I had to make a brief visit to the Gloucester store today, so out came my faithful TomTom Go 500 satellite navigation gizmo.

I met with the usual traffic jams at the end of Greyfriars Bridge where the Highways Agency are continuing work on the new Belmont Roundabout layout as a consequence of the new Asda Superstore.  Those roadworks have been dragging on for months now, and everyone who passes in and out of Hereford by that route will be pleased when it’s all finished.

The rest of the trip was straightforward until I got to the outskirts of Gloucester where I met with yet more traffic jams and long lines of road cones.  A lane of the dual-carriageway had been closed off.  I’m not sure why, as there didn’t seem to be that much evidence of anybody doing anything.  It’s frustrating sitting in a queue going nowhere fast and added extra time to the journey there and back.  I made a mental note to myself; don’t ever be tempted to get a job as a delivery van driver.

I had my hair cut on Friday, so I’m looking a bit tidier now.  I thought it might also get rid of some of the grey that’s coming through, but I think it’s actually just made what’s there more predominant.  I don’t think I’m ready for Grecian 2000 lotion just yet though.

It’s been raining quite heavilly here this afternoon.  Today I was back at work after my week off.

Having difficulty coming up with a catchy tagline for the site.  All ideas gratefully received.

I’ve just read an article in the Living section of the Sky.com website that says the financial services firm Mint, conducted a survey which concluded that, following a big increase in cyber dating, couples are now more likely to meet over the internet than face-to-face. Apparently, single people stand more chance of being introduced to a potential partner on the web than at a party or on holiday.

Perhaps there’s hope for me yet then.

Mum and dad came by today and treated me to lunch at the ASK restaurant, which was nice.  I had the al Forno oven baked Cassarecia al Rustica - pasta with marinated chicken and seasonal grilled vegetables in a tomato sauce with melted cheese.

I didn’t have the appetite for a dessert, which is a shame.  I’m not used to a cooked meal at lunchtime, if I had been at work I would only have had sandwiches.

After we’d had the meal and a quick look around the shops, I left them to drive home and I walked back to my flat.  It decided to rain and although it wasn’t far, I was a bit bedraggled when I got in.  The weather forecast for this, my holiday week, seems to be mild for the time of year but showery.

It’s already coming up to a year since I bought my Ibiza.  Last week the car started telling me that it would like a service by displaying a little spanner icon in the mileometer.  A few days later I received a letter from my local SEAT dealer inviting me to book the car in with the service department.  I suppose I’m going to have to sort something out soon.

I’ve received docs from the DVLA about renewing the tax disc too.  I’ve just used their online renewal service, which was quick and relatively painless.  It’s much better than trudging into town and queuing up at the Post Office with my V11 form and insurance certificate.  There is a £2.50 fee for paying by credit card and as I’m already having to pay £120 duty for a 12 month licence I opted to pay by Switch for no extra.  Apparently the disc should arrive by First Class post within the next five days.  Then I’ve just got to make sure I don’t lose it before the beginning of next month.