him a lift home.
Sat, 23rd Nov ‘24
The morning match was postponed last night because of the rainy weather, so I ran to the Cassiobury Parkrun and after the Parkrun I ran back.
When I got home I found that the afternoon game was also postponed so decided to go out for a few more miles. It was after all Truffles Cup Quarterfinals.
At 13:00 I did some recordings with Elena Hadjiafxendi for tomorrow’s radio show.
The weather was so bad with wind and rain, so stayed in fir the rest of the afternoon and evening.
Sunday 24th Nov ‘24
Drove to Hatfield for the 5 mile race with loads of other Watford Joggers! Got a gold standard 40:34.
In the evening I did my radio show and played the two chats with Elena Hadjiafxendi.
26th Nov
jog of 4 miles and then little else.
in the evening I attended an online Interfaith reflection Zoom call, all about pilgrimages.
Wed, 27th Nov ‘24
Got up at 4:30am to drive Katerina and Vaso to Stansted. The rain was relentless and there were puddles on the roads. One side of the north circular was completely shut and traffic was building up. We got to the drop off car park in good time.
After driving back I put my garden tools in the car and went to the Peace Garden for a bit of edging.
Came home and tried to do a bit of website work but got stuck and confused. Was running late for the game at Beaumont School so had to dash. Got there just in time… then gave a penalty in the first minute and then had to ask the opposition teacher to drop the flag … wasn’t going to take any more of his shouting…
Drove home just in time for a quick shower and then a drive to Stanmore to pick up the tube. Went to Green Park and then walked to the Cyprus High Commission to watch Elena Afxendi and her gig Θalassa! It was great!!
Thu 28th Nov
I decided not to go for a run this morning but did some gardening at the front of the house. It was a bright, sunny but chilly morning.
I did some cutting back on the fig and plumb trees at the back garden and by the time I was done it was time to start cooking dinner, for myself and Stefanos.
The dinner turned out well and Stefanos enjoyed it, enough to ask for a repeat on Saturday evening.
At 7 I did my live chat on Koubebi Radio with tonight’s guest Paul Hogan from the band The Sway.
At 8 pm the debate was about the Assisted Dying Bill, due for its second reading in parliament tomorrow.
Fri 29th Nov
A gentle 4ish miles and then sat in front of the tv watching the End Of Life bill in the commons. The bill passed its second reading so it’s great news for all secular, non-religious humanists!
I did a bit of editing of last night’s radio shows and posted them in the Chats and Debates sections.
In the evening I gave Stefanos a lift back home from Delrow community.
Sat 30th Nov
Got up just in time to get ready for Parkrun and refereeing.
Got to Leavesden Country Park just in time. After the run I drove straight to Everett Rovers for Watford Ladies U18 cup game against Bury Rangers. An even game ending 1-1 and going to penalties. Bury scored their first three penalties and Watford missed their first three.
Drove straight to Kings Langley school for Watford Ladies U14 against West Ham. Not an enjoyable game with coaches, players and parents of West Ham being loud and dissenting. The two teams took the lead in turn with West Ham finally winning.
Came back home via a bit of shopping at Sainsbury’s with my Ref’s kit on! Got a few looks…
Home to cook some aubergine and mushroom with tagliatelle and waited for Stefanos to come over for dinner while watching a first half of West Ham v Arsenal, 2-5 on tv!
Wondering if I would win the rearranged cup against Pawel in the Tastic group.
Stefanos came over, we had a lovely meal together and then did some planning for Tuesday night and Thursday afternoon.
Sun 1st Dec
A lazy morning on a very wet morning in Bushey.
After midday I got changed into my referee’s kit and drove to the Reach Free school at Mill End to referee a Vets game…
It wasn’t the uneventful game I expected for a Vets game… it was very feisty and aggressive. I threatened to abandon the game if they didn’t calm down. Got through it eventually with just three yellow cards.
In the evening I did my radio shows, the English hour featuring The Sway and Echo wants her voice back.
Tue 3rd Dec
Did a bit of tidy-up / rearranging the mess in the study looking for some paperwork for/from Greece. Then a gentle 5 mile run towards Mundens.
In the afternoon I went for a hot-stones massage and then walked to The Purcell for a pop music concert with Stefanos, Dave Rogalski and Alan Disbrow, his wife and daughter.
Wed 4th Dec
Morning trip to Cassiobury to do some gardening at the Peace Garden.
In the evening my Canadian friend SteveD helped me to set up a streaming radio from my own PC!
This is the link when it’s up and running!
/https://cast.network28.app/public/watford_area_humanists_radio/
Thu 5th Dec
A really lazy day spent mainly in front of a screen … In the afternoon we went for a meal with Stefanos and then some food shopping.
In the evening I did a chat show and debate show on Koubebi Radio.
Fri 6th Dec
I waited for an online course by Hertfordshire Mind which didn’t happen because only two of us turned up!
I went for a run and then got ready to cook for dinner with Stefanos.
Sat 7th Dec
Storm Darragh has caused havoc with parkruns and football matches postponed, so a morning in pyjamas at home.
Messaged carers for Stefanos to decide if its safe to travel to him.
Stefanos seems to be enjoying my cooking as he is over again for dinner. 🙂
Sun 8th Dec
A wash out of a day. The storm caused all football games to be called off.
I did go out for a run in the chilly drizzly weather.
I carried on working on my new venture, WAH radio and then did my two hours of Greek and English music on Koubebi Radio.
Mon 9th Dec
It was a quiet morning outside, weather wise, and that might have been the reason I was still asleep after 9:30!
Got up and drove to Halford’s to get the headlight in Katerina’s car fixed and then went to the house in Whetstone to check all was ok.
Back home I got changed and went for a run.
Then got ready, Dennis came over and we walked to Watford Junction to catch the train to Euston for the CLH Christmas event.
We were joined by Karl and Neil and with Alex providing the entertainment for the night, there were five Watford Humanists there and we got a special mention!
Tue 10th Dec
A gentle 6 mile run around Oxhey Park and back followed by visiting my mum and Myroula.
Got back and put lots of layers on and went to meet other volunteers for the Santa procession around The Tudor Estate. This was organised by The Watford Rotary and it was raising money for local charities.
Wed 11th Dec
A morning trip to Cassiobury Park to do a bit of work on the Labyrinth in the Peace Garden.
A pleasant surprise was an impromptu party! Beautiful chai and treats by Hina!
At 1:30pm I went to Westfield Academy to referee the U19 game between Watford v Spurs. A bit of a mass confrontation at the end leading to a red card.
Now on my way to the Cyprus High Commission to see Echo Wants Her Voice Back in an intimate gig!
Thu 12th Dec
A midday jog followed by going to Stansted to pick up Katerina and Vaso.
A disappointing attempt to do a first chat / debate show on the new venture on WAH-Radio. I’m sure it will build up slowly!
Fri 13th Dec
A gentle 6 mile jog and then went with Katerina to pick up Anna and give her a lift to Watford Junction station.
We had lunch at Tasty Bean and saw Matt Turmaine just as we were leaving briefly having a quick chat with him.
We did some food and some clothes shopping in the afternoon.
Got a message that a game I was meant to referee at Brunel University was cancelled so had a restful evening at home.
Sat 14th Dec
A muddy and slippery ParkRun at Leavesden Country Park. Then straight to St Albans for the U15 cup game against Broxbourne. A one sided 7-0.
After a quick lunch at home I was out at Evergreen for their Cup game against a very young St Albans city youth. A comfortable 7-0 win for St Albans.
Wed 18th Dec
Got up just in time to put on many layers and go to The Peace Garden for some more work on the Labyrinth.
The guys from The Green Gym brought some drinks and mince pies and we joined them for a festive little get-together.
Later in the afternoon we went to the Cyprus High Commission for an exhibition of work promoting the LGBTQ+ Cypriot community.
While walking around central London we saw some of the Christmas lights…
Fri 20th Dec
A 6ish mile jog to Munden and back.
In the evening I went to the Pump House Theatre to see “Toys”. It was a really good musical. Great singing and a very thought-provoking script.
Sat 21st Dec
A jog to Cassiobury Parkrun and back.
In the evening with Stefanos, picking up Vaso and going to Mum’s Bistro for a Meze Party!
Sun 22nd Dec
It was “Wine & Pie” with Watford Joggers at Cassiobury Park. I was around 20 seconds too fast 🙂 predicted 30min.
Tue 24th Dec
After a snack at the Cafe in the library we went over to see Roula and Pambos. He is struggling after his 4th eye operation and he is not able to see much. After that we went over to see Nitsa.
Wed 25th Dec
A jog to Cassiobury to do the Christmas Parkrun. Then drove to Vaso with Stefanos followed by going round to my mum.
Thu 26th Dec
A gentle run looking for a green car and squirrels at the Waterfields park.
Stefanos came over, we had late lunch and then went to see the lights at Ashridge House just outside Berkhampstead.
Sun 29th Dec
Drove to Ellington to see Kia, Richard and the boys, the youngest one being our 2yr old godson Dimitris.
Had a lovely meal cooked by Richard and played an hour of Risk before getting back home.
Tue 31st Dec
After a gentle jog we picked up Stefanos and went to Wood Green to the Cypriot centre for the New Year’s Eve party!
