Over the last couple of weeks we have been enjoying watching the Tour de France as we have done regularly since our boys were at primary school. We thoroughly enjoy  ITV’s coverage which is quirky and informative, Sadly this year marks the last year of it being on terrestrial television and the excellent ITV team. It pulled no punches tonight on green washing by fossil fuel companies – not sure if subscription channels will be so brave!

The one thing the Tour does show is what a beautiful country France is. Enjoyed the  Pyrenees at the weekend which brought back great memories of me and the boys cycling up these great mountains. Still amazed at what we did eight years ago! A few pictures from then including the top of the Col de Tourmalet and the Col de Solour which were in this years Tour.

I managed to get through my club game unscathed! There was one moment when it could of had a nasty ending! I was fielding in the circle when the batsman launched the ball like a rocket (warp factor 6) and I tried to catch it- could of easily broken a finger with my stupidity! The Fairford Air Tattoo was taking place nearby so we had aircraft flying over frequently- the noise was deafening! The Red Arrows went over several times with a couple of really low passes – you could clearly see the pilots! Sadly we game second!

We had an unexpected visitor this week and certainly a surprise! I looked out into the back garden and I had to rub my eyes! Bobbing up and down around our rockery was a common sandpiper! Normally found near water- we do get them on the lake at the end of our road. It was a brief stay so I didn’t have time to take a photo so the picture below is from the RSPB web site.

I am playing cricket for my club tomorrow- almost certainly will be the oldest player on the pitch!

You dear reader are probably wondering where I have been this week! It has been pretty full on! Totally absorbed by the Test Match- what a finish!

I spent Monday night rehearsing with Dan the other half of the Two Severn Bores. It had been a while and we were fairly rusty!

Tuesday saw me take over the captaincy (temporary) of Gloucestershire 60s 3rd team away to Somerset facing a dodgy weather forecast. I managed to win the toss which didn’t happen very often last season. A dramatic first over saw me throw down the stumps from cover to run out the opening batsman. I would of been proud of that moment in my prime! Sadly the game predictably was ruined by the weather and had to be abandoned.

Wednesday morning the Two Severn Bores performed in Upton St. Leonards. It went well and we both asked about doing some individual gigs with other groups.

Today has been stories, stories and stories! I cycled in to Stonehouse for a whole day storytelling at Park School. Good to meet an old colleague who I hadn’t seen for nearly 30 years! Stories went really well but it is hard work sustaining the energy levels.  I then went to Wick Court for my normal storytelling session this time with Years 7-10 from Sunderland. Really pleased how well it went despite me being a little apprehensive beforehand. Now I am exhausted sitting watching the football with a beer,

I went for “hot” cycle ride on Thursday around the North Cotswolds with a friend. It was a beautiful ride with some steep hills to negotiate. When we stopped at Guiting Power for our obligatory coffee and cake we were delighted to have many screaming swifts shooting over our heads. The group word for swifts is a scream which is apt! They are incredible birds and the young people I take birdwatching are always amazed when I tell them they spend their lives in the air (apart from nesting) Picture at the bottom of the blog- not mine they are difficult to photograph- although if I had a camera on Thursday I might of got one!

Busy relearning stories today when not watching the cricket!

How is that for using a topical musical reference for today’s blog title? My youngest and his wife were in Cardiff to seeing the Oasis gig at the weekend. I wanted “story” somewhere in today’s title as I have a busy little spell on the story telling front. The Two Severn Bores are performing next Wednesday morning in Upton St. Leonards – we are doing our Destiny or Fate show. This means we need to get back up to speed -so I am relearning stories again and we are rehearsing together on Monday night. I also have a whole day in school next Thursday followed by my regular residency at Wick Court! It will be a tiring day!

To add to my busy week I maybe playing cricket on Tuesday in Essex- a long way to go for a game! I captained a Glos Seniors side against a Somerset team in a friendly yesterday. I even managed to give myself four overs (I am the only captain that gives me a bowl!) Despite being hit for two fours in my first over I took 2 for15- so I was pleased with that! We won with two balls to spare!

I managed to see the two young marsh harriers from Splatt Bridge early this morning. We are really pleased that for the first time they have bred in our part of Gloucestershire. My two pictures below are not clear because the birds were a long way from me and my camera is not that good. Look carefully and you will see a swallow in the first picture. Also a lovely greenfinch below in my garden.

I’ll start my summary of the last few days with some great news from Frampton on the bird front. Our nesting front our marsh harriers have produced at least two young – first time in Frampton!!! Picture taken by a friend of one of young birds below.

Thoroughly enjoyed my day at the cricket despite it being all India, Gill’s innings was superb- chanceless! Pictures from my view in the Hollies Stand. (second one was taken from a slightly different place.)

We went to the Forest yesterday aiming to stay the night in our camper van – sadly we had some hiccups with the electrics so we had to come home. We visited Nagshead Reserve and managed to see a spotted flycatcher. We also had a good view of a bullfinch (not my picture below-guess who forgot his camera!)

It has certainly been a scorcher in recent days and reminiscent of the Summer of 76 and the drought! No doubt  there will be water restrictions coming soon- some of you reading this might not remember putting a brick in the toilet cistern!.

A positive from this weather is there has been plenty of cricket to watch and play! I played yesterday and tomorrow (Thursday) I am at Edgbaston for the Test Match tomorrow.

A lovely day today birdwatching at Wick Court with young people from Welwyn Garden City. They were full of questions and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Using the Neil Young song for the title for today’s blog. I watched him last night on TV playing at Glastonbury. He certainly still can rock even as an old man. I remember at parties and gatherings in my youth we would often play “After the Gold Rush”. I am listening to it now as I write!

I managed to get through my club game of cricket yesterday and even managed a sprightly innings of 24. I have always  felt more comfortable batting against quicker bowlers than the slow bowlers we face in old man’s cricket.  Almost took what would of been a great catch to a ball that was certainly travelling! I have been anxious about my hamstring particularly running between the wickets. On to Tuesday and a game against Kent for the Seniors!