A Spring Day & The Death Of A Monkee.

"Hi-De-Hi Peep's"... How are you all doing this fine evening ?!

It's been a real Spring day here in England.... the Sun has been out & the birds have been singing their heads
off !!  B & J have been in the garden - cutting up an old 'tree' that fell in the winter..... it wasn't a big thing, so to call it a tree was a little over the top, but you get the meaning !!

B actually said she wished she had a chain-saw... for how often we would use it - well, it ain't going to be
 happening soon !!  Oh well.... maybe I'll get her one..... my wife & a chain-saw !!  That could be a dangerous marriage... best not to think about it !!

Believe it or not - B has had a full training with a power saw.... so maybe it would be an idea to get her one, maybe for Christmas or something... hee-hee !!  Onwards.....

I'm here alone (again) tonight.  B has just gone out to a Wednesday night gym class, J is up in his Hobbit hole & ME is working on Uni work, in her room.  So, I'm here typing these words... listening to Laurie Anderson !
It's the live album she recorded a few days after 9/11.  That must of - I've said this before - been a hard concert, as it was recorded in New York...... it's a great album to sit quietly with.  Better than earlier.......

....... as the guys were in the garden, I played a 3 Cd set from Zeppelin.... very loudly !!  It was the set I mentioned last night, from Baton Rouge.  It was here, so I gave it a good blast thru' !!  There is nothing like a quiet afternoon listening to Led Zeppelin... and today was nothing like a quiet afternoon !!  Oh well......

As I type, the TV is on, quiet, in the corning & they have just said that Davy Jones of the Monkees has died, age 66 !!  I know one American lady who will be very upset by that bit of news !!  They haven't said if it was anything nasty... but, it's a shame all the same !!  My first album was by the Monkees - it all went uphill from there really !!  Oh well.....

Just on Zeppelin... I thought I would struggle to find a concert from February 29th - but, there is one in the collection !!  From the 1972 Australian tour, in Brisbane.... a 2 Cd set:
CD 1
1) Immigrant Song
2) Heartbreaker
3) Black Dog
4) Since I've Been Loving You
5) Celebration Day
6) Stairway To Heaven
7) Going To California
CD 2
1) Dazed & Confused
2) What Is & What Should Never Be
3) Moby Dick
4) Whole Lotta Love

I think I have all but one of the Australian shows... they didn't do that many, to be honest... but !!  As  always - don't buy bootlegs - you can find footage of some the (Australian) tour on the official DVD.  More another time.....

The news has just said Davy Jones died of a heart attack......... they're giving it a great deal of coverage !!  It's the main headline on the 7pm news..... it's a shame he'll probably be better known than Marie Colvin, Athony Shadid or Remi Ochlik... but, that's the way our World works I'm sorry to say !!

As mentioned above - today is a 'Leap Day'..... and there was an 8 year old on the TV earlier who, in theory, was celebrating her 2nd birthday, having been born on February 29th, bless her !!  They "snuck" into her class room & gave her a big cake & stuff !!  You could tell she was well happy !!

So, as today is the last day of the month - tomorrow will be the 1st of March & that means a trip back to the hospital !!  "Yippppeeeee" - not !!  I have to be there at 11.30 am, so it will mean an early (for me) start to the day.  I really hope I'll get some answers to what the plans are... if they're going to sort the implant out (best case) or leave it as it is (worst case)... B has a load of questions for the Consultant !!  Mainly to do with her caring for me & how she is  to do things !!  Also - if I have to have another surgery, when it's likely to happen !!  That's a big one for me as well, I guess.... I really want to get it sorted as best we can !!  I know it won't happen overnight, but.... it would be good to have a time frame, if you know what I mean !!

I don't want to be hanging around for months on end, waiting.... but, I understand, it's not a massive 'life or death' surgery... but, it would make our lives easier & that's for sure !!  I will know more tomorrow, so I will let you know !!

Talking of letting people know - my thanks to all of you who have logged in today !!  From Russia, thru' to America... I thank you for your time !!  It's nearly 2 years since I started this blog of mine & - as I've said before - I'm amazed by how many of you log in to my words !!   I thank you again......

Ok - the plan for tonight is to get ready for bed (when B gets home to help me) & try & get a good nights sleep... that would be a first for a long while..... then, tomorrow - as mentioned - it's a trip to Taunton & the hospital.  Nothing very exciting really - but, it's all I've got !!  For now, I will away.... until next time !!

Rammstein & Badgers.......... ?

Greetings Worlds - How are you all doing this fine evening !!

We're all doing well this end of the keyboard !!  B has just gone out to her Tuesday night 'weight watchers  meeting, ME is sat a little ways away from me, watching TV - 'Pointless' is about to start - & J is upstairs - I hope he'll be down in a short while to do the dishes !!  We will see how things go !!

I've had a very quiet day...... for once, I actually cleaned up this computer table of mine !!  I can now see all of the Cd's - neatly stacked to my left, rather than all over the place - and everything is clean & polished !!  I can't promise it will stay that way - but, here's hoping !!

Ok - onwards.....  As there is no music at the moment, I've had chance to sort out some Rammsteen Cd's for later !!  By accident - more than design -  I was playing an old video & them live at some place or another, I can't remember exactly where... so, I decided to dig out the Cd's I have by them !!  I've warned ME, that as soon as the programme ends, the German's are going to be playing as loud as I can, thru' the speakers !!  That's for later tho'.....

B was out earlier & as I was here alone, I've had chance to really rest up !!  I can't tell you how good it was to just sit & rest !!  B wanted me to head down to The Dr's this morning..... she was/is worried about me.  I've had a few bad nights - and days - sooooooo.... I have to see my local guy on Friday, so she can fill him in on how things have been going !!  I know she worries about me, so I shouldn't  moan about going to the Dr's - but, I really am fed up of going thru' (telling him) what has been happening !!

I have to see 3 Dr's this week !!  My local guy, in the village... my Consultant, about the implant on Thursday & another Consultant on Friday afternoon !!  I'm telling you folks - I think I know every Dr in the county at the moment.... well, that is to say, they know me !!  There are only sooooo many times you can go into a meeting with these guys, before the novelty wears off !!

If all goes well - on Thursday - we will have a better idea about what they are going to do, surgery wise !!  Time will tell.... I'm not looking forward to going back (for surgery) as I'm still hurting from the last one in November !!  We will see how it goes I guess......

I was looking thru' the Zeppelin collection & found 2 shows from February 28th.... one from 1975, a concert from Baton Rouge - which has come 'out' many times in various forms........ especially a great soundboard recording - but, tonight I'm going for a 1970 concert, from Copenhagen.  It's a 2 Cd set & features:

CD 1

1) Dazed & Confused

2) Heartbreaker

3) White Summer/Black Mountain Side

4) Since I've Been Loving You

5) Organ Solo/Thank You

6) Moby Dick

CD 2

1) How Many More Times

2) Whole Lotta Love

3) Communication Breakdown

4) C'mon Everybody

5) Something Else

6) Bring It On Home

7) Long Tall Sally

My Cd's don't contain the whole concert, but..... also - most of disc 2 is a medley of rock & roll classics... hey, it's all good !!  As always - don't pay for bootlegs, buy the official stuff !!  More another time...... !!

'Pointless' has just finished, so.... it's Rammstein time !!  I'm playing a 2 Cd set from Les Arenes De Nimes (I hope I've spelt that right ?) recorded on July 13rd 2005.  It's something different to listen to !!  It'll last me out - until B gets home, at least !!  By then, I will be pretty much past caring what's on the "tunes" & ready for my bed !!

I'm not sure what the plans are for tomorrow..... J has to go into town & I think we are going to take him in.  He has 30 minute meeting to go to & it's easier for B to drive him in, rather than staying 2 hours on a bus !!  I know people think it's 'nice' to live in the country.... but !!  Try living with the fact you have to rely on buses that only show up once every 2 hours & don't show up at all, after 6pm !!  Unless you drive out here - you really are in the 'lap of the Gods' as far as getting into town !!

I see on the news, they are going to start culling badgers soon !!  That is sooooooooo wrong in so many 

ways !!  Once again, 'big government' is doing what it wants to things it should know better of !!  Before anybody starts on my case about the badgers - I've lived in this area (this county) nearly all of my life....  I'm not just jumping on a bandwagon !!  Onwards to better things !!

I think M is coming over tonight - to drop off a laptop for ME to work on.  Her's is playing up & she is afraid of losing her Uni work on the thing !!  I can understand that - she is really on the last stage of her course now & it would be a pain to have her computer crash !!  He's a great lad & I really hope they stay with each other over the coming years.... time will tell, as I say - probably toooooooo often !!

I had a nice message today - from a lady in America.... I had asked her what 'Homecoming' was about at the high schools & colleges.  We had obviously heard of it - thru' films & what have you, but we didn't know exactly what was involved.... we don't really have anything like it here in our area..  I am now a little wiser on the subject !!  I thank my American friend !!

I wish I could understand German - I have several Rammstien albums, but... apart from the odd word, I don't really know what the heck they are singing about !!  I'm guessing it's not slow walks in the country !!  As Marty said - "it's got a beat & you can dance to it" !!  I do like their version of Depeche Mode's 'Stripped' !!

I am not a big DM fan - I liked their live album from many many years ago, but.... that's about it really !!

If M walks in now - he'll wonder what the heck I'm playing !!  Hopefully he won't be frightened off into the night !!

Anyhoo - I think that's about it for tonight.  I've run out of things to write about, I guess !!  With the Rammstien going ape, I will away.... thank you for reading - until next time.....

Bye Bye

Completely The Wrong Country !!

Well Hello There Worlds Of The Internet - How are you all doing this fine lunch time ?!

It's about 12.30pm here in England & it's quite a cold day today !!  I've just put on an extra top - just to warm up a bit !!  Anyhooooo - onwards.......

As mentioned, it's about lunch time & I'm sat here on my little old own-some !!  B has just gone into town, to do the usual things..... pay bills, buy some food & take in a gym class while she is there - probably to work off the weekend's celebrations !!  It's been a good one !!

Our Daughter ME was 21 on Saturday & we have had lots of fun !!  As I sit, I can see all her cards & I thinks there are about 15 or 20 of them on display... add to that, all the gifts she had.... well, it was a really great day !!

She didn't want a birthday cake this year - just 21 little cakes, which B did really well !!  They were full of raspberry's, topped off with a twirl of fondant type of stuff.... oh, the cake mixture itself was also a pink-ish sort of colour !!  I had one & it tasted brilliant !!  To finish it all off, B arranged them on a display thing with 2 candles..... a 2 & a 1... it was really good !!

After the 'party' (her boyfriend was the only guest) they took cakes around to various neighbours, who had given her gifts - I've got to be honest.... she was a little overwhelmed by everything she was given !!  Onwards...

ME is back at Uni placement today & will be home a little later I guess.  Our Son J is upstairs in his Hobbit hole... leaving me here, downstairs listening to the Allman Brothers !!  It's their show from Boston December 3rd last year & is well good !!

It's one of the 6 shows that came last week - I'm still working thru' them !!  They are all 3 Cd's in length &

I've had lots of fun listening to them !!  So - that's the music of the moment........

Apart from the party on Saturday, I've had a very quiet weekend.  I went out on Saturday, with B, to buy some shopping (which we think was my only 'trip' out last week) & for the most of the rest of it - I've been in bed !! 

I'm having more & more problems sleeping, at night & this has a knock on effect - meaning I'm shattered in the day time....... hence I've been resting up in bed !!  I don't think it's all to do with trying to sleep at night - I have trouble sleeping at any time, day or night..... oh well !!

On Thursday this week, I have to go & see my Consultant about the implant - to see what he thinks about it. I hope he'll be able to sort it out quickly, I'm just very fed up with the whole thing !!  As B reminded me - it's been going on now for 18 months...... I really hope we can get it sorted !! Soooooooooon !!

As I'm still not 100% - I will probably head back to bed after I finish these words...... I will see how things go.  We stayed home from Church yesterday, I was just too poorly to make the trip.  There will be other Sunday's (I hope) & we can go then.  We have heard from 2 members of The Church, to ask how I am - but..... there is not much we can tell them really !!

B & I had a little "moment" together - over the weekend...... I told her about one of my fears.  That being, I will go to sleep one night & not have the chance to say "goodbye" !!   It sounds very morbid, but that's one of my biggest fears !!  Oh well..... back to music !!

On February 27th 1972, Led Zeppelin played - what was then - the largest concert ever by an English group in Sydney, Australia.  I have a couple versions of the show & I've chosen the 2 Cd set... the tracks are:

CD 1

1) Black Dog

2) Stairway To Heaven

3) Going To California

4) That's The Way

5) Tangerine

6) Bron-Y-Aur Stomp

7) Dazed & Confused

8) What Is & What Should Never Be

CD 2

1) Moby Dick

2) Rock & Roll

3) Whole Lotta Love

4)Communication Breakdown

5) Organ Solo - Thank You

That's not a complete show - I have a DVD here some place with more tracks on... but, the above is the Cd version that I have.  There is also footage of part of this show, on the Zeppelin official DVD that came out a few years or so back !!  As always, don't buy bootlegs.... they are 'out there' - just don't pay for them !!  I'm not telling you to steal them..... just don't buy them, buy the official stuff !!

Two things....while writing the above, I thought of.  ME & her boyfriend (M) went shopping yesterday, in Bristol.... they came home with little gifts for all of us, as a thank you for her birthday.  Mine - well, it's a little 'flying saucer' type of thing, which you can fly around the room by remote control !!  J has just been down here 'playing' with it !!  We both agree - it's going to be hours of fun, playing with that !!

The other thing I thought of.... well.....  ME is going to go on holiday, with M & his folks, to Spain.  So, last night she was looking thru' my big atlas (the one B gave me a few months back) to try & find her destination.

She was having all sorts of trouble, looking for the place.... so, I helped.  Believe it or not - my Uni student Daughter was looking at a map of Australia - that's why she couldn't find it ... she was looking at completely the wrong country !!  She found it - in the end !!

B has just phone'd - she has paid the bills & is now heading to ASDA to pick up some foodstuffs......she phones every now & again, to make sure I'm Ok, bless her !!  Even tho' J is here, keeping an eye on me - she still likes to check !!

Right, my plans for today - none really.... probably go back to sleep !!  My plans for the rest of the week - well, apart from the hospital visit (mentioned above) to see my Consultant - it's going to be a quiet few days !!

I'll be back tomorrow.... so if anything comes to light, I will tell you then !!  Until next time......thank's for reading......

Bye Bye

A Food Substitute.... Ho-hum !!

Well Hello World's - I hope you are all having a nice day ?!

It's a little after 6.30pm here in the wilds of England...... I've just waved a "goodbye" to B, from the front door & it's quite a pleasant night out there !!  What cloud there is, well - it's way off in the distance..... the sea looks really calm & the lights out across the coast are shining brightly !!  I've not been down to the beach for a long while... maybe soon !!

As mentioned, B has gone out - it's her Thursday night gym class..... so, that leaves myself & J here "home alone".  ME is out as part of her Uni placement.  She is working at a care home, of sorts, learning how to do a 'drugs round' & what have you.  It's about 15 miles away - but, her shift doesn't finish until 9pm, so... I'm guessing she won't be home for a few more hours !!

She was here at lunch time & met the postman with high hopes !!  She has had several birthday cards already, but none today !!  It's hard to believe she will be 21 on Saturday !!  I will always remember the moment she came into our lives & how I was able to hold her, just a few minutes later !!  I can't remember what I did yesterday, but that - well, I will never forget that moment !!

Talking of moments....... the music of the moment is an Allman Brothers set, from Boston last November.  It's one of the 6 shows that reached me on Monday & it's well good !!  I recommend these live sets to everybody.  They are really, really good & worth anybody's money !!

A little earlier, I was playing a Dire Strait's tape.  It was an old radio concert from 1992 !!  While I was playing it, it dawned on me - it's 20 years old !!  How mad is that ?!!  Talking of old things - today's Led Zeppelin concert is from February 23rd 1970 & is a corker !!

It was recorded in Helsinki, Finland & it's one of my favourite bootlegs of the band - I've had it for years !!  It's 2 Cd set & contains the following tracks:

CD 1

1) We're Gonna Groove

2) I Can't Quit You

3) Dazed & Confused

4) Heartbreaker

5) White Summer

6) Since I've Been Loving You

7) Thank You

CD 2

1) Moby Dick

2) How Many More Times

3) Whole Lotta Love

I know a lot of Zeppelin fans do not like this show - but... I do !!  The 3rd album was in the pipeline & the set was featuring new & old tracks.  I'm not sure how many years I've had this set - but... it's been a very long while !!  As always - if you can find a copy, go for it... just don't buy it !!  Buy one of the bands official sets instead !!  More another night.......

Oh - while just on music...... I saw a clip of a 'concert' at the White House.  I took notice, because Warren Haynes (I think) was in the line up !!  I only saw a short clip of the 'show' - but, it looked really good !!

Talking of things American - I had a really bad night last night & couldn't sort myself out.... so much so, that I was down here watching the debate, at 2am, as it was broadcast live !!  I think it was on CNN (I'm probably wrong about that) & the bits I saw were quite good !!  It's a shame they don't give the guys big clubs or something - the last man standing going thru' to the election !!  A sort of 'Royal Rumble' or whatever the WWE call it for politicians !!

That's what is wrong with our live broadcasts from the House Of Commons - they still work on the old rule, keeping a swords distance between each other !!  Give them all clubs I say - let them knock each other about a bit - it would keep the voter's happy for a day or 2 !!  As a member of The Church - I shouldn't wish violence on anybody - but, our politicians are soooooo lame !!

Talking of Church - my old lecturer came around a day or two back.  He is a Jehovah's Witness & checks up on me from time to time.  He honestly thought I would be in hospital - it seems the last time he visited, he thought I was on my "way out" & was worried about me !!  I'm not sure if he was hoping to convert me on my death bed or something.... but, he was very surprised to see me still home & looking healthier !!  Oh well - it was nice of him to pay a visit, tho' I wish (sometimes) he could just come & say "Hi" & leave all the Church stuff behind him !!  I don't mean that in nasty way - he really is a great guy & he does worry.... so, it was nice of him to call in !!

Just with the health thing..... I've had to go on even more pills today !!  I had a test done & "Yippee" I've got some sort of infection - another one - & the new pills are meant to help with that !!  I tell you folks - I really am getting very fed up of all these pills & potions..... I rattle as I walk, I really do !!  The pills aren't keeping me alive medically... I'm just taking sooooo many now, I don't need to eat, they are working as a food substitute - I'm sure of it !!

The guy's all came running to my rescue earlier !!  I was looking for the Dire Straits tapes (mentioned above) & I fell right over !!  ME & J were here at the time & boy, did they ever come running - maybe it's the fact I shouted out as I went down.... or, just the noise of me hitting the ground !!  It's no big deal - just another ache & pain to add to the others !! I'll see how many new bruises I wake up with tomorrow !!

Right - my plans for tonight.... sit down, watch some TV... listen to more music & then head towards my bed, when B gets home !!  My plans for tomorrow - well, we have to go into town at some point, mainly to get stuff for ME's birthday meal.  She has asked for a "picky tea" - which I think means finger food of some sort or another...... I'll see what we come home with !!

B nearly came home with a £100 note for her today !!  We decided to put £100 in with her (ME's) birthday card & the guy offered B a Scottish £100 note !!  It is legal tender - tho' ME would probably had to put it in the bank - I can't see too many shops willing to cash it, especially around here in the sticks !!  Anyhow, by the time I had talked to B about it, the guy had sent it off to his bank, so we had to settle for 2 £50 notes instead !!  Never mind - it's the thought that counts...... tho', if ME reads this before her birthday on Saturday, the surprise will have gone !!  I will take a chance & hope she doesn't log in for a day or two, I guess !!

For now tho' I must away..... thank you all for reading, until next time.......

Bye Bye

A Bummer Couple Of Days !!

Hi Everybody !!  I hope your Worlds are turning nicely !!

It's been a bummer of a couple of days - my darling steam engine of a computer decided not to let me log in to my own sites !!  My e-mail, my personal stuff, you name it I was locked out !!  But. after moaning about it (loudly) for over 24 hours, J - our Hobbit of a Son - came to my rescue & "I'm back" !!  Ho-hum !!

So... I thank you all for logging in - to read.... well, nothing !!  I will try my best to avoid any mishaps & continue as I am !!

As I type, B is sitting a few feet away watching Season 3 of 'E.R.'.... I'm not sure which disc she's on - I've lost track really... the things are all blurring into each other !!  Anyhoo - she is happy & that's the main thing !!

J has gone back to his hole - after digging me out of the problem..... and ME is out and about on her Uni placement !!

Last night, all the kids were here - it was Shrove Tuesday... better known as pancake day & the batter was flying every which way !!  B cooked two - for J & my good self... & when ME's boyfriend came over, she tried to do 2 for them !!  It was a disaster in a pan !!

Ours were fine, but.... well - the guys did eat theirs... but !!!  Never mind... it was a great bit of fun & I'm thinking B ought to cook some more soon !! Remember - pan cakes are for life, not just for Shrove Tuesday.

What is Shrove Tuesday - it's the day before Ash Wednesday (today) where tradition has it, we feast before the start of Lent..... which runs thru' until Holy Saturday.  I guess you all know this, but....

I actually ate one last night !!  I'm paying the price for it today.... but... it was a special day & pancakes are very moor-ish..... especially the way B cooks them !!  Lovely stuff !!

It's been a good week - computers aside that is !!  On Monday, after I posted, my new Allman Brothers Cd's came thru' !!  So - as I was feeling poorly, I waited until yesterday to start listening & "Wow !" - they are brilliant !!  Ok - I've only played the first 2, but I'm well happy with them...... I've still got 4 to play & they will get a really good airing over the coming days !!  I'm not playing them now - because B has the DVDs in the machine !!  Never mind... they are not going anywhere !!  

I've not got any Zeppelin shows to write about today....... but, I've a good one for tomorrow, soooo I will write that one up when the time comes.  It is a good one !!

As for my plans today - I've only been out of bed for a couple of hours, even tho' it's 4pm, but...... I've nothing planned for the rest of the night !!  Or tomorrow for that matter !!  It's going to be a very quiet  couple of days for me !!

Thanks for reading - until next time !!

Bye Bye

Greetings Everybody - My Computer Is Playing Up - Will Post When I Can !

A Puzzle At Church

Greetings Worlds !!  A happy Monday morning to you all !!

It's a little before 9.30am here in England.... I'm up & about early today !!  B woke me a short while ago, as she was on her way out to town, for a meeting with her Cousin.  She wasn't looking forward to going - the Cousin spends most of the time moaning about her husband.... so..... B wasn't too happy about going !!  But as she said to me, if she didn't go today - the Cousin would just keep on until they met up !!  Oh well.......

It seems that the Cousin & her husband are going thru' some sort of separation thing - while still living in the same house & what have you !!  All very strange !!  Anyhoo - that's up to them I guess..........

So - that's B..... she's in town, meeting said Cousin, doing some shopping & then going on into the gym..... probably to work off the meeting...hee-hee !!  J is upstairs - thinking about going down to the village..... they are dong a 'blood donor' session in the Church hall - if he goes, that's up to him !!  I used to give - even got my 'silver' badge for going over 25 times - but, since I was taken ill, well, my blood can't be used anymore !!

Anyways - that's J.... ME, bless her, has gone off to a Uni placement - her last one !!  It lasts 18 weeks - but, by the time she has done something like 10 of those weeks - her Uni work will be completed & that is something to be proud of !!  She left here at 7.30am... just to make sure she was on time !!  Great stuff !!

As for me - I'm sat here typing these words.... the music of the moment is the Gratefull Dead's 'For The Faithful' live set...... which I think is a bootleg of their 1994 Huntington show.  It bops along quite nicely !!

Talking of bootlegs.... I've found a Zeppelin show from February 20th 1972, while the band were on their first & only tour of Australia !!  It's a two Cd set from Melbourne:

CD 1

1) Immigrant Song

2) Heartbreaker

3) Black Dog

4) Since I've Been Loving You

5) Stairway To Heaven

6) Going To California

7) That's The Way

8) Tangerine

9) Bron-Y-Aur Stomp

CD 2

1) Dazed & Confused

2) Rock & Roll

3) Whole Lotta Love

It's not a complete recording of the show - I'm thinking there is a track or two missing from the tape, but it's still good to have in the collection !!  As always, don't pay for bootlegs - buy the official stuff !!

It's been a good weekend !!  On Saturday, B & I went into town & did a bit of shopping.... it was a little cold & wet, but...... & yesterday, for the first time in weeks, we went to Church !!  It was good to be back, but I did leave with a puzzle, for my mind to ponder !!

We are members of the Church for nearly 5 years & we have waited for our chance to go to Temple.  We have waited & waited & waited..... then, yesterday - a lad, new to the Church - he was only Baptised 7 months ago - did his first talk.  It was good to listen to, but..... while we were shopping on Saturday, he was at Temple !!  That's right - less than a year in the Church & he is in the building, doing Baptism's for the Dead !!

So - I am puzzled - we have waited & waited & waited, for our chance to go to the Temple & yet.... the above happens !!  Am I jealous ?  No, not really - but, what have we done sooooo badly that we have not been allowed to go ?!  I'm not so much jealous, more "hurt" about the whole thing !!  Maybe one day.... !!

Just to go back to the service yesterday - the Elders did a little talk,  one them is leaving shortly, to go home.. we laughed, because one of them used to go to Church as a child & steal the Sacrament cups !!  See - the missionaries are human !!  The other one - the one who is going home - said, that on his first few weeks of his mission, he tried to hand out a Church pamphlet to a man, who told him to "go home" - two years later, he would like to meet that man again & say "I did it - now I'm going home" !!

Anyways - I'm glad we went - hopefully it won't be several more weeks before we go back - puzzle or no puzzle !!

My plans today.... well, when I finish this, I'm going to watch a bit of TV & then - as I'm not expecting B back for a while, I might go & have a little sleep..... getting up sooooo early has not sat too well with this old body of mine !!  So, I will away.... until next time...

Bye Bye

Hello Everybody - It's Another Thursday Pt 2

Well, I'm back - for a little while at least !!  I hope you're all still well & happy ?!

I had to stop earlier - I ran out of "get up & go" !!  So - I had a quick sit down, followed by a longer lie down & sleep..... anyhoo, I'm back now !!

I was reading something.... there is a woman claiming to be the Worlds youngest Grandmother - at 23 !!  I'm not being nasty here, but... 23 !!  Why would you want to advertise that ?!  I can't imagine it's the sort of thing to be proud of... well, I wouldn't be anyways !!

It seems she had a child at some really stupid young age & her Daughter has followed the family tradition !!  Madness, complete madness.... why would you be proud of such a thing ?!  Oh well - check it out, it's all over the web...... if you believe everything they write via the net !!  Onwards !!

As I type - there is no music playing... the guys are here waiting for their evening catch-up of 'Coach Trip'.  B has gone out to a gym class, leaving me here with the "little ones" - such joy !!  Oh well - when it finishes, in a little over 30 minutes, the music will be blasting out of the Bose & I will be a happy man !!  I shouldn't moan - I like 'Couch Trip' as well.... mainly as I can not understand why people want to make fools of themselves, on national TV !!  I really am moaning tonight..... again, onwards !!

I've been asked about my Led Zeppelin collection....... why am I writing sooooo much about the 1975 shows.  Well, mainly as - at this time of the year - the band were on tour in America...... hence, I'm listing the shows, from February.  In a while, the shows will change a bit - as I move into the summer shows !!  If interested, keep reading !!  I actually prefer the 1977 shows - but, more of that later in the year !!

Right... my plan tonight.... is really to kick back & relax !!  More or less the same thing I do most nights !!  But, tonight... I really do need to take it easier than normal - I feel a little under the weather, so.... maybe another early night !!  I think tomorrow is going to be a bit hectic... so a rest tonight might be the way to go !!

We have to head into town, either in the morning or Saturday.... so, it will be a little bit of a run-a-round for an hour or two.  ME has to go up to Uni, early... so we will have no excuse to stay in bed !!  Ok - I know she will 21 in a week & a bit, but.... B still likes to be up, when she heads off up the motorway !!  Bless !!

Anyways... we have to go & get some food.... probably pay some bills & what have you.... so, another trip into the 'big city'.... ho-hum !!  If you know where we live... well, 'big city' is a little over the top !!  It's not that bad... well, with only a few more shops to close, it will soon be a ghost town !!  Never mind...... B & ME went into Taunton & some of the shops that have been around for years are shutting down !!  "Madness" !!

Oh yes... ME looked at a few cars - but didn't have a lot of luck with the sales-people... who it seems didn't want to help her tooooooo much !!  I'll go with her, when she actually wants to buy a car & maybe they will take a bit more notice of me !!  She seemed to be happy with what she saw tho' & ........

...... she had a great job interview !!  It seems the job is hers for the taking !!  They have to do some legal background checks - something everybody has to go thru' if working in that 'field'.  Hopefully it will all go well for her - I'm really happy that she has done sooooo well !!

Ok - the TV has been turned down to zero & Mr Springsteen is now blasting away !!  I've picked disc 2 of 'The River'.  I've not played it for a long long time, so why not !!  It's one of my favourite albums by him - not counting his various live sets..... so, as I say... why not !!

I've been reading a blog, over the last few weeks from a girl in America....... I've really enjoyed her words !!  B has found some of the food she writes about a little... um, um strange - but, we have enjoyed logging in !!  I only found it by accident - but.... that's the best way to find things you enjoy !!

Anyhoo, I best way for now....... there is a soap on the Beeb, that ME wants to watch, so.... that's my cue to exist the living room & head to bed & watch a DVD or something !!  It's called 'Eastenders' & I hate it with a passion !!  The BBC do some really good TV - this is not one of their best !!  Oh well....... until next time... as always, thank you for reading !!

Bye Bye

Hello Everybody - It's Another Thursday !!

Well "Hello" Everybody !!  How are you all doing today ?!

Here, in England, it's a cold - but very bright - morning........  I can see the sea off in the distance & all is calm with the sun glinting off of it.  I'm not going anywhere today - just going to spend some time here in the house..... playing music, watching TV & maybe having a little clean up, we will see how things go !!

The music of the moment is the Grateful Dead's 'The Closing Of The Winterland' 4 Cd set - I'm only part ways thru' disc 1... but, it's a good one to play, in the background, while doing other things !!  It's a good long set - so, I'll be playing it most of the next few hours.....

As for the family.... well, J is upstairs in his room - well, I saw him go in - so, I'm guessing he is still in there some place !!  As for the ladies of the house - they have headed off into Taunton.  ME has job interview at 11.30am & B went along for the ride & moral support !!  I hope it will all go well for her (ME) as it's what she wants to do, when she graduates later this year..... if nothing else, it will 'put her name out there'.  By which, I mean, people will know she exists & what her qualifications are !!

Also - today - ME is going around some of the showrooms, looking for a new car of some sort.  Her little 'Clio' is very unlikely to pass it's MOT this year, so she is in the market for a new one.  I hope she will find something she likes - even if she can't buy it today, she can have a good look around !!  We will have to wait & see what turns up, I guess !!

Talking of 'turning up' - we are still waiting for a birthday card, from B's Dad !!  It was J's birthday, 10 day ago & so far he hasn't heard anything from his Grand Dad !!  B is pretty angry about it all..... her Dad forgot my birthday, last July... now he seems to have forgotten J's as well !!  We want to see what happens in 9 days - it will be ME's 21st & I think - if her Dad forgets that.... well, I would not want to be in his shoes when B gets hold of him !!  I will let you know how things go - tho', if you hear shouting, it will probably be my wife 'talking' to her Dad !!  Onwards......

I found out another Zeppelin show.... another one from February 16th 1975, when they played in St Louis, the tracks are:

CD 1

1) Rock & Roll

2) Sick Again

3) Over The Hills & Far Away

4) In My Time Of Dying

5) The Song Remains The Same

6) The Rain Song

7) Kashmir

CD 2

1) No Quarter

2) Trampled Underfoot

3) Moby Dick

CD 3

1) Dazed & Confused

2) Stairway To Heaven

3) Whole Lotta Love

4) Black Dog

5) Heartbreaker

It;s really just the same set, that they played for most of the '75 USA tour....... as always, don't buy bootlegs - there are plenty of official recordings available !!  I collect them - so, please don't ask me to pass you a copy !!  I'm going to take a break - be back later, or tomorrow !!  Until next time....

Bye Bye

St Valentine's Day !!

Greetings & a "Happy Valentine's" day to you all !!

I hope you're Worlds are turning nicely this fine day ?!  I've not been out at all - but, it's been pretty good (for me) here in the house !!  It was even better, for most of the early afternoon - as I was tucked up in a very warm bed !!  I felt poorly, so - off I went !!

Anyhoo, the house is warm - with the fire lit - & also full of people tonight !!  B has gone off to a weight-watches  evening meeting.... leaving me & all the 'kids' here at home.  J is behind me - in the kitchen, cleaning the supper dishes & on the couch ME & her boyfriend are sat watching 'Pointless'.  The house is full of laughter as I type.... great stuff !!

So, as the TV is on - there will be no music for at least 30 minutes !!  To be honest - I have no idea what I'm going to play.... but, it will be loud - if nothing else !!  I need to blow the cobwebs out of my head.... I feel all blocked up & I think a bit of music will help no end !!  Onwards....

I checked the stats last night & again today...... to see who had been logging on.... my thanks to my German, American & Russian friends !!  Also - a new friend in Brazil & another one - who I see logged on today from Colombia !!  It was great to see new 'names' on the stat list + 2 new followers from South America in 2 days..... thank you for reading !!

I was also looking at the Zeppelin lists & found a great concert from February 14th 1969.  On this day - in that year, the band were in Miami USA & the 2 Cd set I have (well, one of the sets I have from this show) has the following tracks:

CD 1

1) Train Kept A Rollin'

2) I Can't Quit You

3) Dazed & Confused

4) Killing Floor

5) Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You

6) How Many More Times

CD 2

1) White Summer

2) As Long As I Have You

3) You Shook Me

4) Pat's Delight

I really like this show - a mix of stuff from their first album + a couple of cover version medleys.  Lot's of good things to listen to !!  I also have a 1975 show from Feb. 14th - but, as I've listed a few from that year, I decided to go for an earlier date !!  As always - don't pay for bootlegs !!

We also - today - had a lovely e-mail from one of our American friends - so, I will be answering soon T.... I also had an e-mail from Lady V's place - my Alman Bothers shows will be posted soon !! Two lovely e-mail's.... I'm really looking forward to getting the live shows !!  They will be played to death when they get here !!

Just put the amp on - the music of the moment is Slash's 'Made In Stoke' album from last year..... just loud enough to wake up the neighbours !!  I've only had this Cd for a few weeks & I've played it sooooo many times !!  I like good live albums & this one of them !!

As for tonight - I will be off to bed early...... as mentioned above, I've been feeling a bit poorly today & really need my beauty sleep to kick myself up a bit !!  As B won't be home for a while, it means I can lay back & enjoy the bed for a couple of extra hours !!  Hopefully, by the morning I will be feeling a little happier with myself .... we have to go into town, as B was in bed sick yesterday & we have not been out today - well, we need to buy some food in - we have to feed the tribe somehow !!  After all - it's only money !!  Oh well........ So that's the plan for tomorrow - a quiet day really.

In the meantime - I best away........ it's only a little after 6pm, but I have to sort out a few things.  I thank you again for reading, until next time...

Bye Bye

Problems with crowds.....

Greetings Worlds - How are you all feeling today ?

It's another Monday here in England - it's not been a very good weekend !!  Never  mind - it's the 'start' of a new week, so hopefully things will get better as we go along !!  I will try & explain !!

As mentioned on Friday - we went up to see ME, while she was working at the Weston shop... as it was her first time there, we thought we would go & say "hello".  The town itself, was very busy & I had problems handling the crowds - but, B helped me & all went off Ok !!

ME was happy to see us & we visited twice - just to make her smile........  B was able to find a neckless thing she wanted, so that was good !!  She has a matching bracelet, so the neckless looks good with it !!  I also spent a few minutes in the Cd shop - tho' it was tooooo crowded & I couldn't see anything special !!  There will be other Cd shops - you can bet on that !!

Anyhoooooo - we came back to town, did some shopping & headed home...... nothing too exciting really !!

By Saturday night tho' - I was feeling poorly again.  B had to help me & eventually I got to bed !!  I had twisted my back a bit - going up a steep ramp, in Weston, and boy - did it ever hurt !!  With-out B's help, it would of been a nightmare.... but, as I say - I eventually made it to bed !!

So - yesterday.... well, I was in bed again !!  I really couldn't make it to Church & I'm upset about that, I really am !!  But, as I wrote to the Bishop, I just could not make it - I hope he'll understand !!  I just wanted to stay in the house !! 

Which brings us back to today !!  ME is out at her boyfriends & will be home shortly, J is about - having just stuck his out of his 'Hobbit' hole !!  I'm hoping he will pop down the village in a while, to post off some letters.... as, My Wife & Dearest Friend, B - is in bed with a migraine !!  It's my turn to look after her today !!

I've left her in bed - with a fan blowing around the room - & hopefully.... in a few hours or so, she will feel a little better !!  Getting her to stay in bed was one thing - trying to keep her there, until she feels better... well, that will be something else altogether !!

So - that leaves me here typing these words.... I must say thank you to my readers, who have logged in this morning !!  I really do wonder who you are & where you live !!  So - from - America, thru' Germany & on to Russia, I wish you well !!

As for the music - I'm not playing anything at the moment...... maybe a little later.  Plus, I have no Led Zeppelin concerts from today, tho' there is a good one tomorrow !!  Oh well - I better mention Whitney Houston, who died over the weekend - I was never a big fan.... but........

I must away for today.... until next time, I thank you again for reading !!

Bye Bye

How are your computers treating you today ?

Greetings Worlds - How are your computers treating you today ?!

This thing of mine has been 'slow' all day - but, not to worry... it's working & that's the main thing, I guess !!

Anyhooo - it's a Friday night - almost the end of another week !!  It's very cold outside... but, the snow that was forecast didn't reach us !!  So at least the roads are clear.... which I'm happy about as B has just gone out to her Friday night gym class.  I get a little worried, when the weather is not so good & she goes out !!  She has only just left - so.... that leaves myself & J here to "man the fort" as it were !!

ME was here - after a trip to Uni this morning.... but, she has now gone out for the night, with her boyfriend.  As long as everybody is happy, that's the best I could wish for !!  Anyway - tomorrow she is working in Weston for the day...... if we can, we're going to pop up to see her, just to break her day up a bit !!  It's the first time she has worked at the shop (in Weston) & I don't think she was looking forward to it !!

She did tell her boss, today, that she is looking at other work prospects..... well, she told her she has an interview, so I guess that's the same thing !!  I get the impression, she only told her, in case they write for a reference... oh well !!  As I say, we'll see her tomorrow - if the weather is Ok.... I don't fancy going if it's raining hard & what have you !!

I've had a quiet couple of days..... I was going into town yesterday, but I never made it !!  B & ME were going in anyways, to have their hair cut - so, instead of us making two trips - B just made the one & did what needed doing while she was there.  I didn't really want to go very far anyways, so.... it made sense !!  I think, even we don't go all the way to Weston, we will have to go food shopping tomorrow - so, I'll see how we get on !!  I honestly don't mind staying in the house - especially if I'm not feeling too brilliant........ onwards !!

The music of the moment is Queensryche's 'Operation: Mindcrime' - it's blasting away nicely in the background !!  It is also a bit of a surprise !!  I was looking at their albums - deciding which one to play.... & I found this version, recorded 'live' at the Hanmmersmith Odeon in November 1990 !!  I say it was a bit of a surprise - mainly as I forgot that I had it !!

Now then - I do forget what I have here to listen to, but.... I knew I had this box set - I just didn't know it had this 'live' version in it !!  It's an official album - not a bootleg - and I remember when I bought it.... I just forgot what it was !!  It came out in 2006 & I bought it, while waiting for B to pick me up from court !!

These were in the days, when I could get about on my own - pre-wheelchair - & I was in Taunton, waiting for B to reach me & I went into the Cd shop to kill some time !!  I better point out - I wasn't in court for anything I had down - I was on a two week 'Jury Service' !!  My first & only time I've been called up !!

It might sound dumb... but, I enjoyed doing it !!  Sitting in the courtroom & listening to everything - all very interesting... well, I thought so at least !!  I doubt if I'll ever get called again or - even if I was - if I could even do it now, but... I enjoyed it !!  We were sworn to keep quiet on the case we were involved in - so, no gory bits to report on that subject.... it was good tho' !!

I was looking at Led Zeppelin shows - but, again, I don't have any from February 10th... no matter what the year !!  I do have more to write about - just not today !!  Sorry about that, for those of you who enjoy reading about the shows & what have you.......

.... something I did enjoy today tho'.... I've been playing a Cd by the brilliant Fish !!  It's called '13th Star'.  I've played it thru' 3 times today !!  I've enjoyed listening to it over & over.... even if it did come out in 2007 !!  I think it's the most recent thing I've heard by him.... well good tho' !!

My plans for tonight are pretty lame really.....  B will be home in a little over an hour from now & I want to get everything done, for when she gets home.  Then she can just kick back & rest up a bit !!  She has not had a "good day" to quote her words !!

I had to do a bit of 'fixing' with our washing machine - mainly as it just stopped mid way thru' a wash cycle & left itself full of water !!  I had to open the door - getting wet thru' in the process - & empty out the washing..... B had over-loaded it & the poor thing (the washing machine, not B) gave up under the strain !!  I think - come the end of it - B had also given up as well.... never mind... I fixed it in the end !!  I came, I saw, I got wet thru' - but... it's fixed now !!

As for tomorrow - all being well, we'll go & visit ME at work... if not, it will be a quick trip into town... such excitement !!  All being well - that is to say, if I'm well enough - we will be at Church on Sunday.  I wish we could go every Sunday - but, just lately, it hasn't been possible !!  I'll see how things go & hopefully it will all come together on the day !!

Talking of Church - today - well, not Church so much, as saying prayers....... today they have decided that local councils, should not say a prayer before meetings !!  It's a really, really old tradition - but, somebody has objected to it & the courts today have ruled against the practise !!  I wonder how all that cost to go thru' the legal system ?!!  Money badly spent in my view.... oh well, onwards, ever onwards !!  But, only in England could such a non-event make the news headlines !!  If people want to say a prayer, good for them - nobody is making it compulsory !!

Queensryche have just finished - Nightwish's latest Cd is about to start..... well, the instrumental version of it at least !!  I don't play this enough - I should put it on the iPod thingy, for the car..... but, I'm not sure how B would react to that blasting away, while she is driving !!  Ho-hum - I keep saying I'm going to put loads of stuff on the thing - but, I never get around to it !!  I can just imagine going to & fro' town with this playing !!  I don't think I would be very popular !!

Ok - that's enough for tonight.... I must sort myself out a bit & get things ready for bed !!  I picked up a very cheap copy of 'E.R.' from 'Play.com' & I suspect we will be watching that for the next few nights !!  B kept on saying they should repeat the old episodes, so I've picked up season one - as part of her birthday pressy's' !!  It's not her birthday until October - but, it's never tooooo early to start !!  Until next time, thank you for reading.... especially the person from Greece, who logged in.... thank you for your time !!

Bye Bye

Something new I guess !!

Well Hello & Greetings Everybody !!  How have your days been ?!

It's a cold & clear Wednesday night, here in England - it's meant to snow heavy tomorrow, so that could be fun !!  Hopefully it won't be toooooo bad !!  As it is, I've just waved B off - from the front door - & it's really "bitter" out there !!  I'm glad to say the house is nice & warm, so.... this is where I'm staying tonight !!

We did go into town earlier.... it was cold enough then, it feels worse now tho' !!  Never mind.......

As mentioned, B has just gone out..... to her mid-week gym class.  She will be home about 8.30 - just in time to watch the 'new' season of NCIS on the TV !!  Yippeeeee !! We are soooo far behind the times here - just getting season 8 !!  Never mind - we will enjoy it all the same....... it's one of our favourite shows - to the point where we have every season on DVD.  There are not that many shows we bother with (on DVD) but, NCIS is one of them & that's for sure !!

As for the other members of the family....... J is upstairs in his 'hole' & ME is sat a short distance from me, working on some Uni stuff.  How she does it, with the music blasting away, is beyond me - but, she stays down here, I think mainly as it's company for the both of us !!  It's probably warmer upstairs, but..... she is happier down here with me, bless her !!

As mentioned earlier - we went into town today..... such excitement !!  B had booked me in for an eye test.  I thought I was having problems, because I was poorly - a sort of knock on effect, from being low.  It turns out, according to the guy I saw today, I have a problem with the cornea of my right eye !!  Oh well - that's something new I guess !! 

I have to go to the hospital & see some kind of specialist about it....... I thought we would do better, this year, as far as hospitals were concerned !! You know, have the implant in November & start 2012 off on a clean slate !!  Boy, did that ever go by with the wind !!  At least it explains why I'm having problems with my sight....... it's not old age after all - well, it probably is, but what the heck..... it's all good folks !!  I will keep you posted !!

In the meantime, I have to have some new spec's....... which seems a waste, if the specialist guy does something to alter things after I've seen him !!  Why have new lens's now & then another new set in few months !!  The guy, I saw today, did say - if I need to change them again, they will not charge me..... that's kind of good of him - but, I'm going to think about it first !!  Onwards, ever onwards.........

I was looking at the Zeppelin collection & found another set from this day in 1975.  It's from Philadelphia & I  have the show on 2 Cd's... the tracks are, what became the standard 1975 USA tour set:

CD 1

1) Rock & Roll

2) Sick Again

3)  Over The Hills & Far Away

4) In My Time Of Dying

5) The Song Remains The Same

6) The Rain Song

7) Kashmir

8) No Quarter

9) Trampled Underfoot

CD 2

1) Moby Dick

2) Dazed & Confused

3) Stairway To Heaven

4) Whole Lotta Love

5) Black Dog

6) Heartbreaker

I don't know exactly when I picked up this show - but, I'm guessing it was one of the earliest I came across !! I have this old "A6" size book - just big enough to fit a pocket, in the butt of a pair of jeans..... I used to carry the book around with me - to record fairs - just to check & remind me - what shows I had & what have you.  Well, I started with one book & then that went to two.... now I'm on number 5 & that one is all but full !!

As this show is in book 2 - well, it means I've had it a long, long time........ as it is, I don't carry them around with me anymore !!  I know - more or less - what Zeppelin shows I have & that's about it !!  As always - don't buy bootlegs...... collect them if you want - but don't hand over cash for them !!

I forgot - the music of the moment is a UFO concert, from London.... many, many years ago !!  It was broadcast on the BBC & that's where this tape came from - I like it, it's a good show to listen to !!  Just one of many I have around the house... hee-hee !!

The plan tomorrow, I think, is to head back into town.... mainly to get some food shopping & maybe, just maybe, check out some frames, incase I decide to have new lens's.  I'm not sure if I will get any, but it won't hurt to have a look around !!  I know we have to pick up some foodstuff - mainly as we didn't bother today !!  Oh the joys of modern living !!  It's shame it all cost's sooooo much money to enjoy it !!

So, that's about it for tonight..... I want to go & sort myself out, ready for bed & what have you.  B will help me, when she gets home - but, I like to do as much as I can !!  So - until next time... thank's for reading !!

Bye Bye

Youssou N'Dour For Prisident Pt 2 !!

Hi Everybody - How are you all doing this evening ?!

I was just reading this weeks (February 13th) 'Time' - it seems like there is some nasty work going on in Senegal !!  President Abdoulaye Wade is meant to stand down at the election, this month.  However, a court in the country, has decided he can stand for a third time - even tho' the constitution states a President can only stand for two terms !!  If that is not bad enough, the same court has barred three opposition candidates - including Youssou N'Dour !!  That has to be a fix !!  Honestly - I thought our politics were a bit suspicious.... but, come on !!  Oh well - that's my rant over for this evening !!

So - Worlds... how are you today ?!  It's blooming cold (still) here, outside the homestead.  I lit the fire a few hours ago, so that has warmed the whole place up.... plus, I've had the heating on for the last hour & that has really warmed things up !!  It seemed a shame to put it on - as J & myself are the only people here tonight !!

But - I went upstairs a little while ago & it was cold in our room, so.... on went the heating !!

ME has gone out with her boyfriend tonight & won't be home until tomorrow, after she has been up to Uni for an hour or so...... & B, well - being a Tuesday, it's a weight watchers night.  I think, after that - she is going to a gym class for an hour - meaning I'll be here alone for the next few hours !!  Oh well... it means the music will be up a little louder, I guess !!

The music of the moment is Sinead O'Connor's 'Live In Dublin 2002' Cd.  I've had a real O'Connor day !!  I think I've played 6 albums by her !!  Don't ask why - I started this morning & just kept going..... it's been different !!  She is not a person I play too often !!  I think I'll give up after this album tho' - mainly to give the amp time to cool off a bit !!  I have no Led Zeppelin shows from February 7th - so, I'll skip that tonight......

I had to go down the village this morning, to see my local Dr...... things are dragging to a halt at the moment !!  Until the implant surgery is "re-done" - he is unwilling to alter my drugs !! The same as the Consultant I saw on Friday..... so, until the other Consultant sorts out a new date, things will just keep going as they are !!  I really hope, once it's all done again, I will be able to get off some of my pills & potions - but, that will out of my hands !!  We will have to wait & see how things go..... it is dragging a bit tho' !!

There was a nice surprise.... as I was waiting to see my Dr.  One of my old lecturers came into the waiting room & we had a good natter about how things have gone, for the three of us.  I never really enjoyed his lectures (no sense of humour) but - as a guy - he is a pretty good "bloke" to speak to.  He was sorry to hear how our situation has gone - but, I'm glad to say his career has taken off, big time & is now working for our 'Health Service' in some form or another. He's doing well for himself !!  Re-married & happy.... so, that's good !!  Our kids are all the same age - they went to the same school & know each other.... it's good to know things have gone well for him & his wife !!

Tomorrow, I have to go to have my eyes checked over...... that was a surprise, as I'm not due to have an appointment for at least another 6 months !!  However - my eyesight has really gone down hill over the last year & it's got to the point where B has decided to book me in !!  I must admit - I am struggling to see things - but, I put it all down to feeling under the weather, hopefully that's all it is !!  We will know in the morning !!

I've not been to town very much over the last week or so - if the weather is dry, it will be good to get out again !!  We will see how things go !!

Also - on Saturday - ME might be working in Weston, so we're thinking about going up there for a ride, to see how she is getting on.  I think it's the first time she has been in that shop, so it would be good to pop in & say hello !!

If all goes well, she'll be changing jobs soon.  She is hoping to move on - to do something, more in line, with her studies.  The shop work has been good - it's given her a job & money, while she has been at Uni.... but, it's time for a change.  Hopefully it will all work out for her & things will move on !!  I'll keep you posted !!

I'm not 100% what else we're going to do this last few days of the week.  I know about the trip, into town tomorrow, but I've forgotten what else we're going to be doing !!  I'm guessing we'll pay some bills & do some shopping.... the 'normal' sort of stuff !!  No matter what bills you pay, there is always one to take it's place !!  I'm thinking that's the same for everybody tho'........

Oh yes....Last night - I printed out my Allman Brothers list...... that is to say, the 'Instant Live' Cd's I have by the band.  I'm glad I did !!  I've been looking at the web site & thinking which shows would be good, to add to the collection & I found three that I already have !!  I had already found a couple I didn't think about... ones that I have here... so, to find three more was a bit of a shock really !!

It would not of been good to order some more shows & find they were here all along !!  B would of really, really been a little upset with me had I done that !!  How she puts up with me & my Cd's I don't know.... but, she does - so, I'm not going to complain about it !!  Hee-hee.......  I've just had a thought... if we go up to Weston, there is a Cd shop there !!  Hopefully, B will let me go in & have a little look around !!  We will have to see !!  It would be a real shame, to go all that way & not look in some of the shops...... !!  I will let you know how we get on....... as I say, "Hee-hee" !!

Anyhoooo, that's on the weekend.  Tonight, as I'm here on my own some (not including J)... well, I'm going to have an early night - maybe read a book, before going to sleep.  I've a few pages of 'Skydog' to read, so that sounds like a plan !!  I'll set the recorder to do some shows that are on later & just kick back !!  Hopefully, I'll still be awake when B gets here !!

I really must get myself a new keyboard !!  As I type, various letters stick & I land up doing rows of 'A's & 'F's & what have you !!  As I don't really watch the computer screen as I type, it means - when I look up - I find loads of mistakes, all over the place !!  A new board is only a couple of £'s - so, I'll try & get one soon.

I wish I could type, like ME... she just watches TV, or something else & her fingers just know exactly where the various 'keys' are.... me, there is no way I can do that !!  I'm strictly a two finger typist !!  I stick with what I know - it's not quick - or pretty - but, it works for me !!

Oh well - I must away for tonight.  It's pushing towards 7pm & I need to sort myself out a bit, before heading up the stairs !!  7pm & I'm thinking about bed - such an exciting life I have !!  Until next time....

Bye Bye

A Specila Day In The Homestead !!

Hail & Hello Worlds Of Internet Space !!  How has your day been ?!

It's a special day in the homestead !!  Not only is it the 60th year - to the day - that our Queen took over, but it is also 23 years to the day that our Son, J, came into the World !!  On this day in 1989 he became a part of our lives !!  As I type, he is a few feet to my left, trying to put together a "build your own roller coaster" set we bought him.... just for fun !!  We used to buy him these big 'Lego' kits - you know, the ones that turn into big spacecraft & stuff !!  Well, he's a little too old for them now - so, just for fun, we picked up this roller coaster thing........ he's been working on it for over an hour & still going strong !!   Onwards.....

ME is also sat here with us - she got a bit fed up, upstairs on her own - so... she is here with us now.  I've just lit the fire, so hopefully it will warm up a bit... in a little while at least !!  It's not soooooo cold today - but, a nice fire is great to sit in front of !!

So that's our Son & Daughter... as for My Wife & Dearest Friend, well - she has gone into town, to pay a bill, get some shopping & go to the gym for her daily "work-out"  !! She'll be home in a hour or so, I guess !?!  Again... onwards !!

My plan today is to just sit here & rest up..... I have had a really crap few days (again!!) & I'm feeling very fed up with myself & this rubbish body of mine !!  It seems like - every time I plan on doing something - like going to Church - yesterday - my body says "No way" & I wake up late, or worse still - fail to get much sleep the night before !!  So - once again, we missed Church !!  Everything was ready - clothes, car - the lot... but, my body just let me down & we didn't make it !!  I was really on a high, after seeing my Consultant on Friday - but, come Saturday..... well, it all fell apart again !!  Maybe next weekend - we'll see how I am, I guess......

The music of the moment is Jimi Hendrix - live at the Isle Of Wight festival in 1970.  It's the 'Blue Wild Angel' 2 Cd set that came out quite a few years ago now.  I was looking for something different to play & this was it !!  I was going to play some more Allman Brothers, but.... went for Hendrix instead !!  Maybe I'll play an Allmans set after this......

As for the Led Zeppelin collection - well, it's February 6th & in 1975, they played a great concert in Montreal, Canada.....  I've had soooo many copies of this show !!  Going way back, I had it on 2 cassettes & then a 2 Lp set (the same recording as the tapes).... then as Cd's came into the bootleg World - well,  I then got a copy - still the same tape - on Cd.  But, much later - a 3 cd set came out - with more or less the complete show on it & that's the one I'm listing below.

CD 1

1) Introduction

2) Rock & Roll

3) Sick Again

4) Over The Hills & Far Away

5) In My Time Of Dying

6) The Song Remains The Same

7) The Rain Song

8) Kashmir

CD 2

1) No Quarter

2) Trampled Underfoot

3) Moby Dick

CD 3

1) Dazed & Confused

2) Stairway To Heaven

3) Whole Lotta Love

4) Black Dog

5) Heartbreaker

I've always loved this show - it was one of those tapes that, as a collector, you had to have !!  I think it was called 'World Tour 1975' when it first came out - but, it's had several name changes over the years !!  That's always been a problem with Zeppelin bootlegs - and other bands as well, I guess - are the name changes !!  I usually just go by the dates.... it's toooo easy to pick up something, just because the name is 'new' !!  Oh well - as always - don't buy bootlegs !!

If all goes well - later this week - I'm ordering up some older Allman's shows..... from the 2005 tour.  I'm not sure exactly what dates yet.... but... I'll enjoy sorting thru' them !!

As for today... well, as it's J's birthday - we're having a 'special' tea/supper.  Nothing too exciting, just a KFC !!  We always give them what they want on their birthdays & KFC is always a favourite !!  Always has been - ever since they were very young !!  It's only chicken, but.... it's just a little different than normal !!  We don't have too often - but, it's a special day, so why not ?!

ME's boyfriend came over for tea, last night & B cooked up roast for everyone.... it went down really well !!  It always does - when B roasts the spuds & stuff.... there is never very much left over !!  The guys seem to enjoy it anyhoo !!

I must away - I have to go back to bed for a while.... once again, my body is giving out on me !!  I really should of gone for a trade in !!  B always said she was going to trade me, for two younger models - but, I'm glad to say, she stuck with me.... even if I am, falling apart !!  Oh well - until next time..

Bye Bye

I hope you are all warm ?

Hi-Ho Everybody In Internet Worlds of the Universe !!

I hope you are all well & warm this (very) cold Friday night !!  Well - it feels cold to me - but, as I'm in the house, with the heating on, I can't really complain tooooo much !!  Anyhoo - "Greetings".. where ever you might be, to read my words !!  From Russia, thru' Europe, down to India & back over to America - I thank you all for logging in today !!

Right - As I type, J is behind me (washing the supper dishes) ME is out at her boyfriends for the night (I think) & My Wife & Dearest Friend, B has just left for a gym class of some description or other !!  I know it's different each night, but.... what they are, I really don't know !!  As long as she is happy, I honestly don't mind !!

So - that's the family.... the music of the moment is U2's 'Rattle & Hum' Cd.  Well, actually - it's a tape containing a few tracks from 'R & H'.  I just wanted something different to listen to, while I typed, sooooo... this has landed in one of the tape decks !!  Talking of something different.......

.... We went into the town library today & in the Cd section, I found a 2 Cd set by Kourosh Yaghmaei - I hope I've spelt that right (?).... anyways.  It's called 'Back From The Brink' & is subtitled 'Pre- Revolution Psychedelic Rock From Iran: 1973-1979'  That's all I know about it - other than I played one track earlier & it sounded like 'Turn On Your Love Light'... with a non-English vocal !!  It sounded very weird, but - well, I will enjoy playing that tomorrow, or maybe sometime later tonight !!

That's what I enjoy about the library - as long as you don't confine yourself to just one or two styles of music - I guess, you have to be prepared to listen to everything, with-out bias, well.... there is sooooo much music in there to listen to !!  I could just look in the 'Rock' section.... but, I like going thru' everything & today I found this (above) set !!  Great stuff !!

As mentioned, yesterday, I had to go into town today.... it was time to see another of my Consultants !!  She was not happy, not with me - but, the fact that my surgery has to be done over !!  Like most people we talk to about the whole implant thing...."How could they get it wrong" is the usually answer... or words to that effect !!

If all had gone right - she admitted - I would of been taken off some of my med's...... but, as I'm still fairly low & I have to go thru' it all again, she wants me to stay on them for a while longer !!  That's a bit of a bummer, but - I can understand why !!  With the surgery being done again & the way I am, she feels it would be "unwise" to mess with things (drug-wise) - well, until I'm a little better, at least !!

I can understand that - she doesn't want to add problems, on top of problems, sooooo I will see her again in a few weeks & we'll see how things are going !!  I go back to the hospital on March 1st - so, I'll see her a day or two after that & we'll plan what is going to happen then.  I would of loved to have taken some of the drugs out of the system, but.... maybe next time !!

I did get a compliment tho'..... she says that I take good care of myself, even with all the problems we have to put up with !!  I say "we"... because B has a great hand in how I am & she is good at keeping me going !! Ho-hum........... without B, well - life would be a bit of a 'problem' & I'm sooooo grateful to her, for what she does for me !!  My Wife & Dearest Friend !!

The tape has moved on & Peter Gabriel is playing 'Biko' as I type - a great track !!  Even my Buddy Christ is bopping along to it...... I can't go wrong !!  Buddy Christ ? Check the web !!

On the Led Zeppelin front.... I found one live set from today... so, on February 3rd 1975, they were in New York... at Madison Square Gardens & they played:

CD 1

1) Rock & Roll

2) Sick Again

3) Over The Hills & Far Away

4) In My Time Of Dying

5) The Song Remains The Same

6) The Rain Song

CD 2

1) Kashmir

2) No Quarter

3) Trampled Underfoot

4) Moby Dick

Cd 3

1) Dazed & Confused

2) Stairway To Heaven

3) Whole Lotta Love

4) Black Dog

5) Communication Breakdown

So there you go - another Led Zeppelin bootleg from my collection....... The set list doesn't change much, for the rest of the 1975 American tour, but it all comes together as the weeks went on & get better, I think, almost every night they play !!  As usual, don't pay for any bootlegs !!  Buy the official albums !!  More another night - as & when I find the Cd's that is !!

Next week - maybe towards the end, I'm hoping to put another order in to Hittin' The Note - free plug for you there Lady V (again) - but, I'll have to see how things go !!  If I get the shows a few at a time, I don't pay anything in import duty - it's a bit of a b***er when a package comes & I have to pay another £20 or £30 on top, to have from the postal service !!  That's about how much extra it cost to get the Beacon box set last year !!  It's not the bands fault - it's just our postal service & government trying to get more money out of the little people !!  You know - the ones who have to use their service, or go without !!  They get you all ways, they really do.......

.... I'm thinking about Joe Pesci character in the 'Lethal Weapon' films !!  I won't quote him, but if you know the films, well - you might understand what I'm thinking about !!  Oh well..... I might watch one of the films later, being as I'm thinking about them !!  Onwards....

The plan for this weekend... well, I have been told to rest a bit, so.... that's what I better do !!  Mind you, if I do much less, I may as well give up & go dig a hole someplace !!  No... anyhow, so I will be staying here most of tomorrow, at least & if I'm well enough, we will head to Church on Sunday.  We will have to wait & see how things go.  It's meant to be a cold weekend, so... I'll probably light the fire & sit in front of it for (more than) a few hours !!  I will let you know how things go.... but for now, I will away... until next time.. !!

Bye Bye

I heard voices........

Well Hello There Folks - How are you all turning tonight ?!

It's a Thursday evening here in cold England.  I've just waved B off, from the front door - it's blooming freezing out there tonight !!  I came in & closed the door very quickly..... I'm not going to let all the heat out of the house !!  Oh well........

It's been a fantastic day !!  We were sat here - about 1pm - & there was a knock at the front door.... not really expecting anybody, ME went to the door & I heard voices...... not that I hear voices toooooo often, even when the morphine kicks in !!......... anyhoo, ME said there was someone to see me & I shouted for them to come thru' to the living room.

I couldn't believe it !!  It was one of our old friends from the farming days - we haven't seen each other for over 10 years or more !!  He had been here once before, just after we moved in (1998) - but, that was the last time we saw him..... he was in the area & decided to check us out, see how we were doing etc etc.  It was brilliant to see him & to catch up on things - there was a lot of ground to cover..... 10 years+ is a long time between chats !!

We talked & talked - for way over an hour & it was lots of fun !!  He is still working as an electrician (also as a chicken farmer) and his kids - like ours, are all grown up.  It was brilliant to have a chat - it really was !!  We found out a couple of things......

The people I used to work for, up until 1996, have all taken a big dip in there ego's & life styles !!  With out being mean - it couldn't of happened to nicer bunch of people !!

I left that job - after 20+ years of service - on religious grounds.  My boss thought he was God & I disagreed !!  After we left the company & moved away.... the whole thing (company) was bought out & now, my glorified ex-boss is doing the things that I used to do !!  Many others have lost their jobs - not that I wish anybody to be out of work - but, the ones we were talking about today...... well !!

At the time I left - they thought they were indestructible & the whole thing wouldn't be able to continue with-out them & then one day, the new owner of the company walked in & got rid of all but 3 of them !!  It seems I left at about the right time........ I would of loved to have been a fly on the wall, when that happened !!

I shouldn't say I'm pleased it happened - but........... it must of shot a lot of people down in flames !!  If nothing else - it just goes to show, that no matter how good you think you are..... well, you're only as good as your last pay check !!  How the mighty have fallen !!

It was brilliant to see our old friend & he is coming back to see us, at some point - now he knows we are still here !!  He knew nothing about my illness - it had been that long, since his last visit - but, hopefully we'll see him again soon !!  Great stuff !!

Right - as mentioned, it's a Thursday night.  B has gone out to a gym class, ME is sat nearby, watching TV & J is upstairs....... trying to sort out a DVD that somehow has got messed up today.  He hoping to salvage it, thru' his computer system, which is far, far better than mine here !!  So, hopefully he'll be able to do something with it !!

Anyhoo - I'm sat here, typing these words to you...... I was 'away' last night, so... sorry for the tardiness !!  I wasn't actually away - I wasn't feeling tooooo good, so I decided to give it (my blog) a miss !!  Anyhow, I'm back now - so.... onwards !!

It's been a very quiet day - well, apart from lunch time - and I've done very little !!  Just rested up & watched a little TV with B & played some music - nothing too different there then !!  As ME is watching TV - there is nothing blasting out, thru' the homestead !!

I did start playing Beethoven's 9th symphony - but, the TV took over !!  I mustn't moan, it's one of her favourite shows, next to 'Pointless'.... (drum roll)...... 'Coach Trip' !!  If (you're lucky) have never seen this - well, it's 'Big Brother' on a bus !!  I think this is season 7 or 8 & it was fun.... many moons ago, but... it's not so good now-a-days !!  Check out it's web site, you'll get some idea how 'good' it is !!  Oh well........

If all goes well, tomorrow - & it will, I'm sure - I have to go into town & see one of my Consultants.  I was thinking, if I was lucky, I might be allowed off of some of my many pills.... but, as I've been feeling low this past week - well, I don't think it's going to happen !!  I'm guessing she'll keep me going as I am (for now) but, we'll see how I get on !!

ME has just gone back upstairs - sorting out clothes....... so, the music of the moment is Uriah Heep's 'Wake

The Sleeper' album - which I think came out around 2008, tho' I'm probably wrong on that !!  It was the first Cd I picked up, from the shelf, so it's now blasting away !!  So much so, that one of our cats has thrown in the towel & headed outside - I'm guessing she isn't a Heep fan !!

There are no Led Zeppelin concerts in our collection - well, my collection, from February 2nd - but, I'm sure I'll find another one soon !!  There are certainly a lot from the summer months, so........ no Zeppelin tonight !!

Back to tomorrow - after the Consultant, I have to pop in the town library, to pick up a few odds & ends - nothing toooo exciting, but.... thankfully there is still a good library system in this area & we can 'order' books in from other area around the country !!  It's one thing our governments, past & present, keep on about cutting back on the funding, but... we use it & many others as well !! 

Also - we have to do some shopping... I've not been out this week (I honestly can't remember, I think I'm right in saying that ?!) so - it will be good to get a bit of air into these old lungs of mine !!  Hopefully it will remain dry - it will be cold, but hopefully not wet !!  We will have to wait & see how things go !!  So - that's tomorrow....

...... looking further ahead - well, I hope to have a good weekend !!  We've not made it to Church for a few weeks, so.. it would be good to go again !!  As the Bishop said, in his e-mail, "we can only do what we can do" & that's a fact !!  If nothing else - I'm hoping for a good few days now - I've felt tooooo low, for far tooooo long, I need to pick myself up & get going again !!

So, with that in mind - I will away.... B will be home soon & I want to sort myself out a bit, ready for when she gets here !!  So - until next time !!

Bye Bye