suzyscottdotcom

In the style of

thebustocrookes, here’s another 10 things I’ve been meaning to mention…

1. New train operator Grand Central had to cancel all services on Friday past – after the train broke down (currently it’s a PVR of 1, fleet of 1, while they undergo refurbishment). From the website, I notice that their catering goes under the name of Route 26 (26 is the table number for the East Coast Main Line, in the National Rail timetable). But, the background is a vintage American map, and making reference to places in Monroe County (*waves* hello Jay if you’re reading this, bored at work tomorrow… or any time!)

2. Speaking of which, I’ve been chatting online with a certain American gentleman for FIVE YEARS now… I’ve changed beyond recognition, but he is still in the same job, same place etc.

3. National Rail timetable – that’s a bit of an interesting one (see here). After the National Rail decision that the Summer 2007 would be the last one ever, OAG (Official Airline Guide) also ceased production of their guide after the October/November 2007 edition. Then, Middleton Press started production of a Train Times monthly guide, which uses the same timetable panels as the National Rail timetable but in A6 format, printed two-to-a-page in an A5 book, saving half of the bulk. This book will be reissued monthly, with changes marked on relevant pages. Having said that, production of the National Rail Timetable (well, UK Rail Timetable as they’ve called it) is now being done by The Stationery Office, who also produce the fares manuals. Timetable books are on sale (this one is just one issue to cover December 2007 to May 2008) at selected WH Smiths at stations, or via the TSO website. There was going to be a third, which I don't think has happened (yet), by a dutch company.

4. Caroline asked me about one or two last minute gifts, and we agreed to go clothes shopping today. We came across a sale… we finished a bit later. Suffice to say, she’s already ribbing me about how loud my new bag is… just wait till after Christmas, and you lot can see it too!

5. Where was the traffic today? Waitrose car park at Trumpington was jammed solid, with a bouncer refusing any more in, and parking some in the grounds of the Maris Centre (although you couldn’t park any more, with barriers etc. in the way). Plenty of space in the adjacent Park & Ride site (it was about one-quarter full when we passed – not bad for a Sunday), but not good for food shopping. But otherwise… it was dead! No build up on the ring road. No problems getting through the lights on Newmarket Road. Nothing.

6. I got a virtual card from Steve Parker yesterday about Christmas. He’s ordered some stuff online, and two of them haven’t turned up. I must admit to having this problem with a few of Caroline’s items, but I’ve got plenty more besides in the meantime. And besides, I still got what she wanted (I hope I got the right thing!) This year, the time we’ve known each other has came in useful, especially for gift buying! When it comes to buying for that special one… some can be complex to buy for, but for so many reasons.

7. Currently listening to a cd, ‘God Bless The Go-Go’s’. Produced more than twenty years after their heyday (see previous messages about a certain track), it’s something different to listen to!

8. We’re having a relatively quiet one over Christmas, but please keep returning for more!

9. Err…

10. That’s it!