Still Not Mended

But that means I get to sit at lots of other desks and interact with different people so its not all bad. Although it is a pain having to go back to my desk when I forget the stapler and stuff. Anyway, off to London tomorrow so hopefully it will be fully functioning when I get back.

Car had its MOT today. £300. Not too bad when you consider its age and that price included a revamp of the air con and a new tyre.

Invite to go to Liverpool (City of Culture?) on Friday with Ms DD & gang but too busy and am off to Birmingham on Saturday and meeting Mark now on Friday evening anyway. Still want to go and see the Klimt though. I see that the Pool is copying Manchester (it was ever thus) by having a "parade" of that stupid lamb banana thing in mockery of our Cow Parade (which was ace). Even Bath are getting in on the act with a Boar Parade. Where Manchester leads...

Get my feedback on my application on Thursday (if you remember I "negotiated" myself some) so I may let you know what was said depending, obviously, on what was said. Also been roped into interviewing people (its supposed to be the other way round!) on Friday now. Its not as if I haven't already got enough to do but when one's Business Unit Head asks one can only say yes! Actually, I don't mind really coz its quite fun plus good practice for when I am on the other side. That's all. J x

Unexpected

Well the show was absolutely marvelous. And there was so much of it too. Some really exciting and inspirational works. Shall spend the rest of this evening looking up the websites of my favourites. Then after a bit of a rest it was off to the cinema to see Gone Baby Gone. Absolutely fantastic film. CAsey Affleck is a real find as an actor. And OMG, who on earth would want to live in America. What a nightmare place full of nightmare people. And so many guns. In order to recover we had to repair to Podium afterwards for a martini/glass of champagne or 3. Both late for work this morning! Taking car for MOT in the morning so late again. Hope my bloody computer has been mended by the time I get in. That's all. J x

A Quiet Morning...

... spent watching Brad and Angelina recorded last night. I like that film (Mr & Mrs Smith).

Off to the degree show of Manchester School of Art this afternoon followed by who knows what. I wonder if I'll do a Maurice Saatchi and buy up a whole collection? I'm guessing we're unlikely to see anything as gorgeous as The Egg though... (Actually, is it called The Egg or something else? - I've no doubt Lil will be able to tell us). That's all. J x

Incidentally

Have managed to negotiate myself some feedback on the job application so I'll let you know where it all went horribly wrong... That's all. J x

Football

Ms DD came round last night to watch the football - Netherlands v France. What an exciting match. Some alcohol was consumed, it's true, but I'm not hungover this morning so it can't have been too much. Laundry & cleaning this morning and then into town this afternoon. Canal Street with Mark tonight and no plans at the moment for Sunday. Need to get some plants from Albert Square at some point though

Nothing more to report on the flat at the moment. The floor has been finished and looks fab and I'm promised that most of the rest of the stuff will be finished by the end of June. We'll see. I'm not too bothered and its good living back in my own place (although of course I miss the sofa-bed desperately...). That's all. J x

Busy Busy Busy

God, I'm never out of the office it seems. Still, really enjoying it at the moment. Checking the Job Adverts at least 3 times a day! I will get promoted, I will get promoted....

Spoke to Mrs T this week and she's making a pilgrimage to Manchester soon but as ever everyone wants to see her. I've been relegated to a week night. What's that all about? Also getting rather excited about all the fab pantos that the Figlet and I can go to at Xmas (Barrowman in Birmingham, Luft in The Wizard of Oz - I know! - and Mary Poppins).

There's a programme on TV at the moment about the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and there's a picture of 2 of Figlet and mine's friends in the exhibition this year. How exciting! That's all. J x

Oooooh...

... new iPhone. Very nice. Very sexy. Very just the thing for getting over disappointment... That's all. J x

Not Even an Interview

Bastards. And no feedback either. How on earth is one supposed to improve one's applications if one isn't told where one failed the first time round? Really depressed that I didn't even get an interview. But I'll get over it. One day. Give it a couple of years or so... That's all. J x

Monday Apparently

They won't announce the job results until Monday and interviews won't now be carried out until July because of the large number of applications (19). So please still keep everything crossed... J x

And Still No Bloody Word

DD says its because they don't announce the results until the Friday of the week in which they sift the applications. And she would know of course...

Builder is still on holiday until Monday apparently. I remain calm and centered...

Did help line shift tonight and got "signed off". I'm now qualified to answer the phone on my own. Whoppee! That's all. J x P.S. Happy birthday Karen, sorry the card's late.

Still no word...

...on the job (or on the flat - apparently the designers are meeting with the builder tomorrow rather than today). Half a tooth fell out of my mouth when I got back last night. Not sure whether this counts as a karaoke injury and whether or not I should be suing my union. Anyway saw my (very cute) dentist today and he says its nothing to worry about because there's no decay involved. He's warned me to stay away from karaoke bars for...oh... the rest of my life! That's all. J x

Oh What a Night

Still not heard anything on the job...

Met dearest Newcastlewench for a martini or 2 (she had 2 I had one plus a coffee) from work. Great to see her and I have to say a special thank you to her for texting me a picture of her cat. Thence to Tiger Tiger for a night of karaoke with my union colleagues. What a fantastic idea karaoke pods are. If you've never used them before I urge you to give them a go. They are so good. Some genius had decided to organise the evening around Eurovision so we were divided up into national teams and all had to vote on the other teams' efforts. I was Norway along with 3 others. What chance did we stand? Anyway each team had to choose song and then sing it to the other teams which meant a lot of pod swapping. What a brilliant way to break the ice. Needless to say things soon descended into chaos. Everyone sang everyone else's songs and the voting quickly became political (just like the real Eurovision!). Anyway thanks to agreeing a "lets give each other top marks" deal with several other teams (sorry Sweden, Iceland and Spain) Norway finished about half way up the table. The Netherlands won and Spain came last. Manchester are now hoping for a mention in the Union's next journal publication.

I'll keep you posted on the job situation. Love to Jane as always as she goes through all the crap of chemotherapy. That's all. J x

SATC II

Went to see it again tonight. Still fab. That silver Chanel bag that Carrie has at the beginning is fabulous. Thence to the 23rd floor of the Hilton for a cocktail or 3. Very nice. Nervous about job news next week. Rest assured you will all be the first to know... Jane (my cousin) not doing too well at the moment (she's currently at the low point of her chemotherapy) but hopefully she'll pick up soon. All my best wishes for her though. That's all. J x

Nothing Changes

So it was all the usual crap with John. I really won't bore you with it here. Suffice to say that we're not speaking (again)! Went to see Sex and the City though and really enjoyed that. Going again Sunday with Michelle. In the meantime its back to the usual routine. Meeting DD for drinks this evening at Panacea, out on Canal Street on Saturday and then back to work on Monday and will find out sometime next week whether I'm to be interviewed for the job or not. Also whether my builder will ever turn up again! I have to say though that even though its not finished yet I'm looking forward to spending some time in the flat on my own. Have treated myself to Grand Theft Auto for the PS3 so will probably be spending a chunk of the weekend on that. Also next week should be meeting up with Newcastlewench who is breezing into town for something probably top secret and very important. Wil be good to see her as she will be brimful of news and I haven't sen her for ages. That's all. J x

As One Chapter Closes...

...another begins. Fig has departed for sunnier skies in Brighton whilst another Southern traveller journeys North. Sunday was spent at the art gallery (a rather good exhibit by a Chinese guy with a double-barreled surname with just too many syllables for me to remember) and in the Northern Quarter (jeans for Fig and a book for me) followed by drinks with DD at her place (no longer our place - I hardly knew my way around anymore) and then at Cloud 23 and Podium. Yesterday, it has to be said, involved quite a lot of Playstation 3 although we did make it out to the cinema to see Indiana Jones. What a load of pants. It really is a bad film.

Anyway, have to get on with cleaning and changing the beds as John and Conor arrive lunchtime. And its raining again which I'm sure will please them immensely. Not. I'm not sure how much time I'l have to blog with 2 guests to entertain but I'll update you as and when I can (but after the last couple of months I'm sure, dear readers, that you're already overwhelmed by the number of blogs there have been to read over the last few days so a break may be welcome...). That's all. J x

Fairy Schmairy

Trip to Ilva to look at cheap garden furniture yesterday - and God it did look cheap so we didn't buy any. Bought DD a present though (not cheap looking, obviously). Also called in at Roche Bobois to look at very expensive furniture (very nice but just a little too French). Thence to a little shop called M Scene which is just the best shop with the most fantastic stuff in it. Also spent quite a lot of time on the PS3.

Before the theatre met up with DD for a drink in The Midland. We wouldn't normally go there because the service is not great but The Radisson was just rammed. Ordered a VM and was asked whether I wanted a dry or sweet one. I was horrified. Sweet martini? Who ever heard of such a thing although the bartender was insistent that there was such a creature. Having googled the term this morning I discover that the sweet martini actually predates the dry martini. Who knew? The Midland was playing host to the chavest wedding on earth. The outfits had to be seen to be believed. The bride (even without her tattoos) was a sight. The dress was your worst nightmare of a dress only shorter. And the bridesmaids. Oh my God. Don't even get me started.

Anyway, thence to The Library where we saw what had been renamed as "Rock" (previously The Fairy Godfather of New York). It was a really interesting play all about the relationship between Rock Hudson and his agent. It was only slightly marred by the fact that Bette Bourne couldn't quite remember all his words. However, the guy playing Rock was to die for and got his kit off as well!

And then home were we spent some time on the play station before retiring at a reasonable hour. Today hasn't been decided on yet but may or may not include Manchester Art Gallery, The Northern Quarter and/or Canal Street but will certainly include Sainsburys. Watch this space. That's all. J x

Arndale Schmarndale

Didn't make it to the Arndale. Fig got a shirt in Kendals instead. We then headed for the Arndale but only made is as far as a couple of espresso martinis in Harvey Nicks. From there we went to Urbis which had 3 exhibitions on. Matthew Williamson (quite interesting but I don't think he has a big enough body of work to merit a full exhibition yet). I think the fact that he's from Manchester originally is why Urbis have put one on. There was then an exhibition on urban gardening which should have been good but wasn't. Finally an exhibition on Manga which was interesting if a little disturbing. We then had coffee in The Modern. Nice spoons. Incidentally, I only have 2 spoons left as the builders appear to have stolen all mine. Why would they do that? Thence to Selfridges and then home where we spent a happy couple of hours on the PS3.

Out for a couple of drinks before the theatre. First stop, new bar Ithica - not sure, they've clearly spent a lot of money on it but it didn't quite work for us although their VMs were very good. So then we went to that old stalwart Panacea where our second favourite barman has cut all his hair off.

After this it was the wondrous Blethyn in The Glass Menagerie. Not an easy play to watch but it was very well done and all the actors were very good. Adrienne informs me that there are a few internal candidates for my (new) job so I've got my work cut out there. Then we went to The Modern (again) and saw in Fig's birthday (Happy Birthday honey) and then back home for another hour on the PS3 before bed. We appear to be stuck at the moment on a particularly difficult throwing task. But we persevere. That's all. J x

The Good, The Bad and....

.... the f***ing builders.

No news on builders actually, I just liked the way that line read. Scarlet Pimpernel was fun last night - a bit of a sub-Les Mis musical but none the worse for that. The 3 main leads were all very good and it was fun trying to spot Jim on the chorus in all his different costumes and wigs. We sat with Mark from the Helpline and him and Fig got on like a house on fire - they both have the most amazing memories for obscure bits of film and TV ephemera.

Actually slept at the flat last night. Had to hover the bed before I could make it up though - all that dust. Had a surprisingly good night although Fig claims to have heard some United fans still celebrating. And indeed, word from DD towers this morning is that there were more celebrations going on last night.

We're off to The Arndale (I know) this morning followed by a couple of exhibitions and maybe lunch at Urbis. And then our Brenda tonight. Will update as and when party lifestyle and hoovering allows. That's all. J x

Guess What?

No f***ing builder this morning. It really is unbelievable. You'd think that as a tax inspector I would have come across my share of liars but even the worst tax cheat isn't as bad as these builders. At least tax cheats have the honesty to dislike you. Builders are all smiles and laughs and then they stab you in the back. The last thing they said to me when they left was see you in the morning. They weren't here when I got here at 0800 and they're still not here and the main chap has turned his phone off. They did send "George" however. He is almost like a "negative builder" in that he is so inept that once he's finished a job you're in a worse position than you were when he started it. He's attempted to make sure that the bathroom door closes correctly. I have to wait until the paint dries to test if this is true. I fully expect it to fall off its hinges once I try it. I'll keep you posted. Fig arrives at 1530. Looking forward to seeing him and we're off to see The Scarlet Pimpernel am dram musical tonight. Trust me, compared to my builders its going to be like a night at the Royal Opera House... That's all. J x

Fingers Crossed...

... we might be getting there with the flat. They're back tomorrow morning until lunchtime by which time I should have 2 functioning bathrooms (with doors). A working heating and hot water system. Carpets in the bedrooms and most of a living room floor. Lighting is all ready to go and I think the telly and stuff may work. All that should be outstanding then is a wardrobe and a bookcase and the fiddly bits that just make life that much easier. As I say, fingers crossed. That's all. J x

Hiya (as they say in Wales)

You may already have read the stuff below in the comments section of my previous post. This was due to a hideous publishing disaster beyond my control. I do apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Time will indeed tell young Figster although quite what it will tell remains to be seen. DD still away. She should have arrived in St Petersburg by now (Aeroflot willing) although I have yet to receive a text confirming this. Its been good for her to be away actually as I imagine I would have been pretty impossible to live with this week as have spent all week (yes, all week dear readers) filling in a job application. HMRC doesn't do things by halves and if you want a new job there are hoops to jump through for days. It doesn't help of course that once you've filled the damn thing in so that you believe that God himself (alright, or herself) would give you a job, along comes a certain Scottish lady (and I use that word under advisement) who says that your application is absolute pants and you have to start again. Having said that, once I'd taken on board all her ideas as well as those of another trained sifter and someone who has actually done the job, it was in fact 200% better. They're sifting in week commencing 02/06 and interviews are in week commencing 09/06 if needed. So keep your fingers crossed everyone.

News elsewhere? Flat still not ready. Anyone surprised? No, I didn't think so but I have assurances that I will have at least one functioning bathroom by the time young Figster arrives and we can just work the rest out as we go along. I've started bulk buying vodka already (canny investors out there might want to consider investing in Absolut and Grey Goose shares now). A full programme of theatre visits has been laid on for said birthday from the amateur production of Scarlet Pimpernel. The Musical! (who knew?) to our Brenda in that Tennessee Williams thing and our Bette in that Rock Hudson thing. Sunday night will be our night to howl...

John and Conor arrive on Tuesday and plans are afoot for things to do from that plasticised corpses thing to a day trip to Blackpool (can't wait) to a trip round some football ground. Actually I'm hoping the PS3 will be up and running by then and we can just leave Conor playing that and John and I can go out and get drunk! More vodka, I know. My liver is a pretty resilient organ though.

No other news for now. Book Group on Monday - Angela Carter's Wise Children which I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm now reading the new Philip Pullman (having read The Book Thief in between - fantastic) but not got into it yet.

Tuesday of course sees the return of DD with, no doubt, tales of holiday romances and a million photographs. Looking forward to seeing her again since its been lonely in her flat without her.

Christies on Thursday (hello lovely lovely Debbie) - she always reads the blog before I turn up so that she can shout at me about sunbathing - before picking Fig up from the airport in the afternoon.

That's all. J x

And so I'm back...

...from Portugal. Had a very restful week apart from the sleepless nights worrying about the apartment! Still, the weather was good and although I wasn't supposed to sunbathe I did allow myself half an hour a day so I at least have a little colour to show for the holiday. Monarch flights were, as ever, Monarch flights and all that entails... I'll go BA next year because at least you get a nice flight (even if they do always seem to be delayed). Spent the time out there relaxing, reading, walking on the beach, only a little bit of shopping and, since with the Aged Ps, alcohol figured in there somewhere. All in all a good holiday.
Apartment not finished (well what did you expect?) but progress has been made. At least I have most of a floor laid now. Will be moving back in next weekend come what may and then have Fig visiting from the Thursday and John & Conor from the Tuesday.
Back to work tomorrow and have a million and one things to do o it will be a busy week. I'll blog again next weekend and let you know how the move is going. DD is off to Moscow and ST Petersburg from Tuesday until the following Tuesday so will be moving myself (which is probably for the best anyway). That's all. J x

And so it goes...

on and on and on. Flat still not finished. Off to Portugal a week today but have been promised all will be completed by my return. Hmmmm....

Not There Yet

At the flat at the moment. Still not finished. Sound and light people coming in next week though so should see some progress then (fingers crossed).

In the meantime still living with the delectable DD. The woman is a saint. Went to the pictures last night to see the new Mike Leigh. Quite good although not quite as "life affirming" as the critics suggest in my opinion. The driving instructor is a star though. Main character just a little annoying but her boyfriend is well fit. Went to the Palace for drinks afterwards.

And was out for drinks on Friday at Panacea (where else?). V nice too.

Not much else to report at the moment. Looking forward to seeing Fig closely followed by John & Conor the day after he leaves. Am hoping flat will be finished by then...

Also looking forward to seeing Karen a week Monday but I don't think (judging from today's visit) that she'll be staying over. And talking of people from work in Brighton who I haven't seen for ages, had a visit from the Reverend Stone this week. Good to see him and he hasn't changed one bit. That's all. J x

A Lodger's Work Is Never Done

Cleaner has gone sick so guess who has to step into the breach? I didn't even do the housework in my own place (unless the Aged Ps were in the offing). And talking of barely habitable dusty places, will be visiting the apartment to see if anyone has done the cleaning there tonight. I'll let you have an update some time over the weekend.

Had a pleasant evening yesterday with the book group (4 of us, book was Tales of the City, mixed views) at Velvet. I'm assured the food was nice and I can certainly vouch for the vodka martinis and they definitely do a nice line in cute waiters. Then it was back to the lodgings for an Apprentice/Property Ladder fest. Currently blogging at work so must cut it short and will blog more fully at the weekend. Just enough time to say that looking forward to arrival of Fig (followed by arrival of John) in May. Oh and I've gt a meeting on 01/05 in the William Pitt room at Somerset House. How posh does that sound? I'll let you know. That's all. J x

Found

Have located my modem in the flat and therefore have just set it up to allow internet access. Its a nightmare being without it when you're used to logging on every day and checking out your friends, finances, regular blogs, news, shopping updates etc. Anyway, although flat still a shambles (will it ever come right?) there is access to a telephone point and a chair I can sit in so here I am.

Went to see The Children's Hour at The Royal Exchange on Friday with Lesley & Adrienne (Gill was too ill poor love - hope you're feeling better now sweetie). What a fantastic play. Starts of a bit like The Crucible in that everything is founded on a child's lie but then veers off in an unexpected direction. Maxine Peake playing Karen was superb as was the rest of the cast - particularly the actress who palyed Mary who played the child who started it all. She had a real feeling of menace about her.

Quiet night in last night - made even more quiet by the fact that my landlady had gone to a hog roast. In the snow! Apparently there were snowball fights. Dr Who was OK. Had expected better since Russell had written it himself but fingers crossed for the rest of the series. I think it suffers a bit in my eyes because I've got into Torchwood this series. It has a more adult "intelligent" content. Dr Who is really kids stuff (and yes Fig, I'm expecting a comment on that comment).

Anyway, the dust is starting to get into my hair now so I'll sign off but I'll be back before long don't worry dear readers. That's all. J x

Clever Clever Jane Murray

'Twas she had the idea to try blogging at work. And it works! Unfortunately its Friday afternoon now and I have to finish my Performance & Development Evaluation so I've no time to update you all (still on Denise's couch though and Bill's blood count is normal again although he still has problems with his fingers) but expect more regular contributions for here on in... That's all. J x

Where to start?

Well, I'm back in Swansea for the Easter hols and therefore staying in the house of someone who knows the password for their wi-fi! Hence this post... Journey home was a bit of a nightmare though (lots of traffic and roadworks). Still I was home before midnight which means that DD owes me £50. Ha!

Still not back in the flat yet. Progress is being made every day but it seems really slow. I'm sure it'll all be worth it in the end. And of course it would all be a million times worse if it wasn't for the fact that the fabulous DD has agreed to put up with me all this time. She's a real saint and I love her dearly.

Birmingham was good. The Magic Flute was fabulous (even though it was sung in English - which as you all know I'm not a fan of). Falstaff less so in my book although Bryn Terfel was superb. Not enough tunes for my liking. Birmingham was, on the whole, Birmingham i.e. a really ugly city - my mother hated it. Bought a shirt in Selfridges though.

Did the help line on Wednesday which was brilliant - had one call that lasted over an hour from a distressed lesbian. She was less distressed by the end of the call which is, of course, what its all about and why I do the job.

Saw Sean on Thursday. He was really happy with the way everything was looking. Also saw Frances (which was good as hadn't seen her for ages). She's going to ask around about research into gene therapy/stem cell research on growing new saliva glands. You never know... And of course no trip to Christies would be complete without seeing the lovely lovely Debbie who was as lovely lovely as ever. Except she told me I still can't sunbathe. Boo.

Had a chest x-ray (an annual precautionary event). They'll phone me if anything shows up. Also discovered that I've lost the ability to snore (yet another bonus from the cancer). Apparently I no longer have enough soft palate nor enough of the base of my tongue to enable snoring. Honestly you learn something new at Christies every week. Also had a bit more explained about my cancer (Anthony Minghella apparently ad the same operation as me - and I had it 3 times - so even more relief that I didn't die on the operating table). Apparently I had a large tumour in one gland which on the scale of a small tumour in one gland to multiple tumours in multiple glands on both sides of the neck is not too bad from a prognosis point of view.

As for people I know with cancer there is good news and less good news. Jane, my cousin, has 2 slipped discs and not bone cancer. Which is a relief. Bill however, has had some contra-indications on his blood tests but its too early yet to know what this means. I'm sure you will all join with me in sending him love and best wishes.

Next week is busy with meetings and the theatre (I think) on Friday. Jonah & Otto at the Royal Exchange. No idea what its about but going with a bunch of people from work so it should be fun.

That's all. J x

P.S. Mother's fingers (which my regular readers will recall I slammed in a car door) continue to pain her (allegedly) and result in me having to do lots of jobs around the house. They're not too painful to unwrap a bar of chocolate though...

Quickly (I'm Paying by the Minute)

My landlady doesn't know the password for her wi-fi so I've popped into the Hilton to check e-mails. Nothing exciting to report. In Birmingham at the weekend - hopefully with wi-fi access - and (again hopefully) back in the flat next week so will pass on all the news then. That's all. J x

Theory of Relativity

Well its been relatives all he way since arriving back in Swansea. Monday night was cousin Hillary and cousin Mike and cousin-in-law Pam. This morning was cousin Mary and cousin-in-law Barrie and tomorrow is cousin Kathryn and cousin-in-law Andrew in Cardiff (actually I'm not 100% sure they are married yet - I'll find out and let you know). Great to see everyone and nice of Hillary to fit me in since she has to see that other queen (i.e. her actual Her Madge) today. In between its been garden visits - Aberglasney (absolutely fantastic - my first ever Ninfarium) and the National Botanic Gardens where we saw a flowering Voodoo Stink Lily (or some such). It didn't look particularly voodoo-like nor did it stink but perhaps its early days in its flowering cycle. Its supposed to smell like rotting flesh in order to attract flies which pollinate it. I love the NBG though and the hellebores were looking wonderful.

Back to Manc Sunday (chez the very wonderful DD) and then Birmingham on Friday and Saturday nights (with the Aged Ps) for Welsh National Opera - Falstaff with Bryn Terfel and The Magic Flute. That's all. J x

A Match Made In Heaven?

DD will be putting me up next week (flat not ready to live in). Watch this space to find out which of us survives the experience... That's all. J x

Ow

Managed to slam my mother's fingers in the car door today (no, not on purpose). Nothing broken though luckily and she says she isn't in pain anymore although it hurt quite a bit at first. She's refusing to go to hospital to have anything checked. If anyone knows any horror stories of people's fingers falling off following a car door incident then please repeat them here and I'll use them as evidence to get her to A&E.

Back safe and sound from London. The opera on Saturday night was good (albeit sung in English which I don't like but that's ENO and you're stuck with it). Had a gorgeous (if expensive) VM in the St Martins Hotel prior to the show. Fabulous hotel, really swish. They had those Philippe Starck stools that look like teeth. I didn't sit on those as they looked rather uncomfortable. After the show had another (less expensive) VM in One Aldwych - another really swish hotel. No Monsieur Starck this time.

On Sunday met up with Donna for the Sleeping & Dreaming exhibition at the Wellcome Foundation. A really interesting exhibition and well displayed (if a little dark) but just too many people there. So we spent most of our time in the cafe catching up on the gossip. And then back to Swansea on Monday. Managed to fit in a little shopping here and there but nothing much, you all know me and shopping - I'll do it if its got to be done but really I can't be bothered... That's all. J x

Just Realised...

...that my aunt must have been referring to my timetabling rather than my choice of opera. Yes, that's right, I've chosen to spend an evening at the opera on the same night that the country chooses its entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. I'm completely mad... That's all, J x

Hurrah, Gardeners World

Its back at last. Having spent the day frantically shopping the arse off New Bond Street what could be better than settling back in your hotel bedroom and watching Monty Don and the gang? (I still miss Alan of course). The alternative was late night gallerying at at the Royal Academy but frankly I'm shattered (not helped by being hungover this morning following drinks at The Grosvenor with Ms Hill where, over a VM or three, we put the world and our relationships to rights).

Ms Drury has not made it this far south so don't have to turn out and keep her in the alcohol to which she's become accustomed (thank the lord). Talking of traveling south, what news from Marrakech Ms Murray?

Will have to see if I can fit in 2 galleries tomorrow as am seeing Ms Benson on Sunday - and its impossible (as I'm sure everyone knows) to do 2 galleries and have a good gossip all in one day. Opera at ENO tomorrow night though which I'm looking forward to despite the fact that my aunt thinks I'm as mad as Lucia herself to have booked it!

Bank is playing silly buggers with my payment to the builder. They returned my cheque as unpaid despite there being oodles of money in the account. Ad no-one there can tell me why they did it. Now have to arrange a CHAPs payment which will take up valuable tourist time tomorrow or Monday. Hey ho, these things are sent to try us. That's all. J x

Spoke to Designers Today

Apparently there were 11 people on site at my flat today. 11! The thing'll be finished by then end of this week I'm sure... That's all. J x

What Have I Done?

Spoke to designers today. Apparently my apartment looks like hell on earth. No bathrooms left, walls knocked down... Remain confident that it'll all look good in the end. That's all. J x

Hello 21st Century

Am now at home in Swansea and father now has Wifi and therefore I'm able to blog remotely. Will also attempt this feat whilst in London (should I have the time!). Not much to report so far. Have left the flat to the tender mercies of the builders. Am gong to try and not worry. Some hope!

Aged Ps are both fine. We've had good news about my uncle (see earlier post) and the blood disease he has isn't the worst kind. Looks like Venice is on the cards for September/October (assuming no-one else gets ill!). Have to have a special mention for the Ts, since my father really liked his birthday card. Rest assured Mrs T is still an artist... That's all. J x_

2 days to go....

Aaaaargh..... J x

Latest Update

So, where were we? Refurb stuff getting me down a bit but the gallant Ms Drury has been addressing this with me by making me go out and get absolutely smashed on vodka martinis. Well, we got a little tipsy on Saturday evening. Well, at least I did. She was on red wine which, as anyone who knows her knows, is like mother's milk to her. Anyway, we've booked to go and see Joseph on my birthday (05/09 for anyone contemplating sending a card). This will be our first time away together. Will we survive? And how many VMs will it take? Watch this space.

Was at the Lesbian and Gay Foundation most of Saturday daytime for an Induction Day. It was really good and interesting and the people there were lovely. Think I made a couple of new friends. Got the gay book group meeting on Wednesday. It'll be interesting to see who turns up.

Sunday was spent packing and finding out how much off site storage costs (a fortune). Have decided therefore to squash everything into one room and move it around as required by the builders, plumbers, electricians etc. Although obviously can't do this for the first 2 weeks as will be away.

And talking of being away, have managed to plan things to do in London. Am going to the V&A (glass exhibition and fashion exhibition and to buy the "love" mirror I saw in the shop last time I was there), the Wellcome Collection (an exhibition on Sleeping & Dreaming that sounds really interesting from the website), New Bond Street (natch), Saturday night have booked for the ENO (Lucia de Lammemour which has just had the most fantastic write up in the Times) Friday night will either be meeting up with my friend Sarah or getting drunk on Old Compton Street or both. Um and loads of other stuff too!

And on top of that Ma & Pa are planning a few days away in Cornwall when I'm with them although that will depend on the old man being well enough (he may be coming down with a cold). So I haven't even got time to worry about the refurb and how all that will be left of my block when I return is a pile of bricks...! That's all. J x

Damp Squib News

Builders can't start next week so we've had to delay the commencement of the refurb until the following Monday. Hey, ho better to get it right than to rush it... That's all. J x

Scorching News

Fig has just e-mailed me to tell me he and Mark are getting married. Congrats to them both and the outfit planning (mine, not theirs) starts now... That's all. J x

Panic

Start a fortnight's holiday on Tuesday (who was it arranged a stupid meeting in work on Monday - oh yes, that would have been me. Idiot!). No panicking about all the stuff I need to do for work and all the packing up of stuff I need to do at home. On top of all that I have an induction day at the help line on Saturday and so can't spend that day packing either. Aaaaargh. Sure it will all work out though. DD, bless her, is also having to do a lot of clearing out as I'm dumping a lot of stuff at her place too. Holiday plans now are just Swansea and London as anything else is just too stressful. Will have to sort out the travel insurance soon though before Portugal in May and Milan in October.

And what else is news? Dad has just come down with a cold so it looks as though he and Mum are going to have to miss the bowls tournament this weekend. Its "short mat" though which isn't like proper bowls (although I've no idea what it actually is).

Can't think of anything else though as my mid has gone blank from the panic! That's all. J x

Hungover

Just got up after having been to Graham's party last night. It was a "burlesque" theme. Denise looked fantastic. Incredible shoes. I copped out and just wore my tuxedo. God we were pissed though. Never in the field of partying has so much vodka been drunk by so few people. New meaning was brought to the term binge drinking. It was also the gayest party ever. Needless to say she didn't make it home last night and ended up staying over. This morning we make a sorry looking pair. But we had a fantastic time. I think. No I'm sure we did... J x

One Never Has Enough String

Why is that? When one is packing up ones belongings into little bundles that are easily movable from room to room and neatly tying each one up with string, inevitably when the scissors snip one doesn't have sufficient string for one's bundle-tying needs. And each time one would swear that one had measured out enough string to hog-tie a cowboy (if one needed to). And yet, no, not enough. Its most inconvenient. Have spent the evening tying up bundles of belongings: books, CDs, DVDs, records - yes, records. I have 230 vinyl records that I simply can't throw away - and about 100 that I have thrown away. And how do I know I have precisely 230 that I'm keeping? Why because I tied them up in bundles of 25 so that they'd be easy to carry. And I counted the number in each bundle. That's how anal I am! I could have just arranged them in nice sized piles but no, I had to count them all. Madness I tell you. And then I never had enough string for each bundle (see above).

Enjoyed Cloverfield last night. Camera work was a little annoying in places but not enough to make one sick. Thankfully. At least it was on - when Gill and I went to see The Golden Compass on Friday we found out it was no longer showing and had to go and see Enchanted instead (have I already told you all this?). Never mind. That's all for now anyway. J x

Hmmm

So what have I been up to since last we blogged? Well, work has taken me to Stockport and Shipley. Stockport was interesting and useful and Shipley was a waste of time. Leisure has seen me going to Panacea (well,actually that was DD), a night out in the Village with Jim, Cloverfield at the pics with Paul (enjoyed the film- even with all the wonky camerawork). And my funding has been confirmed for the refurb! Full steam ahead therefore... Have started packing stuff up already but its going to take a while I can tell. Nothing much else to report at the moment. That's all. J x

Hurrah

Managed to remove the Cranford voting thingy. Watch this space for the next thrilling vote. I think the voting came down on the side of Cranford indeed being the best thing on telly. The percentage margin would have been higher except that I believe Mrs T voted a number of times for the cow... That's all. J x

Home

Absolutely fantastic weekend in London but marred by some sad news. The good stuff first though. Arrived Saturday and we went to see the new St Pancras station. Very impressive. And very blue. Nice walk there as well although it took us about three quarters of an hour. Didn't do much in the evening. Saturday to the V&A to meet my godmother and to see the theatre design exhibition- really interesting and fascinating. Also saw some craft exhibition for new designers which was quite challenging and interesting to see where you can go with crafts. Will try and post a couple of photos at the end of this blog. In the evening went to the cinema to see Charlie Wilson's War which we all enjoyed. Cinema was also super plush and had a bar so you could take alcohol into the auditorium which pleased the Lewis family no end! Monday to the British Museum to see the First Emperor exhibition. The BM is a fantastic building and the covered courtyard is truly impressive. The exhibition was also really impressive spoiled only slightly by the number of people there - even though we were all on timed tickets. The terracotta figures themselves were marvels of engineering and so well preserved. We went with my auntie and uncle and we learned the sad news that my uncle has an incurable blood disorder. He's still awaiting test results to find out what this means in terms of time left but it could be anything from a few months to about 4 years (the best scenario). My Mum and Dad were really upset as was I but since my illness I think I approach life and death a little differently. For me now its not solely about how long one has left (although I recognise that this is important) but more importantly for me its about the quality of life you have whilst you're still around that matters. For instance I personally would prefer a shorter, pain-free life to a longer pain-filled one or one that saw me severely disabled. I realise everyone has their own views on this but that's the way I feel. From the short chat I managed to have with my uncle when we were on our own I got the impression that the quality of the life he has left is also an important consideration for him too. I know a lot of you reading this blog have your own views on these matters from things happening in your own lives so feel free to comment and join the debate. I know my aunt and uncle read this blog so I'd just like to pass on my love and everyone's best wishes from blog-land.

After the BM the Lewis's found a bar and drank too much! That's all. J x
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The Demon Depp of Fleet Street

Just back from seeing dear dear Johnny. Good film, beautifully filmed and JD and HBC very good. Very gothic. Not sure its an entirely successful filming of a Sondheim musical though. Occasionally a little too Twist. And they've cut the best song (the title track indeed). It may be impossible to actually film a Sondheim successfully. I think you need to be there with the action happening in front of you. I have to say I preferred seeing it in the theatre even though Jason Donovan isn't a patch on dear dear Johnny...

Off to the big smoke tomorrow with the Aged Ps. Not seen then since Xmas so lots to catch up on. Apparently they've even started reading this blog again so going to have to be careful what I say! To the theatre design exhibition at the V & A on Sunday and at the same time meeting up with my godmother who is rather marvelous. Then to see the Warriors (the terracotta ones) at the British Museum on Monday. And back oop North on Tuesday.

And what have I been up to since last I posted? Hmmm. Vodka martinis at Panacea on Thursday night. The waitress came and put a "reserved" sign on our usual table because the Spice Girls had it booked from 2200. Good job we weren't planning on staying that late otherwise there would have been hell to pay. Saw An Ideal Husband at the Royal Exchange on Tuesday. Very good. Fabulous chandeliers. And there were 6 of them. And Mrs Chievley was wonderful although we all thought that Gertrude was a little weak. Went with Jane & Bill. Bill is having his last chemo this week so that's really good news. Went for something to eat beforehand at Grado (obviously they ate and I didn't). Its a new Heathcote restaurant and very nice it is too. Gorgeous Spanish waiters who can barely speak a word. But who needs them to? We picked our drinks from the sherry menu. Who knew there were so many? I had 2 glasses of a Mantazillo or something similar. And it was very scrummy. Tasted of honey. Could sherry become the new VM? Watch this space... That's all. J x

This Morning Stockport...

...this evening Negresco. I like catching trains on business. Bizarre but true. I'm fairly sure I'd hate it if I had to do it on a regular basis but now and again its really enjoyable getting on a train with a load of other people wearing suits. Stockport was OK. Had a meeting for about an hour and a half and then back to Manchester. Rest of working day uneventful. Book group tonight. I hadn't read the book although listening to everyone talking I wish I had. The book was the Number 1 Lady Detective's Agency. May read it at some point in the future. 5 people turned up (Penny we missed you - hope Charlie is doing OK). The food at the restaurant was very nice according to everyone but the soup was a bit too chunky for me. And of course its a fabulous place. Rumours that we spent more time talking about John Barrowman than the book are completely without foundation... Home now. Oscar Wilde tomorrow - An Ideal Husband at the Royal Exchange with Jane & Bill. Haven't seen Bill for a while and I think he's finished his chemotherapy now so it'll be good to see how he's doing. That's all. J x

Current Stats

These are showing that 95% of visitors to this blog are from the UK, 2% from Spain, 2% from the US and 1% from the Russian Federation. Chile seems to have dropped off the map for the moment as does SE Asia. I don't know what period the stats refer to but I'm guessing that they're fairly recent because I know Hugh and Sarah are is SE Asia and keeping up to date with what is happening at home... Off to a furniture shop in Macclesfield today with DD. 6 people confirmed so far for Book Group on Monday - we're off to Negresco which is a very interesting looking restaurant. It remains to be seen what the food is like (but tomato soup is on the menu so I should be OK). That's all. J x

Vera

I never watch it but I watched the death scene tonight. Hardly dramatic.... J x

Good News

Had my bi-monthly appointment at Christies this morning. Actually got to see Sean too (first time for ages). No problems, he's happy with how everything seems to be going. Also "had the call" this evening from Ms D. The woman was supposed to have made a "no going out" resolution this New Year but I suppose she's done well to last this long - 17 days! Anyway it was back to Panacea (where they hadn't forgotten us!) Also had a really good session on the helpline last night. Had some really good calls. My session was from 1800 to 2000 and wouldn't you know it but I got a call at 1955 - lasted until 2045. And then I just had to tell him that I was sorry for his distress but John Barrowman was back on the telly in 15 minutes in a new series of Torchwood and could he phone back please? Just joking! Did make it home in time for Torchwood though and wasn't I just glad I did. Some serious man on man action from the start - how can you go wrong? Sci-fi, Cardiff and homosexuality. A match made in heaven! Our thoughts go out to Charlie tonight who is back in hospital and on the high dependency unit for some treatment. And our love goes to his family Penny & Kerry. Thinking of you. That's all. J x

I Am Legend

Ooh, scary film. Quite good though and Will Smith is his usual personable self (when not being chased by zombie type creatures). Think I need to watch Shameless tonight to bring me back down to earth. That's all. J x

Saturday Night's Alright For Dancing

Off out soon for Jim's birthday. Spent the morning taking Denise to the tip and to Sainsburys. As always, lovely spending time with Ms D. Is threatening to make me walk somewhere tomorrow. Has been a good week this week. Work has gone really well and the refurb looks to be back on course. Plenty of time for it all to go horribly wrong though so fingers are still crossed. Just need to arrange finance and book a holiday and then it can all kick off! Am thinking of spending a fortnight visiting Swansea, Eastbourne, Brighton & Marrakech. That should give the builders enough time to at least do the plumbing if nothing else. Will need to pack up loads of stuff and store it somewhere for the duration. I have a feeling Ms D's flat is going to be a little crowded for a while... Don't think there is any other news for the moment. Although I think I may be putting on some weight. That should please mother. Unless its a tumour growing of course. Lets hope that's not the case though. That's all. J x

So What's The Buzz, Tell Me What's-A-Happening?

So, busy busy as per. Denise took me on a walk for an hour on Sunday. It took 2 hours. But hey, give the girl a map and there's no telling what will happen. We certainly didn't find the Irwell Sculpture Trail but we did find the Lowry where she treated me to a double espresso and a paracetomol. I think my back may be getting worse which is a little depressing. Those bods at Manchester Uni had better hurry up and develop their treatment soon. Maybe I should volunteer to be a guinea pig? Certainly I used to have the figure for one...

Also got taken to Housing Units to look at side tables (I'm not allowed to buy anything in January). And was out round the Village on Friday night with Paul from the Helpline. Got my 3rd shift tomorrow with Trish. Had an e-mail from Sam at the LGF today and it sounds as though we'll go ahead with the LGBT bookgroup - where will I find the time?

Have been reading my cousin's blog of late. She puts me to shame, its all so professional with photos and everything. Admittedly all the photos are of greyhounds but even so. Its about time I got round to trying a few more pics. (And incidentally, if anyone knows how I change that voting thing then please let me know!). Watched Damages last night on BBC1. Looks like a cross between Devil Wears Prada and Lost. Bliss. That's all J x

All Over Now

So that was Christmas 2007... It was good for me, was it good for you? Nice to see the Aged Ps after about 6 months apart and there were no arguments (at least none that I was involved in!). Managed to take back my Xmas present on the day after Boxing Day and the replacement arrived today in the post! I think the DS Lite will prove to be a success in time. My mother's competitive streak should see to that. At least I'm sure they know how to work it.

Then it was back to Manc for New Year. DD of course had everything planned out. We went to a party at her friends Bryn & Michelle's house (lovely house too). Ev was there but everyone else was new. They seemed like a nice crowd too. Spent the night drinking Disco Vodka. Got home about 2ish (I think).

And now back to work. Which is OK. I quite like work (bizarre I know). Also went to the cinema last night. I'm Not There. The film about Bob Dylan. Very interesting (if half an hour too long). Cate Blanchett was fabulous and the cinematography was beautiful. Shame the usher decided to eat a really crunchy apple half way through and that people think its OK to check messages on their mobiles throughout the film.

Well, I'm sure you can all see the results of the Cranford jury. Although I understand that there may have been multiple voting by certain blog regulars - particularly in favour of the cow option. Shame on you all. I've no idea what the result of last year's competition was. I'm guessing that Jane won on account of copying and pasting half a book into the blog. That's all. J x

I'm Back!

Happy Xmas and Merry New Year to all of you that I didn't get to see before I left or the wilds of Wales. Had a good Xmas chez the folks but its also good to be back in the land of black pudding and civilisation. Hope you all had a good time too. We're coming up to the end of the Cranford voting so I'm open to offers on what you'd like to see me poll on next. Actually, I might do it on the Xmas Dr Who - wasn't it pants? Miss DD has a full itinerary lined up for me from tomorrow so watch this space since I'm sure my leisure time between now and going back to work will be jam packed! That's all. J x

Quick Update

Friday got blotto on VMs (I blame the trainees - they're all far too young and their constitutions too strong). Consequently was still drunk Saturday morning when I got up to catch the train to London. Sobered up by the time I arrived, thank God, met Fig and went to see Lord of the Rings (the musical). Not good. Although Fig enjoyed it. Then back to Brighton to see Fig's new kitchen (v nice). Sunday morning saw John for a bit and then up to Gatwick for flight back home. Monday morning off to Liverpool for meeting, Tuesday evening wrote Xmas cards, Wednesday lunch time went to civil service carol concert in St Anne's church (nice, haven't been to a carol concert for ages)and in evening got dragged out for a couple of VMs by Ms Drury (the one and only). Was supposed to have spent this evening wrapping Xmas presents but got distracted by computer instead. Will have to do them tomorrow now. Saturday its off to Swansea and therefore will be incommunicado for a week (unless I can wait for Dad's dial up to load so that I can blog - we'll see). That's all. J x

Fabulous

Just too too fabulous. Tears, laughter, death and railways. It just doesn't get better than that. That's all. J x

Stop Press

Just seen on CNN - Jodie Foster comes out. Fantastic. (Of course we in the gay community knew all along because we can always tell...), That's all. J x

Cranford

Not a whole lot of laughs this week it has to be said. And it looks like we're not going to get to meet the gay son. Still Francesca looked fab at the May Day festival. And Julia did raise a smile when she declared that she hadn't "had a goose in her garden" for a few weeks. I'm hoping it all turns out happily ever after next week. Especially for the poor (not very attractive) young doctor. That's all. J x P.S. John's brother is now doing fine thank goodness. Nanny Ogg's husband has had to go into hospital though so we're all rooting for her (and him) at the moment. Lots of love to you Nanny, give me a shout if you need anything.

Xmas cars?

Oh I wish... that should have been "cards" of course. J x

Good Session

3 calls, 2 really interesting and one quite unusual. Can't say more than that on account of confidentiality but suffice to say I felt like we'd helped which gives one a nice feeling. Xmas shopping, Xmas wrapping and Xmas cars today. Oh the joy... Put my Xmas decs up yesterday (Mrs T, your candlesticks are central to this year's display) and that was fun. That's all. J x

To Them That Have Shall Be Given...

...lots of lovely things. Armani phoned me up yesterday and invited me to visit their shop this week and they'll give me 30% off everything. 30%. Everything. Armani. Child and sweetshop are the words that spring to mind. Rest assured I will indeed be paying them a visit (not that I'm promising to buy anything!).

Helpline Xmas do was fun last night. Lots of enthusiasm for setting up a LGBT book group (not that I'll be ignoring my regular - first & best - book group). Out in the Village afterwards. Got home about 0100. The latest I've been for ages & ages. Also got told that I looked "dazzling". And that's the first time that's ever happened!

Doing my second helpline "listening in" session tonight with Jeff. Looking forward to it and hoping we have more calls than my first session (nil!).

Next weekend I'm off to London/Brighton to stay with the lovely lovely Figgy to see Lord of the Rings The Musical. Can only stay the Saturday night though as too much work on at the mo. That's all. J x

Kicking & Screaming

I didn't want to go (obviously - lets go to the gym I said) but she took me out for 4 (yes count them, 1, 2 , 3, 4) VMs. What's a boy to do? And we're out tomorrow for the (second tier) birthday celebrations and then its straight on to the Helpline Xmas Party on Friday. Other news - neighbours moved out today. They left their mobile number because they're after my bath when I have the refurb done. Cheapskates! Hope my new neighbour isn't a party girl. I like the quiet life... That's all. J x

Shock Horror Tippi Hedron a Lunatic

Who knew? Apparently she runs a sanctuary for tigers and the like in Los Angeles. One of the keepers just got bitten. And... she's the mother of Melanie Griffith. The actress. I didn't know that either.

In other news, Wayne's birthday tomorrow so we're ll going out for a meal. DD's birthday on Friday so we're all going out for a drink... on Thursday. Only the select few have been invited on Friday. And I'm not one of those. That's all J x

Have We Correct Time Now?

Just checking... That's all. J x

All New Look

And now with voting buttons! You can look forward to some interesting surveys dealing with the hottest political and social questions of our time in the future - and to start us off a really hot topic - what do we think of Cranford? Voting closes on 31/12 so use it or lose it.

I appear to have temporarily lost my site visit counter but rest assured we are working hard behind the scenes to get it restored. And I still haven't got the time right yet. That's all. J x

Can't Wait

Just one hour until Cranford!

Went to the vigil last night. Very moving despite the pouring rain. There were a couple of speeches. One from the chair of Manchester Body Positive. He is a haemophiliac who was diagnosed with HIV 25 years ago. At the time the doctors gave him 6 months to live (just time to sort out his affairs - he said that the doctors clearly hadn't reckoned with his lack of organisational skills because 25 years later he still hadn't sorted them out!). He also tested positive for hepatitis C at the same time but the doctors didn't tell him because they thought he'd be dead in 6 months. How appalling is that? Hopefully it wouldn't happen now. And then to cap it all he's recently tested positive for VCJD too. Makes you think... The choir were really good too. DD and I went for a drink in Malmaison afterwards (I know, I know we said we'd never go again but you try finding somewhere to have a drink that has seats available at 1900 on a Saturday night). And then she went off to the Xmas markets and I met Mark for a couple of beers around the Village.

Had a call from John today and his brother is really ill in hospital. My thoughts are with him and his family and I hope it all turns out alright for everyone concerned.

That's all. J x

I Heart Janice

And I hope she wins...

Did my first listening in last night. Not a single bloody call! Still had the lovely Paul and the lovely David to pass the time. Off to the World Aids Day vigil tomorrow and then off out with Mark afterwards. And then Cranford on Sunday! Yippee. Aged Ps are back from Portugal - they had gorgeous sunny weather the whole time they were there. The buggers. Heard from Mrs T. She is fine but currently unemployed. Spoke to Figgy this week too. Panto-fest may be in doubt as he's used all his holidays. Still, will see him on the 15th as we're off to see Lord of the Rings (the musical). That's all. J x

What a Lovely Surprise

Linda sweetie, thanks for the lovely card and note. It brought a smile to my face (in a good, nostalgic kind of way). I too am sorry that I had to miss the "Death of Crawley" party but I'm definitely up for a get together in the New Year. And I'd love to see both you and Sue P at some point even if there isn't an official get together. I'd meant to write to Sue to thank her for the lovely cards she sent me while I was ill but she hadn't included her address. I badgered Karen for the address and when she sent it to me I promptly deleted the text! I didn't have the nerve to tell her I'd done it and so never got to write to Sue. When you see her/talk to her next tell her I'm sorry and that I'l apologise in person when I see her. And also thank her for the cards for me because they really meant a lot.

Did Andrew George make it to the party? Any change? And Ms Johnson, given that you've mentioned how successful she is I'm guessing there's been no change there...! Talk soon honey. J x

Noise and Disease and the Irish!

Honestly its enough to make you have a headache of phenomenal proportions. Or even the Quincy. On both sides! Cranford is as delightful as ever. That's all. (But rest assured that Kylie was recorded). J x

Back from Brum

Well, isn't the plot of Il Trovatore just too depressing and ludicrous for words? And the staging didn't help either. All very dour and dark and unimaginative (to my mind). And poor old Dennis O'Neill. Fantastic voice (even when he's singing off-stage as he has to lot in this play) but 4 foot high and 5 foot around does not the figure of a romantic troubadour make! Still Cinderella was brilliant. No fairy godmother (something to do with the Pope's attitude to witches when Rossini wrote the thing apparently) but a couple of really comic ugly sisters and a fantastic father. The prince had a lovely voice as did his tutor (a central character essentially replacing the fairy godmother). The costumes were also great as was the imaginative staging. The rats got on my nerves a bit though. Apart from that lots of shopping (didn't buy a great deal though, 2 pairs of cufflinks and a Xmas present and that was it) and a couple of drinks on the scene. Their Harvey Nicks is tiny although their Selfridges is bigger than ours - and housed in that fantastic building too. Hotel was warm and comfortable with lots of hot water so all in all a very nice weekend. That's all. J x

Solihull and Beyond

Well, I'm back safe and sound. And aren't we all in line for a shake-up? And that's even before we get a new chairman/woman who wants to do everything differently anyway. Off to Birmingham tomorrow for 2 days of opera (Fig we need to speak of John Barrowman). Back on Sunday. That's al. J x

Unbelievable

Politicians and the media running around like headless chickens. The discs have fallen down the back of someone's desk and will turn up in due course. And I really don't understand why the chairman had to resign. We had guidelines in place and they weren't followed by a member of staff. Its the member of staff who should have gone. That's all. J x P.S. Off to Solihull tomorrow for 2 days to discuss important matters such as, no doubt, how to seal envelopes and correctly address them...

Cranford

And a camp classic is born. How will we ever forget Julia Mackenzie saying "that cow is like a daughter to me"? And the expression on her face as the purgative she has fed the cat gets to work... Just fabulous. That's all. J x

Saturday

Fun day. Garden centre in morning with DD. She bought a holly, pansies, Xmas decorations, compost and a bird feeder and I bought... nothing! That's right readers, I went shopping and didn't buy anything. The local papers have been informed. Flat cleaning in afternoon (that wasn't a fun bit) and then playing on the computer whilst texting Mark and discussing IACGMOOH in the evening. Biggins is a good addition we decided. And not a vodka martini to be seen... That's all. J x

Stardust

Went to see it last night with Gill and Ricky. What a fun film. Robert de Niro as the drag captain of a pirate ship was superb. And Charlie Cox. Phwoar! Then out for a vodka martini or 3 tonight with Ms D. Off to a garden centre with her tomorrow morning and then a well earned rest for the rest of the weekend - its been a hectic week (at least that's the plan so far!). That's all. J x

IACGMOOH

Its car crash telly. I don't want to watch. Honest I don't. I can't stop though. J x

It Was 2 VMs

And why not? Negotiations about NYE took place. I can't quite remember what we decided though...

Pleasant day today. Lunch with Eve and then a haircut after work. Oh, and Phil D's twins are on the way... That's all. J x

When DD Calls...

...you jump. We're off tuxedo hunting followed, no doubt, by a VM or 2! That's all. J x

Helpline

Yesterday was the last day of the training. Next up are the "live sesions". 3 sessions of just listening in to one of the mentors taking calls and then 6 sesions of being listened into by a mentor. The last training day was as good as ever and we all went to Canal Street afterwards. It ended up with just me Mark & Paul at the end (is this a trend emerging?). Mark has given me a copy of he Ethel Merman Disco Album which I'm looking forwad to listening to enormously. Will probably meet up with Paul for coffee in the week as he works just round the corner from me.

Hectic week ahead as ever but the following week is even more hectic as have 2 days in Solihull (I know) on business and then 2 days in Birmingham for opera - Il Trovatore ad Cinderella. Know nothing about the latter so it should be interesting. And since its WNO you're pretty much guaranteed that it will be good.

That's all. J x

Brrr

My but its gone cold tonight. Went with DD to see plans for a development down the road (800 flats, shops, offices, hotels and a doctor's surgery - probably). The nice young architect who talked us through the plans reckoned that it would raise the value of my apartment so that's OK then! Off to the Hilton afterwoods for a VM. The place was packed to the gunnells with accountants in tuxedos for some annual dinner or other. Thence to Albert Square for the Xmas lights turn on but as hot as Shane Ward looked he couldn't heat up the whole square and we had to come away before the new enormous Father Xmas was illuminated. Saw the fireworks from my apartment though. That's all. J x

The Count

(No, not Dracula - although I understand that Mel Brooks' musical version of Young Frankenstein is due to open on Broadway soon - worth the trip to New York just to see that I expect). But its just over a week since I launched that counter thing on this blog and during that time there have been 186 visits! Obviously some of those are me and some will be repeat viewings by my regulars but I'm fairly chuffed with the number anyway and so you'l be pleased to know that I intend carrying on with the blog. That's all. J x

The Weekend

Helpline training yesterday - excellent as ever. Went for a drink with a couple of the guys afterwards which was fun. Have to get on with the cleaning now as Denise is coming round later to browse my extensive collection of Xmas decorations as she wants to borrow some. Will find out if she's bought our tickets for NYE. Spoke to the Aged Ps this morning and will be trying to book for Hairspray when we go to London to see the Terracotta Army in London in January. God only knows what my father will make of it! Sounds like we will also be making a trip to Venice next year en famille with my Aunt & Uncle. That should be fab. Then making some soup this afternoon I hope followed by watching the recording of Britz I made in the week since the world and his wife is telling me it was fantastic. That's all. J x

Elizabeth

Went tonight to see the above with Sara. I really enjoyed it, Sara less so. I think she was bothered by the whole historical accuracy thing. I, on the other hand, think that Elizabeth probably did have a Joan of Arc outfit in her wardrobe just waiting for the appropriaye occasion (ooh, I don't know, lets say the arrival of the Spanish Armada). She looked dead good in it too. In fact she looked dead good in her all her costumes which were just sumptuous. Need to get a book now to read all about it and what actually happened. Other than that a quiet week (apart from the 13 hours in Bristol). Got helpline training tomorrow which will be fun. Probably go for a drink afterwards. Cleaning and ironing on Sunday - got to make a start as Aged P's visiting mid-December. Also mother wants to go and see Hairspray whilst we're in London to see the Terracotta Army. Michael Ball in a dress? You won't get any arguments from me. That's all. J x

Oh What a Perfect Night

Forced into the bars (kicking and screaming) by DD. So had 2 VMs at Panacea followed by a third at the Hilton. I'd forgotten quite how stunning the views are from the 23rd floor, particularly at night. Still at least we've more or less decided where we're going to spend NYE. Havig considered San Fransisco, Florence and Marrakech we've settled on Panacea. As the barman told us tonight, at least you're known here and assured of a warm welcome. Whether we eat there or not has yet to be decided. We may also do the Hilton on the same night just for the sheer glamour of it all. Plus we'll be saving huge sums of money over what we would have spent on San Fran. That's all. J x

13 hours

Caught the train at 0615 this morning and got home at 1930. Its inhuman do you hear me? Inhuman. That's all. J x

Secondment Hell

Catching the 0617 from Manchester to Bristol tomorrow morning and not getting back to Manchester until 1920. Greater career aspirations hath no man that he lay down his sleep for his job... Actually, thinking about it, tomorrow has got nothing to do with the secondment, its just part of my normal job. Am I working for heartless taskmasters you're clearly asking yourselves at ths point. Go and ask Jane Murray is my reply... That's all. J x

Technology

I think I have now installed a visitor counter. So even though no-one appears to be leaving posts anymore (but I have heard from one person that there may be problems around this - let me know on jonathan95@mac.com if you're also having problems) I should still be able to see whether people are visiting me. Obviously of I'm getting half a visitor per week then I need to think about whether I should carry on with the thing... And, honestly, don't ever go and see Aspects of Love. That's all. J x

Just Don't

Ever. However tempted you might be. Just don't go and see Aspects of Love. Even if someone offers to buy you a ticket. Or if they had a friend who has dropped out at the last minute and therefore have a spae ticket. Even if they offer to pay you to go. However much. Even a million pounds. Don't do it because you will regret it for the rest of your life (and possibly the rest of the afterlife too). J x

A Quiet Night In

DD came round to watch the Grand Prix. Poor Lewis. And since she'd started on a bottle of wine she stayed to watch Dead Calm. Which was a good film once upon a time but is looking a little dated now. Back to work tomorrow. Hurrah! That's all. J x

Don't Stop The Train(ing)

Spent the day at LGF re-doing the training ready for me starting my volunteering again. As ever the LGF was warm and welcoming and staffed with lovely lovely people. Sometimes when you go down Canal Street you can feel that the whole gay community is shallow and heartless and interested in nothing more than their next drug fix or shag. But then you go to organisations like LGF and everyone is so nice and welcoming and can hold a conversation... But everyone goes to Canal Street (me included) so they can't all be bad. It just feels that way sometimes. Anyway, it was quite a tiring day (these things can exhaust you emotionally) so I just came home, watched Deep Impact on the telly (it always makes me cry) Chatted to John (he'd had a tiring day too). Also talked to Gill and tried to decide which film we're going to see next week and when (secondments leave you with very little free time - in London on Thursday and travelling First Class at the taxpayer's expense - only because I'm going with 2 other people who are travelling First Class and we have stuff to discuss on the way down, and doubtless on the way back too. I normally go Standard Class because I'm conscious of the expense and I don't see why I should have privileges - my salary apart - over other people in HMRC). Also exchanged text messages with Lesley and Jane concernig the sexuality of Dumbledore. Who knew? And now off to bed as have loads of cleaning washing and ironing to do tomorrow. What do we think the liklihood of those happening is? That's all. J x

Busy Day

10 hours in work and then an hour of helpline training this evening. Actually it was a day's helpline training squished into an hour. I'm re-doing the training because its been so long since I last answered the phone on the helpline. I should have started last Saturday but I was at Macbeth so Jim kindly agreed to do this refresher for me. He's so nice. I'll be doing "Day 2" on Saturday. Out drinking tomorrow afternoon with my old boss Bob. It'll be great to see him because I haven't seen him since July and we'll have a lot to catch up on - well I will, he reads the blog apparently so he'll know everything I've done. Sould be nice and relaxig anyway after this bloody secondment which is driving me scatty. Had a "feedback" e-mail today from one of the trainees I've mentored this year. She's emigrating to Australia (I'm guessing its nothing to do with my mentoring) but the e-mail was so nice I barely recognised myself. She said the sweetest things. Anyway I forwarded it to my boss so he can see how good I am too. That's all. J x

Its "Just" Fashion

Had a shitty day. Saw Frances this morning (speech therapist). She's signed me of because there's nothing more she can do for me. At least its one less appointment to keep but it does mean that I'll never chew again... Afternoon was spent in a dreary meeting that decided nothing and which doesn't make any difference in the scheme of things anyway. Pointless. Still, at least there were enough chairs (if no Jane Murray - where were you my dear?). And I got to sit next to the rather delicious Dan.

It all perked up after work when I met DD for a coupe of VMs and then off to HN for the fashion show. Which was really good. Some top fashion and some top totty. But My God. The women in the audience. Quelle horreur. Still I needed some Clinique and got the £30 back that we'd spent on the tickets. Result!

That's all. J x

Pain in the Back

I have a dry disc apparently and ther's nothing that can be done about it. That's the bad news. The good news is that I don't have a great big fat tumour sat on my spine. Neurologist was just what you'd expect really - mid 50s, smartly dressed, male... He was very nice though even though my heart sank when after listening to all my symptoms he uttered the immortal line "I've got just the same thing"! Luckily though we didn't spend the entire consultation talking about him. He showed me my scan results and it was very easy to see the one disc that was dry (and hence painful). He says my back is strong enough for me to go skiing if I want (not that I've ever been skiing before - nearly went once but that's a long long story) but I'm not to go bungee jumping. Phew.

He recommends going to the gym (so just as well I haven't let my membeship lapse even though I hsven't been for ages - Denise's fault) and maybe acupuncture (although that didn't work before) but not osteopathy but I coulod try massage or chiropractic. We'll see. There's a chiropracter who shares my dentist's premises so perhaps I'll try and arrange an initial consultation to see what they offer. And I'm sure massage will be fun!

Then off to book group in Didsbury (Jem & I) - very nice. We talked quite a lot about the book but none of us felt that it was particularly resonant that we were eating in a restaurant mentioned in the book.

Hospital in the morning (Frances, speech therapist - not expecting much) and then fashion show at HN i the evening after cocktails at Panacea with DD. That's all. J x

Magnificent Macbeth

It was stunning. Patrick Stewart was mesmerising and the staging was just to my taste - the weird sisters were, in fact, nursing sisters. Those of you familiar with my views on nurses will know how appropriate this seemed to me. Lady Macbeth was adequate without being instantly a classic (in my humble view). You have to work quite hard I think to do something new with the character after all this time. The witches actually were really sisnister and well done. There's also a really clever bit concerning Banquo's arrival at the feast (as a ghost for those of you unfamiliar with the text). This happens just prior to the end of act one with Banquo turning up covered in blood. The exact same scene is played at the start of act two but this time only Macbeth can see the ghost. It gives the audience an idea of how the other guests at the banquet must have reacted to Macbeth's actions. Very clever. The "eye of newt/pricking of my thumbs" bit is done as a "rap" which actually works rather well although you can't distinctly hear all the language at this point.

The Crack (or Shibboleth to give it the correct name) is also rather good. It works on loads of levels and I won't wax lyrical on them all here for fear of boring you. But if you get a chance to go and see it then do.

Journey home on dear dear Virgin was fine - I upgraded to 1st class for £15 and had a whole table to myself al the way. This meant I was able to get to the hospital on time for the MRI scan which went without a hitch. I'l get the results on Tuesday when I see the neurologist so I'l let you know how it works out.

Hope you're doing OK Bill. I heard that you had to miss your chemo this week because of a low platelet count. Not that I know, but I don't think this should be anything to worry about since it shows the chemo is working - it f***s all your cells, not just the cancer. Lets hope its equally effective on the cancer cells. As ever, if you need anything or if there's anything I can do then give me a shout.

Aged Ps are off round the Mediteranean on a boat for 15 days from Monday so I'l miss them. Although I understand that said boat does have ship to shore so they shouldn't be out of touch for too long.

That's al. J x

Designer Update

We're making progress! Saw designers and builder today which was useful. Builder knows what is and isn't possible. I think we're agreed on most things now. We're going to have a "walk through" on Monday to decide on lights and sockets and stuff. Also I think the guy will be there to discuss the shutters on the windows at the same time. Watch this space... J x

Cutting It Fine

Typical. Off to London on Saturday to see the Scottish Play starring Captain Jean Luc Picard and, hopefully, taking a gander at The Crack if we have time, and then I get a phonecall today to say that I'm required to attend Hope Hospital for a scan on Sunday at 1400. There is a train from Euston at 0834 Sunday morning that gets me into Piccadilly at 1249. But its a Virgin train. And its Sunday. What are the chances of an uneventful journey arriving in Manchester on time? Hey ho. I can't miss the Captain though. Will just have to explain to the consultant on Tuesday how good high culture is for back pain... Seeing designers tomorrow. Wonder where we'll be on refurb after that? Not holding my breath. That's all for now. J x

An Old Friend

Just dropped Mrs T off in the wilds of Bolton. It was great to see her and she's looking and sounding good. She arrived bearing photos (from the evil sister) of my last party. My God. I was huge. I must say that (if it doesn't come back) the cancer may end up actualy prolonging my life because looking at the size I was I must have been a prime candidate for a heart attack. Wouldn't that be ironic?

Went to see Michael Clayton with Gill last night. Really good film and George Clooney is excellent in it. He's also still gorgeous.

Off to cinema in the week to to see the new Jodie Foster film which looks really good. And then next Saturday its down to London to see Patrick Stewart in Macbeth. The reviewer from The Times didn't seem to enjoy the production but I think it sounds great. Its set in a hospital apparently which seems ideal. As we know, most nurses (apart from the lovely Debbie) are witches...

Seeing DD tomorrow for coffee (I think she's found me a chink in her hugely hectic social life for which I am, as ever, extremely grateful....

Seeing the designers this week to so I'll let you have an update on the refurb as soon as I know anything. J x