Surprise! Back home No surprise to me as we booked our flights a while back but it was to my good mate as we appeared at his surprise 40th birthday party yesterday. His family contrived to throw a bash at their house and my mate, who one is not stupid and two hates surprises thus found out and initially refused to go.

Anyhow, he did eventually agree to it, as if he had a choice, and although I would think slightly suspicious he didn't know for sure that I'd show up in his Mum & Dad's garden holding a cold beer around 6pm last night.

It was a top night and really was nice to see so many old friends again, some I've not seen since I left the UK. It was a late night, not getting to bed until it was daylight earlier this morning and after landing around midday Saturday I was out on my feet by the time the goodbye's came around.

I am here all week and unusually look like having a bit of time for myself, so will look to get a bit of r&r. We're staying with some friends in Barnes, an area of town I don't know too well so I may take an opportunity to explore. I had my son today and planned to make the most of staying in town and take him to St James Park and Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guard tomorrow but the weather forecast sucks.

The rest of the week will revolve around catching up with some old mates, sleeping, a bit of shopping and family next weekend before getting the extraordinarily early flight back to O’Hare on Sunday morning to return home in time to play football.  ¶ 01:23