Living in Sedgefield means never having to sit at an office desk in neon lighting – well, most of the time. A year ago, Gavin had to sacrifice himself on the credit crunch alter and take a contract job helping to launch an English newspaper in the Middle East.
DIY house renovations, garden landscaping, swimming, walking and cycling everywhere gave way to 6 day weeks sitting at a computer, 12 hour working days, no exercise and endless take-away meals.
One year on and the pics below hardly need captions.
Before
After
Going Coastal, Sedgefield 
Aw, don’t be too hard on him. Look at those great glasses, the lighting, the head position… and then a mug shot under harsh lights after what looks like a 15-hour overnight flight!
The pic was taken before the flight – I’m not one for censorship but to post a pic from just after the flight. . . cruel and unusual (to readers that is). To be fair, he looks a lot better after 2 weeks at home, but I couldn’t let that get in the way of a good post.
Wow! What a difference. Do have room for a lodger? If so, I’ll be over. I could do with some time on the Sedgefield health farm, eating Thai mussel curry every night.
Looks like the Dubai stone has an AD equivalent!
After I left the offices behind to varnish boats, I started walking into businesses and banks where I heard comments like, “You been in the islands? Where’d you get that great tan? How long were you gone?”
I may not have bennies like a 401K and health insurance, but I look great and haven’t been sick in years and years. And I don’t have to wear high heels any more. It’s all good.