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

Phonecall

So Dr Y phoned and left a message. Radiologist report confirmed what she thought - a slight improvement over January both in the fluid around the lung and the lymph nodes in the centre of my chest (wasn't even aware I had any there). All good news therefore. That's all. J x

Clinic

So I was back at Wythenshawe this afternoon for clinic with Dr Y.  She kept me waiting for an hour though - she's such a tease.  Anyway, no radiologist's report yet but the scan looks good to her.  Indeed she thinks there has been some improvement between the scan I had in January and the recent scan.  She thinks this may be down to some residual chemotherapy effects.  This is good news and means I don't need any further treatment for the next 3 months.  However, she was at pains to stress that she can't give a definitive opinion until she has the radiologist's report. She will phone me when it's in.

She's also going to speak to a colleague at The Christie to see if I can have the benign growth on my top lip removed.  That will please me (and my mother) as its really annoying me.

Also took the opportunity to pop up and see Leslie on the ward and drop off some muffins and chocolate doughnuts.  She has yet another new hairstyle and her first reaction was that I'd put on a lot of weight- she's not wrong (but she is really fab).... Dr Y has said I can join a gym again if I want. Will have to think about that given that I never went before. But I do have more free time now but I wonder whether its worth it.  Probably better spending the money on some free weights but where to store them?

Anyway, that's all for now.  J x

Mad Men

Watched last week's episode last night. OMG, absolute madness.  What the hell was going on? Arrabiata sauce I cooked was rather more successful.

In other TV related news, really feeling the loss of Game of Thrones even though its absent for only one week.

Seeing the fabulous Dr Yvonne this afternoon for results of CT scan.  Hopefully everything will be alright although I'm not sure my breathing hasn't got a little worse. I'll let you know.

That's all.  J x

Did a bit of gardening today

*runs for the hills screaming* #therewillbeblisters

Tonight...

... I'm mostly going to be watching Alien movies. Mostly. J x

Oh Also Meant To Say...

....that in Schipol airport they have automatic bag check.  Fairly straightforward actually but a bit disconcerting when you're first confronted with it. That's all. J x

Home Sweet Home

And so I'm back...

Great time in Amsterdam.  Of course we'd saved the best till last because the Rijksmuseum is fabulous.  Go early to avoid the queues and make sure you see the Honours Gallery - although frankly you can give the Night Watch amiss as its not that impressive imho.  On the other hand, the canvas to its right, which is also some sort of military picture, is very impressive.

I also really enjoyed the medieval stuff (I do like me some Byzantine glitz) and the Asiatic Gallery.  The building itself is also pretty spectacular.

Journey home was uneventful although we were slightly delayed by a missing passenger and so they had to offload his luggage.  Why would you check your bag in and then not turn up for the plane?  Beats me.

And who knew we were coming back to such gorgeous weather?  Managed to do nothing at all yesterday though apart from unpacking and washing and then eating and drinking in the evening around the Northern Quarter.  

Have managed to secure (with the able assistance of Ms DD) the services of a gorgeous Eastern European barman for party night. Am hoping for two though to prevent queuing... And of course canapés are by the fabulously talented Michele who will very shortly be launching her own catering business. In years to come when she is running a catering empire you'll be able to say that you tasted her cooking before she was famous.  Manchester Mum & Dad (last time's caterers) have been given the evening off and will be attending in their personal capacities this time (assuming there are no property disasters to attend to) and so substantial amounts of food will not be served.  You have been warned.,.

Don't forget it's 21/06 from 1800 until 0000.  Invites will be issued shortly but if you're a reader of this blog you are invited even if I don't have your email address to send you a formal invitation   But please text me an RSVP for details and directions.  It is, of course, no longer a "farewell party" since I'm not planning on checking out anytime soon and fully expect to be around next year to host another one. Please check with my medical team on the night for further updates. 

Manchester run thing today so will be checking out the shorts as they run past the flat later (there were athletic looking people in the bar of the Radisson last night including two in a toilet cubicle taking drugs - also an Australian boy band, no idea, and crowds of screaming teenagers outside) and also F1 with Lewis on the grid in second place. Busy day.... :-) J x

Tram-A-Lang-A-Ding-Dong

So the trams in Amsterdam are still as fantastic and convenient as ever but still very quiet and therefore lethal. Pretty much like all those bastards on bikes...

Had a fab day today and bought some cheese and some mustard. Also walked round Amsterdam's premiere Department Store and assisted my mother with buying a Hugo Boss jacket. Father wasn't feeling too well (ate too many cheeses during the tasting) so it was just me and my Mum who went out for an Indonesian meal - 20 courses between us! This concept would work really well in Manchester (Michele : there's a business opportunity here I think).

Hortus Botannicis is quite difficult to find. Don't get the number 7 tram, take the 9 instead. It's worth the trek though.

I also bought a bag and some shoes today. Ready for my bed now. Night. J x

Amsterdam

So hello from the near continent.  Flight over was fine (if slightly delayed) and I had a centre seat (which I don't normally like) but was sat between two rather attractive gentlemen which made the whole experience bearable.  Flight time is only 55 minutes but there is an hour time difference.  This hour difference kicks in during the walk from the plane to the baggage reclaim which takes about an hour!  Had no problem finding the Aged Ps and everything went smoothly.  Train ride to Amsterdam Central and then a taxi ride (taxi driver to die for) to the hotel. Why are Manchester taxi drivers so unattractive? Someone needs to do so something about that...

Amsterdam is cloudy, wet and not very warm - not unlike Manchester and Swansea so we feel right at home.  Hotel is nice but small - all Amsterdam properties are small and tall.  All down to the tax system.

Didn't have time to do much yesterday but today we're off to the Botanic Gardens (yay) this morning and then this afternoon Ill be going to the Hermitage whilst the Ageds will be taking a canal boat tour (which I've done on previous visits). Then it'll be time for a rest before dinner tonight. Tomorrow is the Rijksmuseum but I'll update y'all before that.  That's all.  J x

Quick Update

Amsterdam bound today. Mother has been given steroids by her specialist and so will be able to make the trip too which is good news.  Will blog from the (wet apparently) city tonight.

And just to say "sorry" to Karen.  I'm a terrible friend.  Keep meaning to phone you and then something gets in the way and it doesn't happen.  Will give you a ring this weekend. I promise. Please forgive me.  

That's all. J x

Plus Ça Change

Have my first Macmillan telephone conference today. :-) J x

Should have been that bloke in a box

So, another year has passed and we have once more marked its passing by undertaking the ritual of Eurovision. A timeless and eternal ritual that has, once again, seen the UK finish in the bottom half of the results table and the wrong country win.  Apart from the Azerbaijan entry I also like the Greek guys in skirts.  Still it was a fun night enlivened by the presence of Jim and the, now customary, exchange of hilarious texts with Fig.  Binge Tyler is one for the annals.

Yesterday daytime was fun also as was out on the lash with Liam, Toby and Toby's lovely wife Gill.  Found a new bar - Apotheka - in the Northern Quarter that makes a mean vodka martini.  They even make you stir the drink yourself - a novel approach I haven't seen before.

Spoke to the homestead this morning and Mum still isn't feeling well.  Fingers crossed she improves by Tuesday when we're supposed to be going to Amsterdam.

And that's all for now.  Washing and relaxing today. With the possibility of visits from DD and Lesley this evening.  J x

Nobody Got Fired

Although I did effectively get to knock one team out of the competition - but they deserved to be knocked out.  It was a fun but long and tiring day.  Not helped by the fact that at one stage we were heading the wrong way down the M6! 

Yesterday was a little more gentle.  Out to Bents for lunch followed by a CT scan at Wythenshawe and then out with Jane & Bill in the evening (Alchemist - Carluccio's, yes lasagne but also asparagus - Radisson). A lot of fun.  Both are doing well.  Jane was a little happy on the alcohol and kept sniffing me as she liked my eau de cologne :-) Looks like we're not going to the Tatton Park concert this year as, for some reason, the Halle aren't playing. It's bloody Katherine Jenkins instead. And I don't want to see her thank you very much. If anyone knows why they're not playing I'd be interested to know - is there a big scandal? Or is it about money?

Today is a leaving do in the Abercrombie (I know) and then possibly round to DD's later.

Spoke to the ever-delicious Mrs T earlier (and I've been forbidden from telling you about our discussions) but rest assured that she and Mr T are fine and dandy. And that's all. J x

Staff !

Blogging to you live from the Macmillan staff conference in Yarnfield (it's Stafford way) where I'm a turn. Have decided not to preview my new karaoke number (Rhinestone Cowboy) or indeed my old one (Daydream Believer). Instead I am to be interviewed by a series of Teams looking to put together a "pitch" (à la Apprentice) for how they would redesign the system for the delivery of cancer services  in Manchester. Am hoping that I get to point to people and say "you're fired" at regular intervals... :-)

In other news, mother's chemotherapy went well and she's feeling OK at the moment. Hopefully she will be fit enough to come to Amsterdam next Tuesday.

Will let you have a full report tomorrow. J x

Winter Is Coming

So, I'm back in the frozen North.  Of course I look like a stranger in a strange land on account of my tan and all. People keep coming up to me and offering to give me directions... :-)

Anyway, weather or no, it's always good to get back home after a holiday and sleep in your own bed.  My rest last night was ably assisted by the vast quantities of vodka I drank at Maggie's (Manchester Mum) birthday celebrations last night. Modesty prevents me telling you how old she is but she claims not to be old enough to be my mother... We went to The Olive Press where I had lasagne (again). But the crown for best lasagne in Manchester has now passed from Carluccio's. It was gorgeous. Took me ages to finish it (I eat really slowly now) but I did. And it was really good night with DD (natch), Ev, Maggie & Paul (Manchester Dad). Town was strangely quiet given the United stuff that happened yesterday.

Dental hygienist this morning at 1000 followed by washing, shopping and catching up on TV recordings.  All this whilst shivering under blankets... A busy week ahead involving lots of Macmillan and helpline events, a CT scan and tea with Bill & Jane.  Fab.  Welcome home me.  That's all for now.  J x

Home Again

What happened to the weather?  This morning it was brilliant wall to wall sunshine with 26° promised and this afternoon it's 10° and raining?  All I did was change countries...

Faro airport was its usual nightmare of queues to check in, queues for security etc but otherwise the flight home was uneventful.  DD met me at the airport and had bought me milk and a paper (life's essentials) bless her - she thinks of everything.  Fell asleep on the sofa this afternoon (I've missed my sofa!) and am out with DD, Ev and Manchester Mum & Dad for a lasagne this evening.  What a fabulous way to start my time back in Britain.  It's Maggie's birthday today (no idea, but less than my Mum I'm guessing) so happy birthday to her. That's all for now. My wet and cold life starts anew tomorrow... J x

Degrees and °

Thank you Mr Allen for that handy tip. 26° today... Just boasting. :-) J x

Not All Alone In The World

I now exist in a world of raised voices and shouting.  Yes, the Aged Ps have arrived and therefore all conversations are now at top volume due to inadequacy (or indeed complete bloody-minded lack of) hearing aids.

Mother's chemotherapy has had to be delayed by a week and so they have been able to join me in my lonely (ha!) Portugese stay... There are only two days left though. :-) Plans are now being made for all sorts of activities that involve, in some way shape or form, alcohol.

Weather remains magnificent.  That's all for now, need to go and shout at someone that we need milk... J x

Hot & Sunny Again

Honestly, all this sunshine just becomes tiresome after a time.  However, it's due to be a little cooler today - just 23 degrees.  Off to meet Peter & Jean for coffee at a lake this morning.  We went to the Hotel Conrad for drinks last night. Very posh, very nice and then out for lasagne afterwards - not so posh but very friendly with a cute waiter :-). 

Just spoken to the Aged Ps and suggested they consider getting a last minute flight out here now that my mother's chemotherapy has been delayed until next week (her blood test results weren't good enough for her to have the treatment this week even though she feels really well). They're looking into it.  Would be good for them as they may have to miss Amsterdam now given the chemo delay. I'll let you know.

And that's all for the moment.  Hope it's hot and sunny where you're reading this.  J x

Turned Out Sunny In The End

So I got a little burned on the beach I think.  It's always difficult to judge there because of the onshore breeze and the cold water. Anyway, came back via a supermarket that sells guacamole (hallelujah). The rest of the week looks to be fine as well and will be meeting up with friends of my parents tomorrow for a coffee and a meal (they have a house out here and apparently know where one can source the best lasagne in the Algarve). 

Will be watching Holby City tonight (gay snog apparently) and then the new series of The Apprentice.  By which time I'll probably be ready for bed. All this fresh air really takes it out of you... :-)  That's all. J x

Not So Sunny

Looks like the original forecast for today was correct in that its a little cloudy. Still managed to get in about an hour on the sun lounger though.  I love it when you can feel the heat sinking into your bones. Plans for the rest of the day?  Well I suppose I should have some.  Will no doubt take a wander up to the bar for a coffee and a read of the paper when the maid arrives. Afterwards will take a walk on the beach and a paddle in the Atlantic (it's always really really cold though). 

Watched a programme on Glen Campbell on BBC4 last night and have decided to change my karaoke standby number from Daydream Believer to Rhinestone Cowboy. It seems a better fit somehow... :-) J x

Is Siesta a Portugese Word?

Just asking.... zzzzzz J x

Stop Press

BBC weather forecast has just upgraded tomorrow from cloudy to sunny. That means my entire stay will now be sunny. If one can believe weather forecasts of course. Currently 22 degrees. I know how much you all appreciate me letting you know what the weather is like here so I will continue to do so.

Incidentally, does anyone know how to get the "degrees" symbol on an iPad keyboard? My life would be so much easier if I could type that rather then writing "degrees" every time... J x

Have Completely Failed...

... to obtain either guacamole or cocktail sticks at local supermarket. Now kicking myself for not packing them. :-( J x

27 degrees

Still sunny. Still just saying.... :-) J x

23 degrees and sunny

Just saying.... J x

A Pleasant Day...

....spent packing for Portugal.  DD coming round tonight for curry and lasagne.  And then early start tomorrow (0735 flight). Next posting will hopefully be from a sunny and warm villa in the Algarve. :-) J x

P.S. Had lunch with Sara yesterday. She looks and sounds well and had just finished her first exercise session at the hospital.  She is also now 3 days beyond the 4 week period following a heart attack when the threat of a repetition is at its greatest.  So well done Sara. Keep up the good work!

It's Fallen

Olympus that is.  Went to see it last night with Gill, Lesley & Joe.  What a rubbish film. The plot is full of so many holes that it makes it difficult to just even enjoy it for the action sequences and the violence.  Don't go.

Should also mention that I went to see that Steve Coogan film (the title temporarily escapes my increasingly hazy memory) about Paul Raymond with Alan.  Again, not a brilliant film (but not as bad as Olympus) and interesting to see what life for the rich and famous was like then (mostly cocaine and sex - aaaah, those were the days).... Had a good meal in Felicinis afterwards where they do a lovely lasagne.

On the film front I am also very excited about I'm So Excited, the new Almodovar film. Looks very camp.  That's all. J x

Oh This Year I'm Off To Sunny....

... Portugal! Two days to go and am very excited.  Forecast looks good so am hoping for a week of lazing in the sun, evenings walking along the beach, catching up on my reading and generally just chilling out. But I know the weather can change quickly in the Algarve (Atlantic coast and all that) so am not counting my chickens just yet.  It will, at the very least, be warmer than here. :-)

So, have been busy as usual since last we spoke.  Tuesday saw me meeting my mate from the big smoke, Donna.  We go way, way back to when I first joined the Revenue - so that's 20 years ago.  We did some of our training together and she, me, Sarah & Sarah have all stayed in touch ever since. We don't all get together as often as we'd like (London, Manchester & Leeds) but it is lovely when we do. We had a couple of cocktails in The Lowry hotel (very nice they were too and served by a young Eastern European chap - they make the best waiters I think, I still miss Martin from The Midland) and then I escorted her off the premises and to Piccadilly.  Lovely.

Wednesday saw me take my life in my hands and venture to Liverpool where I met the ever lovely Daniel for lunch.  Daniel and I were managers together in Warrington and I think I can honestly say that I felt he and I made the best team.  Our strengths really complimented each other and I never felt (truly) in competition with him (of course anyone who knows me knows that I can never really divorce myself from my competitive side and I think Daniel is the same but it was always friendly). And he is a friend.  Lunch was great apart from the venue and the food.  I think when it comes to choosing good restaurants then I win - oops there's that competitive side again.  Franco's is, I imagine, a Liverpool institution with such a good employee benefit programme that they have managed to retain their loyal workforce ever since they opened.  About 50 years ago.  Honestly our waiter was like "2 soups". And somehow the chef had managed to make a lasagne with all the sauce on the outside rather than between the layers of pasta. Very strange. But good to see him nevertheless and catch up.  PMR sounds like such fun that I almost regret retiring.... :-)

Yesterday saw me take my life even more into my hands when I had an early meeting with Macmillan. In the Asda cafe in Hulme.  Readers, you can imagine. A) It's Asda B) It's Hulme C) It's run byMcDonald's D) They had no coffee and E) It's Asda. Let no one say I am not truly a champion on behalf of cancer patients everywhere, willing to put myself through all kinds of hell to serve them. Discussed plans to increase the patient voice whilst redesigning the delivery of cancer services in Greater Manchester and I now find myself on another committee and attending a Macmillan conference in Sheffield later this month. I'm really enjoying this but find myself getting bogged down in discussions about discussions rather than actually doing stuff that makes a difference. In many ways not dissimilar to how the civil service works. I'm also finding that I'm not solving homophobia at the moment.  Maybe I'll spend some time in Portugal thinking all this through.

Readers, we should also take a little time out to welcome Dr Y to the blog.  Nurse Jackie informs me (whilst on her way to see her niece singing Eponine on the West End stage - so she's someone to know: backstage tour anyone?)  that the very lovely Dr Y will be joining our readership. Dr Y is a very refined and distinguished lady so can we keep it clean please? The fact that she drives a Mercedes sports car with a personalised number plate does not mean we should treat her like an Essex girl...!

This afternoon I will be seeing Sara so I will give her the best wishes of you all and update you on how she's doing later.  Will then be on the helpline (will pretty new ginger boy be working I wonder?) and afterwards calling in for a nightcap at carer-in-chief's.

I will also just say that I'm missing loads of people at the moment.  I am hopeless at keeping in touch but vow to do better.  So Karen, Manchester Mum & Dad, Helen, Mark & Chris, Sarah, Mike, Chris, Lisa, Ronda, Pradeep, Jim and everyone else, I'm sorry.  You are all in my thoughts and hopefully I'll see you soon - don't forget the party on 21/06....  That's all for now. J x

So....

.... Macmillan cancelled on me this morning. Me! I virtually run the organisation...

But this did allow me to run DD to MRI for her good news ears appointment.  Apparently she now has the best hearing in Christendom.

Off to the cinema tonight with Mr Y to see that Paul Raymond movie. Should be interesting because I remember Soho back in the day.

Have also now booked Amsterdam flights and hotel.  Aged Ps are doing their bookings (they fly from Cardiff) through a travel agent.

Got a bit drunk last night (now have a restocked vodka freezer) watching Mad Men with DD. She also watched The Village but I think I may have dropped off during that :-) I'm blaming the gorgeous lasagne meal cooked by Michele rather than the tumblers full of vodka...! That's all. J

Oh, I also want to say hello to Carole who sent me a lovely retirement card and letter.  Thank you. J x

I'm on a pub crawl. On a train....

Thursday saw me and Lesley off to see the 20th anniversary tour of Rent.  In Manchester for one night only.  The place was packed with squealing drama students but not in a bad way.  It just meant they were really up for the show which was good as usual.  Just one or two niggles - they had some issues with the sound and lighting at times but nothing serious.  My main concern was that they'd mucked around with the Christmas Song.  Only the best song ever in the show.  It didn't need no tweaking.  The cast were superb though.  I particularly liked the woman playing Joanne.  Lesley enjoyed it too.

Friday was coffee with Michele at Rylands for a catch up.  Good to see her and she, bless her, had made me 6 (yes count them) lasagnes with accompanying garlic bread (I know. Garlic. And bread). Thank God there was room in my freezer on account of there being no vodka there. Incidentally saw carer in chief yesterday and remonstrated with her about the fact that I'd been left with no vodka.  She however informed me that we're on a break...

Thence to The Rising Sun to say farewell and good luck in your new jobs to Gordon and Jane.  Lesley and I trotted off to The Midland later to meet with carer-in-chief and Michelle for proper (vodka based) drinks. Lesely went home early and the rest of us then did a tour of local Italian restaurants looking for one with a table free (Triple dip? No chance). Eventually settled in Croma.  Not been there since before my first cancer.  And very nice it was too even though I ate Denise's food and she ate mine.

Yesterday was the aforementioned pub crawl on a train starting in Chester at around midday and then stopping at various pubs near stations on the route back to Manchester. I think I lasted for about 6 or 7 pubs before I had to retire tired and emotional.  The others proceeded on until they eventually had a curry in Hale.  I enjoyed myself though.  Got home and cooked myself one of Michele's lasagnes and very nice it was too. Luckily this made just enough room in the freezer for me to pop in a bottle of Absolut that I'd picked up at Sainsburys on Manchester station... :-)  All is now right with the world.  And that's all for now. J x

Update

Strange but true - I actually received a complaint whilst I was typing that last post... :-) J x

It's Been A While...

.... but no complaints yet. I'm guessing certain people are away!

So London was fab.  Even Fig liked A Chorus Line which was a turn up for the books.  Rent will be next you mark my words. And we both really enjoyed our backstage tour from Danny Xmas Room (thank you Danny you're a darling, and thank you Jude for arranging it).  We then went for a meal/drink in this fabulous little Soho restaurant called Mele & Pere where their martinis are mixed using their home made vermouth. And very nice they were too. We then trekked over to Kings Cross to drink more drink and watch our friends Topping & Butch in cabaret.  They really are quite clever but the crowd left something to be desired... Got back to the hotel quite late.

Sunday saw me, Donna and Sarah tramping over Hampstead Heath to Parliament Hill (not Primrose Hill as previously advised - it was the dogs in 101 Dalmatians that went there) in the glorious sunshine.  The views over London are stupendous and you can see all the major landmarks.  We sat in the sun for a couple of hours catching up and putting the world to rights (and Sarah has offered to darn my favourite Issye Miyake socks for me - yay- I love her!). We then walked back into Hampstead for lasagne at Carluccio's - honestly I live on those at the moment.  Yum.  Sunday night was early to bed as I was knackered.

BREAKING NEWS - just been to the freezer for a Daddy's little helper only to find out I've run out of vodka. How on earth has that happened?  I think I need to speak to my carer about taking her caring duties seriously....

Monday was a day to myself so it was a stroll down to the South Bank, a walk along the river followed by a coffee in the Royal Festival Hall and then a quick tour of Tate Modern. After that I walked past St Paul's, through the City (all those young thrusting bankers in expensive suits) to the Royal Courts of Justice where I sat in on a trial for an hour or so.  V interesting it was too as it was a civil trial involving a jury and not many of those happen (only certain civil trials qualify for a jury). This one involved a woman who had been accused of assaulting the police and was bringing this prosecution alleging malicious prosecution by the police.  She had purple hair and so I was convinced of her guilt. After that it was, of course, a quick hop and a skip to Number One Aldwych for two of the best martinis in London.   And thence home via First Class where they were dispensing free vodka (I should have asked for a bottle to bring home).

Yesterday was necessarily a quiet day.

Back into the thick of things today with a Board meeting of the South Manchester Clinical Commissioning Group which I attended as a Macmillan representative - I know! Thence to the hairdresser for a cut from the lovely Cameron.  I asked him to be a bit quicker as I had helpline duties but all to no avail.  We got enmeshed in the details of his love life and I turned up 10 minutes late at the LGF. No calls tonight though so chatted to the lovely Precinct, the very pretty ginger new boy and also discovered Westeros.org online. OMG.  My next few weeks online browsing has now been set...!

And finally, MORE BREAKING NEWS, Alex Kingston will be playing Lady Macbeth opposite Kenneth Branagh at the Manchester International Festival.  I may well have died already and gone to heaven (even though it doesn't exist).

And, and, and... Rather than going home to Swansea in late May as originally planned my mother has decided she would rather we all went to Amsterdam.  I suspect this may be a different kind of holiday to the last time I was in Amsterdam with young Figgy. We both have sealed lips on what happened then.  Ask him once I'm dead.  He has my full permission to divulge at that point. :-) and that's all for now.  Off to catch up on Masterchef.  J x

Let Slip The Dogs of War

So, I've managed to scan stuff into my computer. How clever is that? More than that I think I've also managed to send the scanned documents to someone. I'm such a techy nerd.... The documents in question are my pension calculations which are nonsensical and I've sent them off to the union war dogs for them to get their teeth into and get me lots more money. That's the plan anyway. :-)

Saw Sara today for coffee (peppermint tea in her case) and she looks very good. Her blood pressure is also doing well. She's now on aspirin (I thought they'd stopped prescribing that?) and statins and other drugs too and will be so for the rest of her life. But at least she's alive and well which is good news for all of us who are her friends. :-)

Off to London tomorrow to see A Chorus Line with the delight that is Fig followed by a backstage tour of The Palladium which I'm very excited about. Sunday is a walk over Hampstead Heath to Primrose Hill for an apparently spectacular view over London. Not decided what I'm doing Monday yet but I'll let you know.

Mother's side effects starting to kick in now so she's not feeling too happy but this will pass. Doesn't make it any easier though. She has my fullest sympathies.

That's all. J x

Update

So Tuesday was Mum's chemotherapy session and after she'd had it we took a walk to the local Maggie's Centre (Swansea has one and Manchester will be getting one at The Christie). It's a fantastic building (all the centres seem to be architecturally significant) and the women we spoke to there seemed really nice. They offer all sorts of classes such as relaxation, art therapy etc.  I think Mum (and possibly Dad) may take advantage of some of them.  We also went out for a pub meal in the evening down the Mumbles which was nice.

Wednesday was the auction which went better than any of us could have hoped for so that was good and then I set off for the journey home (at about 1600). Was dreading hitting all the rush hour traffic but luckily I seemed to miss it all.  Not sure how that happened. Got back to Manchester about 2030. Was great to see the Aged Ps who seem to be both doing quite well at the moment.  It even looks as though we may get some time together in Portugal.

Today was the Macmillan Programme Board meeting which I ensured was "messy and difficult" by asking some awkward questions.  I now seem to have been landed with the task though of canvassing all patient opinion on cancer services across Greater Manchester. That should keep me busy!  That'll teach me to be messy and difficult.... Will also be attending the Board Meeting of the South Manchester Clinical Commissioning Group (the organisation that has - sort of - replaced the Primary Care Trust) next week too to talk about the patient experience.  It's being held in Wythenshawe which is lucky as I also have a cancer patient support group meeting in Wythenshawe on the same day.  Then have to rush back to Manchester for a hair cut.. phew!

Have also now sorted out all my London activities which is good and which doesn't include getting blown up at the marathon.  I don't know what it is about me and marathons as the Paris one was being run whilst we were over there too.

Seeing Sara tomorrow for coffee/herbal tea.  It will be the first time I've seen her since her heart attack but reports tell me she is doing really well which is a big relief.  I'll report back once I've seen her.

But with all this stuff going on I'm finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with all my friends.  I'm considering picking a pub and holding a drop in session once a month so that everyone can come and check up on me if they wish.  What do my blogging buddies think about this as an idea?  Let me know in comments.  And that's all for now. DD round tonight to catch up on Mad Men. Curry is on the menu.... Yum!  J x

Hailstones currently hammering down outside. There does seem to be an awful lot of weather around at the moment.. J x

Still Here...

... in the land of nothing happening. Except of course stuff did happen today. Saw the consultant this morning and it looks as though Mum will be receiving 6 cycles of chemotherapy which she is disappointed about. She'd hoped for just three (she gets her third dose tomorrow). But the consultant says that if she has 6 cycles then she may qualify for the new radiotherapy treatment offered in London (the "Cyberknife" - which sounds very scary indeed). Anyway, she'll have a scan on the 24th followed by another consultation on the 29th and we'll know more after that. Mum was also given some new anti-sickness medication - 1/4 tablets to be take once daily and they are the same tablets as I was given. Except that they'd already been split into quarters by the time they were given to me but Mum was given whole tablets plus a little plastic tablet splitter which meant she had to split them herself (or rather that I had to do it for her). Does this actually save money?

Other than that its been a quiet day. Took my father for a stroll around the park to see if his new water tablets are helping his breathing and, on the evidence today, they do seem to be working. The daffodils in the park were lovely.

Spoke to the pension people on the phone today and they might actually pay me my pension now (although I'm still in dispute with them over the whole calculation broohouha). Also looks as though my boss is now getting the money I'm owed for the work I actually did sorted out as well. If things carry on like this I might actually be able to eat any day now... :-) (I am joking of course, anyone's who has seen me recently will know that it am eating very well indeed).

And that's about all for tonight. Love to all my blogging chums out there. J x

Here I Am

In somewhat damp and overcast Swansea.  Of course it's not damp and overcast in my heart though as City are through to the FACup Final. Where they will meet Wigan. Nuff said.

Am also not damp and overcast because my (newly forgiven) friend Jude has managed to arrange a backstage tour of the London Palladium for me and Fig when we're there next Saturday for A Chorus Line.  I simply adore this musical (Fig hates it but loves me and so is making this a gift for me) but have never seen it on stage before. Very excited.  On the Sunday I am being taken on Hampstead Heath (oo er Missus) by my friends Donna and Sarah.  Again this will be a new experience for me.  Have not yet planned my Monday but it may involve the light exhibition at The Hayward.  All this and a disabled rail pass works for First Class too!  Hurrah.

This past week I have -

* Had my tooth glued back in again by the dentist (a piece of hard Parisien bread had put paid to it).  Not my usual one though as he was away :-( But Alex seemed nice too.  Well, that is right up until he told me that I'm not to put anything hard or sticky in my mouth....
* Attended a Macmillan conference on lung cancer services. That was interesting.  Dr Yvonne was on my table too which was fun.  She was a vision in coordinated burgundy.  And she has a Mercedes with personalised number plates.  It's no wonder I like her.  Have concluded though that I am not may be a typical lung cancer patient.  It seems the majority belong to something called "the lower socio-economic groups". I don't even know what that means.  Does it mean they shop in chain stores or something?
* Enjoyed myself immensely at my Manchester leaving do. To be honest I don't remember a great deal about it which is usually a good sign. I don't think any karaoke was involved though.
* Taken part in a Helpline Steering Group meeting making lots of plans for signing off our current crop of trainees.
* Had lunch with and gone shoe shopping with the lovely DD after we'd been on a break for a few days following Paris.
* Bought a shirt and a pair of shorts for Portugal. At Mrporter.com - my favourite internet store.
* Driven to Swansea and upset my Mum by not liking the soup she'd made me :-(  SorryMum.
* Completely failed to tidy my flat :-)

And I'm exhausted by all that so taking it easy in Swansea apart from the hospital visit, the auction, the coffee at friends...

Hope you all have a fab week and ill be back in Manchester Wednesday night ready for another Macmillan thing on Thursday. That's all. J x

Apologies

People are complaining (again) that I'm not keeping up to date with this blog.  Sorry but I've been a bit busy lately. Off to Swansea tomorrow where life is a lot slower so will update you all from there... J x

Safe & Sound

We're back. Whilst I had a fantastic time in Paris it was good to be back in my own bed again. Journey was fine.  Just taking it nice and easy today. :-) J x

Sunshine

Finally. Spring has arrived in Paris. Spent some time today sat in the sunshine in the Tuileries gardens. Proper lovely it was. Had attempted to get into the Musee D'Orsay but the queues were ridiculous so we gave up. Out tonight locally for a meal and found a fabulous Italian restaurant. I had a pasta dish for the main course which was prepared by pouring some grappa onto a wheel of Parmesan cheese, flaming the alcohol and then scraping off the softened Parmesan which was then used in the pasta sauce. Fabulous. Also rediscovered the Americano cocktail that I used to adore when I lived in Toulouse. Relatively early night tonight as have journey home tomorrow. We leave Paris about 1600 and get back to Manchester at around 2100. How fantastic is that for a train journey?  Will see you all soon therefore... :-) J x

Something Witty in French

Arc de Triomphe was a triumph. Views are spectacular. Had to stop half way up the stairs though to catch my breath. But I wasn't the only one out of breath. Ritz less successful as its closed for refurbishment. Went to Napoleons Bar (best olives I've ever tasted and Lesley went nuts for the barman's nuts) then to William Bar (über trendy but now called something else). Had a great evening and got very drunk on vodka and sweet martini!  I know.

This morning was a slow start but went to Notre Dame. It's all a bit tacky in there now just on account of the number of tourists.  Walked for miles looking for a recommended restaurant for lunch only to find it closed. Went somewhere expensive where we didn't like the waiters instead. Bought a shirt using the money from my leaving present.  Thank you guys. Now having a lie down at the hotel then out to some trendy bars later. Will update you with exploits tomorrow.

Sending out big love to Sara who is in hospital following a heart attack. She sounds like she's doing OK but we'll find out more when we're back. That's all. J x

Paris Fatigué

God Paris is exhausting. Walked from the hotel this morning (we're virtually in the banlieue) to the Louvre and then spent a couple of hours there but saw only a fraction. DD and Lesley did the big stuff whereas I saw more obscure bits (my favourite being the Byzantine art - all gold and sparkly - but not as over the top as Napoleon's apartments). Now at hotel for a lie down (they're still out there). Arc de Triomphe and the Ritz this evening. :-) Bonne journee a tous. J x

Arrived In Paris

Journey was great but hotel is a little underwhelming. But its an adventure. Currently the French parliament are discussing same sex marriage if you're interested. Denise has found a gay porn channel on the telly but I haven't... :-) Thats all. J x

It's All Over

Today is my last day in HMRC. If anyone has any official secrets they want to tell me about you'll need to do it today. Although, to be fair, I'm still covered by the Official Secrets Act going forward...

It's a sad day but I still have lots to look forward to. I'm ending homophobia in football (again) this afternoon and then I'm off to Paris tomorrow morning. Then it's a conference on lung cancer the day after I get back from Paris. And, I've now found a project that involves being gay and having cancer all at the same time. It's like there's someone out there creating projects especially for me. Watch out for the gay/cancer/expensively dressed project soon... :-)

Now all I need is some money to pay for all this.... That's all. J x

Stuff I Forgot To Mention

So whilst in London I shared a room with Lesley.  It was a dream. That woman is lovely.

There was an unfortunate underwear incident. Unfortunately I am bound by human decency and the bonds of friemdship from revealing the exact nature of the incident or indeed the names of the people involved.  Rest assured the incident will be seared on my retinas for evermore.

Denise and I had a row. Shocking I know but she and I do occasionally fall out.  Rest assured I have since apologised (even though it wasn't my fault).

The Somerset House do was truly amazing.  All the vodka consumed helped.

Dr Yvonne officially told me I am overweight.  Not yet obese but I am well on my way.  I need to sort this out somehow.  I suspect that now I am no longer going to work and physically chastising my team (honestly that was the best bit) I am not using up the calories I was before.  I either need to do more exercise or eat less food or drink less alcohol.  Since Dr Yvonne has told me to drink more alcohol and Nurse Jackie has similarly encouraged me I shall need to work on the two former things.

I've also not told you about the karaoke leaving do.  What a fantastic do it was.  It started in the office with a 7 page speech from Richard (a team member) accompanied by a slide show (thank you all my bastard friends for supplying pics - you know who you are).  I also received £250. What a fabulous sum. And a letter from Lin Homer.  I was really touched by this and the effort that had gone into obtaining it.

Thence to The Cotton Mill and karaoke.  I took part in Daydream Believer (solo number), I Got You Babe (me and Richard who was channeling my PS) and Bohemian Rhapsody (me and all the boys). All the girls did Delilha for me. Karl did This Charming Man and Richard and Sam did Let's Get Ready To Rumble.  Fucking fantastic.

And that's all.  Have been drunkenly texting Fig tonight whilst watching Andrew Lloyd Weber.  It happens. That really is all. J x

Back In The Land Of Snow And Ice

Back safe and sound in Manchester after my adventures in the big smoke.  London was good. Saw the Pompeii exhibition at the British Museum.  Very good and very interesting.

The main reason for the visit though was the theatrical experience in the basements of Somerset House. Truly incredible venue, the basements are cavernous and like a rabbit warren. The experience was fantastic. The event is a little complicated to describe fully here but involved domestic appliances taking over the world. It also, rather unexpectedly, involved a lot of the actors taking off all their clothes and wandering around naked. Quite different!

Of course we spent most of our time eating and drinking! One of the best places was Smiths in Smithfiled Market. It's owned by that chap off Masterchef (not the bald one) and was a fabulous venue (although a little expensive).

Now have a couple of days to recoup my energies (whilst washing and ironing) before heading off to Paris. It's all go....

Last night saw Game of Thrones back on our screen.  Just as fabulous as ever.  That's all.  J x

Good News

So off to MRI first thing yesterday with Madam and her ears. Looking better there and I'm no longer having to shout...

Thence to Wythenshawe in the afternoon to see Dr Yvonne. She agrees I'm overweight but she's not worried about that (although I am - she's not seen me sunbathing in a swimming costume!). News from the X ray is that my lung tumour hasn't grown since the end of my treatment which is very good news. The MRI scan has shown cancer on my spine but this too seems to have responded to the chemotherapy. I do need to be very careful about this though. Spines are tricky things and there's all sorts of nerves involved. So I need to keep an eye out for random nerve pain or numbness and report it immediately. Otherwise she'll see me in 6 weeks. I'm happy with all that.

Asked about travel insurance. The problem is "repatriation". One can get treated in Europe for emergency medical events under the EHIC card. However, if one falls ill and needs longer term treatment then one needs to be repatriated and that costs (air ambulances etc don't come cheap). However Dr Yvonne told me about Swiss Assist. This is a card you can buy for €60 and you are covered for air ambulance travel home for a year and it covers the whole of Europe. Doesn't matter if you're already ill when you buy the card just so long as you're not in an "acute" phase of your illness. Sorted. Just now need to get the £30 insurance to cover my luggage etc. obviously it means I can't travel outside Europe but then I wasn't planning to anyway.

Cinema last night to see Cloud Atlas which is a very strange film. It has a stellar cast though all playing multiple roles. It didn't help that the heating system in the cinema wasn't working properly either. After about half an hour I thought I wasn't going to enjoy it but as the film went on the more you got drawn in. There are some lovely humorous bits in there (especially in the high security rest home) and seeing the lovely Ben Whishaw snogging a man is worth anyone's money. The various stories gradually have points of intersection and its quite fun spotting where they overlap. It's a long film though - going on for 3 hours - so you do need to persevere. I'd probably recommend waiting until its shown on telly and seeing it then.

Lunch with Nurse Jackie today at Alchemist. Looking forward to seeing her. That's all for now. J x

Two Hospitals And The Cinema

That's either the title for a film or my schedule for the day... :-)

MRI at 9830 (not my appointment) followed by Wythenshawe at 1330 (my appointment) and then the cinema at 1730. Phew. It's almost like I could do with a holiday...

... which is proving a little problematic. Thought I'd cruise the net for some travel insurance yesterday and those few companies that are willing to insure me are coming in at between £1100 and £1600. For a four day trip to Paris. Unbelievable. I thought the whole point of insurance was that you lot paid a little extra on your insurance so that I could have a reasonably priced holiday. If its all tied into individual circumstances what is the f***ing point? Might as well just self-insure. So come on you lot. Get in touch with your insurance companies and tell them you want to pay extra... The alternative of course is to exclude the cancer from the insurance. In which case the premium comes down to £30. I will be talking to my consultant this afternoon about what to do for the best.

Helpline last night and had two calls. One of them a wank call which is always refreshing. Trust me, he didn't stay on the line long once I realised what was happening. The other call lasted for an hour with a clinically depressed person who has all sorts of things going on in their life. Hope I helped.

Seeing Cloud Atlas tonight with the lovely Gill. Not sure quite what it's all about but am fairly sure it won't be as bad as Broken City which we saw last week. That's all. J x

Momentous Events (Not Really)

So, this blog approaches its 7 year anniversary (27 March 2006 was my first ever posting) and I approach my 1000th post (this posting is number 995). And Hilda is 80 years old.  Fantastic stuff.

Anyway, in respect of the latter event, DD and I took her out for a curry yesterday and very nice it was too.  Bloody freezing out in the open though. We went to the Radisson first for champagne and vodka.  Unfortunately the place was somewhat overrun by hairdressers (yes, there was an actual convention) and tall wispy models who's up-dos had been mostly annihilated by the wind. So service was a little slow.  In recognition of this the rather cute barman gave us our drinks for free. How fab is that?

Then it was back to DDs for coffee, Countryfile and Corrie to find out who died in the fire (we still don't know). Altogether a lovely day.

Not much on the agenda today. Indeed nothing until my helpline shift this evening.  I shall endeavour to tackle mountains of paperwork therefore. Just as soon as I've made myself another coffee. And maybe a biscuit or two... That's all.  J x

Wouldn't You Simply Die Without Mahler?

Ten points to anyone who can tell me who spoke those words and in which film. At least that's how I remember the quote anyway.  Best of luck.

But, frankly, Mahler is pants.  I'm reliably informed that his 10th symphony - which is the one we saw - is his worst. And it wasn't even wholly written by him as he dies before he finished it and someone else came along and made it all even more unintelligible.  And the slew of hemiolas in the fifth movement really put the icing on the cake for me.  Although the notes tangling like bindweed through the orchestra ran this a close second.  I am paraphrasing the programme notes here...

Anyway, if you're going to see some Mahler apparently his 2nd symphony is the one to see.

Had a good night out in Liverpool anyway (words I thought I would never write) as we went to Alan's favourite bar and restaurant.  They're now also my favourite bar and restaurant in Liverpool. And they're just around the corner from the Philharmonic Hall which was convenient as we were late leaving the restaurant and had to run through the snow. Train was delayed coming home so had to wait 20 minutes on the platform but no one killed us which was good.

Curry for lunch today. Yum.  Followed by Coronation Street round at DD's. That's all.  J x

It's a Cold

Had an OK night last night although I did have one of my (now luckily rare) night sweats. And my temperature is back to normal. But I'm coughing and sneezing today so I think the whole temperature vomiting thing was just the start of a cold. Lets hope so anyway. I'm seeing my consultant on Tuesday for the results of the MRI scan so if anything is still worrying me then I can ask her.

Off to Liverpool this evening to see the Liverpool Philharmonic play Mahler. I trust that it will be a little more intelligible than what we saw them do last time (no, can't remember) but I'm fairly sure the composer won't turn up this time. :-)

Hopefully the wind won't blow the train off the tracks although it did manage to blow one of the trees on my terrace over last night. No one was hurt. But I've got to go out there and put it back up soon.

Out for a(nother) curry tomorrow but otherwise taking things easy ahead of my Warrington leaving do followed by London & Paris & Manchester leaving do. Phew. That's all for now.  J x

Update

So today hasn't been too bad although I'm starting to feel achy and shivery now. Temperature has stayed down though (36.6 at the moment). Should probably go to bed early but it's The Walking Dead tonight and I love that...

Had a haircut this afternoon and Cameron has worked his usual magic. I look much better. :-) And Hilda is back from Cyprus so my flat looks much nicer too. J x

Oh and just so we're clear...

... I had one pint of Peroni yesterday. At lunchtime. With food (and with good company). This is not drink related. Thank you. J x

Temperature at 37.0

That's a bit better and hopefully it will continue to fall. Not been sick again and managed a couple of hours sleep.  Feel tired and rotten now though.  And my cleaner is coming today.  May retire to the spare room...

Temperature at 37.8

That isn't good. If it stays there too long I'll have to call the chemotherapy unit. Bollocks. Have taken paracetomol to see if it comes down.

But whilst lying here it suddenly occurs to me that I haven't seen my good friends the Murrays for far too long. Jane and Bill, once this temperature is sorted out I'm coming for you... :-) J x

Apropos of nothing...

... I've just been sick. Not violently but vomiting nonetheless. Still feeling a bit hot and shivery so anticipate maybe being sick again. I will monitor and let you know. Wish I hadn't let that carer go otherwise I'd be straight on the phone to her... :-) J x

Cooking Doesn't Get Tougher Than This

Enjoying the new series of Masterchef. Dale is my favourite so far.  Early days yet though.

Had lunch at Carluccio's today with Liverpool's brand new BLM.  He seems very excited to have the job and is full of ideas. The other BLMs will love that. He enjoyed the food and I enjoyed looking at the pretty new waiter...

Off to the cinema later with the lovely Gill (birthday girl for tomorrow) but not quite sure what we're seeing.  It's got Marky Mark in it though so let's hope he flashes his pants.  He does still do that doesn't he?

Gone bloody cold again.  Will Spring never arrive? Thank God for all my foreign trips... J x

Oh And You Know What Else?

71,108.  Just saying... J x

You Know What?

When one has a terminal illness, there is almost nothing finer in the world than to get pissed with good friends. I just want to say thank you to all my good friends for getting pissed with me (or at the very least watching me get pissed without being all censorious about it). Cirrhosis, Schmirrhosis.... :-) J x

Moan Moan Moan

So some readers are complaining that I don't blog enough (you know who you are). Tough.  This isn't a democracy.  This is my blog and I'll not blog if I want to.

Having said that, I am very sensitive to my dear readers' views and will therefore try to do better.  So what's been happening? Usual busy stuff -

Mockingbird at The Royal Exchange last night. Absolutely brilliant.  Great cast, great production although the story is a little dated now. But still powerful. Followed by drinks at Annie's (despite the "closed" notice on the door (nothing stops DD). Great to see Chris and Dave too.  And food at DD's was great.

Lunch today with the lovely Jim at Bents. Went looking for a plant stand but didn't find what I was looking for and so have ordered one on Amazon. It's to grow my seeds on should I manage to germinate any of the ones currently living in my fridge.

Helpline tonight after watching the Coronation Street fire at DD's first.  Have heard from the LGF on my ideas to end homophobia and I have been referred to Graham and Andrew whoever they might be.  Please continue to watch this space.

Have also received an offer on the flat in Brighton.  And there are 2 people interested so let's hope they get into a fierce bidding war... And that's all for now.  J x

What's the buzz....

.... tell me what's a happening.  Honestly, I wish I knew.  The past is like a foreign country to me.  My memory is so fucked that I can barely remember my name.  I'm not blaming the cancer for this (for once) as I think it's just that senility has set in early for me. I know its a real trial for my friends (whoever they might be). Rest assured that you all are still important to me.  It's that I just can't remember why.  Or indeed who you are.

So want can I remember?  I can remember coming third in the quiz at the Ape & Apple. I can remember going clubbing with Ben and Nic after the quiz (at an Hawaiian cocktail bar).  And I can remember enjoying it. I can remember defending PMR to a bunch of trainees.  I can remember getting into an argument about the holocaust with one particular trainee (yes, trainees can be Nazis). And that's about it.

Subsequently I can remember having an MRI scan at Wythenshawe hospital.  But that was uneventful apart from the fact that the radiographers (I don't think they're actually called that but I don't know the technical term is for a person who operates an MRI scanner) were twats. I can remember going for a curry with DD and Ev and Cyril at that new place on Deansgate (Imli?) and enjoying the food and the company.

I can remember going to the Glam exhibition at Tate Liverpool with Ronda. I didn't particularly enjoy the exhibition but I enjoyed Ronda and I bought a present for the lovely Fig.

Oh, and I also remember getting a Premium Bond win.  £25. Can't be bad... That's all for now.  J x

Crane Watch

I can see two new cranes from my windows this morning.  Proof of the economy picking up?  Watch this space.... Pub quiz tonight.  In the Ape & Apple.  Indeed. No more to be said.... J x

Good News

Gill passed her resit. Hurrah. Masterchef is back on TV. Double hurrah. Hoping for more good news too from today's interviews although I shouldn't think we'll hear today.

Less good news is the fact that I was unable to completely end homophobia in football yesterday. It may take me a little longer... However, I've floated the idea with the LGF and they're going to have a think about my suggestions and get back to me. I'll let you know how that goes.

Lunch is on the menu for today but other than that its paperwork and cleaning kitchen cupboards (no, I haven't finished them yet).  That's all for now. J x

Morning All

Brrrr. Bit parky yesterday. And I chose to visit a garden - albeit a winter garden - at Dunham Massey in the company of the redoubtable Madame La T. It was bloody freezing and bloody expensive and the soup was rubbish. Not something I'd recommend. Except of course I'd always recommend spending time with Mrs T as she is like a sunny day and a warm hug all wrapped up in a bundle of loveliness.

Then to the Rain Bar for drinks and more interview trial runs. That was dead quiet and cold too.

Mother is doing not too badly at the moment as she's over the side effects of her first chemo cycle but has developed a cold. Father too has a cold which, as ever, has gone to his chest so he is on antibiotics at the moment. I wish them both the best for a speedy recovery.

Of course today I'll be ending homophobia in football (at about 1130) so I'll let you know how that goes later. That's all for now. J x

P.S. Good luck to Gill for her results today. J xxxxxxx

Priorities People

So I blog about cancer activism and ending homophobia and not a peep from anyone in comments. However, as soon as I mention Bonnie Tyler and Eurovision things start kicking off.  I blame the coalition....

But anyway.... So the cancer conference was good. Lots of goodwill from some incredibly clever and talented people who genuinely want to do the best for patients (or "users" as we're called - could be worse, could be customers: actually I don't mind the use of the term "customer" but that's a whole other debate). They are also, properly to my mind, concerned with value for money and efficiency. I hope I brought a touch of realism to proceedings e.g. When the Director of Nursing stated that nurses wanted to do a brilliant job I pointed out that there were a large group of nurses who actually didn't care whether they did a brilliant job or not.  I pulled the Director of St Anne's Hospice up on a statement she made (but don't worry, I checked afterwards that it would still be OK for me to go there!). I felt like I added real value.  I even got interviewed for a Macmillan DVD... Plus I think I've been co-opted onto the Strategic Programme Management Group which sounds like a whole lotta fun :-) My next meeting is on 10/04 (don't know where yet) so I'll keep you informed. I'll be ending homophobia on Tuesday next week.

Michele came round last night to trial run her canapés. That woman is super-talented in the kitchen and the canapés were fantastic.  We also watched Argo on blu-ray. Fab film. Deserved the Oscar. We then watched a programme on BBC4 about New York Rock Gods. All the usual suspects, Lou Reed, New York Dolls etc but also Antony Hegarty which seemed a touch incongruous to me.  I love his voice though and maybe need to do a little background research on him.

Quiet day today - more kitchen cupboard cleaning if I can be bothered. Followed by a mock interview to conduct later. DD will also be taking part so I'm expecting questions on how HMRC solves its post-room problems.... :-) That's all for now. J x

Had to blog...

...as just discovered that Bonnie Tyler will be representing me (I mean us) at Eurovision this year (May 18 - mark your diaries now). Boom. Guaranteed win for the UK.... :-) J x

Busy And Hungover

So out with Toby last night for a drink which turned into a meal and lots of drinks. How does that happen?  He brought Chris, his tutor, along initially and it was great to see her as have not seen her for ages.

Today was my pre- meeting meeting with the Macmillan cancer people ahead of the conference on Friday. Have been given a list of attendees and its all Director of this, Chief Finance Officer of that. All pretty high profile.  Will be interesting to see how I get along with them all. Macmillan people seemed to be suitably impressed with me (and why wouldn't they be?) and have asked me to consider joining the steering group for this project (which is planned to last for 3 years and has a budget of £6m). Obviously I haven't got 3 years but I think I may well join the steering group as there are lots of London conferences to attend and you get your expenses paid!  Obviously that wouldn't be my prime motivation (no seriously, it isn't) but I do have a lot to say on the provision of care (as any reader of this blog will know) and I do want to be able to make a difference.

Then it was on to more prosaic pursuits this evening and a visit to the cinema with the lovely Gill to see the latest Die Hard which is pretty much exactly how you expect a Die Hard film to be and none the worse for that. Had fun.

Tomorrow is another busy day (but with the benefit of an early night tonight) as am having lunch with Jude at Carluccio's, doing a load of pre-reading for Friday and doing my first shift in six months on the Helpline. Phew.  Incidentally I have arranged a meeting with the LGF volunteer coordinator for next week to discuss how I will be ending homophobia in the football community. Wish me luck.  And that's all for tonight. I'm sure there's loads I've forgotten but I want to get an early night... :-) J x

Two Days

So it's been 2 days since I last posted. Sorry about that. Clearly I've just been having too much fun (and too many hangovers!).

So Friday night was martinis in Panacea with DD and Ev. That was very nice and not been there for ages. Felt a little delicate on Saturday morning but it was off to Manchester Art Gallery for the Raqib Shaw exhibition. The artist has decorated the outside of the gallery too with plants and flowers which look fantastic - do get down there and have a look if you get a chance. Also please make the effort to see the exhibition inside as it will blow your mind. The colour and sparkle and vibrancy of the paintings is overwhelming and really worth the effort.  I'll definitely be going back to see it.

Saturday night was a night out with my trainees at the Comedy Store on Deansgate Locks. What a brilliant night. Of course it was the usual thing with the comedians with 2 of them being really good and 2 of them being just OK. But a great night out nevertheless with the guys and their (for the most part) pregnant partners. To Atlas Bar for after-show drinks and then to Neighbourhood with Daniel and Sharon who stuck it out longer than most (hard drinking Yorkshire persons that they are!). We must do it again and I'm suggesting we go to the new upmarket bowling alley in the Great Northern.  Will check it out with DD and others first to make sure it's worth the trip to Manchester for the rest of them.

Then yesterday was a late lunch (once early morning hangovers had been dealt with) with DD and Lesley at Rosso (my first time there) and I was impressed both with the venue and the food and the martinis (yes, more vodka). I think the service left a little to be desired though. We then popped into Avalnche and Albert's Chop House before Lesely and DD headed off for a pub quiz in Castlefield.  I was flagging by this stage and so made my excuses and left.

Busy week ahead (starting with lunch today with my very good friend Pat from Wrexham) and then loads of other stuff that I'll fill you in on as the week progresses.  DD is having one of her incommunicado weeks (which given her continuing deafness is probably no bad thing since I know she finds it very frustrating) so I won't see her until next weekend.

And that's all I can think of to tell you about at the moment.  Good luck to Gill with her resit which happens today. J x

Happy St David's Day

First of all, congratulations to the Lib Dems on winning Eastleigh. A very good result.  Ooooooh, politics. Controversial!

Attended a training session at the LGF last night on "talking to strangers". It was mostly about good communication techniques and strategies and so didn't tell me anything terribly new.  Was good fun though and met some new people (i.e. I talked to some strangers!). Job done. It also allowed me to sign up for some helpline sessions in March so I'm now officially back on the rota which I'm really pleased about. There was a guy on the helpline whilst I was signing on the rota who I'd helped train months and months ago (of course I had no recollection and so it was like talking to another stranger!). He reminded me that we'd discussed where he was going with his life and I'd encouraged him to apply to university to follow his dream of getting a qualification (and thereby a career) in mental health nursing (which was the field he was already working in). And guess what?  He did so and has been accepted on a degree course at Salford University. I am over the moon about that and was able to hide my disappointment that the university is in Salford... Good for him. Really pleased.

Have also decided that the LGF needs to raise its game a bit.  They talk about "fighting homophobia" as their raison d'être and yet appear to be doing no work in the football community, the catholic community or the black community.  All communities where homophobia is particularly visible.  I suspect this is because they are seen as difficult areas to tackle but that's no reason not to try.  My mission now is to get the organisation involved in these areas.  I'll let you know how I get on.

And talking of activism, I've also been contacted by the Macmillan cancer charity about the "Cancer Voices" initiative I signed up for.  I'm now getting involved in a project shaping the delivery of cancer services in Manchester (primary care - GPs, secondary care - hospitals, and community care - social services and local councils and including palliative care). Quite excited about this and it sounds like there's a big budget and its high profile. I'm going to a conference at Old Trafford cricket ground next week involving all sorts of high profile people. In fact, this is so high profile that I have to attend a pre-meeting meeting at Wythenshawe hospital on 06/03! Good job I'm now able to talk to strangers. No idea yet what I'm going to wear though.... suit? jeans? onesie? We didn't cover what to wear when talking to strangers at my training. Something else I'll need to sort out clearly...

Also now learned what the programme for the Manchester International Festival will be in July and so trying to arrange dates and events to attend.  Not easy at all.... But I have a clear day today so need to crack on with this and also start to tackle the mound of paperwork I have.  May have chance to blog later but given the length of this entry you should all have enough to be getting on with :-) That's all. J x

A Secret Revealed

Well I had no idea that including the phrase "a top secret adventure" in a blog post would have such an effect on everyone.  Clearly you don't like me having secrets...

Anyway, I can now reveal that the secret adventure was, in fact, a trip to a garden centre to buy a couple of rose bushes.  These were gifts for Ev and Michele for them to remember the people they have lost recently.  I wasn't going to mention this fact before we'd given the gifts obviously. Both Michele and Ev were very appreciative of the nice surprise so it was worth the trip and the hassle of receiving endless texts demanding to know what the big secret was...!

Mum had her first chemo session yesterday which went quite well apart from the fact that the nurse had problems getting the cannula in.  Why aren't all nurses proficient at this skill?  It's an absolute basic requirement of hospital treatment (especially on a chemo ward) and so they should all be good at it but a surprising number of them aren't. And as far as I can see no-one cares or checks up. We'll just have to wait and see now how hard the side effects hit her this time round.  Fingers crossed it won't be too bad.

A nice lunch yesterday with Gill and Cath and then DD was round in the evening to catch up on some recorded TV. Lunch again today, this time with Daniel and Jane, but not much else.  Never fear though, I have a long list of stuff that I need to do so wont be sitting around idly feeling sorry for myself.  That's all for now. May blog later providing I get some of the way through my long list. :-) J x

Catch Up

So, to stay outwith the World of Gay for the moment, the football was good, and exciting and we won which is always good.  In addition Swansea won the cup which was good to see even if the match itself was a bit of a walkover. Here endeth the sports news.

And back in the World of Gay am somewhat wishing I'd recorded the Oscars if only for the musical interludes which, in addition to my diva La Bassey, included Danny Radcliffe and Katie Zeta-Jones. May see if I can find the programme on catch-up this afternoon as am out for lunch today with the lovely Gill and the lovely Cath.

Yesterday was excellent fun too with the lovely Sarah & Sarah (from Leeds and London respectively). We met in Restaurant Bar & Grill, then went to Alchemist for some food and thence to Harvey Nichols for far too many espresso martinis.  But it was great to see them both and I had a lovely time although am suffering somewhat this morning.

Still unable to divulge reasons for secret adventure so,please stop nagging. All will be made clear shortly... That's all for now.  J x

P.S. it's my Mum's first chemotherapy session this afternoon so I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing her all the best for that.  Thanks.

Football

Off to the Chelsea match today. On the new tram service. Very exciting. Will blog later. J x

Woo Hoo

70,021 as at this moment.  Fucking brilliant. Never mind that most of those hits are probably me...!

Very pleasant evening round at Madame's last night. Soup all round and copious episodes of soap.  Then had to solve the problem of the stereo not working (why does everyone think I'm a technical genius?). Anyway, problem was solved by - you guessed it - switching it off and then switching it on again... Calm restored.  Madame is a little deaf at the moment as a result of her cold (which seems a lot better otherwise I'm pleased to report) but given that I'd just spent 4 days with the Aged Ps, speaking at the top of my voice is not a problem for me.

Me and her are off one top secret adventure this afternoon so look out for future reports

Incidentally...

.... this blog is 17 page views off from having 70,000 hits. Thank you blog-lurkers everywhere.... :-) J x

Home Safe

Journey was fine. Round to DD's for soup and catch/check up tonight.... J x

A Win and a Fail

So I managed to sort out my Dad's computer problems.  Essentially I just pressed lots of buttons until it seemed to work OK and the rogue messages just disappeared :-) However, I was unable to set up his Sky Box for catch up TV because I was unable to set up his computer to operate wirelessly (and yes, I did turn it off and then turn it on again). Even having bought a wireless adapter and followed all the instructions I couldn't get it to operate wirelessly which meant I couldn't move the router so that it plugged into the Sky Box. Hey ho. He just have to get a man out to do it.

Not much else to report.  DD still ill and bored. She's even been reduced to doing the ironing and washing up.  Will this illness turn her into a domestic goddess?  Watch this space... That's all. J x

Spring-Like

Yesterday was a beautiful day here in Welsh Wales. We went to the National Botanic Gardens (no trip to Swansea is complete without a visit). They've done a lot of work in the glasshouse tidying up and cutting back and it looks much better for it.  Just proves the adage that less is more.  We also had a lovely lunch and a browse around the shop before returning home to watch Bargain Hunt and Pointless!

Have decided on a number of holidays en famille for some of my mother's "good weeks" during her chemotherapy (London and the Forest of Dean) and a trip to Edinburgh in July once she's (hopefully) over the treatment. Malta is off the agenda for now.  And, assuming we're all still here and well enough we fancy a Scandanavian cruise next summer.

DD has seen the doctor and learned she has a virus. All well and good and she just needs to wait it out therefore but that doesn't help her with feeling crap - which she does.  Hope you're all sending her good wishes and looking after her until I get back on Friday and can resume my caring duties.  We have a Mutually Assured Caring pact... Have various family duties to undertake today (coffee with neighbours and visits to cousins) and then tomorrow I put on my tech hat I order to sort out father's computer and set the telly up for receiving catch-up telly on the telly. Wish me luck with that. :-) And that's all for now. Sunshine has just disappeared down here so that's the Swansea summer over and done with. Hope it's warmer where you are. J x

Good News

Saw mum's oncologist this morning. Whilst they cannot provide a cure for her cancer they think that she responds brilliantly to chemotherapy and so she should have many years ahead of her.  She will therefore start chemotherapy straight away.  And if this shrinks her tumour sufficiently then she may qualify for the enhanced radiotherapy treatment now available (aka the "cyber-knife" - which sounds very scary but probably isn't). Unfortunately this means that she'll miss being able to go to Portugal for the time share. But we can arrange a family holiday for later in the year when she gets her strength back.  Dad fancies Malta. Anyone know anything about Malta?

We can also perhaps look at the Forest of Dean (where I'd like to go) on one of her "good weeks". That's all for now. J x

Arrived

Now safely in Swansea.  Journey was good as the roads were really quiet. Was unable to take my normal route though as the M50 was closed.  This meant taking the M4 and crossing the Severn Bridge and paying £6.20 to get into Wales.  Into Wales.  Any amount is too much but £6.20 is just having a laugh. They should charge it to get out. In fact they cold charge pretty much an amount they liked to get out...

Aged Ps doing as well as can be expected.  Seeing Mum's oncologist tomorrow so should know more then. That's all for now. J x

Priscilla, Fab

Don't get me wrong.  Priscilla was never going to be great theatre and it isn't.  But as a fun night out its hard to beat.  Just accept that what you are seeing is a drag show on stage and you'll have a great time - as did all three of us.  And if anyone ever needed proof that Jason Donovan isn't gay then just watch this show. He hasn't a clue how to play gay.  In fact he's the worst thing in this show.

And it's saved from being as appalling as Mamma Mia by having a story and fitting the (additional) songs around that rather than concocting a story to match the songs.  And it's full of drag queens.  What more could you ask for? And it was the start of the second half of the new season of The Walking Dead last night too.  Just fab-a-rooney.

Have just completed the first of today's two mercy missions to DD. Medication on the first run and groceries on the second. But I'm off to Swansea tomorrow for a week and so won't be around to keep an eye on her.  Could people just check up on her from time to time to make sure she's alright?  Thank you.  That's all for now.  Next blog may be from Swansea... J x

Third Time Lucky

So it was back to the dentist today. He's used so much glue sticking the tooth back in this (third) time that I think I may be high for a whole month!

Last night was a lovely night out with DD and Michele to celebrate the end of this chemotherapy cycle. Started in The Midland followed by a meal in Carluccio's (where we were the only "group" - everyone else was in a couple: must have had something to do with the date). And then nightcaps at the Radisson.  Got home about 0130. Lovely.

I've just been reminded by Madame La T that I've omitted to post a review of Lincoln.  I really enjoyed the film and am convinced that Daniel Day Lewis deserves an Oscar for his performance. The film focuses on a quite short period in Lincoln's life - his struggle to get the necessary votes to pass the 13th amendment - but that means that you get sufficient detail to really get under the skin of the principle characters. Very good.

Off to see Priscilla Queen of the Desert tonight.  I don't hold out great hopes for it and sadly DD is too unwell to come along. So just me, Lesley and Sara. We'll just have to make the best of it... :-) J x

David Beckham Pants

What do we reckon? J x

Not So Good News

My tooth has fallen out again. I suspect I may have to just get used to the gap... Am seeing the lovely Lance again tomorrow.  J x

Good News

Saw Dr Yvonne at the clinic this morning and she thinks I'm doing "brilliantly". She says I've responded really well to treatment and that augurs well for any future treatments I may have. She said that despite lowering the chemotherapy dose after the first cycle, I'd still had a really tough chemotherapy regime and she was happy with how I'd responded to that. I'm dead chuffed about all this.

Also, have had my ill health retirement approved. I've not received my copy of the paperwork yet but my boss has. I'm pleased (and also not pleased at the same time) about this. I'm really going to miss work. And what the hell am I going to do with the time available me when I'm not abroad? Will need to come up with a cunning plan. Dr Yvonne doesn't recommend the gym though which is a relief as I could see that is where the carer-in-chief's thoughts were going... She thinks I just need gentle exercise which is just fine by me. Carer in chief has therefore picked me up a leaflet on complementary therapies so we're looking at yoga and meditation and massage....

Off out tonight with DD and Michele to celebrate the end of this cycle of chemo. I won't be seeing the doctor for 6 weeks now. I'll also need to have an MRI scan to check out my spine as the last CT scan showed something up even though the PET scan hadn't. Dr Yvonne doesn't think this is anything to worry about but wants to check it out anyway. MRI scan will happen some time in the next 6 weeks.

And that's all for the moment. Have to get out of the flat now as my cleaner is here and I don't want to get in her way so I'm off to the Whitworth gallery for a look at the Piper exhibition. J x

Toothsome

Saw Lance yesterday and now have my tooth glued back in again. :-) No hug this time though. :-( I knew it was probably a mistake to hang onto him for quite so long last time...

Still feeling good and have last clinic appointment tomorrow. Not entirely sure what happens after that but I'll let you know when I know.

Saw the lovely Lesley for coffee after the dentist and then put DD on a train to London. She's back late tonight.  Seeing Gill later to go and see Lincoln. I'm really looking forward to that.

On he news front, the pope thing was a bit of a surprise. Who knew he was allowed to resign? Let's hope we get a liberal one next time round...

And that's all for now. Talking to my boss later and apparently the ill health retirement stuff has arrived in the office and its been approved. Yay. Now just need to work out dates and stuff. Again, you'll get the details as soon as I have them. J x

P.S. Much love to Penny who is now recovering at home.  Thinking of you honey. J xxx

Morning All

Yesterday was a good day. Still feeling OK.  Had a night sweat (not had one for ages now) but otherwise no symptoms of anything. Went out for lunch with Jim followed by a few drinks on Canal Street which was nice (not been there in ages). Then DD, fresh from Nottingham, came round to watch the BAFTAs. Thought most of the winners were the right choices but thought Stephen Fry was dreadful. I'm not a fan of his at the best of times but thought his presentation was excruciating and very unfunny.  Liked the very bright yellow dress (Dior) but little else.  Anne Hathaway looked good though. As did George Clooney.

Hygienist appointment this morning and will need to try and get an emergency appointment with my dentist (the very beautiful Lance) to see if there's anything else he can do about my missing tooth.  That's all for now. J x

Who'd Have Thought?

Absolutely fabulous meal at Mum&Dad's last night. Delicious vegetable curry and, given that everything was so delicious, I decided to have a go at the chicken.  First meat I've eaten (pâté apart) since my cancer treatment last time.  The chicken satay and tandoori chicken were gorgeous too.  The evening was brilliant marred only by the fact that I lost my tooth again.  I once more have a gap in the front of my mouth and am speaking with a whistle. So that's another trip to the dentist. :-(

Feeling a little hungover this morning but nothing too bad.  Which is just as well as I'm out with Jim lunchtime today. :-) That's all. J x

More Evil Drink Please

Off to Maggie & Paul's (Manchester Mum& Dad) for dinner tonight. Beer, champagne and vodka on the menu. Oh, and curry. Yum!

Have a plan to spend today cleaning out my kitchen cupboards. It's still at the planning stage at the moment. I'll let you know if it ever gets off the ground.

Spoke to the lovely Fig today. You'll all be pleased to know he is well. We discussed Skyrim, A Chorus Line and public transport. All subjects dear to my heart. :-) Must get back into Skyrim actually.  More fun than kitchen cupboards. Not as much fun as beer, champagne and vodka though.

That's all for now. J x

Evil Drink

So went to Restaurant Bar & Grill yesterday evening and stayed probably longer than we should have. Consequently am hungover today. But no other ill effects so that is quite good.  Carer in Chief has departed for Nottingham and so I have the rest of the day to myself. If the weather improves I may wander into town with my vouchers to see if I can find a shop to spend them in. And that's all so far.

Oh, an email from work says that a decision on my ill health retirement is "in the post" but it didn't arrive today. Bet it's been sent second class... I'll let you know what the outcome is as soon as I know.  That's all. J x

P.S. My condolences to Kev (and Sue) whose sister has died. They are back in the area at the moment dealing with the stuff that needs dealing with. On top of that Penny, Sue's sister, has been taken into hospital with breathing difficulties. Hopefully it's nothing too serious and. I wish her a speedy recovery.

Morning All

Still improving in how I feel.  Hopefully this will just continue now that the chemo has stopped.  Not got clinic tomorrow but rather a week tomorrow. I think this was a  booking error but it makes no odds really. This will be my last clinic for a couple of months unless I develop any symptoms.

Not much planned today beyond meeting one of my trainees for a drink later. Will need to start thinking about how I intend filling my days when, as looks increasingly likely, my ill health retirement is approved.  All suggestions v welcome.

Went to see Zero Dark Thrity at the cinema last night. It's an excellent and interesting film that throws up lots of interesting questions: Can torture ever be justified (I don't think that's an easy question to answer)? Are there limits to what a country is justified in doing to protect its citizens? Etc.

Looks quite sunny out there at the moment but I don't think that's the forecast for the whole day.  Never mind, Spring is on the way - I can feel it in my bones.

Oh, and while I remember, the three line whip put out by the carer in chief regarding filling my weekend with things to do has been satisfied i.e. ino longer have a free second all weekend :-) Thank you all. J x

On The Mend

Had a good night's sleep last night and consequently feeling much better today. No real plans as such yet beyond reading my paper that Denise dropped off for me earlier on her way to the gym (she is determined to hone her body into that of an Amazon warrior). I may do some shredding (can't tell you how excited I am about that), I may catch up on Homes Down Under and Homes Under the Hammer (which strikes me as even less exciting than shredding) or I may venture out on a big adventure although it does look pretty cold out there - but then I do have some vouchers to spend given to me by HMRC in recognition of the sterling efforts I put in when I was there (to be fair they were given to me for something I was hardly involved in at all but hey ho, what's a boy to do?). They are however spendable in shops such as Matalan and Iceland. I wonder what they sell? I suppose if I had contributed something significant I would have been given vouchers for Harvey Nicks. Must try harder next time...

If I have an adventure il be sure to let you all know about it on here. That's all for now. J x

Sunday Bloody Sunday

Borgen Spoiler Alert: if you're watching the series and haven't seen the final episode yet read no further.  Go away and come back once you've seen it.

It's now Sunday afternoon and I haven't seen a soul (oops, nearly typed "sole" there - that would have been amusing: are you getting the idea that I'm bored yet?).  Have sorted all my DVDs into alphabetical order following the shambles of me and my carer trying to choose a film to watch last night: a million DVDs and she didn't like any of them.  In the end we plumped for Babette's Feast which meant a lot of fiddling around with remote controls (long story) (long boring story actually). It's a good film though. All those subtitles then set us up nicely for Borgen. Luckily I happen to know that there is a third series of this already filmed so hopefully we won't be left hanging on for too long before finding out how the election goes.  Bet she wins...

Texted my friend Lesley who used the excuse of too much work to do so that she couldn't come and see me.  And the carer was last seen heading to the gym and hasn't been seen or heard from since.  Hey ho.  May catch up on some "Being Human" as I see there's a new series starting tonight.  Vampires, werewolves and ghosts. What more could a boy ask for? That's all. J x

Thank you

I just want to take the opportunity today to say thank you to all my friends out in blogger land for the help and support you've given me over these past few months. I know many of you don't comment on the site but I also know from talking to you that many of you are nevertheless regular readers of this site. Just knowing that helps. Many you, of course, also phone me and text me and send best wishes via third parties. It all helps and it all counts. I just wanted you all to know that. And before you start to worry, no, I'm not feeling maudlin it's just a good opportunity (no more chemo for a while) to say it.

In other news, Ev's mum's funeral yesterday was rather lovely. Lots of family, obviously, and many of the grandchildren gave readings and shared personal memories. It really brought home what a lovely woman she was. Of course, anyone who has ever met Ev would have no doubts that she came from a close and loving family but it doesn't do any harm to say these things out loud from time to time. Unfortunately the funeral took it out of me a bit (catholic funerals are not brief affairs) and so I had to come home straight away afterwards but I'm glad I was there all the same.

Plans for today include taking it easy and being visited by carer in chief. And who could ask for more than that? Have a nice day everyone. J x