What's the best colour clothing to wear in 26 degree heat. A white t shirt and shorts maybe? A summery floral dress perhaps... not me... Well only weekends, when I call myself daphne... But no, I am in black trousers black waistcoat and black jacket . I won't mention my pants. I felt sorry for the horses today, but luckily it was a short journey. Another disadvantage of being bald... The sweat runs straight down your back... I am moist.
I have read many books about Everest. I don't know why? I have no desire to climb it. Its just that I love reading about other peoples courage in facing massive challenges. So many climbers have died trying to reach the top....as in life I suppose. But now...the challenge is even more dangerous. The last obstacle...the Hillary step, has collapsed. 39 feet of solid rock and ice....gone. New routes will have to be found...the sherpas taking on the dangers of finding a new climbable path. Is it worth it ? To some yes. Man...and woman have always strived to break records or be the first. That's what adventure is all about.
Ex smokers are the worst to judge today's smoker. I was on 40 a day in the army. But I ran every day. Then I jumped out of a plane and couldn't run anymore....so I packed in. Fast forward to today....and in a bid to stop people ruining their health...they are going to make all fag packets green???? With stearn warnings emblazoned across the front. Well firstly...I thought green represented clean...and thirdly....aren't ciggies kept behind shutters in shops these days? so you can't even see them anyway?? Here is my advice...make a packet of 20 .....£20...a pound a coffin nail? But no...the government want to warn you...but not so much, that the revenue is cut. Health and Safety at its finest.
Had a writers block over the last few days. The weather has not helped...nor the lack of exercise. Trying to put it right today with a walk into the city. Just perking up, when I received a phone call, that another musician had passed away. Harold Kyte was one of the founders of the Kyte Hopkins big band. This later went on to become the stapleford big band and finally the Risley big band. I joined his first band at a mere 15 years old. I then went on to join the army and then rejoined the Stapleford big band 18 years later. Harold was at the helm throughout...until illness took over. A fine jazz player and well respected by all musicians. Rest easy my friend x
I sometimes get cold sores. Horrible things, that are the curse of a musicians life. With me, 3 things start them off. Being over tired...tick...sunlight....tick....and seeing someone else with one....full house. I didn't stand a chance really. Painful when you put the mouthpiece to your lips...but you can't show it and the show goes on. I have gathered a range of cures over the years. But the very best is thanks to bees. I won't say anymore, as no doubt the price will rise if it becomes too popular. So I am suffering in silence...and will now buzz off.
Today I was involved in a natural burial. The coffin is usually cardboard or wicker. There is no headstone as such...as a tree or suitable shrub is planted. Plus the grave yard is in the middle of nowhere. Most people die of natural causes. I blame natural foods. Next we might have glass coffins...but that remains to be seen.?
After eating my own body weight in chicken wraps this week, I fancied a change and go for the traditional Sunday lunch. Yep...chips, bacon and a baguette. Of course, washed down with lashings of hot black coffee. I am easy...easy like Sunday morning.
I have a happy little ark. The gecko angel settled in well and comes out to say hello occasionally. My budgie Ocean sits on my head or phone every morning and shares toast with me. My new addition Lance the hamster is also very tame and considering the runt of the 10 babies, is putting on weight fast. The only problem is finding time for them all with bass and bone practice as well. Wonder if I can hire an animal nanny?
I consider myself to be a man of the world. I have seen and done many things.....some I will never do again !!!!! However, whilst having lunch, I could not help over hearing the 2 ladies sat on the table behind me. I couldn't help over hearing as they were that loud. They were discussing the effect that taking the pill had on their periods!!! They talked about light and heavy periods and spotting in their pants. At this point I was just about to pour Heinz tomato ketchup on my chips...but somehow I was put off. Today I have taken part in a funeral without a hearse. A cardboard coffin and family filling in the grave themselves. In fact they did everything and I travelled 32 miles just to watch in the end.
I LOVE apps. I have one for tracking my fitness level. One for saving me money. One for finding cheap barbers!!! But my favourite is the Wetherspoons app. No more queuing at a bar for food or drink...just find a table and order from the App. Perfect...or so I thought. There is no such thing as a free lunch...or so the saying goes ? I Forgot to turn my location on, so the app remembered last pub location. Ordered my food ...just about to pay...and a pop up box informed me....that I was 10 miles away from my table!!! I was so close to paying for a meal for a complete stranger sat at table 62 in Derby. Now I am generous to a fault...but not that much.
Chauffeured a friend into Nottingham today. Gave me an excuse to visit my old funeral company. Had to choose the day a priests funeral was taking place. A massive funeral, but had chance to chat with a couple of the managers and still treated as a friend, even though I have been left 15 years!!! The motto....never burn your bridges, unless you have been hurt badly and you have scars on your soul. This was followed by copious amounts of coffee and the sudden dawning...that I was lost and couldn't remember where I dropped my friend off. For saying I am ex forces, my sense of direction is pants. If there had been a war, then I would probably be sat having coffee in the enemies trench. My dad never got the hang of Roman numerals...he still thinks there was a world war eleven.
I have now had the final reports from the psychiatrists and orthopedic surgeon. Whilst the latter has filled me full of dread for the long term future, the mental health report has angered me beyond words. The first report was sent back as I queried some items. 1 was amended. My whole case was worked out by the shrink using text books and references. There is no human element to help with mental illness anymore. Read a few books and you become and expert on the subject. Just one of these so called experts need a day...just one day living in my shoes or anyone suffering mental illness.Apparently it won't affect any job I go into in the future. Even though the surgeon reports my wrist is gradually fusing together causing long term problems physically and mentally. To challenge the report would cost me nearly a 1000 pounds with no certainty of success. Talking to a guy today...he got nearly the same as I was offered for a whiplash injury. Only he didn't have an injury.. told them honestly...but they still paid out. I am saddened beyond hope and driven to despair.
Been for a ride to Nottingham today and a walk round the old town. I found a shop that I could spend a fortune in, but resisted and bought a pair of braces ( for my trousers , not my teeth). I can't believe how quick time is going these days. I was there about 4 hours, but only seemed like 5 minutes??? I did notice a mirrored ceiling though and have the awful feeling...that I might be receding?
A relaxed blow on 3rd trombone last night. It's strange when you play a piece normally on lead, as your brain hears the note you should be playing..but on the 3rd part it's totally different. However 2 numbers from the end , I was passed a lead solo...from ledger line below.. to into the gods.Bike ride to my new favourite Victorian coffee emporium this morning. Cheap and cheerful coffee. Easy like Sunday Morning.
I have never been great at DIY. A 2 minute job can turn into 3 days and a visit to A and E. I blame my dad. He won't throw anything away. If it breaks, then he will bodge it. As per this Hoover I saw him using today. Talk about reconditioned! This should be condemned. But in his words ' it sucks really well' So following in my father's footsteps, I went to do a small job last night. All it involved was removing a screw and replacing a bulb in a security light that hasn't been used for years. 20 minutes and 2 screw drivers later, I managed to remove the rusted screw, with the help of 4 gallons of WD40. Old bulb fell to pieces in my hand....New one replaced. Screw back in. Switch on......then 140 houses in the area have a power cut. I kid you not....power was off for 3 hours as the men worked on the national grid to restore normality. Coincidence? I dare not switch the light on again.....Just in case !!!!
Its 26 months now since I had the hit and run accident. After one solicitor departed the company , my case was set back further. However the new girl has taken the case on and I finally had a settlement offer yesterday. I have never had a figure in mind. What price can you put on loss of earnings, possible loss of job...and more scarily....not being able to ever play again. I have always been embarrassed about money. In the past, when I have played for bands...and they say...how much do we owe you...I blush and say nothing. I don't these days...I say....how much do you normally pay? So when I saw the settlement figure from insurance people...I did what my solicitor and dear friends advised....rejected it. It was an amount that made all the pain and suffering...a joke !@@Not sure what happens next..but I have to consider my future...or lack of it. Life without music would be unbearably hard. I can only hope, that the exercises I am doing, will delay the process.
I was joined for toast and coffee by my new housemate this morning and cheese and biscuits for supper last night. Both so tame in such a short time. Took myself out for lunch and then returned to find a letter from my solicitor re my hit and run. The insurer's had made a paltry offer and they advised that I should reject it. I am asking a wide circle of friends before I make a decision. The injury will be life changing in the future...and although its never been about the money, it has made me question the cost of life.
Absolute full house at Band last night. The musicians were lifted with the electric atmosphere in the room and I have never heard them play better. Sad news today though. The founder of this band is very very poorly at the moment. We are all keeping our fingers crossed, but he is very tired after a long fight with illness. Its now a diminishing generation...and the awful thing is...we are now the next ones to enter that category!!!
Having an early coffee in Utoxeter. The cafes culinary certificates up to date, but not sure that Pat has been in to test the lectrics!!!! Might make it take away......have left a few business cards just in case.
I took a visit to a renowned haunted house today. In the daylight...not so spooky. But at night , I should imagine, an instant cure for constipation!!. I asked myself the question...how much money would it take, for me, to spend a whole night alone there. No mobile phone and only a torch. I have to then ask myself a question....do I believe in ghosts. Although working with the dead for the last 19 years...nothing has ever happened...even when alone in a mortuary with numerous bodies. But a haunted house....hmmmm...I think it would have to be a 6 figure sum ...and numerous change of pants before I even considered it. At the very least...my hair wouldn't turn white!!!
