A Date with Donny and Ian

That's got you wondering. I spent the morning packing (!) and handing in notes at church for people to do things (oh the power of a senior steward - NOT!). Then the taxi came at about 11.45. What a very very weird guy - hardly spoke and held the steering wheel at 9 o clock and peered very closely out of the window - and drove quite oddly too - I did wonder if I would get there - but I did! He was very helpful so I gave him a tip (btw I took £50 with me on this trip - all but £20 went on taxis - rip off merchants! LOL!

Anyway, went to check in and waited for train - two GNER guys helped me, Dave and Kevin - very nice. They tried to be very helpful and get me on an earlier train. Train came - wheelchair wouldn't fit through the door to the space, so off we got again! LOL! Next train came along, got me on, banged my wheelchair against the door frame - wheel frame came off! Reminded me of Wales (same thing happened on steam railway). Quick repair was done (still holding up) as they had to get off, of course). Had to spend about half an hour in the aisle as silly people had dumped their suitcases all over the flipping place! So the customer services lady had to move them - big suitcases, small lady. Eventually I got into my space - wish I'd taken a photo as the 'space' wasn't that spacious, well, I couldn't get the table to come down. If we'd crashed, I would've gone head first out of the window! She then made an announcement that, if you had put your luggage in the space opposite the disabled persons toilet (yes, they are on trains), then it had been moved to another carriage because, and I quote 'a wheelchair joined us at York' - what the ****?! What about the person in it?!

Anyway, arrived at Newcastle in one piece, and was taken to the taxi queue (see! LOL!), and the driver was helpful and we soon arrived at the hotel, which wasn't very far from the station (or the arena!), but you wouldn't have known it from the fare. Anyway, got into hotel, went to reception - room not ready, despite it being after check-in time, told to wait - so I did, and did, and did. Eventually, went back to reception and checked in properly. Given key card (this will become very important later on!).

Went up to room, bit dark so tried to turn lights off - wouldn't work. Was in a bit of a rush so decided to get ready to go out again and decided that lights only worked at certain times (they're a very environmentally friendly hotel!). Soooo - went out, found out where I had to go to the arena. Down ramp, crossed road, trying very hard not to get run over in the process!), and went down through tunnel to arena to................... a flipping great hill! Started to make way up hill, and saw a man getting out of his car and, because I can look pathetic when I want to, decided to play the gender card - and won! HA! He pushed me to the top of the hill, but then I had to make my way around the arena to find people. I was convinced Donny had already arrived, so was aiming for the box office but - found people hanging around a fence. Couldn't see anyone I knew at first, and they looked at me weirdly (are Brothers fans that obvious?! LOL!). Eventually found a friendly face in Irene and Janette and a few other people I knew - phew!

We hung around chatting and I was told that Donny was still in the bus - probably! Anyway, after a bit of time talking there was suddenly a huge surge to the fence - it was stunning to watch! Then I actually realised that I was missing out and got there myself! DOH! Thank you to those who helped to get me a bit of a view - it was fun watching through the bottom of the fence - I got a good view of D's shoes (shiny!), and then he came along, signing things and posing for photos and I got a handshake and a how are you (fine was my reply!). I also got a close up view of Tina so that I know what she looks like next time we meet (!).