Thought I'd quickly switch over to the cricket during half time just to take my mind off England being shit.... Oh nevermind. There is just no sport that we aren't shit at!

And the Germans who did NOT win on penalties

What on earth are England doing here. Absolute village cricket. Losing a home series to NZ (and a NZ team without Williamson at that) need to be ready to answer some serious questions. Coming after the farce of the Ashes this is a really bad look. #EngNZ

Well...

Do you remember Goals? I used to bloody love them but you just don't see them around anymore. Like Marathon bars or Cefax. They've just disappeared. There are kids around today who have never experienced the joy of an England goal. They're really missing out! #PanEng

Continuing to work on the garden, and Starbuck has NOT been helpful at all

Enjoying an actual day off today! Up early and tidied up the garden while it was still cool. Starting to warm up a bit now though so going to hide away inside!

Gets home from work and checks the cricket...

Hhhmmmm.

Oh god, it's going to be one of those games, isn't it!? #EngGha

I got fired from Madame Tussauds for giving suntans to Jim Morrison and his bandmates. They told me to get out and never darken their doors again.

Watching A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms in preparation for S3 for House of Dragons, and it really it really is joyful, kind and beautiful TV. It's just lovely.

One of the joys of recent years has been playing proper games with the kids. Enjoyed a lovely afternoon introducing Compile to the youngest. Feared it'll be too much for him but he's played 3 games and has left me to watch some strategy videos so next time he can kick my arse! #boardgames #Compile

Over the weekend, my kids and I played a ton of Catan, and after decades of service, we decided to retire our beloved set. Here's a little appreciation thread for objects of play and their gradual decay 🧵

"What's today?" cried Raccoon, calling to a boy, who perhaps had loitered in to look about him. "EH?" returned the boy, with all his might of wonder. "What's today, my fine fellow!" said Raccoon. "Today? Why, BIN DAY!" "It's bin day!" said Raccoon to himself. "I haven't missed it."

More gaming action tonight. This time a first play of Great Western Trail. Played with 2 and it was really good, but feel it would amazing with 3 or 4. Need to play much more of it. Bonus points for the little cowboy hats that are placed on the meeples. Genuinely fantastic! #boardgames

This weekend I bought a my first EV. A nearly new 2008. Yes, its going to take some getting used to but it's lovely to drive. However, the apps! So many bloody apps! Every time I speak to someone they recommend a different "must have" app. It's literally overwhelming!

Awesome gaming action last night. A swarm of rats bullied everyone in the woods. The Clans won claim the dead kings crown. But most importantly, Frodo managed to toss some bling into a volcano! #boardgames #Root #TheOldKingsCrown #LOTRFateOfTheFellowship

Happy first day of the first Test of the summer to all who celebrate!

It's not The Old Kings Crown, it's The Cats new Box! #boardgames #TheOldKingsCrown

After picking up the expansion on Saturday at UKGE, The Old King's Crown is finally here, and it's beautiful! #TheOldKingsCrown #boardgames

UKGE has been great fun. Played lots of new games. Bought (a few too many) new games, had great time with mates and met some lovely new people. #UKGE #BOARDGAMES

Camping last weekend. Cricket yesterday. UKGE today. Best half term ever!

First day at the cricket this summer. Lancashire against Somerset. Old Trafford looking lovely as always. My happy place!

Just washed the car. For those enjoying the sunny weather, I'm so sorry. Everybody else... You're very welcome!

The eldest is sat in his room playing on a big powerful gaming PC, wearing jeans with his windows and curtains open. He is now complaining about being hot!

No, YOU'RE waiting for the hottest part of the day to go outside and more the lawn!

Catching up with last night's SNL and the Mr Bloddy scetch is the absolute pinnacle of human achievement. Unfortunately not on YouTube but totally worth the Sky subscription on its own. Dark, weird & incredibly well produced. Doesn't go on too long and just bloody funny. Awards all round! #SNLUK

If you have too get up early to help the youngest football team, you couldnt ask for a better day.

Got up this morning to find youngest has got Heat setup ready for a game. So here I am on a Saturday morning playing Heat! I mean, I've had worse mornings! #boardgames #HeatPedalToTheMetal

Happy May Day

The crowdfund trailer now exists... youtu.be/cou28XeCpyk

Announcing the full Season 5. Please click the link and sign up for notifications: Get Ready for Lovecraft Investigations: The Call of CthulhuFrom Julian Simpson - Get Ready for Lovecraft Investigations: The Call of CthulhuJulian Simpson

I swear, you haven't lived until you have pushed and kicked 18 knackered teenage students through Marseille airport at stupid o'clock in the morning!

While we're all focusing on arches, this bad boy is right outside my hotel in Marsellie. I mean, it's fine, but not 100% sure what all the fuss is about

It's been a week in Marsellie and I've got to say, at times it's absolutely lovely!

Good morning from Marseille!

So, Marseille is a thing and will be for the next 12 days!

On a plane and been given the seat next to the emergency exit. This might be too much responsibility for me to take! The pressure! Although the extra legroom makes up for it!

JUST LAUNCHED on Kickstarter! Arcs is back and weirder than ever! Featuring a suite of strange new expansions, screen printed pieces, and beautiful deluxe add-ons. Go Beyond the Reach! www.kickstarter.com/projects/col...

It’s out!

Eldest happened to be in Monaco today, and totally randomly the body Pope drives past!

Finally got round to watching SNL UK, and it was... Fine. No, screw it, it was more than fine. It was borderline good! Genuinely, actually funny. (not all the time, but enough of the time) Big shout out to the Lady Di impression and the "What type of Irish is your grandad" sketch. #SNLUK

The youngster insists we start watching Star Wars fun the beginning. I hate him.

"Open the Strait of Hormuz. You may not receive the help of any other sovereign nation. Fastest wins."

In Harrogate tomorrow for the Airecon boardgame convention. My excitement for the day is only slightly offset by the knowledge of what time I'll need to set off to get there for doors opening! #boardgames #Airecon

I agreed to binge Alien Earth with the eldest, but it's been a while and now I'm having to watch it clandestinely on my own, like it's my own dirty little secret. It is though really really good!

I've not put brush on plastic for about 4 months, and I've got a million unfinished projects, but the start of #MarchForMacragge has got me digging these big boys out. #warhammercommunity #warmongers

A bit of a Wehrle & Ferrin double bill last night with a sharp, cut-throated game of Arcs, followed by the delightful (but also cut-throat) Root. After only a couple of games, Arcs is quickly becoming a favourite. Just need to rustle up 100 quid for the campaign expansion! #boardgames #Arcs #Root

Sometimes, after a long day, I just have the urge to chill out with A Fist Full of Dollars. Today is one of those days. I bloody love it!