BLIND DAVE'SBLOG

22-03-2007

He's been paraded on the pitch at the Albion and got soakedin Sutton Park.Throw in the usual DIY disasters and, ladies and gentlemen, we give you Blind Dave's Blog.

Hi Stirrers

Well it was a very nice surprise this week, I got an invite up to the Baggies. It's the first time to a match in around 25 years. It's not that I don't like football but I always think I'm doing someone with a pair of eyes out of a seat.

Still it was a nice feeling. Along with Mac I was let into the press room, got some nice hospitality and met John Simpson the press officer. Nice chap. He made us very welcome, in fact we were shown to a private box. Mind it's a good job Stirrer editor Adrian came with us, he gave me a cracking commentary. He sounded just like an expert!

The match itself was a little disappointing, only because the Baggies lost, mind. I hope I'm not a bad omen. The best part was when I got invited onto the pitch, to walk onto the hallowed ground.

I wonder if I stood where in the past Jeff Astle, Bomber Brown or Bobby Hope had stood. It really was a fantastic feeling and an honour.

The challenge I am doing next year, the 777's as I call it - 7 marathons, in 7 days, over 7 continents - was announced, and we got a rapturous applause from the crowd, although in fairness it was just fantastic to be actually standing on the pitch. Sadly, Wicksie the guide dog was left in the tunnel.

That was mainly my fault; really, he should have been with me to give me more of an impact as to what the challenge is all about, spreading a worldwide awareness campaign for blindness, but I wound up John the press officer about Wicksy's toiletry habits and he very persuaded me to leave him in the tunnel.

I think he's have been a nervous wreck if I hadn't. He was worried about Wicksie performing on the pitch and I don't mean with the ball either.

It was certainly an experience and I hope the Baggies will continue with their support over the next 12 months.

After the match we were present when the two managers gave their match reports, it was very interesting to hear the questions and answers, it was certainly two very different interviews, I've always wondered whether managers of football teams are actually at the same game, still I suppose every one looks at life differently, I know they did.

The following day, different all round, especially the weather; wet, windy and cold. Just what you want for a 20 mile run in Sutton Park. Around 700 runners lined up, getting wet waiting for the start, it's quite a nice run, 3 miles out, two circuits of 7 miles and 3 miles back in.

The route takes in a few nice hills, if you can call hills nice, not bad under foot, at least it's all on the road, but the worst part about today was the wind. Normally a breeze is quite cooling, but this was like running into a brick wall, especially on the back end of the run, it certainly made you work hard or should I say harder.

Still it was an enjoyable run, if you can call pain enjoyable. I was going to run at my marathon pace, but after 2 miles I decided to give it my all and see what was left in the tank at the end. The only result was I finished and was knackered, but under the conditions not surprised.

At the end of the run, when the weather's nice, it's quite a walk back to the car and a for a cup of tea and a slice of Aunty Mav's cake, but as it was raining it was not so pleasant and to top it all, a boat was coming down the river, so the man operating the bridge opened it up for the boat to pass.

We were all moaning as it was a quarter mile up the river. I reckon he could have let us pass, the bridge man was trying to wind us all up and guess what, it worked. Still, we eventually got our cup of tea and I must admit , I had a little kip on the way home.

I must stress at this point, I'm getting very concerned about Mac, it appears he's turning into quite a philosopher, either that or he's taking some sort of substance. At around 18 miles, he spurted out, “How are you feeling, just think you're a flowing stream, gliding on air, just think of that flowing stream and it'll get you through”.

I think the look I gave him said it all. I've warned him, come out with that crap in the last few miles of the marathon and I'll show him flowing stream! I'll throw him in one, it's called the river Thames and there'll be big boats floating in his flowing stream. He's definitely losing it!

Surprisingly it's been a good week for Wicksie, he hasn't got lost at all; mind, the week has had it's little incidents.

I have at last got round to putting a new lock in my workshop door, chiselled it in nicely, this time I bought the right sized lock - it does help - so I only had to take a slight slice out of the original hole.

It fitted a treat, unfortunately the latch part was the wrong way round. Here we go I thought, if I have to take the lock apart, there will be springs shooting everywhere. Debbs answer was to turn the lock upside down. I ask you, I'd need to stand on my head to open the door! I do wonder some times at women's logic.

“Yes Dear” was my reply. I kept the sarcasm under my breath, as it was coming up to tea time and I was getting hungry.

Explaining to Debb exactly what I meant and what I needed to do, with her help we turned the latch round no problem at all, not a spring shot any where, lock in, the door shut a treat.

However it was now my turn to be a plonker, the lock wouldn't quite lock properly, so with the aid of the chisel, taking out a little bit of wood, slice at a time, the lock closed, a perfect job I thought.

After opening and shutting a couple of times to check it worked OK, it was time to fix all the screws in place, Ah, a slight problem. I had taken the door handle off on the inside and opening and shutting the door had worked the small bar out that operated the latch, so when I tried the handle nothing happened, the door wouldn't open and all my tools were inside. What a silly billy I was!

With the aid of a kitchen knife I eventually got the door open, and the handle on the inside was quickly on. I must admit that for a moment I thought I would have to butcher the door to get in Phew, panic over, lock on and guess what, it works a treat.

Little Dannie, bless her, had a spot of trouble, well I suppose with my help. I was in the kitchen getting Debbs supper for her as she was watching one of her infrequent programmes (well I was getting her a packet of crisps, same thing) when I heard Dannie moving around upstairs.

Being so late it meant one thing, she was still half a sleep and wanted the toilet. I nipped up stairs and cajoled her gently to the toilet, took off her pyjama bottoms and popped her on the toilet. Suddenly she cried and screamed.

What had I done? How had she hurt herself? I tried to console her but it was no good. Within seconds Debb was up stairs, wondering what was going on, then she realised. I'd put Dannie on the toilet, took off her pyjama bottoms, but forgot to take off her pants.

She was a little wet to say the least and obviously very upset, but in her half sleep couldn't tell me what was the problem. Dad, I think you got it wrong this time, Dannie and water just lately are not going together.

You know the old saying: “May as well talk to myself”, well in my case it seems to happen a lot. Using a new venue and people not realising I'm blind, especially when Wicksie is lying under the table out of sight, people must think it quite odd me talking to myself.

Well, it happened again the other night. There I was gesticulating and rabbiting on like a good one to my mate when suddenly the sound of two glasses being put down on the table made me realise.

“You just been up the bar?” I asked. He had, and once again he'd forgotten to tell me. No wonder there were a few sniggers coming from behind me - I'd been talking to an empty chair for five minutes. I'm sure there was a smile on his face when he informed me he was off to the loo.

Still, it gives some entertainment to others sitting around me. I must be like a one man Punch and Judy, beats a one man band and don't they charge for the service. I shall have to put my cap on the floor in future, mind knowing my luck some one will nick it or throw in an IOU, still never mind it must put a smile on a few faces.

Well that's it for another week. Guess what though, Talk Talk still haven't replied to my letter of complaint, although they answered my letter asking for some sponsorship with in 24 hours. Does that say it all? Technology is a great way of hiding.

Still, not to worry wait until they get my bill for inconvenience? I bet there on like a rocket. Well, will I be locked up or shut up this week? Whichever, I'll be back to report some more nonsense next week, so it's bye bye from Blind Dave.

Dave Heeley is attempting seven marathons in seven days on seven continents and he needs your help. To find out more go to www.justgiving.com/blinddave