July 9, 2025 by Mike Madden
Daydream Believers
A Bird In The Hand
Like many people, I have downloaded the Merlin bird app. It identifies which birds are around you, based on their song. Sally sees it differently. For her, the challenge is to fool the app into thinking that her owl impressions are the real thing! App1 Sally 0 so far.
You’ll Always Find Me In The Kitchen At Parties
I’ve revisited some old favourites in the kitchen, and tried some new stuff too. Seekh kebabs are always popular, as are focaccia pizza and creamy pasta. Recently I have been using soft cheese and creme fraiche rather than double cream, just to give it a healthy touch.
Focaccia
Seekh Kebabs
I still love making coffee and walnut cake, but it just has to be made with Camp coffee. I also tried a version of chicken shawarma that went really well with roasted vegetables.
Coffee & Walnut Cake
Chicken Shawarma with roasted vegetables
I also tried my hand at Chicken Biryani – there seem to be a million ways to cook this. It went well with a tangy madras sauce,
Chicken Biryani
Zac had two incidents in the kitchen. The first one was the appearance of 24 cup cakes. He just happened to have a Betty Crocker cupcake mix, Dr Oetker cupcake cases, and one or more tubs of cupcake frosting. Hmmm. The second incident occurred when Sally and myself had to get up at 3.30am to go to Trapani. The lights were on downstairs, and when I opened the door the kitchen was rather warm. The reason was obvious. Zac had fallen asleep on the settee, and he had left a tray full of oven chips, gently cremating for a couple of hours. He is his mother’s son.
Trolley Dash
There was an interesting scenario at Handforth Dean when Fiona and Sally visited a well-known retailer. They shared a trolley, and there was an announcement over the tannoy. “Would Mrs Madden please go to Customer Service.” Fiona carried on with the shopping, and Sally went to see what they wanted her for. They showed her a handbag which clearly was not hers, and then another lady appeared. It was Mrs Maddocks.
Sally had misheard the announcement, and hurried away after convincing Mrs Maddocks and Customer Services that she had not tried to claim the handbag. Fiona was nowhere to be seen, so Sally went outside. Sure enough, there was Fiona with a shopping cart full of purchases. Some of the purchases were Sally’s, specifically a pack of rather expensive tea towels. Fiona assumed Sally had paid for them, Sally assumed Fiona had paid for them, but in reality no one had paid for them. They could have returned to the shop to rectify the mistake, but no. The modern day Thelma and Louise buckled up in the car and sped away.
Sicilian Adventure
Our short break to Trapani was a brilliant four days. Although we had to be up before the dawn, the roads and airport were quiet at that time of day. We had a quick coffee and it was time to board. The flight to the island of Sicily was around two and a half hours, and with some catching up on sleep it flew by.
Trapani airport was a little busier than expected, but we got our taxi and headed for the city. We were dropped off at some closed gates, but as soon as they opened we saw the oasis that was to be our home for the next four days.
Giardini Mon Plaisir
Giardin iMon Plaisir is a Sicilian villa that has been converted into a bed and breakfast with just six rooms. Agostino, the owner, had been in regular contact with us to ensure that our arrival and check-in were seamless, and he was there to greet us. The greeting was warm, and he explained that the villa was not staffed during the afternoon.
A Sicilian picnic basket
However, he arranged for a couple of picnic baskets with sandwiches, fruit and water to see us through the afternoon. We also had beers and Aperol Spritz, and he recommended a restaurant for the evening. He then proceeded to book the restaurant, and arrange a taxi. We did not have to do a thing, other than go there to eat.
Swifting By The Pool
We spent the afternoon in some welcome shade by the refreshing swimming pool. The only activity to break the stillness was the diving of swifts, taking sips from the pool.
Swifts in Trapani
A couple of hours later, we got in the taxi to the restaurant. Sally tried a mixture of French, Spanish and Italian to explain to the driver that we had been up since 3.30am. I told him in English and he understood perfectly. This did not deter Sally’s attempts at integrating with the locals, with very little success. We arrived at the restaurant, where the food was traditional Sicilian fare. We struggled with the menu, until the waitress pointed to a QR code on the table. That produced the menu in perfect English, which was a relief, as Google Translate was already overworked. Sally ordered lamb which was ok, whereas I opted for bluefin tuna which was almost like a steak in its texture. It tasted as good as it looked. Finally, we headed back to the villa for some much-needed rest.
Bluefin Tuna
Up, Up And Away
The following morning we had a breakfast of fruit, the freshest croissants I have ever eaten, and plenty of strong coffee. Sally had boiled eggs cooked to order, but I declined the Sicilian speciality of some kind of pastry made out of chickpeas.
https://youtube.com/shorts/H93hqKsmmpQ
The cableway to Erice
We decided to find the cableway that would take us up to the medieval city of Erice. Of course, we used our instinct, but after Sally asked a local it transpired that we were headed in the opposite direction. Fortunately, it was only a short walk, and after retracing our steps we quickly found what we were looking for. The cableway is similar to that at Alton Towers, but much more serene and picturesque. It seemed to climb forever, with Trapani becoming ever more distant. Eventually it slowed and we got off at a car park, from where we could explore the ancient city.
The narrow streets of Erice
It was still early, so there were few tourists, but after stopping for a coffee and a traditional Sicilian pastry we saw quite a few groups accompanied by tourist guides. We came across one group that was identified by their red hats. They listened to their guide in French, and seemed oblivious to anyone who wanted to pass them. I managed to shimmy past, but Sally was stuck for some time.
Forging ahead of the Red Hats
By late morning it was time for a beer and an Aperol, and as the heat was rising and the streets got busier, we decided to take the return trip on the cableway.
Aperol Blitz
We had another relaxing afternoon, with Sally sipping Prosecco, whilst I settled on Peroni. Later in the day Agostino recommended a local pizza restaurant just a short walk from the hotel, and that is where we went. Sally had been topping up on Aperol for most of the day, and that seemed to justify her impatience with the pizza. She insisted on ordering a large one, so I did the same, suggesting that she might require a box. She scoffed at the idea, and when the pizzas came, Romano style, they were magnificent. Sure enough, Sally had barely half of hers, and the waiter did not even need to be prompted. He delivered a box to the table as Sally eyed the gelataria next door.
Romano style Sicilian pizza
No Ticket No Cry
The gelataria had several sections, including one purely for frozen yoghurt, and one for ice cream. Once Sally had established which was which, she pointed to the pistacchio and chocolate containers. The woman behind the counter, who spoke not a word of English, pointed upwards. There was a ticketing system, a bit like the deli counter in some supermarkets, and you were supposed to take your ticket and wait for your turn.
Sally again pointed to her chosen ice creams, and reiterated her request. “I want pistachio and chocolate.” Once again, the woman pointed upwards. “Bigliette. Teecket,” she insisted. “I want pistachio and chocolate,” came the reply, and eventually, and inevitably, the woman gave up. Sally pointed to a dish, and scoops of pistachio and chocolate were added. It would have been a great exchange to video, but I was too busy laughing. Until I realised that Sally was about to walk out of the door without paying. I settled the bill and we returned to our hotel. The following morning the boxed pizza remained untouched, and the remains of the ice cream had melted in its pot. We were not too concerned, as it was time for breakfast.
Seaside Shuffle
Agostino had arranged for us to go to a beach club, and so we got another pre-arranged taxi to a place on the beach. Two loungers within touching distance of the ocean, together with an umbrella for the necessary shade, were provided. They even brought beach towels for us. The bar was a short walk back up the beach, but the difference in temperature was huge. The sea breeze kept us cool by the waterfront, but out in the hot sunshine it was stifling. Aperols and beer were taken liberally until lunchtime, when we dashed for the shade of the outdoor restaurant.
The sun dancing off the water of the Tyrrhenian Sea
Sally found someone who could understand her, a young schoolgirl who was learning to speak English. She was perhaps the only person over the entire four days who could decipher Sally’s rudimentary Italian, although most of their conversation was in English.
Pasta La Vista
The afternoon was more of the same, until we headed back to the villa and dinner. It was Saturday night, and the streets were surprisingly quiet. We came across a small cafe with some locals outside, so we sat at a table and a waitress brought menus. They were difficult to understand, so we pointed at a platter that the locals were enjoying, and then I ordered a dish of the local pasta.
A platter to feed a family
The platter came with bread, cheese, ham, olives, something that may have been tripe, and various other bits and pieces. It was certainly substantial, and we could not finish it all between us. When my main course arrived it was busiate with mussels. Lots of mussels. We did our best, but again the sheer size of the delicious food defeated us. We returned to the villa absolutely stuffed.
Busiate with mussels
No Comprende
On Sunday we had a mission to look around the historic church just 100 yards or so from our villa, find a supermarket, and a cash machine. The church was awe-inspiring, with many rooms and religious artefacts. There was a mass in progress, and even someone in a confessional box. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.
When in Rome…
…visit a church
The supermarket was easy enough, after wandering up and down we found a small place that had all of the essentials that we required. A cash machine was a different kettle of fish. Sicilians don’t understand “ATM”, and neither does Google Maps. It sent us in the direction of a supermarket, but they did not have a cash machine, so we returned to our hotel. They sent us to a post office, and there was indeed a cash machine outside. Unfortunately, it was empty. However, now we knew that a post office was what we were looking for, our task was surely much easier.
Maps took us down a hot and dusty street, and it eventually told us that we had arrived. We were at a police station. No sign of a post office. So, we asked a friendly policeman, and he pointed up the road. Sally was all for getting a taxi back, but we cracked on. We found the wonderful Bar Pino, and right next door was a cash machine. I put in my card, and could barely read the instructions in the blazing sunshine. Task completed, I joined Sally in the bar that also happened to be a bakery. So, Sicilian treats, Aperol and beers suitably refreshed us, and we walked back past the stadium of Trapani FC to our oasis once more.
Bar Pino
FC Trapani
Going Local
On Sunday evening Agostino recommended another restaurant, and as ever he made a reservation and booked a taxi. It was a traditional Sicilian place, and we tried plenty of local cuisine. Couscous with seafood was top of our list, and we shared a portion, together with creamy gnocchi. A bottle of red wine from the local vineyards of Erice went down well, and we finished off with swordfish. I was even too full for dessert.
Couscous With Seafood
Gnocchi
Swordfish Sicilian Style
In February we were underwhelmed by the food in Venice, but Trapani did not disappoint. Every meal was a culinary delight.
Our final day was spent relaxing by the pool until we headed to a local cafe for lunch. It was bustling and full of locals. Sandwiches and pastries were fresh and tasty and the coffee was strong.
Sicilian delights
After another afternoon by the pool our taxi arrived at 7pm. It had been a fabulous four days.
If you are considering a short break over there, I thoroughly recommend Agostino and his wonderful Giardini Mon Plaisir.
And of course Agostino wanted to know what we thought of his hotel. It used to be thanks and goodbye, then a review on Tripadvisor was requested, now it is video reviews posted to Facebook and elsewhere. Sally was happy to oblige.
Time For Tee, Ladies?
Zac has become rather obsessed with golf recently, and as there is a cricket club competition in September I thought I’d better get some practice in. So, we headed for Mellor GolF Club where Zac is now a member. Mellor is a tough course, with a lot of uphill climbs, but not for Zac, he happily sailed around in a buggy. He did get a rude awakening when it came to teeing up. He had claimed that he is already breaking 100, a remarkable achievement as he has not been playing long. However, this is largely down to playing the course off the green tees which, until the PC brigade took over, were known as the ladies tees.
No Hens In Whaley
Zac had finished a round of golf and was about to head out into Whaley Bridge. “Put some deodorant on, there might be girls about,” Sally said. “No chance,” he replied. “Its a pure cockfest down there.”
Bad Medicine
Our elderly neighbour had a bit of a fall, so of course Sally rushed to his rescue. Several others helped out, and there was a rota for taking food to him. I know what you’re thinking, but fear not. Sally decided to get him a cottage pie from the butchers in Buxton. Unfortunately the pie was frozen, but Sally put it in the oven and waited for it to cook through. She did not wait long enough, and whilst the edges were piping hot the middle was still frozen. John, the neighbour, could not wait at all, and he started eating it immediately. Sally explained that he ate the outside while she put the middle into the microwave. I feared the worst and said, “You might have poisoned him.” Its alright,” said Sally. “He’s seeing the doctor tomorrow anyway.”
Horse Matters
Roasted At Ripon
The early summer has been a busy one for Percy’s Daydream. She was ready to tackle a handicap at Redcar, but David O’Meara saw an opportunity at Ripon instead. She had previously hated the course, but now that she has got used to racing she should be much better. The bookies agreed, and when the early prices were released she was 6/4 favourite. Unfortunately, Sir Mark Prescott had another of his seemingly endless stream of middle distance handicappers that ran over inadequate distances until they got a handicap mark, and then bolted up when they raced over further.
MMM Racing with David Nolan at Ripon
In this case it was Pendragon, an expensive and well related gelding. There were fourteen of us at the course, and with only six runners we were optimistic of at least a place. I gave the jockey instructions to load her last, which he did, and it seemed to work. She wore the red hood to the post to relax her and when the gates opened she almost led. She struggled a bit on the ridges, but not as much as last time. Percy’s Daydream travelled best of all between 3 and 4 out, but Pendragon kicked and she was left in third. She could have challenged for second, but there was not much point on a really hot day. After two more runs, both facile wins, Pendragon has gone from 69 to 94!
Percy’s Daydream getting a welcome shower
There was more prizemoney, and more reasons not to go back to Ripon, but it was probably still a better option than Redcar where we would have had eight rivals, all rated in the 70s.
Its Not Gogglebox
Elsewhere, Star Of Lady M had finished the walking part of her rehabilitation, and was now trotting on the treadmill.
I got a message from RacingTV that they wanted to feature Star Of Lady M in a documentary. Their “This Racing Life” series consists of 30 minute programmes across the spectrum of racing. For this episode I had to travel to Willow Farm where they wanted to film our superstar filly, as well as interview David and myself . His other superstar filly, Estrange, was also to feature.
It was a fun day, and we got to see Percy’s Daydream out on the gallops. She was only doing one canter per day, which meant that she might not be ready for her next potential target at Haydock. This was to be a special night, with Tom Jones performing after racing. David explained that she is still quite small, and racing can take a lot out of her, but we would keep an eye on the Haydock race.
Target On My Back
Star Of Lady M looked magnificent. She has certainly grown over the winter, and we discussed options for her. With luck, she will be ready for the Beverley Bullet, followed by either the Listed Aaran Scottish Sprint at Ayr that she won last year, or the Group 3 at Newbury on the same day. She would have to do exceptionally well to make an appearance in the Prix De L’Abbaye on Arc day, but we had not ruled that out. Another suggestion was to go to Dubai, which David considered to be “not a bad shout”, and we would hopefully get assistance with our travel expenses for that. It was a very positive update, but I wondered if that was just for the cameras. There were those demons again!
All of that was well in to the future, and for now I chatted to Tom Bull around the yard, then we settled into a makeshift studio for more questions and answers.
The Studio
Star Of Lady M
The show debuted the following Wednesday, and Star Of Lady M was featured heavily. I was on for quite a lot of it, with Sally making cameo appearances at various racecourses. There was quite a buzz about it, and in the meantime David had entered and declared Percy’s Daydream for the Haydock race, so the syndicate were delighted.
Hurry Up – Its Haydock
Friday came and we set off early, not only because the Friday traffic was notorious in that part of the north west, but also because Haydock had arranged a box for us, and I wanted to ensure that arrangements were clear for everyone. We arrived about 15 minutes later than expected, and we made our way up to the box. It was magnificent, overlooking the finishing line on the third floor, with attentive staff who could not do enough for us. Edwina Currie was with us, and she decided that she would provide food for the fifteen to twenty syndicate members in attendance. The problems started shortly afterwards, as messages came in of people stuck on the various motorways. There were still only a handful of us there as we made our way to the parade ring, but more had arrived as we returned to the box to watch the race.
Percy’s Daydream at Haydock
Daydream Believers
Percy’s Daydream ran magnificently. She got out a bit too quickly, but jockey Danny Tudhope settled her in second place. John Gosden’s 300,000 guineas purchase Kuredu King came to do battle as the early leader dropped away, and it was nip and tuck all the way up the straight. She was ahead at least twice during the final furlong, but just lost out on the nod. The race was called as a dead heat for second place, and Danny was very honest afterwards. She gave him everything, and was all heart. Haydock wanted us to celebrate and invited us in for champagne. It was a classy touch, and it was quite a while before we returned to the box.
MMM Racing meet Danny Tudhope
I’m A Celebrity…
Eventually the rest of the syndicate arrived, and at least they were in time for Tom Jones. The racing finished, and the adjacent boxes started showing This Racing Life. As the camera panned out to myself and Tom Bull, we gained instant celebrity as our neighbours realised that it was us. It was a little surreal, as was Tom Jones who seemed to play more videos than actual songs. The syndicate is really delighted that Percy’s Daydream is starting to come to hand, and she will surely reach the winner’s enclosure before too much longer.
You can read last month’s edition here:-
The Mind Goggles