Sion Barry's World

Here I am again (pictured left) holding my new Addis lunchbox, which was delivered to me by the Gods on the weekend, while standing in the tupperware circle of ancient stones.... I really need to get out (or perhaps stay in) more! Mrs B again did the honours on the sandwich front this morning. I decided to up my walking pace en route to work this morning - felt good. The birdsong in Pontcanna Fields was awesome - it was like listening to a fully blown orchestra. The fair weathered cyclists were out again in force on the River Taff Trail. The river was magestically laid back again this morning. Squirrels made a non appearance.... they are up to something. CONTENTS of the Lunchbox. 2 Rich Tea digestive biscuits. 4 smoked salmon sandwiches, with a hint of lemon juice, on granary bread. 2 satsumas 1 apples 1 banana. Toffee flavoured Muller Light yoghurt. What happened? Well the biscuits went by 11am, followed by the apple (for a change) then the banana. At midday I thoroughly enjoyed t...

BREAKING NEWS ....... I have a new lunchbox. It came hurtling towards me out of the sky on Sunday afternoon as I stood in the centre of the tupperware circle of ancient stones (pictured left). Having prayed to the lunchbox Gods for 13 mins & 7 seconds on the central stone of enlightenment, a new lunchbox was sent down from upon high. And get this... they only sent to Earth a new Addis lunchbox _ the same size, coloured lid (identical is a better word), as my now retired lunchbox. I had tried the conventional route of looking to buy a new one. I inspected a wide array of lock and hinge design boxes in numerous shops. However, they were either not the right width or depth... very disappointing as I really wanted one. The Walk to Work: Very nice walk today, although I was a bit worried as I was sporting a new pair of shoes and was aniticipating teething problems... but everything went fine _ but I put a pair of trainers in a shoulder bag just in case there were any foot problems. Thro...

Life has to go on The lunchbox is doing fine now he has been officially retired. I have investigated quite a few options for its replacement _ and I am hoping to buy one tomorrow with it being plunged into action for Monday. This morning was dedicated to Bumpy. Went to Mothercare to look at cots, mattresses, dressers, clothes, etc etc. Quite a bit to take in, but everything is going to be fine. One excellent piece of advice given to me about having a baby I would like to share with you. It is simply to make sure you assembly the cot in the bedroom where it will be located... can you imagine all the stress of putting it together downstairs only to discover you cannot get it through the bedroom door! Dr Von Schapps [please read yesterday's blog entry} rang me later to ask if I could get him tickets for the Wales v Germany game at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff _ following this morning's European Championship draw. I guess I owe him tupperware big time, so I promised to look in...

Time is ticking on my dear old Lunchbox. Went to see a Lunchbox consultant in Germany yesterday. And Dr Berhard Von Schapps (pictured right above) gave it to me straight. That crack in the box I told you about last week was thoroughly examined by Dr Von Schapps and his team. Regrettably Dr Von Schapps said the crack will not heal... adding compassionately that the lunchbox is going to the big tupperware store up in the sky. Dr Von Schapps (whose English was immaculate) said the only thing I could do was to make the last few months for the Lunchbox as peaceful as possible. He warned me that if I continued to use it to carry my lunch to work, then it could "go at any minute." When he said that I nearly fainted. So today he [the lunchbox and not Dr Von Schapps] is at home.... surrounded by loved ones and friends in our kitchen. MY walk to work was again through Pontcanna Fields _ it felt well weird not have my shoulder bag with the lunchbox inside. The sedate British Bulldog I s...

Another cold morning..... is global warming masking a new ice age? I again took the scenic route to work via Pontcanna Fields. Along the River Taff trail a rather overweight British bulldog, who I have passed quite a few times with his owner, looked totally hacked off... guess he really wanted to be at home fast asleep. He walks so slowly and had no intention of giving way to me as I approached, so I had to skip around him..... not sure if he has gotten back home yet. Only one squirrel I spied high up in a tree. The River Taff was all calm, with the odd seagull coming into land. The lunchbox 2 smoked salmon sandwiches on granary bread and two ham ones. 2 Rich tea biscuits 1 toffee flavoured Muller Light yoghurt. Banana, apple and 2 satsumas. What happened. Yes I was pretty hungry so I started my lunch earlier than normal this morning _ commencing with the banana followed by the biscuits. Sandwiches were a delight, the ham ones had tomatoes in them.... I then had the yoghurt _ not had a...

Seriously cold again this morning, but it was great to be out walking to work. Through Pontcanna Fields and a man in his 70s passed me at an impressive speed carrying a pretty full looking Tesco bag. No idea on its contents... but on reflection perhaps it was full of Muller Light yoghurts. He kept on going until he was out of sight. The River Taff was moving a little bit more enthusiastically this morning _ but it was still all very sedate. A few ducks were on the river, one decided to dive head first into the waters for an early bath. Only saw two grey squirrels this morning _ perhaps the rest were discussing battle strategies for the coming show down with mankind. The lunchbox 2 sausage sandwiches, 2 ham sandwiches, all on granary bread. 2 satsumas 1 Muller Light Yoghurt... raspberry flavour 2 rich tea biscuits Small container of sliced up kiwi fruit. What happened? Having reviewed my eating tactics I decided to really shake things up. At 11am I usually have the biscuits... but this ...

VERY cold morning today_ but I was not complaining as I love such wintry conditions. Again the route to work was through Pontcanna Fields and along the River Taff _ which was seemingly at a standstill A contented looking Magpie was walking across the path some 30 yards ahead of me_ and for good luck his comrade soon appeared 10 yards further on. No squirrels [greys] were to be seen today _ their first non appearance for quite a while. Perhaps they have got wind of the fact that the UK Government wants to cull their spiralling numbers? Estimated to have a population of two million and growing. The powers that be say they are threatening to wipe out the indigenous red squirrel [through a disease carried by their grey cousins], as well as damaging woodland. I don't want to see the red squirrel becoming extinct, but who brought the grey squirrel to the UK from North America? Well they didn't decide to charter a boat and sail here! And globally who is the prime mover in de-forestati...

Clear blue skies this morning on my walk to work. However, where the previous day had stood a great oak tree in Pontcanna Fields, only its stump remained _ I am no tree surgeon, but was that really necessary? Birds were singing away, but I couldn't see a single squirrel. However, just as I was bemoaning their absence one jump out of a rubbish bin on the Taff Trail. Only one duck was on the River Taff _ perhaps his friends had all gone on a long weekend somewhere.. possibly Vegas. Over Canton Bridge _ which takes you into the centre of Cardiff _ a Cardiff Harbour patrol boat passed below. In the back of the boat was a bicycle. Not sure if the bike had been fished out of the river, or the bike belonged to the boat's skipper who cycles to work. Pictured above is the inside of my Lunchbox _ those two blue containers I freeze each night _ they help to keep the box cool during the day _ but the crack in the lunchbox is reducing their impact. Lunch box contents 2 Rich Tea biscuits 4 s...

Route to Work. So pleased to take the scenic route this morning through Pontcanna Fields. I could hear the birds singing above my i-Pod, which I then turned off to listen to the tree top symphony. Saw a pair of crows (but could have been ravens) sitting on a wall _ they were magnificent... warriors of the air! A man came towards me with a ruck-sack on his back as I ventured down the riverway walk _ just instinctively knew yards before we passed each other that we would bid each other good morning. If we had passed on a busy road we wouldn't have said anything. The RiverTaff was again very chilled out, a few ducks were out and about. The Lunchbox 4 ham sandwiches with tomatoes on granary bread. 1 Raspberry yoghurt. 2 Rich Tea Biscuits. Small container of strawberries. 2 satsumas, banana and an apple. How it happenend Rich tea biscuits went before 11am. Then went the banana, followed by the sandwiches and the yoghurt. Fruitastic... another consumption frenzy at 12.20pm. Random Though...

Was up seriously early this morning _ 6.30am. Had a breakfast appointment with the Archbishop of Cardiff, who is a big fan of the TV comedy Father Ted. Mrs B insisted on getting up too and preparing the Lunchbox _ no change on its crack, but I am considering buying a new one. Looked at a number of Lunchbox retirement home brochures last night. I did walk to work, then drove off to Cardiff Bay for breakfast with the Archbishop _ who smokes like a chimney. The route today was not scenic.... it was down Cowbridge Road East... no squirrels or ducks to be seen... just a lot of fed up looking people in cars and buses. The Lunchbox. 2 Rich Tea Biscuits 4 ham sandwiches on granary bread. 1 Muller Light vanilla flavoured yoghurt. Small container of nicely cut pieces of strawberries and kiwi fruit _ great combination. Apple, banana and the loyal organic apple. What happened. I was still hungry, despite having 47% of my breakfast. Rich Tea were a nice change of pace... followed quickly the banana...

DO you recall yesterday's reference to a worrying crack in my lunchbox, well here it is. The Addis made lunchbox is only a year old, very disappointed with this crack, which has got noticeably worse in the last few weeks. (image supplied by the wonderful Chris Glynn-Jones) The Walk to Work. Never seen as many squirrels as I did this morning walking through Pontcanna Fields... the closer you get to rubbish bins the more you see of them. If the human races is wiped out I would say they have a good chance of hitting the big time! The Lunch box 4 salmon sandwiches (tinned variety) on granary bread _ with a hint of lemon juice 2 rich tea biscuits 1 toffee flavoured Muller Light yoghurt... no spillages on my shirt for over a week now, but I will not get complacent. Four squares of Dairy Milk chocolate (well I didn't have chocolate biscuits.) Small container of strawberries and thinly cut slices of Kiwi Fruit (the high life today!) Banana, 2 satsumas, apple. What happened? Really enjo...

Had a very relaxing weekend. Mrs B was up very early to do the honours on the lunchbox _ which has developed a small crack in it _ we are going to see a specialist next week. The rain was the heaviest it has been so far this year this morning _ wore my waterproof leggings _ I did look ridiculous, but I was dry. Route to work. Took the Taff Trail again through Pontcanna Fields _ perhaps they should rename it Pontcanna Squirrels. Despite the rain the River Taff was really chilled out this morning _ it was hardly moving. Two ducks decided to cross from one side of the river to the other. I cannot be sure but I think I saw a fish coming up for air before diving back under water _ this is how the Loch Ness Monster started out. There were quite a few robins on low lying branches of trees as well. Those squirrels didn't disappoint _ came across about five _ two having emerged from the inside of a rubbish bin. The Lunchbox. 2 chocolate digestive biscuits... this could soon change, but will...

Yes I am not working today, so no walk to the office this morning. Lunchbox was washed, dried and put away in the kitchen cupboard until Monday. Activity: I decided to go for a run.... not too far, just around my local park Llandaff Fields _ had my i-Pod as well. Some great dogs were running around the park as well. I then went shopping in Tescos and bought some provisions for the lunchbox next week. Along with 2 tins of salmon and some ham, I bought six Muller light yoghurts. The highlight was when I got to the checkout and the lady said, "Don't you know Sir you get six free for buying these six?" So I rushed back to the yoghurt aisle and got six more... and let me tell you trying to carry that many yoghurts in your hands is quite tricky. LUNCH. The location: my parent's house in Cardiff. My mother russled up a very nice poached egg on two rounds of white toast. Random Thought: To alleviate drug cheating in the Olympics, why not allow competitors to take whatever dru...

Good afternoon! Sion Barry is away today and he has asked me to do the lunchbox report. My name is Heinrich Van Peebles and I used to play bass in The Sion Barry Amplified Experience All-Stars . We were briefly big in Belgium. I did not use a lunchbox today as a I bought a lamb-and-mint baguette from an Iraqi. Also, I did not see any squirrels as I took a bus to work. You might think this leaves me not a lot to write about. But I think it is worth noting that on this very day four years ago Sion’s uncle US President George W. Bush fainted after choking on a pretzel. Also, on the same day my much misunderstood cousin Michael Jackson received an Artist of the Century award at the American Music Awards. Make of all this what you will. It was on this day in 1957 Elvis Presley recorded "Mean Woman Blues" and "That’s When Your Heartaches Begin" and "(There'll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me)" in Hollywood. And in 1966 Ringo Starr and John Lennon left England...

THIS is me and my Lunchbox _ at the time of this image being taken only the apple and satsumas are remaining _ one is outside of the box I am holding the lid in my right hand... I am left handed. Have a great Lunch! Sion

AMAZING times we live in. Mrs B again, bless her cotton socks!, prepared the lunchbox.... with an extra smaller box _ more of later. The Walk to Work. Frost was on the ground in Pontcanna Fields this morning. On the Taff Trail you get a great elevated view over the home of Glamorgan County Cricket Club (Sophia Gardens). This morning the whole pitch looked a bit sad covered in white. Although my riverside route to work is beautiful, I am getting a bit concerned about litter levels _ cans, bottles and general rubbish can be found everywhere. Two of the largest Seagulls I have ever seen were out strolling just ahead of me in search of early morning worms. The Lunchbox. 4 ham sandwiches on white/brown bread (but only two had cherry tomatoes... will have to buy some on the weekend. 2 chocolate digestive biscuits. 1 Toffee flavoured Muller Light yoghurt. 1 banana, 2 small satsumas and an organic apple. WHAT happened. Yes you guessed it, the chocolate digestives went at 11am _ banana fast ...

Was in the gym this morning at 7.30am and when I got back the Lunch Box was ready to rock and roll! Took the scenic route again through Pontcanna Fields _ noticed that the River Taff was moving at the fastest speed I have seen it for a while. A plastic football (the sort you can buy at petrol stations) passed me at a fair rate of knots on its way down stream to Cardiff Bay _ estimated at about 12 mph. Also passed a monster of a dog _ Irish Wolfhound _ with his owner looking Happy as Larry. The Lunch Box 4 ham sandwiches with cherry tomatoes on white/brown bread. A small container of strawberries _ more of later. Muller light toffee flavoured yoghurt 2 chocolate digestive biscuits. banana, apple, two satsumas. What happened: Chocolate biscuits were a delight just before 11am, followed by the banana _ I like this combination. Had a dental appoinment at midday, so didn't get back to the office until 1pm. The sandwiches were then eaten _ they were excellent. Then came the yoghurt, fol...

Again Mrs B weaved her magic in the kitchen and the lunch box _ which is an ADDIS make with a blue lid _ was jammed packed with food. (Promise to soon put images of the box on this blog) Opened the front door to be greeted by rain _ I happen to like rain. Umbrella up and I was off. Took the scenic route to work and was struck at how green everything was walking through Pontcanna Fields. Two dogs (who I see regularly) passed me with their rain drenched owner some way behind. Along the Taff trail I saw the first swans on the river a while _ a pair gliding effortlessly in the middle of the river. Then a magic sight indeed. Two ducks took flight from just below me on the river bank and I watched spellbound as they ascended into the distance I then saw two squirrels chasing each other at the bottom of a tree. THE Lunch Box. 4 salmon (tinned) sandwiches on white/brown bread _ with a hint of fresh lemon juice. Raspberry yoghurt. Small container of strawberries and Kiwi Fruit. 2 chocolate d...

Mrs B was not feeling too good this morning ... but still insisted on getting out of bed to make my sandwiches _ perhaps one day they will make a film about her heroics! The walk to work: The scenic route was taken this morning, through Pontcanna Fields and along the RiverTaff trail. With my i-Pod on full blast I nearly got hit twice by cyclists from behind. Squirrels were out and about in force. Spied one climbing high up a tree. I stopped for a minute to see if he would disappear inside the trunk, but alas no joy _ perhaps it only happens on the Discovery Channel. The Lunch box. 4 ham sandwiches with tomatoes on white/brown bread. 2 chocolate digestive biscuits. 1 Strawberry flavoured Muller Light Yoghurt. Banana, apple and two satsumas. WHAT happened? You guessed it... chocolate biscuits were gone by 11am. Sandwiches, which I really enjoyed and think were enhanced by the presence of the tomatoes, were eaten at midday. The yoghurt was a great way to round off lunch. Commented to my w...

The nature of my job means I have to work Sundays _ one every two weeks Mrs B is a saint and insisted on making the sandwiches _ when she could have stayed in bed. Today's route to work was down tree lined Cathedral Road _ which is my favourite street in Cardiff. A few dogs were taking their owners for walks. The Lunch box 4 salmon (tinned) sandwiches on brown/white bread. 2 Lindt chocolates. 1 Muller light vanilla yoghurt. Banana, apple and Kiwi Fruit. WHAT happened? Well the Lindt chocolates _ the last two from a box bought at Christmas _ went pretty sharpish. The sandwiches all went in quick sucession at 12.30, followed by the yoghurt _ over a week now since I last spilled any. The yoghurt was good _ not had vanilla flavour for a while Mrs B had cut up about 10 thin slices of Kiwi Fruit _ stored in a small plastic container. She had read an entry in my blog last week about how my satsuma was below par and wanted to give me something different _ and I really appreciated it... a n...

Arose at 8am _ the latest on a work day in living memory _ but I wasn't bothered. The sandwiches were completed in record time by Mrs B and I was out the door at 8.30am. A different route today. To save time I opted to walk at a steady pace along Cowbridge Road East _ one of the main arteries into the centre of Cardiff. Not a big fan of the road, with its rush hour bumper to bumper traffic, but that's the price you pay for sleeping in! Over Canton bridge and into the city centre, below there was an armada of seagulls bobbing up and down on the River Taff _ as well as two carefree ducks. The Lunch Box. Well a most interesting development. Last night we had organic sausages, mash potato and onion gravy for dinner. There were a few sausages left over, but I didn't give them a second thought until... that's right you've guessed it. 2 sausage sandwiches on a delighful white/brown bread combination 2 ham sandwiches _ same bread. 2 chocolate digestive biscuits. Raspberry f...

GREAT news... my Chirstmas present i-Pod made its maiden outing today. Some great tracks downloaded from Dolly Parton to Elvis. The lunch box was rocking and rolling early doors, with again Mrs B doing the honours. It was again through Pontcanna Fields and along the river bank on my walk to work. Wildlife? Good showing today again from the squirrels and ducks, but also spied a few large looking wood pigeons feeding at ground level. Contents of the Lunch Box. 4 ham sandwiches on a new variety of bread, which I can only describe as a cross between brown and white. It was delicious. 2 chocolate digestive biscuits. 1 Raspberry Muller light yoghurt Banana, Apple (not mentioned this before but we only buy organic ones) and the satsuma. Not felt 100% today _ but my appetite was not affected, in fact the ham sandwiches were gone by 11.30am _ only 10 mins after the chocolate biscuits. The banana went at 12.30, followed by the apple an hour later. The lonely satsuma I eat at 4pm. However, have...

I am getting a tad guilty about Mrs B always doing my sandwiches _ although I do quite a bit around the house, like washing up every night and doing the ironing. The route to walk. The riverside walk along the Taff was again my preferred option. Quite a few squirrels were round and about _ a couple of ducks too. For a change upon entering the city centre I walked along the riverwalk running adjacent to the Millennium Stadium, which is a just a drop kick away from my place of work. Contents of today's lunch box. 4 salmon sandwiches on brown bread _ with the obligatory lemon juice. 2 chocolate digestive biscuits. A toffee flavoured Muller light yoghurt. Apple, banana and satsuma. The usual pattern of consumption was observed. The biscuits going first, followed one hour later by the sandwiches and yoghurt. Fruit was eaten at intervals during the afternoon Random thoughts: If I was transported back in time to say 1530, I would have no idea how to invent the following, the television, r...

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I am back in work today after a fews days off for New Year. The lunch box was in need of an outing. Mrs B again did the honours in the kitchen and by the time I had completed my morning stretching exercises, the lid had been sealed tight. Was hoping to christen my new i-pod shuffle en route to work _ but I hadn't charged it sufficiently. Took the scenic route along the Taff trail and was delighted to see quite a few squirrels out and about _ was thinking that one or two could be carrying a little bit too much weight. CONTENTS of the Box. 4 ham sandwiches on multi-grain bread. 2 chocolate digestive biscuits. Muller Light yoghurt _ cherry flavour Banana, apple and satsuma. RUN OF PLAY Had to say the multi-grain bread was an enjoyable change from the usual plain brown. Mrs B bought it from Sainsburys _ perhaps we might now switch from our favoured supermarket of Tesco _ such news could move the markets! All four sandwiches were devoured at my desk (work station). I agr...