Sion Barry's World

BREAKFAST: Very good again this morning, thanks to a jolly bowl of Speical K with semi-skimmed cold milk. Walk to Work: Driest day for ages here in South Wales. It was down the Taff Trail, where the immaculately groomed white Huksy dog was again to be seen, but this time his companion was another lady and not the owner. Ducks and a few squirrels were just taking things nice and easy. Lunchbox: For the second day running it's at home. I am hoping to be in the corporate trough again today for lunch. Random Thought 2010: Keyboard legend Keith Emerson wins the Westminster constituency of Clwyd [south]. No details yet on the party he represents, but its manifesto is long and rambling.

BREAKFAST: Bowl of 3 Weetabix with semi-skimmed cold milk. Walk to Work: It was down the Taff Trail [what again?] where the River Taff below was still pretty high, but not as domineering as yesterday. Yes there were ducks to be seen and the odd squirrel too. Half way down the Taff Trail by iPod went dead... in the middle of a Polly Parton song. Lunchbox: Not needed today as I am lunching with David Myrrdin-Evans, a very nice military chap turned stockbroker. Random Thought You eat me and my friend will eat you!

Here is my very nearly seven month old daughter Isabella sitting up... welll done Boo Boo! Br eakfast: Very enjoyable bowl of 3 Weetabix with semi-skimmed cold milk Walk to Work: It was down the Taff Trail, where the River Taff below was extremely high and moving at quite a pace. Ducks were out in force on the river bank. Was in work early as I had to get across town to interview the Deputy Governor of the Bank of England Rachel Lomax. She was in fine form. Lunchbox: 1 apple; 1 banana, 1 satsuma, 1 Rachel's Dairy yoghurt; 4 salmon [tinned variety] sandwiches on granary bread with a hint of lemon juice and 2 digestive biscuits. Random Thought: 2010: The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee, which now only meets once a year for a day at the races, wins the Tug-of-War championships in Riga

BREAKFAST: Very effective bowl of 3 Weetabix with semi-skimmed cold milk. The Walk to Work: It was down Cowbridge Road East, which leads into the centre of Cardiff, this morning. Was moving at quite a pace. There was a bit of commotion with the sound of sirens [ambulance and fire engine]. The number of eateries along the road are numerous, but my favourite has to be the Tuck In. Lunchbox 1 apple 1 banana 2 satsumas 4 ham and tomato sandwiches on brown bread. 1 Rachel Dairy's yoghurt 2 digestive biscuits RANDOM THOUGHT THE Royal Bank of Scotland pays the New Zealand Government £100m for the commercial rights to the haka. The Welsh Rugby Union also make a bid, but manage to submit their offer document to the Tongan Government by mistake The agreement also means that staff at every RBS branch are allowed to perform the haka before opening times.

BREAKFAST: Bowl of 3 Weetabix with semi-skimmed cold milk. Walk to Work: With the rain pouring and with my umbrella lofted high, I opted for the quickest route to work today, which took me along Cowbridge Road East. Quite a few slow moving pedestrians I had to navigate my way past, of which the majority were displaying pretty poor umbrella handling skills. Over Canton Bridge and into the centre of Cardiff and the rain ceased. I then travelled down Westgate Street, when it started to rain again. I didn't see any people who were obviously from New Zealand. Lunchbox 2 satsumas 1 apple 4 salmon [tinned variety] sandwiches on granary bread with a hint of lemon juice 2 digestive biscuits. 1 banana RANDOM THOUGHT "Helllo my name is Arthur Arnold and I am a train spotter from Accrington [okay Mr T!]. My wife left me last week, not for another man, but to watch some paint dry on a wall!"

BREAKFAST: Bowl of 2 Weetabix with some Cornflakes on top with semi-skimmed cold milk... a winnng combination. Walk to Work: A slight detour this morning. As I headed towards the Taff Trail, I took the road that marks the beginning of Pontcanna Fields.... that further along passes the home of Glamorgan Cricket Club, Sophia Gardens. Beyond the Welsh Institue for Sport I joined the trail, where quite a few squirrels were darting around. The immaculatley groomed white husky dog was out and about too. Lunchbox 4 salmon sandwiches [ two tinned variety and two smoked] on granary bread 1 satsuma 1 apple 1 banana 1 Rachel's Dairy yoghurt 2 digestive biscuits Random Thought 2040: The World has gone even crazier. If global warming wasn't enough, the Vatican City successfully launches its first nuclear weapon.

Breakfast: Delicious bowl of Branflakes with semi-skimmed cold milk. Walk to Work : Not on the agenda today, as I have a day off for working Sunday. For the last 15 odd years I have worked every other Sunday... perhaps I should have been a priest. Lunchbox: Carefully, washed, dried, stored away in a kitchen cupboard until tomorrow. Lunch? It is looking increasingly likely that it will be smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on Irish Soda Bread. Random Thought 2009: Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has his work cut out when he tries to turn around the restaurant [Fit for Purpose] of former Welsh Assembly Minister for Enterprise Andrew Davies in Swansea. Coming soon to this blog a long overdue podcast: The Sir John Shortridge replacement winner takes all handicap race from Chepstow... with race commentary from Rhodri Morgan. My money is on Derek Jones, but you never know!

BREAKFAST : A banana, glass fo water and a seriously filling bowl of porridge. Walk to Work: Sheets of rain were falling as I joined the Taff Trail. Cyclists were wearing all manner of rain proof clothing and hats. A Doberman [I'v seen him before] came hurtling towards me with his owner on his bike 50 yards behind. I thought he was going to jump up, but he missed me by a whisker. Lunchbox 4 ham and tomato sandwiches 1 apple 1 banana 2 satsumas 2 digestive biscuits 1 Rachel's Dairy yoghurt Isabella our near 7 month old daughter had her first chicken based lunch yesterday. It was chicken stock with assorted vegetables RANDOM THOUGHT Breaking news from beyond the grave: Former Italian dictator Mussolini has had his application for a transfer for hell to heaven rejected... it's the fifth such knock back. However, he is not deterred and is already planning another appeal.

BREAKFAST: Top draw bowl of three Weetabix with semi-skimmed milk. Walk to Work: Intermittent showers and a very aggressive terrier dog took centre stage as I made my way along the Taff Trial. The tenacious little dog tried to attack very cyclists which passed him. When I pass him he did contemplate attacking me too... but nothing came of it. Lunchbox 4 salmon sandwiches [tinned variety] with a hint of lemon juice on granary bread. 1 Rachel's Dairy yoghurt 2 digestive biscuits 2 satsumas 1 banana 1 apple Random Thought Jan-May 2007: Welsh Assembly Minister Carwyn Jones is given five months off to shot his first movie, Missing in Action . The film is about the Russian mafia going to war with the National Farmers Union of Wales. Carwyn is sent in to sort it all out... the all action film is a box office smash

BREAKFAST: Honest bowl of Branflakes with semi-skimmed cold milk. The Walk to Work: It was down the Taff Trail, where the River Taff below was moving at a reasonable rate. There were blue skies, after a night of rain. The immaculately groomed white Husky Dog was back on the trail this morning with his owner. Two joggers were to be seen this morning; one being a tiny little lady. she was no higher than five feet, but was moving at a very impressive rate. Lunchbox 4 smoked salmon sandwiches 1 apple 1 banana 1 Rachel's Dairy yoghurt, [fruits of the world!] 2 digestive biscuits Random Thought Inside the third car from the front in the middle lane are three people: The driver is First Minister for Wales, Rhodri Morgan, the front seat passenger is former Wales football manager Mike England and the back seat passenger [who is a asleep] is former Russian gymnast Olga Corbett. Have a simply marvellous weekend

I was born on this day way back in1965 at the Salvation Army Hospital in Cardiff. Apparently it was snowing quite heavily at the time. Breakfast: Mrs B made me a special birthday breakfast of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on soda bread with an imperial cup of tea. Then had some very nice presents from Mrs B and my 6 month old daughter Isabella. Walk to Work A replacement for my defected iPod arrived yesterday. It was good to back in the fold of Cardiff's iPod community. Down the Taff Trail and again the ducks were out in force. Luncbhox 4 ham and tomato sandwiches on white bread 2 digestive biscuits 1 banana 1 apple 1 Rachel's Dairy yoghurt. Random Thought 2025: Membership of the Salvation Army in the UK alone reaches a record 400,000. For teenagers joining is the coolest thing... what a turnaround!

BREAKFAST: Seriously filling bowl of porridge. Walk to Work: Looked like rain was closing in as I shuffled along the Taff Trail. I used to have an i-Pod as a musical companion, but it is out of action due to "firm ware" issues. However, Mrs B, yesterday ordered a new one as it was still under warranty [but only five days were remaining]. It should be arriving next week from the States. Ducks were again out in force on the River Taff below. Lunchbox. 1 banana 1 apple 4 salmon [tinned variety] sandwiches with a hint of lemon juice on granary bread. 1 slice of chocolate cake [which was bought from the Farmers' Market in Cardiff last Sunday] Random Thought 2070: THE First Bingo hall is opened in the Antarctican capital of AmundScott. "Two Fat penguins 88."

BREAKFAST: Splendid bowl of Branflakes with semi-skimmed cold milk. Walk to Work; Pretty upbeat pace this morning as I as joined the Taff Trial at the top end of Cathedral Road in Cardiff. Only a few cyclists whistled past today. The pair of regal Swans [who I haven't seen for while] were back on the River Taff below. Lunchbox 4 ham and tomato sandwiches 1 banana 1 apple 1 Rachel's Dairy yoghurt 1 slice of coffee cake. My approaching seven month old daughter Isabella had here first introduction to banana this week. RANDOM THOUGHT 2080: The first Antarctican currency[[the penguin] is produced at the continent's Mint in the capital of AmundScott. Polar explore Captain Scott appears on the continent's first 50 penguin note

BREAKFAST: Excellent bowl of 3 Weetabix with cold semi-skimmed cold milk Walk to Work: The storm clouds had given way to a wonderful clear blue sky as I set off towards the Taff Trail, which follows the River Taff into the centre of Cardiff and beyond. Squirrels were out in force and again and so were the ducks on the River Taff below. A man, who I am guessing was probably Somalian or Ethiopian, was walking up and down close to the water's edge talking very loudly to himself. He was carrying a Tesco's plastic bag. He seemed pretty happy though, and my senses were telling me that he wasn't about to wade into the waters. Lunchox 1 piece of chocolate cake 1 banana 1 apple 4 ham and tomato sandwiches on granary bread 1 Rachel's Dairy yoghurt [I just couldn't face another Muller Light yoghurt!] Random Thought 2045: A bumper rhubarb crop is reported in Antarctica. There is so much of the stuff, especially on the more populated northern part of the continent, that it...

Breakfast: Pure magic. Mrs B brought on a tray two rounds of brown toast with Olivio spread and blackcurrant jam; 3 Weetabix with hot milk; a banana; a cup of tea and a glass of water. Walk to Work: not on the agenda today as I have a day off work. So spending time with Isabella [pictured above] and Mrs B Went for a run at 9am around my local park Llandaff Fields. Then the three of us went for a walk around the same park. Lunchbox : Washed, dried and stored away until next week. Lunch: Back to basics with sardines on toast. Random Thought 2020: The Republic of Ireland becomes the biggest landowner in the UK after a striking a zillion pound deal with the British [German] Royal family. 2007: Last officially recorded Irish joke by a British comedian.

BREAKFAST: Supreme bowl of 3 Weetabix with semi-skimmed cold milk. Walk to Work: It was down the Taff Trail where squirrels were to be seen out in force. The River Taff was extremely tame this morning. Again many ducks were out and about. The Sun was quite blinding at times on some stretches of the trail. Sounds of bells from approaching cyclists seemed more intense than of late. Lunchbox 1 banana 1 apple 4 tinned salmon sandwiches with a hint of lemon juice on granary bread 2 digestive biscuits.. At 11am I went for a coffee with the smartest entrepreneur I have met in ages... a certain Paul Breen of Ystrad Mynach based Quest4Finance. His company is going to be massive! Random Thought First Minister of Wales Rhodri Morgan plays all around a great yorker from Sir John Shortridge in the annual Welsh Assembly Government v Civil Servant one day international. However, despite some tidy bowling from the civil servants, including that from off spinner Sharon Linnard and military medium e...

BREAKFAST: Wonderful bowl of porridge with hot milk. My daughter Isabella made her first appearance in her high chair this morning for her breakfast, which was organic apple. Walk to Work: It was down the Taff Trail where the rain was falling calmly, but constantly. Had my umbrella as a companion. Yesterday's early morning angler on the other side of the River Taff was back again. Quite a few ducks on the river too. Lunchbox: 2 digestive biscuits 4 ham and tomato sandwiches 1 apple 1 banana 1 slice of coffee cake 2 digestive biscuits. Random Thought April 23th, 2008 [just after lunch]: Former Welsh Assembly Minister for Enterprise Andrew Davies, puts his feet up after winning the Swansea heat of the Welsh Tap Dancing Championships.

Breakfast: Three Weetabix with cold semi-skimmed milk. The Walk to Work: Down the legendary Taff Trail, where a man with seemingly every piece of angling equipment under the sun, was strategically positioned on the other side of the River Taff. Ducks were out in force as well. The immaculately groomed White Husky dog passed me later with his owner, near the point where I exit the trail and make my way into the centre of Cardiff. Lunchbox 4 smoked salmon sandwiches on granary bread 1 banana 1 apple 1 piece of coffee cake 2 digestive biscuits Random Thought Year 2010: Stressed out UK executives cannot get enough of tree hugging. In the Square Mile alone trees are being planted at a rate of 25 per day to keep up with demand.

HERE is my daugther Isabella [yes again and why not!] just taking it nice and easy. BREAKFAST: for the first time in perhaps a number of years a bowl of hot porridge. Walk to Work: It was pretty misty as I headed down the Taff Trail this morning. A sheep dog came hurtling towards me with his owner of a bike pedaling like mad to keep up. However, the dog, was more interested in trying to chase a squirrel up a tree than me [that's show business]! Lunchbox . 1 piece of coffee cake 2 digestive biscuits. 4 smoked salmon sandwiches on brown bread. 1 banana 1 apple Random Thought 2007: The Assembly's Minister for Enterprise Andrew Davies and his very tasty partner get top marks for their foxtrot in a one off Political Come Dancing.

BREAKFAST : A charming bowl of Cornflakes, with, for the first time in ages, hot milk. The Walk to Work ; It was down the Taff Trail... and why not. The only alternatives are down the dreadful Cowbridge Road East, or Cathedral Road, which is my favourite stretch of highway in the whole of Cardiff. Delighted to see that the slow moving Britsh Bulldog was back on the trail after what seemed like an eternity. I thought I was imagining it, but at one stage he was actually jogging. Looked like he had lost a bit of weight too. Squirrels were really out in force this morning. The Lunchbox 4 salmon sandwiches [tinned variety] with a hint of lemon juice on granary bread. 2 chocolate biscuits. 1 vanilla flavoured Muller Light yoghurt 1 plum 1 banana. RANDOM THOUGHT YEAR 2050: My daughter Isabella [pictured left] takes her dear old dad and mum on a nice trip to Antarctica for a weekend break in the capital of AmundScott Have a great weekend .

BREAKFAST : Hearty bowl of Cornflakes with semi-skimmed cold milk THE Walk to Work: Had to be down the legendary Taff Trail, where three squirrels I spied some 10 yards ahead just casually gathering chestnuts. The sun was reflecting off the placid River Taff below, so my vision was slightly impaired throughout my journey. Lunchbox : 2 digestive biscuits 4 ham and tomato sandwiches 1 cherry flavoured yoghurt 1 banana. 1 plum All gone by 12.20pm Random Thought Year 2149: Antarctica's population of grey squirrels reaches 100,000. Some 70,000 live in and around its capital of AmundScott. Yesterday I was interviewed by the mighty Peter Johnson of Radio BBC Wales fame. Anyway, just to say this blog will feature on an Eye of Wales programme which airs on Monday 13th of November at 6pm.

Was up at 6.20am in unison with our six month old daughter Isabella... who last night uttered her first word which was Dada! Decided to go for a run around my local park Llandaff Fields, where the overnight frost was still holding out. Walk to Work . This is not happening today as I have a day off work. Lunchbox. Washed, stored and dried away tomorrow. A radio presenter from BBC Wales, the mighty Peter Johnson , is supposed to be calling around at 2.30pm to interview me about this blog. Random Thought YEAR 2010: BBC Wales presenter Peter Johnson turns down the post of director general of the BBC to take on the role as the next Doctor Who. However, Menna Richards , the current controller of BBC Wales, fails in the final audition to play the Doctor's assistant! Peter is hailed as the greatest ever Doctor in the programme's illustrious history. He uses his heightened fame and considerable financial clout to bring top flight rugby back to the South Wales Valleys, with the buildin...