Tuesday 21 May 2013 20:32
Surprisingly, someone bought my old tandem. It's all boxed now (a major feat in itself), awaiting collection tomorrow.
Even without the front wheel, the box is a straight two metres in length. Damn heavy too. I know I'll miss the bike, but it was taking up space and gathering dust.
After a quiet Saturday, apart from packing up the bike, on Sunday we went to the cinema to see the new Star Trek film. It was actually pretty good, although I didn't see the need for people in 'alien' costume. I mean, even if there were such beings, I'm sure they'd be capable of facial expression. Latex masks with eyes as the only movement are a bit too 1970s Star Wars for my taste. Despite that niggle, it was good.
Since the weather was decent, my second in command and I walked across town to the Bridge Hotel, my significant other's preferred hostelry, where we sat outside in the sunshine and enjoyed Erdinger.
We then walked across the high level bridge to the Central.
Where Richard Gardener was playing. And Brooklyn lager is served. Mr Gardener played well, leaving the stage to sit among the (somewhat small) audience for the whole two hours (and a bit). My second in command was once more impressed with his cover of Ray Lamontagne's Trouble. And even more impressed with an off the cuff verson of Jolene, aided by chords and lyrics read from an iPhone.
If you notice him playing anywhere, go make an effort to see him.
While slightly out of practice with the ritual nightcap in the Tuns, we called in on our way home. Where I discovered that a serious crime had been committed.
Saturday 11 May 2013 13:29
Since the kitchen's looking a little tired, and its contents have expanded recently, I've made the very tough decision to lose some stuff. Even tougher, I'm starting with my old tandem.
Although in good condition, and much loved, I've come to recognise that it hasn't been ridden in a decade and isn't exactly the most sensible thing to keep in the kitchen (and there are two other bikes in the kitchen ... and another in the living room ... and, um, another in the bedroom). So it's going.
If the bike sells (I'm considering ebay), I may invest in some new reading material. Such as this particular book, found on ebay while looking for a potential replacement for my well-used festival tent (the T in the Park mud had messed up the zipper).
Very good tents though. Quechua. Waterproof and cosy.
While in HMV the other day, I found myself. Not in a spiritual kind of way.
I should really buy random shit on ebay do some housework now, since my second in command is at work this afternoon. Her first day of work. In her new job, that is.
She looked very nice in her whites earlier. But I did wonder why chefs' clothing is referred to as whites when it's apparently fashionable to wear black nowadays.
One benefit, apart from the obvious, of my second in command working again, is that I won't need to eat meals she's cooked most days. Now, I'm not saying that she's rubbish or anything; quite the opposite. But I've been developing a proper middle-aged-man-belly over the past couple of months and I'd been fearing I may burst.
Sunday 5 May 2013 18:28
Watching football didn't hurt too much this afternoon. Obviously, it wasn't enjoyable, but the pain wasn't as great as in the past. I'm working on the basis that I'm developing a kind of football numbness and that there's no risk of my being brainwashed into liking the sport.I have to say, though, that I'm quite intrigued by extra time, or as I've now named it lying down time. Since the time's added to the end of the 90 minutes to compensate for the amount of time spent by players lying on the grass, feigning injury, I feel that my term is far more appropriate.
Three minutes today.
I've quite enjoyed the sunshine today, although I didn't find time to spend in the garden. I shall tomorrow though, after a bike ride. This evening, we're visiting our local, to see the Skatoons. I may even wear my old Madness shirt.
I probably should have mentioned this yesterday, but I fear that my neighbour may have passed away. No, not the owner of the takeaway, the other neighbour; the one who's never spoken to me in the eight and a half years I've lived here. I didn't see him very often, maybe once every couple of months when he left his house to go to Wrekenton, where he mainly socialised. I never had a problem with anyone who keeps themself to themselves; hell, I've had a few lengthy periods of doing the same myself. But his neglect of his property has been a real headache. Yesterday, a lot of noise came from his (I don't even know his name) house. After a while, when leaving for B&Q, I realised that the house next door was being cleared. And the men doing the clearing mentioned that the house was to be renovated, uncluding new windows and doors etc. I couldn't saee my neighbour just walking away from it all, so I've assumed the worst.
I find myself in a weird situation; I was fed up with the fact that the deteriorating condition of the house next door was affecting the value of the other houses in the (small) street, but I'd not want harm to come to anyone. Relieved but sad. And guilty.
Saturday 4 May 2013 21:41
Thursday evening made me realise that I really do need to go to more gigs. Maximo Park were, as expected, pretty damn good. But, possibly more important, it was just good to see a band at the Cluny again.
Yes, I know, the picture's rubbish and I need to remind myself yet again to carry a proper camera.
Before the Cluny, we'd visited the Tuns, the Central and the Tyne Bar. After, followed Nancy's and the Head of Steam. While in Nancy's, the four of us admired the new Pilsner Urquell glasses. Sadly, the empties were collected before they could be stolen. Next time.
It was good to socialise again with one of my children; it'd seemed like ages. Personal/working lives seem to go off in different directions, so family/social activities have inevitably suffered. But I've resolved to correct that situation. Somehow.
Today was largely spent in B&Q and the garden. The latter's looking pretty good (admittedly, largely due to my second in command's efforts). This evening was mainly spent trying to cook rice (both attempts are in the bin).
Tomorrow is the Liverpool-Everton derby, so my afternoon may be spent in the Union Rooms. God help me. I'm so looking forward to it.
Thursday 2 May 2013 15:40
Maximo Park at the Cluny tonight. Should be good; haven't seen a band there in ages. Erdinger on draught too.