Setting up a Bookstall

Tomorrow is the Caterham Congress, so we spent the early part of the afternoon setting up the bookstall. When we arrive at a congress we never know how much space we will have, or how many tables. This time we are in a polygonal shaped area at the base of the stairs outside the tournament hall, but close to the refreshments. It was a strange area to work in as there were lots of different angles, but we are happy with the finished result.

A Quiet Weekend

Saturday John and I were running the bookstall at a junior event. It was a fairly quiet day, so we took the opportunity to get on with some other work. Both of us are trying to improve our knowledge of and ability at web design. I'm very aware that I don't know too much about what is going on behind the screen.

Sunday, after an early night to make up for the missing hour, started with church. An interesting discussion in the bible study and lots of choruses that John was able to play his trumpet to. Afterwards we had the van to unload. Not all bad as we had lunch at the church.

Then home, and a quiet afternoon with the Sunday papers.

A Typical Day and Playing Bridge in France

Today was another typical day 'at the office'! These are the less interesting days, listing books on ebay. We had taken delivery of an order whilst we were away, so today was the day for putting new chess and bridge books onto the site. Some of the books looked interesting - but I don't have time to read them!

I played bridge once, on a ski holiday. There were 4 of us sharing an apartment and 2 were keen players, so each of them partnered each of us novices and we spent the evenings playing bridge whilst drinking cherry brandy and schnapps. I remember that by the halfway point of the evenings I didn't really mind what was in my partner's hand! I think my partner and I won most evenings, she had a high alcohol tolerance!

I played a lot of whist as a child - my grandparents played regularly and taught me when I was around 8. I think I've forgotten most of the tactics that I once knew, although I still enjoy the occasional game. My grandfather also taught me to play cribbage, and now John and I play when we're away camping. It's a good way to while away the evenings in the tent. We're similar standard and highly competitive, so it makes for some good games.

Back from Blackpool

Today is our first day home after the Blackpool Chess Conference. After a successful tournament last year, this year was a disaster. One win and one draw, and three losses. Not sure quite what happened, think it's my middlegame that needs work.

It's a huge tournament, and a good chance to meet up with friends on the circuit. People travel from all over the UK to play there. It was good to meet up with the players from the Isle of Man again. We love the island and love hearing about the chess scene there.

Today is a busy day, catching up with business - we run a chess bookshop and provide equipment and bookstalls to tournaments. Lots of mail order posting to do and making sure that our main website is up to date.