Bowls update

Just to keep you updated with what I've been up to, I'm happy to report that I've had a very successful and enjoyable summer of bowls. Despite all this manky weather (which I think was more gloom than rain, as the number of cancelled games was actually very low), I've had a great time. It's been the first season since 2001 that I haven't changed my bowls halfway through (usually out of boredom and/or frustration), and the results speak for themselves. I promised myself in April that I'd play a whole season with the same set of bowls, and see what happens - as it turns out, I've won two club competitions at Lindfield, had a Middleton Cup trial and five Home Counties games for Sussex, won Division 2 of the Brighton League, won Lindfield's Australian Pairs tournament, and lost by 1 shot on an extra end in the Tom Francis Cup final. Along the way I've beaten some of the top players in the county, which is particularly satisfying.
My final competitive tally for the season is: played 72, won 50, drew 1, lost 21.
I'm happy with that :)
After a 2-day off season, I'm now bowling indoors, and start the serious stuff this weekend, with a county trial at Newhaven. Phew! I need a holiday.

Smoothie again

For both my regular readers, you'll remember that I raved and waxed lyrical about the joys of the Kenwood Smoothie Junior. That is, until it broke last week. I've used it so much since I bought it, that I've worn it out. I considered sending it back, or claiming under the guarantee, but I've been fundamentally annoyed with it for some time, because it's so darn hard to clean. Separating the jug from the base requires almost super-human strength, and the tap clogs up within days of use.

So, cue a trip to Haywards Heath's finest shops (apologies for the sarcasm). After examining several possible replacements, I found the Kenwood "Smoothie 2 Go" in Sainsbury's. This cheaper solution has one massive advantage over traditional blenders and smoothie makers - it unscrews at the base by default. Meaning, you don't need to rely on soaking and toothbrushes to clean the blades - the blade section screws directly into the shatter-proof travel mug each time you make a smoothie, so the blades will get a clean on a daily basis. I used it for the first time this morning, and was impressed by the build quality, and the quiet operation. The motor is less powerful than the Junior model, but due to the smaller jug size, it doesn't feel like anything's missing. The fact that you get two travel mugs, both with lids, means you can whip up a smoothie and drink it "on the go" - ideal for busy executives (and me).

The Black Seeds

A friend of a friend of a friend recommended a New Zealand reggae band called The Black Seeds. I was a bit dubious at first, but I can honestly say that they're fantastic. They toured the UK a couple of months ago, and sadly their Brighton gig at the Komedia was cancelled at the last minute.

Anyway, check out my favourite song!