Weekend travels

Lots to report and plenty of photos and videos. Friday was busy - dentist first, then work. I ordered our new TV, which arrives next Friday (our Sky HD box is installed tomorrow - Monday). The slater was here as well, but I missed him - trust he's fixed our roof. Stan England also said he was trying to arrange access to measure up for the plinth for our new stairs at the back of the house - perhaps it's actually going to happen this time?

Ross was poorly on Thursday and slept for virtually 36 hours. I saw him on Friday morning and asked him how he felt about travelling to Manchester to see the United match. He didn't think he would be up to it and I asked if I should arrange a replacement for him and he said yes, so I duly did. Sod's law, when I came home, he'd made a bit of a recovery and probably could have gone after all - great pity - too late! Oh - and Kelly's Christmas present for Jo finally arrived today!

Gary stayed over on Friday night and he and I left not long after 8:00 am on Saturday morning. We met up with my business guest, Alistair Scott of HSBC (ex Rangers player) and his colleague, Gordon Kennedy (standing in for Ross) at Hamilton. Alistair offered to drive and so I left my car there and Gary and I squeezed in to the back of his Audi Quattro convertible.

We made good time and checked in to our hotel north of Manchester, ordered a taxi and had a quick pint while we waited for it to arrive. At Old Trafford, we strolled round the stadium and went in to the shop, where I took the photo of Gary above in front of a huge mural of the current squad. From there we wandered round to the Corporate Hospitality suite for champagne, beer, wine and a fine meal before the match. The Premiership Trophy was on display so we had to get a photo of the two of us with it.

More drinks at half time and after the match - which, by the way, was wonderful - United beat Newcastle 6-0 - then back to our hotel for a few more beers before retiring to our rooms to watch Match of the Day.

After breakfast on Sunday morning, we headed north again. I had arranged to go to Dawn's about lunchtime and she brought Dad over to meet us. He was looking good again and still seems quite happy in himself - the current pills are obviously working! "How are things in Glockemora" was, as ever, oft repeated and that was about all we got out of him, conversation-wise. We had expected bacon butties, but shouldn't really have been surprised that Dawn and John had prepared a full roast beef dinner, after which Dad wanted to be taken home immediately - he'd had his dinner and had to get home before dark!

Jordon had been at one of his pals for a sleep-over and had only got to bed at 6:30 am but John fetched him over to see us - and Kieran was home as well for the weekend - my how he's changed - almost chubby now! Jordon demonstrated his prowess on the guitar and demonstrated the Wii in his room (see videos).