oh dear it's a few years ago now >>

today I found my self in the strange position of having to be in charge of a group of students covering a physical education lesson, before I knew it I was running a softball game. something that few people (except those with an extra ordinary memory) but in the late 80's & early 90's I actually played baseball as a serious sideline to work, even playing in three consecutive european club championships in nuenen, in the netherlands. so given the opportunity to revisit that time I had to join in. things went well in the first couple of inning playing at short stop I made a couple of OK outs and a double play. so in the 4th I thought I was back into it, until I tried a normal fly ball double I made the catch while of the ground and thought I would make the throw to 2nd before landing only my body had a different idea my legs just gave way, it must have looked like a large oak being felled, anyway nothing was hurt not even my pride really. simply illustrating to me that time is going by. still great fun though.

half pipe >> in my garden

when I first started skateboarding in the early 70's as a teenager I never for one moment thought that now in my 40's that I would still be wanting to skate, I have even asked by son if he can source me some bits for a new skateboard!
of course my recreation/lifestyle of choice is surfing but skating is close, really because it is not so reliant on the weather. (though skateboarding in the rain isn't much fun).

I always said to myself when I get a house I will build a half pipe in the garden. I have a house but no half pipe. apart from the price I am sure my neighbours wouldn't like it, it would be a magnet for skaters to break into and skate at all times of the night so it isn't going to happen.

however some people have done it. the pictures below are of half pipes built in gardens one in scarborough, north yorkshire and one in brighton, sussex. I say good luck to them I wish I had the courage to do it.