A quick hello....

Hi everybody !!

I'm very sorry it's taken 2 weeks since I last put finger to keyboard !! Life has not been good..... but, for now, I won't bore you with all the details !! I'll think about it all, over the coming weeks.

But - today... well - I go into hospital & tomorrow.... it's the day that my surgery takes place !! It's taken a long while since the Consultant first said he could fix things........ at last, the day has dawned when things actually happen !!

I might be able to post, while I'm actually in the hospital..... but - that will depend on a whole bunch of things !!

For now tho' - I will away..........

If things go wrong & I don't get chance to write again...... well, I've had a lot of fun writing my words & knowing that so many people have read them, over the last 3 years !!

I thank you all for your time....... maybe....... until next time....

Bye Bye

3 Things I have learned today !!

Hi again...

I hope you're all doing well this morning... well, it's evening, here in England........ and I've learned 3 things, over the last 2 days alone.

(!) I've learned that it's not the quantity of Magic Pill(s) you take - it's the quality of the things.... that was yesterday

2) I've leaned that, no matter how much you love someone & try to give the chance to look after their health      - you can only do sooooo much, with-out the person wanting to help themselves. That was today.....

(3) I've learned that there is no "we" in "I"...... I learnt that today, as well......

"I" am the one, having the surgery.... there is no"we" in it ..... "I" will be the one in the theater & I will be the one, getting myself cut up.... just me !!

"I" will be the one, in all the pain..... not "we"...... "I" will be the one who might be paralyzed, or blind - or maybe even dead. There is not a single "we" in any of the stuff they are doing to me..... just an "I".

I have had a very bad 2 days.........

.....until next time......

Bye Bye

Tom Rush & brilliant news...

Hi again !!

Well - it's been 3 days, since I last sat here... to write my thoughts down & to share them with all of you. I honestly didn't plan on taking that long of a break.... it just happened that way..... Hopefully you will all forgive me, for my absence & tardiness !!

I'll try & explain everything, in a little while....

First... "The Family" !!

As I type, J is home with me..... B & ME were both here, for a little while - but, as is their want - they have now gone shopping. I'm not sure how long they will be gone, but.... I don't expect to see them for a few hours, at least !!

It really does amaze me.... Our Daughter, ME works upwards of 80 hours a week + a couple of hours a day, driving to & fro work...... and yet, when she actually has a day off, she wants to spend it, out shopping & rushing around !! Totally mad - but, I guess she has inherited that from me !! Not the rushing around & shopping........ just the "mad" part !! Oh well......

So, with the ladies of the house, out & about.... that just leaves J & my good self, here on our ownsome. He (J) is upstairs... & me, as always, I'm here in the living room.... typing these words & listening to music - very loudly !!

For a change, I've dug out a "best of" 3 Cd set, by Deep Purple....... It's not unusual for me to play deep Purple Cd's - but, I usually play their 'live' stuff, in preference to the old studio tracks !! I'm not sure when this set came out - but, it's mostly old stuff.... so far, I've not heard anything with Steve Morse on it. He's a great guitarist & - in my mind - doesn't get the credit he deserves !!

Anyhoo.... that's the family & the music of the moment...... now, the reason for my gap in writing !!

As many of you will know.... last Friday, I had to meet up with my Consultant, for the final run thru' on what is going to happen. If you've no idea what I'm talking about - look back a few days or so & read my older posts...

So, we.... B, ME & myself... went into Taunton, a  little earlier than we needed & did a bit of window shopping. It was a nice day - so, as I was feeling a little "low" - a trip around the various shops, kind of, lifted my spirits a bit.

Mind you - it's hard to be downhearted, when our Daughter is with you..... As mentioned above, ME is fun of energy... even on Friday, after working all thru' Thursday night.... she was well happy !!

We didn't buy too much... a bit of this & a bit of that *..... then, we headed up to the hospital, for my 2pm appointment.

One of the biggest complaints, about the hospital, is how much it costs to park there !! It's some ridiculous price, even for a couple of hours.... but, on Friday, the "car park Gods" were looking down upon us & smiling.

Someone had hit & trashed, the ticket machine.... so, we were allowed to park for free !! If that wasn't enough to make us happy.... my Consultant was actually running on time !! Well - that is to say, he was less than 30 minutes behind... which, in it's self, is some kind of miracle !!

We were all sat, in the waiting area, about 20 people I guess, and the guy came in & spoke to me - even tho' it wasn't my time to go in. To see the look, on the other peoples faces.... it was like "who's he ?" type of stuff...." how does he know the Consultant ?"... you get what I mean !!

Anyways... I was about the first one in... so, B & I went thru' the doors... with me expecting to be told it wasn't going to happen. By "it" - I mean, the surgery that I've been waiting for...... again, you might need to read some older posts...

Anyhoo... we went in & once again, we went thru' all of the things that could go wrong..... the usual stuff, from waking up paralyzed, blind... or not waking up at all !! All the stuff I've heard over & over & over !! I had to have a quick physical examination as well........ and, at that point, I honestly knew, in my heart of hearts, it wasn't going to happen. It was nothing I could put my hand on - just a serious "gut feeling" !!

So - from the physical... we went back into his office & I was asked the "question" again. Did I know what I was letting myself in for & all of the stuff, you'll forgive me for saying it... all of the stuff I had heard over & over before !!

The only answer I could give him, well.... it was simple really. I didn't know what "I was letting myself in for" - as, really & truly... I've never had a "wedge" of my spine removed before !! How could I know everything I was letting myself in for, when I've never had it done before !!

That seemed to satisfy him.... and he started to fill out the forms and after another quick run thru' - of what is going to happen - I was allowed to sign my name & the surgery is now, officially on !!

I can't believe it !! Since going into the hospital, last November & seeing the Consultant...... from hearing him say "I can fix this".... all those months ago, all the waiting, the MRI scan, everything... !! To know now, it really is going to happen - I cannot tell you how I feel, it's just an amazing feeling, it really is beyond words !!

So - officially - I go back into the hospital, exactly 2 weeks from today & the surgery will happen, 2 weeks from tomorrow !! Both of the Consultants are going to be involved & - if all goes well - I will be back home, with-in the month...... hopefully, with-in 2 weeks - if I get my ways !!

I still can't believe it !! I really can't...... now, it's time to get everything together !! All the little things, that we put in a bag - ready for my various stays in the "mad house" - that is to say, the hospital !!

B has already picked up some odds & ends, this morning.... so, apart from stuff - like Pj's (which is a necessity in the hospital) - I am all set to go !! After sooooo many months of not knowing - I can actually work towards getting it over with & moving on with our lives !!

I mentioned before, about asking The Bishop, if I could stand & give my Testimony - at Church - on Sunday 26th.... well, I asked him, before I knew the surgery was going to happen..... so, maybe, just maybe, there was a little help, from Our Lord, in making the final decision !! I don't know.... but - The Bishop has granted me permission, so life is good !!  Even if I feel like total crap, on the day... I will be at Church, on the 26th..... it will be my last chance, for quite a while - so, I need to make the best of it !!

So - that's the big news of the week really....... ain't it great !!

I put a little * - above someplace....... Well, some of the things we picked up were some Cd's by Heather Nova, Manfred Mann's Earth Band and Humble Pie !! It wouldn't be a trip to town, with-out coming home with something "new" to listen to !!

Add to that - in the post, this morning, I had the first of the 4 albums, that I ordered by Tom Rush. His first album (I guess ?) 'Tom Rush' and the brilliant 'Wrong End Of The Rainbow'....... I love the latter - I really do.... and, I've only played it once !! Oh well...... I better be on my ways !! Things to do & music to listen to.....

Thank's for logging in & reading my words.... until next time...

Bye Bye

Jimmy Page & Paul Rogers Ho-hum.

Well, Greetings World's !!

How are you all doing this fine, blustery day ? It's a wet & cold Thursday, here in England........ the grey clouds are blowing across quicker that you keep up with them... it's that sort of day !!

Ok - I'm here, kind of on my ownsome...... the guys are here about. J is upstairs on his computer & ME is asleep in bed- I hope. She did a night shift last night & she is doing another one, tonight... so, as I say, I hope she is getting some sleep in !!

As for B... well, she has gone up to visit her Auntie & - also - put some flowers on her Mum's grave, It will be their birthday, this coming weekend, I think....... so, hence the visits. I was offered the chance to go - but, I've been a bit low, these past couple of days or so & really and truly, I didn't want to make the trip out.

So - that's the rest of the family. That just leaves me here - typing these words & listening to music. Which as I type, is the first of two albums by The Firm. You might remember them... it was a Jimmy Page & Paul Rogers "super group" from the 1980's.

I never really thought much of their stuff.... especially their single "You've Lost That Loving Feeling"....  was/is kind of crap !! So - why am I playing the albums.... well, in truth - I found them last night and decided to give them a play thru'.

Actually - I was very surprised..... to find them, that is. I knew I had both albums, on Lp's... but, I didn't remember having them on Cd !! All I can think, is that someone gave them to me, at some point & I put them away.... only finding them, last night !! All very strange..... tho' - I know who is responsible !!

I met a guy, at a record fair... too many Moon's ago, to count.... and, at some point, I trusted him with my Lp's. He then put said Lp's onto Cd...... It was the sort of thing he did - like me, he lived a sheltered (sad) life.... and did this sort of thing, to keep his hands amused !!

As with too many of my friends..... I've lost contact with him. He met an extraordinary lady and moved North of the border. The last time, I think I heard from him, was when he cancelled our invitation to his wedding !! I kid you not....

...... He told me he was getting married & on - at least 3 or 4 occasions - said he wanted us (the family) there, on the day. So - we made plans, for an expensive trip to Scotland.... booked a few thoughts, on where we might stay.... then, out of the blue... he cancelled our invites. His excuse was - they wanted a smaller wedding. Oh well - shame he didn't think of that, before he invited a bunch of people to attend !!

Isn't life strange....... I hadn't thought, about any of this, for years - until now, writing about finding the Cd's...... oh well, moving on !!

I only made a short post, yesterday....... I've not been feeling too happy with myself, over the last few days - and writing a long post, well - I didn't have it in me.

As mentioned before - I have been in & out of bed, more than a few times, over the last week & - to be honest - it has finally got to me...... I need that Magic Pill, more than ever, I guess...... it's no big deal....

Going back, to yesterday... I actually went out & about...... I needed to get myself, a few things... so - I went along with B, for the ride & pick up what I needed in person !! B knew what I wanted - but.... I just wanted to make sure I got everything on my list !!

So, I came home with a bundle of Cd labels...... which I got for about half price !! - plus, some blank DVD's... to use with our TV and some Cd cases..... unfortunately, not exactly the ones I wanted - but, as with a lot of things in life - it all worked out quite well.

I'm desperate for some replacement double cases....... but, the guy only had singles & quads. Luckily, the quads - well, they turned out to be out to be bigger (they held 6 Cd's) - so, with a bit of juggling, I messed around & got 4 double cases out of it !! It worked out better than a thought !! Life was good & it got better......

When we came home, I decided to go for broke & ordered up all of the Allman's concerts, that I've been putting off buying. So - I jumped in, both feet & ordered up 6 concerts from 2005.... one from 2006 plus the remaining 4 from 2013...... a grand total of 11 shows in all. So - add those, to the 3 that are in the post to me..... and - I'm a happy bunny !!

I'm guessing that, most of them will not reach me, before I go into hospital - but, if they do, I'll stick as many as I can, onto the Mini Egg & enjoy listening to them, when I get into the hospital and need something to listen to, after the surgery !!

Ah - the blessed surgery..... It's 18 days & counting....if & I say if it goes ahead !! I'm seeing the Consultant, tomorrow & - that will be the final meeting, before I actually go into the hospital...

This is why I'm going to need the Magic Pill. I cannot see any reason, for tomorrows meeting. I really can't !! We have gone thru' everything, over & over - these past 5 months or more.... so, I've got my date, for the surgery.... I know what to expect.... but, why tomorrows meeting ?!

If the guy calls it off, now..... after 5..... almost 6 months of waiting for it to happen.... well, I don't know what I'm going to do !! B says, if he calls it off, we have to discuss how things are going to continue..... how we are going to carry on. Well - I'll be honest, if he calls it off now, I won't want to discuss anything, or continue !! It means that much to me.... it really does !!

Nevermind.... I'll see what he says, and why he wants to say it, tomorrow......... then, I guess, I can prepare for what is going to happen next. I'm not sure what that will be - but, we'll see I guess !!

Oh well..... moving on, ever on.....

 I e-mailed The Bishop, last night, about the chance of standing & giving my Testimony, on Sunday 26th May. I'll see what he says - it would be nice if I could...... After all, at the moment, it will be my last chance, to give my Testimony - as things stand - before I go into hospital. I'll see what he says - if he gets back to me.... We rarely hear anything from The Church, any more !! Oh well.....

When I finish this - I'll e-mail a member of The Congregation.... after all, if nothing else, I would of tried !!

The Firm's 'You've Lost That Loving Feeling' is playing, as I type......... "Why" !! Here are the tracks, for both albums:

CD 1 - 'The Firm'

1) Closer
2) Make Or Break
3) Someone To Love
4) Together
5) Radioactive
6) You've Lost That Loving Feeling
7) Money Can't Buy
8) Satisfaction Guaranteed
9) Midnight Moonlight

CD 2 - 'Mean Business'

1) Fortune Hunter
2) Cadillac
3) All The Kings Horses
4) Live In Peace
5) Tear Down The Walls
6) Dreaming
7) Free To Live
8) Spirit Of Love

To be very honest, the fist album isn't too bad..... and there are some really good live concert recordings of them, floating about..... but.... all, in all, not something I'll be playing again in a hurry. I expect I'll put them on the Mini Egg.... but, we'll see if I play them again !!

Oh well... I better be on my ways... this post has taken far to long.... I'm off to get some beauty sleep !! I thank you all for logging in & taking the time to read my words.... until next time.....

Bye Bye

 Hi

I just wanted to say....

Lord, your sea is so big...

...... and my boat is so small.

..until next time


Bye Bye

A Sunny Day, with Murphy !!

Greetings Worlds !!

How are you all doing this fine, bright day ?! Well - it's fine & bright, here in the wilds of South West England.... I can't really say how things are with you - I'm still waiting for my weather forecast, from Russia !! Anyhoo - I hope you're all doing Ok....

It's another Tuesday... I know this for sure, as B has brought home some chocolate & the TV paper for next week. It's a bit of a tradition here, that on Tuesday's - I get the above !! When I'm feeling under the weather, or just completely "out of it"... B brings them home, to remind me what day it is !!

Oh well.... B & ME have gone out for the afternoon.... leaving J & myself, home alone. To be honest - altho' I was asked if I wanted to go - I'm feeling poorly at the moment, so... staying at home is the best idea on the table !!

Yesterday wasn't one of the best days I have ever had..... as the day went on, I felt myself getting sick.... and by 6pm ish... well, I was in bed and - more or less, right out of it !! I slept most of the night - just coming down stairs for a quick "top up" of pain killers - then, it was back to bed. There I stayed, until about 1pm today - when B got home from town !! I must admit - the morning did seem to fly by.... I was surprised just how late it was.......

I do have this "thing" tho'.... I'm much happier, asleep - rather than awake & in pain, or feeling blue !! It makes a lot of sense to me.... maybe you agree, I don't know.

I've told the Consultants, when they do the surgery... keep me zonked out & I'll be a happy puppy !! I have spent far too many days in hospital, in pain.... I'm much happier asleep - even tho' that is not always possible.

Moving on...... I mentioned the ladies of the house have gone out. J is here with me & has just gone across the Close, to let Murphy out..... he can spend some time, here in the back garden, or in here, beside me. He - Murphy - gets lonely, over on his own !!

For first time readers - Murphy is our neighbour's dog.... and we look out for him, from day to day. B used to take him for long walks, in the mornings... but, being kind of a meany - I asked her to stop. P - Murphy's owner was doing less & less and B was doing - well, more & more...... so......

He - Murphy is now roaming a back garden - oops... nope, he is here with me now, sat beside me !! He's watching a bit of TV - 'The Lord Of The Rings'.... this mutt has great taste !!

So - that's the family... plus Murphy.....

The music of the moment is (of course) some more Allman Brothers.. this time from the Atlanta festival, in 1970.... the tracks are:

CD 1 - July 3rd 1970

  1) Introduction
  2) Statesboro' Blues
  3) Trouble No More
  4) Don't Keep Me Wonderin'
  5) Dreams
  6) Every Hungry Woman
  7) Hoochie Coochie Man
  8) In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed
  9) Whipping Post
10) Mountain jam Pt 1
11) Rain Delay
12) Mountain jam Pt 2

CD 2 - July 5th 1970

1) Introduction
2) Don't keep Me Wondering
3) Statesboro' Blues
4) In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed
5) Stormy Monday
6) Whipping Post
7) Mountain Jam

I don't play this recording hardly enough... it's really good.... It has Johnny Winter on day 2, helping out on 'Mountain jam'.... all in all, it's a really great set and it's not a bootleg.... so, you can go out & buy
it !!

I mentioned 'Lord Of The Rings' being on TV....I'm just playing the old video tape of the first movie. I've not got the sound up or anything - it's just on in the background !! I really do love these movies & can watch them over & over..... I know, I'm just a sad old git... but, what the heck !!

Did you all see, on the news today... they have found 3 girls, that went missing a goodly many years ago, alive in a house in America. How great is that, for their families & the girls themselves !! Hopefully more news will come out, about it, as time goes on..... it's really a great story, that they have been found !!

I was reading, yesterday, about the night they found Osama Bin Laden.......My personal feeling aside - the guys who did the "work"... on the ground, that night.... well, they are some of the World's best & we all should be grateful to, not only them.... but all of the Woman & Men who serve in our national forces around the World. They deserve our thanks, for keeping our countries safe.

Murphy ha just come back into the living room.... he's got a little warm, outside chasing sticks and bugs around !! He is more bear, than dog..... a big lovable lump of fur & cuddles. It's not fair that he should of been caught up, in our neighbours break up !!

What I don't get is... The lady left our neighbour - but, it's her dog & she just left him behind !! That is kind of sad - it really is !! Poor dog - he shouldn't be left like this...... oh well, I'm glad he's here - he is a bit of fun to be with !!

Moving on..... I'm hoping the Tom Rush Cd's... that I ordered last week, will be here soon. Apart from a couple of old Lp tracks and a 'Best Of' Cd... I have nothing by the guy... Oh - I lie... I do have a bit of video of him, doing a track, live in Canada !! But - it's not much.. so, hopefully the 4 Cd's will fill in some of the gaps, in my knowledge of the guy !!

To those, who ask me "Why do you buy so many Cd's ?"... well - simply put... "Because I Can" !!

I love music... I really do.... I don't smoke, I don't drink... so, apart from keeping my family safe, I have one hobby... and that's collecting music !! It's something I've done nearly all of my life and - hopefully - it's something I'll do for a few years to come !! Besides - as B says... when I die, she is going to have a big funeral pyre... made up of all my Cd's & with me, stuck on the top !! 

I hope - in all honesty - when I actually do die.... she will get one of my friends in, to go thru' all of the Cd's..... to collectors, they are worth quite a bit - so, it would be a shame to just ignore them or give them away to someone, who will, no doubt, sell them on !! Oh well........ enough about dying.....

Just for those counting... like me.... it's 20 days, and counting, until I go into hospital..... it's getting close now !!

I've just gone out, into the garden... on a Murphy hunt. He seems to have found a shady spot & is keeping himself cool in the longer grass... bless him !! I was getting a little worried, as he hadn't been in to "see me" for a while.....

Ok - my plans for today... well, I haven't really got any......

I did plan on ordering some more Allman's Cd's.... but, that's going to have to wait a day or 2..... I need to get the finances in place first & then I'll get on with it !! 4 of the shows I want, are from this year & 6 are old ones. I hope, if all goes well, to get a few of them here, before I go into hospital - but, if not - I'll have them here, for when I get home !! That will give me something "good" tio look forward to.... other than just getting home, which is always a big bonus !!

I remember, in 2001 - when i was stuck in the hospital for too long... how nice it was, to come home, over the hills & look at the greenery & stuff. After being stuck in a hospital bed for sooooo long, it was a real treat, to come home & see all of that......

No matter how often I go into hospital, I cannot tell you just how good it is to get home & thru' the door... to sit in my own chair & not have to worry about how my family are doing !!

Nevermind.... it's all going to happen again... but, I'm not worried about it. They're is no point really - isn't that right Lady B ?! Now - where did I hide that magic pill...... only joking !!

For now, I must away.... I thank you all for logging in & reading my words... until next time..

Bye Bye

Monday Monday... again !!

Well "Hello Everybody !!"

It's a holiday Monday, here in England  - which means the roads are mad & the sound of lawn mowers can be heard, no matter which direction you turn your head !! Our's included !!

J is home here with me - and is outside, trying his best to cut thru' the last few weeks of growth !! We're here, on our own again today..... ME is out with M & B has just gone heading into turn, to pick up some odds & ends. We would of needed some stuff, by today - holiday or no holiday - so.... she left a short while ago.

So - that just leaves me here - sat at the computer, listening to the Mini Egg (on shuffle) and trying to remember what else has been happening over the last couple of days. !!

Very little at all........

As mentioned before - we went down to the  May Fair on Saturday.... my arms, from pushing the wheelchair, back up the hill, are still aching !! That's about all I can remember of the fair !! Tho' - there was something - that, until we came home, I hadn't thought too much about....

I spent a while, talking to a guy from Church...... Now, normally, his Wife - well..... how shall I put this... she can talk for England, if you get my meaning !! Once you get talking to her - there is no way of shutting her up. However, B pointed out - on Saturday - she hardly said "Hello".... all very strange !!

There are quite a few, of the same family, all living in this area.... and, as best as we can make out - there has been a massive falling out, between them. So - maybe - as, she is part of that little situation... that's why she didn't say too much. Personally, I didn't notice on the day & - to be honest.... it's all up to them I guess !!

I've mentioned before... when I was in hospital, last December, one of the Congregation  upset B..... more than a little..... hence B hasn't been too keen on attending Church, at all, this year. Well - the lady who upset B, is one of the same family group.... so - I'm guessing it's all connected !! Nevermind....

I've just changed the music....

I'm now playing Barclay James Harvest 'Live'..... the 2 Lp set. I'm mainly giving it a play, to try & see if it will fit onto one Cd. It's quite good.... the tracks are:

Side 1

1) Summer Soldier
2) Medicine Man

Side 2

1) Crazy City
2) After The Day
3) The Great 1974 Mining Disaster

Side 3

1) Galadriel
2) Negative Earth
3) She Said

Side 4

1) Paper Wings
2) For No One
3) Mockingbird

I've played the Lp's several times, over the last month or so - I'm pretty sure I've actually timed them, at least once....... but, I'll give them another go !! My late Brother-In-Law had this, oh sooooo many years ago..... and I'm pretty certain, he gave me a tape of it - which his Sister took with her, when I became surplus to requirements !! Oh well - that was far too many Moons ago now..... life has gone on !!

As mentioned before - I ordered some more Allman Brothers concerts, last week. There are still 4, from this year, to still get... and, I will probably order them, this coming week. Plus, I've decided to treat myself to a few of their 2005 & one 2006 concert(s).

They have a track, on their last studio album, called 'Firing Line' and - as I don't have any live copies of it - I'm going to order up (about) 6 of the concerts, that feature it !! Hell - I'm only young once...... besides, they've been reduced in price, so.... I'm going for it !!

Hopefully, they will get here, before I go into hospital - if not, they will be here, for when I get home !!

I actually got around, to finishing (for now) the 'live' playlist... made up of Allman Brothers tracks, taken from their concerts... well, the ones I have here. It came out at 141 tracks... so far, and lasts about 23 hours, end to end !!

I'll add to it - if I get any different tracks, on the Cd's that are still to reach me....... but, it'll give me plenty to listen to, while I'm stuck in the place, after the surgery !! There are now, 28,082 tracks on the Mini Egg.... so, that's going to keep me going !! I know I won't listen to all of them.... but, that's not the point. I want something "different" to listen to - even if I'm only in the place for a week..... so, the more that's on the thing, the more I can listen to !!

I see my Consultant, on Friday of this week - and, if all goes to plan.... I will be going into the hospital, 3 week from today !! After waiting since December...... well.... it's all finally coming together !!

We're putting together a list - which I've probably mentioned before - of all the things we need to get, for my stay. Altho' it's still 3 weeks away - I want to have everything ready, in good time..... no last rushing around, trying to remember last minute forgetfulness !! It's all good....

B is going to give me a few lessons, on her laptop thingy. It's more of a iPad, with a keyboard... I'm sure it has a name, but... I'm buggered if I can remember what it it is !! Anyhoo - as I hope to use the thing, I'll need some tuition on the thing !!

I won't be using the Internet that often, during my stay... as mentioned before... it costs too much..... but, if I'm well enough, I want to try & keep up with what is happening in the World..... besides my daily newspapers of course !!

I can't imagine I'm going to be running around the place... so, if nothing else, I can play solitaire on the thing - or, as I hope, use it to re-charge the Egg, when it runs low !! It would be a bummer, after putting all of this music, on the thing, if it went flat on me...... I'm not 100% sure how long it will actually go, with-out a re-charge, but.... I don't want to find out !! I need my music !!

Ok.... back to the weekend... Once again, we missed Church. I was up for it - but, to be honest... B doesn't really want to go at the moment, so I'm not going to force the issue. She has said, she will take me, anytime I want to go.... but, there is very little point to that, if her heart isn't in it !!

I really want to go, at some point, over the next 3 Sundays.... so, hopefully, that will happen. If not - well, our lives will go on....

Back to today... well, I'v a few things to get on with, but nothing too exciting...... so, i will be on my ways. I thank you all for logging in & reading my words... it's great to know you're all "out there " .... until next time....

Bye Bye

Jeff Hanneman RIP

Hi again Worlds......

For me, it's really late at night - just before midnight actually, but..... well - I remembered something & wanted to put it, into my words..

I found out earlier, that Jeff Hanneman, from Slayer, passed away on Thursday..... he will be missed & our thoughts are with his family & friends.

I do have several Slayer albums, in my little collection & - when I'm feeling a little I need a kick in the backside - or something to wake me up, just a bit - Slayer are the band to listen to !! God bless you Jeff !!

Since I wrote earlier - I've listened to 2 of the Zeppelin bootleg collection. 'Earls Court 24-5-1975' and 'Knebworth, England 4-8-1979'...... I was at both concerts & - as I feel generous today, I'm giving 2 of my spare copies to one of our neighbours.

I got talking to him, today, at the "May Fair" and I asked him what his favorite rock band was, he said Led Zeppelin..... so - as I have some spare copies, of both of these shows, he may as well have them. It's not liken I need two copies - I hardly ever play the things anymore !! I hope he'll enjoy them !!

Oh well..... it's now officially Sunday morning - and that means, I ought to go to bed. I don't see any real point - I can't sleep & I'm filled up, to my back teeth with pain killers & potions..... so, if I can't sleep - I may as well be down here, typing these words !!

No - really - I must go..... I want to check out the 'Hittin' The Note' web site, for some of the older concerts. I've decided to treat myself to a few of the concerts, recorded in 2005. To explain...

The band (Allman Brothers Band) did a great track, called 'Firing Line' and I don't have any live versions of it... so, I'm trawling thru' the 2005 shows & trying to find some !! So far, I've found 4 - so, that's pretty good going.... and, quite possibly enough to keep me happy..... depending if I find any more !! Time will tell, on that one.....

... I really must go now....... it's really late & I must try & get some sleep........ even if it's only just a little bit !!

I thank you all for taking the time to log in and read my words....... I really do thank you for doing that - from all around the World, I thank you..... are any of you "Dr Who" fans ?  I just thought I would ask...until next time

Bye Bye

The tree has gone.....

Well "Hello" Worlds !!

How has your day gone so far - actually - it's the weekend, so - how has your "weekend" gone so far ?! Mine is buzzing alone quite nicely - tho' I'm a little pissed off with the BBC.. to explain.....

We like watching the motor sport, be it F1 or (better still) the MotoGP..... bike racing. Well, according to the paper, the latter should be on, as I type - but... I'm buggered if I can find it anywhere !! Nevermind - I'll try again, a little later.... it's not that important !!

First off.... the family !!

B & J are both here - upstairs, someplace, sorting out the various beds - getting their (more than weekly) bedding change. J has done his - even putting it into the washing machine - he is well trained !! B - well, she is doing our bed (as I type) and that takes a bit longer.'''' mainly as it's 3 times the size, that she is !!

As for the other member of the family, our Daughter ME - well, she is working again, this weekend.... which is a shame. However - it is a holiday weekend & she gets Monday off... so, that's a bonus. It means she will be able to spend the day, with her boyfriend M.... they seldom get week days together !!

As for me - well, I've been out of bed, about an hour (time now, 11.51am) - so, I'm gradually waking up !! It usually takes me about this long, to work out what day it is & what is happening with my plans of the day !! Nevermind - it's a Saturday & life is good..... sort of !!

To explain that.....

I've spent quite a bit of time, trying to put the longest tracks, from the Allman's live sets, onto a playlist - ready to transfer over to the Mini Egg. If you've read any of my posts, over the last week, you'll see I've been going on about this, for some days now !!

Well - yesterday evening, I thought I had cracked it...... I had started with over 400 tracks & got it down to 141 different ones - all the longest of their own particular song. Things were looking good - until I played part of the playlist, this morning...... then the "bummer" hit the wall !!

I had a version of - what was listed as - 'Statesboro' Blues'...... however, when it played - it was something totally different & one I already had !! So - I've deleted that one & will now have to go thru' the CD's (again) looking for the above track !! "Bummer" !!

But nevermind - it's only one track - it could be & probably will be worse... as I have no doubt that I will find others, that I have duplicated !! Live goes on - plus, it will give me something to do - looking thru' the Cd's again !! Moving on.......

The music of the moment is the beautiful Joan Baez Lp 'From Every Stage'... which I found a few weeks back, in the local 2nd hand music shop. As I've managed to get some blank Cd's this week - I will try & transfer the Lp's over to Cd's - and to that end, I've got the timer going, just incase, it will fit onto one Cd..... I can tell already, that it's going to be too long.... oh well.....

'Joe Hill' has just played..... I can remember my Mother singing this particular song, many, many, many Moons ago.... it was one of her favorites & whenever I played the old 'Woodstock' 2 Lp set - and the track came on, she would sing it at the top of her voice.

I found out a few years later that she wasn't the nice person I thought she was - infact, she was really a bitch... and I say that, knowing full well I will be the butt of "You shouldn't say that about your Mother" thoughts - but - believe me.... with the benefit of many years experience & "knowing what I know now" thoughts... she was a first class bitch - but, I still remember her singing !!

The tracks on the Lp are:

Side 1

1) (I Ain't Gonna Let Nobody) Turn Me Around
2) Blessed Are
3) Suzanne
4) Love Song To A Stranger
5) I Shall Be Released

Side 2

1) Blowing In The Wind
2) Stewball
3) Natalia
4) The Ballad Of Sacco & Vanzetti
5) Joe Hill

Side 3

1) Love Is Just A Four-Letter Word
2) Forever Young
3) Diamonds & Rust
4) Boulder To Birmingham
5) Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

Side 4

1) Please Come To Boston
2) Lily, Rosemary & The Jack Of Hearts
3) The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
4) Amazing Grace

The first Lp is an acoustic  set - and the 2nd Lp is an electric set. There are too many good, stand out tracks... but, my favorite has to be the cover of Dylan's 'Lily, Rosemary & The Jack Of Hearts' - I'll always like that one, it's well good !!

It's going to be far too long, for just one Cd - so, I'll work on that, later in the coming week. It'll give me something "extra" to do.... plus the painting & various other odd & ends, I have lined up - just to keep me from looking for the "Magic Pill". Oh yes - Lady B..... given the chance.... well.... you know what I mean !!

Actually - apart from the pain, the lack sleep and the various other crap things, that go to make up my life - on the whole, things are going along quite well, at the moment !!

On Friday, of next week, I will have my last meeting with the Consultant... before the surgery. From that meeting - it will be 17 days, until I actually go into the hospital - 18 days to the surgery.... probably 18 days to the surgery. Altho' I go into the hospital, on the Monday - we think, it will be the Tuesday, when I go into the
theatre !! That's something to look forward to !!

Then - it will be a day or two in bed, a few more days to get up & about.... giving the staff the run-a-round & - then, hopefully - after a few more days... I'll head for home & get used to what new wonders they have done to me !!

One question, that keeps coming up..... As they are going to remove a chunk of my spine & - then - joining the rest back together... will I be shorter, or possibly taller when they have finished ?! That's something to work out, when it's all over..... it'll be fun to measure myself up, before & after !! Oh well....

If - at the last meeting, next week - he decides, that they are not going ahead with the surgery, for whatever reason.... I will be totally gutted !! I kid you not..... if this doesn't happen... well, there won't be much worth writing about afterwards & that's for sure !!

We talk about the surgery being a "life changing" thing.... if, for me it gets cancelled now... I think it will be a life ending thing........ as I say, I won't have much to write about, if it doesn't happen, now - having waited these past 5 months, give or take !! Time will tell......

I did a quick 2nd post yesterday... I was playing one of the Lp's I bought in the week.... and it had Tom Rush's 'Driving Wheel' on it... it dragged up sooooo many old memories for me - having been at school, in my last year (I guess) when the record came out..... oh, "The good old days" !! Moving on... sort of...

I've always enjoyed listening to Tom Rush.... but, I only have one Cd by him...... so, to end that lack of stuff, by the man from Canada... I've ordered 4 of his albums, on Cd..... one of which includes the beautiful 'Driving Wheel' !! Music - more music.... and very few brain cells to play them on....Ain't life good ?!

Oh - before I go.... the man came & took away the tree....... It was kind of sad, to see it go - but, hopefully, it will get to grow to a right old size & have a full & green life !! I must away....

..... thanks everybody..... until next time..

Bye Bye

'Driving Wheel'

A memory.........

"Just came up on the midnight special
Hey, how about that
My car broke down in Texas
she stopped dead in her tracks
Just called to tell you I need you
Just called to tell you how I feel.

I feel like some old engine, that's lost my driving wheel
I feel like some old engine, that's lost my driving wheel

They took my money on the night train North
What a terrible thing
I gave my promise that I will be there with you
by Saturday night
I want to tell you I need you
I need to tell you how I feel

I feel like some old engine that's lost my driving wheel
I feel like some old engine that's lost it's driving wheel

You can't say much in a 'phone call, babe
You know how it is
I have to tell you one sure thing
Oh, won't you listen to this
I want to tell you that I love you, babe
I want to tell you just how I feel

I feel like some old engine, that's lost my driving wheel
I feel like some old engine, that's lost it's driving wheel

I feel like some old engine that's lost my driving wheel
Some old engine that's lost my driving wheel

I feel like some old engine that's lost my driving wheel'

'Driving Wheel' by Tom Rush....... with my thanks.......

The Tree & lots of music !! Ho-hum

Hi again Worlds !!

It's a Friday, here in England & I really have no idea what time it is.... oh yes, it's about 10.30 - so, "Good Morning" to you all !!

I have only been out of bed, about 10 minutes & my mind is try hard to keep up with the rest of my body !! To try & explain.....

B has gone off to her Dad's place, for another clear up & - also - to go & look at his new place. It seems he has decided on a 2 bedroom flat.... anyhoo, I digress..... I was pretty out of it, when B gave me my morning pills & potions, before leaving the house.

I honestly thought she said "A man is coming for the tree at 10.30" !! So - when I woke up, a very short while ago, I went into "Panic mode - thinking I was all behind. After a quick 'phone call, to B... she put my mind at ease - it turns out the man is coming at 4.30pm !!

Honestly !! I had visions of a man showing up, at the door & me still zonked out, in bed - not knowing what day it is - or who the hell was banging at the door !! Nevermind - it's been one of those days..... nights - call it what you will !!

I'm sorry - this is a very weird start to this post..... I'll go back 24 hours & see if anything makes sense then !!

It was a Thursday morning (yesterday)  and I went down to the local hairdressers, for my 6 weekly hair cut..... it is now very short !! I didn't bother with the closest cut, she could have giving me - but, she cut it really tight - so, I'll decided, in the next 3 weeks, if to get it cut any shorter !!

From there, B & I went into town & headed out to 'The Range'.... which is this massive (for our area) general store thingy.... It sells almost everything you can think off - included some craft stuff, which B wanted & promptly bought !! We went there, looking for this specific item & luckily, B found it - so that was a good trip !!

From there - we went into town & did a few "shoppy" type of things.... including a trip into the 2nd hand record store...... where I found a couple of old gems !! Bo Hanson's 'Lord Of The Rings' (worth it for the cover alone) and the old CBS "Sampler" 'Fill Your Head With Rock' !! Oh - plus a live CDR recording of REM, at the Glastonbury festival, in 1999. All in all, a very good day !!

The 2 Lp's... well, I had them many years ago.... and I have tapes of both, here in the storage boxes.... but, now it's easier to transfer them, over to Cd... well, that's what I will do !! Back when I sold the LP's - I recorded all of them, onto tape........ replacing them, with Cd copies, as & when I found them. But, these 2 - well, I might find them (one day) but, making a CD, from the Lp's is good enough for now !!

I also found a copy of an old Rush album, called 'Rush Through Time'... which I picked up. There is nothing special on the thing - but,. it has sentimental attachments to me - so, I picked that one up as well...

To explain...

I used to have penfriends, all around the World. One of them, in Russia, wanted me to send out albums - which, as things were then, he couldn't have any hope of buying himself. Anyhoo - I sent him a copy of this album.... and he didn't like it - as it wasn't "heavy enough" !!

I also tried sending him over stuff - Iron Maiden, is one I also remember - but, they were always sent back, by the Russian post office, as they were persona non gratis, in their country !! Oh well - at least one album got thru' - even if he didn't like it !!

Oh - I forgot about the rest of the family... and what they are up to, today. Whip me, beat me & take away my charge card - my brain is really messed up today !!

B - as mentioned, is up at her Dads, helping with whatever he wants help with today.... J is here about, at the moment in his Hobbit Hole.... and ME is at work. I will see her later tonight, I think - depending what time she gets home !! So - that's what the guys are all doing today.... back to yesterday.....

The town, that we go to, has quite a slope to it - well, for me, in my wheelchair - and most times, B helps me up the thing.... mainly as my arms usually can't cope with it !! Anyways - yesterday, I really did well.... I got all the ways to the top - before B helped me, with the last little bit.

From there, we headed back to the car - then over to the supermarket, to do some food shopping. That's when the "fit hit the shan" !! By the time I was 3 parts of the way, around the shop - I was fit to pass out..... I had done too much, going up the hill, in town, and my body was giving up on me !!

We did stop for a while - to give me chance to catch my breath... but, was I ever knackered !!

I don't really remember much, about getting back home.... but, I spent the afternoon, just sat here, playing around with the Allman Brothers "play list" I'm working on - for the Mini Egg..... then, after supper, I went up to bed....

That's where the problems really started....... I couldn't sleep - I was really hurting far too much..... in the end, well - I came down to the living room here & watched a programme about the Mafia, in Southern Italy. All very interesting - but.... by about 2am, I crawled back into bed & that's where I stayed, until I woke up, in a panic, over a tree...... as written above !! So - that's been my last 24 hours.......

........ now, I'm sat here, still trying to get my head together & think very seriously, about going back to bed !! Tho' - there is still that pesky tree & the man whose coming to fetch it !! Oh well, I better stay awake, for a couple hours more, at least !!

I just took a break - I went out to the tree - it's quite easy to move.... well, I've juts dragged it about 20 feet, across our back yard. It's been sat in a pot, ever since the kids got it to grow. Best explain...

The kids, when they were a lot younger, planted a "conker".... in the hope it would grow. It did - and now we have a 8 feet tall Horse Chestnut tree, in a pot (as explained above) and we don't know what to do with it !!

So - we asked around & one of our neighbours has found someone who wants it... and that's who is coming to collect it. If not - we might plant it - ourselves - in the back hedge  to replace some of the old Elms, that have fallen over the years. We'll see if the man shows up first...... time will tell...

B has just 'phoned, to make sure I'm Ok.... I've been told to sit down & not do anything....... I guess moving the tree on my own is a bit of a "no no" then !! Oops !!

I wouldn't be surprised, if the guy didn't show up..... if you read an old post of mine 'The Bees Are Going'.... well, that never happened - so, maybe the tree will stay as well !!

Just had my breakfast.... 'Elemental 028'.... which is a kind of grapefruit drink, and it's Ok. To quote Crocodile Dundee - "You can live off it, but it tastes like shit !!" Nevermind........ it's a living !!

The music - the stuff I've been listening to, while typing these words... well, once again it's the Allman Brothers Band. As mentioned before - I'm doing  a playlist of all of the "longest tracks" on the live sets, which I've bought by them, over the last few years.

Yesterday, there were some 400 tracks on the thing.... but, I've lost over 200 of them, simply because there were duplicates, on the playlist, that were longer. I know I've probably made some mistakes - erased the wrong tracks, here or there, but.... at the moment, I've got 198 tracks....... which works out, at over a days worth !!

Also - yesterday.... I ordered 3 more of their 2013 concerts !! That will mean, I will have 9 of the 13 they have played, so far, this year !! I hope they will get here, sometime next week - then.... if all goes well, I'll order up the last 2 of the Beacon Theatre  shows..... from March... leaving just the 2 Wanee Festival concerts, from April !!

They really are a great live band...... try & check out their shows - you will not be disappointed !! At the moment, they are playing a cover of 'Can't Find My Way Home'...... it's really good !!

Right - the postman has just dropped off another 100 blank Cd's for me to play with !! Brilliant - I had run right out of blanks.... tho' I don't use them all that often, it's good to have at least a few in the house !!

I had hoped to go down to the Exeter record fair, tomorrow.... but, that's not going to happen. I was really looking forward to it - but, one little comment, from My Wife & Dearest Friend, B - well - it sapped the fun right out of the plans I had..... so, there is no point in going now. It's a shame - but, there really is no point in going...... maybe sometime in the future !!

We've now dragged the tree, out to the front of the house - so, it's all ready for collection !! Hopefully the NFH (see earlier posts) will see it & have a few thoughts about it !! If I had my way - I'd stick the blooming tree, right beside our house, so we didn't have to put up with her stares any more !! Oh well.... I'll see what the guy wants to do with it - if he plans on selling the thing, he can get stuffed - we'll keep it instead !!

So - my plans for the rest of the day...... not really sure. As my body is still catching up on yesterday - I'm tempted to head back to bed, but - if I do that, I won't sleep tonight, so... it's a vicious cycle really !! I could tidy my table - here in front of me - but, my hearts not really into that.... so, I'll more than likely sit down & watch 'The Hobbit' DVD again....... I've not watched it today, so....... that would be a bit of
fun !!

I'll probably just sit here, listening to music & fall asleep....... that sounds like a plan to me folks....

I thank you all, from Germany & around the rest of the World, for logging in...... I'm still waiting on what the weather is doing in Russia, but - maybe on another day.... until next time...

Bye Bye

Uli Jon Roth & loud music !! Ho-hum..

Well "Greetings" Worlds !!

How is your bit of the Universe treating you today ? Here in England - it's bright, it's very sunny - but just a little bit on the cold side, at the moment !! Nevermind.. it's May 1st - wow ... where is this year going sooooo fast ?!

As I type - I really am "home alone" !! B & I were going to go into town, to do a bit of shopping and take J into his meeting....... however, that kind of all fell apart. To explain....

ME - who is on a day off - decided she wanted to go into town, with us.... no biggy.... however, when she gets going, I can't keep up with her !! So - I suggested that, today at least, B took her & J in - do a bit of shopping & everything else they want to do - then, if I'm well enough, I'll go in tomorrow, with B.... that ways, the 2 of us can just go around at our own speed & do the various things I'm interested in, without slowing ME down !!

It's no problem really.... as those of you, who have read my words before will know... I'm not that keen on going out, into the big "out doors" - so, really & truly, I'm quite happy sitting here on my own, playing music & just keeping myself to myself !!

The music of the moment is a sort of compilation set.... featuring several band who played at the 'Legends Of Rock' concert, held at Castle Donington on June 23rd 2001 - heck, that was a long time
ago !! It's really good.... I'll do a track listing, so you can see who is actually on the Cd's... It's basically a Uli Jon Roth Cd - with various guests helping out... the tracks are:

CD 1

1) Sky Overture - Uli Jon Roth
2) Concerto d'Aranjuez - Uli Jon Roth
3) Let It Roll - UFO
4) Rock Bottom - UFO
5) Sunshine Of Your Love - Jack Bruce
6) White Room - Jack Bruce
7) All Along The Watchtower - Uli Jon Roth
8) Little Wing - Uli Jon Roth

CD 2

1) Trail In The Wind - Uli Jon Roth
2) Midnight Train - UFO
3) The King Returns
4) Spoonful - Jack Bruce etc etc
5) Doctor Doctor - UFO
6) Fireworks Jam - Everybody - I think !!

I've probably missed a few things... like Michael Schenker plays on the UFO tracks, so.... I'm guessing I've missed some other people !! Nevermind - it's a really good listen & I'd recommend it any "rock" fans out there !!

Just staying with music... a little while longer.... I mentioned I was putting the Allman's tracks, in a kind of playlist thingy, on the Mini Egg. I've been asked which is the longest track..... That depends how you look at it !!

If you take it as one track - the longest one(s) would be 'In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed' or 'Mountain jam' - tracks like that. But, they all have percussion sections, in the middle, which extend them. So, the actual longest track - heck, I don't know !! Give me a few days, to finish working on it & I'll let you know then !! Thanks for getting in contact tho' - I appreciate your time !!

I've still got to go thru' the 2012 concerts - to find various tracks, then... well, it'll never be finished - as I'll keep getting new concerts.... but, it'll be finished for a while, at least !!

Just took a break, to let "my cat" in.... he is a bit of a softy, tho' he seems a little upset that I'm not going to feed him !! Oh well.... As mentioned before - we have 3 cats... an old one, plus two 6 year old's. One of them - the little girl - we call B's cat & her brother, well... he's mine. I'm not really an animal person - but, the cats are Ok.... unless, as I wrote, a day or 2 back, they want to be let in (or out) at night !! Then, they become a right pest !!

I see, on the TV news, that there are "May Day" demonstrations going on, at various places, around the World..... the whole "May Day" thing seems a little dated now - the World's have moved on... marching, carrying banners & stuff - well, it seems a little bit from another time !! Oh well - each to there own....

Our prayers go out to the 3 soldiers killed, when their vehicle was blown up...... I'm not sure if that happened today, or yesterday.... but, our thoughts go out to all of their families. Even if you don't agree with the whole "war thing" - please support the troops, they are doing a job.... and deserve all of our support !!

Also - J showed me a film of a plan crashing... a 747 transport, just after it took off !! I think their were 7 people on board and, I believe, all of them were killed..... it's an incredible piece of film. It's almost morbid, looking at it... but, quite incredible.

As I look out of our living room window... I can see people gathering to collect their kids from school. That is crazy - as the school doesn't shut, for at least another 30+ minutes !! I know they want to meet their kids - but, come on.... it's a little early guys !!

I have to make a "life changing" decision tomorrow..... well, sort of !! It's time, once again, to have a hair cut - no big deal, you might think..... But, I have to decide whether to have it cut really short, or.... wait until a day or two, before I go back into hospital.

The reason being - for the short haircut - is simple.... if I'm stuck in the place, for any length of time, I don't really want to have my hair getting in the way, while I recover !! Now - all of this might sound really dumb (it is really) but.......

If all goes to plan... well, the Consultant's plan, not mine..... I will be in the hospital for maybe two weeks, at the most. Now - from my own experience, these plans do go out the window !! For example, going in with stomach pains, thinking nothing too much about it - and getting stuck there for about 7 weeks !! I went in with really long hair - a pony tail, the lot.... after a week - I got the hospital barber in & she cut the whole lot off...... honestly !!

So - this time - I'm thinking - get the stuff cut off now, rather than waiting, until I'm in hospital & getting fed up with the stuff !! I'll probably "chicken out" and have a regular cut..... I'll see how brave I feel tomorrow !!

It's 26 days, until I actually go into the hospital... so, I've got plenty of time to get another haircut, between now & then !! 26 days !! "Wow".... it's coming around fast now........ maybe time to start panicking - not !! I'm still pretty good about the whole thing, maybe closer to the time, I'll start to worry a little more - but, not yet !!

We're still getting things together..... but, as I say... I've got plenty of time to sort things out. Having said all of that, I'll probably forget something - but... we'll cross that bridge when we come to it !!

My plans for today are pretty much the same as always.... none at
all !! I'm still doing a bit of painting - or, I should say, I've still got some painting to do, in the kitchen - but, that's for another day.

On Friday - I think - B is going to visit her Dad... so, if we can clear the stuff, out of the kitchen, I can go in & use the electric sander.... that will clear up the woodwork, without getting dust into everything... Then, next week, I'll start doing the gloss paint.... a bit at a time, depending how much morphine Dr B gives me !!

No, I'm only joking.... I can only do a bit at a time, but - it'll be done completely, before I go into hospital. That's what I promised B - so, that's what I will do !!

But that's next week....... as for today. I'm about done... so, as always, I thank you for logging in & reading my words. It's good to know you're all "out there"... so, until next time...

Bye Bye