Not A Good Day !!

Hi Everybody In Internet Land - I hope your Worlds are treating you well !!

Today is the last day of September & it's been really, really warm outside today - I know this because, instead of being in hospital, after a second surgery.... well - we've been out, in town, taking in the "rays" !!

The reason for this.... simple - my surgery, planned for this lovely day, was called off !!  Bummer !!  I had got myself all ready to go in, have the 'op' & by now - getting used to whole new batch of aches & pains..... but, yesterday the phone rang & it was the hospital calling it off - it seems that the Consultant, that was going to do the surgery, had been taken ill & no one else was available to stand in !!  I repeat... "Bummer"....

So, all my little plans have gone out the window & I now have to wait for another date.... hopefully that will not be too far down the line - but, we'll see how things go !!  You can't help sickness - but, I would of preferred to have got it out the way today !!  Never mind.....

I had the first surgery on Wednesday & that took about an hour in total.  I was awake for all of it & to be honest, apart from a stitch in my mouth + what feels like the 'Grand Canyon' in my gums... well, it went very well.  Yes, I'm a little sore - but apart from that, all is well !!  So, that's not soooo bad !!  Hopefully, the next one will happen quickly.... hopefully, the Consultant will get well soon..... we'll see.

Ok, it's another Friday - as I said - the last day of September.  It's a really hot day outside & even now, there is blue sky above us...... great stuff.  I'm here with J, ME has yet to get home & B has gone out to a gym class.  She'll be home in about an hour or so.  I more or less have the place to myself......

..... the music of the moment has been a live Cd by Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris called 'Real Live Roadrunning'.  I'm not a big 'country & western' fan - but, I'm glad I found this Cd....... it was one of the few that I could not find, when I did my Cd list a few weeks or so back !!  Anyhooooo, I've got it now & am giving it a play thru'.

The big news of the week, tho', has been an e-mail from our "bestest" American friend.... she has got engaged & will be married shortly !!  That is brilliant news & we're so very, very happy for her !!  Sister T - you're in our hearts, big congratulations to you & your man !!  It's really brilliant news & we're sooooooo happy for both of you !!  Well good !!

My plans for tonight - well, I haven't got any !!  I'm going to play some music, get sorted for bed & when B gets home - hit the sheets !!  Even tho' I've not done anything all day - I'm kind of washed out - feeling a little down in the dumps, about not having the surgery - but, mostly a little tired !!

This Cd will end soon - so, it's going to be replaced by Dream Theater's 'A Dramatic Turn Of Events'.  I've only had it just over a week - but, for me - it's one of their best !!  I wish it had a few 'longer' tracks on it - but, 4 of them are over 10 minutes in length, so....... that's not so bad !!  It'll certainly be a change from the one I've been playing...... country & western to hard rock.... can't be bad !!  Check it out if you can !!

This weekend is General Conference time again - so, I'll be sorting out a DVD or two, to capture what is said....... I need to copy it, as I will only forget what is said & done !!  Me & my memory.... or lack of it !!  I enjoy playing them back.....

Oh well - I must think about sorting myself out..... work out what I'm going to do tomorrow.  There is a record fair in town & I would like to go & meet some friends there.  I hadn't planned on going - but, with the surgery being cancelled, well - it means I now have time to go !!  I hope I'll be able to pick up the latest Korpiklaani Cd - I think it came out earlier in the year & I usually get my copies from the guy who runs the Fairs - so, hopefully he will of kept me one back !!  Check them out....... maybe not sooooo good as Nightwish, but certainly Finland's second best export !!

Take care Worlds - For now I must away........

Bye Bye

Hello Everybody !!

Hello & Many Greetings To All Of You - I really hope your Worlds are turning well !!

Ok.... it's only a few hours to go & I'm back into hospital for 'surgery' number one !!  It's going to be fun - I don't think I've ever had stitches in my mouth before..... to be honest, that's the bit I'm not looking forward to !!

I don't mind all the local pain killers & being awake for it (the surgery thing) - but, stitches in the mouth, I think I could live with-out that !!  Never mind....... life will go on & on & on - a bit like me I guess !!  While my arms are flapping, I'll keep trying to fly !!

The main thing - for me, is to try & get home tomorrow night, to be with my family.  There is no reason why I should be stuck in the hospital, but....... we'll see.  I want to be home with B & the guys & then I can relax a bit easier before the bigger 'surgery' on Friday !!

I will be asleep for that one - but, hopefully I'll get home later in the day or night to - again - be with my family.... I'll feel a lot happier being here, rather than stuck in the hospital over night(s)...... we'll see how things go !!

B is a little worried about the Friday one..... she is worried that the more I go in, the more likely it is I might not come home.  I've said before, I have the easy bit - I go in, get knocked out - have the surgery & then get taken care of by the hospital staff.  B has to leave me at the theatre door & walk away - that is the hardest part for both of us - I hate seeing her face as I go in, it's quite upsetting !! 

So, I keep smiling & hope she'll be Ok.... I say a little prayer, for our Lord to look after her, check with my Consultant about the time ( I always like to know what the time is when I go into theatre ) & then let them put me to sleep.......  if it works, don't alter it anything !! It's my little routine, one I try & stick to - so far it's worked for me.....

Oh well......

The guys are behind me, in the kitchen doing their supper dishes - that's ME & J - B has gone out to weight watchers & a gym class afterwards - she be home about 9pm or so.  By then, I'll be in bed - I really do need my beauty sleep !!  Besides I have to get up early tomorrow.... so, I'll need to get to sleep as early as I can !!

So, that's the family - the music of the moment is Iced Earth's 'Festivals Of The Wicked' Cd.....  I might change it in a minute, it's coming to the end - so I have to think of something else to play !! 

As ME is here doing some Uni homework, I've put in a Cd full of old singles..... so, Bruce Springsteen's 'Hometown' is playing as I type.......

It's been really warm today - as I look out to the sea (way off in the distance) the beach is really standing out.  If I went upstairs, I can look right across to South Wales - it looked pretty good over there, when I looked earlier !!  I've not been outside today - had nothing to do, out there, so - I've been indoors......

I actually started to record the 'Woodstock' movie sound track this afternoon - only the first hour of it, or disc one... as it will be when I actually finish the thing.  I played part of it back & it came out slightly better than I hoped - I'll do the other 3 discs when I can get around to it !!  Should be fun....... if a little long winded in the process.  Never mind...... it'll give me something to listen to !!

Altho' I'm playing music at the moment, The TV is on mute.... it seems like the trial of Michael Jackson' Dr has started over in America.  I'm not really sure why it's on our main news channel - maybe it's a "slow news" day or something.  It was on CNN, but I'm surprised the BBC are concentrating on it soooooo much !!  I'm not a big MJ fan, so.... well, it's wasted on me, I'm sorry to say.

I see my friend(s) in Russia is still reading my words - "Hello !!" to you, I hope you're well & that you keep reading !!  I'm amazed that sooooooo many people read my words.  I was really spooked that 501 pages had been read by July - at the moment, well - I'm heading up to the 1000 mark !!  Thanks for reading people !!

 Oh well - My plans for tonight are quite simple.... finish these words, get cleaned up - & go to bed.... that's really such an exciting evening !!  But, it's all I've got - so, I better make the best of it I guess... for now, until next time...

Bye Bye

You Wait For One Bus...........

Hey Hey !!  How are all you Worlds doing this fine Monday morning ?!

So,  what to write about  ? Well, we have an old saying... "You wait an hour for a bus to come along & then two come at once " !!  I've been waiting & waiting for my next surgeries to happen - in one case, over a year & - guess what..... two are going to happen this week !!  Honestly - it could not of worked out any better, had I wished really hard  !!

I've known for a week now about my implant surgery - which will happen on Friday...... but, this morning the telephone rang & I'm going into the hospital on Wednesday to have my mouth surgery !!  Brilliant !!  I can get both things out the way & try to re-build from there......... well good !!  Yippeeeeeeee !!

It probably seems dumb to be so happy about going into hospital - but, this will sort out so many problems, I can't wait to have done with it - I repeat.... Yippeeeeeeeeee !!!!

Anyhoooooo - that's two days from now.... what to do in the mean time ?  I know, play music really loud & just chill out, get my things in order - so B does not have to worry about anything (while I'm away) & - oh, I've already mentioned.... play music really really loud !!

As for this moment - there is no music playing - I'm recording a TV show & then putting something on to listen to..... I'm not sure what.  But, first I have to do the recording.

The family are out & about - except J, who is upstairs keeping an eye on me....... ME is at Uni placement (not sure quite where today) & My Dearest Wife & Friend, B... well, she has gone into town & then onto the gym.  I could of gone into town & then come home... but, it made more sense for her to do the town & gym in one trip.  It'll save time & petrol !!

Last week, I felt like I was going "stir crazy" - staying at home - but, I didn't really feel like going out today.  I had quite a good night, but..... I just wanted to stay in the house.  There are times, going out  "upsets" me.... I'm not feeling that way today - I'm feeling pretty good actually - but, I didn't want to go into town, just in case I had a problem !!  May not make too much sense, but.........

We had a great weekend..... we went to Church yesterday & that was very good.  President B was attending from Bristol & his wife, his daughter + his good self, gave us some really wise words.  It was great to hear from them !!

I enjoy Church.... I do agree with B - some of the people there are very "over the top", I'm not sure how else to put it .....  Like yesterday, I had at least four people come up to me, asking (quite forcefully) where I had been the last few weeks !!  I did tell one of them, that I was surprised that nobody had 'phoned B - to ask if she needed any help, looking after me !!

They just don't "get it" sometimes - they live in their own little Worlds & forget to realise, that ... yes, they are Christians & they do care (in their own little ways) about what happens..... but, there is more to our lives than reading the Bible & The Book Of Mormon....... they just don't seem to understand, they just don't "get it" as I said !!

A case in point.... as we were leaving, one lady came up to B to talk about the chance of B helping to do some private cleaning.  B has already told her, over the 'phone that - well.... that is kind of "hard" to do it & that, if she did do it, she cannot accept any payment.  Yet, she still  asked B if there was anyway she could help - even if she didn't want paying !! 

It really does p**s me off at times..... It's not that B doesn't want to help, it's not because she doesn't want any payment - she said no, because of her time restraints, looking after me & having a small private life for herself !!  Oh well..... never mind..... we'll see if anybody phones B while in hospital this time around !!  I doubt it...... but, we'll see !!

Ok - the music of the moment is Whitesnake's 'Forevermore' album... it came out earlier this year & altho' it's a bit.... too 'heavy' at times, too much like you would expect from a heavy rock band, it's an Ok sort of album.  Not my favourite by them, but it's Ok !!  I want to play it all the ways thru' just to give it a better listen........

I mentioned a computer programme I have here - I've been trying to make it 'work' for far too many years & only over the last week or 2 have managed to 'understand' it (if that's the right phrase !).... Anyhoooo, I was 'playing' with it (that's certainly the right phrase) & I found out how to import pictures !!  So, that might not sound like a big deal, but...... well, I can now do the Zeppelin bootleg list, with pictures of the Cd sleeves to add another 'plus' to the list of tracks & what have you !!

It will take me a very long time to do all the Cd's, the way I want to do them &, to be honest, I may never finish it - but, when I'm gone.... well, it'll make things easier for B to sort out !!  I have a good friend who will come in & help B sort out the Zeppelin 'boots' - some of which are now pretty rare, so - she'll need advice on them at some point.  We'll see how it goes........ hopefully she won't burn them, as she keeps joking she will !!

It's just my own little collection.... I know I could sell them, but..... I simply don't want to !!  Plus, selling them etc etc is illegal, & I do not want all the rubbish that comes with that !!

B has been telling me to order a book, another Civil War thing by, Geoffrey C. Ward.  I've had it out of the library for a month or two now & should take it back really..... but, it's been a good read.  Anyhooooo, B says, as I've liked it so much, I should buy a copy for myself - that kind of makes sense, but a new copy is £25 & that bit doesn't make any sense to me.... we can use the money on other, more 'needed' things around the house !!  Maybe one day - but not for a long while......... 

Ok - it's fast approaching 1pm & I must away.....  I've not got any plans for this afternoon, so I'll probably watch a DVD or (as normal) play some more music - now, that sounds like a plan to me !!

Bye Bye

I'm Going Stir Crazy !!

Hi Everybody - I really hope your Worlds are doing Ok !!

Well, one week from today & my next surgery will be out of the way - done & dusted, all behind me (no pun intended) and if all has gone well...... I'll either be home or on my ways home from the hospital !!  I intend holding my consultant to his word - that I will be allowed home the same day !!  We'll see..... if I have to stay in hospital longer, well...... we'll see how it goes !!

Anyhoooooo - that's next Friday... at the end of another week & month - wow, this year is moving sooooo fast, I can't keep up with it !!  Never mind..... I'm sure my body will catch up with the rest of me at some point - even if my brain is nowhere to be seen !!

Ok - earlier today, while I was in bed asleep... well, the lady from the Government 'phoned up to sort out the "getting back into work" thing I mentioned a few days ago....... it seems like I have to fill out some kind of form & then, maybe, have a full blown medical !!  How crazy is that !!  I still think they get the people that are easy to grab..... the ones who are out there, who are not sick - well, they know are the ways to get out of this...... we'll see how it goes !!

Yesterday I had to see my Dr - the local guy in the village - & I told him about the "work" thing..... even he seemed surprised about it.  So, that's a kind of interesting view from one of my medic's !!  He says it "ain't going to happen".... so, I'll see how things go.... won't we !!  Time will tell folks...... I guess....

The family are here abouts, all except B who is at the gym.  She just called to get her membership number.... the card was here on the fireplace !!  She'll be home in about 2 hours I guess.... ME is behind, drying the dishes that J has just washed.  One dries, one washes - it's a good system really...... well, it works for us !!

I've had a funny couple of days - I've felt really washed out for most of the time - hence I've not done too much to entertain myself !!  The problem is really, a kind of knock on effect - I don't sleep very well at night & hence the days get very tiring.... it's something I've got used to over the years - but...... it really does get to me after a while !! 

Then of course, on the plus side.... about once a week, I sleep really deeply, to catch up on myself !!  It's a living I guess - but I could really do with-out it at times !!  Oh well.......

The music of the moment is U2's 'Achtung Baby'.... I've stuck 2 tapes in the machine - this one & their 'Zooropa' album.  This way, I can play them back to back over the rest of the evening.  I could of used the Cd's - but I thought I would give the tapes a play for a change !!  I've been playing Cd's all day, so the machine could do with a break..... cool it down a bit !!

I think these are probably 2 of my favourite U2 albums - tho' I do like their 'live' stuff..... I wish they would release more, at some point.  They do so many 'live' shows, I would of like a few more albums from them, along the ways !!  I've yet to watch their Pilton show from earlier in the year & I've had it for months now !!  I'm not even sure where it is at the moment !!

Earlier I was playing Iced Earth's 'Live In Athens' 3 Cd set - I don't think B thought too much of it.... maybe a little too heavy for her taste !!  I could of gone to the local Art Centre tonight to see a band I wrote about a while back.... I used to know the organist - but, I gave up on that idea a few hours ago.  B would of taken me, I just didn't feel up to it tonight !!  Maybe next time around.... we'll see....

As for the weekend - well..... hopefully we'll get to Church on Sunday !!  It'll be my last chance before the surgery and, as I don't really know how I'll feel next weekend, I would like to go this Sunday !!  I really miss going & I have to rely on B to take me - but, all in all - if I can't make it.... well, I'll do my best !!

It'll soon be Conference time again - I look forward to that, it's really good to watch & hear.... if you can, check it out for yourself !!

As for the rest of the weekend - well, I need to go into town tomorrow - really, if nothing else, for the ride 'outside'.... I stay indoors too often really...  it's nobody's fault - just mine.... I find it hard to go out sometimes !!  I can't stand the crowds of people !!  But, I need to get out - I'm going stir crazy here at the moment !!

At some point, over the coming couple of days, I will start doing the Cd's of 'Woodstock'..... I'm all ready to do it, got the DVD, got the Cd's - now all I need is the time, to sit down & do the recording !!  I'm really looking forward to it - it's something I've thought about for - well, years really.... ever since I saw the film in the picture house, when it first came out.  I wanted a copy of it then - so, all these years later, I finally get to do it !!

Yep, I know I could put the DVD in & listen to the soundtrack that way - but, where is the fun in that ?  I much prefer to listen to Cd's anytime....  Besides, the DVD is not going anywhere !!  I'll see how I get on !!

Ok - that's it for today..... I must away to do other things !!  For now, until next time.....

Bye Bye

A Warm Day In England.....

Hail & Greetings To All You Worlds Out There - I hope you're all doing well !!

It's a beautiful day here in England - which, compared to the rain we had yesterday makes a nice change !!  We went into town earlier & I didn't even bother with a coat or anything like it - just my jeans & T shirt, it really was warm !!  Never mind - town was Ok - we had to pay our bills & buy some food.... so all in all, it was a regular type of day.

Tho' having said that - I did manage to buy B's birthday pressy.... all be it a little early !!  Anyhoo - she really wanted one of these free standing bird feeder things - it's hard to explain, unless you know what I mean.... well, anyways....I got one, along with some bird feed stuff - so, that has made her happy !!  So now I have to find her something for her birthday, next month !!

There are some new cook books coming out that she would like & I'll get them for her..... mainly as they don't come out until mid October & will match her birthday almost to the day !!  I'll see - I'm sure I can find something for her !!

She loves cooking - & we all like what she cooks - so, that's a bonus really.... I get her the cook books & we get to smell & eat what she makes !!  Not me so much, but - well, when there are cakes in the house, there is no stopping the guys going for them !!

Talking of B - she is doing a gym class tonight.... the 'kids' are both home & upstairs.  ME has just gone up to her bed room to do some 'homework'..... she was going "to climb into bed & put her electric blanket on to keep warm !!"  J is some where in his room - he'll surface when he's hungry again !!

As for me - well, I'm sat here alone typing these words.  The music of the moment is Van Halen's 'live' 2 Cd set - it came out quite a while ago now & I've not played it in ages !!  There were never my favourite band - but I thought I would give them a listen tonight - for a little while anyway !!  They do a good version of The Who's 'Won't get Fooled Again'...... so that's Ok........

As for my plans - I don't have any at the moment........ I'll probably head for bed soon - not quite sure yet.  As there is very little on TV - I really am not sure what to do with my evening.... I'll see.

I watch very little TV anyways - the usual run of Sci/fi shows & the odd documentary - but, that's about it really..... give me music any day of the week !!

I mentioned a few days ago, that I had cracked how to use a programme ( at last ) that had been on my computer for a few years...... well, I messed around with that earlier & it's been fun to finally get a grip on what it's meant to do !!  Now, I have to work out exactly what I aim to do with it !!

I've listed about 400 of my Led Zeppelin bootlegs on it...... now I can expand that - using the programme - to include information about each.  Track listings, quality, place it was recorded & what label (if any) it came out on.  I'll enjoy doing that - tho' I suspect B will get a little fed up of me dragging the Cd boxes down, so that I can look at the sleeves, to make sure I get the details right !!  I hardly ever play the old ones - they're just a part of the collection really....... & before you ask, I will not make copies for 'you' - I'm not into that & all the problems it brings with it !!   I've been collecting them for many years now........ B can't wait to get rid of them, when I finally go !!

I'll keep you posted on how I'm getting on with them - I think it'll take a long while to complete the thing... but, I'll enjoy doing  it !!

I've now changed the music.... it's now the turn of Uli Jon Roth's Electric Sun to blast away the dust around my ears !!  I had a tape of this for sooooo long & then I manged to find the Cd for myself - I was well pleased to get it !!

I only really knew about them (Electric Sun) from the fact my late Brother-In-Law used to like the Scorpions & wanted me to him the Lp....... which I forgot to mention is called 'Beyond The Astral Skies'.  There is a really good 'poem' of the same name inside the Cd paperwork & I've always loved it....... it was on the Lp as well - it's kind of beautiful really !!  Maybe, I'll just copy it out one day - but, try & check out the album first .... you won't regret it !!

I really must away now - it's nearly my bed time & the evening's pills & potions are starting to knock me slowly side ways - time for my bed then...... I might be back tomorrow - for now

Bye Bye

Coach Trip..... ho-hum !!

Greetings all my friends in Internet Land - I hope your Worlds are in the dry - it's pouring down here !!

Never mind, it's meant to be dry tomorrow - some time, if you believe the forecast !!  Me, I'll just stay in the house or - better still - in bed, all nice & warm !!  Oh well, I was in bed earlier & quite honestly - if the cat had not wanted to go out (off the bed).... well, I wouldn't of woke up when I did !!  Never mind, we like our cats - even if they do wake me up !!

Ok - it's another Tuesday here in England.... as mentioned, it's raining like mad outside.  J is behind me doing the dishes (in the kitchen)... Me is watching one of favourite TV programmes - 'Coach Trip'.... I know, it's kind of rubbish - but good fun with it !!  As for my better  half - My Wife & Dearest Friend - well, she has gone to her weight watchers meeting.  She helps out on a Tuesday, so it doesn't cost her anything & it gives her a great incentive to keep her weight on track !!  Not that I'm worried - I love her as she is & I know she knows that..... or at least I hope she does..... !!

I've not been out today... B had to go into town on her own.  Mind you, it was for a gym class - so I would of stayed home anyhoooo.  I think I have to go tomorrow.... not 100% sure on that - B will tell me anyways !! Me & my memory folks.... it could only get better & there is very little chance of that - well, I guess so anyways !!

I had a great e-mail today, from Lady V in the USA..... a great lady from the Allman's web site !!  It's funny how you can become friends or become aware of others thru' the net.  Sure, I know there are some weird people out there - but, I like the friends I've made over the last 10 years, thru' the net...... oh well !!

The music of the moment is Talking Head's 'The Best Of'.... only the single Cd version - I have the 3 Cd set here some place.... just not sure where it's to, at the moment !!  Well, that's not exactly true - it is on the same shelf that I took this one from - just not where I thought it would be....... & considering all the trouble I went to, sorting out all the Cd's... well.... it's there someplace (I guess) !!

I see my reader in Russia has been back - greeting to you my friend(s).... I hope you read these words & you're keeping well !!  Also, a big hello to my reader(s) in India & Pakistan... greetings to all of you my friends !!  As I've said before - keep reading - one day, I'm sure to write something worth reading !! I would love to know more about ya' all..... but.... for now & forever, I'm just pleased to know you're all out there !!

ME is just here doing some 'homework' & is quite surprised to be bopping along to Talking Heads - "such a happy song" to quote my Daughter.... bless her - I love my kids !!

I mentioned yesterday - about my plan to put the Woodstock movie soundtrack onto Cd.  Well, today, I sat here & went thru' it all.... marking where all the Cd chapter's are going to be & so on.......  It's going to take up 4 Cd's (I think) & will take me a lot of 'quiet time' as I call it.  That's time when I can just sit here on my own, no distractions - just sorting out all the discs & enjoying the music etc etc !!  I'll enjoy doing it & playing it back to myself at some point - lots of great music !!

Also yesterday - I mentioned about not going to see my Dr about my 'black left hand'.... well, I actually went down about 5pm yesterday afternoon.  It became sooooo very painful, I had to give in & go see the guy - not that he could do much about it, but at least if it gets worse - he'll have some idea of how got that way !!  I think he's as puzzled by it as we are... tho', this time around - falling over twice didn't help things !!

I really hope it'll heal up soon - I do not want to go back to the hospital, only to have my surgery cancelled for some stupid reason... that would be a bummer, for sure !!  Time will tell & I still have about 10 days to go - so I have plenty of space to heal up in !!

So, that's about it for today - I will be back I'm sure..... maybe tomorrow or the day after...... or even the day after that, we'll see I guess !!

Bye Bye

A Strange Day.

Hello everybody out there in the Worlds of the Internet !!

It's really a strange day here in England.... first it rains, then the Sun comes out - then..... well, it rains again !!  I'm well happy to be in the house today - tho' B did take me into ASDA for some shopping earlier - it wasn't too bad - not too many people around, so I didn't feel under any pressure !!  Oh well.......

Looking over towards the sea - it looks like it's raining....... I may have said this before, if so... sorry - but the beach, in the distance, is the same one Bryan Adams filmed his '(Everything I Do) I Do ForYou' video.  So if you want to know what it's like over there - check it out - I've stood where Mr Adams has stood..... or maybe that should be the other way around ?  I don't know !!

So, it's a Monday afternoon.... J is upstairs keeping an eye on me, from his Hobbit Hole & ME is at her Uni placement some where's - I can't keep up with her comings' & going's.  What ever, she'll be home later, as will B who has just gone out to a gym class or maybe, just a visit to the gym !!  As long as they're all happy - that's what matters the most.

I was thinking about going down to the Dr's again this morning - mainly about my 'left black hand'.... but, altho' it's gone really black & blue... well, I thought I would give it a miss today.  It looks really bad, but it doesn't hurt toooooo much - so what the heck !!  I have to go see him on Thursday anyhoo, for my weekly check up - so, he can see it then.  B has wrapped it up in a bandage to keep the swelling down, so I'll see how it goes.  It was my fault for falling over (twice) again !!

As for the weekend - it was not a good one.  I was poorly for most of it - so, once more, we didn't get to Church !! It's my fault - I'm just not able to do a fraction of the things I want to do at the moment !!  I

e-mailed Bishop to say a sorry, but..... well, I would of liked to have gone !!  Maybe next week - as it will be my last chance before the surgery the week after next.  I'll see how it goes - I'll try my best !!

As for the surgery itself - well..... I'm in two minds over it.  I really want the benefits it will give us (as my illness kind of runs our family sometimes) - but, I'm not looking forward to the pain or discomfort it will give me for a little while !!

But, that's the point really - the discomfort will only last a few weeks & the benefit's will last far longer !!  It'll give us part of my life back - so, that's the main thing.  Plus, my Consultant has said I can come home the same day - if I'm able to handle it... so that's a bonus.  Mind you, I've heard that before - like earlier in the year & I had to stay in for a few days then !!  Time will tell I guess..... 

Oh, the music of the moment is another Allman Brothers concert.  I think from 1973 - tho' I'm not 100% sure on that !!  I was going thru' some of the Cd's here on my table & I found a whole bunch of stuff with-out any lables or anything..... so I started to play them.

Six of them are by The Who - all live & from goodness knows where....... Four were by The Eagles - those I do sort of remember - but I had forgot about where they were.... and another seven are by the Allman's.... judging from the set list, from about 1973 as I said..... I'm only on disc one of the seven, so - they might be all different, I just can't remember !!  As from where they were recorded (they're all live) I have no idea - I'll think on it for a while & see if I can hear anything to give me a clue !!  Never mind........

My next big 'project' (if that's the right word) is to try & put the 'Woodstock' movie onto Cd.... the whole thing, talking & music together !!  That should be fun !!  It's mad enough to work, so I'll see how it comes out - it will take a while to do all the time's & stuff.... where to put the chapters, but it'll give me something to do while I'm either working up to the surgery or when I get home from the hospital, to take my mind off of it & onto something 'better' !!  It's just mad enough to work & if it doesn't - well, I'll give it a go & see what happens !!

I don't know if any of you know it - but the film 'Apocalypse Now' comes over really well, as an audio 'tape'

that might sound dumb - but, it really works well........ all the dialogue & music blend into each other sooooo well, it's untrue !!  I keep thinking about putting it onto Cd - especially as they have now done the 'redux' version - maybe one day I'll get around to it !!  I'll try & do 'Woodstock' first & see how much time I can waste on that !!

At some point, I'm expecting a phone call, concerning my chances of getting off benefits & back into work !!  One of government's little plans there in action, bless them.  I would love to know who would give me a job - especially at the moment !!  B said she'll deal with them if they phone - as my carer, well..... good luck government man/women - once B gets hold of you, that could be fun to watch !!

"Sorry Mr employer, I can't come into work today, I'm dying !!"  That should be good - I'll keep you posted on that one folks !!  Honestly - there are people out there really screwing with our benefit system & yet I get the nasty letters !!  Oh well - maybe it's because we had a holiday seven years ago....... never mind !!  Time will tell on that one.......... it should be fun !!  Oh well.......

The Cd I'm listening to is from The Winterland in San Francisco..... a radio announcer has just filled in the gap for me.  See it was worth playing, just to find that bit of information !!  Mind you - as an Allman's fan, I should of put the clues together myself !!

Right, I must away - I need to catch up on a little bit of sleep.... just the few hours I missed over the weekend, not toooooo much - maybe just 12 or so.  Until next time..... thanks for reading......

Bye Bye

More Rainbows !!

Hi ya' all - how is it turning on your Worlds !!

We're all Ok this end of the universe.  B is here with me, doing some card stuff for Christmas, J is (again) in his room on his computer & ME is out at work - from where she will go to her boyfriends for tea/supper.... call it what you want !!

It's been a horrible day - heavy rain, followed by sun & more rainbows.... I guess winter is on it's way !!  Well, we are part ways thru' September.......... another year !! Wow..... never mind !!

My plans today was all thrown out the window in the night - I just couldn't get to sleep at all....... in the end B gave me a sleeping tablet about 5 or 6 this morning & - with being tired out - I slept until about lunch time !!  So, tonight should be interesting.... will I sleep or will I stay awake again !!  Time will tell !!

Today, I really thought I was going to crack the pile of Cd's here in front of me - most of which are 'new' & have yet to be sorted...... but - well, the best laid plans of mice & men !!  I've done some of them - but only a very few...... the music of the moment is an Allman's concert from 1991........ one of many here to go thru' !!

Never mind - maybe tomorrow - I'll see how things go.... if we go to Church or, even, if I get up out of bed at all !!  Time will tell........ for now.....

Bye Bye

Rainbows & Mince Pies

Hello & Hail To You All - I trust your Internet Worlds are keeping you safe !!

It's a Friday evening here in England & the sun has been out...... well, in between little showers of rain.  Mind you, we've had some good rainbows to look at !!  Now there are some white clouds about & the sea is kind of looking brown, out there in the distance.

I'm here sat typing, my Son J is behind me doing some dishes & ME is upstairs..... she just dropped a couple of glass jars - so no jam tonight folks, unless you like the hint of glass taste, that might go with it !!  Luckily, the jar of mince didn't get smashed - so mince pies are still on the menu.  Remember, mince pie are for life - not just for Christmas !!

My Dearest Friend & Wife is out for a little while - another visit to the gym.......  So that leaves me here, with the kids, playing music........ the music of the moment is the 'Return To The Centre Of The Earth' Cd, by Rick Wakeman - it's Ok & I've played it thru' many times.... but, for now it's time for a change !!

So, now, the music of the moment is Marsupilami's first album..... from way, way back in 1970.  The reason for playing this - well, the organist is playing with his current group at the town arts centre in about a week & I might go along to see what they are up to at the moment.  I used to be on a "hello, how you doing" type of friendship with him, all those years ago...... it will be interesting to see him again, after all these years !!

He & the Marsup's used to live outside of the town where I was born & brought up..... many years ago !!

Ok - my plans today have pretty easy going.  We had to go into town earlier - which kind of knocked me sideways - so, when we came home I went back to bed for a little sleep.  At some point, I got up & went 'crunch' onto the floor !!  Great fun - B & J picked me up & a few aches later, I'm here again !!  I do pass out from time to time - so nothing new there folks - but, the bedroom floor is kind of hard for a forced landing !!

Yesterday I fell & my left hand has been playing up all today.... it's a very nice shade of black/yellow as I type... but.... well, I could of done without another fall !!

While I was asleep, my consultant phoned up to check on me..... it seems that my CT scan of a while back, didn't show anything nasty - so, that's good news !!  It's pretty good really..... people moan (me included) about our health system... but, when you're really sick.... well - it's great to have a relationship with the consultants, so can call us up at home !!

It's 2 weeks today that I'm due to have the implant - so 14 days & counting I guess !!  Maybe I should have a little clock somewhere, ticking down the days !!  Nope - that's not such a good idea.... it'll all happen, when it happens !!  Until then, I'll try & stay healthy enough, so that there is no reason to cancel on me !!

The bad news of the day really, has been the finding of the 4 Welsh guys.  They were found dead during the day - it's a shame for their families & those who knew them.  makes my problems fall way behind really.

This Cd I'm playing - I forgot how good it was - it bops along quite nicely !!  Sure, it's a little dated - but.... well.... I remember the old Lp & some of the sound effects on it.  My Mum used to like parts of it.... surprisingly !!  Maybe I'll go to the concert & see how things have turned out - 40 years on !!

Tonight there is 4 or 5 programmes on TV about Pink Floyd - so, I might stick a DVD in to record them.  There is no way I'll be awake that far into the night to enjoy watching it.... hence the 'need' to record the shows.  I've seen most of them before, but..... it's music & I enjoy my music !!  As anybody who knows me will certify !!

I've just changed back to the Dream Theater Cd - the new one that came out this week..... you must give that a listen... it's well good to have new stuff by them !!  I'll never get to see them live - but, at some point I wish I had !!  So much music & not enough time to enjoy it all...... "such is life" as Ned Kelly once said !!

My plan tonight - well, head back to bed I guess..... I'm bushed out & I've nothing left to do today.  Never mind.  I'll be back again I'm sure, until next time.......

Bye Bye

A Really Good Day - let go celebrate !!

Hi everybody - I hope your Worlds are looking after you !!

Today has been a very good day !!  Not only has the sun been out for most of the day - I had two bits of good news !!  Not only did the 'new' Led Zeppelin Cd's reach me - but..... I have a date for my next surgery !!  Yipppppeeeeeee !!

Yep - the date has been set for my next hospital visit.... it's going to be two weeks tomorrow.  I think that makes it Friday 30th September & the implant will be fitted.... I will be bionic !!  I am soooooooooo happy about this, I can not begin to tell you what a weight it has lifted off my shoulders - I at last, have something to keep a focus on - something that I can honestly say will change my life - (if only a little bit) - for the better !!

Yes, I know it will not prolong my life - but it will make things so much easier for.... well, not just me but for all of us really.  I hope I'm not wishing for too much - but after last years trial period..... well, I am really looking forward to this & have been looking towards it for over a year now !!  If you read past pages, you'll know what I mean.........

As for the Zeppelin Cd's...... they are well good.  I would of liked them a few weeks ago - when I was promised - but, better late than never... I guess !!  It's a typical 1975 Zeppelin USA set list - but it's good to have a decent copy of the show.  So it starts with 'Rock & Roll' - thru' various tracks, including 'No Quarter' 'Stairway To Heaven' & 'Dazed & Confused' ending up with 'Black Dog'.....

I've had the set for a while - but not this tape of the show....... my other versions, mostly the old audience tape that has been around for a long while.  That was a good one, but this one is far better !!  It's title is 'Haven't We Met Somewhere Before ?' & if you have a chance - give it a listen.... I think you'll like it, if only a little bit !!  But don't buy it....... do not buy bootlegs !!

I'm not playing any music at the moment - I've been playing stuff all afternoon.  From the new Zeppelin set, thru' to Canned Heat a little ago....... now, the music machine is cooling down a bit - it.... like me...... needs it's sleep !!  Mind you - my lovely Daughter has come home & is watching TV - so, I've decided to give up on music for a while & let it have a rest !!

As for the rest of the family - J is upstairs & B has gone out to another gym class thingy.  She was upset as she had gained a little bit of weight - but, it was only a little bit, so I told her not to worry about it - after all, she has lost sooooo much over the last year !!  I love her as she is - that's the main thing.... as I keep telling her !!  She looks after me..... & I try to look after her !!

Oh, remember the black left hand ?  Well, after going from black to pink over the last week or so - it's now going back to black...... I fell over - oooopppsss !!  Yep, I went down like a complete plonker !!  I went down, put my hand out & that was a really bad idea - as it was the left hand !!  So now, it's back to being swollen & going back to black........ which is not so great - but, if it keeps going this way..... well, it will be back to the Dr's in the morning.

As it was - I had my weekly check up with him & I'm back to see him next Thursday.... just to make sure I'm Ok.  to be honest, I would rather see him, then have the district nurse coming around to see me.  She is very nice, but...... I feel it as bit of an intrusion.  It's our home - I don't really want anybody around me - not here at least, not medic's anyways !!  I'm more than a little weird that ways...........

I am a little p**s*d with the members of the Church at the moment......... please don't get me wrong, I love the Church, it's teachings & I miss not going.  But - well - it's more to do with the people at Church.  Not the Bishop or the top guys.... but, the general congregation.

I've been quite poorly over the last few months & hence B hasn't taken me to Church as much as I would like....... but, when we did go - it was a scrum around us, asking "where have you been" & "why haven't you been to Church" and so and so........... yet, only the Bishop actually phoned to see how I was & to ask if B needed help at all, with anything !!

Ok, that might be his job - but..... to my mind, it wouldn't hurt some one else to just phone up to see if B needed anything - any help or what have you.  That kind of makes me upset..... they moan to our face & behind our backs, if we're not there - but never phone to see if we need any thing.  I'm not being very Christian - but, it's the way I feel at the moment !!  Never mind - after I finish here..... I'll contact the Bishop & let him know about my next hospital trip - we'll see how things go from there really.  I do like going to Church - I just can not make it all the time & I really wish people.... especially the older ones would realise that.

Ok - The Music is back on now..... it's Neil Young's 'Greendale' album from quite a few years back & I've always liked this one - at first I thought it sounded like Lou Reed, but I've grown past that now.  I can't remember when the album first came out.... but, I do like it !!

I'm going to have to give up soon - my eyes have gone all strange - it's due to a lack of sleep & the last pot of pills & potions I had to take...... for now - I will away. 

Please read again, it's nice to know you're out there - even if I don't know all your names.  For now.....

Bye Bye

My Consultant Is Going To Kick My Butt !!

Good Evening All You Worlds - I trust you're all well ?!!

It's a Wednesday night here in the "old country" - as I heard an American say today on CNN.  Tell, me - why do most people, no matter where they live - say that ?  It's something I've never got my head around really !!  Oh well, never mind.......

It's actually been a nice day, weather wise - today...... even now, the sun is just sort of setting & I can see the sea is really blue out in the distance - I bet it's cold tho' !!  I've had some great holidays in September before - so there is no reason why it shouldn't be toooooo bad out there !!

We went into town today - as I had to see one of my consultants..... he's Ok, just a little weird !!  What is a bit worrying tho' - as yet he hasn't had the results of my CT scan from a couple of months ago !!  As he sent me in for the thing, you would of expected him to have an answer by now.... but, no !! 

He is going to chase it up...... now, that would seem like a good idea to me - but, what do I know.... I'm only the guy who's brain got scanned !!  It's Ok really - I'm not that worried about it.... just a little concerned, that's all !!

One of my other consultants is going to kick my butt.  The guy I saw today is going to write to him, to try & hurry the whole implant surgery along a bit.  Nothing wrong in that - but..... my GP is writing to the same guy.... as is one of my other consultants !!

So this guy - the one who is going to do the surgery - is getting at least 3 letters from my other Dr's.... well, telling him to hurry up & get it done - mainly as my health is going south & they all think the surgery will help.  true, it won't pro-long my life - but, it will make it a little easier for me & B to cope with !!  We'll see how things go - but, I'm not holding my breath while I'm waiting !!

Anyhooo - I mentioned B...... she is out at a gym class tonight, should be home in about an hour or so.  That leaves me here with the kids to keep an eye on me - just to make sure I don't come to any mischief !!  Which I won't of course..... I'll just keep typing & playing the music - which at the moment is Gov't Mule's 'The Deep End' (Vols 1 & 2).  I keep meaning to play this all the way thru' - but never seem to manage it..... tonight tho' I'm giving it a go !!

A little while ago - I was playing Z Z Top's 'Live In Texas' Cd - now that was a bit of fun.... everybody seem to bop along with that one.......  I only played the last 30 minutes of it - for me, the best bit of the album !!  I only ever saw the Z Z's once & that was many, many years ago !!

I was thinking earlier - yep, I know it's hard for me !! - anyhoooooo..... I was thinking of ways to get my own back on the guy who 'owes' me the new Zeppelin Cd's.  As I've said before - I really go out of my way to do things for him, but - when it comes to returning the favour.... well - either he really does not think about others & what they need or want - or & I'm fast coming to this conclusion - he really does this to p**s me off !!

It has happened soooooo many time before now........ he gets these various things for me, from a mutual mate & then just sits on them for ever !!  I was told 3 weeks ago he had the Cd's for me & I was promised (by the mutual friend) I would get them this week......... well, actually, over last weekend !!  So I'm getting very "angry" about all this !!  No, not angry - just very fed up about it !!

As I say, it's not the only time it had happened - but, it's my fault for putting up with it !!  Plus, I really do want this new Zeppelin Cd's - so - well, I'll just have to wait !!

For Now tho' - it's 'Greasy Granny's Gopher Gravy - Pt's 1 &'  I think with the wonderful Les Claypool on Bass guitar !!  -  Now that's the way to spend the evening !!  For now...

Bye Bye

A Dramatic Turn Of Events...........

Hail To You - all you mighty Worlds & Beings of The Internet !!

I'm here alone (again) today - everybody has gone out and left me on my ownsome !!  Never mind.... it's given me time to catch up on some things I've been putting off for a while - mainly sorting out all the new Cd's that have reached me recently !!  I'm going to do that as soon as I finish this posting - well, maybe after I've had another 'little' sleep !!

The music of the moment is playing very loud !!  It's the new Dream Theater album - 'A Dramatic Turn Of Events' - which is really good !!  I got this copy yesterday & this is the first chance I've had to give it a play..... I did play the odd track yesterday, but today......... well, it's going to be track one thru' to the end !!  I'm really enjoying it at the moment.

As mentioned, the family are all out this morning.  B has gone to a gym class, J is still away with friends (I think he might be back today) & ME is out at Uni 'placement'...... it's her last year & she is already talking about her graduation ceremony.

It seems like she will only be allowed two guests at the graduation.... so, I have said I will stay at home & she can take her boyfriend with her, along with B.  This has not gone down toooooo well, but - well, there is nothing to say I'll even be here in 12 months, so............. I just thought she would like M (her boyfriend) there if she could.  We'll see how things pan out over the coming year !!

I was really hoping to have had the new Zeppelin Cd's here to play today - but, not so far !!  It's kind of a pain really - I know where they are, but I can't get to them..... I have to wait until the guy decides to hand them over to me.  Sometimes he blames his lack of memory - but, mostly these days - well, I think he is just being bl***y minded !! Shame really - he expects me to do things, even to the point where he will sit here until they're done - but, when the situation is reversed - well....... my memory is shot anyways, maybe I should use that in retaliation !!  No, I'm not built that way - the guy will deliver when he gets to it - I guess.

Tomorrow, B has explained to me, I'm seeing the Consultant about my various 'thought' problems - I guess that's the best way to say it......... the reasons why I've been down in the dumps these past couple of months & - I hope - get an answer on whether I have a more serious problem.  I've been checked for Alzheimer's disease, so maybe he can confirm - one way or another - how the tests went....... I'll see !!

Oh I had a great computer breakthru' last night !!  I've had this one programme for a number of years & I've never been able to work out exactly how it works.  Well, yesterday I sat down & 'played' with it & I finally got it to do what I was told it would do !!

I've wanted to do a complete list of my Led Zeppelin bootlegs, with tracks, date recorded & other notes.  Up until now, I've managed to do some of the list - but never the rest of it - until yesterday !!  It was a brilliant feeling to actually get it to work - especially after all the years I've had it on my computer - brilliant !!

I will now - at some point - sit down with all my various books & notes and do what I thought of, when I got the programme in the beginning.  Now, that will take a while - but - as it's Zeppelin, I'm going to enjoy myself playing around with it.... great fun !!  Now, if only the new bootleg would get here, I could start with that one & work back !!

I was reading the Book Of Moroni earlier - Chapter 10, Verse 34..........  I love those words !!  They mean sooooooo very much to me.  Check them out - it gives me peace of mind when I'm feeling low.

I'm not really reading anything at the moment - so, I've been tempted to read 'The Dig Tree' again..... It has been such a good read in the past - I might just have another go at it - tho', I've other things here I've not read yet - but.......... I enjoyed 'The Dig Tree' & fancy giving it another go !!

Bit by little bit, I've been watching the DVD's of 'Star Gate Universe'....... Yea, I know - it's a dumb programme etc etc... but, I've never watched the whole thing from the start to the end & so.... well, it sort of made sense to (try) and follow it thru' !!  I'm only on disc 2 out of 10 (I think) - so I have a long ways to go !!  Never mind !!

The Dream Theater Cd is still plaing - another 30+ minutes to go.... it's really good to have something new by them - I enjoyed their last few albums a lot & this one is well good, even compared to the earlier ones !!  Hopefully, down the ways, they will bring out another 'live' Cd set - I always prefer 'live' recordings & this sounds good enough to be great live !!  We'll see how it goes......

Anyhooooo I must be going - I have to get on with these Cd's in front of me - if not, they will just pile up & I'll be back to scratching my head & wondering what & where they came from.  Until next time.....

Bye Bye

Monday Monday - yet again !!

Greetings Worlds - I hope your days are passing quietly !!

It's another Monday & I'm here all alone today !!  ME (our daughter) has started back to Uni .... J (our son) is in Newbury with friends & B (my Dearest Wife & Friend) has just dropped me off & is now heading towards town.  She is meeting one of her cousins for a quick 'catch up'.

I had to go down to see my Dr this morning - here in the village - so she took me down, waited & came in with me.... then came home to drop me off.  Hence, I'm alone as I write these words to you !!  I'm not sure when she'll be home - but not for a while.

So, as I have the house to myself - the music of the moment is playing pretty loud !!  Our neighbour popped in on Saturday, to say they were going away for a week........ we always let the 'friendly' neighbours know if we're away, that way everybody keeps an eye on the empty house !!  Anyhooooo - with them away, the music is just a little louder than normal !!

The music of the moment is a-ha's 'The Very Best Of'' - Why !!!!!!  Well - I wanted something 'light' to listen to today - "it's got a beat & you can dance to it" - so it's good up-lift music, if there is such a thing !!  Never mind - it kind of makes sense to me !!

Our weekend was not so good.......  B has had to look after me more than usual.  Saturday night was a real 'bad one' & so she took the Dr a short while ago - as I didn't really get mush sleep...... 

We have always know my condition would get worse - but, we've just got sooooo used to the fact - that now it's happening........ well, it's kind of hard to accept !!  Not to worry, that was Saturday night - I'm a little better at the moment, so that's a bonus !!  I'm not 100% - but, well enough to make sure B didn't cancel her meeting with her cousin !!  I didn't want her to stay home, again, to look after me - not today at least !!

Yesterday wasn't so good - I couldn't go to Church - I really wanted to.... but it wasn't possible.  B gave me every chance to go - had all my clothes ready for me - I just wasn't able to make it.  Maybe next week.... in the end we just stayed here & watched the various ceremonies on TV to mark 9/11.  Compared to what those people were going thru' - my weekend didn't really count for much.

I've just picked up my breakfast - 250ml of Elemental 028.... the grapefruit flavoured one.  Out of the two flavours I can take (without being sick all day) - this is my preferred morning taste.  The summer fruits flavour (the other one on my menu) is Ok - but, it's more of an afternoon taste !!  Oh well - life goes on !!

I said we didn't do anything Sunday - well..... I forgot, we did go into town.  I really needed to 'get some air' & as we needed to buy some milk, we went into town & met ME.  She was working yesterday & so we popped into the shop to say "Hello"...... we bought the milk on the ways home & then came back to watch TV.

I have been promised some 'new' Led Zeppelin Cd's - but as yet they have not reached me....... I'm looking forward to hearing them !!  I understand it's a soundboard recording from Seattle 1975.  I've had copies of this show for a long time, but as yet - not this 'new' version.... hopefully, sometime this week !!  I do like it when I get a new Zeppelin tape to listen to - plus it all adds to the collection !!

My plans for today are really, non-existent.... B had told me not to do tooooo much, so I'll give this a-ha Cd a few more plays & then (maybe) watch some TV or - most likely - fall asleep !!  I am kind of bushed at the moment !!  Never mind........

On Wednesday I have to go & see one of my Consultants - not sure exactly where to - probably in town someplace....... anyhoooo I see what he has to say for himself !!  I should know for sure, from him, what the CT-scan I had a while back showed up - probably nothing, as I've not heard anything about it !!  We'll see... he is very weird !!

Must away for now - thanks for reading.....

Bye Bye

Remember The Good Times !!

Well "Hello" there - how are you doing this fine evening, I trust you're all well & happy !!

It's a Friday night & I'm here with ME - I'm typing & she is watching TV.... so no music at the moment !!  Maybe in a little while - if she goes upstairs, I'll see.....

As for the other members of the family - not including the 3 cats - well, J is upstairs in his Hobbit hole & B (my Wife & Dearest Friend) has just gone out to the gym thing, again - some class or another !!  She'll be home a bit later..... probably completely tired out !!  Oh well........

Ok - a little puzzle for you !!  How many hands does it take to turn a bathroom light on & off 12 times in a night ?  Simple 2 !!  You use the left hand going in & the right hand coming out !!  I know this for a fact - as it was my hands doing all the switching.... yep, I was that man !!

I had a really bad night last night - B said I should of  got her out of bed - but, what was the point of that ?!!  It was a really nice night out-side - the stars were out & there was an owl in the trees behind the house.... hooting it's little head off - which was nice to hear !!  It's funny what you take notice of in the middle of the night ain't it !!

Add to that, one of the cats was really happy to be let in soooo early !!  She had a big bowl of milk & a dish of cat food - before moaning at me to be let out again !!  Maybe she fancied a bit of "wise old owl" !!  I don't know - she is a dumb cat at the best of times - especially at 5 in the morning or whatever time it was !!

Anyhoooo - that was last night - today has been pretty good.  I've managed to stay awake & for my sins, I'm very very tired now...... but, I'll get over it - as long as I can get a full night's sleep this evening !!  Never mind - I'm still smiling about it - especially B's face when she realised what had been going on while she was asleep !!  Life is good !!

Altho' there is no music on at the moment - all day I've been playing anything & everything.  From the Allman Brothers to Within Temptation... Pink Floyd & Rush - a nice quiet day in the mad house.... again !!  Oh I forgot - B was bopping along to A-ha earlier..... showing her age a little there !!  No, I will not tell you her age - I like my life as it is, thank you & I do not need any more problems !!

If all goes well, tomorrow, we'll head into town again.......if I can't stand the excitement !! I have another parcel to put together & I need to buy a "jiffy bag" thingy - I'm not sure what there called, but you probably know the sort of envelope I mean.  They wrap up pretty well.... + they post quite cheaply as well & that's always a bonus these days.

I see my new reader in Russia has been back - so, a special "hello" to you & thank you for reading !!  I never thought that - when I started this - that so many people would read my words...... many thanks to all of you..... those of you I know & those of you I've never met !!  Keep reading, I might write something worthwhile - one day !!

As for my plans tonight - well.... probably some music & then bed & sleep..... or, sleep & then bed !!  I'll see how things go hee-hee - it will not be the first time I've fallen asleep in a chair !!  I must put some music on soon !!!!

ME has just gone upstairs & so - at long last - the music of the moment is Otway & Barrett's 'Live At The Roundhouse' bootleg from August 1977 - just a bit of fun !!  Don't worry - I didn't buy this as a 'bootleg'..... the guys were selling copies the last time they came here in June !!  So, it's a kind of an official 'bootleg' type of thing... whatever, it's great fun to listen to !!  If you've never heard of them - check out "U-Tube" or something like that & you'll find them on there I'm sure.  The track of the moment is Dylan's 'Only A Hobo' & believe me - it's nothing like Dylan's version !!  Check them out........

I'll have to turn the music off soon - ME will be back down to watch a soap opera she likes !!  This is a University student & she still watches soap opera's !!  Never mind - in the mean time, I will away & regret not playing more music earlier - when I had the chance !! 

It's going to be a sad weekend for many of us around the World....... keep smiling & remember the good times !!

Bye Bye

Jaycee Dugard

Hello Worlds - I hope life (as we know it) is treating you well !!

I'm doing Ok today !!  For once I can report an almost 'good' day - the usual aches & pains for sure, but the bottom line is, I'm feeling good !!  So good in fact, I've stayed out of bed all day & we went into town to do some shopping - it's been a while since I've done that !!

We were in one of the banks - paying the usual bills - anyhooo, we were having a little joke with a lady there & I said "they only let me out of the home once a week"...... I think she took me seriously !!  She didn't really have a reply to that one !!  Oh well....... I do look kind of sick - but, well - not that stupid.. tho' I did have my Allmans beeny hat on !!

The bills have been paid, the groceries have been bought & now we have the joy of waiting to do it all over a again !!   It's only Thursday - so, by Saturday - it'll be back to ASDA & start over.  I thought as we got older, the food type of thing would get easier to buy - but, I forgot to take into account the kids have got bigger & are eating more & more with every passing week !!  Who knows, maybe one day they will move out & B & I will not know what to do with ourselves !!

As for now - the family.... well, the ladies are out.  ME is with her boyfriend & B has gone out to a gym class.  So, that leaves J & yours truly here at home...... he's upstairs & I'm here typing these words to you.  such is the way of things at the moment.

The music of the moment... well, it's Tangerine Dream's 'Lagos' album.  I've had it a while now, but hardly ever play it - mainly because it only has two tracks & the first of them is over 40 minutes long !!  It takes a while to get thru' it..... so, having said that - I'm changing it to Linkin Park's 'A Thousand Suns'.  I can not really think of two different Cd's to play after each other !!  Never mind - music is a big part of my life, so what comes next keeps me smiling & that's the main thing .... got to keep smiling !!

On the way into town today, we stopped off at a local post office - to post my friend a parcel...... as mentioned, he lives in South America.  Well, the parcel cost just over £10 to mail - soooooooo I really hope he gets that one !!  It's going to be a bummer if it fails to reach him - I'm not 100% sure how the postal system works where he is - so, here's hoping.........  I can't think really how I would chase it down if it doesn't reach him - but.... I'll cross that bridge when I come to it !!

So what to do tonight.... probably very little !!  I did plan on staying up until B got home from the gym - but, that's going to be at least two hours from now, so I'll see how I get on.  Maybe I'll play this Cd over a few times - it's got a bit of a punch to it & that's for sure !!

Oh yes - today - in town - I bought a copy of 'A Stolen Life' by Jaycee Dugard.  You might remember her.... she was kidnapped by a pervert when she was 11 years old & kept captive for 18 years.  She lived thru' that - a horrible existence - and survived to tell her tale.  It's given me hope & a little more understanding of what life can do to you..... when ever things get, that I can not stand it any more, I honestly can think of people (like Jaycee) & realise - there are people far worse off than myself !!

Time to change the music again - it's now the turn of Nightwish to burn a hole into this thick skull of mine !!  It's the 'Once' album from quite a few years ago now.  All the Nightwish albums are here in front of me & this was the first one I came to - play it loud.... who knows, it might wake up the neighbours, just a little !!

Come to think of it - I have this Cd on a two Lp picture disc.  J gave it to me a few years back - either for Father's Day or my birthday, I can't remember which now....... it was quite a few years ago !!  It's quite a good thing to keep & play from time to time.

A while back, we had an Elder visit from Finland - he was amazed at the Nightwish collection. I'm not sure where he is now, he headed to Weston last time I heard anything of him.  We called him Elder K - there was no way I could pronounce his name... he was a great lad, as are all the Elder's we've had since.  But, our hearts still belong to the very first Sister's we ever met - they will always have a place in our home.  Oh well.......

I'm really, really pleased we were able to go back to Church on Sunday.... I also really really hope that B will take us again this weekend, but.... well, it's got to be down to what she wants to do.  The Lord is in our hearts, but my family will always come first !!  Hopefully, people at Church, will understand that........

It's 7pm & tablet time - B leaves them all out for me to take.  I'm glad of that - there is no way on this Earth that I could remember which or what I'm supposed to take each time !!  Tho' the 4pm ones are pretty easy - I only have to take 3.... so I kind of remember them !!  Oh well......... Life goes on & so must I..... for now..

with 'Planet Hell' playing loudly in the background...

Bye Bye

Live On Blueberry Hill - it was 41 years ago this week !!

Well Hello To You All - I hope yours Worlds are treating you well !!

It's cold here tonight - cold & wet unfortunately !!  I tried to get the rec room fire lit, but the only wood I had was too wet, so it was a bit of a waste of time really....... I'll try again tomorrow !!  I might even try again later tonight, but that's unlikely.....

3 quarters of the family are here at home this evening.  J is upstairs someplace, ME is here with me doing some Uni work & your's truly is here typing these words.  B has just gone out to a keep fit thing here in the village - she'll be back later on !! 

As for the music of the moment - it's Pink Floyd's 'Earls Court' concert from October 20th 1994.  Ok, I know some people will argue, it's not from Earls Court etc etc - but, this concert certainly is & on that front, I am 100% sure !! Floyd did a lot of concerts in '94 & some get mixed up - but, not this one folks....... oh well !!

I was thinking I should of played Zeppelin's 'Blueberry Hill' concert over the last couple of days - it was 41 years ago this week that show took place & it's one of my favourites !!  I remember, making the trip up to London, to the very old Virgin records & asking for the Led Zeppelin bootleg - there was only one out at the time & when I left the shop, went down stairs....... There was a guy outside the shop - he had just bought a Jethro Tull bootleg.  We talked for a minute about our new Lp's & both agreed, tho' we never said anything..... We were kings !!  We said our goodbye's & I made the 150 mile trip home.

Little did I know then - well , some 40 years later, I now have 6 boxes of Zep bootlegs.... about 500 in all (maybe a few more) & if nothing else - B will make a really big bonfire out of them when I'm gone !!  Hopefully, she won't burn them all - some of my dearest friends want to get their hands on them !!  Great stuff !!

As I've said before - don't buy bootlegs...... if someone won't let you have them for free, don't buy them... it's just not right !!  For the record - mine are not for sale !!

I had a nice surprise last night - some one in Russia read my words yesterday !!  Greetings to you - I hope you'll read this as well & I wish you well !!  You're my first reader from your fair country & altho' I've no idea where you live - it's great to know you're there !! 

I used to have a Russian pen pal, but we lost touch - he left his wife & moved on - so..... without an address - it was kind of hard to keep up with him !!  Oh well - I remember his wife, she was really sorry she didn't have an address for me to write to him.... never mind !!  I still have a picture here someplace..... not sure where.

My plan came together last night.... I went to bed early, did some reading - got up for a short while when B got home - then fell asleep for the night....... a great plan & it all came together !!  I didn't have a plan for this evening, but - as I've been in bed asleep for most of the day - I probably won't go to bed so early tonight !!

I wasn't feeling too "happy" earlier - felt like c**p really - so, sleeping it off was (for me) the best way to go.  It's hard to put into words - but, as the year has gone on & my health seems to have got worse - well, sleep is a good remedy !!  Oh well - I'm still here - so, I won't moan tooooo much !!

I've just taken my evening set of pills & potions - I'm only on 10 at night now !!  It did go up to 13 or 14 a while back, but now the size of the pills have increased - well, I don't have to take so many !!  Which is a good thing....... tho' I have no problem taking pills - the numbers sometimes get to be a drag !!

I hope it'll be dry tomorrow - I have to mail a parcel off to a mate & I really do not fancy going out into the rain !!  I've not been too far this week - well, not since our trip to Church on Sunday.  I can't say I'm looking forward to going into town - but, if that's what I need to do - so be it !!  Whatever happens - I need to get the parcel wrapped & posted !!  Hopefully he'll get ti by the end of next week - it's going to go out to South America & I really have no idea how long that will take !!  We'll see.....

Anyhooooo - the Cd is just coming to an end with 'One Of These Days' - so, I better head on & leave these words for you.

Bye Bye

It's cold outside - don't forget your booties !!

Greetings Peeps - I trust you're all well & happy this fine day !!

Well, it's another Tuesday.... it's quite cold tonight !!  We decided the other week, we wouldn't put the heating on until October 1st..... I'm not sure if that will happen !!  I'm thinking we'll put a fire going soon - that'll warm the rec room & some of the upstairs.... not tonight tho' !!

Ok - I'm sat here, with J sat a little ways to my left - he's just had his supper & is now watching a TV programme.... so no music at the moment !!  B is out at a weight-watchers meeting & ME is working until later...... not sure what time she'll be home, but not for a while, I guess.

Today has been a quiet one - I've not been out all day, except for a trip to the Dr's this morning.  My 'black left hand' is still the matter of conjecture - now that's a big word for me.... I hope I've spelt it right !!  Anyhooo - it's not black any more - tho' it is still swollen & we don't really know why !!  By now, it should of gone back to normal, but....... well - welcome to my life !!  I've to keep an eye on it - to make sure it stays 'pink' & not bright red (or black, I guess)...... also, to make sure it stays cool & not too hot !!  If the latter happens, it could be some kind of infection.... but.... we'll see how things go - I have to see the Dr again, next week, so..... time will tell !!

The music is now on & it's Boston's 'More Than A Feeling' - recorded live in March 1977.  I found a copy today & I've always liked the track... so I made a copy for myself.  I bought the single when I first went to Bermuda, many moons ago now - we now have loads of copies on compilation Cd's around and about + the Boston Cd's !!  Oh well....

In a minute, when this finishes - it'll be the turn of Tommy Bolin to fill the house !!  It's his 'Teaser' album & one of my favourites - I had the Lp & now the Cd & the 'deluxe' version of it as well...... I should play it more often really !!  Never mind....

As I say, it's been a quiet day.... spent most of the morning asleep !!  B went into town, to another gym class thingy & as I had nothing better to do - I went to bed & slept for a while !!  I sound really lazy... but, when the pain gets too much to stand, rather than take even more medication - I go & sleep it off for a while !!  It works for me.... plus, I get to stay up a little later in the evening !!

Last night, ME's boyfriend came over & I completely missed his visit...... I went to bed about 6pm & didn't wake up, any sense, until this morning - now, that's crazy !!  Never mind, I'll try & do better next time !! 

My plan for tonight is pretty lame really - I'm going to head for bed, do a little reading & then head off to sleep !!  Great stuff..... such is life, for me, at the moment !!

I asked the Dr to look into when I'm likely to head back into hospital for my 2 outstanding surgeries.  he didn't really know - but has promised to look into it for me.  I can manage the pain, pretty much - but..... well, I would like some idea of what is going to happen.  We can't do much about it all - but it would be good to have at least a date to work towards !!  Never mind....... it'll all happen, when it happens I guess.

I'm not 100% sure what is happening tomorrow.  I think B is taking J into town, early on, for a meeting, but I'm not sure if I'm going or not.  He (J) has to be there at a kind of strange time - so, the buses are not really going to be an option for him... hence, B is taking him in.  I'll see how I feel in the morning I guess - time will tell on that one.  Such an exciting life !!

For now, I must away - with Tommy Bolin playing in the background - I bid you all a goodnight......ZZZzzzzz !!

Bye Bye

It's Raining Again !!

Ho- Hum & many greetings to you Worlds.... I trust all is well & you're turning nicely ?!

Today is another Monday - the first one in September.  The year is really zooming thru' & it'll be Christmas before we know it - kind of wishing my life away there !!  Never mind - next month will be B's birthday.... no, I'm not going to tell you how old she'll be !!

Anyways.... one of our neighbours has a really 'nice' bird feeder & B would like to have one of those - if we can find one !!  It's about, we just have to look for it...so, we'll keep our eyes open.  I said to B, if we see one she likes - even if it's before her birthday - we'll buy it, or remember exactly where we saw it.  That way, we can go back & buy it !!

Talking of B - she has gone out with ME....... the plan being to do some shopping & pop into the gym for an hour.  I'm not sure when they will be back, but probably not for a couple of hours at least.  So, that leaves me here with J - who, as always, is keeping an eye on me - making sure I don't fall over or what have you !!

B is full of surprises.  I had not expected to go back to Church for a while - but, yesterday..... well...... B woke me with a drink/food & my morning pills & potions + a bath already run for me.  All set ready, to go to Church at 11.30am !!

So, we went off to Church & - as I expected - we were surrounded by people wanting to know how we were & why we hadn't been to Church for a number of weeks.  BUT, as also expected - the older members completely ignored us !!   That's up to them really - it's their choice, not ours........

I've got to be honest, some of The Church really do have problems with us & some of the other 'younger' members of the congregation !!  Oh well........  I was pleased to be able to go back - but, I had to leave earlier than I had hoped  because of a 'problem' - nothing serious - just a problem I have with my illness & the way my body deals with it !!

Anyhoooooo  - I'm sat here again.... the music of the moment Deep Purple's 'Made In Japan' album - a great piece of 1972's rock !!  I don't remember exactly when I bought it, it was when it came out - but, I do remember feeling pleased with it & I've played it many many times over the years !!

I still have the old Lp here in a box..... it's one of the few I didn't sell off - even tho' I've got a copy (or three) on Cd.  I don't play too many of my old Lp's anymore.... but, from time to time, I put one on the turn-table.  I do like the feeling of 'satisfaction' - if that's the right word for it - when I find a Cd of an old Lp that I've sold off.

I really have no idea what B will do with all the Lp's tapes & Cd's when I finally pop my clogs...... as long as she takes care of them & hopefully continues to listen to them down the years !!  Or, maybe she'll pass them on to the kids - I know J likes a load of the Cd's... tho' I think ME would probably prefer to sell them off & have the money !!  Bless them all, I say !!

This weekend is Exeter Record fair..... I'm not sure if we'll go down.  It's a 100 mile round trip.  The last time we went to one, we stayed over night in Exeter - but, I don't really feel like doing that this time around..... it was nice, not have to worry about driving down & back on the same day - but.......... we'll see how it goes !!

Whatever we decide to do - I don't really want any new Cd's... so.... it'll be just a quick trip down to meet up with some friends & have a chat.  Of course - if I see a Cd I really want, I will more than likely buy it..... but, at the moment I've nothing  on my mind !!  We'll see how things go........

As for the rest of the day - I've nothing thought out..... I must get on with a few things, but as to what I've no real idea or plans - such is life.  Actually, I'm going to play 'Ca Ira' - the opera Cd's that Roger Waters did the music for !!  I'm not feeling over active - so I'll give that a listen !!

Bye Bye