717 - Oh well !!

Greetings World's !!

Today is kind of a special day - the reason being, it's 4 years, to the day, that I started this old blog of mine !! I guess some kind of celebration is in order.... exactly what, I do not know, but..... !!

I think this is my 717th posts....... so, considering I didn't know how to write a blog, at the very beginning (some say I still don't).... it's been quite a journey, really !!

I'm not sure exactly how many people have logged in, to read my words - but, as I try to say every time I write - I thank you all, for taking the time to log in.... either by accident, or deliberately.... and read my words. It's quite a "buzz", when I see a new country come up, on the stats page !!

Oh well - enough about the last 4 years, here's to the next.... well, whether it be another 4 years, or just a few days....."onwards, ever onwards !!"

The family....

As I type, B - "My Wife & Dearest Friend" - is sat, over to my left. I think she is doing some "crafty stuff" for the notice board, down at our local Dr's surgery. Long term readers will know (I hope) that B is on some kind of committee thingy, which meets from time to time. Anyhoo, she does the notice boards, so that people will know about things that are going on.....

Our Son - J- is over in Wales, doing a Uni course. I'm not sure when we will see him next, as B said he is unlikely to come home, for the Easter break.... something about not having the time & stuff like that. It's up to him - B would have gone to fetch him, but.... he has decided to stay at the Uni.....

Our Daughter - ME - has been here, this morning.... but, she is working a late shift, today.... so... !! I think she will home about 11, tonight.... depending on how things go, I guess. As long as I don't lock the door tonight, things will be fine !! I have been known to forget, that she is coming home.... rather than going to her boyfriend's house - it doesn't help, after a shift, to come home & find the door is bolted !!

As for the rest of the family.... our 4 cats.... well, 2 of them are here, with us & at least 1 is up on the bed. It's kind of hard, keeping track of their coming's & going's....... as it's raining outside - I'm guessing that all 4 of them are here - someplace !!

So - that just leaves me......

As I type, I'm listening to the latest (I think) Marillion album - 'Sounds That Can't Be Made'..... interesting name ?! So far, as this is my first time of listening to it, I'm really enjoying it !! The tracks are:

1) Gaza
2) Sounds That can't Be Made
3) Pour My Love
4) Power
5) Montreal
6) Invisible Ink
7) Lucky Man
8) The Sky Above The Rain

The opening track was "heavier" than I expected.... but, it's really a very recognizable Marillion album !! 'Gaza' clocks in at over 15 minutes in length  - with 'Montreal' getting very close to the same.... so, I'm getting my value for money out of it !! Great stuff....

It's really weird.... because I still think of Steve Hogarth as the "new" Marillion singer.... yet, I guess, by now, he has been singing with the band, at least 3 times longer than Fish !! It's crazy really....

..... a bit like Steve Morse, from Deep Purple. He's been in the band for sooooo many years now !! Ok - I'm only guessing here, but he must have "out ranked" Ritchie Blackmore, by a goodly number of years !?!

I'm not really sure if Deep Purple are still recording ?! The last album, that I bought by them, was a live set, recorded back in 1984..... it's not their best "live" album... but, I like it !! It's all music - and I really like my music..... !!

As mentioned before... I think.... the Allman Brothers called off some of their remaining concerts, at The Beacon Theater, in New York, because of Gregg Allman's poor health. This means, unfortunately - or fortunately - I have to decide how I'm going to buy the "instant live" sets, that are now available !!

If the band had done all of the concerts, I had thought of buying them, a few at a time..... Altho' it would of meant paying a shade more in postage - I wouldn't of paid out sooooo much, upfront, for the actual Cd's..... I would of spread the cost, over a period of time, maybe a couple of months.

But, now - it's going to work out quite a bit cheaper, to get them all in one go, mainly as I get one concert for free, on a buy the first 9 & get number 10 free.... !! Ok - I know I still have to pay for them - but, with 1 concert for free & saving on the postage.... well..... it's going to be a hard choice !!

I have to decide if B is going to kill me slowly, for buying sooooo many concerts, in 1 go - or, if it will be a quick death !! I'm guessing it will be a slow - a kind of - "you spent all that money...." kind of kill, if you follow my meaning !! I will have to think about it & see how much I value my life ?! Ho-hum....

As usual, the TV news is on, over in the corner.... and, according to what they're saying, they are thinking about bringing a law, which - if I've read this right - will mean parents are going to be open to a cruelty law. By that, I think they mean, that parents can be charged with a form of cruelty, if somebody (somewhere) feels that a child has been treaty cruelly, in some way, "emotionally" !!

How this is going to be worked out - well, that's beyond me !! Is it "cruel"  to say to your child "you can't have those sweets" or "you can't have that Manchester United t-shirt"... ?! Will the child feel emotionally hard done by, because a parent doesn't want to spend this, or that, amount of money - just to keep up with his friends ?! Oh well - somebody somewhere has to think up these things.... why ? I have no real idea !!

Right - my plans for the rest of the day...."None at all" !! Actually... I really must tidy my desk, in front of me.... there is so much junk on the thing, I honestly can't find things anymore !! I want to get all of my various pens together, in one pot or something..... they seem to be spreading out across the desk & disappearing !!

Ok - I don't write, as much as I used to - but, I still have a few pens here, just incase I need them !! I also have to sort out the various Cd's that are here, some of which seem to have lost the will to live, they've been here so long !!

So - after 717 posts, I must be on my ways.... as always, I thank you all for logging in & reading my words. It's strange to know you are all "out there".... until next time...

Bye Bye

Maroon 5 & feeling like crap....

Greetings World's !!

How is your bit of the Universe treating you today...... is your Sun the right shade of yellow & your sky the right shade of blue ?! I'm guessing so - I can't think you would be reading my words, if it
wasn't !! Oh well...

It's another wet & horrid day, here in the South-West of England & I'm home alone. The ladies of the house went out shopping, some hours ago. I'm not sure where they were heading..... but, in the dry I would hope !!

As for the other member of the family, our Son J - well.... he is still over in Wales, doing his Uni thing & - I think - as I rarely hear from him, still hating my guts !! Oh well..... it will be May again soon !! Life will go on - even if it's with-out me !!

This morning, I had to go bad down to the Dr's.... to have my dressings changed. Sooooo - if you heard the sound of screaming, coming out of the wind, that was me !! I cannot explain the pain..... it is something I would not wish on anybody, it's that bad !! Nevermind..... I had hoped to have heard from the hospital, by now, about getting on with the "next stage" of the treatment..... that will be for another day !! Nevermind.....

As for the music... well, I'm listening to the 3rd DVD of the 'Live 8' box set. I started to watch it, yesterday.... and I decided to give the whole thing a good look. As I type - it's the turn of Maroon 5 to strut their stuff. Not exactly my type of band.... but, never mind - each to their own I guess.

I'm going to have to close this off now..... I feel like crap & to be honest, I can't really concentrate on what I'm typing !! I will try & write some  more, maybe on another day when I don't hurt so bad !!

I thank you all for logging in & writing my words...... I thank you for the time you take, to read what I write - maybe one day, I'll write something worth reading !! Thank you.... until next time...

Bye Bye

Live 8 & our prayers....

Greetings World's !!

It's another Thursday - here in the wilds of England.... and, to be honest, it's not too bad a day outside !! The weather forecaster's got it completely wrong again.... so, I guess - now that we're almost time to alter our clocks - we are having our few days of Summer !! I hope not.... I want at least a week of dry weather, just to get out, into our garage & give it the once over !!

I have tools everywhere, at the moment, so.... I really want to get out there, empty the chest tool box & put everything I can find, back into some kind of order. I have one of those red, drawer type of boxes.... and, as I said above - it needs a good going thru' !! Oh well.....

B - who is in bed poorly, at the moment - has told me, there is a big house spider, living in among the tools..... so, I'll be on the look out for that one !! B hates spiders, so...... I better try & find it, before it takes over the World !! I've not been out there, into the garage, for the best part of a year..... so, it's going to be "fun" !! Nevermind.....

As I say - B's in bed.... where I've spent most of the last couple of days..... so, with ME & J both out, I'm down here, in the living room, playing some music, from 2005's 'Live 8' concerts...... which is kind of interesting...... who are all these people ?!

I'm not talking about the groups & singers.... but, who are the politicians, on the cover of the box ?! No - I'm only joking - but, there is a point to it.... my joke, I mean...

The politicians have mostly gone into some kind of retirement..... but, the musicians, for the most part, are still going strong !! I guess that says something about our modern World - where music is, kind of, Universal.... but politicians.... well, they come & go !!

At the moment, Stereophonics are playing 'The Bartender & The Thief' - it's bopping along nicely, out of the Bose !! I think REM are on next..... so, it can't be too bad... I'm more of a 'Live Aid' guy myself. It was certainly a one off - as is this, I guess..... but, more of the bands, that I like, played back in 1985.

Talking of bands, that I like.... The Allman Brothers have postponed a few of their New York concerts, due to Gregg Allman's poor health, at the moment !! Bummer !! Get well soon, Mr Allman.....

Just staying with music.....

I recorded a documentary, a few weeks back (I think) about the recording studios, in Muscle Shoals, in America, it was really good !! To see sooooo many great acts, talking about how they recorded their various records & so on. It was great, to see The Swampers (I hope I've spelt that right ?) a bunch of brilliant musicians, who backed so many of the singers, I couldn't turn it off !!

Of course, I really wanted to see the sections on Duane Allman & Lynyrd Skynyrd. But, of course - I'm bias !! It was a great documentary tho' !!

I've not picked up any new albums, over the last few days - mainly as I've been stuck in bed, sick - but (hopefully) I will have the latest Marillion disc soon. It's called 'Sounds That Can't Be Made' & it's got a hook in me, mainly as the first track is 17 minutes long !! Any band that starts an album like that gets my attention !!

When it gets here, I'll give you all a run thru'..... it might be crap, but.... !!

B & I had a smile to ourselves, yesterday... to explain !!

As written before, I have my dressings changed 3 times a week, here in the local Dr's surgery. Well, there are 2 nurses, who usually do the job - but, yesterday, one of them was away - so, her Husband did the deed !! Boy O' Boy - did he ever hurt me !! Sooooo - when we see his Wife again (maybe tomorrow) I'm going to ask her to not take any more time off..... I do not want her Husband anywhere near me again, I really can do without that kind of pain, thank you very much !!

I'm only joking of course - she needs her days off, after putting up with me !! But - I could certainly do with-out that kind pain, I really could !! Oh well, I'll have a little laugh about it, next time I see her.....!!

Back to the music.... Will Smith is on, doing a kind of spiel, hopefully he won't take too long, I need my music fix !! Nevermind.....

I won't moan too much today.... you all know my feelings, concerning Mr Puck-tin & his invasion of The Crimea. I hope the people of that area are safe & happy with what has happened, I know there are millions of people like myself, who realise that, what has happened, is unlawful & - to my way of thinking - totally disgusting !!

Before I go.... our prayers go out, to all of the people, who have been involved in the mudslide, in Washington state & all of those who have lost loved ones, not only there, but with the loss of the plane, missing for far too many days now. Our prayers are with you all......

Thanks for logging in, especially my reader in Russia..... until next time....

Bye Bye

The Dutch Woodstock.... Ho-hum.

Greetings World's !!

Another Monday.... and it's raining again !! Fantastic - nevermind.... B & I went into town, a couple of hours ago & missed getting too wet, so..... !!

As I type, My Wife & Dearest Friend is sitting about 10 feet away, to my left, doing some kind of cross-stitching thingy. It's one of her hobbies - so, as the heating is on, that's probably one of the warmest places in the house, at the moment !!

As for the rest of the family.... Well, long time readers will know, that our Son - J - is over in Wales, doing his Uni course. I've not heard from him lately.... but, as far as I know, that's where he is, at the moment. That just leaves our Daughter - ME - who was here, a while back, but she has now gone to work (doing a late shift) so, she'll be home later tonight..... by which time, I will be very asleep !!

As for me.... well, I'm having a bit of a quiet day, not that I would be doing too much anyways, to make it a busy day !!

As mentioned, B & my good self went into town, mainly to do some food shopping. Apart from that & a very painful trip down to the Dr's surgery, to get my dressings changed (again).... I've done pretty much nothing at all !!

In 4 days, it will be 10 months, to the day, that I had my first surgery (on my back) and - here we are, all these Moons  later & I'm still going thru' all the crap needed to change the blooming dressings !! I know - there are many many people worse off than me, but..... that doesn't really help when the lovely nurse does what she has to do !! Oh well..... life goes around & around !!

As for the music of the moment... I'm listening to 'The Dutch Woodstock' Cd's that came last week, or the week before - I can't honestly remember !! If you dig back, thru' my previous posts, you'll find a track listing for it....

It's let down by it's sound quality !! There are some great bands on the Cd's.... but, I've heard far better bootlegs & that's a fact !! Talking of which.....

Led Zeppelin are re-releasing their back catalog, this time around with a special edition of the Lp, plus a book (I guess) and some Cd's..... One of the Cd's is from a concert, recorded in Paris, in October 1969. That's not too bad.... getting everything that's there....

..... except, it's going to cost about £90 !! Sooooo - you can go out & complete your Zep collection, with a fancy box set - or..... you can just talk to somebody you know & they might give you a copy of the live show, for nothing !! It's been available, as a bootleg for a couple of years now..... and.... well, I'm all for buying official stuff & I will never advise any of you to to buy bootlegs..... but !! Nearly £100 for a collection of stuff that, if you are like me, you already have officially.... well, that means a lot of cash, just for one "bonus" Cd !!

As I say - buy the official stuff, but.... that's a lot of cash, which for me, would be for one Cd !! That's too much - even for my deep "must have in the collection" pockets !! You pays your money & takes your chance..... but.... !!

Ok - I must away..... but....

Before I go, B has told me off, for moaning about Mr Puck-tin & what he has done in The Crimea. Well, I've been watching a few hours or more, of the TV programme "RT" - which I think stands for Russia Today.... tho' - I'm probably wrong about that.

Anyhoo - I would recommend all of you, you watch that particular TV station.... maybe get some popcorn in & be totally amazed !! I've never in my life seen anything like it !! Well - maybe I did when I was a nipper, but seriously, give me a break !! How is it that all of the World says "Mr Puck-tin, you are wrong & you should pull out of The Crimea" - yet, the Russian TV station is broadcasting to the World, saying how it's the rest of the World that's at fault & how Russia is not the aggressor !!

Give me a break..... I know I'm old, getting grey around whats left of my hair, but.... !! How the newscasters can stand there, with a straight face & say the crap they do ?! As I say - give me a break !!

Mr Puck-tin you are wrong, what you have done is wrong.... and everybody, except you seems to know it !! Well - lets be blunt, you really do know it...... you just can't believe it !! Come on - give me a break - any bone you like..... it would give me something to take my mind off my various aches & pains !!

I will away now..... I've done my bit to aid the English & Russian friendship club. As always - I thank you all for logging in & reading my words..... until next time..

Bye Bye

Are you missing something Mr Puck-tin ?!

Hi again World's !!

It's a bright & breezy Saturday, here in England........ tho' I've not been outside, I can see the clouds blowing across...... !! Oh well.... I'm sat here, in the warm, with the lovely smells of baking all around me, as B makes a fresh batch of cakes !! Great stuff !!

I've also taken the time, today, to catch up on a couple of e-mails !! I've been a little too tardy of late, just forgetting to write to the people who I should really care more about !! My bad.... sorry folks !!

So - as I wrote, B is here, behind me.... baking some fresh stuff, cakes & things !! I will give one a try, in a minute........ they smell  great & - after going into the kitchen, they taste great as well !!

As for the rest of the family. J is over in Wales (as far as I know) and ME is at work, doing a late shift. I think she will be home about 10 or 11 tonight. I will do my best, not to lock her out !! I do forget things, so it wouldn't be too dumb of me, to bolt the door & forget about her, on the outside !!

As for me - I've just finished listening to an Allman Brothers bootleg, recorded on March 21st 1991. It was only a single Cd, but the tracks are:

1) Low Dow Dirty Mean
2) Good Clean Fun
3) Loaded Dice
4) Gambler's Roll
5) One way Out
6) Ramblin' Man
7) True Gravity

I wanted to give it a play, mainly for the last track..... to explain.

The Allmans are playing some shows, in New York, at The Beacon Theater & 'True Gravity' is one of the featured tracks. As it's been a while, since I really last played it & - as far as I know (or can remember) I only have one live version of the track, so... I gave it a listen !!

As always, don't buy bootlegs - buy the official stuff instead !! I hope, if all goes well, I will have some of the bands latest shows, in a week or more. I have to see how my funds go !

Going back 24 hours..... I landed back in the Dr's surgery, bummer !! In the morning,. I had been down, to have my dressings changed - but, as the day went on, I felt more & more poorly, hence the trip to the Dr's again !!

He couldn't do much for me, but I am able (now) to use some of my med's more often, so that might help. So far, well, last night, wasn't very good..... so, I hope tonight will be better !! Time will tell on that front, I guess...... I just wish the whole bloody thing was over & done with now !! It's coming up to 10 months now, since the first surgery - I never dreamed it would go on & on, like this !!

Before I go.... I see the Russian troops are now breaking their ways into Ukrainian bases, in The Crimea !! Go on Mr Puck-tin..... try it on a Country who has the power to fight back !! You are a "school bully" trying to get those things, which - you think - you should have....... maybe you should look between your legs, maybe you are missing something more important - like a pair of balls !!

I will away....I thank you all for logging in......until next time....

Bye Bye

Mr Puck-tin & "Shit Happens" !!

Greetings World's !!

I've been a bit tardy & I've not written anything for a couple of days !! I'm very sorry about that - but, as mentioned on Tuesday (I think) I had a very hectic day, on Wednesday... which kind of spilled over into Thursday - more of that later !!

First tho' - the family !!

As I type, B is behind me, talking to Archie - and letting the outside (cold) air in !! I'm only wearing a t-shirt.... so, I need to find my winter tops, if this goes on much longer !! I've just asked her, to close the door the door...... bad move on my part !!

As for the other members of the clan..... J is still in Wales & ME is working an early this morning - so, I guess she will be home a little later. As for as I know - she is still moving into her new house, with boyfriend M.... at the end of this month, but I'm not sure of the
details !!

As for my good self - well, I'm now wearing a woolly jumper, to keep out the cold & I'm sat here, listening to Jimi Hendrix - playing 'Foxy Lady'... as performed by him, at the Isle Of Wight festival, in 1970.....

To explain - a little !!

I've been listening to the 'Dutch Woodstock' Cd's.... and, as the Isle Of Wight festival happened the same year, I decided to give those Cd's a listen as well. One thing that is certainly obvious - the sound quality is 100% better !! Oh well..... the tracks on the Ilse Of Wight discs are:

CD 1

  1) All Right Now - Free
  2) My Sunday Feeling - Jethro Tull
  3) Suzanne - Leonard Cohan
  4) Foxy Lady - Jimi Hendrix
  5) Voodoo Chile - Jimi Hendrix
  6) Can't Keep From Crying - Ten Years After
  7) Me & Bobby McGee - Kris Krisstofferson
  8) Big Yellow Taxi - Joni Mitchell
  9) Woodstock - Joni Mitchell
10) Blue Rondo etc - Emerson, Lake & Palmer
11) When The Music's Over - The Doors

CD 2

  1) Young Man's Blues - The Who
  2) Naked Eye - The Who
  3) There'll Always Be An England - Tiny Tim
  4) Sinner Boy - Taste
  5) Let It Be - Joan Baez
  6) Nights In White Satin - The Moody Blues
  7) Catch The Wind - Donovan
  8) Weaver's Answer - Family
  9) Red Eye Express - John Sebastian
10) Call It Anything - Miles Davis
11) Amazing Grace - Great Awakening
12) Desolation Row - Bob Dylan

Ok - before anybody jumps on me, from a great height - Bob Dylan's track is a studio thing.... he wasn't at this festival, having played there in 1969. As for the rest of it - well, it was billed as 'The First Great Festival of the 1970's' and, in a way - I guess it was, but it was really a dumb thing to do !!

First of all, the festival site - it was on level ground, under a mother of a hill !! So - people just camped out, on the hill & listened to the music for free.... why pay, when the whole thing is laid out before you ?!

Plus - no matter how hard it tried.... it will always be compared to that other great festival....Woodstock...... and one of it's biggest failings is trying too hard, to match up to that "3 days Of Love & Music" !! It was always going to fail, on that part.... oh well !! It's all music - so, what the heck !!

 Moving on....

I've decided to take over my neighbours back garden !! We could use the space & if Puck-tin can take over The Crimea, why shouldn't we take over a bit of garden ?! Ok - I'm only joking !!

But - I'm not joking when I say that I'm glad the World, outside of the Russian Federation, is sticking up for the people of the Ukraine & is actually hurting the people around Mr Puck-tin !! I would hope, given time, the World will stand up a bit taller & hurt Mr Puck-tin himself, just a little more !!

As The Crimea is now a part of the Russian Federation, I hope - more than anything - that the people, of that fine area of the World, do not regret what they have wished for !! Ok - I know holding a referendum, under the thread of guns, is hardly a referendum at all........ but, you got it folks, now live with it !!

In the meantime - I will be on my ways. Oh I forgot..... about Wednesday !!

B got me up really early & we drove the 50 miles South-West of here, to the fine City of Exeter & the hospital there.... well, one of them !! My appointment was somewhere around 11am or so & much to my surprise - I went in early.

I met a new doctor, to me.... who's name I forget...... and, in a nut-shell, he might be able to help me, but - I get the impression - he doesn't know how to go about doing it !! Being as I live in one County and the hospital is in another, this causes a problem - one, which I would of thought, he would of considered before getting me out of bed - sooooo early - and making drive down to see him !!

So - I still have a hole in my back & maybe something will get done about it.... time will tell & as they say.... "Shit Happens" !!

I will away now..... I thank you all, for logging in & reading my words, I look forward to writing some more, maybe tomorrow, time will tell ...... until next time...

Bye Bye

The whole World is watching !!

Hi again..

2 posts in 1 day....

I've just heard the people in the Ukraine, one of who has compared Mr Puck-tin, to Adolf Hitler !! It took a while - but, at last, somebody has got it..... at last, somebody has finally "got it" !!

Does anybody believe Mr Puck-tin will be satisfied, until he has become some kind of modern day saviour of the Ukrainian people ?! I should say - until he thinks everybody thinks of him as "a modern saviour" of the East of Ukraine !!

It stinks World - please stand up to him..... he is out of his noggin, if he thinks the rest of the World should just stand by and wait for his next move !! Hit him & hit him hard.....

If this had happened anywhere else, the whole World would be gathering for a war party !! What happens if the people of Western Alaska ask for help - would America sit back & wait for troops, to actually put feet on the ground ?! That's what has happened in the Ukraine..... "the whole World is watching" to raise a cry, that went up in Chicago, when people protested there, many years ago !!

Mr Puck-tin..... the whole World is watching..... unfortunately, I do not think they will do anything to stop you - it's something that will taint our World, for years to come !!

I will write more, as & when I can.... until next time...

Bye Bye

I hope you can still read my words...?

Greetings World's !!

It's a Tuesday, here in old England & I've been away from my keyboard a little longer than I like to be !! Sorry about that - one thing has pushed out another - and, time has just got on top of me.... oh well, I'm back now !!

As I type - B is here about, someplace.... I think she went upstairs, to do a bit of cleaning or something. She has just put her head, around the door & I've been reminded to tell you a new trick, that Archie - our kitten - has perfected.

Over the last few years - 2 of the cats have learnt, to get up on the outside window ledge & sort of sit there, waiting for one of us to let them in. Well - after 9 months (give or take) Archie has worked out that he can do this trick !! To begin with - he would fall off & hit the dirt..... but, now he is a master of balancing & has got it down to a fine art !! Bless him !!

As for the rest of the family.......

ME is on a day off & has gone to meet up with a friend from her days at Uni....... and, as far as I know, J is over in Wales, doing his Uni course. I sent him some Cd's, in the post, yesterday afternoon..... so, he might of got them today.

As is the way of the World.... B has just received a text from him.... saying he got them, this morning !! That's kind of weird.... but...... who knows how these things happen !!

So, including Archie..... that's the family taken care of......

As for the music of the moment, well.....

I'm listening to a surprise DVD !! By that -.... well, I'll try & explain.

I was expecting a 2 Cd set, recorded at a festival, in Holland. Well - it came on Saturday, but it also contained a DVD of the same festival, hence the surprise !!

I thought I was getting some recordings of the groups, who played there & I remembered going to see a film release of the festival, when it was in the movie houses. I actually thought the film was called 'Stomping Ground'.... but, the inlay says the film was called 'Stamping Ground'. But - it seems to have had two names..... In the UK, it was called 'Stamping Ground' (I prefer my memories....) and in Europe, it was called 'Love & Music' !!

One thing, that is for sure.... it keeps getting referred to, as 'The Dutch Woodstock' !! Coming approximately one year after 'Woodstock' in August 1970 & having a shed load of bands, who actually played at the more famous concert, well...... I can see the likeness. I can also see that the camera work & crowd shots are very much alike !!

There are a couple of let downs.... Number one has to be the sound quality !! The Cd's sound really crap - tho'.... the film sounds a little better !! So - if you buy the Cd's.... be warned !! The other let down & it's one I know a little about, so I'm not being a bit of a jerk over it.....

..... that's the actual write up, in the package notes !! I don't know what else they got wrong, but.... as far as Canned Heat are concerned, they got the line up of the group really wrong !! I'm not being "picky" (or maybe I am ?) but somebody has the line up including Harvey Mandel & Larry Taylor - when infact, it's Henry Vestine & (I think - tho' I've not seen the film close up yet) Antonio de la Barreda taking those duties !!

If those little things are wrong - I don't know what else is, so.... you pay your money & take your choice on it, I guess !! I was just pleased to get the extra stuff - so, I'll give you the track listing, on the Cd's & leave it at that !! The tracks are:

Cd 1

1) Dust My Blues - Cuby & The Blizzards
2) Human Condition/So Sad (The World's In A Tangle) - Canned Heat
3) Big Road Blues - Livin' Blues
4) Zero She Flies - Al Stewart
5) Giants - Quintessence
6) The Sun Of East/Irish Theme - East Of Eden
7) Freedom - Country Joe
8) Mardis Gras Day - Dr John
9) Drowned In Wine

Cd 2

1) Gumbo/Savor/Jingo - Santana
2) White Rabbit/The Ballad Of You & Me & Pooneil - Jefferson Airplane
3) Wasted Union Blues/Bulgaria - It's A Beautiful Day
4) By The Light Of The Magical Moon - T Rex
5) Old Blue - The Byrds
6) Big Bird - The Flock
7) Esther's Nose Job - Soft Machine
8) Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun/A Saucerful Of Secrets - Pink Floyd

So, there you go..... For me, it's great to watch the DVD & think nostalgically, about the bands I - sort of - grew up listening to..... on the other hand, the sound quality really lets the audio discs down, one heck of a lot !!

If any of you remember those old 'sampler' albums, that CBS Records put out, in the early '70's.... there are loads of groups, on those Lp's featured here..... so, maybe CBS Records sponsored the festival or something, in order to get their bands some face time, in Europe !! Oh well.....

Tomorrow, for my sins.... I have to go down to Exeter, to see the guy about doing another plastic surgery, on my back..... that's going to be fun !! We have to leave here about 8.30am, just to make the appointment in time.... so, I'm not looking forward to that side of the trip !! Nevermind..... I will let you all know how things go.... if at all !!

I don't mind, one way or another now..... the pain is driving me "doo-ally" and the quicker it all gets sorted, the better really..... I'm just really fed up with it all !! It all started, if you go right back, in December 2012 - when the Consultant said "I can fix this..." !!

For him, "fixing it" - well, I will forever be grateful...... but, that was a long time ago now & 8 surgeries later, it's still not completely over.... oh well - I'll see what tomorrow brings !!

Before I go tho' - for today.....

I must thank Mr Puck-tin & how he has successfully shown, how to be a complete asshole !! Over the years, I have been crapped on, in many many ways - buy, Mr Puck-tin have shown the World, what a complete & utter jerk you really are !!

By successfully invading part of the Ukraine and then, blatantly putting your middle finger, into the air as far as the rest of the World is concerned.... well, I hope you sleep well at night. I hope you sleep well.... and well protected, because if you can get away with what you've done...... "good luck" !!

The whole World knows what you've done & I - for one - think you deserve everything the whole World does to you !! Mind you - like me, the whole World knows, short of going to war, there is very little that can be done - so, I look forward to any visits you might make to our little village, not like that's going to happen...... but, if you do came my way...... I look forward to seeing you !!

Just as much as those people who now live under your shadow must look for ward to seeing you..... you jerk !! At least I'm free to say as much...... can you, the people of The Crimea, say the same ?!

 I will away now..... my film is coming to an end & I have things to do. If anybody in the Ukraine or the Russian Federation, have any comments to make, I will look forward to reading them...... mind you, since I started my little "one man" assault, on Mr Puck-tin.... I've heard nothing from any of you !! I hope you can still read my words, I really do.... until next time...

Bye Bye

Eric Burdon & The Tedeschi Trucks Band..

Hi everybody....

How is your bit of the Universe treating you today ? Here - in the wilds of England, well.... the South-West part of it.... it's been dry & chilly, for a few days now. B has just taken me down, to the local surgery, to have my dressings changed & it's really cold outside !!

Mind you - I've been in bed, for most of the morning - so, anywhere is cold, compared to that !! Nevermind...

I'm home alone, again, at the moment.... ME has gone shopping & has taken B along for the ride. If all goes to plan - ME & boyfriend M - will be moving into their own house, at some point over the coming weeks, so they have gone looking for things to buy. I'm not sure exactly what - but......

With J over in Wales... that just leaves me here, with the cats. I know there is at least one, upstairs on the bed - and the oldest one.... well, he's dead to the World, just a few feet away, to my left !! How do cats sleep sooooo long, everyday ?! It amazes me, it really does !!

As for the music of the moment....

Well, it's an old cassette of Eric Burdon & The Animals...... one of the old "Pre-recorded" ones, hat were so easy to buy, all those Moons ago. It's a kind of 'Best Of......' album, it doesn't actually have a name on it !! Anyhoo.... the tracks are:

  1) Good Times
  2) Sky Pilot
  3) San Franciscan Nights
  4) Pain It Black
  5) I'm An Animal
  6) C. C. Rider
  7) Ring Of Fire
  8) River Deep, Mountain High
  9) Monterey
10) Help Me Girl
11) When I Was Young
12) To Love Somebody

There are so many cover versions, on the tape - as you can see from the tracks, listed above...... but - it's pure 1960's !! I bought the 4 Cd 'Monterey Pop' album, not too long ago & one of my deepest regrets, about the album - it didn't have his version of The Stones 'Paint It Black' on it !! The track was featured, in the film - but it didn't make it to the Cd version soundtrack !! It's a shame - it is one of his better cover versions..... Oh well.....

I see, from the cassette cover - the publishing credits are for 1967 & 1968..... as I said above, pure 1960's !!  Great stuff - I might see if I can get it on Cd, someplace - if not, I'll try & transfer it over to disc myself !!

People have always said - tapes don't last.... well, they do if you look after them well enough !! The quality on this one might not be 100% - but, it sure is listenable !!

I played some of the new Within Temptation album - the Lp version, a few hours ago..... yesterday, I guess..... and it's really clear !! It helps that I have a great record deck - plus an almost new stylus - but, it's really interesting to play vinyl, from time to time !!

WT's new one 'Hydra' is pretty good, in it's own right..... but, it's pretty different to say 'The Silent Force' or 'The Heart Of Everything'....... but, it's a great album.

As always - the TV news, is playing quietly, over in the corner. A guy, famous here, in politics Tony Benn has died. He has been around, on TV, ever since I can remember !! I think he was 88.....

I also see, that the missing plane, has still not been found !! That's really weird !! It's not like it's a 2 seat, tiny type of thing.... it's a blooming big plane, some evidence will have to turn up, at some point !!

I also see, that there are talks, going on in London..... about the Ukraine, between America & Russia. What's to talk about - it's an illegal invasion of another Country !! There used to be an "Iron Curtain" between the East & the West.... lets put the bugger back up & see if Mr Puck-tin likes that.

Of course they won't do anything like that & Russia will stay where they are.... so, why bother talking ?! As the phrase used to go "Bomb The Bastards" !! Oh well....... I don't mean it folks !!

I see that my Russian readers have not logged on, over the last week or so....... no surprises there !! Did I upset you - or am I "personae non gratae" now ?! It wouldn't be the first time !!

I sent some t-shirts, featuring Iron Maiden, over to a Russian friend of mine - many Moons ago - and they were returned to me !! It's funny how I go around upsetting people !! I guess it's in my blood, or something......

..... Mind you, given how much fresh blood, I was given, during my 3 months in hospital, last year - I'm not sure how much of it's my blood anymore !!

 I mentioned going down to the local surgery earlier. For some dumb reason, my back is getting worse, instead of better & nobody seems to have a clue why !! That's not good....

I see the plastic surgeon, next week - so, I hope he might have some answers !! Time will tell, I guess. Hopefully he won't be such a jerk, as the guy I saw a few weeks or more back......

Back to music - why not ?.... this version of The Bee Gees 'To Love Somebody' is probably one of the best there is, well..... I think so !! I've always liked it..... I must try & find this tape, on Cd - it's got a hook in me now !!

Right, my plans for today..... none at all !! I do have a lot of things, that I should be doing - but, my get up & go has pretty much got up & left me !! So - I will kick back & play some more music & maybe have a look, for a 'phone number, that I've been looking for, over the last 2 weeks !!

It was right here - on my table.... but, it's got mixed up with some of my junk & now I can't see it anywhere !! I really must find it - it's one of those numbers that you have to have - but, now I've lost it.... oh well !! I must go away & find it....

The tape has just finished - so, the music of the moment is now The Tedeschi Trucks Band's 'Everybody's Talkin' which is a fantastic live set.... my thanks to my friends in Atlanta for giving it to me !! I must go... given what's happening in London - it's an apt album to play !!

As always - I thank you for your time & logging in to read my words..... until next time....

Bye Bye

Without a moan... Ho-hum !!

Greetings World's !!

How are you all doing this fine - very misty morning ? It really is thick & foggy, looking out thru' the living room windows !! Nevermind - I'm quite happy, sat here, in the warm & playing my various bits & bobs of music.

I'm home alone - for a short while, at least. ME is doing a training day (or something) in town, J is over in Wales and B, My Wife & Dearest Friend, has just gone to a nearby house, to take part in a meeting.

As I've written before - B is part of a group, connected to the local Dr's surgery..... and, from time to time, they have a meeting - I'm not 100% sure what it's about, but..... maybe, in many ways, I do not really want to know !!

As it is - I went down to the local surgery, yesterday - to have  a dressings change - and later today I'm going back down, to see if my local Dr. can give me some advice, about the pain etc etc !! To try & explain...

I am on sooooo many pills & potions, for my back wound (read old posts, to find out more) and - for my sins, I took myself off of some of the morphine I take, from day to day !! "Why ?" - good question really !!

2 weeks ago, I went to a meeting, in town - to try & talk thru' some of my various issues, not just the pain, but..... well, you try being poorly for this long & see where it takes you !! For me - it's been a very hard road & I am more than a little fed up with the whole thing !!

Anyhoo - the nurse I saw, kept on about how much morphine I was on. I take a liquid version, for pretty much "instant" pain relief.... but, I was also on a massive amount of morphine tablets..... which released pain relief, over 12 hours at a time.

So - this nurse kept on about these pills & how they might be getting to me, which is Ok - but, it was the various Dr's who put me on the pills, in the first place..... I didn't just go & get them, kind of like a "fix" for a junkie or whatever you want to call it !!

As she was really pissing me off - I decided to go "cold turkey" and I stop taking the blooming things, from that night onwards....... something, I'm told (over & over) that you shouldn't do, because of the side effects !! I didn't tell anyone about it - not even B, who sorts out my various potions, every day !!

A week ago, I asked B how she thought I had been, health wise, over the previous week. It had been 7 days, since I had stopped the pills & I was interested if she had seen a change in me, or noticed I was doing other things differently, on a day to day basis. To my surprise, she said that, she thought, in one way or another, I was slightly
better !!

When I told her, about the pills - again to my surprise - she wasn't angry, overly much, with me & that helped, especially when I explained my motives, for not taking the blooming things !!

It was almost like the nurse was calling, or telling me, that I was addicted to the morphine & it was a kind of crutch, for me, to get thru' each day !! In my heart, I knew that wasn't true - so, I stopped taking them !! I don't think there have been too many problems, health wise....... none that anyone is telling me about, at least !!

So - this afternoon, I'm going down, to see my Dr. and I'm going to tell him the "good news" and that I'm off the bloody things..... pain aside, I feel better for not taking them, so that has to be a bonus !!

But - and there is always a "but" - the actual wound, even tho' it is really small now..... well, it really does hurt & I'm hoping he might have some idea on how to go about killing that pain, without going back on more pills !! I will wait & see what he says..... also, if he can give me a clue on the plastic surgeon, who I'm seeing next Wednesday, as to what he's like & everything ?! He's new to me - but, maybe my local guy might know him.... time will tell !!

Getting away from all of that.... and back to music !!

I'm using the Mini Egg, this morning, to play - what I call - the 'Pick Of The Peaches' !! It's - as I've written before - a collection of the longest tracks, from all - or most of - the Allman Brothers 'Instant Live' Cd's.... going back to 2003. To explain.... kind of....


The guys gave me this iPod thingy, for my stays in the hospital. So - rather than pick just individual concerts, by the ABB, I went thru' all of the Cd's & put the longest version, of each song (played live) onto the thing !! It has taken a while, but - in may ways, it's been a lot of fun !!

Since Christmas, when B gave me this docking station (Black Betty) - I've been able to play all kinds of stuff, without using the main amp & stuff !! There are 147 tracks on the Mini Egg - taken from the different concerts, I don't know how long it would take, to go thru' the whole load.... but, maybe the next time I'm stuck someplace, I'll try & let them all play thru' !!

Knowing me tho' - I would get itchy fingers & have to change the group, or move thru' the tracks faster !! Oh well.... - as I type 'Who To Believe' is playing away nicely, just off to my right - great stuff !!

I've mentioned, a few times now, the 2 Cd set, by Spooky Tooth. I thought, to begin with, that I only knew a couple of the tracks, in the end, there were several of the things - that makes it even better, considering I only bought it for the one Beatles cover !! I would write all of the tracks down.... but, as there are about 34 of them, I can't be bothered really !!

Hopefully, maybe today (probably not) I'm expecting a 3 Cd set from a festival held in Holland, in the early 1970's. There was a film of it - which I actually saw in the movie house - but, I'm not sure of it's name !! It might have been called 'Stomping Ground' or something like that ?!

Anyways - this Cd set, has Canned Heat & Pink Floyd on it - so, hopefully, along with the other bands, it will be worth a good listen !! I will give you the track listing to that, when I eventually get a copy !!

I e-mailed a friend, that I was expecting the Cd's to reach me - he immediately asked me to do him a copy !! Honestly - if I can get it, so can you - just open your wallet, let the moths out & hand over the cash, it's not that expensive !!

Oh - after moaning about it, the models I've been waiting for,actually reached me, yesterday afternoon..... not too bad !! It's just a shame they took so long tho' !! Nevermind - I'll put them, into a box & one day, some where down the road, one of my Grand kid's can have them..... not for a while tho' - as I've written before, as far as I know, I don't actually have any so far !!

Right - my plans for today - well, to be honest, I've not made too many, or even thought too hard about what I'm going to do !! I'll give some music a listen - even going as far as playing the Lp version of 'Hydra' by Within Temptation !! I've played part of it - but, to be honest, I don't want to risk scratching it up !! I'll see how things go !!

For now tho' - without a moan about Mr Puck-tin.... I will be on my ways.... until next time...

Bye Bye

Spooky Tooth & a great picture....

Well Hello World's !!

It's Tuesday, here in England.... and, from what I have felt of it, it's pretty cold outside !! I've just waved B off, from the front door & there is certainly a bit of cold air..... nevermind - I'm staying in the house, tonight - so, there is no need to get overly concerned with the "out there" bit of the Universe !!

Being a Tuesday - B has gone off to her Weight-Watchers class thingy. I know she hasn't been for a while, but....... that just leaves me, home on my own. typing these words. Well - that's not exactly true - ME has just come thru' the door..... so, along with the cats - there are two of us here !!

I've had a very lazy kind of day.......

I didn't wake up, until about 7am  - that's very un-usual for me - I tend to wake well before then !! The down side of waking so late, I didn't take my morning pills & potions. So - taking them that late meant that I went back to sleep & it was about 12 noon, before I woke again !! Bummer !!

Nevermind - my whole day seems to revolve around meds & the time that I take them..... it's not an ideal way to live a life - but, it works for me.

Anyhow - ME is home, B is out & - as far as I know - J is over in Wales, doing the Uni thing, as long time readers will know. I'm not sure if he's coming home, for the Easter holidays..... I'm not privy to such useful information !! I just live here...... oh well.....

That's the family.... as for the music of the moment....

Well, as I type, I'm listening to the 2 Cd set, that came yesterday, by Spooky Tooth. It's called 'Lost In My Dream' and this is my first time, giving it a proper listen. I only really know a couple of tracks, on the whole 2 Cd set.... 'Tobacco Road' & 'I Am The Walrus'. It's the latter track that I really wanted...... paying for a double set, just for one track, might seem a bit over the top - but, what the heck !! Life is far too short to worry about things like that !!

I don't think I mentioned yesterday, but B came home with a framed picture, for me.... !! To explain, as best I can.

Back, last September, Lady V & Sir J visited us, from Atlanta....... over the years, I've got to know of them, thru' the Allman Brother's web site 'Hittin' The Note' and it was fantastic to have them with us, all be it for just a few days !!

Anyhoo - they gave me a picture, taken from the Allman's 'Eat A Peach' album..... it's the one featured in the middle of the fold out, it's kind of hard to explain, but it has been a favourite of mine for years, ever since I first got a hold of the 2 Lp set.

So, anyways - instead of it just staying here, on a shelf, B took it into a framing shop & had it done professionally for me.... it came out really great, I mean, really great !! I can't put into words, what a fantastic job, the shop did - the surround matches, the frame has a shade of blue in it.... it really is brilliant !!

My thanks again, to Lady V & Sir J - for giving me the picture, in the first place... my thank's to B, for talking me into getting it framed & my thanks to the shop, for doing a fantastic job.... it made my day, yesterday !! Thank you everybody !!

Now, I have to find a place to hang it..... I will let you know, as & when I decide !! It might take a day or two, to work it all out.....

Apart from the music - as usual, I have the news on the TV, playing quietly, over in the corner. The Ex-Ukrainian guy is on, talking about how he was ousted by "right-wing" people. By that, I take it he means people who don't think the same way as him ?! Freedom of speech goes a long way - especially when you get shot at, for just using it !! Honestly - they should get the guy, who was filmed shooting at the protesters !! The jerk...... as long as Puck-tin holds the strings, I guess he thinks it's alright !!

I never - as expected - heard back from the Russian Federation embassy, or the Kremlin for that matter..... but, I for one, will keep moaning about how this has gone down, in the Ukraine, mainly as it stinks !!

How can you hold a - so called - referendum, to decided your future, when the people against the situation, do not have the right to oppose it openly, with-out being set upon by a mob ?! Honestly..... it stinks !!

I just found another track, that I know, on this Cd - they do a cover of The Band's 'The Weight'..... I didn't see it on the credits... oh well !! 'Lost In My Dream' the track, that's playing now, sounds really great - how come I've never heard of it before ?! I don't know ?! I'll try & find the lyrics for it.... it sounds interesting....

Back to today, I watch a couple of movies......

The first one, mainly because I wanted to give it a watch, while I was waking up, was 'District 9'. It's about a load of weird aliens show up in their massive spacecraft & eventually live in South Africa.... a bit "gory" but, a lot of fun.... in a strange kind of way.

The 2nd film... well, it was great to see it again, after a few years.... and was 'Groundhog Day' !! It's quite old now - but, I think, it's Bill Murray living the same day, over & over...... if you have never seen it, give it a go !!

It made me think about something that happened, at the company I used to work for..... until I fell out with my boss, over religious differences, he thought he was God & I didn't !! Moving back....

In my position, in the company, I had a so called "master key". Each dept. had it's own keys - and everybody in those dept's more or less had a key, to un-lock their little bit. For example - a farm manager would have a key to his farm, but I had a key to all of the farms.... with me so far ?

Anyhoo - a lady in the wages dept. wanted to borrow 'Groundhog Day' - so, not really thinking about it - I went in early one morning, opened her office, with my key, and stuck it on her chair - so she could find it, when she got in.

The next thing I know - and I'm talking about 5 hours or more later - I had a phone call, to head back to the main office, from where I was, several miles away. No big deal - until I got there & I had to explain how I had "broken in" to the wages office !!

It turned out, for whatever reason, the wage office was on a separate type of system - for better security - and not even the top CEO's key would fit that particular lock !! Somehow - and I hadn't given it any thought - my key had opened a door, that only the girl who ran the office, could (so called) open !!

Even my boss, couldn't open that door.... it really was a bit strange, but luckily, it was all done harmlessly..... and nothing more was done about it !! I guess, had I not of dropped off the video, I would probably been fired on the spot.... but, it was all done harmlessly & that was an end to the matter !!

All of that happened some 20+ years ago - so, it's funny how things remind you of things !! Oh well......

This Cd is really interesting !! I have just heard a version of 'Evil Woman' that is really like a version done live, by an Australian group called The Master's Apprentices, on their live album. It's strange - hearing a studio version of the track, knowing the live version so well..... !!

Right - my plans for tonight.

Well, with B out, I'll get myself ready for bed (as best I can) and have a quiet few hours, probably watching another film or something, not really sure yet. I really want to crack open the 3rd season of 'Game Of Thrones' - but, B wants to catch up on the latest season of 'Gray's Anatomy' !! Given an open choice, I know which I would prefer - but, I will go with the flow & see how it turns out. Who knows - providing I don't kill myself in the meantime, it might be well worth the wait !!

I think, tomorrow, I have to go back for a dressings change..... you might hear the screams from where you are !! It's really pissing me off now !! A week, tomorrow, I have to travel down to Exeter, to see the latest plastic surgeon guy. Given the fact that, over the last 4 days, the dressings have been changed 3 times, it's pretty obvious, to me especially, that the bloody thing isn't healing on it's own...... sooooo, maybe he will have some kind of answer !!

For now tho' - with Spooky Tooth playing The Beatles 'I Am The Walrus'.... I will be on my way. I, as always, thank you for your time.... until next time...

Bye Bye

Marillion & the start of another plan....

Well "Hi" everybody.....

I hope your day is going well & things are slotting nicely into place, in which ever Universe you prefer to live !! Heck - that's a weird start !!

It's another Monday, here in England.... it's not so bright today, a few more big puffy clouds about, compared to yesterday. Nevermind - I had to go down to the surgery, this morning, for another dressings change, but - apart from that - I'm definitely staying in the house, for the rest of the day !!

First tho' - the family !!

As I type, I'm home alone. B & ME have just gone out, so.... with J over in Wales - that just leaves me here, with the various cats !! Great stuff - the music is blasting away & I'm in a little World of my own making !!

As for the music of the moment - well, that's a real mish-mash of stuff, most of which..... well, it was recorded (about) 25 years ago.... so, it's all a bit of a blank, I'm sorry to say !! Actually "No" - John Denver is on, at the moment.... and, as ashamed I am, to admit it - it's about the only track that I have recognized so far !! Oh well.... more about music, later.....

Going back, to this morning & my visit to the surgery. As mentioned before - yesterday - I've had to have the dressings changed, now, 3 times in 4 days !! This is not a great or fantastic way to go !! Not only does it hurt, each & every time the things come off - the wound is getting, ever so slightly worse !!

I'm not really sure what is going on - but, it is really getting to me now & I - for one - would really like the bloody hole in my back, to just, ever so quietly, heal over & let me have some form of peace !!

I'm not sure what is going on..... but, hopefully, next week, on the 19th, I will see the plastic surgeon and he will give me some more informed answers. For crying out loud, it's been going on now, for over 9 months & I've had enough !! Oh well..... time will tell, I guess.

If, after all of this, he turns around - like the first guy did - and decides to leave it alone, to heal on it's own.... well - it could be a very long haul indeed !! I'm not sure what my regular Consultant will do, if that's the case - he wasn't pleased with the first guys answer.... so, I'm guessing he'll be even worse, if it happens again !! We'll see......

Back to music...

I've had a 2 Cd set reach me, this morning...... It's called 'Lost In My Dream' and is by Spooky Tooth. It's really an anthology, recorded from 1968 - 1974 & (to be honest) I only wanted it for their version of The Beatles 'I Am The Walrus' !! I had the track, many years ago, on a 2 Lp collection, called 'Bumpers' - which was a collection of groups, on the Island record label.

Since I've never found 'Bumpers' anywhere, on Cd - I decided to try & get some of the tracks, that I liked on it, in the form of Cd's by the groups featured !! It's really kind of hard - but, bit by little bit, I'm finding them !!

Also - I'm very happy to report that the fantastic Allman Brothers Band are back on the road, at the Beacon Theater, in New York & - from what I've read - having a great time, giving their all !! You can get the concerts, thru' 'Hittin' The Note' and, if you never buy any other Allman's Cd..... buy one of these live sets !!

If all their plans go thru' - the Allman Brothers will break up, at the end of these concerts.... thru' out 2014.... so, go & treat yourself !!

Over the last few years - I've picked up all of their official live recordings.... B has bought me a couple of the box sets, including the fantastic '40 Years Of World Peach' - which has all of the 2012 concerts, in a great blue & gold box....... so, I will no doubt be buying these 2014 shows, as & when they become available !!

Ain't life great.......

Well, not completely so..... to explain.

As long time readers will know, I like to collect things, for my Grandchildren - even tho' I don't actually have any, as yet !! Well - I might have, but.... nobody has told me anything about them, so....

Anyhoo - one of these collections, which I only started recently, contains models of large planes, mostly 2nd World War types. Anyways - I've had 3, so far - but.... I've paid for 5 !! Each time I 'phone up, to ask what is going on, I'm told the things have been posted, or are about to be posted and it's all getting a bit dumb now !!

As nothing came, today - as promised last week - I 'phoned up again & was told they would be with me, by Wednesday !! I'm getting old here, waiting around for things to come - it's getting to the point where things are not worth it !! I'll see what happens this week & if nothing reaches me, I'll claw back my cash....... honestly, it's kind of crap really !!

I only started the collection, to try & get 3 different planes, which I (kind of) wanted to see, for myself..... but, I don't think that is going to happen any time soon !!

Back to music - Z Z Top are playing at the moment, by the way. I wrote, yesterday, about copying some tapes, from 1986, over to Cd. Well, after playing most of them thru' - I realised, apart from the odd track, I have most of them, already on disc. So - I've decided to try another set of tapes...

These were recorded between 1988 & 1989.... over 35 cassettes & contain one heck of a variety of music, it's sooooo weird, listening to them back, as I am now !! The problem, well, one of them, is that I don't remember half of the groups !!

I'm pretty certain that, someplace, there is a list of all that I put on the tapes, I'll just have to try & remember where it is and try to work things out, from there...... it'll take a while - but, just like the 86 Cd's I did a while back, from another collection of tapes ('Project '87').... it's going to be a bit of fun !! Oh well.... it's another plan....

I see Mr Puck-tin is still pushing his weight around, in the Ukraine !! I would like to hear your views on the subject - especially those of you who are Ukrainian or Russian !! Come on - air your views, I really would like to know how you feel on this subject !!

For me - as I've written before - it's like Mr Puck-tin wants his own little bit of history, restoring the old USSR..... only under a different name !! There was a guy, on the BBC, yesterday, who reckon's that we, in the West, have the wrong end of the stick & it's the West who have done this, by - some how - provoking the situation !! Shit - I better be careful, I wouldn't want to have some one think I need a Russian troop detachment, here in the village, because I've provoked anyone !! What a load of crap.....

It would be sooooo good, if everyone stayed inside their own borders & left the rest of the World to themselves. It won't happen now - but, it would be better than what we have now !!

Right - my plans, for the rest of the day.... well, it's about 2pm & - as I'm a little bit "out of it" - I think I will head back to bed, to give my old brain a rest..... it sure needs one, it really does !! Mind you - my whole body needs a rest, I seem to be falling apart, very slowly, but surely !! Oh well.....

Marillion have just closed side 2 of tape one of 35 - so, that's a great place to end..... As always, I thank you for logging in & reading my words.... until next time...

Bye Bye

Tapes, music & a couple of other things...

Hi World's !!

It's a really beautiful day, here in the wilds of England !! The Sun is out, the sky is a kind of misty blue & it's hard to believe this Country has 4 seasons !! I think we should just accept the fact - we have a "wet season" - followed by a much shorted "dry season" !!

Oh well - the Sun has, sort of, convinced me to head out, into the garage, this coming week (assuming it stays dry) and attack the various bits of my stuff out there !! If I feel like it, that is - with my luck, I'll be stuck indoors !! Crap happen & that's for sure !!

First tho' - the family & their part in my life, this fine day !!

Well - I hope, my Son - J - is over in West Wales, at Aberystwith, doing his course at the University there. The last time we heard from him, he reported his grades had been pretty good, so - for that, I'm very proud of him !!

If you're reading these words, J, get in touch with your Mum.... she is missing you !! It would be great if you could take 5 minutes, out of your day, just to say "Hello" or something !!

As for my Daughter - ME - well, she is working a late shift, today. After her day shift, yesterday - she popped in, with boyfriend M in tow & picked up a few things, then she was back out the door !! She spent the night at M's house - and I guess she will come home here, later on today. Oh well - the joys of having a couple of grown up kids !!

As for My Wife & Dearest Friend, B.... she is upstairs, fighting her way thru' her crafting stuff. Someone has asked her to make a couple of cards & - now - B is trying to find the stuff she wants to use !!

I did suggest that she looked, a couple of days ago - rather than leave it to the "last minute"..... but, as the "last minute" is Thursday - I guess she still has a bit of time, to go thru' everything !!

Nevermind..... that just leaves me - here, sat in our living room, typing these words & - at the moment - listening to a tape, with some Genesis tracks on it !! "Why ?" Well, that's a good question really.....


.....it's all to do with my next "project". To explain !!

I have been spending some time, making a "playlist" of albums - the ones I've had more recently - on the Mini Egg. For those of you, who don't know what the Egg is - well, it's my iPod thingy. I know there are over 30,000 tracks on the thing..... but, I wanted the playlist, just to give me access to the newer Cd's, without farting around, looking for each one in turn !!

But - being an old Luddite - I got fed up with all of that new fangled stuff, so I dug out 7 cassettes, which (I hope) will go over to Cd's !! To explain.... tho' if you want to skip the next bit, that's fine by me !!

I mentioned my late Brother-in-Law & it got me thinking (a dangerous thing, as far as my head goes) about some tapes, that I put some of my ex's albums on..... not all of the tracks, just my favourites !!

For those of you, who have not had the "pleasure" of coming home, to find your Wife has not only left you, but has left the Country as well, well - it happened to me & the music, on these tapes, are just a snapshot of the albums she took with her !!

She didn't take the albums, when she left - oh no.... she sued my ass for those, as part of her cut of our property, as I wrote above..... "crap happens" !!

Anyhoo - as I wasn't likely to get a chance, to buy the albums again.... I recorded some of the tracks, onto these 7 cassettes. Now, of course, I would of used a Cd - or even an iPod..... but, way back when, tape was my only & cheapest option !!

So, yesterday.... or the day before, I trawled thru' all of the tapes I have here & quite by good fortune, I found the tapes really easily !! I really thought it would take hours (there are 4,000 tapes) but, once I found one, the others were really close by !!

Right, back to recording them, onto Cd..... well, by playing them thru' - I'm getting an idea on how & what tracks are on the tapes, so I don't waste too much time, putting on stuff, that I have replaced over the last 28 years, or whatever it's been !!

For example - the single of Rod Stewart's 'The Killing Of Georgie (Pt's 1 & 2). It's a great track & - probably the only one I actually do like, by Rod Stewart, so... it's no surprise it's on the tapes !! But - I now have a copy of the thing, on an 'Old Grey Whistle Test' set - so, I can skip that one. There is no point in wasting time, when I've already bought a copy !!

As for transferring them over to Cd - well, that's going to be easy enough..... a little time consuming, but quite easy !! I'll get around to it, over the coming days & nights, it will certainly give me something to do & take my mind off  the stuff that is going on, each & every
day !!

Staying with music, but getting away from the above....

I've been playing the fantastic album, by Magnum, called 'On The Thirteenth Day' !! It really is brilliant (I know, I use that word a lot) but it's well worth your money, to go & buy yourself a copy !! The tracks are:

  1) All The Dreamers
  2) Blood Red Laughter
  3) Didn't Like You Anyway
  4) On The 13th Day
  5) So Let It Rain
  6) Dance Of The Black Tattoo
  7) Shadow Town
  8) Putting Things In Place
  9) Broken Promises
10) See How They Fall
11) From Within

This album cam out in 2012 & I missed it.... so, to get a copy this week.... well, I'm over the Moon with it, I really am !! There is something about, Magnum, that puts a hook into me & hangs on tight..... I really do love their stuff, whenever I find a new album - well, new to me - I'm never let down by it !!

It's crazy really - I like music, from A to Z, but I'm still blown away with the new stuff that I find, even after all these years of collecting. I'm glad about that, don't get me wrong.... music has been in my life, ever since I can remember, so - to find something "new" almost every week, well !!

Out of the Cd's & stuff, that I did pick up over the last few days... well, I think Rainbow's 'On Stage' 2 Cd set has been played more than the rest. Blackmore's guitar work is, as usual, over the top - but, given that recordings were made in 1976, Ronnie James Dio's voice is way up there on his prime !!

The DVD of Joe Bonamassa is really good - it's definitely going to get be a disc that's going to be played again & again !! The best bit - the one, I bought, is only part 1 or 4..... so, that's going to give me something to pick up, over the coming months !! I would like to think, that the music would be available, on Cd - but.... if not, I'll do a transfer, for myself - to put on the Mini Egg.

Oh well - enough of music - back to more serious things &
Mr Puck-tin's refusal to pull the Russian Federation troops back to their quarters. Once that is done, then there is a place for negotiations, not with guns pointing down at people !!

I have noticed, on the TV & radio...... people do not talk about Russia's invading the Ukraine - it's always Puck-tin's who has invaded. Come on..... if you want to expand your little Federation, give the people a fair chance to vote on the subject, don't force it down their throats !!

Today, there was film footage of a group of protesters, in the Crimea region.... who wanted to stay with the rest of the Ukraine, they were really being beaten up !! I ask & urge all of you, who read my words, to contact your Russian Federation embassy's & voice some form of complaint, over these unlawful actions by Mr Puck-tin & his army !!

I don't know what else we can do, as free speaking people, but.... maybe it will have some, if limited effect on the situation there. It really does stink & I know full well, how things will go, if the Ukrainian people took up their weapons, to defend themselves, it would be just the "excuse" (if Puck-tin needed one !) to invade the rest of the Eastern part of their Country & keep that, for his Federation !!

B & ME have said, that I will get myself shot for writing these words & condemning the Russian invasion & for my personal contempt for Mr Puck-tin !! Well - bring it on, point your bloody guns at me, if you want..... at least I'm free enough to voice my views !!

Ok - my plans for today....

Well, I would of loved to say, that I was going to play all of the Cd's that I bought, yesterday at the record fair..... but, I never got there. "Bummer !!" I had great plans - but, I landed back in the hospital, to have a dressings change again !! I only had them done, on Friday - so.... it really wasn't something I wanted to do, but !!

It seems that's the reason I felt so poorly over the last couple of days.... no - it's no big deal, I might have another infection, in the wound and if I have, I will have to get over it !! It really has put a few problems, pain wise in my direction..... but, I'm sure it will be Ok, in a week or so !!

In the meantime, for today at least, I will be on my ways. As always, I thank you all for logging in & reading my words - from America, Canada thru' Europe, over to Asia & Australia - it's great to know you are all there.... until next time...

Bye Bye

Paul Gibbons & Joe Bonamassa Ho-hum....

Greetings World's !!

How has your week been ? Mine has been ranging from really good.... last Wednesday, to really crap..... but - more of that later !!

It's a very bright & Sunny Friday, here in the wilds of Somerset.... I think it's about 3pm - I honestly don't know, as I've been asleep for most of the day !! But... as for the bright part - our views, out across the Bridgwater Bay have almost doubled, thank's to the downing of a large fir tree, across the road !!

Sorry - a change of subject is needed !!

When I came down the stairs, a short while ago, B - My Wife & Dearest Friend - said she hadn't seen Archie, our kitten, for a while & didn't know where he was. Well - she has found him !! He is looking out of our neighbour's front window !! I kid you not !! Honestly, that boy gets himself into all kinds of places !!

He must of snuck into P's house, when B let Murphy - P's dog - out for a little bit of air, several hours ago.... honestly, that kitten really has the wanderlust about him.  He really has been a joy to have, ever since I got home from the hospital,. last August !!

Anyways - back to the "fir tree".

The house across the road, ever since we moved here, some 14 or 15 years ago, has had a really tall tree, growing in it's back garden. Anyhoo - it's no longer there....... having been taken down, bit by bit, over the last few days.

Now - I knew it was going to disappear.... but, when I got out of bed, I pulled the curtains back & now there is open view, right out.... over to the sea & up thru' the channel !! I must admit, I didn't expect that, it's pretty fantastic !! Oh well......

It's a shame about the tree tho' - I'm not sure how old it was, but....

Right, back to the family !!

I mentioned B, who is currently upstairs, in our room, working on the cleaning side of stuff. I'm no big help there - but, I was able to pull some pillow cases off, before coming down the stairs. Not much of a help - but, for now, it was all I could do.

As for the rest of the family ... well, ME is working at the moment, I'm guessing she might be home a shade later, tho' I', probably wrong on that one !! That leaves J - who is over in Wales, doing his Uni course...... apart from the cats, that just leaves me !!

As far as I'm getting on... well, not sooooo brilliant at the moment, hence my longer stay in bed, this morning !! Infact - I would go as far as to say, I feel like crap - but, I've been worse, so.... sod it !!

Earlier in the week - it was our 26th wedding anniversary....... I'm sorry to all of you, who thought I was this young, kind of, computer saddo, who sat here, typing the keys & waiting for the next meal to arrive !!

No, really - B & I met, in 1987 & we got married in 1988. J came along 11 months later & ME 2 years after that !! So - as I'm pushing towards 60 - in July - you might get some idea, as to why I like sooooo many of the older bands !! It's just the way I am.....

For a bit of a "day out" - B took me up to one of my favourite shops, in Weston-Super-Mare & while she went looking around, with ME (who came along for the ride) - I was let loose !! Honestly - you should never leave me, in a record shop, with a full wallet - it's kind of fatal really !!

As it was - I came out of the shop with some of the following:

Joe Bonamassa - 'The Borderline Pt 1'
'Game of Thrones Pt 3'

Both of the above are on DVD... as yet, I've not got around to playing either of them.... I might do so, in a short while, I could use a bit of Joe B. to smash this bug away !!

On Cd... well, I came home with a 4 disc set, by Ozzy Osborne called 'Prince Of Darkness' - it was only £10, so... for a 4 disc set, a bit of a bargain really !! The Joe Bonamassa was twice that - but, it might be Ok. I've just put it into the player - so, I'll see if it's worth the cash !!

The tracks are:

  1) I Know Where I Belong
  2) Spanish Boots
  3) Your Funeral, Your Trial
  4) Blues Deluxe
  5) Pain & Sorrow
  6) Happier Times
  7) Steal Your Heart Away
  8) Miss You, Hate You
  9) The River
10) Burning Hell
11) Don't Burn Down The Bridge
12) Story Of A Quarryman
13) Are You Experience

I also picked up a copy, on DVD of the film 'Gravity'.... we watched most of it, last night and to be honest - it must of had every "cliche" ever used in Sc-fi movies - including a bit of 'Wallee' !! I kid you not... nevermind - it was just a bit of fun & I wanted to see the film
anyways !!

Back to Cd's - well.... I think I picked up the first 5 Cd's from The Michael Schenker Group. They came in a special presentation case & as I didn't have 4 of the 5 - I went for it !! I had the expanded version, of 'One Night At Budokan' - so, to get another copy (all being a single disc) is no big deal.What else - Oh - I picked up a 2 Cd set, by Deep Purple, featuring 2 shows recorded in Montreux..... one from 1996 & the other from 2006..... I can't remember, if I picked up anything else - it was two long days ago !!

Since then, well - I think I went down hill really !! I'm hoping I just caught some kind of "chill" - but, yesterday & onwards, into today, I have just felt like crap.... hence, the extended stay in bed !!

I did go down, to the local surgery, for a change of dressings & - unfortunately - the back wound has got a shade worse, but that's no big deal.... hopefully, the way I feel & the back wound are not, in anyways connected !! I don't think - after 9 months of having a hole in my back - I could put up with it going backwards again !!

If all goes well, by Monday - when the dressings are due again - I will of picked up a bit !! Time will tell on that one, I guess...... we will have to wait & see !!

Tomorrow, there is another record fair, in Exeter - but...... I don't think I will make it to that. It's a shame really - I enjoy fairs, meeting up with old friends & stuff - but, there is no point in going down, if I can't get my body to go with me !! I'll see how I feel, tomorrow, I guess.....

Right - I have urged you all, to e-mail your various Russian Federation embassy's - to have a moan about the invasion of the Ukraine. It stinks - it really does.... and, no matter how you dress it up, Mr Puck-tin, it really has nothing to do with protecting Russian speaking people in that part of the World - if it did, you would have gone into other areas as well, where a greater proportion of the local locals speak the lingo !!

This is an invasion, of the area where you can control the Black Sea !! If you, my readers, have the time.... check out the Kremlin's web site. You can actually find an e-mail address, straight thru' to Mr Puck-tin's office !! Go on.... go for it, write to the jerk & condemn his invasion....

.... I know pretty full well, he won't read any of the words you send him, but - come on World, give the guy some stick !! It really is a pretty dumb thing to do, in the 21st Century, to invade another Country & then expect it to join your little federation, in a "free vote" !!

It might not have any coverage, if you live in Australia, or America - but... this is in our "back yard" & it really stinks !! This guy Puck-tin... well, I don't care if you live in Russia or not (I know some of you do) - he is a jerk & a very dangerous kind of jerk as well !! Oh well....

ME has just come home, so I better think of shutting this down !! It has taken a while to write, today.... so..... I need a bit of a rest !!

I had a "sad moment" a while back..... there was/is a picture of my late Brother-In-Law in the Bermuda newspaper. Paul Gibbons died in 2003 & every year, as far as I know, they have a "Paul Gibbons Night" at the folk club, where he was President.

Paul was a great guy & I openly cried when I learnt of his death - mainly as nobody told me it had happened, I only found out because a friend in Lancashire told me !! Honestly - my ex-relatives are really in need of a reality check !! Oh well....

The picture showed Paul, playing one of his many guitars, on stage..... something I know he wanted to do, for sooooo very long, but never had the nerve to do !! Luckily, somebody got him up there & he was able to share his genius !! As I told his Mum - the last time I spoke to her, back in 2006, he was a great guy & a fantastic friend !!

His Sister might not of "loved" me - but, shit.... your Brother, Bev',  was fantastic !! RIP Paul - we miss you're talent & your humanity !! Keep rockin' my old friend - I might be able to join you at some point, here's hoping my friend - we can share some memories & our "lives" will go on with Our Lord above I just need the courage you had......

Ok - I'm out of here - for the record... the Joe Bonamassa DVD is really good !! It's been going for around an hour now & he's playing 'The River' - it's well good !! I'll have to buy the other 3 parts, at some point - it'll give me something to do !!

I will be on my ways.... thank you all for hanging in there, it's nearly been another year, an anniversary, since I started this ol' blog of mine - I'm glad you guys take the time, to log in & read my words..... I thank you..... until next time.....

Bye Bye

"Why ?" Mr Puck-tin, the World wants to know....

Hi World's !!

It's about 5pm here & I've just had a bit of fun.... in a perverse sort of way - to explain !!

For some dumb way - Mr Puck-tin has allowed, or more likely ordered his troops into the country of Ukraine. This is, to my humble way of thinking, is a really dumb thing to do - but, unfortunately, it's something the asshole will get away with !!

After all, unless someone is up for a really big war type thing, nobody is going to do anything about it..... I personally would push the first button, if for one minute I thought the Russian troops would return to their own country, but..... the only button I can actually push, is the one here on my computer !!

So - I've had a bit of fun.... and have written a "nice" little e-mail to the Russian embassy place, here in England, asking "Why ?" !! After all - is it really a wise thing to do...... invading another country, just because part of that country speak Russian ?

Oh - by the way, of course part of the country speaks Russian.... it was a compulsory subject, in all of the "Easter Bloc" countries, before the time of the downfall of the USSR. - people are bound to speak a language, if that's what they were taught to do, thru' out their school days !!

Shit - I was taught to speak English.... it doesn't mean I want another English speaking country invading my back yard !!

So - I've written to the Russian embassy, asking "Why ?" and wondering if it was such a wise thing to do, so close after allowing jerks to beat up members of Pussy Riot, live on camera (not a good thing to do, the publicity stinks) and if - the invasion was just because Russia didn't win the Olympic ice hockey, or.... if Mr Puck-tin needed extra space, for his ever growing head & ego !!

I'm sat here, with my Wife & Dearest Friend B... listening to a live Gary Moore album 'Blues For Jimi' and I urge you all, to contact your Russian embassies & ask the question "Why ?". Your e-mails will not change much - but, it will keep the staff, at the embassies busy and maybe, just maybe, someone will listen !!

If this post upsets anyone.... well, maybe you should of just stayed away & stocked up on Russian Federation flags.... after all, you might be next !!

I thank you all for logging in.... until next time...

Bye Bye

Led Zeppelin - Seattle 1973 Ho-hum...

Hi again World's !!

I think this will be just a quick post today.... I'm not feeling too special & looking at a keyboard & computer screen is doing my head in, just a shade !!

Ok - it's a Saturday & I'm home alone, for the while at least. B went shopping with ME..... and with J still over in Wales - that just leaves me, here home alone, with the cats !! I'm not sure how many of them are at home, probably the odd one or two - asleep on one of the beds, as usual !!

I can't say too much - I've only been awake an hour or so, myself !! I didn't have the greatest night.... I fell over (again) and banged myself around a bit !! I don't know exactly what happened, but I know.... it still hurts !! Oh well........ one of those things I guess...

Yesterday was an interesting day. I had to go to this clinic thingy, where I thought I might get to see a Dr. - nope, not a chance !! I spent an hour, talking to this lady & and a nurse, going thru' all of the crap I've put up with, this past 9 months or so..... and, as far as medical advice went.... well, it didn't !!

To be honest - it was a complete waste of my time - and their's I guess !! They are going to go away & have a think & maybe, just maybe, come up with some plan, to help me get on with my life. It's all bullshit really !!

In the last 9 months, I've had my entire World turned upside down....... and, to be honest, nothing they can do, or say, is going to change any of that !! Maybe, just maybe, if I had seen a Dr. - well.... I would feel better about it all, today..... but, I didn't see a Dr. & to be honest - I feel pretty pissed off about it all !! It really was a waste of time.....

Nevermind - I'll see what happens next & go from there......... it better be good or, I for one, won't be going back !!

Two nights ago, a member of The Church came around & gave me a blessing.... that was a lovely experience, it really was !! It was also my first contact, with anyone from The Church, since before Christmas, I guess - even longer than I can remember !!

It was "funny" - because I had the usual... "I didn't know you were that sick" type of comments, which really do get up my ass !! The reason people from The Church don't know how sick I've been, is because - since seeing The Bishop, last May 26th.... nobody from The Church has given a crap about me !! That's why they don't know how sick I've been !! Nevermind....

The music of the moment... well, it's been a bit of a mish-mash of stuff really. But, as I type, I'm listening to 'Dazed & Confused' by Led Zeppelin. This version is from the 1973 Seattle show & it's one of those soundboard bootlegs, that really are a must, for any Zeppelin collector !! I've had this copy, for way over 20 years now.... but, as always, don't buy bootlegs, buy the official stuff instead !!

Ok - my plans for today.... none at all, except returning to my bed, where hopefully, I will go to sleep & wake up in less pain than I'm in now !!

I thank you all for reading my words & taking the time to log in.... until next time..

Bye Bye