The Civils Side of Life

For the first time this year I’m able to find some time to get away from work and spend an extend vacation with family and loved ones. For a few moments it looked as though I had ruined it all before we had even got into our journey. I cleverly managed to leave my hand luggage, including passport, on the train we took to the airport.

• Designer sunglasses… £12
• Daring low cut swimwear… £25
• Missing my flight & flying via Lyon… £540
• Spending time away from work… Priceless

I’d like to thank all the hard working staff at London Midland Trains and the efficient crews of Air France, without who I wouldn’t have been able to join up with everyone, albeit a few hours late.

A big factor in my choice to become a site-based engineer was the simple fact that I could not see myself sitting behind a desk between the hours of 9 and 5. Being able to spend the majority of my working time outdoors is a wonderful thing. Yes, I have to admit that in the depths of winter I sometimes question my choice as the wind, rain, hail and snow batter me with all their force. In summer it is a different tale, basking in the glorious sun working on my tan weeks before anyone else is great. 

What I neglected to realise about the construction industry was the working hours. With the longer days upon us the general rule is that we can extend our hours, almost limitlessly, as long as there is light to see by and suppliers to deliver us materials.

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We have an unwritten rule in our house. If I work hard at the washing chores, Wedge is usually happy to cook me lavish meals each night. I like this little arrangement even if I do whine about it day-in-day-out (sorry Wedge). However there is a time when Wedge has other plans and I’m left to fend for myself.

In these desperate times I tend to fall back on my student days and keep things basic. I have mastered a range of healthy(ish), nutritious foods that include cheese-on-toast, toasted cheese, cheese toasties, cheese sandwich and many more…

Wednesday was one of these rare nights and I think I pushed my culinary skills to the limits when I made myself pizza toast. It was a clever combination of bread, cheese, tomato purée and a little turkey ham (it’s not Turkey and it’s not Ham…).

It was simple. Lightly toast the bread and then mix and match the tomato purée, cheese and turkey ham in combinations and quantities of your choice. Grill this masterpiece until the cheese has melted and serve immediately. You can add a little garnish of salt, pepper and sauces to suit your tastes.

It was yummie but I do prefer the well balanced diet that Wedge provides me.

When I first started my blog I deliberately chose not to write about all my pet hates with this wonderful world we live in. I knew that my blog would soon be full of moaning. Unfortunately for you, the reader, I can no longer hold my peace on one subject.

Working in the construction industry means I am never in one place for much longer than a few months. I spend a good portion of my time driving along major road in the Midlands. I often miss heavy traffic in the mornings as I need to be on site at the latest 07:30. After work is another matter and I often have to fight my way home.

Why are British drivers getting worse at controlling their vehicles and following the most basic rules of the road?

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