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