I got back to the UK a few days ago - Tuesday evening to be precise. Nice to see all the family. Well most of them as Ryan was away on an outward bound course and only got back yesterday.
Wednesday was taken up by attending the PPARC Oversight committee for LHCb. This is the committee used to monitor the UK side of the project. As we are asking for release of additional funding we were really under the microscope. The committee met in London (110 pounds return on the train from Bristol as opposed to 11 pound return to Swindon & PPARC's HQ.) I hate London - dirty, smelly & grubby and that's just the people - only kidding ;-) But I do loathe London - the place is so impersonal. I'm glad I never got any of those jobs I applied for there I would've hated it. I guess I'm just a Northern oik & not a city sophisticate.
Thursday & Friday was in at work in Bristol. Catching up with status of things with Richard, our engineer, and the students. Though we have weekly telephone meetings - it's always easier & more productive face-to-face.
This weekend is a visit to some long time friends. I've known Andrew since we were at infant school together at the age of 5. He's an accountant so I get to see how the other side live. He has 3 kids (Eleanor, Mark & William) and I'm Eleanor's Godfather. We usually meet two or three times a year and the weekends tend to be fairly raucous. So keep watching for further details ...
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