Hello ! And a very warm welcome to here on a Sunny Sunday Afternoon . . .
I do write that advisedly ‘cos, as I’m sure you’re more than aware, the weather changes so quickly that a simple walk with Herself (The Famous Sally Dog) involves me lugging around a suitcase with changes of clothes from fur coats to wetsuits. . . driving me mad it is!
Anyhow, enough of that stuff and on with the nice bits. . . well, I think so anyhow!
Refurbs are nearly totally utterly complete now, with only the prints to be printed and hung (and paid for!)and a new rug to be postitioned and so I present you with a few pixies of how the new bijou looks!
The last pic is a piece of Art (with a capital A) by me and is inspired by the new look of the place and by my delving into Ikebana as a design stimulus. Now, despite what you may think, Ikebana is not a Swedish fruit but is the glorious Japanese art of placing flowers.Now I’ve always been a bit of a fan of the cool simplicity of Japanese houses (unlike their cities!) and so have gone for that kind of feel; this mantelpiece - sorry masterpiece! – squats like a tiny sumo above my kitchen door and is made out of packaging and a leaf cover from my big plant – well, I like it anyway!
I am very pleased with the feel of the place now and, as I begin new stuff at Wigan and Leigh hospice next week, I am looking forward to it as a place of peace, relaxation and reflection. . .Sal says “Bugger that – I’m not moving out!!!”
Yesterday (Saturday) had the Old Duchess and Sister Cate round for a bowl or seven of Dr T’s famous SouperSoup – just the thing for a Winter’s afternoon in . . .er, July!!!
Dear darling Cate also shocked me by presenting me with a series of three little Japanese girlies named Itazura which means Mischief – can’t think why she got me those!!!
Actually, had been in love with these three little maids for quite a while and they now stand proudly on the bookcase and whisper about me!
Other than that life has been peacefulish and only marred by the incessant downpours . . . rain equals Sally in depressed mood ‘cos she hates being wetted upon – except when she’s planching in the river of course . . .and so she sits and sighs – from both ends - it most definitely is a Dog’s life!!!
Oh and before I go . . . I have spoken to a few of you personally in various ways and a general sort of thing is that you actually enjoy reading all this – so, if you would like to receive notice of when this blog has been updated send me a reply on here or email me directly and I will notify you so as to satisfy your unnatural urges!
And welcome, once more, to that little bit of a foreign field that is forever soggy!
So what’s been happening while you’ve been away? Well, let’s see . . .
I normally meet up with the old Duchess on Mondays, have a bit of a scoot ( erm , figuratively speaking!) around town then we have a spot of lunch . . . we have tried everywhere and not many places really pass muster I’m afraid . . . well, you know how fussy old folk can be . . . and I am!!!
Anyhow, a couple of weeks ago we ventured into the “Mr Chips / Café Select” premises owned and wotnot by the amazing Howard Gallimore; what an total surprise!
Last Monday we completed out third visit and I have to report a 100% total satisfaction rating! I had the freshest most beautiful Fish and Chips I have EVER tasted …Harold Burgess, ex–John Bull, once said to me that really good fish and chips do not need salt or vinegar, which is just as well ‘cos I don’t use either! and Howard’s offering last Monday was a proof indeed!
I was going to post a pic but due to shifting the word 3 inches to the left (see below) I haven’t had time . . . but will soon!Thanks Howard for the nicest food I have eaten in ages!
Oh, and on my second visit bumped into that mad Oy bloke; y’know that photographer chappy? He photographed my meal . . . there’s something sadly wrong with that boy!
Anyhow, other major news is that most of the major renovation work on my pied a terre is finally complete! With new flooring that should foil The Famous Sally Dog’s more complicated accidents, it looks a real treat . . . stand by for photos!
It has taken a huge amount of effort and would not have been possible without my fave Dr T who has been a source of everything during the process- thanks babe!
And that, as they say, is about it for now . . . the rain rains and the waters rise, ah! A typical British Summer! I'm sure you are aware that the bar at the Wigan Little Theatre was discovered to be inundated with 6 inches of foul water on Wednesday night; thankfully it seems the Youth Production "The Best of British" can go ahead but minus a bar service - tragedy!
Anyhow, hope you are warm and dry and happy wherever you are
Well, in the words of the old song, “Twas on a Monday Morning . . .” except in this case was around 4pm on Monday afternoon
I was just out on one of many missions to buy stuff for the refurb – the good Dr T and I are in the process of trying to make my penthouse suite look vaguely habitable – that I paused, mid stride, and sniffed: Gas! And a lot of it too! So, on the phone to Transco and, sooner rather than later, the first of what I now like to think of as an extended family arrived.
And then another. And then another. And then they dug into a water main. And then they disappeared. At around 9pm the Water People (Useless Utilities) arrived; it was evidently not too bad of a leak so they left it until the following day.
So, twas on a Tuesday morning . . . the UU came back and after 2 minutes the flood had stopped – after they had allowed it to run all night and coat the main road with water and mud! They then scurried off. And then the Gas men returned – two shifts of them as it happened! Dr T and I were much preoccupied with the cleaning and sanding of walls and woodwork and only Mad Dogs, Englishmen and the Transco chappies were out in the midday sun . . . and then the cool evening air . . . and they were still drilling at 11 pm ! I am very popular with my neighbours!
As I write all is still and calm though hey have left more trenches than were present at the Somme – I am expect them to return soon!
The refurb is going well, except for the knotty problem of flooring – or more accurately the problem of paying for the flooring – it’s simply astounding just how much the stuff costs! Anyhow, that’s another story and so until next time . . .
What? Oh! The title? Well, I’m glad you asked!
It comes from one of my very favourite songs by Flanders and Swann and just for you I’ve uploaded it so you can listen to it once more.
Th music should be here: http://www.zshare.net/audio/1452274219358867/
Here being, of course, the final bit of cyberspace I inhabit and which, I hope, will continue to entertain, educate and inform!
Well, the walk is done!And what a night! The weather was absolutely awful in parts and I was glad Dr T had made me purchase a PVC poncho that would not have looked out of place in one of the “special” clubs in Manchester or Soho!I found out that I was to be one of the static wardens – i.e. lollipop man to get the multitude across dangerous junctions etc and I was joined in this task by Lee, a guy who I’d met at the briefing session / buffet last week.
I had a great time!I kept seeing people I knew and holding up traffic while we hugged and kissed – fantastic!I was so proud of everyone and was privileged to take part . . .
There was a spot of unpleasantness as Dr T and I walked Lesley home; some of the locals decided we were a justified target for severe abuse, missiles and even a flasher – sad isn’t it
Anyhow, nothing can take away from the achievement of these fantastic ladies-
WELL DONE!!!
Since then what’s happened?Oh, yes . . . the breadmaker!Dr T decided that we spent far too much on buying organic bread from Tesco so it was time to introduce yet another piece of machinery to my already crowded kitchen. We dutifully scoured the web and discovered a review of one that seemed ideal – and under £25 too! It was located in Argos and brought home and, after having bought the necessary ingredients, we set forth on our journey into Doughdom.
If you have ever spent 22 hours awake, a large proportion of those in the rain, and then after 3 hours sleep embarked on this particular journey, you will understand how mesmerised we were watching the thing mix dough!!! Sad but true . . . anyhow, 1 bottle of wine, some organic cider and a DVD later we had our first little brown organic loaf – and it’s right good too!!!
Dr T has set up a spreadsheet to compare prices etcand our loaves are costing us around 30p, so we should recoup our money after about 10 loaves . . . she’s a miracle really; she’s even managed to make sense of my pub database . . . could be one of the many reasons I love her I suppose!
Only other little bit of news is that, sadly, I have decided not to continue posting on Wigan World as I am spending more and more time arguing against some of the very xenophobic posts I read on there, so . . . I have decided to withdraw and disassociate myself from it.It’s a pity as I think it’s a fantastic site and a wonderful resource . . . ah well!
Hello everyone and welcome to the First day of Summer!
Hard to tell isn’t it?Anyhow, tonight is the night when over 1000 women will be walking at midnight to raise money for Wigan and Leigh Hospice – and yours truly will be there as a steward . . . judging by the current state of the weather I think I’d better invest in a Pac-a-Mac!!!
Dr T has done a splendid job in raising funds and will be joined on the walk by our good friend Lesley . . . t’other Dr T has hid himself away at a conference to avoid standing around ‘til 5 am in the murk!
And, sort of related to the cause of the walk, I had some very sad news yesterday. My friend Heather, who I’ve known and worked with for many years has died. She married her partner David three weeks ago and died 2 weeks later. Heather was always very kind to me and we worked together on many conferences and summer schools for children – she would often persuade people that they really did need the use of my services. She had an absolutely wicked grin that I can see as I type this, and I will miss her very very much.
My thoughts and love are with David and her daughters, and I’m sure she is very busy organising and sorting out her new home – resting place? Heather?
I very much doubt it!
And so that’s about it really, I’m trying to conserve energy for the long haul tonight – though Dr T is murmuring something about bread makers . . . oh hum!
Just thought I’d include this snap before I go; amazing what you see at Tesco these days innit!
By the pricking of my thumbs . . . * 13th June 2008
Hello Good People and welcome to it all . . .
Being Friday 13th I thought I’d better do an entry and hope for the best outcome . . . been looking for pennies all day but not yet managed to pick one up and pass it on . . . still time yet!
A double birthday today: my niece Vicky who, as we speak, is training to be a flying barmaid – sorry, Air Hostess (hahaha!) - and to whom I send love and lottsa luck . . . and the inimitable Madame DonBaVand, (aka the lovely loquacious Linda) one of WLT’s finest actresses – or should that be actor these days? Ah well, Lots of love and best wishes to you too Sweetheart!
Just been checking out the comments on the blog and photos etc and am genuinely touched by all the nice things you lot say about me; and I am especially pleased to receive praise from Dave Green, otherwise known as the fantastic Oy whose photographs I think are absolutely brilliant!You can judge for yourself at http://oy.smugmug.com/- and he also manages to identify the insects I photograph . . . a Gentleman and a Scallop!!!
And so another weekend looms and, peering out of the window, I can see the dove grey clouds are turning a nasty shade of battleship grey . . . brolly time no doubt . . . Hope it’s better next weekend as I’m acting as a steward on the Star Trekkers Charity Walk in aid of Wigan and Leigh Hospice . . . Dr T and good friend Lesley are among the 1000+ women doing this 8 mile midnight walk- I might even sponsor them myself!
So to end on a superstitious note, it being Friday the 13th after all, I am indebted to my good friend John “Churny” Churnside for the following;
I bumped into him in town one day and, thinking he looked a tad sad, asked him what the matter was . . . he said “ Well, I’ve just been to the dentist and as he put that little mirror thing in my mouth I clamped down and broke it!”
“ God!”I said “ Are you okay?”
“Well, I am” he said, “It’s just that now I’ve got 7 years bad teeth!”
I’ve just returned from a leisurely stroll along the highways and byways in the company of the usual suspects - Dr T and the Famous Sally Dog.
We went up through Haigh and along the canal towards Top Lock, our intention to have a beer in the Kirkless. However, it seems the pub is being renovated and is due to open on the 14th June . . . oh well, we thought, maybe next time.
So instead we paid a visit to the Commercial. I went to order and was somewhat dismayed that they didn’t have either of Dr T’s walking tipples; 1664 or Stella – on draught. As a cider drinker I find I’m normally confined to drinking Strongbow so for me it made no difference. So I purchased a bottle of Stella and I awayed to the beer garden at the rear.
We were joined almost immediately by a mad gorgeous bundle of sheepdogness called Stella who was so lovely that, had Dr T’s rucksack been any bigger, the pub might have been one dog less! She had some of Sal’s water and doled out kisses etc.
As the garden filled slowly, the Landlord – who’s name I forgot to get, chatted to us and was really friendly, the locals and regulars also joined in and made us feel really at home. We were then invited to join in a BBQ – “all free, just help yourself!!!”
I have rarely received such a warm and friendly welcome in a pub and so I’m including it here in a new bit called “Pubs I will go back to!”
The place is a down to earth local; no frills but friendly through and through. I can only recommend it to you all next time you’re in the area.
Dog Days 2: A Spoonful of Sugar . . . 3rd June 2008
What’s this I hear you ask? Another entry? So soon?
Well, yes! and the reason, good people, is that I have a TERRIBLE CONFESSION to make!I’m sure we all have done things that we are not too proud of – erm . .. well, besides all those I mean – and it now is the time for me to disclose mine:
It was Sunday – the day after The Famous Sally Dogs birthday and I noticed she was shaking her head and scratching a bit at her ears. She’s had a bit of trouble with her lug holes (the fact that they make up about two-thirds of her head doesn’t enter in to it) and I’d still got some stuff that Uncle Luc the vet had prescribed and so I treated her.He’d given me an ear wash and some anti biotic drops.
She didn’t seem to improve, in fact she seemed to get more and more miserable and sullen - not traits she is well known for . . . I became a tad concerned. All Sunday night she was restless and uncomfortable.
Monday morning came and a right sorry state she looked ! I noticed some of the ear wash had dripped onto her fur so I thought I’d clean her up a bit. There seemed to be a lot of it but I carried on. She was okay when we were out walking but as soon as we came home she would lie down and look poorly. Then she was sick- only a tiny bit but she was. Then the other end kicked in!I thought better give her some more anti-biotic drops and so I picked up the bottle . . . it said Ear Cleanser . . . so I picked up the “ear wash” bottle I’d been using and it was SHAMPOO for dermatitis I’d had for a stray dog years ago!
They both had the same label but how can you make a mistake like that? And then I thought OMG! I bet she’s ingested the shampoo via her ear canal – the shampoo contains selenium which is a heavy metal and I’m not talking Motorhead!
So today, we went and paid Uncle Luc a visit – I didn’t get my hands slapped though I should have! – And after a couple of injections and some tablets she was on fine form again and as I type she is curled up under the table snoring!
It just goes to show how easily mistakes can be made though;I said to Dr T about the mistakes that are made in hospitals ‘cos people are tired out or stressed, shocking isn’tit?
Reminds me of the time I was in and heard screams coming from behind a screen, then the Doctor shouted at the Nurse “ No!!! I told you to prick his boil !!!”
And so here we are again – another weekend and, surprise, surprise it is The Famous Sally Dog’s 3rd Birthday – yay!
The afternoon has been spent in the delightful company of the Old Duchess, Sister Cate and the lovely Dr T . . . lots of yummies and then a retire to Dr T’s favoured plot for drinks and Sal’s birthday cake – she has totally enjoyed it and, like most debs, is now stretched out asleep with a silly grin on her chops!!!
Besides consuming our food – now there’s a rarity! – herself had a large amount of steak plus a little tin of doggie sweetness – apple and blackcurrant? – complete with 3 candles – awwww!
I also presented her with a commemorative dog disk bearing the legend “ The Famous Sally Dog”and my fone number – tho she never ever calls me!
I took lots of foties and will upload them eventually! I know I always say that but it’s such a fag to do it!
Other biggies so far this week include the wedding of bestie mates Dave and Vicky yesterday at Up Holland Church – I had their foties on facebook by 4 pm!!!So share and enjoy!
In the meantime, I’m still going goat and enjoying it profusely!
And so here we are again – another Bank Holiday looming; and as I sit and tripe-write this blog I can hear the sound of children playing on the bouncy wotsit at Sam’s Bar – ex-Ball and Boot while the landlord – Jimmy? – happily bbq’s for all his customers . . . He does a superb job actually and along with his wife – Terri? – has made the place a social centre as well as a pub . . . in fact, a sort of return to what pubs used to be like!
I first encountered them in a rather shocking but thankfully “all-turned-out-well-in–the-end” kind of way; I was returning from a stroll with Sally Dog when we suddenly found ourselves in the presence of a HUGE wolf-type creature that launched itself towards Sal, She scarpered and the German Shepherd (for it was that!) banged into a parked car and nearly smashed it over and then ran off after her.
I then saw the dog’s owner climb into his 4x4 with his wife and drive off. My language was none too clean I’m afraid and I was searching everywhere for Sally who had disappeared completely . . . then around the corner came the 4x4 and behind it was the wife followed by a very scared Sally Dog . . . they had actually gone off to find her and return her to me! The owners were , of course, Mine Host and Hostess from Sam's bar.
Ever since when ever I walk past I always get a cheery wave and a nice “Hello” from them both – the German shepherd still isn’t speaking but Sally has her own theories about that!
I’ve spent the day in the very lovely company of Dr T and her friend Dr C; last night we spent together in Wigan Little Theatre watching the hugely enjoyable “Rumours” and today, with aching ribs from laughing so much, we made our way down the canal to feast our faces in Crooke. The only downside was it was so windy that the plastic “glasses” (which I hate with a passion btw!) insisted on blowing over constantly – which is a bugger! However, the grub was simple but good and the place was swarming with boats and boatees, possibly some kind of rally? Anyhow, the lovely Dr C is now winging her way across the “tops” back to Sheffield and I’m going to get busy with some trout for the good Dr and me . . . and of course TFSD !
So ‘til next time . . .
Whoops! Nearly forgot: the header from last time . . . well, I was drowned in the waves of apathy as no-one bother to answer the question – or maybe even read this blog. . . maybe I’m talking to myself?
Anyhow, in case anyone drops by in a random sort of way I can exclusively reveal that “Don’t call Will on your father”( as opposed to my misquote Wilf!) was a catch phrase from the hugely unmemorable pile of drivel called “The Ryan and Ronnie Show” or “Ryan a Ronnie” in the original Welsh . . . slightly less amusing than a really bad case of piles it must have run for a matter of seconds on British TV in early 70’s at 5.20 on Fridays! . . . Terrible!
Sad to say though both are now dead, suicide and alcoholism takes its toll! So now we’re left with "Pobol y Cwm " . . . it can only get better!
