Sad News

My cousin Jane died yesterday. She was my age and, you'll remember, had developed further problems following a breast cancer diagnosis. I hadn't seen her lately but when I worked in Crawley we used to meet for lunch occasionally because she worked in Deloitte & Touche there. Its a really sad time for all the family, particularly so because it inevitably brings back memories of Sally's death. Its a cruel outcome that 2 sisters should both lose their daughters early. My thoughts today are with Anne & John (my aunt and uncle), with Robert & David (Jane's brothers) and Murray and Rebecca and Laura (Jane's husband and daughters). I know how hard it will be for all of them since there still isn't a day that goes by when I don't think of Sally at some moment or other. Now though when I think of Sally I smile rather than get upset. I still miss her. J x

The Weekend

So. What a fantastic weekend. Journey to London on Friday was fine (first class since cheaper than standard - bizarre) and met up with Sarah & Donna with no problems. Thence to Tate Modern for 1) Rothko - fantastic. He's a very powerful, emotional painter and you really have to see his stuff up close to appreciate it. 2) Some other exhibition by some unpronounceable South American bloke (or woman?) who is more of an installation artist. Not usually a fan of installation art but this was exceptional. Very hands on and very immediate and scary. Would take too long to explain it all here but buy me a drink and I'll wax lyrical. Back to Donna's for soup and beer with Rudi and Leo. Slept very comfortably on the sofa bed and the following morning it was off to Tate Britain for the Francis Bacon exhibition. Again a very powerful painter who is not at all "easy" but who repays viewing in the flesh. My only criticism of the show is that the paintings are behind glass and one gets reflections which can be a little distracting. Following all the art it was down to Eastbourne for a little relaxation.

Is there anywhere more relaxing than Eastbourne? A town where a vodka martini is as elusive as anyone under the age of 40. Having stormed out of the Eastbourne Grand (Sarah really must stop dressing like a prostitute) we eventually were lured into The Cavendish by the twinkle of a rather impressive chandelier. Thank God we were (motto: never doubt a chandelier). Young Peter made us cocktails until his fingers bled (literally) and a very enjoyable evening was had by all. The following morning we went for a really nice walk along the seafront and then I hopped on the train for Brighton. Checked into The Hilton and then off to meet Fig for an afternoon of drink and drag. 2 shows and not a small number of beers later we parted company having spent many a happy hour in our old haunts. Back up to Manchester the following day and a sleep in my own bed. Hurrah.

Off to Solihull tomorrow and Friday with work - about 50 of us apparently, including some people I used to work with in Brighton. It will be good to see them again after all this time. They won't recognise me though (last they saw me was before the cancer so it'll be interesting to see their reactions. I'l let you know how it went when I get back. That's all. J x

So...

...Barnum was OK. But oh my God, the politics of the amateur dramatic world! Jim, God bless him, was virtually poached on the night!

Remembrance was lovely apart from the fact that we got there a little late and missed all the marching uniforms. Next time go early I think, see the soldiers, shut up for 2 minutes and then skip off for a coffee before all the hypocrisy/religion kicks off.

What else? Spoke to Mrs T this week. She's fine and dandy and may be in Manchester for my leaving do (30/01 for anyone filling out next year's diary). Mr T is fine as well. As is the dog. Went to see the new Bond with Gill last night. Not bad (although not as good as Casino Royale). DC is still v v gorgeous though. Especially after he's been roughed up a little. Yum!

Saw a builder on Tuesday. Going to give me a quote. We'll see.

Late drink with DD tonight followed by tomorrow night in London, Saturday night in Eastbourne and Sunday night in Brighton. As I said before, busy, busy, busy. That's all. J x

We Love You Brad

To the cinema with Gill last night to see Burn After Reading. A completely bizarre and yet fantastic film (i.e. typical Coen brothers). Brad was just brilliant. And George was as gorgeous as ever. But the plotline.... Indescribable. Spent this morning serving coffee at the office Macmillan coffee morning. That, together with the raffle and a couple of other fundraising ideas raised £1800 which was just brilliant. Quiet night in tonight, loads of paperwork to do tomorrow and then off to Bolton in the evening to see Barnum with Jim. And to the Remembrance thing with DD on Sunday morning. Busy, busy, busy. That's all. J x

Leeds

Off to Leeds yesterday to catch up with my old chum Sarah. She, you may remember, took 12 months off work to go traveling the world with her partner Hugh. Well, they're recently returned and this was the first chance we had to catch up and fit it in with a couple of vodka martinis and a bit of shopping. Sarah is well and not suffering from any foreign diseases you'll be pleased to know. Although she is currently unable to drink white wine. We don't know why but presumably its the fault of something exotic. So we drank, and we shopped, and we caught up (luckily she had a blog whilst traveling so we didn't ned to spend the whole time talking about foreign parts and looking at photos... We didn't buy anything in Harvey Nicks (I know, unheard of) but I did get a pair of boots in Oliver Sweeney so that was OK. It was a really nice day out and we're now trying to see if we can sort something for the Bacon and Rothko fest I'll be attending later this month. Quiet day planned for today watching little Lewis Hamilton in his car. That's all. J x