The End.......

Hello
It is with Great sadness that I have to tell you all that Ishmael (Ian ) died on July 6 the day before his 62nd birthday,
I (B) and my family (M,M&HJ) would like to thank you all for reading Ians Blog,
We are devistated.

Mountain & a 50 year old baby....

Hi World's !!

It's another Thursday & yours truly is still in the madhouse/hospital. More of that later..... bet you can't wait ?!

First tho' - The Family !!

I saw B yesterday, for a few hours, which was great !! It does get very lonely, in this place, just being here & knowing I have a home waiting for me & a loving Wife along with it....... In the end, it will all sort itself out !! We're just not sure when tho'.....

B has her work cut out for her...... dealing with the house & the probable move, plus visiting me, bless her. Having ME's support + baby HJ in the picture has really helped, that's for sure !! I think they are all coming in today - so that will be great to see them again.

That brings it all back to the hospital.......

I have to stay on the bed, all day - unless I have help to get me into my wheelchair. Sooooo - I sit here, all morning, until B comes in and then all hell breaks out !! Physio's show up, Dr's show up, various specialist nurses show up...... why can't they come to see me, during this quiet, morning time ?!

My time, with family members is limited, so come on guys, give me a break !! If you want me, to go down the gym - lets do that now...... not when I want to sit here, with B !! Oh well, shit happens !!

Talking of shit......

The guy across from me, well - he has his moments !! Last weekend, he came in, completely out of his head - he had gone off the hospital grounds & visited various pubs - in a nutshell, he was smashed !!

When he got  here - he went gonzo, having a go at us all, that we had gone thru' his stuff !! Why any of us would want to do anything like that, well...... anyhow, he went spare !!

Last night, he did a similar thing...... this time totally denying the events of the weekend & flying off into a weird tantrum !! In the end, he screamed he wouldn't speak to me again....... which is fine by me...... I just put my headphones on & listened to some music - which pissed him off, even more. Oh well.......

This morning, he's going around, nice and friendly with every body...... which is great - he's still not speaking to me, but that's up to him !! The goy's in his 50's for crying  out loud - he's acting like a child !!

Oh well - another morning in the madhouse.......

Just staying with this place....... I've been waiting 3 days now, for a  Consultant, to come & see me !! I'm told that, tomorrow - I'm going to have another surgery, but as yet, nobody, from that team has taken the time to come & see me, to explain what they intend to do !! Bit of a bummer really..... oh well, time will tell, I guess.... it's just the  not knowing that's getting to me.

Going back to last night - The Bishop came to see me & stayed about 30 minutes or so... it was good of him to take time out of his busy time, to come to the hospital.

Right, the music of the moment - well, that's by Mountain & is from their 'Live At The Fillmore East' set..... it from a New Year concert, I just don't know which year !! I've listed the tracks before, so check out an earlier post, to see those.

I've just spoken to 2 different types of nurse. One who wants to deal with my paralyse here, on this ward & one, who - if I have tomorrows surgery - wants me off of this ward & onto a different one !! Me - I'm just left hanging...... as I feel at the moment, well bugger the lot of them & damn the who deal, comes to mind !! Never mind, these things are sent to try us & that's a fact !!

Right, I better think about closing this off........ I've got a few things to do & I ought to get on with them. It sounds like I'm really busy !! Not really, I just have a bit of this that & the other to do - like sorting out my stuff....... honestly, the mess I make here is  unreal, it really is !!

Must get on with it.... so... I thank you for reading my words & for taking the time to log in. I'm not sure, when I'll get chance to post anything, after today - but..... until next time.......

Bye Bye

Page & Plant Miami 1995.........

Hi again World's !!

It's the day after the great England exit from Europe....... no - I'm not talking about the big vote to leave the EU (or whatever it's called these days) - I'm talking about the brilliant way Iceland out witted the English football team, with common sense & good, old World football !!

Being still stuck in the hospital, I could only listen to the match on the radio. but it sounded interesting !! The way the commentary went, from good to bad, was brilliant, it really was....... where do they get these guys ?! Oh well... well done Iceland !!

Right - it's a Tuesday & as mentioned above, I'm still in the hospital !! I'm really fed up with it all now, but there is nothing I can do, but hang in there & try and make the best of the hand I've been dealt !! Life goes on & on..... that's a fact !!

As for the family......

 Well, I've just spoken with B and she is coming in, to see me, about 1or 1.30pm. I have a gym session & she comes along to give support....... believe me, I need all I can get !!

I am getting better, at the various tasks, that I'm set, sooooo I shouldn't really moan about it all. It's really fun, just to go some where different & do things !!

Back to the family...

ME & HJ were at our place, when I phoned...... so I got chance to have a word with my Daughter & listen to HJ sneeze in the back ground !! They visited yesterday, so that was great, to just hold the little one !! Mind you, she is not so little anymore...... being nearly 4 months old.

Interestingly, I had a visit from a new (to me) Dr. yesterday & she got HJ's age, from just seeing her - quite honestly - for seconds !! That was spooky really - very spooky.......

This new Dr. will look after me, for a while....... maybe until there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Time will tell on that one, I guess. It's all going to take time & I have to put up with that. Anyhoo - this Dr. seemed really nice....... sooooo, I will see how things go !!

Talking of new Dr's...... On Friday, maybe, a new Dr. is going to operate on me. I've not met him yet, but everyone tells me he's really good - so I will take their word for it !!

That will be surgery number 14, since the end of May 2013 !! I tell you - I'm really getting my monies worth out of our health system. It's Ok - I've paid enough into it, over the years...... that's not the way to look at it, but you get my meaning, I hope..... ?!

Right - moving onto the music of the moment...... I'm listening to the June 2nd 1995 bootleg of Page & Plant, from Miami. I've listed the tracks before - so look back and you'll probably find them. As always - don't buy bootlegs !!

Right - I better go....... things to do & stuff like that. Actually, I've got nothing to do, but I didn't want to write that - after all, it's not everybody, who gets to spend their days, just laying around on a bed !!

Thank's for logging in and for reading my words. ... it's really good to know you're out there and take the time to keep coming back....... until next time.....

Bye Bye

Love The One You're With..... Ho-hum

Well, I hope you are all doing well out there in this Universe of ours....... ? I'm pretty sure, that it's a Tuesday - mainly as the menu beside me, being for tomorrow, says Wednesday !! Oh well - in this mad house, it could be any time of the year, let alone the week !!

Yep - I'm still in the nut house, known as Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton....... I must be into my 4th week, tho' I've really lost track, as each day just goes by, more or less as the one before it.

Nevermind, I'm sure in the "free World" life is going on & on, with-out too much thought, for those of us, stuck in here !! B, the M & M's + baby HJ come in, from day to day, to see me... It's always great to see them, but it hurts when they have to leave....... especially if it's earlier than normal.

Today was one of those type of days. It kind of makes me feel bad, because my life, with-in these 4 walls has to continue, even if people are visiting me !! Oh well..... maybe I'll get out, in a month or so.

As per my last posts - I'm paralysed right thru' my bottom half & life ain't going to change, sooooo - this is my lot & life will go on & on.

Today, one of the surgeons came in & is likely to operate, on me in the next week or two - depending how things go with the rest of my body. This will, at least, give me a bit of self freedom, if there is such a thing (?) and then my well being will move to the next stage. More of that later..... not tonight.

As for the music of the moment.....

Well, I'm listening to CD 1 of the CSN & Y live set, that came out the best part of 2 years ago. It was £60 - but it's worth every penny of it..... given the fact, that I'm still enjoying it, after all this time !! Music is timeless - it just depends on what you like, I guess........

Oh - before I go. One of the Spanish nurses brought me back a couple of rocks, from her last holiday at home. they're really pretty looking - 2 for the collection !!

Right, I best go - I want to watch the latest episode of 'Game Of Thrones' (again) so I must go - who knows, I might write again before the next 7 days go by !!

Thank you for logging in & for reading my words - it's great to know you're all out there.... someplace...... until next time....

Bye Bye

Completely paralised & not a drink insight !!

Greetings World's !!

I hope you are all doing well this fine Wednesday evening ?! It's really late & I'm still in the madhose !! I've been here, just over 2 weeks - I think...... might only be one, but I've lost track of time !!

Anyhoo......

B & ME + HJ have been coming in regularly, and that's been a big bonus !! B was here today, for quite a few hours & I was really pleased to have her company !!

As for music......

Well, I've been listening to the Gov't Mule concert, that B took me took to, the week before I got sick. I have some great versions of it. But, I keep coming back to the original version that I recorded, before it got messed with. Don't get me wrong - the versions that M did for me, they are really great - but, the old version - with all crowd noise, it just has that something !! The final "flak" version is the bees knees tho' !!

I can't leave, without updating you with the heath situation......... I'm paralysed, completely from the waste down & that's going to be permanent. It's something I have to come to terms with & adjust my life around

Actually, it's our lives - because this will be a big part of all of all our lives !! Life will go on - this is just another page, in our lives. We will have to make do & get on with things...... in one way or another !!


Right, I better go & try and get some sleep - it really is late & that's a fact. So - I think you for logging in & for reading my words, as always, it's good to know you're our there....... until next time....

Bye Bye

Another day in the mad house !!

Well, greetings Worlds !!

It's a very warm Sunday, here in England's South-West corner...... and I'm still stuck in the mad house known as Taunton's hospital. It's not too bad really - give or take a little pain !!

Going back. exactly 3 years........ I am in more or less the same place, as I was then !! Of course, I could feel my legs back then, but that's a minor problem, in greater part  of our World's doing's !!

But first tho' - The Family !!

B was here a little earlier, for a few hours. I had a bad night & asked her to come in to see me, as quickly as she could. So - after going to the, Church, she came by to look after me !! I needed her to come by - I really was poorly in the night & I thought I wasn't going to make it....... I was really worried about it all !! Nevermind - it's all sorted now & I'm feeling much better

Just before B left, 2 of the Elders came by, to give me the Sacrament...... one of them I hadn't met before, but he seemed like a good hearted person. Oh well, I better go mow.....

I'm too knackered to write anymore...... sorry about that !!

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

Bye Bye

Let the good times roll !!

Greetings Worlds !!

This is just a quick "Hello" type of post, mainly as things haven't gone to well, over the last few weeks..........I'm not sure just how many - every thing has blended into one to be honest !!

In a nut shell - I have lost the use of both of my legs and now I'm having to come to terms with a completely different type of life than I expected. Life is still good - just different to how I expected.

I expect to be in hospital, for a few more weeks - after that, who knows..........time will tell........ until next time

Bye Bye

Led Zeppelin & Gov't Mule

Well..... greeting's !!

It's another Friday, here in the homestead & despite many thoughts, against the subject, I'm back again !! It's been a while, since I last put finger to keyboard - somewhere around the 30th of last month, I think. Ok - I've gone longer - between posts - but, this has been the hardest !!

I won't bother you all, with the sordid in & outs..... but, I've had to do a lot of soul searching, on my part, over the last few weeks. I've tried hard, to put things to rights - between our Son & myself..... only to have it kicked back, into my teeth...... so, I've kind of given up, on that front.

There is only sooooo much I can do & I've just about done it all now. I should of moved out of here, back in 2013, when I had the chance........ but no, I gave in & boy, in his case, do I ever regret it !!

I have considered moving, this past week or so - but that's not fair on B - My Wife & Dearest Friend. Had I moved out in May - 3 years ago...... well, maybe that would of been easier - but, at the time, I was too much of a push over..... oh well, "Such is life" !!

Anyhoo - I've given up on my Son...... as per his wishes & now I'm concentrating on what's left of my family. B.... the M & M's plus HJ. If J wants back in, that's going to be his choice - I can't do anymore, than I have done, so............ my life will go on !!

Talking of family, I'm home alone - listening to music & having a good time !! At the moment, I'm playing a "new" bootleg by Led Zeppelin, recorded at the Capitol Centre, Maryland on February 10th 1975. This was given to me, earlier in the week - and, as far as soundboard recordings go, it's really good !!

As always, don't buy bootlegs - there are plenty of people, out there, who will give them to you - you just have to ask nicely & maybe you'll get lucky !! I'll do the tracks, on another day.... not today tho' - as I have been very naughty........ to explain !!

A week ago - last Friday night, B drove me up to see Gov't Mule, at the O2 Academy, Bristol - they were brilliant, they truly were !! How was I naughty - well, I did a Mike Millard & used my wheelchair to smuggle in my tape deck & mic. Ok - I was naughty - but I've already ordered up the official recordings, that the band are going to release..... sooooo, until then, I'll have my own recording to play !!

It was really loud - too loud, but all the same, my little mic and tape deck did me proud !! Everything came out really well..... very easy on the ears - the tracks are:

  1) 32-20 Blues
  2) Wandering Child
  3) Child Of The Earth
  4) Temporary Saint
  5) Game Face
  6) Forsaken Savior
  7) Million Miles From Yesterday
  8) Whisper In Your Soul
  9) Monkey Hill
10) Soulshine
11) Funny Little Tragedy
12) Bad Little Doggy
13) How Many More Years
14) About To Rage
15) 30 Days In The Hole
16) Mule
17) Beautifully Broken
18) Railroad Boy

I'm having problems, with reading the screen today, so I'm sorry for all the cock ups I'm probably made, along the ways of writing these words. It seems like forever, since I last looked at the screen in such detail !!

One thing, that I will admit to - the Mule actually made me cry, when they played 'Beautifully Broken'. I can't explain, what it it is, about that song, but bugger playing it for the ladies - you made this old fart cry like a baby !!

Right - Zeppelin are on 'Dazed & Confused' - and as B has now come home from shopping, I better think about turning everything off..... for now at least !!

This is not the best post, that I've ever written, but - it won't be the last...... I'll make sure of that !! So - for now, I thank you for your time & I wish you all well.... until next time....

Bye Bye

I've had enough......

Hi again...

Two posts in one day !! Life is good... or maybe bad, depending on your point of view, I guess !! I'm just very upset, at the moment !!

I can't work out, what I have to do, with my life, at the moment....... nothing I try to do, seems to make any sense !! I try to build a bridge, just to have to burnt down, before I get it completed.

Is there a point to life ?! I'm missing it - I really am, at the moment........ I wish I could swim, then  maybe I would be able to conquer the oceans, that seem to be in my ways. It's Ok - life will go on, but I can't keep my head above water any longer. I've had enough - I really have......

Bye Bye

Swallow The Sun....... Ho-hum !!

Hi again !!

It's a Saturday & life isn't too good - more of that later !! But first..... I hope you are all doing well, in which part of this beautiful Universe, that you all live ?!  I'm doing Ok - but things are a little mixed up here in the homestead !!

As I type, B & ME + HJ are at our local "May Fair" - here in the village. It happens every year, with stalls & music, set up in the main street. Nearly everybody goes along - except me, this year...... I'm not sure if I was asked, if I wanted to go..... but, it's no biggy !! I'll ask B, when they return...... I probably missed it !! Oh well....

The last time I went, was just before my first surgery, back in 2013 - 3 years ago.... that was a long time ago, tho' it doesn't seem like it, looking back. Nevermind !!

Anyhoo - that's most of the family..... there is another member, our Son J. He's having problems at the moment & I've e-mailed him, asking if we can do anything & reminding him, that I still love him & that he's my "Number 1 Son".

Unfortunately, my overtures have been pissed out the window & he still obviously hates my guts !! Oh well - life is good & it's taught me one thing, I can't win them all !! I still love him tho'....

Thinking about it - we have another member of the family.... ME's partner..... M !! I'm guessing he's at home today, watching the football, or something. Look after yourself M.... we love you too !!

Right - back to the mixed up stuff here......

B's debit card has been cloned again !! That's twice now, inside a year !! The first we realised, was when a letter came, saying some bills hadn't been paid. We contacted the bank & the card has been screwed with, again !!

I would love to catch whoever it is, who is doing this - I will happily sort them out, old school !! It stinks, whoever it is, they have to be stopped !! I have a gut feeling, that I know who, or I should say where, this is happening, but proving it - well, that's going to be the hard part !!

Apart from that - life is good.....

I'm still having problems, with my left side, of my body - it's definitely weaker, than my right side, but I've only fallen over, twice in the last 2 days - sooooo things are looking up, in that respect !! It'll get stronger, one way or another.... I'm not sure exactly how, but time will tell, I guess !!

As for the music of the moment - I'm playing part of the Dio album, I wrote about yesterday, or the day before. It's the live stuff, on Cd 2.... well good !! If the ladies are away, from much longer, I'll start on 'Songs From The North' by Swallow The Sun....... I must put this on the Mini Egg, so far I've just not got around to it !!

I thought I had done it - but, I guess I missed it, in the run up, to my last hospital visit !! It's good - so I must give it a good go & get it transferred. Maybe later today..... I'll see what time I have.

For now tho' - I must away !! Thank's for taking the time to log in & for reading my words....... until next time...

Bye Bye

Home again.... + chocolates !!

Greetings World's !!

How are you all spinning this fine day - I hope your centre of gravity is keeping you rooted to the bit of whatever bit of the Universe, that you call home !! Talking of which....

I'm home !!

After 5 weeks of being stuck in hospital, including over a week of quarantine, due to the beautiful Noro Virus, which completely wiped most of us out, on the 28 bed unit, that I was part of !!

If anyone tells you, that the virus is nothing to be worried about - well.... they have never suffered from it, or they are making it all up, just to sound important !! It really is a nasty bit of work - I wouldn't wish it on anyone !!

Anyways - I'm home..... and it feels wonderful, just to be surrounded by my own bits & bobs + of course, having the love of my Wife & Dearest Friend.... B !!

She is sat, over to my to my left, watching the film version of 'The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy' !! I wanted to see if I could fit it onto a couple of Cd's - and then, I can transfer them over to my Mini Egg..

When I was in the hospital - I tried, and failed, to listen to all of the radio Cd's......... I got as far as, well - it doesn't matter. I got most of the ways thru' it - but then my discharge went thru' & I was allowed home !!

As it was... well, the physio's were not 100% sure if I could make it & as it turned out, they were kind of right !! I had some extra crutches, but I couldn't handle them, in the house - sooooo..... on Wednesday, I had to go back to the hospital & get some frames, to help me around & about the place !!

I also took them a big box of chocolates, as a thank you, for all they did for me !! That was interesting !! To explain.....

I wanted to express my thanks, in the only way I knew how - thru' the staffs love of chocolate.... !! Sooooo - I went into the 'Hotel Chocolate' shop & asked for a "Big box of chocolates"  - to which I was asked how much I wanted to spend. The look on their faces when I said ".... about £100" !! Unfortunately, they didn't have a box, that big - so I settled for a cheaper version.....  a bit of a bummer really !!

When I went into the ward & gave them the box - one of the staff said..... and I quote..... "I've never seen a box of chocolates this beautiful" !! Sooooo - my thanks were appreciated & I left with a big smile on my face !! Bless them - I think there were about 100 different chocolates, in the box - so they might have lasted a few hours !!

I have spent nearly 6 weeks, in the hospital, so far this year.... now I'm home, life is good & I thank the Lord & all of you, who sent me their kind wishes, during my stay !! "Thank you all " !!

Staying with Wednesday......

I did what I do best & went into HMV.... just to buy  a couple of Cd's. To explain..... as best as I can. Ho-hum....

While I was listening to the Mini Egg, in the hospital - I realised, I have lots of 'live' Dio albums, but none of his original studio albums. So - I went into HMV & bought his first 2 offerings, in the "Deluxe Expanded Editions". Unfortunately - the 2nd one wasn't in stock, so I paid for it & it'll be here in a week or 2.

Anyhoo - the tracks on the first one 'Holy Diver' are as follows:

CD 1

1) Stand Up & Shout
2) Holy Diver
3) Gypsy
4) Caught In The Middle
5) Don't Talk To Strangers
6) Straight Through The Heart
7) Invisible
8) Rainbow In The Dark
9) Shame Of The Night

CD 2

1) Evil Eyes
2) Stand Up & Shout (Live)
3) Straight Through The Heart (Live)
4) Stand Up & Shout
5) Shame On The Night
6) Children Of The Sea
7) Holy Diver
8) Rainbow In The Dark
9) Man On The Silver Mountain

The last 6 tracks on CD 2 are from a 'King Biscuit Hour' show, from October 30th 1983..... all well good !! I'm looking forward to the 2nd album - when it finally gets here..... it's going to be good & that's a fact !!

Of course - I've not stopped there - I've also ordered up a few other Cd's..... but I'll write about them, as & when they get here, over the coming weeks..... I do love my music !! Plus - it's a great way to recover, from being back in the blooming hospital !!

Right, I must go.....


I thank you all, for logging in & for taking the time to read my words. One day, I might write something worth reading..... Ho-hum..... until next time...

Bye Bye

Another 48 hours........ Oh well !!

Hi again World's !!

It's coming to the end of another day, here in the madhouse....... also known as Musgrove Park Hospital....... in Taunton & I've a mixed bag of emotions going on, with-in my ol' bones.

First the family tho' !!

Yesterday was a special day !! Not only was it a Sunday, but the ward Sister gave me special permission, to go outside & sit with B. It was my first time, in the open, for over a week - I think - and to be able to meet up with My Wife & Dearest Friend.... well, it was some of the most special moments of this stay.

I had passed my quarantine, by about 2 days.... but B couldn't come into here, incase she became infected....... sooooo, I went outside to meet up with her & spend over 2 and a half hours together !!

It was really warm, sat in the Sun & eating fresh cakes, out of M & S - which was situated next door. They have a little food hall, in the hospital - but, I was under strict orders, to stay away from as many people as I could & - most definitely - to stay out of the building !!

It's unlikely I'm still "infectious" - but the Sister didn't want me taking any chances !! It was nice out there..... even if the ward did call B's mobile, to see where & how I was doing !! I think they thought I might do a runner..... it did cross my mind !!

But, I'm still here & B is miles away.... a real bummer !!

That's why I'm in a mixed state of mind tonight. I feel good, sure I'm struggling to walk, but - I feel good in myself & I want, sooooo badly to get out of this place !! The physio's don't tend to let me walk, more than a few paces, but - apart from that, I feel Ok !!

Plus of course, I'm missing B & home....... I really want to get out of this place !! Unfortunately, the ward has been declared off limits, for another 48 hours, on top of the 24, that should of ended tomorrow !! Sooooo - in a nutshell, the place is in lockdown, until Thursday !! A real bummer !!

So, that's been my day...... I hope, whichever part of the Universe you live in, is treating you better ?! Let me know.... it's always good to hear from you all. Ok - I'm behind with my e-mails, but....... I'll write when I can !!

Before I go - I've been listening to Mountain's set, from the Fillmore East box.... it's really good & worth adding to the collection - tho' I think I have a chunk of it already. The tracks are:

1) Never In My Life
2) Theme From An Imaginary Western
3) Roll Over Beethoven
4) Dreams Of Milk & Honey - Swan Theme
5) Silver Paper
6) Mississippi Queen

It's not the longest set, that I have by them, but it's all good music, even with a bit of the Rolling Stones thrown into the mix.... good fun !! Oh well.... I better go......

Thank's for logging in & for taking the time to read my words, wherever you might be nesting this fine April evening....... until next time....

Bye Bye

Shades Of Grey

'Shades Of Grey'

When the World and I were young,
Just yesterday,
Life was such a simple game,
A child could play.

It was easy to tell right from wrong,
Easy then to tell weak from strong,
When a man should stand and fight,
Or just go along.

But today there is no day or night,
Today there is no dark or light,
Today there is no black or white,
Only shades of grey.

I remember when the answers seemed so clear,
We never lived with doubt or fear,
It was easy then to tell truth from lies,
Selling out from compromise,
Who to love and who to hate,
The foolish from the wise.

But today there is no day or night,
Today there is no dark or light,
Today there is no black or white,
Only shades of grey.

It was easy then to know what was fair,
When to keep and when to share,
How much to protect your heart,
And how much to care.

But today there is no day or night,
Today there is no dark or light,
Today there is no black or white,
Only shades of grey............

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

Bye Bye

Another quarantine date.... bummer !!

Hi again Mr & Mrs Universe....

How are you all doing this beautiful Saturday evening ?! Of course, where you are, it might not be Saturday at all - but some strange day, that we poor Earthlings will never know, or understand !!

As it is, it's about 7pm & I'm still in the mad house - known as Taunton hospital......... it actually has a proper name, but you can look that up, if you feel so inclined to do so !! Just call it the "mad house" and I'll settle for that........ ain't life grand ?!

It' been a very upsetting day here...... for some dumb reason, our quarantine has been extended until Tuesday of next week !! That means, that we are stuck here - with out being allowed to go outside, or with-out seeing our loved ones !!

It's pissed me off - as I'm nearly 72 hours past my quarantine & had hoped to be allowed to see B, either here, on the ward, or (at least) outside...... but, no...... the ward is still on lock down & will be for the next 3 days, give or take !!

I'm not alone - quite a few of us, are past our deadlines, but the powers that be have decided to screw with us & keep us "locked up" until they see fit.

I had hoped to go to Chapel, tomorrow - but, the Chaplain is coming here, to see me.... which is good, it's going to be good to see a different face  and to take the Sacrament again !! We missed last week, as we were all too sick.... Ho-hum.....

I spoke to B about it, just a few minutes, before staring these words...... we're both upset, by the prolonged gap, in seeing each other - even more so, as I could of blagged my way home, on Friday, but decided to take the advice of the Physio-terrorist !! It was them, who wanted me to stay, because of my legs..... oh well......

I did some walking today... and went quite a ways further than before !! By this time - next year - I might be able to walk all the ways home.... that would be fun !! I would like to tackle the steps, in the morning.... but I don't see that happening.

The last 2 times, that I've had surgeries here, I've done the steps on the day after the operations..... not a chance this time tho' - my legs just don't want to work & that's all I can say really !!

I've had 12 spinal surgeries & each time, I've managed to walk soon afterwards........ this time, with-out any surgery, I'm completely messed up !! Bummer !!

Nevermind  Newcastle drew with Liverpool 2-2......... sorry about that M !! We knew you needed the extra point, so they decided not to beat you !! Life is good......

As for the music of the moment......

I'm listening to 'Encore' - the old Tangerine Dream live album. It's been on the Mini Egg, since the very beginning, so I thought I ought to play it, from time to time !! I had it as a Lp... now as a Cd.

The track are:

1) Cherokee Lane
2) Monolight
3) Coldwater Canyon
4) Desert Dream

Each track used to fit on one side of the double Lp.... so each are quite long - and I do love long live tracks !! That's just me, I guess..... long (old) & live-ish !! Nevermind....... There is very little to do here, except read & listen to music - I can put up with that, as long as they lift the bloody quarantine !!

Right, my plans for tonight...... none at all really !! I might frighten the staff, by taking an un-announced walk, that should be fun !! Anything to break up the boredom....... I must be feeling better !!

Which reminds me - my CRP has dropped to 7 !! So - from being 360+ - when I came in, I'm really starting to mend. My all time lowest was 6 - so I can live with 7....... things are starting to look up !!

I better be on my ways.... it's getting up to 8pm & I'm too bushed to do any more this evening. Sooooo wherever you may be, from America, to Australia & beyond.... thank's for logging in & for reading my words..... until next time.....

Bye Bye

'More Than A Feeling'

Well "Greeting's" World's !!

I hope you are all feeling full of the joys of spring ?! Ok - it's raining here - it's England, so what do you expect !! As it is - looking at thru' my hospital window, it's very overcast & not nice....... but, it's warm & dry in here !!

Anyhoo.... I really hope your parts of  this great Universe is treating you well & life is good for you, wherever you might be, this fine Friday. I know lots of you read my words, from different parts of the World..... so, I wish you all well.

First.... the family !!

I've spoken with B this morning, a couple  of times.... with some hopeful news, but then with some disappointment. To explain..... as best I can.....

As you might already know, I'm stuck back in the hospital. No biggy, I tend to live here - only joking (sort of)...... anyways. This morning, there was a good chance I could go home - my quarantine was up & as I feel good-ish, I asked the Consultant, if everybody was in agreement, could I go home. He actually agreed........ Sooooo - I called B & told her the good news, before she went out for the day's shopping.

Unfortunately, not everyone agreed - and now I'm stuck here, until sometime next week, at the earliest !! It turns out, that because my legs aren't working - I have to stay here, until I can get things going again. That could take a few days, or a few months - I will have to wait & see how things go.

Sooooo, I had to call B back up & say "sorry" Wife....... Nevermind - I'm sure she would much rather have me home in a fit state, rather than I am now !! Time will tell on that one......

As for the rest of my day......

Well, the ward is still in lockdown, as some are still in quarantine...... but, apart from missing seeing B, it's very quiet here, for most of the day. Some visitors are coming in, against the wishes of the nurses, but they are not allowed to stop them, sooooo they keep coming !!

It's stupid - we are in a bad place here, why people aren't listening to the medical advice & staying away.... well, it's beyond me !! I hope they all get sick as hell !! I sound mean - but, it's not meant to be, just the truth !!

One woman has just come in, claiming to have been ill, herself, for one day..... that's dumb, as this bug last 4 days, at best - sometimes longer !! Stupid cow.... she has no clue how sick we've all been, or how sick she could get, by being here !! Ho-hum.......

On the music front.....

Well, I'm listening to 'The Hobbit' as I type. It's the full length film version, that I put onto 9 Cd's, just before I came back into hospital. It makes for a good listen !! I'm just glad I had the time to do it all, so I could play it, on the Mini Egg..... great stuff !!

As for actual music - I mentioned yesterday, about the "friends" I've lost.... then these words came to mind, from Boston.

So many people, have come and gone,
Their faces fade, as the years go by,
Yet I still recall, as I walk along,
As clear as the Sun, in the Summer sky.

They seem to bring my thoughts, back to my mind...... oh well !!

Right, I better be on my ways again. I've got nothing to do, but I need all night, to do it in !! I must go...... thank's for logging in & taking the time to read my words, if by accident, or design.... I thank you..... until next time....

Bye Bye

Too many lost friends.........

Hi again World's !!

I hope your bit of the Universe is treating you well ?! It's another Thursday, here in the Taunton madhouse & things are looking up !! I'll try & explain... but first "The Family"....

Once again, B - My Wife & Dearest Friend - has had to avoid me, as we're still in lockdown/quarantine..... call it what you will. We've been this way now, for the biggest part of the week & it's getting a bit boring !! We all understand the reasons why - it's just not too brilliant, being stuck in here !!

As it was, she did come as far as the main doorway, into the ward, to bring me some fresh clothes.... I had run out of stuff, so the extra supplies were very welcome !! Being stuck here, of course, I didn't get to see her - but one of the staff brought everything to me. It was a nice touch, putting in today's paper !! Thank you B - I know it's been hard on you again.

Every year, we say "things will get better".... but every year, I seem to land up, back in this old place. Maybe next year... time will tell on that one - got to live thru' this stay first !! Only joking - tho' that DNR might bite me on the butt yet !! Ho-hum.......

From what I can make out, the Ladies of the family (B & ME + HJ) went up to Bristol this afternoon... all seem to have a good time !! I wish I could of been there with you all !! Nevermind.

HJ had to see the Dr. later on, about an eye problem... nothing serious tho' - just a quick MOT type of thing. "Take this cream" etc etc !! I'm sure she'll be fine... bless her !! I miss the little mite - I'll see her when the time is right tho'...

As for the rest of the Clan - I've had no news, from J - despite saying he wanted to see me. Ok - a visit was out of the question (see above)...... but, maybe a card, to say "Hi" or some thing !! Oh well - moving on.......

In one hour & 15 minutes, I will be past the 48 hour quarantine period !! "Yippeeeeee !!" It's not like I'm counting the minutes, but the quicker this thing ends, the better !! I want to get off the ward, for one thing - maybe visit the Chapel..... not yet tho' - maybe tomorrow !!

I'm going to have to learn how to walk again tho' - my legs are shot !! The Chapel is 300 steps from where I'm sat, I can't make 20. It will get better tho' - I just have to get a bit of practice in, then there will be no stopping me (again) !!

As for the music of the moment, I've given the Mini Egg a rest & I'm listening to the Allman's set, from the Fillmore ' Last 3 Nights' set, that came a few days or so back. The tracks are:

  1) Bill Graham Intro....
  2) Statesboro' Blues
  3) Don't Keep Me Wondering
  4) Done Somebody Wrong
  5) One Way out
  6) In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed
  7) Midnight Rider
  8) Hot 'Lanta
  9) Whipping Post
10) You Don't Love Me

It's a nice bit of history -..... well good !! Thank's M for letting me use the laptop..... it's helping to keep me sane-ish !!  Oh well...

By now, most of the World will know about Prince. My all time memory of him, was a few years back, at the Superbowl, when he played in the rain...... 'Purple Rain' indeed. RIP my old friend. Your music will live on & that's for certain !!

I can't get over how many people, who's music I love, have died. Some I had the luck to meet - Skynyrd, outside of the theatre, in Cardiff, comes to mind.... but nearly all of my "friends" have died now.........

Right - I better close down.... only 50 or so minutes to go...... it's been a long 48 hours & that's for sure !! I can't wait to get home - oh I feel a short story coming on.....

I was in a hospital, not this one, late one night - sat at a table, reading a book. Anyhoo - this lady brought her Son in & they were sorting him out. While she was waiting, she sat down beside me & we got to talking.

As it was late, I stifled a yawn, I did say "sorry"... but she asked if I had had a long day & what time I would be finishing work !! I had to tell her, I was a patient - to which she seemed surprised. I said it was Ok, as the really mad people were kept on another floor !! It's Ok - it was 1986 after all & I surely was mad....... very much so, as my true friends will testify !!

Right - I must go. I thank you all for logging in & for reading my words.... it's truly wonderful, to know you are all there, from right around the Universe !! I thank you... until next time...

Bye Bye

With thank's to Chris Stevens........

'Paddle To The Sea' - Holling Clancy Holling

In the canoe, the Indian smiled. Once he paused in a stroke, and rested his blade. For that instant he looked like his own Paddle. There was a song in his heart. It crept to his lips, but only the water and the wind could hear.

You, Little Traveler ! You made the Journey, the Long Journey. You now know things I have yet to know. You Little Traveler ! You were given a name in my Father's lodge.. Good Medicine, Little Traveler ! You are a truly a Paddle Person, a Paddle-to-the Sea !

With thank's to Chris Stevens....... Ho-hum !!

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

Bye Bye

"Time is on my side"

Hi again !!

B has told me, I've ben in hospital 4 weeks today !! Bummer... I didn't realise it had been that long !! Oh well....... home sometime soon - I hope !!

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

Bye Bye

Bruce Sprinsteen & other love songs......

Well "Hello" Worlds !!

I'm not sure what time it is - I'm guessing about 5pm..... I've really lost track of time, over the last few days or so !! I can't even remember when - or more to the point, how long ago, I came into the hospital. I  know it was just after Easter, but that seems sooooo long ago !!

The worst part, over the last few days, is not being able to see any of the family !! I know I can keep in touch, via the free 'phone service, but it's not the same !! I called B, just a short while ago - and to here little HJ in the back ground & to know I won't see her for - maybe - weeks..... well, that really hurts !!

Nevermind - my new friend ("Hi there") is keeping me smiling...... so I thank you foe your kindness. It's good to know you're out there !! As it is - the drip, which was fitted in the wee hours, has done me some good........ even if it didn't finish until the Lord knows what time, this morning !!

This ward is my home away from home - I've been here, at least, 5 or 6 times, over the last 3 & a bit years.... so, I know most of the nurses and staff. A while back, the Consultant was here & we had a good laugh !! He's still sending me for another MRI - maybe in a couple of days.....

My left leg & side of my body are still weak... which might be symptoms of a stroke. After everything else, I'm getting used to all the medic's can throw at me.... heck it's only a stroke !! I've had worse & there are people who are far worse off, in the hospital !!

I don't believe it is a stroke - that would be ironic.... considering everything else that has happened !! Time will tell, I guess !! Besides, I might get some new images, to add to my collection...... that would be interesting !! Ho-hum.....

With not sleeping all night, I got to listen to some great music over the last 12 hours or so !! I just played all of Bruce Springsteen's Barcelona concert... all 3 hours of it !! Great stuff.... I've always liked "live" music, so 3 hours of the Boss was just what the Dr. ordered !!

I've just met one of the specialist team, who have been looking after me, this past few years !! We both agreed, I do tend to "live here" !! Bless her....... she was here, on day one, when my back exploded !! It went all over her...... all I can remember, was the intense pain & the lady in question screaming for swabs & help !! It was the start of a brilliant friendship !!

I best go.... things to do & music to listen to........ over & over !! Thank's for logging I & for reading my words..... until next time....

Bye Bye

I can't keep from crying sometimes........

Hi again Worlds !!

It's nearly 5am & I've been awake all night !!

My tempt is up around 39 C - my pulse is up around 120 - according to the latest figures & I'm not feeling too well........ nevermind - I'm having a drip, in the next few minutes, so that will bring things under control !!

I hadn't been feeling too well, for most of the last 24 hours - but, life is good really. I've been playing loads of music....... way, way too much, it's no wonder I can't sleep !!  I ought to close this down - I spoke with B, a short while ago..... she seems wide away !! Ohhhhhhhhhhhh well !!

Must go - I wish I felt better..... until next time.......

Bye Bye

A bloody idiot next door !!

Well Greetings Worlds !!

It's another Sunday, here in the mad house & I'm still here !! I feel kind of poorly, but nothing a good few days at home wouldn't cure, I'm sure of that !! More of that later.... first the family !!

Because of the problems, on the ward, with disease control & a nasty bug that is going around, My Wife & Dearest Friend - B - has stayed at home today........ which means, I've been on my ownsome !! Never mind.... life, on the whole has been good.

It has made me, a bit mad - because the guy, in the next area, has had visitors all day & he is one of the prime suspects, for the bug !! He was warned, about bringing people in - but, did he listen.... not a chance !! Bloody idiot !! Oh well.........

Anyways - I've not seen anyone, all day........ but, I did get to listen to some great music !! A 4 Cd set, from the last nights at the Fillmore East, in 1971 !! I'm not going to write all the tracks down - but the people on the thing are awesome !!

They are:

Albert King - J Geils Band - Edgar Winter - Mountain - The Beach Boys - Country Joe & the Allman Brothers Band !! 4 Cd's of pure brilliance !!

I asked B to bring the Cd's in, so I could look at them - but I forgot, that's M's computer has a disc drive, which meant I could give them a listen !! Great stuff !! I still have lots to play - but it's going to be fun playing them all !!

Anyways - back to today.... well, the last 24 hours !!

I've had 2 nasty falls.... both a bit of a bummer !! The Dr was called out, at 4 am this morning, but by then, there was nothing she could do, the damage was done !! I'm a hurting.... but, the bruises will heal !!

Anyways - that's my day... short & sweet really !!

I thank you all for logging in & for reading my words...... especially my new follower friend - it's good to know you are out there & are taking the time to message me !! I thank you !!

Thank's to all of you......... until next time....

Bye Bye

Bad news.......

Hi everybody !!

Had some bad news today - I've got to stay in hospital, for a few more days.... bit of a bummer really !! It's all good, for all the right reasons.... I had just hoped to be home, in my own bed, this evening. Oh well.....

B spent a fair bit of time with me, his afternoon, which was great !! I needed the company !! I've had some more input, about why
is leg is playing up - but, I'll need some time, just to come to terms, with what might have happened......... I'll let you all know

Must go - it's late.

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

Bye Bye

Going home soon... I hope !!

Greetings World's !!

It's another Wednesday, here in England's South-West corner & I'm still stuck in the blooming hospital !! I'm now into my 3rd week - but, I had a bit of good news, earlier today....... I might be allowed home, by the weekend !!

I'm not 100% sure, how this is going to work, but I'll go along with the flow & see how things go..... I guess. On one hand - my Consultant says I can continue with my treatment, in the comfort of my own home - yet, the physical experts, well....... they seem to think, that I should be here longer !!

The latter want me to get some extra strength, back into my left leg - which is still really playing up, with no real kind of control, in the thing. Never mind - life will go on, no matter what they decide to do !!

As for the family......

Well, B came in, a little while ago.... actually, for most of the afternoon !! She helped me get a shower, took me for a little ride down to the hospital shops & stuff like that. It was good to see her again !! She's really happy, about the chance, I might be home sooner than we expected..... great stuff !!

Two nights ago, one of my best friends came by, for an hour...... he was coming back today, but I wasn't feeling too special, so I asked B to cancel the visit.

Then - last night, our Bishop came in for a quick visit, to see how I was doing. Like most of us, he's puzzled by what's going on !! It's hard to explain things, when deep down, I don't really have much of a clue myself !! Oh well.... life goes on & on !!

I've written before, about my 'Project 87' Cd's....... well, I've been playing around with them - working out, who I was listening to, the most - back in 1987. It turns out, that Pink Floyd came out on top, with Springsteen a close 2nd !!

Much to my surprise, the Allman Brothers came way down the list.... with only 6 or 7 plays !! That's kind of mad - given how much I've listened to them, over the last 30 years !! Oh well.... moving on.

I've spent most of the last few days, listening to music..... too many things to list here, but stuff that has ben on the Mini Egg, for the last couple of years or so. It's all good, it really is !!

Right - I better be on my ways now...... I'm still trying to work out, exactly how M's computer works !! Oh well.... when I'm home, I'll be able to get to grips with things !!

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

Bye Bye

Hi again !!

Greetings World's !!

It's been quite a while, since I last posted - sorry about that, life has thrown me another curve ball & I'm once again, back in the hospital !! I think it was Good Friday, when I lasted put finger to keyboard & it's been a roller coaster of a ride since then - never mind !!

As I type, I'm in my usual spot, in my usual ward, in the Taunton hospital & the staff are doing their best to look after me, bless them !! It's the same people I usually see, on these visits of mine & they're all making me feel at home.

Talking of home, I've been away from the homestead now, since the Tuesday after Easter..... quite a few days now - 2 weeks tomorrow in fact !! It seems like  a lifetime, it really does !! Life is good tho' & if all goes well, I might be allowed home, in the coming days or weeks !! I'm not really sure, to be honest ?! Oh well......

As for the family....

B & ME have visited quite a few times now..... almost every day. There was a couple of days, when I wasn't feeling too special & I told them to stay away.... I just wanted a bit of a break. I doubt if they understood, but, that's just me, I'm sorry to say !!

Of course, the beautiful HJ has been in, every time ME has been !! She really is growing well & has developed this beautiful smile !! Each time she has been, all of the nurses drop everything & come to the bedside, for the chance to have a cuddle !! They all love her.... what's not to love, I say !! She truly has brightened up this little blue dot of ours......... bless her.

Staying with ME - she picked up her new car a couple of days ago....... she loves it !! I've not seen it yet, but B has told me, it's a bright red & very big, just right for the growing family !! I'll get to see it, at some point - again, when I get out of here !!

Much to my surprise, B has told me, that J is hoping to pay me a visit, at some point !! I'm not sure how I feel about that - time will tell, I guess..... It's been a very long time, since I last saw him & a lot of crap has gone under the bridge. Oh well... I'll let you know how things go !!

I see I have a new follower !! I'm pleased to meet you & I thank you for taking the time to log in !! More about that, in a later post.

As for the music of the moment......

Well - I've got the Mini Egg on shuffle at the moment, so I'm getting loads of different tracks. 'Jesus Was Cross Maker' by Warren Zevon was just on, now it's some Grateful Dead !! I would go mad, with-out my music, I really would !!

I was pleased that I had put 'The Hobbit' on the Egg, before coming into the hospital !! I've really enjoyed playing it.... over & over !! No really - I've only played it twice... after all, it's about 9 hours in total length.... it takes a bit of time, to go thru' it all !! I'm probably give it another paly, maybe this afternoon.

I have to have another MRI today.... my 2nd in 2 weeks !! The main reason being, I've lost the use of my left leg & I fell over, 2 nights ago. Sooooo, the Dr's want to give it another check, just incase they can fix it. It's doubtful - but, maybe the scan will show up something !!

As I've been stuck in hospital so much, over the last 3 years, I have finally agreed to a DNR. It just means they will not go to extreme measures to save my life, if things go wrong. It was a big decision, but I'm glad I made it. I've had too much to put up with, since all of this started..... oh well !!

Right - I better go !!

My thanks to M, for letting me use his computer, here in the hospital..... It's been here for a couple of days, but today was the first time I've felt like using it !! Thanks M !!

Right....

I'm sorry this hasn't been the best post, I've ever written, but, it's going to take a while for me to get back into swing of things !! I do thank you all, for taking the time to read my words - it's good to know you're out there...... until next time....

Bye Bye

Transatlantic & other love songs... Ho-hum

Hi again World's !!

I really hope your bit of the Universe is treating you well, this fine Good Friday morning ?! I've been away from the keyboard, for a couple of days - since Tuesday - and things have been a bit painful, to say the least !!

First tho' - our thoughts & prayers, go out to all of those, who were injure & killed, in the Belgium bomb blasts !! I understand, that 3 of the injured were members of our Church - 3 Missionaries - so, we hope you're all doing a little better this morning. I can't imagine how & what you've been thru' but our prayers are will all of you.

As for those bastards who blew themselves up !! I hope the rivers were sour & the virgins had been had, long before you got anywhere near to that Utopia, or wherever, you hoped to get to, as martyrs !!

I read someplace.....

"Do not let your hatred of other people, to prompt you to act unfairly against others, be fair to all" or something like that... mind you, it was late at night & I was kind of stoned !! More on that later...

First... the family !!

As I type, B is upstairs, using the time to do a bit of house work. I've not been too well, this past couple of days... so, she has put off doing the bedroom, until I felt well enough, to get out of bed. I must point out, I've not been in bed, all of the last 3 days.... just the biggest part of them.

As for the M & M's.... well, we've seen a bit of ME... while M has been at work + of course, the beautiful HJ !!

Yesterday, the ladies went on a trip, to visit B's Auntie & Dad and to take HJ on a quick tour of the family !! All who saw her, instantly fell in love with our Grand Daughter - which is the norm, after all - what's not to love ?! She truly is one of God's beautiful people !!

While they were away, I spent the time listening to & transferring DVD soundtracks, over to Cd - ready for putting onto my iPod thingy..... also known as the Mini Egg !!

I'm listening to one of the transfers now.... Transatlantic's Cologne concert, from March 9th 2014 - it came our much better than I thought, given how poorly I was, at the time !!

Anyhoo... the tracks are:

CD 1

1) Into The Blue
2) My New World
3) Shine

CD 2

1) The Whirlwind Medley
2) Beyond The Sun
3) Kaleidoscope

CD 3

1) Neal & Ronnie Duet
2) We All Need Some Light
3) Black As The Sky
4) Medley - All Of The Above/Stranger In Your Soul

These transfers are for my own use - I don't want to get into the whole giving them away - or worse still, the selling of the copies !! I do these things for myself & that's about it really !!

Heck - I didn't realise, that the DVD's were different, from the concert on the Cd's !! I just thought, that the DVD was a copy of the Cd and that was it..... as it turns out, I now have a different concert to listen to, in the car, or the hospital.

It all started, because I bought the bands 'More Is Never Enough' 5 disc set. That contains, 2 concerts, from Manchester & Tilburg...... which set me thinking about the 'Kaliveoscope'  4 disc set. Sooooo - I've added 2 extra concerts, to the Cd collection !! Great stuff....

I'm still trying to make a complete list, of all of the Cd's !! I've done quite a few, but I still have several shelves to get thru'.... about 7 or 8 - I guess. Since coming home, from the hospital, this last time, I've found it hard, to concentrate  on the things........ too much pain & too few brain cells, to deal with it all !!

At least they're not too mixed up, I know which ones I've listed.... it's just a case of sorting out the rest & getting them all down, on the computer !! Oh well....

At the top of this post, I said "more on that later" - or something along those lines. Well - writing it, reminded me, of one of the nights, that I walked down to the hospital Chapel, during my last stay.

Each night, I would leave the ward & just spend a few minutes or more, in the Chapel, to get my thoughts together. It was one place, that I could go to, away from the hustle & bustle of the ward - somewhere quiet.

I've probably written this before, but...... one night, an Anglican Priest, who was in my ward, asked if I minded him joining me. So - I want you to try & picture this, if you can.

I'm there, sat quietly in the Muslim corner (the quietest place) of the Chapel & he is sat in the main area..... wearing a hospital gown. In other words - you had a Mormon, sat next to all of the Prayer Mats and another Priest, wearing a "dress", sat a few yards away from me.

This all happened about 9 or 10 at night.... honestly, it's no wonder we didn't spark some kind of security alert !! We must of looked quite a right pair of idiots !! Nevermind.... life has moved on...

Next week, I'm not sure which day, I have to go back to the hospital, to see my Consultant. It will be a bit easier - as I'm meeting up with him, in the towns new-ish hospital. It's not much closer, distance wise, but it's will be easier, as far as parking goes & everything !!

I'll be interested in his views, concerning how my back is healing up - or not healing up, depending how you look at it !! I know it's getting better, but it's still not right. I'll have to wait & see, just what his thoughts are on the subject !!

I have to go to the same hospital, tomorrow, for a change of dressings. Because of the Easter holidays, my local nurses are on a 4 day break, sooooo - I'm booked into the hospital, so that one of the nurses there, can do the deed !! It will be interesting, how they do it all, if they do things differently or anything like that. Time will tell on that subject, I guess......

Right, I better be on my ways....

I'm now onto the 2nd Transatlantic concert, from Tilburg. It was recorded on May 20th 2010 & the tracks are:

CD 1

1) The Whirlwind

CD 2

1) All Of The Above
2) We All Need Some Light
3) Duel With The Devil
4) Bridge Across Forever

CD 3

1) Stranger In Your Soul
2) Return Of The Giant Hogweed

So far, concerning how drugged up, I was yesterday, things have come out really, really well - a great bit of listening !!

Right, I must go.... I thank you for taking the time, to log in & read my words. It's always good to know, that you're out there....... until next time...

Bye Bye

'Hesitation Marks' Ho-hum.....

Hi again World's !!

I'm sorry to say, I've been away from the keyboard, since last Thursday - I'm really sorry about that !! One thing has pushed out another & before I knew it, 5 days have come & gone...... I've really been tardy !! You better take me out back & shoot me...... oh well....

It's another Tuesday & I'm sat here, listening to the latest Dream Theater album.... 'The Astonishing'. Since I bought myself a copy, a few weeks back, it has really grown on me !! I keep playing it, over & over - it's well good, go out & buy yourself a copy !!

As for the family - My Wife & Dearest Friend... B... is about here, someplace. She's been doing a bundle of housework this morning, moving bits of furniture around, to their Summer places.

It's hard to put into words really - but, every Summer, the furniture, here in the living room, gets moved around !! B's rocking chair is over by the window & the couch has moved to the centre of the room - all very strange.... but, it makes sense to us.

What the cats will make of it, well... time will tell on that one !! Each night, at least 3 of them, at least, jump up to their favourite sleeping places.... now tho, their places have been moved around !! I suspect there will be a little bit of puzzlement, between them...... I will try & remember to let you know, how things go !!

Staying with family......

Yesterday we spent some time, "baby sitting" HJ !! ME - our Daughter - had to have an eye test... sooooo, B & I went over to the house for a couple of hours, just to look after the wee one.

I really loved it... especially as I was able to give her a long cuddle !! B fed her & changed he nappy, after which I was able to hold my Grand daughter for about 30 minutes, until ME came back to the house....... it was brilliant, it really was !!

I've not felt too well, this past week...... to hold HJ, like that, really made me feel a lot better. It didn't matter, just how poorly I felt, holding her swept everything else, out of my mind !!

As for the rest of the family..... well, M was working, so we didn't get to see him. Mind you - had he been home, we wouldn't of had the need to baby sit HJ !! Oh well.....

As I've been feeling a bit under the weather, I saw my local Dr. yesterday.... he, once again, put me on some more pills, to try & help things along !!

We had to decide, if the pains in my back, were connected to the old operation - a kind of infection there, or if it was some other infection, a new one, which was causing all of the new pains.

Personally, I think it's connected to the old surgery - but.... I'm hoping I'm wrong !! I do not want to go back into hospital again, to have another operation !!

I think we all agree now, that my heart is Ok & hasn't had any kind of attack, over the past few months. Life is good - I don't need any more health problems !!

Staying with "yesterday" - I picked up a copy of Nine Inch Nails's 2013 album 'Hesitation Marks'. I've not played it yet, but the tracks are:

  1) The Eater Of Dreams
  2) Copy Of A
  3) Came Back Haunted
  4) Find My Way
  5) All Time Low
  6) Disappointed
  7) Everything
  8) Satellite
  9) Various Methods Of Escape
10) Running
11) I Would For You
12) In Two
13) While I'm Still Here
14) Black Noise

At some point - I'll turn the amp down to deafening & give it a blast thru' the Bose...... I'm looking forward to that !!

For now tho' - I best think about shutting the computer off & giving my fingers a rest...... I need to sit in my comfy chair....... after all, nobody expects the comfy chair !!

I thank you all, for reading my words & for coming back to my blog, month after month !! As I say - it's good to know that you're out there..... until next time.....

Bye Bye

'Ommadawn' and Darwen... Ho-hum !!

Hi again World's !!

I hope your bit of the Universe is treating you well, this fine Thursday. To be honest - altho' it's the best part of 3pm, I've not been awake for very long !! I know, I've been tardy, but I haven't been feeling too special, so I took the time to sleep a bit longer.... well, more than usual !!

It looks really nice, outside.... the Sun is bright & the sky is blue - can't be too bad, can it ?! I've not actually been outside, at all, today - but it feels warm, sat here beside the window. Even feeling like crap, life is good !!

I'm on my own, for a few hours. B has gone over to the M & M's house, to help out a bit..... plus to hold HJ for a little extra time !! Between ME & B, they've done some housework & a little tidy around...... I doubt if HJ helped, but she certainly will be the centre of attention & that's for sure !! Bless her....

I was able to hold my Grand Daughter, for a very short time, yesterday..... and, with those "baby blue" eyes, she really is gorgeous. She is 2 weeks old now & gets more & more beautiful, every time I see her !! Not that I'm bias, of course !!

Sooooo - with me being a little poorly & the clan out of the house, I'm just sat here, listening to some music, turned down to deafening !! Well - I've got to the neighbours awake, haven't I !!

As it is - I'm just playing one track, over & over..... and that's Mike Oldfield's 'Ommadawn' - one, if not the best track he's ever done !! I have always loved it - from the first time I ever heard it...

There is a little story, attached to this one track...

Way back, many Moons ago, I was meeting someone, for the very first time, in my life. This meeting was going to (and did) happen in the town of Darwen, in Lancashire.

I was living in a different part of Somerset, at the time.... so, it took me about 5 hours to get there, to navigate over roads I had never been on before. All in all, I made good time, I really did..... then, I was on the outskirts of Darwen & 'Ommadawn' was blasting out of the stereo system, as I made that last few miles of my journey.

It's one of those moments - in a person's life - that has always stuck in my memory !! I made it to Darwen & met the person..... and it all went downhill from there !! I shouldn't say that really.... but, it feels like that, looking back over the years. Nevermind - life is still good & that's a fact.....

End of story..... really....

Right, what else is new ?! Not a lot really. Well, actually - there is one bit !! To explain.... as best as I can.

As is my need, I have to go down to the local Dr's surgery, to have my dressings changed, 3 times a week....... so, I went down, yesterday.

I've been feeling poorly, for more than a few days & the nurse, at the surgery, has been keeping an eye on me. Yesterday, as I had previously told her. I have been suffering from pains, across my chest..... no big problem, I've been like this for a goodly number of months now !!

Anyhoo - she did a quick ECG & it came up, that - at some point - I have had a heart attack !! How mad is that ?! Sure - I've had these pains - but.... I can't imagine I've had a heart attack, that's just
crazy !!

So, as it is, I'm going to see another Dr tomorrow, for a check up - hopefully, she will find nothing wrong & I will get back to my usual self. A heart attack, that's just mad, too mad, it really is !!

Right, I've changed the music, over to an old Rush bootleg 'La Villa Strangiato' - which, I think was recorded back in March, 1980. The tracks are:

  1) 2112
  2) The Spirit Of Radio
  3) Natural Science
  4) Beneath, Between, Behind
  5) By Tor & The Snow Dog
  6) Xanadu
  7) Working Man
  8) Finding My Way
  9) Anthem
10) Bastille Day
11) In The Mood
12) Drum Solo
13) La Villa Strangiato

As always, don't buy bootlegs !! But - if you get the chance to listen to this Cd, I think you will enjoy it, it's really good !! Just don't pay your good cash, for this or any bootlegs, buy the bands  - any bands - live recordings first.... that will be good for the band & the music business and industry !! Oh well.....

Right, I best think about closing this down for today. I've got a few things to do.... not much..... but, I best be doing them.

Sooooo - as always, I thank you for logging in & for reading my words. It really is great to know, that you are out there, in your various Countries, around the World.... until next time.....

Bye Bye

'Welcome Back My Friends.......'

Greetings World's !!

How has your bit of the Universe treating you this fine Saturday ?! It's about 1pm here in England's South-West corner, the daffodils are out, the Sun is bright & life is pretty good, even if I say so myself !!

I've been away from the keyboard, just for a couple of days - mainly to "regroup" my thoughts a bit. I wasn't feeling too special & I needed some me time, just to put my brain, back into my head. I get that ways, from time to time...

First tho' 'The Family' !!

As I type, My Wife & Dearest Friend - B - is upstairs, doing a bit of work, in her Craft Room. The sewing machine is out, sooooo, I'm guessing she is working away on a quilt, that she has been doing over the last few weeks.

I've told her & the M & M's have told her - it looks really great.... but, it's the first one's she has ever done, so she it has to be just right !! I'm the same with recordings - we both want our work,  in a ways, to be perfect !!

Talking of the M & M's - they, along with baby HJ were here a couple of days ago. ME is looking really well, M looks every bit, the new Dad..... and HJ is just perfect !! She really has her own character, bless her !! We'll see her again soon, I'm sure...... hope so at least ?!

I'm just afraid of giving her a bug !! I keep getting told "you'll be fine" and the such like.... but !! I don't want to give the mite anything, I really don't !! Not in these few weeks at least.....

Going back to a little while ago - I spent some time, up in my 'Man Cave' area. I've not felt well enough, to do that much in there.... even tho' there is still stuff to thro' away !! But - today, I bit the bullet & went in there, to put a few things together..... things in boxes & stuff off the floor !! I filled 3 boxes & so they will get sorted out, the next time I head towards the loft space.

I've been collecting stuff, for years, so it's time it was stuck in a box, ready for a new owner, at some point down the road !! In a way, I'm hoping the Star Trek model collection will come to an end soon. I've just enough room, for maybe 4 more models, in one of the boxes. I don't really want to start another box - only to find I only half fill it !! Time will tell on that one.... no biggy !!

What is a biggy - I found out, today that Keith Emerson had passed away, at the age of 71 (I think).... I'm not 100% sure when he died, but I did hear it was on the 10th - maybe 2 days ago, but don't quote me on that !!

So - with his many solo projects, the work he did with The Nice & Emerson, Lake & Palmer, he has left behind a massive amount of work !! Try & check it out - there is some fantastic stuff available !!

To mark his death & because B was singing "Welcome back my friends....." I'm playing the 2 Cd set, of the same title, 'Welcome Back My Friends, To The Show That Never Ends - Ladies & Gentleman Emerson, Lake & Palmer'

It was originally on a 3 Lp set and was one of those albums, that 'Prog Rock' (and others) fans had to buy !! I know I did.... along with Yes's 'Yessongs' triple album.... which came out, around the same time..... and which was unfairly (I think) compared, in one way or another to the ELP album.

Anyways... the tracks on the 2 Cd version are:

CD 1

1) Hoedown
2) Jerusalem
3) Toccata
4) Tarkus
5) Take A Pebble Pt.1

CD 2

1) Piano Improvisations
2) Take A Pebble Pt.2
3) Jeremy Bender/The Sheriff
4) Karn Evil 9

I thought I might have listed these tracks before - but, I'm not really sure. Anyhoo.... it's a good album & an album which many of today's stars use as a mark of excellence !! Groups like Dream Theater, to name but one, really owe Emerson a big "thank you" for what he did, using the keyboards of the time..... Goodbye my old friend !!

When people ask me, what this - or that - band has done recently, I usually say nothing.... mainly as their dead !! Unfortunately, that list grows bigger & bigger, each year..... !!

Staying with music....

There is a record fair, in Exeter today & once again, I've missed it...... bummer !! B did offer me the chance to go down, but I simply couldn't be bothered. If money was no object, I would of gone down, to see what was available..... but, not this week !!

I'll see what happen, in about a month, when there are a couple more.... locally..... it won't be so far to travel & I'll get to see some of the same people, so I get to win on both fronts !!

One of the big reasons, for going to the Exeter fair, was to see the guy who sells the Cd cases. Now he no longer does the fairs and I've recently bought over 100 cases from him, mail order... well, there was one less reason, to go down to Exeter !! Oh well......

I've just had a 'phone call - HJ is coming to see us, in about 20 minutes, sooooo I better shut this off & put on a clean T shirt !! This one got a bit grubby when I was in the spare room.

So, for now, I thank you for logging in & for taking the time to read my words..... it really is good to know you're out there.... until next time...

Bye Bye

'Keep Me In Your Heart'.......

 'Keep Me In Your Heart' - Warren Zevon

Shadows are falling and I'm running out of breath
Keep Me In Your Heart For A While

If I leave you it doesn't mean I love you any less
Keep Me In Your Heart For A While

When you get up in the morning and you see that crazy Sun
Keep Me In Your Heart For A While

There's a train leaving nightly called when it's said and done
Keep Me In Your Heart For A While

Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-li-li-lo
Keep Me In Your Heart For A While

Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-li-li-lo
Keep Me In Your Heart For A While

Sometimes when you're doing simple things around the house
Maybe you'll think of me and smile

You know I'm tied to you like the buttons on your blouse
Keep Me In Your Heart For A While

Hold me in your thoughts, take me to your dreams
Touch me as I fall into view
When the winter comes keep the fires lit
And I will be right next to you

Engine driver's headed north to Pleasant Stream
Keep Me In Your Heart For A While

These wheels keep turning but thy're running out of steam
Keep Me In Your Heart For A While

Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-li-li-lo
Keep Me In Your Heart For A While

Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-li-li-lo
Keep Me In Your Heart For A While

Keep Me In Your Heart For A While


Enjoy the sandwich folks.......

'More Never Is Enough' !!

Hi again everybody......

It's a warm-ish Saturday, here in England. I've not been anywhere (yet) today.... but, it feels Ok, here in the homestead. Today is one of those very special days.... our Wedding Anniversary !! I won't tell you how long we've been together..... but, as both of our children are all grown up - that should give you a clue... My thank's to B, for being My Wife & Dearest Friend... !!

We're actually watching a programme, about the floods, that hit parts of the country, earlier in the year. We have all the sympathy in the World, for the people, who were flooded..... but. I have to think, if you saw the rain was coming down & you been flooded in the past, move your furniture, before it's too late !!

There are people moaning about this, that & the other - but, you do need to help yourselves !! That's going to get me a slagging, if nothing else !!

Right - it's been a few days, since I last put finger to keyboard - sorry about that..... I wish I could live up to my plans, of writing every day - but.... something comes along & I just run out of time !! Oh well !!

Right - story time... please sit comfortably & I will begin !!

Back in 2013, I was at a very low point in my life. I was stuck in the hospital & I had found out, that the following day, I was going to have my 5th or 6th surgery. I was very down in the dumps & - I admit - I was feeling sorry for myself.

Anyways - in the middle of the night, I somehow walked to the bathroom.... and got completely stuck, on my ways back. I was just stood there, not being able to move..... heck, I had a 12 inch hole in my back, soooooo...

As it was, one of the night staff saw me & I was helped back to my bed. My wound was dressed - I had made it bleed thru' my old dressings - and seeing that I had had enough, the nurse said to me, in a firm voice "Don't you give up, don't you dare give up" !!

When I was back in hospital - in October/November of last year.... I actually saw the same nurse & I said to her "I didn't give up" !! and we had a laugh about the "old days"..... or however you want to call it.

I was very low, very down in the dumps.... but, nearly 3 years on, the World gave me an answer, as to why I had no right to just give up. On Thursday - 2 days ago.... I was able to hold my Grand Daughter, HJ..... and that was one of the greatest days in my life, it really was !!

The M & M's brought her over, to see us & I was able to hold the little one, for a few minutes or so. She really is the most beautiful little creature on this pale blue dot !!

I handed her over to B - after a little while - I didn't want to hold her all day.... she is too small & fragile, to be in my rock crushing
hands !! As it turned out, one of better neighbours was invited over & she just loved the little one !!

HJ is the most fantastic gift and I'm soooooo happy for the M & M's !! Well done guys.... keep smiling, the sleepless nights will end - at some point, I promise you !!

I know I'm bias - but.... she is beautiful !!

Anyways... that was Thursday !! Going back to yesterday, B took me to Taunton, to have a quick lot around the shops. I actually went into HMV and didn't buy a single Cd !! I must be sick or something.... only joking !!

I did find an Allman Brothers Cd... that looked very interesting - but, it also looked very familiar, so I left it. As it turned out, I already had a copy, home here. It was one of their 'live' sets, that I bought a couple  months or so back..... I'm glad I didn't waste £16 on it !! If only I had a brain, I would of remembered it straight away. Oh well.....

Over the last couple of days, I've had a bundle of stuff reach me, in the post !! 100 blank Cd's - about 100 empty Cd cases - from my old friend R, from the record fairs & a fantastic 5 disc set from Transatlantic, called 'More Never Is Enough' !!

The 3 Cd's are from Manchester & the 2 DVD's are from Tilburg..... the Cd's tracks are:

CD 1

1) The Whirlwind 79.47

CD 2

1) All Of The Above 31.57
2) We All Need Some Light 10.23
3) Duel With The Devil 28.48

CD 3

1) Bridge Across Forever 6.03
2) Stranger In Your Soul 33.17

As you can see, from all the track times - it suits me down to the ground !! It's live & it has long tracks on it, that ticks all of my boxes !! Brilliant stuff, I'll see about putting the DVD onto Cd - ready for transferring over to my iPod thingy. That's for the future sometime....

I have to find a home, for all of these empty cases first... for now, I thro' them up in the spare room - along with a big poster, that is behind me !! It's one of my X-rays, blown up to poster size.... might sound dumb - but it's really brilliant !! Very unique and that's for sure.

Right I must think about going......

As always, I thank you for logging & reading my words. It's good to know that so many of you keep coming back to my ol' blog.... until next time....

Bye Bye

More 'Endless Forms' and stuff like that....

Greetings World's !!

It's mid-week, here in England and it's not very nice at all outside !! We went into town, a little while back & it really was blowing a gale out there !! So much so - that on our return to the homestead, we've discovered part of the roof missing..... that's a bit of a bummer !!

Nevermind - it's no big deal, we'll get it fixed as soon as we can.... it's not letting any rain in, so - as I say - it's no biggy !!

Right, as I type, B is upstairs, catching up on some well needed sleep. With all that has gone on, this last few days, we're all feeling a little knackered !!

The M & M's brought HJ home from the hospital, last night.... and I understand baby & parents are doing well. B did take the chance, to go over to see the 3 of them, after tea..... I stayed home, mainly as I was feeling ropy yesterday & I didn't want to give the wee mite any of my bugs !!

A little earlier, while we were in town, we sent ME a text - just to see if it was Ok to visit.... but, as we didn't get an answer, we headed straight home. I've spoken with the proud parent since & I've told her, I will see HJ before the end of the week & that's for sure !! I can't wait !!

Anyways - we went to town, paid some cash, into the bank & did a grocery shop..... I'm guessing, with the food we bought + the stuff I've ordered since being home, most of the money is gone now !!

For the record - everything I've ordered was "Ok" with My Wife & Dearest Friend...... She has been onto me, for months, to buy the stuff - sooooo, today, I did it all !!

Sometime, over the coming weeks or so, I will have 2 albums, by Transatlantic, a bundle of 100 blank Cd's & a shed load of new Cd cases !! All of which will get used, over & over !! I've got a little fed up of trying to make do, with old cases, sooooo the new ones will come in handy !!

The 2 albums, by Transatlantic are 'Live In America' which is probably one of their earliest live albums, plus a collection of live stuff, the their 2010 tour. It's all good - I'm just pleased I was in the position to buy them !!

As for the music of the moment - I'm listening to Nightwish's 'Endless Forms Most Beautiful' album. I've done the tracks for this before - but, for new readers, they are:

  1) Shudder Before The Beautiful
  2) Weak Fantasy
  3) Elan
  4) Yours Is An Empty House
  5) Our Decades In The Sun
  6) My Walden
  7) Endless Forms Most Beautiful
  8) Edema Ruh
  9) The Eyes Of Sharbat Gula
10) The Greatest Show On Earth

It's a really great album - for me, one of their best !! Go & give it a listen, if you can... your ears will love you for it !!

Right - I'm going to close this down for now.... things to do & stuff like that. I actually bought some ink, for the printer, this morning, so that will help me catch up on a few things !!

For now, I thank you for logging in & reading my words.... tomorrow, if I'm lucky, I'll have one of the Transatlantic albums, here to write about.... that would be good, so.... until next time...

Bye Bye

A new member to the Clan... Ho-hum

Hi again World's !!

If your bit of the Universe is treating you as well, as it's treating us..... heck you must be having a really great day !!

Last night, just after Midnight - we were blessed with the news, that we have an extra member to the Clan !! Our fantastic Daughter ME gave birth to our first Grand Child, a little girl !! Both parents & baby are doing well & are, as far as I know, doing extremely well !!

The baby was 7 pounds 7 ounces in weight & is called HJ !! I've seen one picture and - altho' I'm  bias, the little one looks absolutely beautiful !!

Sooooo - that's my news, for today.... I'm not going to write anything else, not today at least.... there is nothing I can say, that will even come close to that bit of news !!

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

Bye Bye

Warren Zevon & other happy thoughts !!

Hi everybody !!

I wish you all a very happy "Leap Year Day" !! It only happens a few times, in a persons life - sooooo.... happy 'LYD' !! It could turn out to be a very special day..... but, I'm not going to say anymore.... ?!

It's a cold, but dry day, here in England's South-West corner !! We've been into town this morning & it's not very nice out there !! Blooming chilly & that's a fact !! Nevermind - life goes on & on & on...

B is sat over to my left.... watching an episode of 'Breaking Bad' !! The M & M's loaned us their copies of the show, sooooo, we're having this great catch up session. I think we're up to season 2 or 3 now.... I've lost track !!

While we were in town, we went over to their house, just to catch up. Bless them, they've had a bummer of a night !! Nevermind -  as I say, life goes on..... !!

Anyhoo.... it's been a good day, so far....

I've managed to catch up, with an old friend, from the record fairs, down in Exeter.... He sells Cd cases & stuff - but, the problem is, he stopped doing the fairs & I lost track of him, to order stuff. But, yesterday - I found his web site & now we're back in business !!

I've managed to order a shed load of stuff - which, altho' it's cost me a bit - I can happily "write it off" as I've not bought any cases for a couple of years & I won't need to buy any, probably for another year. So - it's not such a bad deal really....... I just have to find room for them, when they get here !!

'Breaking Bad' has come to an end - so.... once again, I'm listening to the Cd's I made, from 'The Hobbit' movies. I could tell you which track I'm on  - I think it's called 'Shores Of Lake Town'..... but, I'm not too worried about that !! I just wanted something to listen to.....

I must buy some more ink, at some point..... I'll probably get around to it, on Wednesday - the next time, I'm thinking about going into town. It's quite cheap, in the supermarket.... well, depending what you buy of course !!

I could by stuff, in a similar type of cartridge - but, it's cheap & nasty & never seems to last very long.... compared to the official stuff. I've made that mistake before - bought cheap & regretted it almost right away !!

It either blocks the printer up, or just refuses to work properly !! Oh well - that's for another day..... Wednesday or Thursday....

Right, the music of the moment - not what I'm listening to, just what's on my mind at the moment !!

The Cd I have in mind is 'Genius - The Best Of Warren Zevon'. It's a great collection of songs, by a long lost & missed artist !! The tracks are:

  1) Poor Poor Pitiful Me
  2) The French Inhaler
  3) Carmelita
  4) Hasten Down The Wind
  5) Werewolves Of London
  6) Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner
  7) Excitable Boy
  8) Lawyers, Guns & Money
  9) Interlude No. 1/Play It All Night Long
10) A Certain Girl
11) Looking For The Next Best Thing
12) Detox Mansion
13) Reconsider Me
14) Boom Boom Mancini
15) Splendid Isolation
16) Raspberry Beret (Hindu Love Gods)
17) Searching For A Heart
18) Things To Do In Denver, When You're Dead
19) Mr Bad Example
20) Mutineer
21) I Was In The House, When The House Burnt Down
22) Genius

I was playing the Cd, while we were in town.... Warren Zevon - check him out, when you get the chance... he was really good !!

Right - I best be on my ways.... things to do & think about. We have had a flood in the kitchen & I have every reason to believe, that by tomorrow, we will be Grand Parents !! I will keep you posted !!

For now, I must be on my ways........

As always, I thank you for your time & for logging in.... it's really good to know you're out there !! By tomorrow things are going to be very exciting.... until next time....

Bye Bye

'Bridge Across Forever' and other albums...

Well "Greetings" World's !!

It's the end of another week... really, not another Friday - it's actually Saturday !! As I type - I'm feeling like crap.... the main reason I didn't write yesterday.... sooooo - if this falls apart, well, blame me !!

Going back 24 hrs - I had to go to the local hospital, to have my dressings changed.... and from now on in, I can actually go down the road, to see my Dr's surgery nurses !! Not only will it save a bit of traveling, I feel much happier, being with nurses I know !!

It'll save B - who is sat over to my left, finishing a Unicorn - getting me into the car & driving me the 12 miles, thru' town & into the hospital. Anything that helps, in that respect, is fine by me !!

Staying with B.... and the Unicorn !!

She has made it, so our Grand Daughter will have one, in her room, when she comes home. ME wanted one & so B has done the deed & has made beauty !! It's white, with a yellow horn & a multi-coloured tail & mane !! It looks really good !! It's nearly finished.....

I'm not sure if we're going to drop it off, at the M & M's house, or if they are coming this way, at some point. Time will tell on that one... we will have to wait & see what happens !! It's dry & relatively warm, outside - so maybe we'll drop it off.....

This week has been a bit of a bonus really. Not only have I managed to escape going to the hospital - I've had 2 great albums, arrive !! Both are by Transatlantic & they've gone a great way towards completing my collection of all of their stuff.....

On Thursday afternoon, I had their 'Live In Europe' 2 Cd set reach me..... which was a bit of a let down, but.... Then, yesterday, I had their 'Bridge Across Forever' Cd !!

The tracks are:

'Live In Europe'

CD 1

1) Duel With The Devil
2) My New World
3) We All Need Some Light
4) Suite: Charlotte Pike Medley

CD 2

1) Stranger In Your Soul
2) All Of The Above

I say it was a bit of a let down.... mainly as I have this already, in the form of their 'Live In Europe' DVD !! Nevermind... you win some, you lose some........

The tracks on 'Bridge Across Forever' are:

1) Duel With The Devil
2) Suite: Charlotte Pike
3) Bridge Across Forever
4) Stranger In Your Soul

I can't fault this album !! It's just brilliant 'Prog Rock' and is worth having in the collection - I'm just pleased I finally bought a copy !! I've put if off, for so long.... Oh well - great music !!

As I type - I'm listening to 'The Greatest Show On Earth' by Nightwish.... another great track.... go & buy yourself, their 'Endless Forms Most Beautiful' album !! I use the word 'brilliant' a lot - but, this is a fantastic track !!

I've been very fortunate, in my later life - to be able to buy all of the albums, that just take my ear..... I never dreamed, that I would have so many great albums..... I've been very fortunate & that's a fact !! Life goes on....

... and feeling like I do, at the moment, so must I !!

I'm sorry this has been sooooo short, but I really feel like crap at the moment, so I hope I can be forgiven ?! Thank you for logging in & for reading me words - it's always good to know you're out there.... until next time...

Bye Bye

Loud music & various thoughts... Ho-hum !!

Hi again World's !!

Is your part of the Universe treating you well, this fine Thursday morning ?! It's bright, it's Sunny & it's really chilly outside.... I've just come back to the homestead, after a quick visit to my local Dr's surgery & I'm glad to be inside again.......

It's only 9.30am & I'm up & fighting fit, for a change !! I'm usually dead to the World, at this time of the day - but, because of a little jiggery pokery with my morning pills & potions, I'm trying to stay awake. There is something, in my morning drug run, that knocks me sideways...... hence I'm usually asleep at this time of the day !!

But - with having to see my local Dr & the cooler weather... I've woken up & intend to stay that ways, for a while at least !!

Enough of me... 'The Family' !!

It's a very special day, today !! It's our Daughter's birthday !! "Happy Birthday" ME.... we love you sooooo much & wish you every happiness, on this special day !! I'll 'phone her up, in a little while - it's too early yet tho'....

As for B - My Wife & Dearest Friend - she is heading towards town, to take in her Carers Group meeting...... from there, she is going over to pay a visit to the M & M's house, to do the whole birthday greetings thing !!

She is also taking over a pile of cake, for the birthday girl..... hopefully she will like them, they look fantastic !! Happy birthday little one !!

Anyways....

With B going to be out, for the biggest part of the day.... I'm home alone & the music is way loud !! I'll come back to that, in a little while... but, Dream Theater's 'Status Seeker' is blasting away, as I type !!

Going back to yesterday.... the Missionaries came over for another visit. That's twice in less than a week - I must of been bad, or good - depending how you look at it.... to have them visit 2 times, so quickly....

As it was - they stayed for much longer, than they should of, mainly looking at my 'Lord Of The Rings' & 'The Hobbit' stuff. I showed them the fancy books I have, a special pair of editions, that were given to me, many many years ago, by some friends & my ex. They were well impressed by both - and I blew them away with how I had done 'The Hobbit' movie s/t's for myself !!

I think they would both like copies - but, as I do them, for my own use - I don't want to go about recording extra copies, for others. Don't worry M... you'll get a copy - but, you're family !! I don't want to do them for other people - that wasn't the point of doing them. I just wanted them, for myself.... and members of the immediate family !!

Anyhoo - that was yesterday..... coming back to this morning......

Across the road from our house, the Sun casts a really interesting shadow, over our neighbour's front wall. At this time in the day - their satellite dish, has this long shadow - then, as the Sun goes around, the shadows alter & then, by tonight, the Sun will come around behind our house, causing a big shadow, to cover the front wall, ever so slowly.

It's like a giant Sundial..... with our house being the final gasp, as the Sun goes down. Then - of course - the Moon will rise, above the same house & we can watch that one go over & then behind our place.... all very weird & wonderful !!

Even weirder - Dream Theater's 'The Ones Who Helped To Set The Sun' is playing, as I type !! That's a little spooky !! Oh well....

Right...

'The Music Of The Moment' !!

I don't know why I've given it a separate title/heading.... it's just what I'm listening to as I type !! That's going to take a little explaining - especially if you're new to my blog.

Going back many years, we used to do old fashion "Mix tapes". That is to say, I would put the tracks I liked, onto tape & - in my case - I would play them in the car. Moving forward in time - I've started doing them again... but, instead of tapes, I'm now using Cd's. With me, so far ?!

Over time - these collections have been given the title 'Bust A Gut' - in reference to my various health problems......... now, I'm up to 'Bust A Gut 5 - The Silent Click'..... I'm working on that one now, that is to say, it's my latest effort, at putting together a collection of tracks, that I like. Today, however - I'm playing the last one...... 'Bust A Gut 4 - Park & Ride'.

However, it dawned on me, last night, that altho' the thing is on my iPod thingy - I didn't know if I had written all of the tracks down !! It's no biggy - but, after looking at the computer, I've discovered a file & low & behold, all the tracks are in there !!

I won't bother you with all of the tracks, but the groups featured are, in no particular order:

Dream Theater
Transatlantic
Within Temptation
Nightwish
Max Webster
Rush
Allman Brothers Band
Gregg Allman
Linkin' Park
Gov't Mule
Queensryche
Led Zeppelin
Rainbow
 and The Hooters

I might have missed one or two of the bands - but, only on a collection of stuff, by me, could you get such a variety !! Mind you - 'Park & Ride' does last for 14 Cd's - sooooo, I've had plenty of time , to fit everything in !!

I've no idea, just how many Cd's this latest collection will take up.... I just put on, what I like (at the time) and go from there !! So far, 'The Silent Click' has tracks by:

Dream Theater
Marillion
Nine Inch Nails
and Nightwish

Heck knows what else I'll put on the thing....... time will tell !!

Away from music...

Yesterday, I said a sad farewell, to the wonderful Vac pump, who was Gordon !! Altho' he was only with me, for a short period of time, we were very attached to each other & I will miss him !! Even if I land up having him back again, at some point - he did his job & that's a fact  !!

On the up side - after tomorrow, I will no longer need to attend the hospital, for a dressings change.... next week, I'm due back at the local Dr's 3 times a week & from there, time will tell !! It's all looking good tho & that's got to be for the better..... I'm really fed up  of having a hole in my back !!

Also....

The TV news is saying about a man, from this country called Jimmy Savile, who was a real pervert !! If you're not from this country, look him up on the Net, you'll be amazed at what the guy got away with, during his time on this Blue Dot of ours.

Unfortunately, he died, before everything was allowed to come light. He was, it turns out, a real bastard.... read about him, if you get the chance.

Right - I best be on my ways - so, with Rainbow's 'Ariel' playing loudly in the background, I will wish you all well & I will thank you all, again, for logging in & for reading my words... until next time...

Bye Bye