Now Watching....

.... Sex And The City in Danish. V strange.  Had a fab night out tonight at Nimb & Radisson. Tell you about it later... :-) J x

Hello From Copenhagen

We've arrived and, the weather seems quite good. My apartment is nice but the ladeeyz are complaining because they don't have a balcony.  I think it's on account of the fact that we'd agreed that since they had a balcony the vodka could live in their apartment.  Without one the vodka may as well stay here. :-)

So far not seen much but we are off out to explore in a minute.  Flight was good (1hour 40 minutes) despite being by Easyjet.

Just had a text to say they're changing rooms so it could be a while before we go out exploring.  Apparently the national chain of supermarkets here is Netto.  I know!  More soon.  J x

Oh This Year We're Off To Sunny...

Actually, not sunny.  Copenhagen.  Design centre of the universe but no beaches.  Quite excited now. Free wi-fi at apartment (apparently) so expect lots of blogs. TTFN.  J x

You know it was a good party when...

... you have a two day hangover and you've just noticed the tattoo on your arm that wasn't there before the party.

I have found homes for the jacket and glasses that were left behind but still need to rehouse a black scarf.  Please get in touch.  J x

Thank You

The party exceeded my wildest expectations.  I had an absolutely fabulous time. And unlike the 49 party I can remember most of it!  May blog later as the whole night slowly seeps into my consciousness but I just wanted to thank a few people straight away - 

Denise, of course, for her help and organisational skills both before, during and after the party. It simply wouldn't have happened nor been such a success without her. I love you loads.

Michele, for the stunning canapés. They were out of this world and the preparation and skill that went into making them was magnificent. Thank you.

My parents and other family members who travelled so far to be here. Thank you, you made the night extra special.

Jim, Donna, Sarah and others who helped serve the canapés. Thank you so much guys.

Mariusz and Gerry, the barmen.  They were brilliant and managed to keep the queues down to a reasonable level.  Both are available for private bookings if wanted.  Give me a bell for details.

Marie for the "tattoo" :-)

Everyone for coming.  It was beyond fabulous and that was thanks to you.  See you next year.  J x

Just So You Know...

... it's not my birthday.  But thanks for the cards anyway :-) J x

P.S.  The photo online is nicer than the one in the newspaper.  Sorry for looking so miserable but they told me not to smile.

Not Ready For My Close Up

Happy with the story but not over the moon about the photo.  And I didn't feel unsupported once I'd been sent home.  Now leave me alone, I need to panic.... J x

Bloody Hell

Forgot to go to Stonehenge :-(

On the plus side the weather forecast isn't as bad as it was :-)

In further news on my media career I should be in your local newspaper today as well as on your local radio station.  All this plus a party to organise.... See you later. J x

Busy Busy Busy

Just busy OK?  

Just So You Know

This site is currently 33 hits short of 75,000 viewings.  Wow.  I mean like really wow.  Like OMFG wow. Just saying.... J x

I'm Eating My Freezer

I need to clear my freezer in order to accommodate all the ice needed for the cocktails so I have to eat everything in there.  It's not going to help my diet at all...

I also need to clear the fridges to accommodate the canapės which, I have to say, sound fabulous.  I saw the final list today and Michele is just going to blow your boots off with the selection.  Note: you may not want to wear boots.

 I started my party shopping today too.  I have acquired a box of sugar cubes and two jars of maraschino cherries as well as two unfeasibly large bottles of vodka.  So I'll be OK even if no-one else is... :-)

Current stats are 48 acceptances and 26 what do you mean the free booze runs out at 2100? No thanks thens...

Interesting party facts: 21/06 is the longest day and there will be 17 hours, 2 minutes and 14 seconds between sunrise and sunset.

In other news, Denise has gone to her nephew's wedding.  The best man's speech was, apparently, very emotional and they still haven't played Come on Eileen yet.  That's all.  J x

Back Now

Had a lovely time away.  Newcastle is quite a cool city (apart from the lack of decent shops).  Had cocktails in the Malmaison and lunch at The Baltic with Mrs T then it was off to Coldstream.  It's a gorgeous place on the banks of the Tweed and the weather was beautiful so we did a lovely walk through the town and the surrounding countryside. We also had a scrummy lasagne prepared by Mrs T's own fair hand.

Also had lunch at a lovely garden centre just outside Kelso.  Journey home was uneventful but I was clearly tired as I slept until 0830 this morning.  Then it was off to Warrington for lunch with Toby. From here on in though its strictly party business only (but with a little bit of Macmillan and helpline work thrown in)...

And on the subject of the party, the current tally is 41 acceptances and 20 if you don't stop bothering me I'm calling the police's... But there are still 32 people I have yet to hear from. Can you pull your fingers out please so that I can make appropriate arrangements?  Don't make me get in touch with you individually which I will start doing next week if I haven't heard anything.  Thank you.

That's all.  J x

The Day Got Better And Then Got Worse

So the planetarium was fun.  Except I was unlucky because there was a coach trip of old farts there, half of whom fell asleep during the show and the other half of whom thought they were at home watching television and therefore it was OK to talk to each other. If it hadn't been for them it would have just been me which would have been über cool. The planetarium is part of The Great Northern Museum which is as exciting as it name suggests.  But they did have a stuffed elephant (not as big as you might have imagined) and a T Rex skeleton which is a lot bigger than I had imagined.  If it bit you it would bite through two thirds of your body - even given how fat I am.

Then went to see the film Beyond the Candelabra.  A really good film with stellar performances from Michael Douglas and Matt Damon. Saw it in the Tyneside Cinema which is a bit like The Cornerhouse but way cooler. 

Had a martini in a bar with a forgettable name (and a forgettable martini) but which, on its cocktail list, had a punch for £1000!  Followed this with a forgettable Indian meal.  Beyond excited to see Mrs T tomorrow.  She has all sorts of exciting things planned I'm guessing.

Getting a little worried by the thought of "man deserts". Not really clear what these might be but apparently they are areas of high numbers of fat women (judging by the interviewees on Newsnight tonight). Mind you the black chap also being interviewed is talking out his arse. I now find myself agreeing with fat women in Salford. I'm calling it the "Newcastle effect"...

That's all. Will be blogging tomorrow from Mrs T's actual house.  Yes, her actual house.  Can you imagine? J x

Newcastle Shops Are Rubbish

There.  I've said it all.  Could stop the blog here except I want to tell you that I'm going to a planetarium this afternoon.  Never been to a planetarium before. V excited.  I'm going on the Metro.  J x

J'arrive

I'm in Newcastle and despite early indications the sun is now out and proud.  Have had my first North Eastern lasagne.  Not up to North Western standards.  Apartment is lovely - especially as I have been upgraded and have 2 bathrooms to choose from! Will have a rest now and venture out later... :-) J x

Mother Update

She's out of hospital and feeling fine.  They still don't know what caused the funny turn though.  Hey ho, as long as it doesn't happen again... Off to Newcastle tomorrow.  Will blog from there.  That's all.  J x

Saturday

So have already done all manner of things in the garden this morning and off to Bents this afternoon for some more plants.  The terrace should then be party ready and I can turn my attention to the flat (once I get back from Newcastle/Coldstream of course).

Mum had an OK night apparently but appears to have cocked up her phone so is unreachable by me until my father takes in his phone for her this afternoon.  He's talked to her though and she seems in good spirits.  It's unlikely she'll be out before Monday though as the specialist hasn't seen her scan. That won't please her.  

DD tonight for Mad Men and curry.  Nuff said.  J x

News

Mum had a bit of a turn last night and has been taken into hospital.  She is fine now though and talking and alert (I've spoken to her on the phone). They're going to do a brain scan to be sure.  It may be a reaction to her anti-sickness medication though. I'll keep you updated. But so much for the power of positive thinking...

In other news, my socks have been returned from London and are looking darn near perfect. J x

Party Stats

31 acceptances, 18 who are you? Stop bothering me or I'm calling the police... J x

I'm Such a Wuss

Watched We Bought a Zoo on telly tonight and cried. Three times.  It's a ridiculously sentimental film but then I'm a ridiculously sentimental guy sometimes.  And I'd rip the pants off Matt Damon... :-) J x

You've read about them on the blog...

.... now meet them in the flesh.  Both Debbie and (young) Sean, my principal carers from my first bout of cancer from Christie, are coming to the party. Although given that the original cancer was 10 years ago I'm not sure we should be referring to Sean as "young" any more... :-) Will be great to catch up with them.

Have spent today getting over my hangover (young Toby's do extended into the evening but was good to catch up with some of my old colleagues) and gardening.  Also had a really good chat with Linda from Macmillan about taking forward User Involvement. 

Marios coming round tomorrow to discuss bar matters so will be spending tomorrow morning tidying the living room and losing weight.

Mum having a bit of a tough old time at the moment on the chemotherapy so please all think nice thoughts for her and I'm sure that will help.  Just look what you all did for me... At least theres only one more to go and she should be slap bang in the middle of her good week for the party.  Not only is my mother coming and my Manchester Mum but my godmother will be here too! Three mothers in the same room.  There may be trouble (or at least lots of nagging) ahead.... :-) That's all.  J x

It's All Good

Unless you're talking about the Star Trek film of course.  Which is all bad.

And Game of Thrones.  I've read the books.  I knew what was going to happen.  And I'm still shocked and traumatised.  That's how good GoT is...

Had Oxygen Clinic this morning.  My Sats are 97% which is good and my something or other that was 8.3 six months ago is now 10.3 which is virtually normal.  So the Oxygen Clinic people are telling me I can fly wherever I want.  They're not offering to pay obviously... So thinking about Istanbul in October. They're also going to take my oxygen machine away which I think is a positive thing.

Had lunch with DD at the Whitworth Gallery. We both had the meze which was delicious. Particularly the Egyptian beans. We then worked off lunch rearranging the terrace ready for the furniture varnishing and plant buying tomorrow. Which is, of course, followed by young Tober Morey's leaving do in Warrington.  I wonder if there will be speeches?

Tonight I'm off to the pictures with Gill again (don't even get me started on what she's been up to recently) to see Oblivion which Sara assures me is a good film.  It certainly has to be better than Star Trek.

Party count is: 20 acceptances and 10 I'm sorry I'm washing my hair that night. So that's replies in from about a third of the people invited... You do the maths. Could be quite busy :-) Good job there are two barmen this time.  There will even be a cocktail created especially for the occasion.  I'm thinking of calling it a Midsummer Elixir but am open to other suggestions... J x

OMG

Game of Thrones.

Today is...

... my official be nice to attractive looking homeless people day. So I've bought a copy of the Big Issue from an attractive looking homeless person. Even though its got David Bowie on the cover and I can't bear him.  However, my friend Fig, the published author, likes him so I may save it for when he comes up.

The attractive looking homeless person also looked like an illegal immigrant (I've already objectified him so a little judging by appearances isn't going to do any harm) so I've probably pissed of Theresa May into the bargain.  Another productive day begins....

I productively drank lots and lots of vodka yesterday on the roof terrace at The Great John Street hotel with DD, Lesley and Michele, the caterer. There is a photo but, as you know, Bill & Jane still haven't shown me how to attach photos using the iPad.

Also had a lovely meal at The Olive Press (sadly this was quite early on in the day and so didn't serve to soak up any of the vodka with the result that I'm terribly hung over today), watched the Manchester Day Parade whilst drinking two Campari and sodas (because I could), and had a martini in the Hilton before making our way to the aforementioned roof terrace.

****I actually managed to get a photo to appear here but then bloody stupid blogger won't allow me to publish it to the site.  This is so frustrating.  Ignore comments below :-( ***

Oh look!  A photo. Fan-effing-tastic. I'm exhausted now and off to sunbathe and daydream of exotic barmen in soaking wet shirts....  J x

ZOMG

Psychobitches on Sky 1. Worth the subscription on its own.  I can't decide whether I like the Brontes or Audrey Hepburn the best.  Or Sylvia Plath channeling Pam Ayres.  The Bette Davies/Joan Crawford/Baby Jane thing is a bit unnecessary though.... But the Brontes.  "Fuck off to Keighley and don't come back until you've lost it to a cow hand"...  Stunning. J x

For Doctor Who Fans Everywhere

This:

http://www.doctorwho.tv/events/vivid-sydney

You're welcome.  J x

Party Stats

So I'm thinking of posting updates on acceptances and rejections for the invites sent out.  Obviously I won't be mentioning names but just numbers.  Is that something people would be interested in? And I was going to count every acceptance as "2" on the basis that's its one plus companion but every rejection as "1". Is that unfair?  Does anyone have any better statistical analysis tools that I could use? Let me know in comments. J x

Where to Start?

2 exciting things and one disappointment.  The disappointment is that the helpline training I was involved in had to be rescheduled. So the work and effort I'd put in (admittedly not days and days worth) has come to naught so far.  Unfortunately this seems typical of the helpline's shambolic organisation.  As my friend Jim would say, you need to have proper processes in place otherwise nothing works...

The first exciting thing is that our dear friend Figster is now a published author.  I know!  He has had a short essay included in a new book called "Queers Dig Time Lords" (available from Amazon - other retailers are available). A rather niche market I suspect but a great achievement nevertheless. Well done honey.  What makes it all the sweeter though is that in the book he has dedicated the piece to me. In print! Me! I know! I adore him. Sadly however he won't be attending the party but never fear he will be up to stay mid-July during the Manchester International Festival and you can all fawn over him then (as indeed shall I).

The second exciting thing is that the party invites have now gone out.  Not in glorious technicolor as I had once hoped but emails are certainly cheaper than the physical invites I sent for my 49th party.  For those who may be confused, this is not a birthday party.  It was initially conceived as a sort of farewell party given my original prognosis.  However, since I'm still around its now just a general celebration of life, summer and alcohol.  And canapés.  And friends.  And family. And Eastern European bar staff. And Manchester.  And, oh, just loads of stuff.  Come along and lets just celebrate.

The third exciting thing (I know, I lie all the time) is that I've had an acceptable offer on the Brighton flat so that should sell fairly quickly (they're cash buyers). Hurrah.

The fourth exciting thing is this weather. I was actually sunbathing yesterday on the terrace. It was beautiful.  Although given the background noise of bulldozers and cranes from over the road it was somewhat reminiscent of Spain a few years ago...

The fifth exciting thing is that I shall be shortly taking a trip even further oop North and staying a couple of nights in Newcastle and a night in Coldstream hosted by the fabulous Mr & Mrs T.  Looking forward to it immensely.

The sixth exciting thing is The Great Gatsby which I saw last night.  The film is sumptuous in the way that only Baz Luhrman can achieve. The party scenes and the costumes are a feast for the senses.  Prada, Brooks Brothers and Tiffany were all involved. And, as an extra plus point, it's a fairly interesting story and Leo is quite good in it. They also manage to include quite a lot of the original wording from the book which makes me now want to read it even more (i.e. even more than I did with just Jane nagging me). It's also out of copyright and therefore should be a free download on iBooks. But talking of feasts, the film was followed by lasagne in Carluccio's with the fragrant Jane and redoubtable Bill.

The seventh exciting thing is the fact that I've managed to mention seven exciting things before breakfast (this is a lie as I had breakfast an hour ago but let's go with poetic/blogger's license).  Every day should start this way. Have a good one and y'all come back y'hear?  J x