All Is For The Best, (In The best of all possible worlds)

Monday. 4.55 a.m. Here we go! Yet another fun-packed week at Dexter House. I'm being very sarcastic, but life goes on. What else to do? I have a hospital appointment this morning at Milton Keynes University Hospital at 11.50 a.m. It's not so much the actual appointment which is the problem, it's managing to find a parking space which causes stress which is more of a problem. I'll just have to get there in plenty of time to make sure I can park the car and then walk through to the department where I have to have a kidney scan. The letter I got, which rescheduled the appointment for 16th June, tells me I have to drink at least a litre of water. Well, as I'm keeping hydrated because of the hot weather, that's not going to cause much of a problem.

12.25 p.m. I have been to the hospital for my appointment. It was scheduled for 11.50, but, because of finding a space in the multistory car park, I went earlier. Fortunately, I found a space, which relieved the stress. When it came to walking to the ultrasound department, I at first went in the wrong direction and had to be directed by a helpful man who sent me back to the reception area and I soon found the department.

I was met by a lady who asked me my name when I walked through the door. It turned out that she was going to do the scan, so I was checked in and then the usual wait. Not long after I was called into the room and had to lay on a narrow couch/bed thing and the scan began, laying on my left side, then my right. The reason for this scan was that when I first moved to my current surgery, my doctor got me to have a blood test, which showed up something related to my kidneys and possibly caused by a side effect of taking some of my heart medication, which I have been on since my first heart attack in 2006. The technician doing the scan said this 'thing' was like a birthmark or tag, and was about 5 cm across, but when she did the scan it wasn't viable. In fact, she had to have a second look and still, nothing! So hopefully that's the end of that. No more to be said on that matter, but I should get a letter from my GP surgery with details, which will have been sent from the hospital.

I took Alfie to the dog-sitting lady at about 1.50 and left him to find out how he would behave, rather, if he would settle. I then went to Monday Club at the Oaktree Centre, which is on the opposite side of Shenley Brook End, and returned when that ended at 3.30. I was pleased to find that Alfie had done well, although he did bark a small amount. So it looks as if I can leave him there, so I can go to Worcester.

Tuesday. 5.15 a.m. Thankfully, it's a good deal cooler this morning and, as a result, far easier to sleep. The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºC.

4.25 p.m. A relatively straightforward drive to Camphill this morning. I know that it will be somewhat easier when the schools are on holiday, but it couldn't be that, as schools haven't broken up yet for the summer holidays.

Most of the theatre workshop gang was in the theatre today. We got to hear some of them talk about their holidays when we did check in. It seems to take longer and longer each time, probably because there are far more members of the group, and certainly more than when I first went to Camphill in 2019. It took a good hour today. 

I was moved to another of the silent movie projects. I was with the time-travel movie, and last week, when there were so few people in the workshop because they were on holiday, we didn't rehearse that project so I had to take over the pirate project. I have to say I'm disappointed because I had been working on developing the story with the gang and would have loved to see it completed. 

Terrie had managed to construct sets for the time travel movie on the Chrysalis Theatre stage so that some of the movies could be filmed using an iPad. I can say that it's so easy with modern technology such as iPads and iPhones, and editing is relatively easy. 

Because the time travel set had a prison set, the Western video group used it to film footage for their project. It seemed to go well, and they got all the materials they needed. While all this was going on, the pirates' team rehearsed in the hall part of the theatre. Terrie had gone off to have supervision with the manager of Camphill and came back a good deal later than expected. Her supervision was supposed to last an hour but overran by about thirty minutes, so by the time she returned we had more or less finished and there wasn't time to start anything else. So, it was a day of bits and pieces, but in some respects, successful, considering some filming was done.

Wednesday. 5.30 a.m. Yet another mild morning. I slept a good deal better than I have for the past couple of weeks. The digital thermometer currently reads 24ºC. Alfie and I did a circuit of Oldbrook Green, although he was somewhat reluctant.

12.55 p.m. I knew I was due to have a glazier come and replace the glass in the window of the kitchen this morning so that an extractor fan could be fitted. The man was due between 9 and 1. He turned up at about 10.30. It was done really quickly, the old glass taken out and the new one, including the cut hole to replace it. He then went off, mumbling something, which I didn't catch. So, I am now with a beautifully cut round hole ready to receive the extractor fan. But when is it to be fitted? Presumably to be done by a different contractor. So I rang Mears, yet again about this situation (I have now lost count), to be put through to a lay, who said she'd raise an order for the fan. But my question is, when can I expect this? It seems to go around in circles, a bit like a dog chasing its tale.  I JUST WANT MY EXTRACTOR FAN. But, whilst they're at it, what about my bathroom? It's no good asking. When this confounded fan (more of a FAN-tasy than an actual fan- get it? A pun!) I can actually use my George Foreman grill, which is waiting to be used, without setting off the fire alarm.

The Sun Has Got His Hat On!

Sunday. 8.05 a.m. Another bright and sunny morning here in Milton Keynes. The digital thermometer currently reads 24ºC. 

I know, the titles I give these blog posts don't often have anything to do with the actual content of what I write in the posts. I just come up with a title, off the top of my head, sort of plucked from the air. I'm not entirely sure that I haven't used this one before, but what does it matter?

I'm reading the novel of 'Les Misérables.' It's the second time I've read it. I have had something of an obsession with the story and the musical, which I have seen twice, the original London production which was at the Palace Theatre, and then again, the touring production, which came to the Milton Keynes Theatre in 2019. It was a completely fresh production, which then replaced the original production in the West End, then playing at the Queen's Theatre. I think I preferred this new production, which utilized digital projection to great advantage, speeding up the scene changes and helping with the flow of the show.

With the original production, the amazing John Napier-designed set stands out, possibly even being a character in itself. Those huge mechanical sections made of wood and a vast array of bits and pieces of furniture which turned and swung down during the various scene changes were a wonder to behold. He also did this set for the Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical, based on 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' by T.S. Eliot at the (then) New London Theatre (now the Gillian Lynne Theatre, given that new name after the choreographer of 'Cats', which I saw only a few weeks into its original production in 1981. John Napier did the set design for Cats. It was a rubbish dump, but done to represent one from the perspective of a cat, made up of oddments, such as car parts, dustbins and so on. The audience had to be in place well before the show started, because the seating moved round when the overture played. Goodness knows how that structure worked, considering the weight of the audience. I had no idea where the orchestra was, certainly not in an orchestra pit in front of the stage as in a conventional, proscenium theatre. It must have been elsewhere in the building, probably under the stage.

Napier also did the sets for the Royal Shakespeare Company's 9-hour version of Nicholas Nickleby. This amazing production was more than mould-breaking, and I'm more than certain it's why Cameron Macintosh, producer of 'Les Misérables' went to R.S.C. initially because of their experience and challenges of staging such a mammoth production.

I saw a matinée of 'Cats.' Wayne Sleep was in the original cast, which also included Elaine Paige as Grisabella. During the curtain calls, who should walk on stage but the one and only Eamonn Andrews, famous Red Book in hand, to say to Wayne Sleep, 'This Is Your Life'! Which was something of a surprise and made the show even more than memorable.

3.20 p.m. I have taken Alfie to meet the lady who hopefully will be able to look after him when I get to visit my daughter and her husband and the grandchildren in Worcester. I forgot that there was going to be a concert at The Bowl, which is on the route along Chaffron Way, so that was closed off from the roundabout which intersects with Grafton Street, so I had to make a somewhat circuitous detour around Milton Keynes and up onto Tattenhoe Street and round onto Childs Way to get to Shenley Church End. The lady lives on the opposite side of this grid to The Oaktree Centre. Alfie tapped a certain amount, probably because he wasn't getting all my attention, but he did seem to be settled. We have decided that it would be a good idea to leave him with Irene, (the lady dog-sitter) tomorrow, when I go to the Monday Club at the Oaktree Centre, to see how he copes with being left.

The digital thermometer currently reads 29ºC. 

All Is Fair In Love and War

 Thursday. 1.15 p.m. Last evening, the men's breakfast group had a curry night at the Nut and Squirrel pub in Westcroft. It's actually right next to the Morrison's supermarket. I wasn't sure where I could park before going, so I went on Google Maps and discovered the pub had its own car park. 

I went inside the pub, expecting to find some sort of reception, but there wasn't one. I waited for about ten minutes and then one of the 'regular' men's breakfast members turned up, followed by Richard, who is one of the people who lead the group. He spoke to a member of staff, and then they discovered that there was no record of the booking on their computer system. I think it was the manager of the pub. He said they had had problems with their fryers or something and there was the possibility that we weren't going to have our curry. But, eventually, the manager said that they would be able to provide our curries. We went through to the dining room where there were several tables we could sit at, but, unfortunately, not able to push them together to make a larger table. We had to wait quite a while before a waitress came and took our drinks orders and, soon, our food. Actually, a pleasant way to spend an evening, but not the number of people who usually come to men's breakfasts.

6.24. p.m. I went to help set up the Acorn's playgroup as I usually do on a Thursday morning and also, take part in a Bible study. When I came out and was in the café area, I was informed that there was some news for me. It was about finding someone to look after Alfie when, or if, I got to Worcester. As you may or may not be aware, this has caused quite a few headaches because it's not really a good idea to take Alfie as he doesn't settle at Chloe and Steve's. He barks continuously and can't cope with my grandchildren. So I have had to stay in Milton Keynes at Christmas. This situation would be resolved if I could find someone to have him stay, who is dog friendly and Alfie is settled with them. This lady lives in Shenley Brook End (not far from The Oaktree Centre, in fact.) and came to church on Sunday because we had someone preaching who did a presentation on The Persecuted Church and the work of Open Doors ministry. It just happened that my name came up during all this and that I needed someone to care for Alfie. I was given this lady's phone number, and I'm going to visit her on Sunday afternoon with Alfie and see how he gets on with her, and vice versa. Let's hope it goes well, so I can have a long weekend with Steve, Chloe and the grandchildren.

Friday. 5.20 a.m. So, once again, I'm wide awake and writing this blog post. I was out with Alfie at around 4.45. It's another bright and pleasant morning. The digital thermometer currently reads 24ºC. The windows are open and the electric fan in the lounge has been on all night.

2.50 p.m. The thermometer currently reads 27ºC. 

Saturday. 5.25 a.m. I have taken a rather reluctant Alfie out, and we did our usual circuit of Oldbrook Green.

I'm intrigued by how the grass has been cut on Oldbrook Green. It looks far shorter cut and the loose-cut grass has been removed, making it look like a traditional cricket ground (is it pitch? I'm not sure. Not a cricket fan.) A lot of crows strutting about the further side, looking like military types, with their arms behind their backs, inspecting the troops.

Last evening we had another quiz night at the Oaktree Centre. My team didn't do particularly well. I think there were far more teams involved than the last quiz night.

The digital thermometer currently reads 24ºC. I really hope it doesn't get any warmer.

11.45 a.m. The digital thermometer is currently reading 26ºC. Please, don't get any hotter.

6.30 p.m. Not a great deal happening today. The heat has put me off. I was going to do some more videoing, but I decided against it.

The temperature recorded on the digital thermometer is currently 29ºC.

Life's A Drama (and some things not quite so dramatic)

Tuesday. 6.45 p.m. It's been very humid today. As I write this post, the sun is out, but it's very close. 

I have been to Camphill, working in the performance art workshop in the Chrysalis Theatre. Many of the group were on holiday, so we had around half the normal quota.

A young lady came to the workshop to sample what we get up to. I'm not entirely sure if she was comfortable with some of the activities. Unfortunately, during one of the games we play, one of the guys said something entirely inappropriate and Terrie had to take him out of the theatre and deal with the situation it caused. He remained out of the group until after lunch, and later in the afternoon he apologized for his behaviour. Whether he had learnt from his actions, it was unclear. It did rather upset the dynamic of the group.

Paul, who if one of the permanent staff within the workshop, was off ill, so the whole team had to be reorganized. Fewer regular members of the group were on holiday. In fact, the group was about half what it is normally.

As Usual, we began with a check in, although very much depleted, so it went relatively quickly. A few warm-ups and drama games (during which the 'incident', as reported above, took place.)

As you may, or may not, know, we've been developing three silent movies in the theatre workshop. This has been ongoing since the production of 'Twelfth Night.' One is a 'pirate' swashbuckler, the second is a 'Western', and the third, which is the one I've been involved in, is a 'Time-travelling' epic. Because we didn't have the full complement of performers or staff to oversee the rehearsals of them all, the 'Time-Travelling' one wasn't worked on, so I got put with the 'Pirate' one. I was supposed to be the captain of the ship and at one point, later in the afternoon, we rehearsed the central sword fight between the pirates and the captain's crew. Then during all this, George, who is one of the regular gang, who doesn't live at Camphill and who his  hearing impaired but is excellent at B.S.L. (British Sign Language) taught some of the gang sign language for some of the words which are used in the script, the idea being that the film, when it is eventually shown to an audience, would be accessible to those with hearing impairment. 

Wednesday. 10.15 a.m. I was out early with Alfie at around 5.15.

It's not quite so clammy and hot this morning. The digital thermometer currently reads 25ºC.

I've been to Sainsbury's. On Friday evening at the Oaktree Centre we have another quiz session, so I've been to buy a few prizes and snacks, so I'm stocked up.

Heat Breaking Stormy Weather

 Sunday. 7.25 a.m. I have just been to the Tesco Express store in Oldbrook Boulevard to buy a copy of The Sunday Times. I went to pay at one of the self-service check-outs, only to discover there was a technical issue. I scanned the barcode on the paper, but an 'error code' came up on the digital screen. Not only that, but I had to get a member of staff to come over to rectify the machine, but it still didn't work. I then tried the second machine, but exactly the same problem occurred. I had to pay at a manned checkout, using a contactless payment method. It seems that stores want you to use these self-service machines, but there is a constant number of technical problems.

Monday. 5.05 a.m. It was another case of me being wide awake, bright and mild morning, so I took my Alfie out. He was somewhat reluctant, although who can blame him? Who would much rather remain in bed, instead of getting up and going out? It's probably easier in the summer months when it's warm, but far more difficult in the winter months, when it's cold, frosty and generally miserable and dark.

Yesterday, after church, I went to Milton Keynes Museum, as they had a Victorian Weekend. I have to say it was a bit thin on the ground activity-wise. People dressed up in period costume, making it seem as if I had, at one point, walked into a Charles Dickens adaptation. I started off in the tearoom, with a ham and cheese toastie, a slice of very nice walnut sponge and a cup of tea. Some of these 'enactors' (for want of a better word.) came in, some looking like Fagin's gang, a chimney sweep and a very wealthy couple, the woman in a smart dress and hat and the gent with a moustache which had been waxed. They sat at one table, but I very much doubt that, in reality, they would have mixed in the same way during the Victorian period. Queen Victoria herself did actually appear, with her entourage, and spoke to some of 'The people.' She did a tour of the museum site, which added a sort of frisson to the whole afternoon.

Tuesday. 5.20 a.m. Up and out early with Alfie again. A really beautiful sunrise. There's so much litter. I don't see what's so difficult about putting it in a bin or taking it home. The bin, at the point where we cross over from Strudwick Drive onto Oldbrook Green, is not only spilling its contents, but it rusted and off it's base. Likewise, the bin, on the opposite side of the green, has a badly rusted lid. The Campbell Park Parish Council (I presume they are responsible, or The Parks Trust.) really need to replace them or at lest, get them repaired.

We are in desperate need of rain. The grass is beginning to look very parched and brown. There are large cracks in the ground around the area. You could almost put your hand in some of them. Hopefully we should get a shower in the next day or two.

7.05 a.m. No sooner had I mentioned the possibility of rain, than it starts! Only very light, but definitely rain. Thank goodness, it is now a good deal cooler. My digital thermometer currently reads 23ºC. 

Good Morning Sunshine!

 Friday. 7.50 a.m. Already been out with Alfie, He was barking at me when he saw me getting ready. It's sunny and warm, but I am hoping we get rain soon, as it's too much. The digital thermometer reads 23ºC. On the weather forecast on BBC Breakfast, they were saying we might expect rain over the weekend. As much as I love it bright and sunny, I really can't cope with it being too hot. Alfie can't cope either.

I've done washing up, put rubbish out and washing in the washing machine. It should be done at around 8.40.

I saw a cat climbing a tree as Alfie and I walked towards Oldbrook Green. I don't think I have ever seen such a thing. It was clinging onto the trunk of the tree and then, when it saw me, it decided to come down and ran off into the tree-filled space between the rear of Dexter House and the next property, which is SIA (Spinal Injuries Association.)

6.35 p.m. I've mentioned in an earlier post my intention of selling my old iPad. It was bought during the pandemic lockdowns, but it didn't work with an Apple Pencil, which was originally why I wanted an iPad. I have to admit I didn't do my research and I now have a more powerful iPad Pro which works with my Apple Pencil. Having got all my data removed from the old iPad, I wanted to find a way to sell it. I went to the Apple Store in Midsummer Place this morning, to check that it was completely free of my data, and they did a diagnostic test to check for its technical specifications. It passed, and I was offered £120 for it, except this would only be paid as an Apple voucher.

 I wanted cash, so went to C.E.X. in the main shopping centre for a quote. The quote I got was £145, which I was more than pleased with. I had to wait 30 minutes, so they could do a security check on the iPad. I imagine they get quite a few stolen items, so they need to do a security check to make sure. My iPad is clean, so I got my payment in cash. I went to Nationwide and paid in most of the cash into my account and had some in change. We have another of the famous Shenley Christian Fellowship quiz night and I required £1 coins for that. It's this Friday evening. I went to Boots to buy Feroglobin and, as there are fewer manned tills, I had to use a self-service till. Just a pain, and as usual this one was particularly irksome. Do I need to say more? It was the same in Sainsbury's about 15 minutes later when I went in to buy one or two items. 

7.55 a.m. There's a possibility of rain sometime today or tomorrow. As it is, looking out of the window this morning, it's quite overcast.

Current temperature on my digital thermometer reads 22ºC. 

10.15 a.m. I've been to Waitrose. I use glycerin soap because other soap dries up my facial skin, and it appears that they are the only supermarket which sells it. Sainsbury used  to, but don't any longer. I think, in general, most people use liquid hand soap or shower gel. 

Having unpacked my shopping, I took Alfie out, and I saw two police horses come from the direction of The Cricketers pub and cross over Strudwick Drive and go towards Fishermead. I know these horses are kept in a field along Chaffron Way. Great to see them, and they are so well turned out.

When I came out of the door onto Strudwick Drive, there was a slight fall of rain. It was so slight that by the time we had walked halfway to Oldbrook Green, it had stopped. Not even enough to settle the dust.

4.15 p.m. It's a good deal cooler. As I write this, the digital thermometer reads 25ºC. The weather forecast suggests there will be thunderstorms soon. 

In The Good Old Summertime

Tuesday. 12.00 p.m. Another sunny and very warm day. The temperature as shown on my digital thermometer currently reads 27ºC. As I mentioned in the last blog post, I haven't been to Camphill.

6.00. p.m. Not a great deal has been going on today. It's still very warm. In fact, the digital thermometer reads 28ºC. 

Wednesday. 6.15 a.m. It's bright and sunny here in Milton Keynes. The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºC.

11.10 a.m. There's supposed to be someone coming to deal with my bathroom floor this morning. I was sent a text message from Mears, the contractors, telling me someone will attend between 8-12. I'm still waiting.

Someone has just been to look at the bathroom floor. We have come to the conclusion that there's really no point in ripping up the floor, just to have to rip that up when they put in the new shower to replace the bath. It has to go to people 'upstairs' to give some sort of response to all this and hopefully (and I mean HOPEFULLY.) get what is called a wet room, with a special floor which takes into consideration the water that is used with a shower. Pigs might fly.

The digital thermometer currently reads 24ºC.

12.35 p.m. I've been to Aldi. Around a week's worth of food for £40.73. That would have probably cost about £60-£70 in Sainsbury's. It is good value, but there are some items I don't buy in Aldi, such as bread and toiletries. I like the bread which is baked in Sainsbury's own bakery, multi-grain, sort of malty flavoured. It is sometimes sliced, but I have a good bread knife with a serrated edge, which is ideal for slicing this sort of bread. It is easy enough to park outside Aldi, but I have to remember to have a £1 coin for the trolley, although I now have a trolley coin on my key ring.

The temperature in the flat is currently 25º C. 

1.50 p.m. I had a telephone call from someone connected with Mears, regarding the bathroom floor. They can't give me a date regarding replacing it. I said, it was a bit of a waste of time, energy and money if they give me a new floor and then when they revamp the entire bathroom, made it into what the gentleman who came out this morning called a 'wet room', if it only ends up with them tearing that floor up to install the new bathroom. This whole affair is turning into some sort of comedy. The left-hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. The plot thickens . . . . 

The temperature climbs to 26ºC.

4.05 p.m. I have met the new S.H.O. of Dexter House (S.H.O. is Sheltered Housing Officer.) She is currently shadowing another staff member and will start here in about two weeks' time.

The current temperature is 27ºC.

Thursday. 6.40 a.m. Another warm and sunny morning. I just hope the temperature drops, because it's causing problems. I still have to be careful in the sun with my heart condition.

The current temperature on the digital thermometer is 23ºC.

I have managed to clear all my data from my old iPad. I will take it somewhere to get a good price, hopefully, so it can be sold. I say 'old', but it is only a couple of years old, purchased during the pandemic.  I have a far more advanced iPad Pro,  which works with an Apple Pencil, allowing me do do digital painting and drawing on something called Procreate, as well as video editing with an app called InShot,

Rain Storm Breaks Heatwave

Sunday. 8.10 a.m. Last night it was virtually impossible to sleep, due to the high temperature. Even with two electric fans on and windows open, the temperature is currently 27ºC. It's likely to get much warmer.

Alfie and I have been out twice already, the first at around 4.45, and we've just got back from the second circuit of Oldbrook Green. 

A great deal of litter. It really is awful, when there are sufficient bins to dispose of rubbish.

People on the Green with a couple of terriers, I think Jack Russel's, playing games. The sort of thing they do at Crufts. A man walking a bulldog-type dog. One of those flat-faced dogs, with chunky bodies. I think they look like the dog in the 'Tom and Jerry' cartoons, who chases the cats and always gets beaten by Jerry somehow. But these bulldogs look totally gormless, really stupid and thick. Whether they are or not, they certainly have that sort of demeanour. Alfie, on the other hand, always has a spring in this step, is alert and gives you eye contact. Probably just the sort of terrier behaviour which makes him so much fun to have around.

1.00 p.m. There were three baptisms at Shenley Christian Fellowship this morning. Each gave a brilliant testimony. The place was heaving with extra people, probably family and friends of those baptized. It was probably the best day, weather-wise, to be baptized. It was hot, the temperature in excess of 30ºc. My digital thermometer currently reads 29ºC. 

Monday. 3.45 p.m. I had an email from A.A. Insurance, informing me that my car insurance was due for renewal. I had forgotten it was due and couldn't believe it was a year since it was set up. I rang and was shocked to discover that my premiums would increase by about £20 a month (I pay in instalments.) I didn't immediately take that quote, and the man on the phone said he would send a print version of the quote for me to look at and consider. Then, once I had finished the phone call, I went on Compare The Market, which I used last year to get the A.A. quote and inputted all my details (some of which were saved from the last time, which is one advantage of using online comparison sites.) But I found that the quotes which came up were only a few pounds more, or, in some cases, less than the A.A. quote, so it's a sort of choice between the few that I got and the A.A. quote, which I think I will go with. It includes breakdown cover, which makes it a better deal.

From car insurance, I went on to broadband. With Sky. It is around £30 a month, which includes a boost, allowing for such services as streaming. So, I have accepted the offer. That's done for another year (I think the Sky offer is for 18 months.)

I have only just got in from Monday Club. This new means of fellowship seems to be going well. As we were sitting and talking, the sky went dark, and it began to rain. As I sit in my armchair in the flat, a ferocious thunderstorm is going on outside. It has certainly relieved the heat, thankfully.

Tuesday. 7.30 a.m. I didn't wake up a good deal later than usual and eventually took Alfie out. 

It appears that today will be another hot and sunny day and temperatures are likely to rise to about 27ºC. My digital thermometer currently reads 26ºC, and that's with the electric fans on and the windows open. As a result, I'm not going to Camphill. It's been advised that I don't go out in direct sunshine, having had two heart attacks. It could be dangerous.

I got an email from another insurance comparison website, called Money Supermarket. Which gave me more car insurance quotes. Having looked at the various quotes, I found one which was considerably cheaper than those I had on Compare The Market, with monthly payments at £35 per month. I paid a £71 deposit, and it's all set up. So, the new monthly payments are barely £5 more than last year's A.A. car insurance payments. So, that is another box ticked.

Ying Tong Diddle I Po!

 Thursday. 1.20 p.m. A bright and sunny day. I went to the Oaktree Centre and discovered that a theatre company is putting on a show, 'Songs From The Shows' or a similar title. After the Bible study, we set up chairs in the main hall for the show this evening.

6.15 p.m. Oh, what fun! I was eating my evening meal, as I normally do at this time of day, with the game show 'Pointless' on television, when the merry sound of the fire alarm started up. My immediate reaction was to close the door from the lounge into the hall and then put some loud music on my television set, playing through the soundbar. Fortunately, it didn't last for very long, because I heard a fire engine arriving and then there was silence! I think someone had burnt their toast or forget to remove something from their oven. I think if there was a charge for this, then there might be fewer of these incidents.

Friday. 5.00 a.m. Up out of bed and taking Alfie out as usual. It's a bit windy and overcast. I just hope the wind settles, and the sun comes out. Well, as the song says, 'The Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow.' 

12.05 p.m. I've been out with the Hohem gimbal, walking along the Grand Union Canal near Peartree Bridge. It was such a fine morning, with the sun out and a slight breeze, it seemed the perfect opportunity to have a go at some filming (actually videoing, but I'm being pedantic.). I was disappointed that there were no ducks, but I did see a heron. I must get the focus sorted out, as it was a bit off. Not a problem. I was also hoping to see some narrow boats, but none of them either. Perhaps I should start the walk next time nearer to where the Red Way comes out of Eaglestone, near the dinosaur sculpture and the patch goes towards Woughton-On-The-Green. I have already viewed the results on my iPad. I'm getting the hang of using the gimbal. It seems a good idea to attempt to keep the horizon in approximately the same position in each shot.

Saturday, 5.30 a.m. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has resigned. He says he was forced out, over the so-called 'Partygate' investigation. Well, all I can say, in all honesty, he had to go. Biggest liar of the century. Couldn't tell the truth if it came out and bit him. If you can't trust your leader, then, who on earth can you trust? It's the same with former U.S. President, Donald Trump. He lied just to get where he wanted to and then left office, taking important and highly secret and dangerous documents with him, which were found in his home in Florida. Just because he has money, he thinks he can pay off people and get away with it.

There is a health warning out today, suggesting that there will be a heatwave across Britain, with the possibility of temperatures reaching somewhere in the region of 30ºC. Those with a health problem, such I     have with my heart, are warned to keep out of the sun and remain indoors. I think sun hats and shorts should be worn outdoors. So, it's likely to be warm and humid.

10.15 a.m. I've been to Sainsbury's to buy a few items. Not a 'big shop.' It's relatively quiet early on a Saturday, so it's obviously the best time to go.

It's getting warm. I got home and then took Alfie out. I don't think he appreciates the warm weather. He doesn't appreciate cold, either. I think he's a bit like me regarding weather, we both like it mid-way, I suppose you might say 'temperate.' The digital thermometer currently reads 24º. I have windows open to create a through draught. 

'Twas On A Monday Morning . . .

Monday. 6.25 a.m. Out and about bright and early as usual. Alfie barked at me when I was getting myself organized in the bathroom.

7.45 p.m. I went to the Monday Club at the Oaktree Centre this afternoon. I took the cake tin I'd bought in Sainsbury's the other day, and it had all the scones I'd made in it.

On leaving Monday Club, and driving out of Wallinger Drive towards the junction with Chaffron Way, I couldn't but notice orange cones in the road and a police car and other vehicles across the road. As I approached to turn onto Chaffron Way, it was clear that there had been quite a nasty traffic accident, with one car with a side torn out and another in the main carriageway. In fact, that vehicle was blocking half of the road and I had to maneuver around it to get into the correct lane. Quite a heavy police and ambulance presence. I'm not certain how the incident happened, but it might have been because someone was turning out of Wallinger Drive onto Chaffron Way. It's not always such a good idea to turn right from these junctions, and it's so much easier and safer to turn left and then go to the next roundabout and come right around and face back onto the carriageway, which is what I do when I'm coming out of Strudwick Drive and actually intending to turn right. Just a short distance to the roundabout near Eaglestone and come back round and back onto Chaffron Way.

Wednesday. 5.20 a.m. So, where did Tuesday go? I just didn't seem to have time to write anything about it here. Give me time and I will attempt to write something.

I was at Camphill as usual on Tuesday.  Not all the guys were there. I think some had covid or had high blood sugar levels because of diabetes. The children who came from Shenley Brook End Upper School came back, and the chairs were put into the usual circle, which is when we checked in so that the theatre workshop gang and the children could introduce themselves again.  

Terrie began by doing voice and body warm-ups. The sort of thing I remember is the actors I worked with when I worked in stage management and done before each performance of a play. I think the children found this activity totally strange, and it looked to me as if they were somewhat uncomfortable with it.

It was more than clear from their body language that the children did not feel comfortable, unsure of what they were going to do. Terrie, the workshop leader, started off which got the children more comfortable, and we all introduced ourselves, as a sort of icebreaker. Then we did the infamous EastEnders game. It has taken me quite a while to get the hang of this game, as it has all sorts of rules.

The game is played with the group standing in a circle. You need space between each player. (If you know the BBC soap, EastEnders, it helps, but if you don't, it doesn't matter. It's set in the East End of London, and the characters speak in a Cockney accent, Estuary English etc. Also, various plot points, character characteristics etc.) It starts off with someone in the team shooting 'Oy!' and facing one way so that the next person can pass on the 'Oy!' (If you know the way they speak in EastEnders, the inflexion of the voice and the severity, you will appreciate this.) If someone in the circle decides not to continue in the direction of the 'Oy!' then they face in the other direction and shout 'Leave it Arrght!' Then someone in the circle faces another person in the circle and shouts 'You ain't my muvver' and the other person returns with 'Oh yes I am!' and they circle each other. When someone shouts 'Get a-a-ght of my pub!' everyone in the circle moves and ends up sitting on the opposite side to where they started. There are other rules which I've forgotten, but it certainly gets things going and is quite a lot of fun.

I think the children were rather uncomfortable with playing this game. Most of them sat with their arms crossed or had a look of total disbelief on their faces, although a couple did eventually join in, only to vaguely 'get' the game. It must have been quite daunting if you hadn't worked in the theatre group or knew what sort of things go on in it, especially these warm-ups.

Terrie then explained that the group was making silent movies. A few weeks ago a trial film was made with some of the group and this was shown on the cinema screen. Terrie wanted the children to have a go at creating their own similar film and to devise something that could then be videoed. They went downstairs to the wardrobe room and selected costumes that they could wear and then help develop characters and a storyline for a film.

I went off for a tea break with the theatre workshop group, whilst the children remained on stage and behind the curtains, rehearsing their silent film. When we came back, they showed us what they'd done, and it was really hilarious. It was quite amazing how these children changed, from being very self-conscious and uncomfortable in the theatre workshop, but left on their own, they soon managed to find something they were completely at ease with. Their piece of theatre was videoed and will be edited together to create a whole film which they will take back to their school.

After Lunch, Terrie told the theatre gang during check-in that she had got feedback from the teacher who had bought the children to Camphill. Apparently, they are some of the most disruptive children in the school, and some of them find being in a classroom situation very difficult. She said that she had never seen them transformed by working in the theatre workshop. This information was so encouraging and quite brilliant. The theatre workshop group were so good when the children were in the theatre, very friendly, and she thanked them for being so supportive of the children. The children wanted to have a copy of the silent film so that they could make their own. So, it seemed as if the whole morning was a success and the children got something rewarding out of their experience. They left at midday, just as we were going off for our lunch break.

After lunch, we had a long check-in, basically, because there wasn't one earlier, because things hotted up when the school children arrived. The other teams making silent movies got on with either rehearsing or doing other things. I think the 'pirates' team didn't do much because most of the team were away, some on holiday, but my group, the 'time-travelling' film team, went downstairs to the wardrobe department to sort out our costumes. I have a suit jacket which I got in the Red Cross shop in Stony Stratford a few weeks ago, but I couldn't find matching trousers, but Terrie pointed out that we were filming in black and white, so their colour or even whether they matched, wouldn't matter.

The day ended when we all met up back in the theatre and everyone got a chance to mention what part of the day they enjoyed most I said it was seeing what the children had produced with their film idea. Yet again, another good day was had by all.

All In A Day's Work

Thursday. 12.40 p.m. I've been to the shopping centre to get my hair cut at Central Barbers. I booked online, so it was just a simple matter of going into the centre and waiting outside. I was actually booked for 11.30 but got there around 20 minutes too early.

From the barbers, I went to Costa on Middleton Hall and had an iced coffee drink with cream and marshmallows, a cheese and ham toastie, and a slice of rocky road cake. 

Then, a browsed in Lakeland and was really impressed by their new picnic sets. The glasses are made of plastic and look very convincing as cut glass.  Lots of equipment in this store which is useful to me if I am baking. A wander along the shopping centre and browsed in T.K. Maax, for nothing in particular, but with this store, you have to buy what they have immediately because there will only be one of any particular item, and you will lose it if you don't buy it straight away.

Friday. 10.50 a.m. I have made another batch of scones for Monday Club. I think I got the consistency of this batch more or less right by making the dough somewhat stickier. The only problem with the stickiness is that the dough becomes difficult to remove from the cutter when they are put onto the baking tray. I have baked them for 25 minutes, which means they come out a golden brown. They should now be far easier to cut in half and not crumble, which was the problem I had with the last batch I made.

Saturday. 8.25 a.m. It's quite chilly this morning, which means I put on a fleece when I had my breakfast. 

10.05 a.m. It seems a bit warmer now. The sun is making a vain attempt to shine. I've been to Sainsbury's as I wanted a decent size cake tin to put the scones in. The one I got is more than enough the right size and as it is airtight it should at least keep them fresh.

5.40 a.m. I've been to A Transformed Life afternoon at SCF. Praise and message. Very enlightening. There is a second session, starting at around 7 p.m., but unfortunately, my health issues make me tired and I wouldn't be able to keep awake, so I came home and made a salad which I will eat later.

It was bright and sunny when I got to the Oaktree Centre. It's summer, which, officially, it is.

Sunday. 5.05 a.m. I know, I'm up far too early. I was out, walking around Oldbrook Green at 4.35. I think it was a bit of a shock, even to Alfie. It's quite chilly, but still pleasant. A clear sky, no clouds to be seen, but I know it will be a bright and sunny day. Well, I do hope so.

6.25 p.m. Another café church at Shenley Christian Fellowship this morning. A lot of new faces and the place absolutely heaving. A bouncy castle was set up on the grass behind the building and lots of children using it. Plenty of coffee, cakes and biscuits.

I have mentioned the Hohem gimbal, which I bought on Amazon. I have got the thing working successfully and have discovered a video editing app from watching a video on YouTube and have it downloaded to my iPhone and now have it fully paid for which means I can edit and modify video footage from my phone without advertising and have all the additional assets for it. I went out around Oldbrook Green this afternoon and shot some test footage, which I have since managed to edit to a certain level. I have also purchased two Bluetooth Lavalier microphones from Amazon which connect to my iPhone, which means I can record better quality sound with each of them connected to my clothes and can be used if I want to record interviews on video. The experiment with editing has worked up to a certain extent and shows that it works, but I will need to do more work learning the software before I am totally satisfied with the results. Keep watching this space for further news.

To Loose One Parent . . .

Bank Holiday Monday. 10.50 a.m. I was stuck for an appropriate title for this blog post. This one is taken, although only slightly, from 'The Importance of Being Earnest' by Oscar Wilde. It has to be one of the greatest comedies ever written and one of my favourite plays.  The famous line spoken by Lady Bracknell, on hearing that Jack Worthing was discovered in ' a handbag' is forever etched on the memory of actors who now play the part, Dame Edith Evans. 

12.35 p.m. I have at last managed to finish the piece of writing that links to already written sections of writing. The idea is to bring in a new character. It has taken some time, but it is now done.

Tuesday. 5.20 a.m. I've been out with Alfie and come back to my flat. Not much to report yet, but because I'm off to Camphill, no doubt I will be reporting on the goings-on there when I get back at around 5.20.

A very different sort of day at Camphill. There was another group called Phoenix Rising using the Chrysalis Theatre, so the Camphill drama workshop had to use what is called the crypt beneath the stage. There is a main room (the actual crypt) as well as dressing rooms as well as a larger room which is used for meetings, and we used it a few years ago when the main theatre was being used by an outside group, probably Phoenix Rising.  We did the usual check-in, and then we were working on props and painting for our silent film. It's a tight fit with all the guys in such a small room, and as a result, it gets quite noisy. 

4.45 p.m. If you read last week's blog post regarding my Camphill experience of being the Maypole for the Maypole dancing rehearsal, then this week the actual Maypole dancing took place on the green outside the Chrysalis Theatre. The theatre workshop group were led out from the crypt by the guy who is responsible for the music in the workshop, banging on a drum to give a rhythm. The rest of us were given shakers, which were actually empty plastic milk bottles filled with buttons and counters, which we were going to shake to make as much noise as possible. Some of the other members of the group had percussion instruments to shake. Then we were led out and around to the green and stood outside the theatre. Terrie, the leader of the group, was dressed in the essential outfit for the master of ceremonies, made up of rags and started off the dance with the selection of the May King and Queen, which were selected by everyone drawing wooden sticks out of a mug. That duty done, both of them had their crowns placed on their heads, which Terrie had made by crocheting them. Then everyone cheered, and the dancers went and touched the Maypole and the dancing began, with them clutching a ribbon each and following the instructions which Terrie gave. That was the first dance, and then a second group went forward and repeated the dance. Very noisy, and the residents in their houses which overlook the green came out and joined in. A real sense of purpose and a definite community atmosphere throughout all this.

Wednesday. 5.15 a.m. I have already taken Alfie out. I have to do a bowel cancer test every year because I am over 60 (it may be 70, but, I'm not sure.) It's not something I want to make a big 'thing' about, and it has been simplified (I won't go into too much detail here, for obvious reasons.) But the test kit had arrived in the post when I got back from Camphill yesterday evening. So, this morning I decided to get the test done and posted it off. No point in putting these things off, so I took the completed test and posted it in the postbox which is in Fishermead (the next 'grid' to Oldbrook.) So, it's gone, and I can forget about it until the result comes back. A far more efficient and simple test than the one they used to use.

Thursday. 5.40 a.m. An excellent night's sleep. I didn't wake up during the night and then never get back to sleep, which is my usual experience. I've been out with Alfie (as you would expect if you read my posts regularly.) Very short and sharp. A rather overcast morning. Will it brighten up as the day progresses?