Hi everybody, well - only two weeks today and we'll finally be there! Married, husband and wife at long, last. By heck it's gone quickly this last twelve months, although the last few weeks have gone slowly as the date gets nearer. As usual, this last week has been incredibly busy, we just do not seem to have had time to stop and think and daydream about our Big Day. Still, we've been busy for the right reasons - pleasant evenings with family and friends, visting our DJ - "Rocky" and his wife to discuss the music and timings, the Mango Tree - again! Hi to Vikram, by the way. This week we've also spent some not inconsiderable amount of time formalising the Usher's and Best Man's duties on the day, all that remains on that subject is to sit down with the lads and let them work out between themselves who does what. I know these lads won't let us down, and will be a real credit and boon to the Claret and Blue Wedding.  Today we had lunch with Kelly's Dad, Steve, and step-mum, Julie at the Mango Tree. They have just launched a lunchtime menu of Indian tapas that is absolutely delicious, I have to say. Give it a try if you get the chance, it's not at all a heavy lunch. Little Leanne is with us at the moment, too, and sadly, right on cue for the wedding (!) some rascal at school tripped her up yesterday meaning a trip to the Minor Injuries Department at the new hospital in Lichfield. They dressed the carpet burn wound, and the friendly Nurse told me that generally face and head wounds heal quickly, fingers crossed. Leanne has taken it very well, she's a very resilient girl, and almost debonair about it. Ah well, kids eh?

It was also my Nan's Birthday on Tuesday - 87! Happy Burpday Nan, lots of love - well, EVERYONE! XXXX

It was great to see Angela, Martin, Rebecca (how was your head? ;-) ) and Vicci on Wednesday evening - and a Hippy Burpday to Mart, who was the BIG FOUR-OH! Now that is old! He seemed to enjoy himself, I know we did. Mart - I forgot the name of your new website, sorry! Dear Angela has bought us a fantastic huge banner for the reception, and various other decorative items, aswell as very thoughtfully organising some goody bags for the kids on the Wedding Day - thank you Angela, you're a star! xx

So, let's rewind to last weekend, if I may. As Kelly, said, on the Friday night we were in the Holte Suite, for the 'Back To Rotterdam' night, where us and approximately seven hundred other Villa fans had a great evening, hosted by Paul Franks of Radio WM fame - Hi Paul! The entire squad from 82, heroes everyone of them, were there and were celebrated and feted, and rightly so. Also in attendance were the new CEO of Aston Villa, Richard FitzGerald (doing a grand job) and last but not least, The General - the highly decorated US Marines Veteran, General Charles Krulak. We were lucky enough to chat to Tony Morley and Peter Withe briefly, and also Kelly had a natter (and a kiss off him!) with Richard FitzGerald, and a good chat with Paul Franks. I'm sure he's a Villa man underneath that Wolves exterior, you know!

Then on Saturday we had the Villa vs Sheffield United game, which we won easily three nil. We murdered 'em! The highlight for me though, was the 82 squad, along with Ron Saunders, Roy McLaren, and Tony Barton's son and widow, all came on to the pitch, to rapturous acclaim. I, and I suspect many others in the ground, had a huge lump in my throat, and tears running down my face when these great players and management came out. It was a hugely emotional few minutes, and one that'll live in my memory forever.

The Sunday saw us going on a coach trip to Villa's new training ground, the new Bodymoor Heath, that has been built at circa £13M, and is the best in the UK, amongst the best in the world. Doug Ellis and the new Board and Owners, have done the Club proud with this investment, one which Martin O'Neill says the players can now have the best prepartion ever required to compete at the highest level. It's a brilliant set-up, one that Villa fans can take enormous pride in.

So, that's it for now, until I get around to loading our Craig's Q&A on, maybe tomorrow or Monday. So, til the next time, byeee!

A final note must go from me to my wife to be, my darling Kelly - thank you babe, for all the wonderful things we do together, I love you so much, I love to hold you, kiss you, be with you and share all of life's trials and tribulations with you, more than anyone in the world, you've made my life complete, I love you xxxx