Although of course lots of exciting things happened in the week -
Monday - was meant to go to the City parade with DD but didn't in the end - too busy at work
Tuesday - worked on the Help Line and then attended the steering group meeting with Jim & Geoff where lots of things were decided
Wednesday - cinema: Pirates of the Caribbean with Gill - rubbish film
Thursday - drinks in Malmaison with Chris (temporary bar, not very good) followed by hair cut
Friday - Lang Lang at Bridgewater Hall with Sara: superb. The man is fantastic.
So there you go. J x
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Swansea Bound
Well, actually I've arrived. Have decided to spend the bank holiday at the Aged Ps to keep an eye on them as mother still unwell. To be fair she is feeling a lot better than she was, but she's still not right. She has been scheduled for tests (as an outpatient) to find out what the hell is going on. I'll keep you in the loop.
Weather here is rubbish although it did stop raining long enough for me to pop out and clear the gutters this afternoon. Spent the morning hoovering and shopping. OK, I confess. The hoovering took 10 minutes and most of the shopping was for me so don't elevate me to sainthood just yet.
Watched the football last night - very exciting and a good result - and Formula One today - very exciting and the wrong result. And that's all that's happened really. Will let you know if a cow breaks through the hedge or anything... That's all. J x
Weather here is rubbish although it did stop raining long enough for me to pop out and clear the gutters this afternoon. Spent the morning hoovering and shopping. OK, I confess. The hoovering took 10 minutes and most of the shopping was for me so don't elevate me to sainthood just yet.
Watched the football last night - very exciting and a good result - and Formula One today - very exciting and the wrong result. And that's all that's happened really. Will let you know if a cow breaks through the hedge or anything... That's all. J x
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Because I Do
So I'm sat here reviewing my reactions to Eurovision. On the night I went with UK, Estonia and Germany. And I stick by the latter two but have gone off the UK entry somewhat. My favourite is definitely Estonia (despite the ridiculous lyrics - My Mama Told Me anyone?) - I even like the dancers although they are a bit Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to start with.
To Paul & Maggie's for Paul's birthday last night. Had a good time but shame about the weather as it would have been nice to spend more time in the garden. Quiet day today (thank the Lord) so it will be F1 and Chelsea on the telly. Have already watched Dr Who from last night and it has to have been one of the worst ever. Stupid plot, bad writing, cheap sets (borg rip-off regeneration stations anyone?). Work continues apace. Rumours and plots and politics a-go-go with absolutely no-one recognising my absolute genius. It was ever thus - look at Galileo... That's all. J x
To Paul & Maggie's for Paul's birthday last night. Had a good time but shame about the weather as it would have been nice to spend more time in the garden. Quiet day today (thank the Lord) so it will be F1 and Chelsea on the telly. Have already watched Dr Who from last night and it has to have been one of the worst ever. Stupid plot, bad writing, cheap sets (borg rip-off regeneration stations anyone?). Work continues apace. Rumours and plots and politics a-go-go with absolutely no-one recognising my absolute genius. It was ever thus - look at Galileo... That's all. J x
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Eurovision
Not a bad result UK-wise although scoring less than Jedward is of course a national humiliation and we should immediately withdraw our Queen from their country. I'm fairly sure Ma'am would be a Blue fan.
But all in all a bloody good show. Even if I did have to watch it all on my own on account of my Northern Best Friend deciding to prioritise the FA Cup Final at Wem-Ber-Ley (as I believe we're now calling it). However, technology in the form of texting (2 in Manchester, one in Brighton and one in Eastbourne) as well as various celebrities on Twitter kept me company.
Mother feeling quite unwell at the moment so please all think about her today and she'll feel better as a result. I'm sure. That's all. J x
But all in all a bloody good show. Even if I did have to watch it all on my own on account of my Northern Best Friend deciding to prioritise the FA Cup Final at Wem-Ber-Ley (as I believe we're now calling it). However, technology in the form of texting (2 in Manchester, one in Brighton and one in Eastbourne) as well as various celebrities on Twitter kept me company.
Mother feeling quite unwell at the moment so please all think about her today and she'll feel better as a result. I'm sure. That's all. J x
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Where To Start?
Been incredibly busy so I may forget to report stuff.
Last I recall I was marooned in Wales with nothing but gardens to walk around and antiques shows to watch on television (along with the odd tennis match). Obviously I made it back to Manchester OK. So it was then back to work and all that entails (don't start me).
Accompanied DD and others to the football on Tuesday (City v Spurs) which we won (thanks to a Spurs own goal). It wasn't a good match but the result means we'll be in Europe next year which is good news. And of course we're in the cup final today.
Went to the theatre this week - Ghost, The Musical which is actually rather good. Has some nice original songs in it and it moves along at a good pace. Some of the special effects didn't work perfectly from the angle I was sitting at but friends who have sat elsewhere in the auditorium said they looked good to them. If you do decide to go then I suggest that you look to purchase tickets in the centre of whatever part of the theatre you're sitting in. I'm fairly sure this will transfer to the West End because its been on a while now in Manchester and yet is still packing them in (and at £50 a ticket in Manchester that is no mean achievement). The choreography and lighting are really impressive too.
Then it was to The Alchemist last night. Me, DD and Bryn & Michelle went there last Saturday and had received bad service. When we complained Angus, the manager, asked us to let him know when we were next in and he would look after us. So I let him know that me, Lesley and DD would be there about 6 and he booked us a table. The place was jammed when we arrived but we were escorted to the best table in the house and appeared to have been assigned a waitress to look after only us (she had even been told in advance what I would be drinking!). Anyway we had loads to drink and also a meal and then when we asked for the bill (which came to £134) Angus, bless him, knocked £100 off. Unbelievable. To be fair I had hoped that perhaps we'd get a free round of drinks but I hadn't been expecting that level of generosity. We'll definitely be going back there again...
Have spoken to the Aged Ps today and mother, bless her, isn't feeling too well. So I'm sending her all my love and hopefully you will too. My cousin in Swansea (Hilary sister to Mike who has just had the cancer diagnosis) has fallen over and dislocated and broken her shoulder so is in hospital too. So the whole family is doing badly at the moment. Lets hope everyone gets well soon. And that's about all the news. I'm feeling pretty hungover at the moment but need to go and watch the cup final now. That's all. J x
Last I recall I was marooned in Wales with nothing but gardens to walk around and antiques shows to watch on television (along with the odd tennis match). Obviously I made it back to Manchester OK. So it was then back to work and all that entails (don't start me).
Accompanied DD and others to the football on Tuesday (City v Spurs) which we won (thanks to a Spurs own goal). It wasn't a good match but the result means we'll be in Europe next year which is good news. And of course we're in the cup final today.
Went to the theatre this week - Ghost, The Musical which is actually rather good. Has some nice original songs in it and it moves along at a good pace. Some of the special effects didn't work perfectly from the angle I was sitting at but friends who have sat elsewhere in the auditorium said they looked good to them. If you do decide to go then I suggest that you look to purchase tickets in the centre of whatever part of the theatre you're sitting in. I'm fairly sure this will transfer to the West End because its been on a while now in Manchester and yet is still packing them in (and at £50 a ticket in Manchester that is no mean achievement). The choreography and lighting are really impressive too.
Then it was to The Alchemist last night. Me, DD and Bryn & Michelle went there last Saturday and had received bad service. When we complained Angus, the manager, asked us to let him know when we were next in and he would look after us. So I let him know that me, Lesley and DD would be there about 6 and he booked us a table. The place was jammed when we arrived but we were escorted to the best table in the house and appeared to have been assigned a waitress to look after only us (she had even been told in advance what I would be drinking!). Anyway we had loads to drink and also a meal and then when we asked for the bill (which came to £134) Angus, bless him, knocked £100 off. Unbelievable. To be fair I had hoped that perhaps we'd get a free round of drinks but I hadn't been expecting that level of generosity. We'll definitely be going back there again...
Have spoken to the Aged Ps today and mother, bless her, isn't feeling too well. So I'm sending her all my love and hopefully you will too. My cousin in Swansea (Hilary sister to Mike who has just had the cancer diagnosis) has fallen over and dislocated and broken her shoulder so is in hospital too. So the whole family is doing badly at the moment. Lets hope everyone gets well soon. And that's about all the news. I'm feeling pretty hungover at the moment but need to go and watch the cup final now. That's all. J x
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Portugal Not
So, I'm still in the UK albeit Wales rather than England. The Aged Ps travelled up to Manchester by train as planned on Saturday but then we went out for a meal with DD (henceforth to be known as poisoner-general) in the evening and my Dad got food poisoning. He was really bad all night (all the bedding had to be washed!) and unable to travel in the morning. Indeed he still feels a little unwell now and has yet to consume any alcohol which is unheard of in the Lewis household. He wouldn't have been able to travel to Portugal the day after even if we could have re-booked our flights (unfortunately we'd checked in the night before online which meant we were unable to change our tickets - a lesson learned here). We'll just have to see what can be reclaimed on insurance but with a £75 excess anyway and no doctor's certificate I'm not hopeful.
As they'd come up by train their return tickets weren't booked until next Monday. So I decided to drive them home and spend some time in Swansea with them instead. I'll be back up to Manchester on Friday. Luckily we've had quite nice weather (apart from the wind) but its supposed to start raining at some point tomorrow. But I've been to the National Botanic Gardens yesterday and Aberglasny today so its not a total washout. But Portugal would have been nice.
In other news we've had some bad news from one of my cousins - Kathryn's Dad (she comments on here sometimes) as he has received a cancer diagnosis (what is it about my family - we all seem to get it - Kathryn's had it too?). We don't know all the details yet but he's seeing a specialist next week to find out how much chemotherapy they're going to recommend. Fingers crossed for him (not sure if you read the blog Mike but I'l be thinking of you next week).
And finally Fig may have cocked up his holidays and so may not make it up to Manchester for the International Festival which would be a real shame. Fingers crossed for him that he manages to sort it all out and get his arse up here as I haven't seen him for sooooo long.
That's all but please remember Kathryn and her family in your prayers tonight (whoever you pray to). Thanks. J x
As they'd come up by train their return tickets weren't booked until next Monday. So I decided to drive them home and spend some time in Swansea with them instead. I'll be back up to Manchester on Friday. Luckily we've had quite nice weather (apart from the wind) but its supposed to start raining at some point tomorrow. But I've been to the National Botanic Gardens yesterday and Aberglasny today so its not a total washout. But Portugal would have been nice.
In other news we've had some bad news from one of my cousins - Kathryn's Dad (she comments on here sometimes) as he has received a cancer diagnosis (what is it about my family - we all seem to get it - Kathryn's had it too?). We don't know all the details yet but he's seeing a specialist next week to find out how much chemotherapy they're going to recommend. Fingers crossed for him (not sure if you read the blog Mike but I'l be thinking of you next week).
And finally Fig may have cocked up his holidays and so may not make it up to Manchester for the International Festival which would be a real shame. Fingers crossed for him that he manages to sort it all out and get his arse up here as I haven't seen him for sooooo long.
That's all but please remember Kathryn and her family in your prayers tonight (whoever you pray to). Thanks. J x
Friday, April 29, 2011
Fat Fingers
So, he finally got the ring on her finger. We didn't think it was going to happen for a while there...
Anyway, I thought it was a lovely wedding and the dress was exquisite. And the wedding breakfast went well too. Savoury croissants and pain au chocolat and gallons and galloons of champagne. Finally broke up around 1400 (from 0800). Everyone was suitably dressed - hats, tiaras, "marry me instead" T shirts and the like.
Then off to town to buy some currency as flying to Portugal (early) Sunday morning. Aged Ps arrive tomorrow by train and then DD driving us to the airport at 0545. I know! But dinner tomorrow evening first with said Ageds, DD and Bryn & Michelle. Should be nice. It'll certainly be nice to have a break from work but then its back to all the work rubbish that's going on at the moment. Oh joy. But not going to worry about that just yet. Am taking 3 book group books with me. How many do we think I might finish? Even one would be a record for me recently!
Not taking computer with me but may blog from Portugal on phone if I can get it to work... That's all. J x
Anyway, I thought it was a lovely wedding and the dress was exquisite. And the wedding breakfast went well too. Savoury croissants and pain au chocolat and gallons and galloons of champagne. Finally broke up around 1400 (from 0800). Everyone was suitably dressed - hats, tiaras, "marry me instead" T shirts and the like.
Then off to town to buy some currency as flying to Portugal (early) Sunday morning. Aged Ps arrive tomorrow by train and then DD driving us to the airport at 0545. I know! But dinner tomorrow evening first with said Ageds, DD and Bryn & Michelle. Should be nice. It'll certainly be nice to have a break from work but then its back to all the work rubbish that's going on at the moment. Oh joy. But not going to worry about that just yet. Am taking 3 book group books with me. How many do we think I might finish? Even one would be a record for me recently!
Not taking computer with me but may blog from Portugal on phone if I can get it to work... That's all. J x
Monday, April 25, 2011
Happy Monday...
.... its just another day. But in any case I thought I'd share this video celebrating the two-day week with you. Keep an eye on the dancers, they're the real stars here! J x
Friday, April 22, 2011
Oh Glorious Day
What a lovely day. I'm sat on the terrace typing this - topless! Yes I'm looking to kick start my tan for Portugal by freezing my nipples off in the weak morning sunshine. However, I come from hardy Welsh stock that should see me survive the resulting pneumonia (hey, I've done it once). In fact, only one nipple appears to be freezing off but that could be because I only have sensation in one nipple on account of the surgeons stuffing the other one at the back of my throat to plug the gap left by the tumor.
So, busy day ahead. Need to get all my shopping done as DD is stealing the car tomorrow. I need to tidy parts of the flat ready for film night tonight (Michelle's choice and we've no idea which film she's chosen). It will be a good night though I'm sure involving as it will food, drink and general merry-making.
Day off tomorrow and then off on errands of mercy on Sunday to my sick friend Jim (well, not that sick to be fair as he seems to be doing really well following the heart attack and we'll be going to a garden centre which, as regular readers will know, is one of my all time favourite things to do). Night out with DD afterwards and then its the hard slog to get the flat ready for the Aged Ps (we're all flying from Manchester to Portugal). Looking forward to it and have ordered my Book Groups next three books off Amazon this morning to give me some holiday reading while I'm away (to be fair this is about the onpy time I manage to actually get through the books). That's all for now. J x
So, busy day ahead. Need to get all my shopping done as DD is stealing the car tomorrow. I need to tidy parts of the flat ready for film night tonight (Michelle's choice and we've no idea which film she's chosen). It will be a good night though I'm sure involving as it will food, drink and general merry-making.
Day off tomorrow and then off on errands of mercy on Sunday to my sick friend Jim (well, not that sick to be fair as he seems to be doing really well following the heart attack and we'll be going to a garden centre which, as regular readers will know, is one of my all time favourite things to do). Night out with DD afterwards and then its the hard slog to get the flat ready for the Aged Ps (we're all flying from Manchester to Portugal). Looking forward to it and have ordered my Book Groups next three books off Amazon this morning to give me some holiday reading while I'm away (to be fair this is about the onpy time I manage to actually get through the books). That's all for now. J x
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Lovely Day
Looking bright and beautiful out there this morning. I'm off on my Flo Nightingale duties this afternoon with my friend Jim. He's doing really well at the moment and the main danger is that he'll try and overdo things instead of easing himself back into life gently because he's feeling so good. Rest assured I'll be giving him a good talking to so that he doesn't overdo things.
Did the helpline this week - its been a while! But it was good to get back into it. Had a trainee with me - a sweet guy called Ryan but unfortunately we had very few calls so he wasn't able to learn a lot.
To the theatre last night with Mike and Lesley to see the Ballets Trocadero de Monte Carlo. Absolutely fantastic. You wouldn't expect drag ballet to be so good but it is.
Easter is now on the horizon - how did that sneak up so quickly? Have our next film night on Friday with a busy week before that: Book club on Monday, Wrexham on Wednesday, cinema with Gill on Thursday... it just never stops! That's all. J x
Did the helpline this week - its been a while! But it was good to get back into it. Had a trainee with me - a sweet guy called Ryan but unfortunately we had very few calls so he wasn't able to learn a lot.
To the theatre last night with Mike and Lesley to see the Ballets Trocadero de Monte Carlo. Absolutely fantastic. You wouldn't expect drag ballet to be so good but it is.
Easter is now on the horizon - how did that sneak up so quickly? Have our next film night on Friday with a busy week before that: Book club on Monday, Wrexham on Wednesday, cinema with Gill on Thursday... it just never stops! That's all. J x
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Just Pottering
Lovely day yesterday. Wandered round town a bit, cleaned a bit, did a bit of washing, a bit of gardening and a bit of work. No pressure, no appointments, nothing. And then caught up on some recorded TV and read a fashion magazine and the new Le Monde D'Hermes Catalogue. A perfect Saturday. Also ordered vats-worth of Complan ready for Portugal (once I'd remembered what it was called) and since I get it through Amazon I slipped in an order for a Handel opera too!
Today is shaping up to be a little more hectic. Need to do some shopping for Jim before visiting him this afternoon and then out to meet DD and Bryn and Michelle later. Off to Wrexham tomorrow (oh joy) and London on Friday. Warrington in between including a million meetings. Looking forward to it all already... That's all. Enjoy the weather. J x
Today is shaping up to be a little more hectic. Need to do some shopping for Jim before visiting him this afternoon and then out to meet DD and Bryn and Michelle later. Off to Wrexham tomorrow (oh joy) and London on Friday. Warrington in between including a million meetings. Looking forward to it all already... That's all. Enjoy the weather. J x
Friday, April 08, 2011
News and No Mistake
He's fine now, but Jim's had a heart attack. I know, and he's so young. I had a text from him in the week saying "hi, how are you and by the way I'm in hospital because I've had a heart attack" as casual as you like. He woke up in the early hours of Sunday morning with some chest pains which he assumed was wind/indigestion (poor love). When it hadn't got better after about half an hour he thought, very sensibly, that maybe he should get it checked out at the hospital. But instead of calling an ambulance or calling me he hopped in his car and drove himself there. It seems incredible (and it is) but this story could have had a much worse ending so don't try that at home kids. You phone an ambulance or you phone me.
He's had an angiogram which has shown that the blockage was removed by the medicine they gave him when he was first admitted (which is a very good sign) and he's back at home now with a warning to take things easy as well as instructions to take 7 pills every day for the rest of his life. I'll be going to see him Sunday afternoon and will update you all when I get back. I'll pass on everyone's good wishes whether you know him or not.
Other than that been a relatively quiet week. DD has gone to Venice for the weekend so I'm all on my lonesome but that's fine as I will be able to potter. Wrexham on Monday and then out with Karen's friend (and now mine too) Kathryn on Tuesday and then a hair cut and a help line session later in the week. Its all go...! That's all for now. J x
Oh, and P.S. Please watch this so you'll know...
He's had an angiogram which has shown that the blockage was removed by the medicine they gave him when he was first admitted (which is a very good sign) and he's back at home now with a warning to take things easy as well as instructions to take 7 pills every day for the rest of his life. I'll be going to see him Sunday afternoon and will update you all when I get back. I'll pass on everyone's good wishes whether you know him or not.
Other than that been a relatively quiet week. DD has gone to Venice for the weekend so I'm all on my lonesome but that's fine as I will be able to potter. Wrexham on Monday and then out with Karen's friend (and now mine too) Kathryn on Tuesday and then a hair cut and a help line session later in the week. Its all go...! That's all for now. J x
Oh, and P.S. Please watch this so you'll know...
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Baroque
The previous piece of music is from King Arthur by Henry Purcell. You may recall that me and my friend Michelle went to see Andreas Scholl a few months ago at the Bridgewater Hall and were quite disappointed. He did this piece but not in quite the same way that Klaus does it. The halting singing is normal I think (its a song about being cold) but I just love Klaus's version.
Had a fab time with my friend Karen Thursday and Friday and have just dropped her off at the airport. She hasn't changed at all. Plenty of VMs were drunk and I've made a new Pacesetter friend (one can't have too many of them) called Kathryn who hails from Newport but visits Manchester regularly on Pacesetter business. Venues included the Radisson, Restaurant Bar & Grill, Harvey Nics and the Novotel!
Have also finally dragged myself (with the help of Jim) to the new Lesbian and Gay Foundation building and got myself trained on the new switchboard so I start back on the helpline next week. It'll be good to be helping people again
I have no doubt at all that I shall see my very good friend DD soon to catch up on all that I've missed and shall report back accordingly. Have a good weekend everyone. That's all. J x
Had a fab time with my friend Karen Thursday and Friday and have just dropped her off at the airport. She hasn't changed at all. Plenty of VMs were drunk and I've made a new Pacesetter friend (one can't have too many of them) called Kathryn who hails from Newport but visits Manchester regularly on Pacesetter business. Venues included the Radisson, Restaurant Bar & Grill, Harvey Nics and the Novotel!
Have also finally dragged myself (with the help of Jim) to the new Lesbian and Gay Foundation building and got myself trained on the new switchboard so I start back on the helpline next week. It'll be good to be helping people again
I have no doubt at all that I shall see my very good friend DD soon to catch up on all that I've missed and shall report back accordingly. Have a good weekend everyone. That's all. J x
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Too Long Again
Sorry people (assuming there is anyone out there who still checks in). Even if there isn't I will carry on with the blog because it serves as a useful online diary for me and its nice from time to time to go wandering back through my past to see what I was up to. There is quite an archive here now - over 5 years.
So, its been a busy week full of late nights. Tuesday it was to the Palace Theatre with Jim to see Jekyll & Hyde with Marti Pellow in the lead role. Its a nice little musical with some nice tunes in it - nothing too challenging or avant garde. It deserves to be better known than it is. Unfortunately, Mart Pellow - like Gareth Gates in Les Miserables - does not have a stage voice. The rest of the cast were strong though and so, on the whole, I enjoyed it.
Thursday night was my union's meeting in Liverpool (listened to a guy talk for over an hour on the Hutton Report and our new pensions arrangements - he was very good and made it all interesting and not boring at all). And then it was the Union dinner which was great - saw Pauline (who I trained with and haven't seen since - so that's about 15 years. She still looks the same and I don't. Got very drunk and ended up catching a train from Lime Street at 1130 with a whole load of drunk scousers. Not an experience I care to repeat.
Friday night was am dram night in Prestwich (with Jim natch): Into The Woods, which was done surprisingly well. And I love the musical anyway so had a brilliant time. But a late night again. And then last night was King Lear with DD and friends. It starred Derek Jacobi and so I expected it to be the highlight of the week but it let me down badly. I hadn't seen Lear before so wasn't sure what to expect but I'm fairly sure they'd messed about with it a bit. It just all seemed really rushed. People walked off stage one minute and before you registered the fact they were gone they were back on as a corpse. Lear went mad in a matter of minutes (I'm fairly sure these things happen gradually), people had their eyes gouged out (this was actually done well) but the whole thing didn't give you a chance to catch your breath. Anyway, not a fan. And the people we were with had seen a production a couple of years ago with Ian McKellan and they said he was much better.
Work was the usual mix of joy and frustration. But on the plus side I have next Friday off and Karen arrives on Thursday. Hurrah. Not seen her for ages and ages so loads of catching up to do. I'm fairly sure she hasn't been leading a quiet life all this time... ! I'll post again when she's gone. That's all. J x
So, its been a busy week full of late nights. Tuesday it was to the Palace Theatre with Jim to see Jekyll & Hyde with Marti Pellow in the lead role. Its a nice little musical with some nice tunes in it - nothing too challenging or avant garde. It deserves to be better known than it is. Unfortunately, Mart Pellow - like Gareth Gates in Les Miserables - does not have a stage voice. The rest of the cast were strong though and so, on the whole, I enjoyed it.
Thursday night was my union's meeting in Liverpool (listened to a guy talk for over an hour on the Hutton Report and our new pensions arrangements - he was very good and made it all interesting and not boring at all). And then it was the Union dinner which was great - saw Pauline (who I trained with and haven't seen since - so that's about 15 years. She still looks the same and I don't. Got very drunk and ended up catching a train from Lime Street at 1130 with a whole load of drunk scousers. Not an experience I care to repeat.
Friday night was am dram night in Prestwich (with Jim natch): Into The Woods, which was done surprisingly well. And I love the musical anyway so had a brilliant time. But a late night again. And then last night was King Lear with DD and friends. It starred Derek Jacobi and so I expected it to be the highlight of the week but it let me down badly. I hadn't seen Lear before so wasn't sure what to expect but I'm fairly sure they'd messed about with it a bit. It just all seemed really rushed. People walked off stage one minute and before you registered the fact they were gone they were back on as a corpse. Lear went mad in a matter of minutes (I'm fairly sure these things happen gradually), people had their eyes gouged out (this was actually done well) but the whole thing didn't give you a chance to catch your breath. Anyway, not a fan. And the people we were with had seen a production a couple of years ago with Ian McKellan and they said he was much better.
Work was the usual mix of joy and frustration. But on the plus side I have next Friday off and Karen arrives on Thursday. Hurrah. Not seen her for ages and ages so loads of catching up to do. I'm fairly sure she hasn't been leading a quiet life all this time... ! I'll post again when she's gone. That's all. J x
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Tough Week
Lots of meetings. Lots of difficult conversations. Telephone conferences-a-go-go. How does anyone find the time?
Ms DD has returned from climes exotic so it was off to a local bar for a couple of VMs on Thursday. And then she called round here last night so she could catch up on all the recordings I had made for her whilst she was away (trust me, my chores don't end simply because she's in climes exotic). Incidentally, make sure you keep an eye out for time's arrow. That pesky arrow can sneak up on you when you're least expecting it...
Have been watching the Japanese earthquake footage open mouthed. Its unreal and difficult to take in. When you first see it, it takes a minute or 2 before you realise what is going on. Its like nothing I've seen before and strangely compelling. The death toll is going to be thousands and thousands I expect. My heart goes out to them.
And that's all really. Quiet day today, no idea what I have planned for work next week so watch this space... J x
Ms DD has returned from climes exotic so it was off to a local bar for a couple of VMs on Thursday. And then she called round here last night so she could catch up on all the recordings I had made for her whilst she was away (trust me, my chores don't end simply because she's in climes exotic). Incidentally, make sure you keep an eye out for time's arrow. That pesky arrow can sneak up on you when you're least expecting it...
Have been watching the Japanese earthquake footage open mouthed. Its unreal and difficult to take in. When you first see it, it takes a minute or 2 before you realise what is going on. Its like nothing I've seen before and strangely compelling. The death toll is going to be thousands and thousands I expect. My heart goes out to them.
And that's all really. Quiet day today, no idea what I have planned for work next week so watch this space... J x
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Finally, my nuts are getting some attention...
Yes, dear readers, my greenfinches are back. No idea where they've been all winter - normally they're all over the nuts I put out throughout the cold season but this year, nada. Perhaps they flew South this year because it was so cold? I've only seen 2 so far but I'm sure they'll get right on with breeding and be back in numbers in no time. Still had plenty of sparrows but they seem to ignore the hanging nuts and just go for what is spilt on the ground. Anyway, I'm happy the finches have returned. I'll update you on numbers as the season progresses (apparently its officially spring now (from 01/03/11). That's all. J x
Saturday, March 05, 2011
London Was Good
But it was very cold and wet. Spent far too much time (and money) in One Aldwych too.
The Norman Rockwell exhibition was fantastic. Really enjoyed it and Dulwich Picture Gallery is a treat (even if it is a bit of a walk from the station). Was less impressed by the Watercolour exhibition at the Tate but it was still OK.
Les Miserables was very good as ever. We all got a bit teary during Fantine's big number as we thought of Sally. Marius was a little disappointing (played by Gareth Gates no less who really doesn't have a voice for the stage). Really disappointed by Black Swan. Nice idea and could have been a really good and informative film looking at the pressures on dancers at the top of the profession. But no, it was turned into a bit of a schlock horror with some lesbian soft porn thrown in. I did like Portman's outfit (assuming it wasn't Dior) and make-up as the black swan though.
Hotel wasn't too bad (Strand Palace) and it is dead convenient. Only bought an umbrella. But its a nice umbrella. Green. First class travel was good as ever.
Back in work now and loads to do as usual but that's what they pay me for. Harvey Nics for a martini or 5 last night with the lovely Lesley but nothing else planned for the weekend. Washing and cleaning it is then...
Physiotherapist on Monday and dentist on Tuesday. DD arrives back Monday too. And so it goes on... That's all. J x
The Norman Rockwell exhibition was fantastic. Really enjoyed it and Dulwich Picture Gallery is a treat (even if it is a bit of a walk from the station). Was less impressed by the Watercolour exhibition at the Tate but it was still OK.
Les Miserables was very good as ever. We all got a bit teary during Fantine's big number as we thought of Sally. Marius was a little disappointing (played by Gareth Gates no less who really doesn't have a voice for the stage). Really disappointed by Black Swan. Nice idea and could have been a really good and informative film looking at the pressures on dancers at the top of the profession. But no, it was turned into a bit of a schlock horror with some lesbian soft porn thrown in. I did like Portman's outfit (assuming it wasn't Dior) and make-up as the black swan though.
Hotel wasn't too bad (Strand Palace) and it is dead convenient. Only bought an umbrella. But its a nice umbrella. Green. First class travel was good as ever.
Back in work now and loads to do as usual but that's what they pay me for. Harvey Nics for a martini or 5 last night with the lovely Lesley but nothing else planned for the weekend. Washing and cleaning it is then...
Physiotherapist on Monday and dentist on Tuesday. DD arrives back Monday too. And so it goes on... That's all. J x
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Stuff
So I've been up to a bunch of stuff. Went to the theatre on Wednesday (Royal Exchange) to see Mogadishu. Hadn't been looking forward to it but absolutely loved it (isn't it bizarre how this often turns out to be the case?). Its a play about an inner city school and a false accusation of racism made against one of the teachers. The story is gripping (you've no idea how its going to turn out) and the acting is just superb - especially the main schoolboy who is frightening/chilling with the control he exerts over his contemporaries.
And then went to see True Grit on Thursday - again, I wasn't looking forward to it but in the event I loved it. I'd wanted to go and see Black Swan but have been forbidden from doing so by my mother who wants to see it next weekend. Its directed by the Coen brothers who seem to turn anything they touch into gold. I recommend it.
Then Friday I had "the call" (guess who from) and so had to go to Sakura for 5 martinis. Good to see the gang but have a vague recollection that I got into an argument about Pacesetter. Not a good idea when one is drunk!
Yesterday evening to Cloud 23 with one of my Team members and his girlfriend which was nice. Only 2 martinis though!. And luckily we didn't get struck by lightning.
Need to catch up on some work today and then the usual heavy week ahead next week but then down to London on Saturday for a few days - for my Dad's birthday - so will be seeing Les Miserables (4th time!) and Black Swan. Also going to the Dulwich Picture Gallery. There's an exhibition on that I want to see but can't for the life of me remember who it is now - hang on a mo -Norman Rockwell (just checked). So will report back on all that next week.
Stop Press - Scottish news, Karen may be coming North soon. Yay!
And that's all. Let's be careful out there. J x
P.S. I won't make a habit of including videos of everything I blog about. Honest.
P.P.S. I just tried playing all the video clips simultaneously. What a mess. Why would one do that?
And then went to see True Grit on Thursday - again, I wasn't looking forward to it but in the event I loved it. I'd wanted to go and see Black Swan but have been forbidden from doing so by my mother who wants to see it next weekend. Its directed by the Coen brothers who seem to turn anything they touch into gold. I recommend it.
Then Friday I had "the call" (guess who from) and so had to go to Sakura for 5 martinis. Good to see the gang but have a vague recollection that I got into an argument about Pacesetter. Not a good idea when one is drunk!
Yesterday evening to Cloud 23 with one of my Team members and his girlfriend which was nice. Only 2 martinis though!. And luckily we didn't get struck by lightning.
Need to catch up on some work today and then the usual heavy week ahead next week but then down to London on Saturday for a few days - for my Dad's birthday - so will be seeing Les Miserables (4th time!) and Black Swan. Also going to the Dulwich Picture Gallery. There's an exhibition on that I want to see but can't for the life of me remember who it is now - hang on a mo -Norman Rockwell (just checked). So will report back on all that next week.
Stop Press - Scottish news, Karen may be coming North soon. Yay!
And that's all. Let's be careful out there. J x
P.S. I won't make a habit of including videos of everything I blog about. Honest.
P.P.S. I just tried playing all the video clips simultaneously. What a mess. Why would one do that?
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