Today is No Smoking Day.Here's how I accomplished it.I went fishing all night from a small boat on a very large and very stormy ocean.To say the rain was lashing down would be an understatement."What am I doing here" I can remember thinking as my cold and trembling hands reached for my lighter and fags.It was so sodden the lighter wouldn't light and in a fit of absolute despair I tossed it into the wild sea together with the fags.It must be something about the moment because from thereon I never smoked again.I remember being surprised at how easy it was to cut my smoking from 40 a day to zero. When I sat down I sat on my hands,that took care of them.When the craving came to the taste buds I had a strong cup of tea.At 65 I don't think life would now be the great pleasure that it is if I had carried on smoking and just think of the money I have put to better use over 30 years.Good luck if you're giving it a go.

I had my annual colonoscopy today.I've had my innards photographed for more than twenty years now and during that time I have noticed lots of changes and improvents to the procedure.Once in theatre I am accustomed to counting backwards from 10 and never getting further than t........ However, today I am lying there waiting to drop off and the surgeon says "tell me if it gets to painfull and I'll pump in some pain kiler". I had a suspicion at this point that the anaesthetic wasn't what I it used to be.There was no hour long kip today but the surgeon did assure me that I would forget later what was happening, but I couldn't help but think ,"I t's now I want to forget ,not later."

To be serious, always see a doctor if you have ongoing symtons of any kind as I am sure I would not be here now but for the excellent treatment I have had from our local hospital and the nurses ,they really are wonderful.

It's ages since I blogged and I have no excuse since I am now retired and only work part-time.No more getting up at 4am. for me.Tonight we are off to see the Moscow City Ballet perform Cinderella.I have only been to the ballet on one previous occassion and that was the same company perform Swan Lake.To my surprise I thoroughly enjoyed it and e-mailed the choreographer,Mr.Smirnov, to thank him.To my surprise he sent a very pleasant reply.It was a huge contrast the following day when all the lovely young swans were up at the airport with a ciggy in their beak .

Off to see the grandchildren in Yorkshire next week.Love the kids,opinion reserved on Yorkshire.Then it's next stop WIGAN the land of my fathers.I have booked a car as usual from EASIRENT in Queens St.What a really pleasant and helpful company to deal with and the price is always right.I will take my all time favourite walk down the cut at Gathurst and be in my own little heaven.We will have a few meals in town where I like to eat at Gallimores in the Wiend but I may try the new place in Millgate mentioned on wiganworld.If you happen to see a grey haired old fart with a camera loitering in town say hello to Dave and make my day.See you soon Wigan.

I have begun posting my photos of JACK'S GARDEN on my photo blog.My daughter originally had Jack from the local dogs home.She was so overweight you could have mistaken her for a Friesian cow but she still took you by the heart strings.When my daughter left Jersey and JACK remained with us as she loved our garden and the beach walks.She slowly worked her doggy spell on me and became a good friend.She was the most gentle dog I have ever met and though she did not really like children she would never snap or bite.I remember the time she had a small but painfull operation and the vet was dubious of using anaesthetic because of her age."Just do it without " I said,"she will not bite", He reluctantly did as I asked and 30 minutes later he came out of the theatre "You were right",he said "and she will be fine.JACK left us several years ago but I still see her sunbathing in her favourite spot in the garden.Enjoy a stroll around JACK'S GARDEN.

Still getting up at 4am to go to work but it feels different now I am officially retired...more layed back and it's now my choice.

My 65th came and went yesterday.I am now an O.A.P. officially but  I'll cheat and stay  young at heart.Today would have been my fathers birthday so Happy Birthday Dad ,you're not forgotten.

Tomorrow I am 65 and feeling good about it.On reflection I have been lucky to live in the half of the World which is far better off than the rest.The Golden years were in my youth despite the fact that I grew up in a mucky old town called Wigan where extreme poverty was just a way life  for most.My first job paid 8 old pennies per hour and today my hourly rate is equal to 3 weeks work in the early days.Most people are good but the few wicked do an enormous amount of harm.Real satisfaction comes from helping those who you can help and being a friend to your neighbour.I wish you all well,now and in the future ,and thank Brian once more for creating this website of friendship for Wigan and the World.

AFTER 7 YEARS SERVICE MY MANAGER HAS ASKED IF I TRUST HIM "NO" WAS THE REPLY I GAVE.RATHER SAD,DON'T YOU THINK.

Had a helpfull ad informative chat with my local union organiser yesterday.Without boring everyone I consider that I am being trated very shabbily by my employers just prior to my 65th birthday.However on the bright side I must say that getting organised through a trade union has over the past three years paid great dividends and I would recommend being a union member to all workers.Employers do benefit from active trade unionism.Four years ago my company had great difficulty in recruitment and today after our union has created a huge improvement in pay and conditions there is an enormous response for any job advertised.