The prodigal son

I decided to go and meet Markie Mark at Luckies during lunch. On the way I took some Museli over the park to feed the wild fowl. A rustling of the bag announced to them the fact that food was to be had so the various coveys aggregated into one swarming food fest. That made me feel good. I like spreading the joy.

I continued my amble through the park, destination Luckies bar. I got there around 12:30. Jon and Angus were seated next to a roaring fire. Their faces had a ruddy glow, either from the warmth or from the beer - or possibly the combination of both. I sat down and began to have a jolly good chat with them. I didn't have anything to drink, definately no alcohol for me (yet). One thing was troubling my mind however - there was no sign of Markie Mark. This was not like him. The idea that a beer monster on his lunch and not at the pub did not fit squarely in my mind. I had to text him. Then I called him. Turns out that at work they have been having real problems with their system and have resorted to calling in a consultant from the software in question's head office. Apparently the consultant had arrived just as Markie was going to go for his lunch - so the luckies plan was thwarted. Never mind, I had a back up plan.

Plan B

I decided to pop into my old place of work. First I thought I would pop "over the road" and bid farewell to those in External Relations. I went to see Dawn first. She was the only one in the office. She is a real asset to the University of Northumbria - she is literally doing four peoples jobs, and they are not easy jobs. We had a chin wag and I showed her my scars. I said they were when I was shot three times in Iraq whilst rescuing some orphans. After a valedictory wave I continued on up to the penthouse.

It nearly brought a tear to the eye

The flight of stairs leading up to the penthouse felt like I was revisiting a childhood home. An aroma of Tomato and Basil welcomed me as Nigel was busy in the kitchen. The room was abuz with activity, like one of those old black and white movies in an office where heads are beaded with sweat and sleeves were rolled up ready to crack the back of whatever problem arises. Either that or it was hot in there. I bid a hearty hello to all there and it was recipricated. There were a few faces missing however, Anne and Tracey.

I didn't know he was in, but afer a couple of minutes I heard Johns voice. "Helloo!!!" we exclaimed to each other. He was in the back room having his sandwiches. It was good to see him - it was good to see them all. I just went in to collect some things and say hello, then Nigel came in with 2 cards for me, cards that should have been given me on my leaving party. I was taken aback as I had requested that no-one should bother to get me a leaving present or anything. They did. They collected a handsome £60 in Eldon Square vouchers. I was taken aback. That is enough to buy a shirt, or some shoes, or used towards a winter coat, or even would purchase 40 chicken breasts from Fenwicks if I was so inclined to do so. Imagine the size of the mix up bag if I decided to get a £60 mix up from the sweet shop. The leaving card also touched my heart strings. So many beautiful words and sentiments. I was flattered with Sean's (the leader of External Relations) sentiment which was "Mark, you'll be a hard act to follow". I liked that a lot. I seem to have a reputation for being a "live wire". Other peoples were also cool, they are really nice people. I will endeavour to keep in touch with most of them.

I felt weary and decided to leave the guys to it. I nonchalantly slipped out, knowing I would see them again on Friday. On the way out I decided to call in to see some good friends. I spoke to Steve who was swamped by work, with more having been added to his already punished schedule. We had promised to meet on Friday for lunch instead. Like I say, I was also feeling weary.

It had been a good strech of the legs, my innards were still slightly sore, but fitness is once again returning. Onwards and upwards.