Sion Barry's World

MY lunchbox , without the lid on, weighs just under 200 grams Br eakfast: Very enjoyable bowl of Cornfakes with semi-skimmed milk The Walk to Work. There wasn't going to be one, but from a completely different direction one transpired. Mrs B drove me down to the St David's Hotel and Spa in Cardiff Bay for the launch of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), compiled by professors David Brooksbank and Dylan Jones-Evans... the terrible twins! Got to the hotel for 8.00am, but the concierge had no knowledge of the event. I then rang the Hilton also in Cardiff, but they were just as bemused... found out later that it had been staged at the Wales Millennium Centre. Mrs B dropped me at the top of Lloyd George Avenue which leads from Cardiff Bay to the centre of the capital. So I walked along it, but have to say I didn't see any wildlife, it was kind of spooky with hardly a soul around. At the end of the avenue, although you have to walk under a railway bridge, is Callagh

Here I am pondering another Random Thought (see today's below). Breakfast: Bowl of Cornflakes with cold semi-skimmed milk. Two pieces of toasted sliced granary bread, with olivio spread and blackcurrant jam. The Walk to Work. Pretty mild this morning after the chill of the last week. Have to report that rubbish levels were appalling as I walked along the Taff Trail ... cans, bottles, cartons, etc etc, were discarded on both sides, especially on the embankment leading down to the River Taff. On the other river bank is a funky looking tree trunk in which has been engraved a man's face with flowing locks and a long beard... it look like a wizard to me. An interesting seat has also been carved into it, so if a passerby fancies taking a break they can sit down and watch the wildlife on the river below. Next time I am on that side of the River Taff I will try it out. First daffodils have bloomed in Pontcanna Fields, but only three have come through. A few squirrels were out and

Breakfast: Bowl of Cornflakes with semi-skimmed milk. Two pieces of sliced granary toasted bread with olivio spread and blackcurrant jam, followed by a pint of water.... first half from the tap and the second from a bottled version in the fridge. The Walk to Work. It was snowing this morning. Just past the entrance into Pontcanna Fields and I came across a woman who kissed her black labrador before letting him off his lead He was very excitable and was rushing around like a bull in a china shop. Her other dog, which I didn't see her kiss, looked like he had a bit of Irish Wolfhound in him. When he was released he was far more subdued. It has been a few weeks, but it was great to see a magnificent swan cruising up the River Taff as I walked along the river trail. It was "squirrelless" again today. The Lunchbox. Forgot to mention that Mrs B yesterday provided a small container of anchovies, which were delicious. Today's contents A slice of chocolate cake made by niec

AS promised First Minister for Wales, Rhodri Morgan (pictured), recites a Sion Barry's World blog entry. Click here to hear Mr Morgan in lunchbox action: Breakfast: Cornflakes with cold semi-skimmed milk. The Walk to Work: A bit milder today, after two days of bitter cold. Into Pontcanna Fields and I immediately came across a gathering of three dogs (an Alsatian, a Cocker Spaniel and black Labrador) who were standing calmly while two middle aged women (presumably their owners) chatted happily. Down the Taff Trial on the other bank that immaculately groomed white Husky I see regularly was barking.... no idea why, but perhaps he had spied a squirrel racing up or down a nearby tree. Ducks were out in force on the River Taff, they really are great creatures. The Lunchbox . A piece of Mrs B's amazing chocolate crunch. 4 salmon sandwiches (tinned variety) on granary bread with a hint of lemon juice 1 apple 1 banana 1 raspberry Muller Light yoghurt. 1 small container of sliced

My new lunchbox is a curious thing. It is now reading quite avidly each night. Here it is engrossed in Beatrix Potter's classic The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin, courtesy of Jayne Walton, aka Plugs, of the delightful village of Trumpton. The main character is a red squirrel, whose numbers are under threat from its US cousin the grey squirrel which was brought to this country [rather foolishly] by the Victorians. Breakfast: Cornflakes with cold semi-skimmed milk. Walk to Work: Through Pontcanna Fields and along the River Taff Trail again there were no grey squirrels to be seen. Perhaps they sense the lunchbox's presence in my shoulder bag and his new found friend Squirrel Nutkin? It was really cold this morning and quite a few cyclists were on the narrow trail, but most were coming towards me, which is not usually the case. Over Canton Bridge, which leads into the centre of Cardiff, and like yesterday there were professional looking rowers below making good speed. However, this ti

Breakfast: 2 Weetabix with cold semi-skimmed milk with a sprinkling of Cornflakes _ a nice combination. The Walk to Work: Still pretty chilly this morning I as meandered through Pontcanna Fields and down the River Taff Trail. Two early joggers passed carrying i-Pods, although one was holding her's a little more awkwardly than her male running partner. A few ducks were on display below on the river and across the other bank in the grounds of Cardiff Castle was the immaculately groomed white Husky dog and its proud owner who occasionally pass me on my side of the river. Over Canton Bridge. which leads into the centre of Cardiff, and below were two professional looking rowers making their way down stream at an impressive speed in their sleek boat. They even had the Welsh flag emblazoned on the paddles of their oars. The Lunchbox : 2 chocolate digestive biscuits 4 ham sandwiches on granary bread. 1 banana. 1 Raspberry flavoured Muller Light yoghurt 1 apple. 1 container of finely slice

Breakfast: 3 weetabix with cold semi-skimmed milk (okay Dan) and a glass of water.... the high life indeed! The Walk to Work: The wind was howling this morning with leaves spiralling upwards in eye-catching rhythmic cycles. Took the scenic route through Pontcanna Fields where upon entering through a narrow gate I nearly stepped on a small terrier dog who was out walking with its owner. Along the River Taff trial and the river was far calmer than last week. There was a screeching of brakes just ahead as three cyclists came to a shuddering tyre to tyre halt, as the one in front had to take action after failing to thread his way successfully through a maze of pedestrians. The British Bulldog I see regularly was back to his old slow pace mode this morning... there is a correlation with the weather and his movements, as when it is warmer he is far more active. But in the height of summer I guess he will stay indoors. The Lunchbox. It was simply superb ths morning... last night Mrs B cook

BREAKFAST: 3 weetabixs with hot milk, two pieces of toasted sliced granary bread with blackcurrant jam and half a pint of water. The Walk to Work : This didn't occur today as I have a day off work. However, many things to keep me occupied like hoovering, cleaning floors etc, etc. After the domestic frenzy I went for a run around Llandaff Fields, which is not far from us. Quite a few dogs were out with their owners happily retrieving propelled tennis balls from sling devices, which seem to becoming extremely popular with canine owners. LunchBox: It has been cleaned and stored away for next week. Not had lunch yet, but quite fancy having an omelette on toast. Random Thought : Call centres are quite big employers globally, but coming soon will be watch centres. With internet based surveillance technology, companies will be able to employ people in watch centres to keep an eye on premises at night. Today's job swap: Veteran American golfer Lee Trevino and telecommunications billi

Breakfast: Cornflakes with cold semi-skimmed milk, 2 pieces of toasted slice granary bread with blackcurrant jam and a a glass of water. WALK to Work. It was raining this morning on departure from my humble abode. Opted to take an umbrella with the rain enjoying taking centre stage... with encouragement from a freshening wind. By the time I reach Pontcanna Fields the rain had ceased, so used the umbrella as a walking stick. A huge seagull was surveying the scene perched on the railings which run along the length of the River Taff Trail. Up close they are fierce looking creatures. It waited until I was only a foot away before deciding to fly off to the other side of the Taff. A squirrel I spied, boldly jumped head first into a green rubbish bin.... another was munching on something on a low lying branch on a riverside tree. Lunchbox : Out to lunch today with some PR executives from London, but as I am having a few drinks after work it will be pressed into action. Last night Mrs B made

Breakfast: 3 weetabixs with hot semi-skimmed milk, 2 pieces of sliced and toasted granary bread with blackcurrant jam, a half pint of water and 7 red grapes... I know this because I counted them. Walk to Work Along the River Taff Trial and the river below was pretty rapid this morning. Debris of all description was being ushered down stream along with the choppy waters. Couldn't be certain, but I think yesterday's river bank tyre might have been taken prisoner by the waters some 150 yards ahead of me... had no chance of making ground on it. Hoping for low tide tomorrow for verification on this. Rubbish was very noticeable this morning... come on good citizens of Cardiff let's get with the programme! The lunchbox 2 chocolate digestive biscuits (welcome back). 4 tinned salmon sandwiches on granary bread... with a hint of lemon juice. 1 apple. 1 banana. 1 cherry flavoured Muller Light yoghurt. 1 small container of red grapes with sliced kiwi friut... magnifique. WHAT happen

MY lunchbox does have time for recreational activities. Here it is pictured recently during a Addis Lunchbox hide and seek weekend, which was held in the Forest of Dean. He was spotted with just 30 seconds remaining on the clock having hidden successfully for 2 hours, by a lunchbox which is used to store chicken stock at a Greek Cypriot restaurant in Glasgow. The Walk to Work. Rain was in the air this morning, and about time as well. Took the scenic route through Pontcanna Fields. Was unable to clarify if the number plate I remembered yesterday was correct, as the LandRover was no where to be seen. More dogs were out and about than I have seen for a while. One chap was trying to control four dogs just before the River Taff Trail. They were all pretty excitable and trying to catch squirrels... which is always a fruitless task. That brush covered in paint I saw last week, reappeared, this time just off the trail having been thrown into the undergrowth. Quite a few duck I spied below on

Breakfast : A bowl of Cornflakes with cold semi-skimmed milk. The Walk to Work Was i-Podless this morning as I decided to fully tune into the birdsong on my scenic route to work through Pontcanna Fields and along the River Taff Trail. The River Taff was calmness personified and the temperature was more spring like this morning. On the other bank of the River is one rather large tyre - must have belonged at one stage to a rather large truck. Have no idea how it got there... was it rolled over the embankment onto the river's edge or could it have drifted down stream from prehaps as far up as Pontypridd? A Landrover was parked on the track that leads to Glamorgan County Cricket Club. I think the number plate was W87 BKA... will tell you tomorrow if I was correct. More squirrels than of later were out and about this morning. Lunchbox 2 rich tea biscuits 4 smoked salmon sandwiches, with of course a hint of lemon juice, on granary bread. 1 banana 1 apple 1 Muller Light Yoghurt cherry fla

Breakfast: Bowl of Conflakes with cold semi-skimmed milk The Walk to Work. It was decidedly chilly this morning. Walking along the Taff Trail the home of Glamorgan Cricket Club looked a picture covered in white (see weather related sketch below). The council parks van I saw yesterday reappeared ahead of me and I was right its number plates was T241 PNA. A few ducks were out and about on the River Taff... the squirrels decided not to venture out. The Lunchbox 2 rich tea biscuits 2 Lindt chocolates... these are amazing 4 ham and tomato sandwiches on granary bread 1 apple 1 satsuma 1 banana 1 Muller Light yoghurt cranberry and raspberry flavour Small container of thinly sliced Kiwi Friuit. How it went: I opted for the Lindt chocolates at 11.20am, followed by the biscuits and the banana. I then had an apple, followed by the sandwiches and yoghurt. Left the remaining fruit until later in the afternoon No Random Thought today, but something new THE FRIDAY SKETCH SCENE: Christmas morning and

Breakfast : 2 Weetabixs with a sprinkling of Cornflakes with semi-skimmed cold milk. Also had two pieces of toasted sliced granary bread with Olvio spread and blackcurrant jam. The Walk to Work The weather was significantly colder than yesterday. A council van with a lawnmower in the back passed me on the Taff Trail. As it travelled ahead of me I decided to try and memorise its number plate _ my short-term memory is not the greatest. However, I think it was T241 PNA. Over the River Taff, just down from Glamorgan County Cricket Club is a very nice passenger bridge taking you over to the grounds of Cardiff Castle. As I approached it I have to explain that I was carrying a plastic Tescos bag containing this week's editions of the FT. From the other direction came a man also carrying a Tescos plastic bag.... no idea what was inside his. There was a moment of product carrying recognition as he turned to walk across the bridge..... but nohing like the dreaded same dress syndrome at weddi

THIS is me washing up my lunchbox, which I do every night and leave to dry on the draining board until the morning. Those gloves are not really me, but the water is so hot I need them for protection.... this is how the Mafia got started. Breakfast: Three Weetabixs with hot semi-skimmed milk and one crumpet with Olivio spread. The Walk to Work. It was through Pontcanna Fields again. A regal Swan was gliding effortlessly up the River Taff. It was travelling at my walking pace for about 300 yards before opting to move back up stream. A paint brush had been left in the middle of the Taff Trail... never seen a brush covered in so much paint before (it was white). The painter had even managed to cover the handle too (DIY advice below). Delighted to see a return of the squirrels... I came across three this morning. The Lunchbox 4 salmon sandwiches with a hint of lemon juice on granary bread 2 Rich tea biscuits 1 apple, banana and satsuma 1 Raspberrry flavoured Muller Light yoghurt. What happe

Breakfast: Bowl of Cornflakes with organic semi-skimmed milk. Also had a crumpet with Olivio spread. The Walk to Work The joys of spring again this morning. On the other side of the river [Taff] are the grounds of Cardiff Castle. There is always quite a bit of activity on the more "upmarket" east side of the river. This morning I was delighted to see a number of council workers picking up litter. Plenty of groovy birdsong filled the air, but not even a solitary squirrel to be seen For a change on leaving the Taff Trail I took the route to work along the riverside walkway that runs along the Millennium Stadium. Have to say the wooden decking can be quite slippery when it has been raining. Not sure who would be liable if someone made an insurance claim if injured after falling over. The lunchbox. Mrs B is still weaving her considerable magic in the kitchen 2 sausage sandwiches (left over from last night's sausage, mash and onion gravy. 2 ham sandwiches 2 rich tea biscuits

Breakfast: A bowl of delicious Cornflakes with semi-skimmed milk (which was organic as that's all they had in the shop yesterday) The Walk to Work. Yes you've guessed it, I took the scenic route through Pontcanna Fields and along the River Taff Trail. Amazingly mild this morning... spring was in the air. The birds were singing their hearts out again this morning. They always sound so positive. An armada of ducks were making their way happily up river. The improving weather also seemed to agree with the British Bulldog who was again running ahead of his owner today. A young chap cycled passed me riding "no handed" ( his hands were not on the handle bars). It brought back a memory of about 32 years ago when I first went "no handed" on my Chopper bike, only to fall off and smash my front tooth. The first squirrel for over a week made a welcomed appearance. I also notice for the first time a plethora of Daffodil bulbs. The lunchbox 2 rich tea biscuits 6 pieces

Breakfast: Bowl of Cornflakes with cold semi-skimmed milk Also had 2 pieces of toasted sliced granary bread with Olivio spread and a slight covering of raspberry jam. The Walk to Work A change of laces on my new shoes (black Doc Martens) made a hell of a difference. They were far thicker and resulted in a tighter grip, which solved the problem of my my heels lifting. (Mrs B tiamo grande tempo!) There was quite a bit of human traffic, both on foot and on bicycles, along the River Taff Trail this morning. At its widest the path is only about 8 feet, so occasionally congestion can occur, like today. Sitting on the pebbles at the river's edge below was a women wearing the biggest pair of ear muffs I have ever seen. The British Bulldog I pass most days was actually running this morning... very impressed by that. Lunchbox 2 Rich Tea biscuits 4 salmon sandwiches (tinned variety) but no hint of lemon juice today. I will have to buy some lemons over the weekend. 1 toffee flavoured yoghurt 2

Here I am (pictured left) displaying my action packed Lunchbox. I think the Muller Light is looking pretty good. Those two blue things are lunchbox coolers. The son of Lunchbox is also visible, containing a delicious mixture of sliced strawberries and kiwi fruit. BREAKFAST: This morning it was three weetabixs with semi-skimmed milk (cold). THE WALK To WORK. Came across a small and absolutely dead mouse on the River Taff Trail. Not sure what happened to the poor little creature, but it didn't look like it was natural causes. The River Taff was again in a state of complete calm. I also passed that very slow moving Britsh Bulldog again with his owner. The death theme continued as a hearse with the coffin inside passed me on Canton Bridge - which takes you over the River Taff into the centre of Cardiff. The Lunchbox. 2 Rich tea biscuits. 4 ham with tomato sandwiches on granary bread. 1 Muller Light yoghurt - cherry flavour. 1 Apple 2 Satsumas 1 banana. WHAT Happened. Rich teas were the

For breakfast I had a bowl of Bran Flakes, with a light covering of Cornflakes on top, with semi-skimmed milk. I also had two pieces of toast (this additional information was requested by Simon Jenkins). THE WALK TO WORK. I increased the pace again this morning. If I went any faster I would be running. To be honest I have never really been a fan of walking events in the Olympics. It was through Pontcanna Fields again.... not sure when I will next opt to walk the alternative routes along Cowbridge Road or Cathedral Road, which both lead into the centre of Cardiff where I work. Both routes are quicker than the scenic one I take by around 5 minutes, but are not as peaceful. A solitary duck was cruising effortlessly up the River Taff this morning. I also noted that some bread which had be left yesterday under a tree for the birds had all gone. An immaculately groomed white coloured Huskey dog passed me with his proud owner. Again no squirrels were around this morning. Lunchbox. I had to m