Downton & Illness

The former was good and the latter not so good. Feeling a little icky on account of too much vodka (I'm assuming). That'll learn me. Anyway, fab day, great to spend time with the older ones, and I heart Xmas. Hope you do too. Merry stuff to you all. Roll on next year. Good night and God bless. That's all. J x

Festive Felicitations

to you all. Hope you're having a lovely day. We are in grey-skied, slightly-damp, but-no-snow-yet, Swansea. Dinner is about to be served (we managed to get past the bacon emergency - don't ask). Two glasses of wine. Each. Have been consumed by the Aged Ps so there has been some snoozing on the sofa already - normally this doesn't happen until after the dinner. However, I think the bacon incident took it out of us all.

Lots of lovely presents all round including - for me - money towards an iPad2. You can only imagine my excitement! Anyway, I need to go and do some festive chores now to keep the peace so will try and update you later... Ho Ho Ho. That's all. J x

And So You're Back...

... why yes I am. Apologies dear followers (should any of you still be left checking out this blog) but I've been going through a phase. A not-blogging phase. No idea why. There it is.

So where are we? Well, personally, I'm in Swansea. Made the trek home today. And very glad I am to be home. The Aged Ps are still lovely its just a shame they live in Swansea. The journey was a bit of a nightmare what with the rain and all but at least we didn't have the snow - or the illness - of previous years. Early days obviously but fingers crossed.

On the subject of illness, Mum goes in for her operation on 09/01/12. It won't be an easy op as they need to remove both the lump (which the latest MRI shows is still growing) and one of her adrenal glands. This latter part of the op can be a bit difficult since your adrenal glands heavily influence your blood pressure. Mum, however, is more worried about hospital acquired infections so I'll be coming home for the duration and visiting daily with my wet wipes to wipe all around her bed and stuff.

Looking forward to Xmas as there are loads of presents under the tree. I'll let you know what I get (it'll take some doing to beat the bowler hat) in due course. Wider-family duties tomorrow and then again on the 28th but 2 days to ourselves on 25th and 26th. Bound to be rows!

Elsewhere Fig is still trying to buy a house (its a complicated business), Lesley's op went OK and DD is still as fabulous as ever. Back up to Manc on the 29th when I will be attending the lovely Ev's Xmas Party. Just need to find me some Xmas socks before then...

Anyway, glad to be back. Thanks for sticking with me. And I'll blog again soon. That's all. J x

News

First the sad news. My cousin Mike died on Tuesday. He had cancer (doesn't all my family) but it was pretty swift all the same. I was never close to Mike although I am closer to his daughter, Kathryn, who posts on this blog from time to time. I'm sure you'll all join me in sending Kathryn our condolences and our best wishes and to the rest of Mike's family too. He was 67 which is no age at all.

On a happier front DD is off spending the weekend in Glasgow (happy for her I mean - I, of course, am missing her dreadfully...). She gets back Tuesday evening I believe.

Also on the happy front Swansea won their first Premiership match on Saturday and my father was actually there to witness it which I'm sure has cheered him up no end. I shall speak to him later and listen to him crow.

I have done little this weekend apart from clean my shoes and clean (some of) the flat. Which is quite enough in my books.

I did see Mrs T in the week - a far too brief coffee in Waterstones - which is always a pleasure. Particularly of course when she is accompanied by the very youthful Penny.

The week ahead is busy - something on every evening so I'll update you all when I've done all that. That's all. J x

Sorry for delay...

... it must be my age.

So the birthday weekend was a huge success with much fun had by all. Lovely to see the Figster again and to spend some time doing what we do best: drinking, shopping, Playstation, bitching. Not necessarily in that order.

The birthday meal was lovely with Fig, Gill, Lesley, Bryn & Michelle, Ev and, of course, DD attending. Restaurant Bar & Grill is one of my favourite restaurants but I have to say that the food wasn't the best I've ever had there. Apart from the chocolate birthday torte (with candles and accompanying singing) but that was home-made by Ev and as delicious as ever.

In other news, work is much the same (too busy), City won but still aren't top and Swans lost. Again. Hamilton was beaten to third by bloody Alonso but it was an exciting race. Oh and Planet of the Apes is better than you might expect.

Busy week ahead again including more living together with DD which is, of course, fantastic. That's all for now. J x.

La Figster...

... est arrivee. Let the celebrations commence. That's all for now but I promise to update you all on the birthday news front very soon. J x

We like this too...

Completely Gratuitous Long Hair and Rock Music - just because I can...

.... for all those feeling too far from home tonight. J x

Thank Fuck

So talked to my old Ma this afternoon and the news is all good. Looks like the "5cm abnormality" is not in the lymph gland but is in fact a "quite common" cyst/growth/thingy next to the adrenal gland. And its benign. There may need to be a biopsy to make sure and there will undoubtedly be further scans in the future to check everything is still OK but bloody hell. How good is all that? I can't tell you how relieved I am (and that can only be a tenth of what my old Ma (God bless 'er) is feeling). Phew. Should be able to sleep tonight at least... Peace to all and thank you for your prayers (if you prayed). That's all for now.

And Happy Pride everyone. J x

Back In Manc

Took mother for CT scan this morning. All went well. She gets results on 26/08. I then drove back to Manchester (ready for work tomorrow). Roads were freakily clear especially since I drove through rush hour. Father went back to the eye clinic this afternoon and its all looking good. He doesn't need to see the doctor for another month now. Which means we can concentrate on my Mum. We'll know - hopefully - the full extent of everything, what the recommended treatment is, the prognosis etc a week on Friday. Fingers crossed everyone. You pulled me through the Big C now I'm asking you to do it for my Mum too. Thanks. J x

Hurrah

Operation was a success. Waited for ages (with nurses running up every two minutes to put drops in his eyes) and then it was all over in 20 minutes. He's got some dos and don'ts to observe over the next 4 weeks (and loads more eye drops to administer) but, fingers crossed, its all looking good at the moment.

Tomorrow is Mum's CT Scan which, I imagine, doesn't appear quite so intimidating now as we already pretty much know the bad news. I suspect that Mum is harbouring a secret hope that the scan shows up something benign but the oncologist seemed quite certain of his diagnosis. Anyway, the appointment is for 1120 and once that is over I'l be heading back to Manchester and then back to work on Thursday where I'm sure there'll be all manner of stuff waiting for me. But its been a pretty gruelling few days here in Swansea for all of us. Highs and lows all round. That's life though. I'l update everyone when I have more news. J x

Another Day, Another Waiting Room

So this time it's the Day Surgery Unit and we're waiting for Dad to go in for his cataract operation. He's feeling a little nervous (as are we all) so I'll try and distract him by talking about the Swans performance last night... J x

Not Good News

So attended the consultation with the oncologist with my mother this afternoon. It sounds as though her cancer is back. They don't know too much without a CT scan and a biopsy (CT scan will happen on Wednesday with the results of that known on 26/08). But the oncologist is talking about a 5cm "abnormality" in my Mum's lymph nodes. This is in the same general area as the first two instances of cancer she had so, fingers crossed, if it is cancer, its the same type and can be cured simply by chemotherapy without the need for surgery. Of course, as anyone who has been through it knows, "simply" by chemotherapy doesn't begin to explain what its like to go through. All we can say really is that it is better than having surgery and the chemotherapy.

The last time she had chemotherapy she lost all her hair and it was at the same tine as my sister died (and it will be the 10th anniversary of Sally's death on 23/08 this year) so it is difficult to know what it will be like for her this time. Hopefully she is strong enough to come through it again like last time. Rest assured me and my Dad and anyone who knows her will be doing their level best to ensure that this is what happens. I know my Mum is scared - who wouldn't be - and putting a brave face on this which makes it difficult to offer help. But she knows I'll be there to do whatever I can.

Don't know what else to say really. We can't make any decisions or plans until we know what to expect from her treatment and we can't know this with any certainty until 26/08. Fingers crossed until then. If you do pray, please remember us in your prayers. Thanks. J x

Looting is just buying without money...

And look at it now....

How Could They?

This is how beautiful it all looked beforehand...

Kate Adie Central

I'm determined to get through this blog posting without using the phrase "kicking off"

Well its all kicking off (damn) in central Manchester tonight dear readers. Me and DD even had to alter our cocktailing plans to avoid all the stuff kicking off (bugger) in Piccadilly Gardens. We'd originally been planning to go to The Grill On New York Street only according to the police it was more like Grill in the Bronx tonight on account of stuff all kicking off (bloody hell) on Portland Street. The policewoman on Piccadilly Station actually said to me "well you might be safe if you walk down Portland Street. But frankly honey is a Chase Vodka martini worth it?" (I might have made the second sentence up).

So we went to Felicinis instead but even they locked and barred the front doors and made us leave by the fire exit on account of stuff all kicking off (aaaaaargh) on Oxford Street. And that bloody police helicopter won't shut the f%^$ up so there"ll be no sleep for me tonight.

Anyway, I'm too giddy with the excitement of everything kicking off (what the hell) tonight to sleep anyway. Rest assured though dear readers that I'm home safe and sound in my pyjamas and very nearly tucked up in bed with a good George R R Martin. That's all. J x

Starting to Rain Now

But it held off last night for the Halle open air concert at Tatton Park. For once. It was glorious, marred only by the usual chavs in the audience talking through the music and the chav on stage (Lesley Garrett) warbling like some demented pub singer. She has a voice that hovers between being perfect for opera and great for musicals but doesn't quite hit the note for either. I'm not a fan.

But the food was good, the drink was good and the company was, as ever, superb. I really should go out with Jane & Bill more because they're really nice people (even if Jane and I will never agree on anything work related). Maybe I should take their advice and sign up for the Royal Exchange season ticket each year. One to think about...

Work... I can't even begin to tell you. No really, I can't. Karen will shout at me.

Last week at Paul & Maggie's was great. The food was divine (thank you Paul) and I met a whole load of new people and had a fun night. Paul & Maggie are lovely people too. In fact my life is full of lovely people for which I am eternally grateful.

Ma & Pa (also lovely people) are OK. Father goes into hospital on 16/08 for a cataract operation so I'll go home for a few days to help out. Mother sees her specialist on 17/08 so I'll wait around for that too. That's all. Oh apart from I have some am dram to go to tonight (yes, its Jim) which could be good.... That really is all. J x

A Week On

Time to reflect therefore on MIF 2011. I had a fantastic time. I love culture and stuff like that. The only real disappointment was Johnny Vegas. Nice idea but really badly written and poor execution. The highlights were Maria Abramovich - just incredible and indescribable and Damon Albarn - beautiful to look at and to listen to. Surprise hit was Macbeth. In a cave. With an Irish accent.

The week back in work has been the usual bollocks from the usual suspects. I started the week with 135 unread e-mails and ended the week with 97 unread e-mails. And I read about a thousand during the week (maybe a little exaggeration there but not much!). Did 2 helpline shifts making some new friends along the way, had dinner with the lovely Sarah from Leeds at Felicinis - its been so long! - and did a course on public speaking in Leeds. Which was fun.

Off to the lovely Paul & Maggie's tonight for a meal. They're always good fun (albeit that they live in Flixton - sorry Maggie). I have to take my own martini although they do supply vodka...

DD was round in the week to watch The Apprentice final which was fun. Poor Helen although she only had herself to blame. Was reviewing twitter whilst it was on and when it came to the boardroom and she changed her business plan before our very eyes, someone tweeted "Bollocks. I'll make biscuits then. Whatever" which really made me laugh. Perhaps it only works if you read it at the time though. Didn't think Torchwood lived up to the standard of the opening episode this week. Although the gay steward joke was quite good. That's all. J x

MIF 7 (ish)

Not really part of MIF but went to see Tree of Life by Terrence Malick with DD at The Cornerhouse yesterday evening. After a bit of a mix up over times and dates we picked up our tickets and took our seats for 2 and a half hours of utter nonsense. Brad Pitt looked dead cute though and the child actors were excellent. But the dinosaurs? And as we remarked afterwards you can't beat some good shots of molten lava in a film about family life...

*Apprentice Spoiler Alert* Then back to my place to watch the final of The Apprentice. I only mention this because it allows me to share a tweet from someone during Helen's volte face on Business Plans. They suggested she was saying "Bollocks. I'll make biscuits then. Whatever". It made us laugh. Back to work today (sort of) with a training course in Leeds. That's all. J x

MIF 6

2 days and what a Wagner-fest it turned out to be. Friday kick-off at 1930 (after a meal at new restaurant Grill on New York Street - we'll definitely be going back there) started with a "play" explaining the background to Die Walkure. At least that was what we thought it would be and as the director was Neil Bartlett, expectations were high. However, it was really disappointing. Essentially it was 3 actors reading extracts from Wagner's diaries and contemporary accounts of his work. Interesting as an academic exercise (no doubt) but not what we were hoping for. Luckily the synopses in the programme told us all we needed to know. Act 1 followed the interval and gosh, what a twisted, mixed-up world old Norse mythology was. Turns out the "hero" in this part falls in love with and marries his twin sister. Turns out later that their father was actually King of the Gods (Wotan) and so it was therefore probably OK.

Day 2 was more of a challenge. Kick-off happened at 1530 with an announcement by Sir Mark Elder (our conductor) that Wotan's voice wasn't performing too well. Luckily, he told us, "we have a Wotan in a car heading up the M6 so if it gives out the performance can still go on"! As it turned out, Wotan managed to make it through. Act 2 is really complicated stuff (our hero ends up dead, betrayed by his father whose wife insists that he betray him - not because the brother and sister have married and conceived a child but because the sister left her husband to do this - apparently the more heinous sin). Anyway, Act 2 is about 2 hours long and much the best of the three I felt.

Then it was a 75 minute interval so back to DD's for cocktails and canapes - this worked really well I thought. Act 3 includes that very famous (and stirring) Ride of the Valkyries music. However, looking at the surtitles for this bit, they're not actually riding off to war as the stirring music might suggest but rather just chatting about their horses - a sort of Norse Pony Club gathering. Quite incongruous. However, during this bit Wotan disowns his daughter (Brunhilde - who in this production was magnificent) and condemns her to sleep on a rock until she gets married. Bizarre stuff. This Act goes on a bit as it takes ages for Wotan to put her to sleep so there's not much story happening. Then off to Rain Bar for drinks. Great fun.

I thought the Wagner was enjoyable and interesting and I'd really like to see it "staged" properly by a good opera company - maybe the Royal Opera.

That's all. J x Apart from to say thank you to Andrea for the lovely card.