Jean Alessi.......

I just don't know what to say, how on earth can a little dab of a foot equate to a serious fault?! Yep, I did it again, failed my test on EXACTLY the same stupid error. I overcame many difficulties that affected my concentration; a damaged knee that is the size of a melon, a bike that was in bits and covered in petrol one hour before the test! And still I failed. I feel almost beside myself and am considering my options.

One would be to retake the test and superglue my ruddy feet to the footpegs........

I know what you're thinking, just practice. well I can't practice on a 500cc bike without a qualified instructor. Catch 22. The cost is spiralling and I have to say I am none to happy that I may have spent so much and have nothing to show for it. This morning I am angry with myself and the outdated DSA regulations. Maybe I'll lobby the Government, chain myself to the doors of 10 Downing Street. Better still get over the mindset and drive round and round in perfect U Turns in front of the Driving Standards Agency in Newcastle upon Tyne til they throw a bucket of water over me for holding up traffic and reving the engine too much and for too long........

Grrrrr.........

Last night was spent with a close friend over a few beers (yes me drinking beer!!) ((Never afraid to try something new)) which was just what I needed and this afternoon I am about to tackle the rest of my tasks for the day with renewed vigour.

Karen and Travelling Companion have both made helpful suggestions, thank you.

Just take heed, if anyone sends me an email or posts a message saying, 'never mind perhaps it was meant to be' I WILL hit you........................

Secrets and Lies

Have you ever held on to a secret and really wanted to share it with everyone?? Yep well that's me right now. I have lots of things I want to say about the preparation but can't just yet. Frustrating? Why even say it?

Yes, well quite, but why should I suffer alone. Best get to know I have zero patience and want to do, say, try everything when feel it. Many partners have been surprised with that one.......

So yesterday and today I have been a Domestic Goddess and cooked all things tasty and nutritious for my pregnant daughter. I am of course practising being Granny Tanie and ensuring that Natalie's freezer is stocked with home baked pies etc while I am away. Tomorrow I am off to M&S to stock up, sooo much easier dahlings and allows me time to get on an enjoy the time off.........

Have ants in my pants at the moment and am finding it very difficult to stay put in Surrey or indeed the house. Spent lovely time in Norwich recently. Also particularly happy visit to Southwold Pier with Moose, Paul and Roz. Then Cornwall, where the weather was glorious, wildlife tame and friendly, the food scrumptious and great company in abundance.

Scotland and Morecombe shortly, not forgetting Horsham, well it's outside Surrey..............

A man for all seasons

I have received a number of emails about my 'boyfriend' in the Gallery section. Some of you ladies and gentlemen even thought that the man in the bath was Travelling Companion. Ha ha ha, well I would like to make it very clear that if it was I would not be doing this trip on my own and would have attached him and bath on a tow truck behind and dragged him around everywhere.....!!!!

Unfortunately the picture titles are not attached and I should probably point out that he is in fact the very delectable David Boreanaz, he of Angel, Buffy and some Dido video fame.

Spirit of Rossi

Last week I retook my bike test and failed yet agin!! I have to say that this time round I enjoyed the whole experience, had fun all the time even when tired. I finally worked out how to control the bike instead of the other way round. The test itself was great! No really it was. I did exactly what my instructor said and rode for myself. Thing is I did my U turn and dabbed my foot and that's an instant fail. Would you believe it!!
Ah well back to the drawing board. Must be a case of third time lucky.........

Sound and vision

Karen & Simon are off to St Tropez tomorrow for the European Harley Davidson meeting. Sounds like it'll be a wonderful event and Karen will be able to go this year knowing that if she wants to she could ride any bike there. Go Karen.....!!

Was Alex's 30th Birthday party Saturday, she looked fabulous, calm and happy and will give birth in July.

Invested in a few hours of culture earlier today, well that was the plan. Took myself off to Hatchlands Park for a wander to become totally absorbed in history and architecture. Became absorbed, almost totally, by a coach load of Senior Citizens from the Midlands. As I stood in the restaurant queue with an endless flow of them in front and behind me, I waited patiently to purchase my tea and quiche (could smell it from the beginning of the queue and had to have it!). They were all very friendly and happy to tell me where they were from, why they were there, where they were going.........I drifted off to sunnier climes to escape the building hysteria about to overpower me. Sitting in the courtyard with my lunch I was aware they were all staring blankly at me whilst sipping their tea. I just knew I had slipped onto a set of The Day of the Walking Dead IV and suddenly developed an unbelievable urge to develop Terrets Syndrome. Knowing the lifeforce was about to be sucked out of me I leapt up and fled, stopping to feast my senses in the garden and house before locking myself into my car to thrust Queens of the Stone Age into the cd player to ensure I was alive and kicking......................

Interesting Discussion Thread on message board for '10 things for Tanie to do'.............

Salems lot

Trying to get into the habit of writing a message every few days. All things bike are progressing! Yep that's all I'm saying.....
Good to catch up with Elaine, Sarah and Chris from the old Countryside team last night.
Busy planning journey today, lots to see and beginning to think not enough time.....
Quite fancy ending trip in Eureka or Salem, sounds more dramatic than San Francisco.
Next step is the capsule wardrobe....eek, something I'm fretting about more than the bike test!