New Stock and PrEaster Newsletter 2014 with more to follow.

There are a few things to acclimatize to before once again I might find myself lying prone on Neil’s bed in Ibiza. The lying prone thing may be a result of excess alcohol, but since I am taking my youngest on this trip, she will ensure that is not the reason, she wants to catch up with a friend she hasn’t seen for 6 months. “Everybody loves champagne!” especially our Emi. I will be lying prone for another tattoo to add to those already adorning my body.

“Anchor”, who shouted that?

This trip I shall also be taking a Sherpa (Insert Van). Neil has had so many dead things delivered to the shop it is the only way I can get them all down there in one go. However I’m sure the Sherpa will break down and refuse to enter Neil’s domain as if it were some horror film and he doesn’t want to enter the land of the possessed. He may well drop all the parcels after witnessing Neil’s golden smile and run screaming into the distance waving his arms above his head. Oh well, that’s what passes for normal behaviour in Ibiza. (I apologize to anyone who has owned a Sherpa).

Many congratulations to the ‘other’ Neil who was part of the National Founders Cup winning basketball team. I must say I feel this is in no small part down to me. Neil, although being an excellent personal trainer at 6’4”, 36 years old and 100kgs, calm down, calm down, has required a training buddy. Step forward yours truly all of 4’6”, 100 years old and 63kgs, and it was my job to give him a run for his money, as no one else wanted to train with him. This culminated with us playing full court basketball one on one, on Thursday as a sharpener for Saturday’s game.

In my mind I think this was just the inspiration he needed to go the extra mile!

When someone says they had a trial for Chelsea or Arsenal, or in my case Bristol Rovers you take it with a pinch of salt. So when Neil said he played a bit of basketball, I took that with a pinch of salt.

How nice it was to be proved wrong. Able to perform jump shots with both hands, and hit ten in a row from the free throw line; Neil was a joy to watch, from below in my case. I tried to give as good as I got, and I explained I was a bit rusty, but disgraced I was not. Thankfully, and the ball seems so much smaller than when I last played.

Neil Baker and the boys

For the hairy bikers amongst you, time for a waxing, Spring is here, get out on those bikes and head for London’s glorious parks.

Suggested waxings sent in by an interesting, and interested customer!

Bejazzled

I’m out most days now from my base in blessed Pimlico to the far side of Richmond Park and back. The deer I scared slung over my back for lunch seems to have gone unnoticed on the return. The Pinarello aka “Il Cervo” has been awesome, so a big thank you to Adam for my birthday present, Surrey 100 here we come. Be warned I will be asking for sponsors for this and the Royal Parks half marathon, it is the only way I’ll be able to get round, and for a good cause of course.