Spent the weekend in Belfast. What a transformation they have had since my uni days. Not a union flag or a republican mural in sight. Had two mad nights and hungover days.

Trying to take a pic of my going out attire but Benson keeps photo bombing me. This one was the final attempt where I had to literally jump and block his efforts. Dogs are a funny old sort 😂😂

It’s been a busy week. The trip to Dubai was very productive but I can’t imagine living there for any period of time. The displays of wealth everywhere were pretty overwhelming. One of my colleagues who had lived there in the past said he left because he could see how his kids school friends were affected by it and he didn’t want that for them. Anyway back in Blighty and it’s raining hard, but it’s cosy under my duvet. Off for a walk with the lovely Lynn this morning. Hopefully the rain holds out.

Got productive last night and created my first home assistant custom dashboard. Nothing overly fancy, just a light control card but I can tell I’m gonna have some fun with this one.

Watching the news. I’ve deleted all news sites from my mobile phone. I’m not browsing to any news sites anymore. Upside is I’m no longer getting frustrated with all the shit going on in the world. The downside is I’m completely devoid of any opinion whatsoever. I’m going to have to start reading books or my brains going to go to mush.

Ran into this renegade in downtown Dubai. Haven’t seen him for almost a decade. It’s a very small world indeed.

Took a day trip to Abu Dhabi and visited the grand mosque. What an amazing work of construction. It was built twenty years ago and the quality of the craftsmanship is outstanding. The blazing sunshine helped.

Just back from a three day whistle stop tour of UAE. Dubai blew my mind. So much money there. It’s evident everywhere you look. The hotel was off the charts luxury and it wasn’t even top of the range. I can’t imagine living there and not being affected by it.

Nov 1 marked the 11th anniversary since my beloved Benson came into my life. He strutted in with a level of confidence that was unmatched and that attitude hasn’t changed much since. I want him to live forever and ever.

Another week comes to an end and I find myself careering towards the end of another year. It’s been a hell of a week at work. I’m exhausted to be honest. Looking forward to an early night tonight.

Flying to Dubai for work on Sunday so got loads to do before then. Fingers crossed I can get it all done.

Anyway I still managed to crack out a new smile whilst showing off my latest hoodie (you can never have enough of them I’m told).

It’s 5.45 and I’m just about to get up. Benson is doing his doggy yoga and it’s pretty cold. 55 and I still hate getting out of bed. Makes me wonder what would Brian Boitano do if he was here right now?