One o'clock In The Morning . . . and all is well . . . almost...

 Thursday 13th August. 1.20 a.m. Not being able to sleep is no problem. Well, it shouldn't be. I have plays I'm working on, so I write a bit one, and then a bit more on the other. 

1.15 p.m. Because it's August, there's no Thursday Lifegroup. We may have some sort of get together next week. I do hope so, because my routine is thrown out because of this holiday break.

I have a couple of plays in development. One I have mentioned in an earlier post, based loosley on the Rude Mechanicals 'Piramus and Thisbe' play-within-A-Play from A Midsummer Night's Dream,' and the other is going to become the first play in a proposed trilogy of plays, beginning in 1906, moving on to 1919, after the armistice, and the third and final play will be set in 1936, just after the Nazi's come to power in Germany. These plays revolve around one family, who live in a grand house, on the shores of Buttermere in the Lake District. I won't reveal any more, but I have more or  less got each play sketched out and I know more or less how the third one ends. All set in one place, a limited number of actors in the cast, deliberately to help them be produced. I have a good idea what sort of thing a producer would be looking for in a new play, and one set, limited cast, simplicity of staging, would be in their list. 

I have discovered a relatively new theatre which has opened in Cirencester in Gloucestershire, called the Barn Theatre. It opened in 2018, a conversion of former buildings and has an auditorium for around 300 people. They have a policy of staging new work, supporting new playwrights and do a lot of work in the community with schools and those who might otherwise be isolated. It sounds like a lovely place, not vast, not over-commercial and they have done plays that have moved to London, not necessarily the West End, but give new work a chance of being seen. So, this sounds the sort of theatre that my work could begin life, have a sort of nurturing, supportive home. I'm now hoping to get my first play edited and printed. My friend Mike and his wife Margaret, from Shenley Christian Fellowship, will read the play and make any positive comments so that I can edit any glaring problems from the script, before I have it printed and bound professionally. I think the term I am looking for is proof reading.

At rhis stage, I have not been in contact with the Barn Theatre, but once I have the script proof-read and printed, I can write to their Artistic Director, outlining my writing and hope at least get an interview.

One Love Lunch

 Thursday 6th August. 5.15 a.m. It seems to be mild and bright, a real relief after the blazing heat of the past few weeks. My infamous digital thermometer currently reads 26ºc. It was so hot at one point, just moving about the flat, I had sweat running down my face and I had to keep using a towel to wipe the sweat off my face. I was driving somewhere the other day when sweat ran down my face and into my eyes, making them sting horribly.

I haven't mentioned One Love Lunch Club. I had never heard of it, until I saw a flyer on the message board near the entrance coming into Dexter House. I didn't have to drive there, as I was collected by minibus and arrived at Wolverton. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect, as people began to arrive, many of whom were coming with me in the minibus. I suppose, once everyone had arrived, about 30 people, many with a range of disabilities, some with autism and many with dementia. There is lunch, which we pay for, £5, which is great value, and games for people to play, music, dance and good conversation.

When they had discovered my background, in theatre, television walk-on, puppetry and even my connection with Shakespeare via his wife, Anne Hathaway, I had to give a sort of impromtu talk, covering all my background. It was an experience, and not something I have ever done before.

So, it looks like I have at last got something to replace Camphill in my diary. I didn't go this week, because there weren't enough people on duty who had the relevant qualifications to be there, such as, holding a D.B.S.certificate, probably because those people were on holiday. (D.B.S. stands for Disclosure and Barring Service. Without this check , you cannot work for a range of client-based occupations, such as those people who are vulnerable, learning  disabilities, elderly, and so on.

Wednesday 12th August. 12.20 p.m. I was going to give support during the Holiday Club, which started yesterday, but I don't have a D.B.S. check, which is a vital piece of paper, which you have to have if you are working with a vulnerable group, which is how the children are described in the Holiday Club, and because my D.B.S. is yet to be applied for, I van't be involved.

So, I have been doing more work on my play-writing, which is going very well.One play is a sort of modernisation of the play-within-A-Play of Piramus and Thisbe, from A Midsummer Night's Dream. I a have re-invented the characters, making them relevant to a 21st century audience. Bottom is now Barry Bottomley, a council worker who is so enthusiastic about his part in the play, he seems to think he can play everyone else's parts.

Noisy, Aimless Pigeons!

Friday 17th July. 10.25 a.m. It's another mild and relatively sunny, but the heat has finished, for the moment. I just hope it doesn't come back as roastingly hot. I don't mind the sun- infact, I love it, but when it's so hot, I can't cope with it. When it's cold, at least you can put anothr layer on, a jumper, fleece, puton the heating, turn up the heating a couple of notches, but when it's so hot, it's difficult to get away from it, apart from sitting in a pool of water, drinking plenty of fluids, have a shower or whatever, but there's never any relief from it.

Currenly, the digital thermometer reads 27ºc.

My fridge/freezer needs cleaning out. One job that I don't exactly enjoy, but must be done. I found two packs of tomatoes, so I decided to make them into soup and use the soup maker. I chopped the tomatoes, along with onions, put them in a glass dish, sprinkled balsamic vinegar and olive oil all over them and put them into the oven to roast for half an hour and then, once they were tender and soft, put them into the soup maker and switched it on and barely 20 minutes ir was done. I'm amazed at how good it tasted, and it's far better than Heinz or any other bought, tinned soup. And there's enough for around 6 bowls or mugs, as I prefer to use a mug to consume it. Actually the best soup I've managed to make in it since I got it.

Saturday 18th July. 4.40 p.m. I should, of course, mentioned the noisy aimless pigeons, who gave me inspiration for the title of this post. Well, they are always outside my window, making that awful repetitive noise they make, you know, cooing aimlseely, possibly the most boring bird sound on the planet. They should at least change it once in a while. Then, when you see them on the ground they move around, nodding their heads. If I was to spend all day nodding, I would get a severe headache. I have to say, they aren't exactly the most intelligent birds on this planet.

Sunday 26th July. 5.15 a.m. Here we go again! Wide awake and unable to get back to sleep, I'm here on my laptop.

I mentioned about the sound system I had ordered from Amazon, which had a Bluetooth-connected microphone? Well, if I didn't, let me just say, the wretched thing lasted all of two weeks or maybe less, when it packed up completely and  it wouldn't do a thing. I knew it would have to be returned and that would be difficult, as I had thrown out the packaging it came in. I scrambled about my flat, searching for any suitable cardboard box into which the sound system would fit and found one, chopped it down with scissors and, after a bit of improvisation, parcel tape and ingenuity, I got it wrapped up. But, parcel tape is useful, but trying to find a loose end, which keeps on re-sticking itself to the roll is really frustrating. 

Having got the parcel wrapped, I had to find the business who would take it and get it returned to Amazon. It turned out to be Parcel Force and I got  tet message telling me someone would collect it on Thursday, between 10.25 and 2.25. All very well giving me a window, but nothing closer to the actual time of collection, so I didn't go to my usual Thrsday life group ar the OTC.

The window for collection closed and I was thinking, have I been forgotten? Did I get the times wrong or something? Then the intercom thing buzzed and a voice spoke and the Parcel Force employee arrived on my doorstep. I didn't even have to print a label for the parcel, all now done with barcodes and a barcode reader (just don't ask me how it works.) and the parcel was whisked away. So, I decided to choose the replacement sound system and next day, the refund was in my Amazon account, so I ordered the replacement and that arrived next morning. So, the packing, sending and collecting of the parcel was relatively stress-free and I now got the new system working.

Hotter Than Ever!

 Friday 10th July. 3.35 a.m. It's so hot, I just can't sleep. Even now, the digital thermometer reads 31ºc.If it's that hot now, with my little air conditioner on and the window open, which  itis has been all night, what temperature is it likely to be as the day progresses?

I went to the Milton Keynes Theatre yesterday afternoon, to see "The Carman," the ballet by New Adventures. This company is directed by Sir Matthew Bourne's company. This production is set in 1960s America and uses a specially arranged score based on Bizet's "Carmen" and is quite violent in places (there are a couple of murders in it.) I didn't drive, thinking it would not only be good exercise, and I wore my new earbuds for something to listen to as I walked, but it seemed a bit unnecessary to go in the car and have to pay for the privilege of parking. It was extremely hot, but I didn't experience any ill-effects, apart from my mouth becoming extremely dry, as a result of the extreme heat. Fortunately, the theatre was cool, no doubt due to having air conditioning, which you would expect in a modern theatre in the early years of the 21st century.

Saturday 11th July. 4.00 p.m. This morning we had our monthly men's breakfast at The Oaktree Centre. We had our usual cooked breakfast (well, it could hardly be called a men's breakfast if it didn't have that element. I had written a piece, because the whole idea is to have some element of Bible teaching or a talk with a Christian element to it. It was called "The Power of Parables and The Creative Gift of Words.' I thought it quite appropriate to do something related to story-telling, which obviously Parables are and my interest in writing and using words in my writing. I think it went well, and then there was a question-and-answer session afterwards. So, that's another thing ticked off my list!

I have written another two plays, so my current total of plays to date is around 6. Not bad, considering I have never written a play before last September, so it will be one year since I began playwrighting next month. So, I think I can now safely put the term 'playwright' on my CV!

Sunday 12th July. 2.20 a.m. Here I am, sitting here at this ungodly hour, couldn't sleep, the same old business of having to get up from bed to use the loo and doing a bit of work on one of my plays on my Macbook. Then, for no apparent reason, the fire alarm goes off. Why? Who has left their oven off, let the bread burn in the toaster? So, I suppose I will have to wait until the fire service arrives, to turn the wretched thing off. The door from the lounge into the central hallway is currently closed, which reduces the sound of the alarm to some extent, but it's still annoying. 

8.40 p.m. You will not believe this (although you might just believe it.) but the horrible fire alarm is going off as I write this. It is becoming something of a joke. Just the fact that someone has no ability to set the awful thing off, by forgetting that they have something cooking in their oven, or let their toast burn, or even let something burn on the top of the oven, the hob. Please, oh please, don'ts let this go on for another two hours, which is what happened at 2.20 this morning.

Saturday Night, If It's Alright!

Saturday 27th June. 7.00 a.m. The heat has gone down considerably, but it's still unbearably hot. Currently, the digital thermometer reads 29º c, so a good deal hotter than usual, whatever usual is these days.

I have completed another play and I'm making little tweeks to make sure it runs for around 120 minutes and it has some sort of authinticity as it's set in Norfolk, so some of the characters would speak in the very distinct dialect.

Saturday 4th July. 9.20 a.m. Another warm day. We have had a few cooler days, but the weather forecast is coming in very hort again. I have to say, it is not something I enjoy because it can increase my blood pressure, and, since I have a heart condition, not something I am keen to experience.

Tuesday 7th July. 3.10p.m. It's not as hot as it was about a week ago. Currently the digital thermometer reads 31 c. 

I have written a couple more plays, this time in the style of Alan Ayckbourn. If you are not aware of his plays, where have you been for the last 50 or more years? He has written somewhere in the region of 90 plays, which has to be some kind of record. They are usually about very ordinary people doing very ordinary things. His first big success was 'Relatively Speaking' which I did the book for when I was an A.S.M. at Liverpool Playhouse in the early 1970s. Then, we did 'How The Others Half Love' at Century Theatre in Keswick, and then I did the book for another of his plays, at Ipswich Theatre in the mid 1970s, 'Time nd Time Again.' His work is usually premiered at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough and often gets a West End production.

I am using his blueprint as the basis for several of my own plays, which are comic but can then have a certain melancholic feel to them, which makes for great theatre and have more depth to them than merely being funny. I think, having beeen involved with the production of some of his plays, I have a good idea ho they work, how, although at first sight they may seem simple, there is far more to them than you might imagine.

The central character in"Time and Time Again" was played by an actor called Chris Godwin, who created the character when the play was premiered at Scarborough, so he knew how to play Leonard. Alan Ayckhourned himself came to Ipswich to see our production and made the comment that OUR production was far better than the West End version, quite an accolade for out little production. 

Another Wednesday In Milton Keynes

Wednesday 24th June. 3.15 a.m. It is exceessively hot at the moment, which is the reason I am sitting here, writing this. It isn't the main reason. I have not been posting on here for quite some time, which you might have noticed if you are a follower of this blog. The temperature, according to the digital thermometer, is currently 30ºc. This must be something of a record and considering what time it is, in the middle of the night, very hot. I have sweat running down my face and attempting to keep myself cool, wiping my faee with a towel, which is only slightly relieving things. Endlessly drinking water, or squash diluted with water, because I find plain water just boring and the taste isn't very pleasant.

8.35 a.m. It is bright sunshine, as I write this. It's going to get even hotter. The digital thermometer still reads 30. 

I had an appointment yesterday morning at Milton Keynes Central Medical Centre. I was going to have blood taken, so it can be tested. Unfortunately, the nurse couldn't find a vein. She said she could try in the back of my hand, but, from experience that can be really unpleasant and can sting like crazy, so I passed. Just annoying, because I drove all the way to the surgery and with no blood taken, I will have to go to the hospital, which is where I went last timeand they succeeded in finding a vein and taking blood, so I will go there, once the heat had gone.

I have mentioned Linkedin, and the reason I set up an account, because it seemed a good place to start networking, and in particular, looking for someone who might be able to help develop my writing, especially the completed plays, a person with the skills and called a dramturg. Well, someone has contacted me, and he's an academic working at the Bristol Old Vic Stage School. This is somewhat ironic, because I was supposed to have gone to Bristol University, to study drama, with the intention of eventually geting to work in television production. I didn't get there, having started wtudying A Level English and History at Mander College in Bedford, but then leqing, to start qs a student A.S.M., at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham instead.

My lovely daughtre, Chloe, rang me the other evening. She usually does this when she's driving home from work. She told me she is changing jobs. She has been in her current position for thirteen years. I can't believe it's that long. She starts this new job in August, teaching A Level Art in a college in Birmingham. It sounds to me like a step up the promotional ladder. Also, it was Eddie, my second grandson's 9th birthday. I find it difficult to belive he's nine. Chloe bought him into the hospital when Carol was in there, not long after she had been diagnosed and she had to have an operation so she could have a stoma. A very difficult time, as you might imagine, so seeing the newborn Eddie did cheer her   up considerably. Just can't believe that was nine years ago.

We had our weekly Wednesday afternoon tea party in the community lounge. I took my tea things, including milk, sugar, teapot, jug of milk, as usual.. Afterwards, I took it back to my flat and left most of it untouched on the kitchen work surface and left it. Around an hour later,  I thought it a good idea to clear it all away. When I came to pour what remained of the milk back into the bottle in the fridge, I found the milk had turned, or curdled, becoming like yoghurt. It just shows how hot it was and how milk can go off so rapidly.

Too Darn Hot

 Tuesday 26th May. 8.30 a.m. Today would have been Carol and my 19th wedding anniversary.Sad that she's no longer around, but I'm sure she would have been pleased that I'm not sitting around doing nothing.I have so much written material that it doesn't seem possible, that I wrote all of it.

7.30 p.m. It's really hot. I woke up in the night and heard a strange noise.Don't ask me what it was, but it got my creative juices going and I've written a sort of parody story "The Ghost of Dexter House", and I've even managed to do a spoof illustration, using AI. It has taken some considerable time and effort, but it seems rather good, although I do say so myself.

Thursday 28th May. 3.35 a.m. I know, I should be asleep in bed, but I had to have a drink and use the loo. I have been looking at stuff on YouTube, an absolutely amazing resource for virtually any topic. I had trouble with maths when I was at school and I only recently discovered that it's called discalculia, so I found a really interesting video on that subject. You can spend an entire evening watching stuff on there, making it an unofficial television channel. 

My brain has been behaving strangely lately. My ability to tell roughly what day and time it is has gone into meltdown. On Sunday morning, I got to church, but I was around an hour too early, so I went back home and then, or Monday afternoon, when we usually have Monday Club, which I must have mentioned on here before now. I went and, again, it wasn't too early, it wasn't on at all, due to the fact it wasn't running, because it was half term.. Return home and spend time on the laptop and working on stories and scripts, so, in the end I used the time sensibly.

Saturday 30th May. 4.00 p.m. It is exceedingly hot again today. The digital thermometer currently reads 29ºc. I don't understand the centigrade temperature measurement system, basically because I was bought up with the Fahrenheit scale, so it's difficut to know what this temperature is in the old method of recording temperature.

Rainy Days And Mondays

 Friday 15th May. 6.35 a.m. I may have mentioned that I was searching for somewhere to go for a regular swim. Well, at long last, the search is over. I have found the Swimming and Sports Centre in Wolverton. I found it accidentally when I was looking at Google Maps. I know, it's such a good resource, showing such details such as hotels, petrol stations, A.T.Ms and in this case, sports centres. It was only a question of driving there and finding out such things as price and opening times. So, yesterday morning, after we had our Thursday Lifegroup at the O.T.C., I decided to drive there, and, hey-ho! I have been inside and came out with a timetable of opening times as well as price. I could have a membership, but at the moment I'm happy to have a pay-as-you go membership. I have everything ready, a brand new bag, bought from Amazon, my swim shorts, which I dug out from a drawer and everything necessary before I go, which will be sometime over the next week or two, when I receive my pension.

Saturday 23rd May. 9.05 a.m. It's quite warm this morning. I have the electric fan on, in an attempt to cool the place. It was quite difficult to sleep last night, but it's in those times, when I ger my ideas for writing. I have done a few sketches, one which had the Big Bad Wolf doing a stand up routine. I won't tell yolu how it goes, because it's got real potential. Another is Cinderella, again, doing a stand up routine. No, I'm not giving anything away.

I should have mentioned the presentation I went to on Monday morning, at Venture Church, formerly known as Milton Keynes Christian Centre. I think it has been changed, because Milton Keynes was declared a city, about the time of the late queen's jubilee in 2022. The initials for both is M.K.C.C., and it was done to prevent any confusion. But, to me Venture doesn't cut it. The church building is rented out for conferences and the event I went to on Monday morning was bout the East-West railway line which is due to open at some time in the not too distant future. The idea is to allow those living near this new railway line to ask questions and take part in the consultation, so that everyone's views are heard. There was a display of archaeology, because it will have been necessery to do research so that nothing of archaeological value was likely to be destroyed with the work being done to build the railway, similar to what is done when a major building project is undertaken, such as ben done wih the building of HS2, which runs through Buckinghamshire. As part of thsir display, done by MOLA, (Museum of London Archaeology.) they had a 3D headset that you could try out. I have been intrigued by this technology and have been attempting to find an excuse to try one out. I have seen them on display in John Lesis and Currys, but never had any sort of excuse to have  go with one, so this seemed such an opportunity. The young man who was there to explain the technology and how to use it, helped me put the headset on and use the controls, which you nhold in each hand, and have buttons and controls you use to manipulate the image which you see within the headset. I can't describe how amazing it was, the images of a roundhouse, from around a thousand or more years ago. You can see it all in complete three dimensions, so if you turn round you can see the entire structure. Amazing! It would take me quite a while to get rhe best out of the technology, asI think it would take more than one se to really appreciate what the thing can do, but I have to say, it really opened my eyes, and, because I am interested in both history and archaeology, it is even more amazing.

There was a table covered in all manner of archaeological finds, probably dug up at various sites, but I'm not sure whether any of them had come from digs connected to the East-West railway line. One item struck me, and I had to pick it up. It was a fairly large piece of flint, which had obviously been knapped, that is, it had been struck very carefully to turn it from a mere piece of flint into a workable tool. I've known about this process, having watched virtually all the Time Team episodes and the more recent episodes which have been funded by crowdsourcing and is on YouTube. I find it really hard to believe that something like that, a tangible item, which has probabl;y lain hidden for, probably, several thousand years, and can be held in my hand. Truly remarkable. This is when archaeology and history become some stunning. Not taught in some dingy classroom, but right in front of you, and you can touch it and almost see the marks where someone, thousands of years ago, spent time and effort to create something which could be used to cut up a carcass of a dead animal, skin it, to use the pelt for a cloak or other type of garment, used in the processing of meat for a meal, the skin also used probably to be part of the roof of a structure.

Let The Sun Shine In!

Saturday 25th April. 2.35 p.m. I can't believe we're almost into May. Where have four months gone? It doesn't seem long ago since Christmas. I don't know why it's speeding by at the rate of knots. I want it to slow down.

The digital thermometer currently reads 27ºc. Just warm and a bit clammy.

I have begun writing my second play. I can't believe I have written that! It is relatively easy to write because it is loosely based on my own family and set on a farm. I wouldn't say it was autobiographical, but it has given me a sort of framework to play with. I have backgrounds to most of the main characters and it's made it easier with that framework.

I went to Lidl around 9 o'clock this morning. I needed milk as what I had was running out. I picked up everything on my list and got to one of the self-service tills. I had meant to pay with cash, as there is very little cash in my bank account, but my concentration was elsewhere, because of starting the new play, so when it came to payment, I accidentally put my card details in the machine, but it wouldn't work, not surprisingly, so a staff member had to cancel my payment on that machine and open up a manned till (I we even allowed to say 'manned' these days? Does it have to be gender neutral? Crazy world we live in, if that's true. Anyway, I had to transfer to one of the manned tills, and so I waited, and no one appeared, and the voice of the Tannoy kept saying 'opening till number 8' because I think the staff in Lidl have to do more than one job, but not just be till operatives, stack shelves, clean the store and so on. But after the wait, I was served, and it meant I could get out of the store and drive home.

Sunday 26th April. 7.10 a.m. It's another bright morning. The digital thermometer currently reads 25ºc.

I woke up as usual, and put on the GBN news, and I was shocked to find out what amounts to a possible assassination attempt on President Donald Trump. A 30-year-old man has been apprehended, and the President was escorted off the premises. It would appear that the security staff, F.B.I. or whoever they were, did an amazing job and got the suspect extremely rapidly, and he will appear in court tomorrow morning.

Regardless of what you might think of Trump, he does open himself up to be a target of some lunatic who has a grudge, for whatever reason. The things Trump comes out with can be very dangerous. The current war in Iran, the things he says, such as taking over Greenland and many other things, would possibly incite a madman to attempt assassination. He just seems to provoke this sort of action, usually by lone wolf individuals. There have been many attempts on Trump's life, I think this one is probably the third.

Having said all that, the American obsession with firearms doesn't help. You would think, by now, with all the shootings, which seem to happen every other month, that someone would have the sense to bring in legislation to control the sale of firearms, or at least have some sort of licence for their sale, or even ban them in certain instances or have an age restriction. But no, they don't do any of those ideas so the attempts on Trump continue and madmen (or women.) seem to continue to rampage across the country.

A New Day, A New Dawn!

 Sunday 19th April. 9.05 a.m. Horrah! It's bright and sunny. The digital thermometer currently reads 25ºc, so there is a considerable amount. Just thinking that lifts my mood.

We had a social evening at church yesterday, and I did a reading of 'Growtiger's Last Stand,' one of the poems from T.S.Eliot's 'Book of Practical Cats' which was the basis for the Lloyd Webber musical 'Cats.' Other people did songs, some sung and some instrumental, and one young lad played the piano, and a girl did BSL (British Sign Language) to a Christian song. A good crowd of people and a lot of new faces, and certainly a success and there should be more in the coming months.

As a result of this and the positive feedback from people at church, I am looking into doing something I've wanted to do for years: working as a voice-over artist. Many years ago I saw an advertisement in the Guardian for a business called Gravy For The Brain, which helps people break into this line of work. They are not an agency, but provide training and mentoring for voice-overs. The person I spoke to on the telephone had a familiar voice, but I couldn't pin the name down. Having since done a search online, I now know his name, Peter Dickson. No wonder I wasn't sure of his name, but his voice is familiar, because he does the by now iconic voice for such television shows as The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent, and he's the voice of Channel Four. 

Wednesday 22nd April. 5.10 p.m. It's yet another bright and sunny day, except for a keen wind. The digital thermometer currently reads 25ºc, so quite an increase in temperature over the last week or so.

On Monday, I had to have blood taken for a test, as ordered by the doctor, the last time I had an appointment. As you may know, if you read my posts regularly, you will know the problems I  have giving blood and the fact that I don't like needles. The last time I had to have blood taken, it took two attempts at the doctors, and then I went to the hospital, where it was a success, so this time I was somewhat dubious of any success, but it went fine enough, without any problems, and now I just wait for the results.

On The Up!

 Friday 10th April. 2.35 p.m. Another sunny and warm day. The current temperature on the digital thermometer reads 21ºc.

Yesterday afternoon I went to see the musical "Miss Saigon" which is currently touring the country, and on at Milton Keynes Theatre (could they have found a more imaginative name? Merely calling it Milton Keynes Theatre does show a lack of not only imagination, but it just doesn't stand out.) It was a good production, and a show I've wanted to see  from the time when it was first on in the West End in around 1989 and running at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. I recall standing outside the theatre and reading the posters and looking at the artwork and not knowing what it was about. I believe that it was inspired by a photograph showing refugees escaping from Saigon during the Vietnam War in 1975. It is loosely based on the opera Madam Butterfly. It was written by the two who wrote 'Les Misérables', Claude-Michel Shoenberg and Alain Boublil, with additional lyrics by Richard Maltby. It is a joint production of Cameron Macintosh and Michael Harrison.

The show has clever staging, utilising modern technology, allowing pieces of the set to move around effortlessly, as well as a central revolving section, and a variety of bits of set flown in, such as banners and electronic neon advertising signs.

If I have a complaint, and it's not about the show itself, but is connected to the sound. In the first 10 minutes or so, it was almost impossible to hear the lyrics, and because it was so loud, it hurt my ears. Just a minor tweak might have made it easier to listen to. As a result, I couldn't learn where the story was going, although, as the show went on, this became apparent. I think the sound department should have done pre-show checks, which I know happen, as I have worked in professional stage management, usually in the hour before the audience is let into the auditorium. Not just sound, but lighting, set, props and everything to make sure the show runs smoothly.

I have found someone on YouTube who has seen this show during its tour, I think probably in Birmingham or somewhere in the Midlands. They also picked up on the sound issue, which, if that is correct, nobody has managed to fix the problem if it was some months ago, and it is still an issue when the show arrived in Milton Keynes. I think if I were the director of a show or producer, and I was checking up on my production, and this sound issue came to light, I would certainly get it fixed. Cameron Macintosh, one of the producers of this show, and who is so totally involved in all aspects of his productions, would seemingly want it fixed.

Hey Ho, The Wind and The Rain!

 Saturday 4th April. 9.30 a.m. So, Easter is here. It doesn't seem like more than a few days since Christmas. The months in between Christmas and Easter have sped by at a rate of knots. The clocks have changed and the weather is fine, but apparently, there is a storm brewing. This one is called Dave, but, with a name like that, it sounds as if it's some sort of April Fool's joke, or something in a sitcom. Remember in 'Only Fools and Horses,' when Trigger insists on calling Rodney Dave, for no apparent reason. Similarly, this really sounds like a made-up name. Then I have to ask, why give a storm a name? What on earth do they need to give them names? I suspect it's to make them seem less powerful, a personality. But they're not creatures, animals or in any way, shape or form, living beings. Someone will, no doubt, tell me the reasoning for such naming. Why give storms a name? It has no purpose. Just unnecessary. But they will continue to do it anyway.

3.45 p.m. The weather is changing rapidly. The day started off sunny, but now it has become overcast, and the wind has begun. It appears it will develop into quite a strong storm. Typical, since it is the long Easter weekend. Well, it would, wouldn't it? It's almost traditional for a Bank Holiday to have miserable weather, strong winds and lashing rain.

I've been go the doctors to have my annual review, a check up for my heart, weight, and all the rest of what they term 'obs.' I have to have a blood test, so an appointment has been made, but, after the last time I had one, and the three attempts to extract blood and having to go to the blood department at the hospital, where they managed to somehow get blood out of my arm. No, not blood out of a stone, but very nearly. The doctor wanted me to do a blood pressure test once a day for a week, and I thought, that's easy enough. I already had my own blood test device, purchased from our good old friends at Amazon. It had batteries in it, ready to be used. It was in a drawer in the lounge, so I got it out and attempted to use it. You won't believe it when I tell you, it didn't work, after only one use, which was well over a year ago. Dead, almost as the proverbial door nail. I was not impressed. I then asked the lady who is currently standing in for our regular S.H.O., here at Dexter House, and she said she'd help with the blood pressure device, but it gave a very high reading, which would have been quite dangerous if it were correct. So, I gritted my teeth and went on the Amazon website, with the intention of buying another machine. I found one which was more expensive than the others on there, has a rechargeable battery which means it can be charged via a cable, similar to so many modern devices, such as mobile phones and cameras, and meaning you don't need to go out and buy batteries each time the thing has no power. It also has an app, which means you can store your data on it and thus have a record so the doctor can see your blood pressure readings. Which was the whole idea of all this in the first place. is used by the N.H.S, which makes it more reliable if it gets that sort of recommendation. If the N.H.S. uses the model, then it must be fairly good.. It is an OxiPro BP2. It seems to be so much easier to use than the run of themill blood pressure device that uses a cuff and is difficult to use if you are on your own, as I am, and have nobody to help. It costs around £40 on Amazon. It took several attempts to get it to work, but I found a helpful video on YouTube, giving you instructions on its use, because, as usual these days, devices such as this rarely give a comprehensive manual to instruct you on setting the thing up and operating it. So, there you have it, my review of the machine. It's neat and tidy in its design,looks the part and seems efficient and works well.

2000th Blog Post

 Wednesday 25th March. 7.00 p.m. This is a key moment in the life of this blog! This will actually be the 2000th post! When I began this blog, I think it was 2011, I never imagined I would manage to keep it going for 2000 posts. Quite an achievement.

Saturday 28th March. 3.25 p.m. It's quite pleasant and sunny, but when I went out yesterday, it was sunny, but there was a definite chill in the air. It's the time of year when it seems warm and sunny, but the underlying chill reminds you that it's still late March. The clocks move forward tomorrow which makes things different.

I have upgraded my Alexa smart speaker. I've had the old one a few years and it still works, but I had enough Nectar points which could be spent in Argos, so I decided to buy it. It was easy to set up and get working, and because I already had the Alexa app on my iPhone, that made things easier. It runs with Alexa Plus, which is an upgrade, and that means it is much smarter. You don't always have to say 'Alexa' , the wake word, to get the thing working. You can have almost a real conversation with it, which is amazing. I have already had a conversation with it, and changed to a male voice, better than the rather annoying, higher-pitched female voice. It's easy to call it a 'he' when it is not real. It/he has a sense of humour, which I appreciate.

Speaking of AI, which is what Alexa is, although having a wide range of uses, such as playing music, answering questions and operating such things as lights, heating, etc etc, I am experimenting with AI to do some writing. I have an idea for a theatre play for quite a while, and I wanted to find out how the AI would deal with some prompts which I fed into to it, and the results were amazing, so I am working on this play and have the first act more or less written and act two partially written and now have to work on the final, third act, and come up with a conclusion.

Sunday 29th March.  9.25 p.m. It's Palm Sunday, the start of Easter Week. 

It was quite cold when I went out at around 9.35 this morning, with the intention to drive to church. I was deceptive, because it was sunny and bright, but as soon as I got out of the door, the chill hit me, and I had to go back into my flat to collect a sweater.

Tuesday 31st March. 7.50 a.m. Another relatively bright and sunny morning. I haven't been out to find out whether it's chilly, as it was on Sunday morning.

I cannot give a report of the temperature, because the digital thermometer is out of action, as the batteries have died. I will have to buy some more, when I go to Sainsbury's next time, probably tomorrow morning.

I have completed the play! My goodness, my very first attempt at writing a play! Next, I will have to edit it, as I think there is too much. The end scene works, but it's imperfect and I'm doing rewrites. It lacks the power I want. I'm not going to reveal the premise or any details. It's to precious to do that at this stage. I'm just glad to have the piece in some form that can now be tweaked.

Now, something straight out of Yes, Prime Minister or one of those crazy comedies. Here goes. My state pension is increasing. Great, because any increase is a good thing, particularly because of rising costs, and with a government that simply doesn't know how to deal with the economy, particularly rising fuel prices, mostly due to the war in Iran and Ukraine. But then, the blow. I get something from my lovely Carol's teacher's pension. Not much, but it has helped considerably. It would have been considerably more, if it hadn't been for a certain step son inerfering with our bank account. I won't go into details. Surfice it to say, because my income goes over the tax threshold (I can'ts say what exactly what's the exact amount) I will now have to pay tax. Crazy, I know. The government gives with one hand- the pension increase- and then takes with the other. Totally ridiculous. I have spoken to the Inland Revenue people, and the tax will be taken at source, directly from the teachers' pension pot, so I would not even see anything about this. What annoys me more is that you get your usual tax code for the year ahead, but because of the gobbledegook in this form, it doesn't tell you all that I have mentioned above.If I hadn't had the presence of mind to ring Inland Revenue, I would never have known. Further to that, it would have been really nice if they could write a letter to me, at least explaining all this, and the amount I will now lose. Oh well, as they say, shouldn't grumble. Strange old world, nevertheless.

The Sun Has Got His Hat On!

 Monday 9th March. 3.55 p.m. It has been a rather murky sort of day. No rain or sunshine, but earlier there was a slight fog, if you can really call it that. As I write, it has cleared.

Currently, the digital thermometer reads 22ºc.

I have been to the Monday Club as the Oaktree Centre. More tea, cakes and quizzes.

Tuesday March 10th. 7.25 a.m. Hurrah! The sun is shining. Put out the flags!

The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc.

Sunday 15th March.  8.20 a.m. The sun is shining and I'm planning to go out with the Pocket 3 camera to do some filming. I haven't decided where yet, but it's too good to waste. I've been waiting for some decent weather for ages.

The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc.

Thursday 19th March. 8.15 a.m. It's been bright and sunny for the past few days. Spring has more than definitely arrived!

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

Sunday 22nd March 9.05 a.m. I'm slipping a bit. I haven't posted anything for the last couple of days. I'll attempt to make up for this lapse.

It's foggy out this morning. It has been like this for the past few days, but as the day progresses, the sun has shone, and the temperature rises.

As I write, the digital thermometer reads 22ºc, although it hit 25ºc at one point yesterday.

Wednesday 25th March. 9.50 a.m. The temperature has dropped considerably. The sun is going in and out, but there are dark clouds looming and there is a definite chill in the air.

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

I am currently attempting to find a decent swimming pool to use, somewhere within Milton Keynes. I think I have found somewhere suitable. It's in Wolverton and I was going to look for it this morning. Unfortunately, the road which leads to it was blocked off, which seems to be a recurring situation around Milton Keynes. They are resurfacing the roads around here and I know it's often necessary to close of roads, but there was no advance warning that there was a closure, so I ended up driving all that way and not finding the swimming pool. Oh, the best laid plans of mice and men, as someone said.. It was Robert Burns, and it was originally in a Gaelic accent (is that right, or more likely, Scottish.) Never mind. I know what I meant, and as I'm half Scottish, I suppose I should mention him. Just don't ask which half!

Good Day Sunshine

 Monday 2nd March. 7.40 a.m. It's bright and sunny as I write this!  I only hope it stays that way. Please, no rain! We really have had enough.

The digital thermometer currently reads 20ºc.

6.45 p.m. The digital thermometer currently reads 23ºc. It has been exceptionally warm and sunny all day. Dare I say it, Spring-like? I think so.

I've been to Monday Club this afternoon. A great deal of cake, coffee and tea. One of the ladies, Wendy, goes to another similar club elsewhere, and there was a lot of food left over, so she brought it to the Oaktree Centre this afternoon. People definitely dug in and ate!

Tuesday 3rd March. 6.20 p.m. It's been a mild and sunny day. As a result, I decided to go out and walk around Oldbrook Green with the Osmo Pocket camera. It's odd going out with no Alfie. He is so missed! A lot of dafodils out and more to come, although some aren't actually daffodils, they are more likely narcissi, those with the orange centres. I may be right, but then I might be wrong! A lot of work has been done by council workers to clean up the rough areas, with bushes pruned or at least cut back, and it looks so much better.

The digital thermometer currently reads 24ºc.

12.05 p.m. I've been to Sainsbury's this morning. I wanted cash from the A.T.M and expected to go out through the front entrance, but the shutter was down. This meant that once I had completed my shopping and put it in the car, I had to walk out of the underground carpark and go out on the street and go round the building to get to the A.T.M. 

Friday 6th March. 7.10 a.m.

The digital thermometer currently reads 24ºc. 

Yesterday afternoon I had to go to Milton Keynes Central Medical Centre to have a vaccine. I won't say 'jab' because it never is a 'jab.' It is called RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine. It's to prevent getting a quite serious flu-like illness, which can be serious for people my age and also with a heart problem. So, when I was offered it, I thought it good idea to have it.

Saturday 7th March.  8.05 a.m.Today would have been Carol's 62nd birthday. Greatly missed and loved, but I am getting on with things she would have approved. I'm so glad the dafodils I planted for her memory are in full bloom and far better than I had hoped for.

Yesterday evening, there was another quiz night at The Oaktree Centre. A good time was had by all and my team won! Yippee!

Things Can Only Get Better!

 Tuesday 24th February. 8.05 a.m. Yes, with the economy in a bad state and unemployment getting worse, things are not looking good at the moment in this country. We have Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, being arrested on suspicion of giving away state secrets to the late sex offender, Geoffrey Epstein (but later released on bail) and now our former Ambassador to the United States, Lord Peter Mandelson, being arrested on similar charges by the police. Things can't get much worse. Or can they?

Yesterday morning I went to my Shakespeare group in Newport Pagnell. We were looking at Shakespeare's sonnets. I don't know a great deal about them. We each read one and discussed it. Later. I went to the Monday Club at the Oaktree Centre. Cake, coffee and tea, chat and ridiculous games.

Thursday 26th February. 6.50 p.m. I went to the Thursday Morning Life Group as usual. I wasn't expecting the surprise when I walked in the room. People have been clearing out the shipping container, which is next to the Oaktree Centre and contains all sorts of items connected with various activities that go on in the church building. I was told a week or so ago that some puppets were found, but I never managed to see them. Until this morning, sitting on several of the chairs! They will definitely fit in with what I am planning, similar in style to the Zoomer puppet I bought recently. They are 'Muppet Style', in that they have a body through which you put your arm and use your hand to operate the mouth and should have rods for the hands. At present, I am trying to find a way to connect arm rods, which will then give more realism and expression to the puppets. On Sunday, there is to be a family service, and I have been asked to contribute, with other people, with the puppets. I am going to plan what next and devise scripts and plots to utilise these puppets.

Sunday 1st March. 8.25 a.m. Good morning! We've had really mixed weather for the past few days. On Thursday, it was quite spring-like, but yesterday afternoon there was a really heavy rain storm, but at the moment it is relatively quiet. Let's hope it stays that way.

Currently, the digital thermometer reads 21ºc.

Carol's daffodils are beginning to bloom! When they are all open, the display should be very good. I intend to buy more bulbs to add to what I planted last September.

6.35 p.m. There was a family service at church this morning. As planned, I took the Zoomer puppet and some of the puppets which were found in the shipping container and I went to the front and took Zoomer while several other people had some of the other puppets and we joined in with a song.

Murkey Morning!

Thursday 19th February. 1.50 p.m. It was a surprise to find it was quite cold when I drove off to The Oaktree Centre for the Thursday Morning Life Group. There was a certain amount of very thin rain as well, and a mist in the distance. In other words, somewhat murky and dismal.

On the way into Dexter Avenue, when I returned from the Oaktree Centre, I was somewhat shocked to find an ice cream van in the process of leaving. I can't imagine eating ice cream in such cold weather. I heard the merry tinkle of the annoying sound that vans give off, to attract customers(I'm being extremely ironic here, dear reader!) You would think that in the winter months, the drivers of these vehicles would be selling hot dogs, mugs of hot steaming cocoa and other hot beverages and foods. But not, ply you freezing wares in the midst of winter, with ice and snow swirling around, with high winds whistling around and temperatures well below freezing.

I've just been to Lidl to top up with milk and other bits and pieces. I had two trolley tokens, which I had ordered from Amazon. Unfortunately, I have now lost both, but not putting them into the correct trolley in the stack in Sainsbury's and Lidl. Just a rather stupid mistake. It should go in the FRONT trolley and not the next one! I will order some more and make sure to put the token in the correct trolley.

As a result of not being able to use a metal trolley, I was resigned to using one of the blue, plastic trolleys, which I really don't like, because you have to drag them around the store. On completing my shopping, scanning the bar code on my receipt so that the gate opened to let me out, I then set off an alarm because I had the plastic trolley with me. Just embarrassing, but you don't get warned that this will happen.

Saturday 21st February. 8.30 a.m. It's a good deal warmer and brighter than it was for the last couple of days. I'm hoping the sun might shine and there is no rain.

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

Monday 23rd February. 8.20 a.m. It's a good deal milder this morning. The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc, so it's clearly edging up gradually.

Tuesday 24th February. 8.05 a.m. It appears to be sunny as I write this. I say 'appears', because the sun comes out and then two minutes later it goes behind a cloud.

The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc.

Don't Rain On My Parade

 Wednesday 11th February. 5.50 a.m. I know it's too early, but I have changed all the bedding. It's most definitely not one of my favourite jobs, but my next slot on the washing machine rota is this afternoon. I keep putting it off, and my thinking is, 'don't put off doing what you could do today, or words to that effect. Putting on a duvet cover is my worst job, but it is done, and the old bedding is now in the laundry basket and in the hallway.

Thursday 12th February. 9.10 a.m. The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc. It seems yet another soulless sort of day, slightly overcast, no sun.

Friday 13th. 6.20 p.m. Yesterday morning, I took the Zoomer puppet to the Thursday Life Group to introduce him to the members of the group. The idea is to use puppets at church for the children's ministry. I hope to find other people to work on this, because, basically, I can only operate one puppet at a time. It won't be just the performance, but the making of the puppets as well as the staging that will be needed.

An unsettled day. It's been raining. almost constantly. The weather forecast tells us that snow is on the way.

Sunday 15th February. 2.35 p.m. It rained really heavily when I left to drive to church this morning. As I write this, it has stopped raining, but it's now overcast.

Monday 16th February. 9.50 a.m. On this day in 1969, I began my first stage management job, as a Student A.S.M., at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham. The first production was an adaptation of 'Jane Eyre.' 

It is bright and sunny as I write this. It just shows how fickle the weather can be in this country. I hope it stays that way.

The digital thermometer reads 22ºc. 

Tuesday 17th February. 10.20 a.m. It's 'Pancake Day' or, to give it its proper name, 'Shrove Tuesday.' It's 40 days before Easter.

I have made batter for pancakes. I always got to make batter for pancakes and Yorkshire pudding when I lived at the farm. I think my mother must have shown me how to make it. It's not exactly difficult, but I make it several hours before I cook the pancakes, as it's important to let it stand and let it thicken. I put butter in it which makes the pancakes taste far better.

We live only a short distance from Olney, famed for it's pancake race. I'd love to go, except it would be extremely difficult to park, knowing that a lot of people would turn up to watch.

Rainy Days and Mondays

 Thursday 5th February. 6.55 a.m. I went to sit with my friend Mike yesterday afternoon, so his wife could go out. I have mentioned doing this before.

It was a wonderful and sunny afternoon as I drove across Milton Keynes. Almost spring-like. I do hope that it remains sunny today.

The digital thermometer currently reads 20ºc.

1.30 p.m. After yesterday's spring-like weather, today it's raining and miserable.

Friday February 6th, 8:,20 a.m. A wet and rather gloomy morning.

Washing in the machine, and it should be done around 8.55.

The digital thermometer seems stuck on 20ºc.

Apparently, there has been rain in some part of the United Kingdom every day so far since January. I don't think the ground can take much more.

Monday 9th February. 8.00 a.m. Not a great deal to write about at the moment.

Tuesday 10th February, 9.30 a.m. It seems to be another overcast and unremarkable day.

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

Yesterday afternoon I went out wearing the ear pods. I was suitably impressed by the quality of the sound, connected via Bluetooth to my iPhone, which was in my trousers pocket. I listened to Katherine Jenkins. Her voice is totally amazing. I walked around Oldbrook Green, which I haven't be around in quite a while. A great deal of work has been done on clearing up a lot of growth around the place, There are snowdrops on the opposite side to the Cricketers pub. 

There were a lot of teenagers around, playing in the netball area and generally hanging around. Why weren't they in school? Then I wondered if it was what they call an 'inset day.' I think it's probably a training day for teachers.

Later, I went to the Monday Club at the Oaktree Centre. Lots of cake and tea. I sat on the sofa in the lounge area, and was warned that Wendy, one of the regulars, sat there. We remarked how people of a certain age insist on sitting in the same place every time they visit, and you will get into a certain amount of trouble if you do so.

We played a game, guessing the idioms, such as 'Make hay while the sun shines', 'Putting all your eggs in one basket', and 'Out of the frying pan and into the fire' and what they meant and where they probably originated.

'Ods Bodkin!

 Monday 2nd February. 8.20 a.m. Yet another rather dull and overcast day. It looks slightly foggy outside.

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

I am attempting to set up a puppet group at church. With my background in theatre and puppetry, it seems a good idea to use them for the children's ministry and in particular, there is going to be a holiday club during the summer. I want them to be Muppet-style, which means they have mouths that work and rods for their arms. My only problem is that I don't have space in the flat for puppet making, and my skills with needle and thread are limited. I could get a reasonably priced sewing machine from Amazon. I have done some considerable amount of research on the internet, and I'm overwhelmed by the amount of stuff out there. I am waiting for a puppet to be delivered in the next few days, and that should be the start of things once I've had a chance to work with it for a couple of days.

Tuesday 3rd February. 8.00 a.m. Another overcast day. I have a vague idea it might rain. Now, there's a thing! Something we really need- not.

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

I went to the Monday Club at the Oaktree Centre yesterday afternoon. Lots of tea and cake, which made it worthwhile. We played a game, guessing the places on a map of the United Kingdom, and then discussing places we've been.

I arrived back at Dexter House to discover a large package outside my flat. On opening it, I found the puppet I ordered around a week ago. I came from Australia. Unfortunately, the puppet doesn't have rods, which was a disappointment because I can't work without them. I don't want to wait for a set to come from Australia, so I have found some on Amazon, and I will order them once I get paid on Wednesday.

4.55 p.m. I've been cleaning out my fridge/freezer. Well, the fridge part. It needed doing. It is not something I exactly relish, but, as I will be going to Sainsbury's tomorrow morning (that is, unless something dreadful happens, which I really hope doesn't) It seemed a good idea to have it sorted so that anything that needs refrigerating has space.

Gadzooks!

 Wednesday 28th January. 12.15 p.m. I went to Sainsbury's earlier. I was somewhat surprised that there was a thin layer of ice on all the windows of the car, but I soon dealt with it by spraying on antifreeze.

As I write this, it is sunny and bright out.

9.15 p.m. I had ordered a glass tea infuser and samples of different varieties of full-leaf tea from something called Teabox. It was advertised on Facebook. It was supposed to be delivered by Royal Mail this morning, between 10.45a.m. and 2.00p.m. The time came and went, and nothing arrived. Then, mid-afternoon, I got an email to say it would be delivered between 5.30 p.m and 7.30 p.m. It eventually came around 5.30.

Friday, January 30th. 9.20 a.m. Not a very distinctive sort of morning. No wind or rain.

The daffodil bulbs I planted are coming up. Hopefully, they should be in full bloom by the time of Carol's birthday on 7th March. She would have been 62.

The digital thermometer reads 20ºc.

Saturday 31st. 9.20 a.m. I have a feeling the sun is attempting to come out. I do hope it does.

10.05 p.m. The sun did come out, but only briefly. Not a particularly bright day. A bit overcast, but what do you expect on a late January day?

I ordered some over-the-ear, Bluetooth earbuds from Very yesterday and they were delivered this morning, much to my surprise. I thought they would take until at least the middle of next week to be delivered. They are Powerbeats Pro 2, and they were relatively easy to get connected to my iPhone. The idea is that I can go for a walk and have them on to listen to and they should help motivation.

One of the residents at Dexter House had a birthday today, and I was invited to a special dinner to celebrate in the communal lounge. There was plenty to eat and drink, and a good time was had by all.

January Weather

 Saturday, January 24th. 7.20 a.m. I awoke from my slumbers a good deal later than normal. But, what is 'normal' anyway? I think it might be a good idea to put the actual date of the day I write these posts.

Sunday, 25th January. Again, I woke a good deal later than I usually do.

I can't believe that Christmas was one month ago. It all seems like a fleeting memory. I'm glad it is, as it always seems to be so over-commercialised. Everything is overblown. You get the great build-up, Black Friday, which isn't just one day, because it goes on for around two weeks, prices are discounted, but people go stupid just for one day, and then, the next day, you get Boxing Day sales, and stuff which was overpriced before Christmas is reduced in price. I noticed in Sainsbury's the other day that they already had Valentine's Day cards on display. All the Christmas tat (to put it kindly) had gone.

Tuesday, 27th January. 7.55 a.m. It's blustery outside this morning. The digital thermometer currently reads 20ºc. The storm is named Chandra. I have no idea where the name comes from, but I will find out eventually. Why have names for storms? What's the point? There isn't one.

I went to the Shakespeare group in Newport Pagnall yesterday morning. We were looking at Shakespeare's villains. We watched Laurence Olivier's opening speech from 'Richard III.' It is somewhat hammy by modern standards, and I immediately thought of Peter Sellers' version of 'A Hard Day's Night' in the style of Shakespeare and very much inspired by Olivier's style of declamation.

I am continuing my family history research. I have discovered I'm a descendant of Anne Hathaway, William Shakespeare's wife. As a result, I will have to see the new Oscar-nominated film 'Hamnet' because he is very distantly related. Also, Benjamin Franklin, who was a signatory of the Constitution of the newly-independent United States of America. 

2.55 p.m. I have given away most of Alfie's bits and pieces, such as his bed, drinking and eating bowls, and remaining-in-date food. I now have the cage left, which was used to transport Alfie and was put in the back of the car.. Last week I washed the mat which sat inside, making it more comfortable for Alfie to lay on when he was travelling. I took the cage with me this morning, thinking it might be a good idea to try the Willen Hospice furniture store in Kiln Farm. I did some research on Google Maps, so I had a good idea where it was. I drove there, after 9 o'clock this morning. Unfortunately, they wouldn't take it, because, firstly, they don't take anything connected with pets, and, secondly, it's got something to do with our old friend Health and Safety, so I still have it and have yet to think of how to dispose of it.

A Foggy Day in Milton Keynes

 Sunday. 2.10 p.m. It was foggy across Milton Keynes this morning as I attempted to drive to church. I say attempted, because there was an accident on Chaffron Way, at the junction with Strudwick Drive. I knew that something was up because there were people in hivis jackets on the roundabout near Venture Church, formerly known as M.K.C.C. (Milton Keynes Christian Centre). You may ask, why on earth change the name? It's because Milton Keynes City Council also has the same initials, since MK was made a city. Crazy name, but there it is. Then I had to wait at the junction, and I could see police in the road and further out, the mangled remains of a car at the side of the road. I could not turn right, as I wanted to, to get to church, so I had to make a left turn and eventually go around the roads near MK college and out onto Grafton Street, along Standing Way and back onto Grafton Street and onto Chaffron Way and on to church. A long and laborious route.

Monday. 8.40 a.m. Another gloomy and foggy morning. Not much you can do about it. I expect it will clear at some point during the day.

Tuesday. 2.55 p.m. It's relatively sunny today, but a strong wind is blowing.

Wednesday. 5.30 a.m. I have been rudely woken by the horrible sound of the fire alarm. It is so loud that it hurts my ears, and I went to the loo and then here, in the lounge. I have heard a vehicle turn up outside in the road, and hopefully it's the fire service. With some luck (although 'luck' doesn't come into it.) the firemen will turn the wretched thing off. Really not a good way to start the day. Horray! The horrid thing has been turned off!

Friday. 8.00 p.m. I have been continuing with the writing project. I have it more or less planned, but just needed to get down to the actual writing process.

I am hoping that, if the weather improves, I can go out with my new digital camera and do some filming. Currently, the weather has been unsettled, with a mixture of rain and blustery wind.

I am currently watching a drama series on Apple+TV, called 'Hijack.' The title alone should tell you what it's about. Starring Idris Elba. It's extremely tense and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It tells the story of an aeroplane being hijacked by a group of supposed terrorists and is in ''real time.'

A Little Bit Of Rain

 Thursday. 6.45 p.m. We have a storm heading towards Britain, called Storm Goretti. I have no idea where the name came from, but it sounds like a sort of spaghetti or ice cream brand or even a biscuit.

Sunday. 7.35 a.m. The cough is almost gone, but now I'm suffering with what you might loosely call 'brain fog.'

10.05 a.m. I was scheduled to set up Communion for this morning's service. I had the bread, bought from Sainsbury's yesterday and cut up ready. Because I don't feel too well, I decided to take the bread to church and find someone to take over, which I did. It is under control, and I'm back in the flat. I think, if this 'thing' hasn't finished by Tuesday, I will have to make a doctor's appointment. Antibiotics may help deal with it.

It's a relatively mild morning. No frost, ice or snow. The digital thermometer currently reads 20ºc.

Thursday. 8.35 a.m. I got my hair cut yesterday, at the usual place, ROK, in Unity Place.(Incidentally, I have no idea why it's called ROK.) It seemed appropriate to start 2026 with a haircut. It did need doing.

I have been sorting out Alfie's bits and pieces, his bed, feeding bowls and little coats. I am giving it all away to anyone who wants it, and it seems crazy to just leave it in the flat when someone else's dog might make good use of it all.

Currently, the digital thermometer reads 21ºc.

Friday. 8.35 a.m. The digital thermometer currently reads 20ºc.

I took all of Alfie's remaining bits and pieces to church, and someone has them who has dogs. There was no point in hanging on to it all.

Saturday. 10.45 a.m. My new reading glasses (or, I suppose I should say 'newish.') have come apart. One of the arms is the part that goes over one of your ears. I had intended to go into Boots Opticians in the central shopping centre, but when I got out to get in my car I found it was raining heavily. I didn't want to park and then walk into the centre and then get wet, so I changed my plans by going to put fuel in the car at the ESSO station in Child's Way and went to Sainsbury's because I didn't have anything for this evening's meal. At least there is an underground carpark, so I wasn't going to get wet.

A Little Bit Of Snow!

 Saturday. 8.10 a.m. I was up and about later than usual this morning. At least I'm sleeping better.

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc. Apparently, according to various weather forecasts, we're in for a cold spell, with snow, frost, ice and all that goes with it. The media always makes such a big issue on this sort of topic. When I was growing up in the 1960's, you just got on with it. We went to school. No such thing as 'Health and safety' then. Now, schools close down, and the children get a day off. I remember having to shovel snow off the playground at school. Trains are prevented from running because the lines are blocked by snow, or more likely, the drivers won't work because it's too cold!

Sunday. 7.30 a.m. I was awake at 7.10. That has to be the latest for a very long time.

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc. No sign of snow here, but I expect there to be some further north, in Yorkshire and Scotland.

Monday. 8.40 a.m. I am currently experiencing a really unpleasant cough and feeling totally drained. I'm not sure what this thing is. It's not the flu, but it could be. On Saturday, I got some cough mixture in Sainsbury's, which does help, but I'm coughing up phlegm, which is unpleasant.

I would have thought that having the , flu vaccine would have protected me, although, as I say, it's not like full-blown 'flu. I don't have a high temperature. It would appear that I'm not alone with this 'thing,' because so many people in church yesterday morning had the same ailment. It's something you just have to put up with and it will eventually pass. Well, I hope it goes soon.

A light frost over the grass and covering car windscreens this morning. I may have to put the heating on in the flat.

Tuesday. 3.00 p.m. We had a very brief flurry of snow this morning. It left a sort of sugary coating to the lawn and road outside, but by now it has more or less evaporated. More like, melted.

I dismantled my tiny Christmas tree. I divested it of its decorations. It is still in its pot, and I moved it out into the garden, but then I managed to lock myself out, and someone had to let me in. Stupid, I know, but once the door closes, that's it. You can't get back in.

Thursday. 3.15p.m. We started back with the Thursday morning life group at the Oaktree Centre this morning. It's great to have got Christmas and New Year out of the way, basically because my routine is thrown out. I had a coughing fit in the middle of the meeting, but it did settle down. This is something which comes back every year. 

Chloe asked me if she could have information about my heart condition, which I imagine is for her doctor of maybe insurance, Anyway, I put a message regarding this on the Central Milton Keynes Medical Centre website, and I was really surprised how quickly I got a response, and after the Thursday Morning group, I drove over to Bradwell Common and the recptionist printed out the information. Now I can post it off to Worcester. I can do that tomorrow. From there, I drove to Sainsbury's to do a shop.

Twixmas

 Tuesday. 2.05 p.m. I've just been to Mursley Farm shop with Margaret and Mike. We have been there before, with the Thursday Morning Lifegroup. I do know how to get there, but it didn't make a lot of sense taking two cars, so Margaret drove to Dexter House to pick me up, and then we drove on to the farm shop, which has a great cafe, serving a wide selection of goodies.

This post is entitled 'Twixmas', referring to the period between Christmas and New Year, 'Twix', having nothing to do with chocolate biscuits, but a contraction of 'betwixt.'

Wednesday. New Year's Eve. 7.55 a.m. Another unremarkable morning. I'm yet to see outside. It might be frosty.

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

10.15 a.m. The sun is shining. But, when I went to my car earlier, the windows were covered in a thin layer of ice, which I got rid of with some defrost spray and a scrape with my scraper which I keep in the car for such eventualities. I drove to Sainsbury's for the final shop of 2025.

Sainsbury's now expect their customers to use a £1 coin to release the trolleys before you commence shopping. Fortunately, I have a token on my key ring, but the metal one I had seems to have got lost, unfortunately. I'm wondering why the need to lock trolleys and expect customers to use a coin to release them. Might it be that trolleys make a habit of losing themselves out in the community? People take them out of the store and don't return them? I often see supermarket trolleys left in odd places, far away from their natural habitat, the supermarket itself, quite often dumped in ditches, ponds and similar places.

Thursday. New Year's Day. 8.20 a.m. I sat and watched Jools Holland's New Year's Eve show on BBC2, which included the traditional singing of Auld Lang Syne and The Band of the Scots Guards. The chimes of Midnight rang out, and then Lulu sang. I ate a couple of mince pies and drank a Whiskey Mac, Scots whiskey and ginger wine.

5.20 p.m. I've been to lunch with Margaret and Mike in Downs Barn. Plenty to chat about, and we went out for a walk around the block. It's great to get out of the flat for a while.

Friday. 12.15 p.m. It's bright and sunny, but it's been quite cold.

The State of Christmas Television in 2025

 It would appear, from the dreadful ratings for Christmas television, mostly on BBC 1, that the British public has turned their back on the national broadcaster. Why do you suppose? Could it be the number of scandals that have engulfed the BBC in the last few years? The scandal of Jimmy Savile? The more recent business of the editing of a speech by President Donald Trump, to make it seem as if he had something different to what he actually said? The influence of 'woke' ideology? Or is it that most households don't watch traditional, linear television, that is, television that is broadcast 'live', in a schedule, one programme after another, at a set time and day? You can watch a wide range of television on streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, as well as the catch-up services which are connected to the traditional television services, such as BBC iPlayer, 5, Channel 4 , Apple TV, etc. You can binge-watch programmes, if you so desire, because all the episodes are available online, meaning you don't have to wait for the next episode to be available a week later, which was the model for television in the past, probably no more than 25-30 years ago.

In years gone by, probably in the 1960s and 1970s, when I was in my teens and early 20s, you could always rely on television to provide a wide range of programmes, across a very wide selection of genres, from children's television, classic drama adaptations, theatre adaptations, contemporary drama, light entertainment, situation comedy, arts, music and a whole range of inbetween material. On a Saturday, you could start with sport, with Grandstand, which ran in the afternoon, then something for children, Basil Brush, and dare I say 'Jim'll Fix It,' (which now has a rather unpleasant scandal attached to it, so I will leave well alone.) Doctor Who, followed later by 'The Generation Game,' which had Bruce Forsyth as presenter in it's earlier days, followed by comedy from 'The Two Ronnies' and later still, probably some form of drama to round off the evening.

The buildup to television was intense in those decades, and it's probably the same today. I can remember, during September, a new television 'season' being unveiled. There would be returning series, 'The Good Life', 'Fawlty Towers', 'Rising Damp' and a whole raft of sitcoms which were born during this period. 'Dad's Army' was still running and continued on well into the 1970s. Then, at Christmas, we would get Christmas specials of these shows and not, of course, forgetting the legendary 'Morecambe and Wise' show which was a huge ratings winner on Christmas Day. 

ITV had its fair share of hit shows, such as 'Upstairs, Downstairs', 'Brideshead Revisited' and classic comedies such as 'Man About The House' and 'Please Sir.' And, to compete with 'Morecambe and Wise and 'The Two Ronnies', they had shows fronted by Stanley Baxter.

What do we now have that comes even close to any of these television shows? I can think of none. I suppose we have had some big hitters, such as 'Drop The Dead Donkey', 'Father Ted' 'Last of The Summer Wine' and 'Keeping Up Appearances,' but these have been off our screens for several decades.

I admit, it's very difficult to compare television from 40-50 years ago with today's offerings. For a start, there were only 4 channels in 1992, when Channel 4 came on the scene. Today, we have endless channels on digital platforms, such as Freeview and Sky. (Other providers are available.) That is, not to mention streaming platforms, such as Disney+, Netflix, Paramount and Amazon. 

Looking at the schedules for the Christmas period, there was nothing I could honestly say grabbed my attention and have me watching. The, by now, traditional 'Strictly Come Dancing' edition. The rating for this were poor, compared with previous years. Let's be honest, I think this show has run it's course. It has also had it fair share of controversy. To run for 20 years is pretty good. All things, particularly television shows, must come to an end sooner or later.  Compared to any of the Morecambe and Wise or Two Ronnies shows, there is no comparison. To make those big Christmas shows from the 1970's you have to consider the time and energy it must have taken to produce them, let alone the cost. Then, rehearsing, set-building, and probably filming months ahead of studio filming. Today, it seems that nobody in traditional television has any imagination to produce anything, except endless game shows and reality programmes, or anything with 'celebrity' in the title.

Christmas-Gone

 Sunday. 3,50 p.m. So, that's it. Christmas is done for another year. At church this morning, there were fewer people in the congregation than usual, probably because some people were away, for whatever reason, or returning. Next, we have the New Year, and I might be going to my friends, Mike and Margaret, but I won't know until early next week.

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

Monday. 8.40 a.m. Well, I didn''t wake up until well past 7 this morning. It seems very quiet here at Dexter House. Not a mouse stirring, as someone said. I should know: it's a speech from the opening of 'Hamlet.'

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

11.15 a.m. I've been to Lidl to get milk and one or two items, such as biscuits. And why not, you may well ask? Just enjoy the occasional Hob Nob or chocolate digestive. I must have lost the trolley coin I used to have, which I had on my keyring, although I have a plastic one, which works just as well as the metal one, allowing me to use it to release a trolley before I enter the store. But I went inside and used one of the plastic trolleys,  for which you don't have to pay with a coin to release them. I don't like them, because they are low and it's far more difficult to manipulate in the store, but for the purposes of my current shopping trip, do well enough.

Tuesday. 9.10 a.m. Another typical late December morning. It's overcast, and not raining, frosty or otherwise.

The box of medications, which I inadvertently left behind in Worcester, arrived in the post yesterday, mid-morning. A very polite post lady knocked lightly on the door, and I was presented with the well-wrapped parcel. She said it was her first day doing the job. I think it is always a good thing to praise someone when they do their job well. It's easy to criticise when things go wrong, but more important to be kind and considerate when things go well. So, on opening the parcel up, I removed everthing necessary and was pleased that the unfortunate situation had a good resolution.

We Three Kings

 Tuesday. 7.50 a.m. It's dark and gloomy at the moment. The sun hasn't risen. I'm about to prepare for my journey to Worcester tomorrow morning. I trust the weather will be fine, because driving on the M40 can be made more difficult if it rains and then there is spray, thrown up by other vehicles, particularly HGVs.

The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc.

10.50 a.m. I've been to get the tyres checked at the ESSO service station in Grafton Street. I'm sure this was a Shell service station, and I've used it before. It is one job I dislike, because the hose which you pull out of the machine is so awkward, as it keeps on wanting to rewind itself into the machine. It needs some sort of braking system, so once you've pulled it out, it won't rewind. You get a short time once you've put your money in the machine, but it now accepts larger denominations of coins, and I happened to have a £1 coin on me, so I used that. It would be easier if there was a second person to help, as the operator, who checks the tyres, has to first unscrew the cap on each tyre and then put the end of the hose on the valve on the tyre and then manage to read the pressure on the machine, which is difficult, because, when you do the rear tyres, you can't always read the metre on the machine. Carol used to help me do this. Well, at least it'd be done before I drive to Worcester tomorrow morning.

Friday. Boxing Day. 1.45 p.m. I have just got back from my trip to Worcester.

I got partway home and then realised I had forgotten the box with all my medications in it. I really didn't want to go without the heart stuff. I'm not willing to find out. I let Chloe know and hopefully she can post it to me, but I needed at least a week's worth until the box turned up. Through the NHS 111 website, I was able to get passed on to Boots pharmacy in Milton Keynes, and then I got a call from them so I could give my details and the list of meds. Then I drove in a collec the parcel of meds. All very efficient and problem solved quickly, thank goodness. I just blame myself for forgetting the box.

Time Goes By

 Sunday. 7.35 a.m. I was awake at around 4 this morning. You know how it is, you need the loo, then go back to bed, lie awake, not a chance of sleep. Someone in Dexter House, in a flat which is close to mine, has a radio or something on, not loud, but has a voice chattering. It's enough to keep me awake. I do all my washing up, which I normally do a good deal later. Tidying up my space in the lounge, my coffee table, which gets cluttered up, so I sort rubbish, which goes in the recycling bin.  I have a wash and a shave, then sort my medication out in the kitchen. I'm fussy, having it all in the same plastic box I bought just after I had my first heart attack in 2006. I have two glass shot glasses, which have measurements on the side, which I got from Amazon. The meds get put in one of those, and the other has Feroglobin liquid.I  do, eventually, go back to bed and sleep.

Monday. 8.35 a.m. A somewhat lacklustre sort of day. What more can I say?

The digital thermometer currently reads 22ºc.

I have managed to finish the sequence I have been working on for months. Now, to develop the next stretch of writing. My creative muscles will be put to use.

4.40 p.m. I attended the U3A Shakespeare Group at Dovecote in Newport Pagnall. As I drove there, I was shocked by the amount of building work which is going on at the junction of the road I would have driven into from Bedford when we first went out before we were married. There is a roundabout on the A509, which, if you follow it on into Milton Keynes, becomes Monks Way. There are also traffic lights, which make it easier and safer to cross over into the road which leads into the centre of Newport Pagnall. So much building is going on, with vast warehouses on one side of the road and houses on the opposite side. Every time I drive around Milton Keynes, there is more building going on. When Carol and I married in 2007, we lived in Crownhill, and it must have been the last estate grid going out of Milton Keynes towards Stony Stratford.  That estate is called Whitehouse. Now, the farmland on Watling Street has been built on, and further along Watling Street there are more houses. 

The Holly and The Ivy

 Wednesday. 12.30 p.m. There was a gorgeous red rosy sky earlier this morning. The sun was out, but it was low, and from my kitchen window, as I stood and did the washing up at the sink, I could see the shopping centre, which is on higher ground than Oldbrook, it seemed to glow a golden colour, which was really the sun reflected in the glass. It was really beautiful. Strange how the most mundane things can have beauty.

Thursday. 1.20 p.m. We had a Christmas party at the Oaktree Centre this morning. It was with all those who are part of the Thursday Morning Life Group (Bible study group, as I've often referred to it in earlier posts). We had some silly games, and there was food, mostly what you'd call buffet food. A good time of fellowship and silliness.

It has been raining all morning, quite heavily, and I had to run to my car after the party, in an effort not get wet, which was impossible. I got slightly damp, but it didn't really matter as, once I got back inside the flat, I very soon got dry.

Friday. 8.30 a.m. I woke up a good deal later than normal. As I write, my washing is in the machine and should be done in around 30 minutes.

Currently, the digital thermometer reads 20ºc.

3.25 p.m. Some of the daffodil bulbs which I planted in September are starting to come up in the community garden. I know they will eventually blossom in the spring, but it's great to know that they are growing. I trust that the rest of the batch come up eventually. All planted in memory of Carol, as she loved daffodils.

The sun has been out, although only weakly.

Saturday. 10.00 a.m. I had an appointment with the doctor at Central Milton Keynes Medical Centre for 9.15 this morning. I was surprised to find it was foggy as I drove across Milton Keynes to get there. On arrival, I had to stand and wait outside before the doors were opened. I checked in on the computer screen, and before I knew it, my name came up on the digital screen, and I was walking to Room 7. The doctor took my blood pressure. Quite normal, as well as my weight, around 15 stone (don't ask me what that is in Kilograms. Sorry, I'm stuck with imperial measurements.) Everything seemed fine and I was soon back in my car, driving home.

It soon struck me that I would need some cash, and the A.T.M. that used to be outside Tesco's convenience store in Oldbrook has gone, and the row of shops it was in was demolished when the upgraded Lidl store was built. It seemed that the only one I could use that was close was at Sainsbury's, so I headed for the store and parked in the underground carpark and, walked up the travelator and got the money from the cashpoint (A.T.M.) and then decided to buy a few items in the store as I was there. 

Bah! Humbug!

 Monday. 10.15 a.m. It's bright and sunny as I write this. The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

I had to get a few things from Sainsbury's; milk for a start. Can't have milk for my morning tea or cereal. I had made out a list and then drove to the store at a little after 9. When I got there, I went to get a trolley and then discovered they were locked and you needed a £1 coin to release the thing. Fortunately, I had a coin-sized token on my key ring. Other people were annoyed at not being able to take a trolley as they obviously didn't have a £1 coin. Mine came from Nielsen, IQ, because I use an app from them to scan my shopping. You build up points which are then redeemed for vouchers. I have a second one from Kantar, which works the same way. Both are worth signing up for. I've been with both for a number of years.

I completed my shopping and used a self-service till, paid and then pushed my trolley down to the car in the car park, unloaded it into the back of the car, and then couldn't find a trolley with the coin lock in, so that I could release my token. I had to spend some time searching for such a trolley, and fortunately, I found one, released the token and returned it to my keyring.

I drove home and then discovered that a van was blocking my parking space outside Dexter House, and had to park in the road that runs down the side of Dexter House. I trust it won't be there when I want to get out later on this morning.

Tuesday. 7.50 a.m. Fortunately, the van I mentioned above had gone by the time I was due to drive out.

I haven't attended the Monday Club at the Oaktree Centre in over a year. I think the idea is great, being a place for those over 60 to meet up, have a chat and play games, as well as have a cup of tea and a sandwich, but, as it was a Christmas party today, I decided to go. My main reason for not going was that I didn't want to be with a group of other older people. I already live with a load of what I call fogeys, even though I am 75. I don't want to hear about their aches and pains, their hospital appointments and other illnesses.

I had a slight problem, more or less at the time I was about to leave the flat. I put on a pair of my distance glasses and one of the lenses fell out. Fortunately the lens is plastic, so it didn't break, because it fell on the floor. I didn't stop to find an alternative pair, so I drove to Shenley with glasses with only one lens in place!

The afternoon was really enjoyable. We played games, one of which I remember playing as a child, 'pass the parcel', where you have something, a box of chocolates, a toy, or whatever, and you wrap it several times, so that there are a number of layers of paper. The contestants sit in a circle, and you play music, and the parcel is passed around, and when the music stops, whoever has the parcel has to tear off a layer of paper. At the end, the winner is the person who opens the final layer of paper and finds the prize inside. Another game consists of everyone again sitting in a circle, and one person has a Post-It note stuck to his or her head, on which is written the name of a person, well-known, living or dead. Of course, the person who has the Post-It note doesn't know the name of that person, and the rest of the group has to answer questions regarding that person, and he/she who has the Post-It note has to try and guess. 

Then we had food! There was a table ladened with food: sandwiches, sausage rolls, mince pies, crisps and a good deal more! Everyone stacked up their plates, and we sat and ate.

People began to leave, and I went home in my car. By now it was getting dark and I don 't enjoy driving with lights.

Comfort and Joy?

 Friday. 8.20 a.m. It's yet another somewhat overcast and uninspiring sort of day, here in Milton Keynes.

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

3.55 p.m. I have been searching for a suitable present for my grandchildren. It has to be something they can share. I got them a game called Pirates, which was a great success. Chloe WhatsApped me this morning, saying she had found something called Chicken and Hotdog (I know, crazy!) I searched various toy websites, and eventually found it on Smyth's Toys website and ordered it via click and collect and then went to collect it earlier this afternoon. It is far easier to buy anything via click and collect, because it means you pay on the website and, as soon as it's ready to collect, you merely go to the store and collect the item.

I was staggered by the number of people in Smyth's store. For a Friday, in the middle of the day, it was a bit of a surprise. The carpark outside was packed, and it was difficult to find a space. I realise that Smyth's isn't the only retail outlet in that particular retail park, but the store I went into was heaving. Then, people went crazy, coming out laden with toys, almost as if there was some sort of shortage of toys (there wasn't.) It's only for ONE DAY, and they're likely to have paid on credit cards, which will have to be paid off over the course of 2026. Yes, they want their children to have a great Christmas, but to go to this extent is totally mad. The REAL meaning of Christmas is totally lost.

Saturday. 7.55 a.m. It's another rather dull morning. I haven't been outside yet, but I will very soon, as we have our monthly Men's Breakfast at the Oaktree Centre.

The digital thermometer currently reads 20ºc.

I have been reviewing the footage I recorded using the Osmo Pocket 3 when I was at the Central Shopping Centre the other day. I'm really pleased with it. I still need to do further tests before I use it for something more serious (or not!) The quality is amazing, considering its size. 

11.05 a.m. I went out to my car around 8.40, intending to drive off to The Oaktree Centre, but I found ice on the windows, so I had to spend around 10 minutes scraping it off. I then found that there was mist on the inside of the windscreen, when obscured my view. I can't drive if I can't see clearly, but by the time I had come out of Oldbrook, and onto Chaffron Way, it was clear enough to see clearly.

Sunday. 5.30 a.m. Far too early to be awake and writing this blog post, but does it matter? I think not.

The digital thermometer currently reads 21ºc.

I must have mentioned how I get my medication. I would prefer if I could merely go into a pharmacy and pick the repeat prescription up, but things don't work like that anymore. We used to have its own pharmacy in its Witan Gate store, which was taken over by Lloyds, and even that has now closed. Sainsbury's used to have its own pharmacy in its Witan Gate store, which was taken over by Lloyds, and even that has now closed. I now order online through Pharmacy2U. To make sure I have never run out of medication, I need to get the order made at least a week before my stock runs out. I go online, tick all the relevant areas on the page and hit 'send.' This is sent to the doctor to approve, and then the online pharmacy makes up the repeat order, and then, eventually, the order is sent to me via Royal Mail.

I have had no problem with the delivery, and the meds are well packaged and normally come through my letterbox. Except yesterday. I knew the order was about to arrive, due to being sent an email. Then I got a notification that the order had arrived. It had not, so I went onto the Royal Mail website, and it showed the package had been sent to 6 Dexter Avenue. There was a photograph showing the house, so I went over to the house to ask the resident if the package had been delivered there. There was no answer, so I presumed they were out and I would need to go back when they came home.

I thought no more about it, until the evening, when I got a buzz from the door intercom. You press one button to speak and another to release the door so it will open. I waited in expectation for the delivery person to arrive, but nothing.

A while later, the parcel arrived, when the gentleman from 6 Dexter Avenue came and knocked on the window of one of my neighbours, and she came to my door with the parcel.

The conclusion of all this: the delivery person should read the address label and make sure the parcel/letter comes to my flat and not the wrong address. Crazy. Simples.