Nine Feet Underground

This week has been full-on work-wise, and as I am joining a new project next week this level of busyness is likely to be the norm. I guess I'd better try and enjoy and make the most of this weekend! It's an unusual working day, but in a very pleasant way, and that's the way I hope it'll stay. The working day ends with a final Teams call and then I put my laptop away until Tuesday when all this starts again. Son #3 and his gf have gone out to a Taylor Swift club night in Oxford, so I eat alone and watch more of the 'Navalny' documentary before retiring to bed. Mykki Blanco / 'Family Ties' (ft. Michael Stipe) / (Single) [[Interesting to see Michael Stipe on this song; I think his voice works really well in contrast to Mykki Blanco's]]

Today I'll be recording my first album of dub techno, attending a movie premiere in the evening and celebrating at the after-party once we've had a 5-course meal with wines accompanying each course.   At least some of the above is untrue (maybe all?), but I was getting bored of saying I was working all day. Which of course I am. Pig's bum, and all that. I should find the time to unleash my mind into full creative wordsmith mode, but I don't have that luxury at the moment. Besides, doing is better than writing about it. That from someone who loves worms. What can I say about today? What is permissible? Well, further updates from Costa Rica, natch. It looks wonderful, and who doesn't like a sloth, after all? What more can I say about today, other than it ended in the usual way, more or less, but with added jouissance. Halsey / 'I Am Not A Woman, I'm A God' / 'If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power' [[]]

From almost every angle it's been a day of the usual things, with the usual primarily being work. One thing stands out, though; we had a multi-way call with son #2 and his gf in Costa Rica.  At points during the call, all three sons and I were present, which was fun.  Son #2 is looking very happy and has been doing lots of sightseeing. There have been many photos shared. In the evening son #3 made the dinner whilst I listened to music.  It's been a while and I used the brief window of time to listen to most of two Microdisney albums.  I had intended to write a whole lot more about Microdisney and their lyrics, in particular, but time is not on my side. Another day. Maybe. Son #3 and I sat down to eat together and watched another episode of 'Doctor Who', followed, in sharp contrast, by a documentary about Alexei Navalny. Usual stuff from now onwards, but with an extra dash of bin night thrown in for shits and giggles. Belle and Sebastian / 'Unnecessary Drama' / ...

Usual working day scenario, except this week my Tuesday has been busier than ever.  Consequently, I have managed to get a lot of work done, but not much else. So many things need organising, I think I need a few days off just to get on top of things again.  That, however, will not be happening any time soon. More messages and a few photos from Costa Rica - seems like son #2 is having a great time with his gf. Time passes... ...and now it's time to make dinner. I get most of it done, including searing the lamb before putting it in the oven (don't worry, I've removed the wool, which was bleating difficult), leaving only the mushrooms for son #3 to do. We eat together and watch a couple of episodes of 'Doctor Who' before the day ends in the usual, but pleasant, way. Octordle, papers, BBC6 Music, sleep, repeat... Self Esteem / 'I Do This All The Time' / 'Prioritise Pleasure' [[]]

Unusually this looks like it'll turn out to be a Monday with not much to say.  It is my non-working day and my intention is to have a relaxing day for a change. There is washing to do, but it can wait. After lunch, my plans go awry as I'm feeling a little off-colour, and so instead of reading the papers I have a rest and try and complete Wordle, Quordle and Octordle, off and on. As always seems to be the way, the day evaporates and it's time to make dinner with son #3. Dinner made, we settle down to watch some of the previous series (series 12) of 'Doctor Who', starting more or less at the beginning. The usual end of day activities brings me to sleep, ready for work again tomorrow. Prince Jammy / 'Conspiracy On Neptune' / 'Prince Jammy Destroys The Invaders...' [[]]

[Saturday] Son #2 is flying to Costa Rica, an 11-hour flight, where he'll be met by his gf and her mum, at least.  Naturally, I'm watching his progress on FR24, as he heads out over the Atlantic and the east coast of the United States of America. he should arrive between 8 and 9 p.m. this evening. There's not much to else say about the day as I spent most of it organizing and planning, but at least there wasn't much housework.  For some inexplicable reason I didn't get around to reading the papers, so I'll have to save that until tomorrow or Monday. It's the French presidential election today and I have my fingers crossed that the evil Putin-apologist, Marine le Pen, doesn't get elected, nor does she get too big a share of the vote. Fingers crossed. Son #2 has arrived in San Jose and the first messages and pictures are emerging. He's with his gf and her mum; I hope he has a great time and I'm sending much love across the ocean. TV in the evening ...

As you all know, I am a bit of a thrill junkie, so it'll come as no surprise when I tell you this; I was hanging washing out BEFORE 8 a.m.! This was real edge of the seat stuff, as the sky is overcast and there's little prospect of sun, according to both the BBC and the Met Office.  Hot off the press! I've only gone and hung another load of washing out and it's not even 9 a.m. - I may need a lie down before work... ...which dominates the day...until around 5 p.m.  I've been on several intense technical back to back calls - kill or cure!! - and really need to finish for the weekend. Against the backdrop of work, the house has been abuzz with activity; son #2 is packing to go to Costa Rica early Saturday morning and son #1 is getting ready to head up to London to see he gf and her photography exhibition at her university. Consequently there have been a lot of hugs and goodbyes, especially as son #2 will be off before dawn's crack tomorrow morning.   Son #2's t...

Another busy working day ahead, but at least the dust is settling on E's return home.  Things are slotting back into place and the normal routines are re-established. Worked until no longer working, which is around 6 p.m. when I join the Idler Drinks Zoom call, with tonight's guest speaker being author, freelance writer (and more), Lara Williams.  She's here to talk about her work in general, managing to be an author whilst being a parent of a young child, and her new novel 'The Odyssey', specifically. Another interesting person to get to 'meet', with some good questions and discussions along the way. Afterwards, a chat with the remaining Idler rogues before some fun and games with the boys over who was supposed to be making the dinner whilst I was on the call.   Dinner is consequently very late (after 9 p.m.), which then served to muck up the rest of the evening. Words. Plans. Microcosm and Macrocosm. Microdisney / 'Give Me All Of Your Clothes' / ...

I reckon this will end up being a short post.  The day will be dominated by work, apart from when E returns from respite around 3 p.m., all being well. Work is incredibly busy at the moment, and that has indeed dominated the day until now: I have just seen an ambulance pulling up outside, mid-Teams call, so clearly E is home.  I make a swift exit from the call and set the ramps up for the stretcher holding E to get inside more easily. Disturbance over: she's now in bed and safely home. She seems tired but otherwise fine. It's good to have her back. The carer call later this evening will be the first opportunity to see how she's fared overall, but first impressions are that she seems well. Back to work. The carers come early this evening to make E's bed up properly and to make sure she's settled in and comfortable.  Back to our version of normality. I make the dinner and eat with two out of three sons, but we don't really watch anything in particular as son #1 is...

The last day's breathing space before E comes home.  That may sound bad in black and white. It certainly does when I read it back.  Although E is much better cared for at home and is happier in an environment where there are people she knows around her, there is another side to it.  For those of us who live with E's condition on a day-to day basis, it raises the stress level and stays high all the time, except when it goes off the scale. It means I can never fully relax and it's pretty clear that I sleep better when she is elsewhere, because I'm not constantly anticipating sounds that mean there's something bad happening or about to happen. It's also nice not to have the regular interruptions of carers coming and going. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy the carers being here as I count them as friends, in fact more than that, I count several of them as extended family members.  Apart from the wonderful care and love they show E, they have kept me going thro...

[Normal service will be resumed after this post, all being well!] This is now officially the post covering the longest period of days, so far. From Monday 11th of April to Monday 18th April, we've all been away (all being yours truly, Q, sons 1, 2 and 3, along with son #1's gf - yes, six of us!) on holiday in North Wales. First however, Sunday 10th April.  This was the gathering of the clans prior to departure in two cars on Monday. First to arrive was Q, followed by son #2's gf in the afternoon.  Before that, Q and I met a good friend of mine for lunch in the local lounge. We had a great catch up and lunch before heading home to finish my packing and make sure my sons are on track too. We'd already agreed to get a takeaway for dinner so we'd have plenty of time to get organised. The general consensus was Italian and so Q, one of my sons, and I set off to collect it. We all ate dinner together, watched some TV and got ready for bed as we have an early start tomorrow...

Saturday feels strange; no early morning visit from a carer - it would have been K today - and part of me misses it. The carers are a big part of our daily life and keep me on my toes with their cheeky banter.  Today is also the next stage in the gathering of the clans as son #1 is due to return at some point (time TBC, maybe!) First off I get a wash load on so that I'm achieving something whilst out shopping. I fear I'll be doing several loads today. A shopping trip with a difference to start the day; this week I'm accompanied by son #3 for the first time in quite a while.  Whilst in the car (on the way there and the way back) I have a call with Q, which brightens an already bright morning. Shopping over we eat breakfast together, after which it's time for more washing. Once the second load is hung out and the third started I head off to pick son #1's meds, get my car washed and, maybe, get fuel.  Whilst at the shops I visit friends who are collecting food for loca...

Started work early as today is going to be punctuated by E going into a care home for respite. I'll be following in the car bringing all sorts of vital things over. But first, work... I had a chat with E to make sure she heard from me what was going to happen. I don't know if she understood me, but I hope so.  It's really difficult to explain that you are sending your wife into a care home so you can go on holiday and enjoy yourself. Saying it provokes huge feelings of guilt in me as it just shouldn't be this way. But it is. This does not compute. Eleven o'clock comes and goes and the carers come to do an extra call to prepare E for the ambulance ride, which is really helpful.  They leave and I carry on working. !2:30 passes, still no sign.  In an exchange with a friend, I'm told she's seen the PTS ambulance, but still no sign.  I go upstairs for something and notice an ambulance parked on the main road nearby. This is strange. I decide to go outside and spe...

Why does it always feel like work gets busier and busier as a holiday approaches?   Another full-on day punctuated by a trip to my GP to have my head examined.  The visit began with the surprise of seeing a sign saying 'Stairs Out Of Order', which slightly blew my mind.  I'm used to seeing 'Lift Out Of Order', but today it was working otherwise everyone would have been trapped!  Perhaps there is back entrance (steady!), from a health & safety perspective I sincerely hope so. Obviously (??), when I say I'm having my head examined, it's the outside of my head that's under scrutiny. The 'thing' on the back of my head (more of a warty / moley thing than a full-on Voldemort - I guess it's a Voldewart?) is the subject of the examination.  The doctor, not my usual one, asks about my general health and asks how E is and wonders whether E can still recognise me.  I say 'I think so, but I don't know absolutely'. She inquires further abo...

What have I been doing today?  Oh, yes, work!  It is crazy busy at the moment both work-wise and trying to organise a holiday and respite for E. Things seem like they are coming together, though I guess I won't believe it fully until we're on our way.  Getting E settled in the nursing home on Friday will be the first major hurdle passed. Work Work Work Luckily my day has been enlivened with chats and messaging with Q, which compensates for most things. Again I am lucky to have such wonderful friends and E's and my meds have been arranged with perfect timing, and, specifically mine have been delivered this evening by someone who has been wonderful to us. I could try and say how much this means to me, but I don't think there are adequate words. Thank you very much, will have to do for now. Usual Wednesday evening dinner and bin fun, with lashings of wind and rain.  Of course this is spring, so what else should I expect? Son #3 and I ate dinner together. Son #2 is havin...

Back to work and another busy day in store.  Need to put washing on in the background whilst progressing a number of high priority tasks at work, including some HR ones. There's still organising to do in support of E's respite care, though now I'm into the finer points of detail. I think another call to the nursing home is in order, though I suspect that may have to wait until tomorrow.  Although E's respite care and our holiday are less than a week away now, there are so many things that still could go wrong, not forgetting the added excitement of Covid, that I am on an even higher state of 'alert' than normal. Many of these things are outside of my control, so I guess I should try and just let go of them, but that's far easier said than done. The working day is over, time to switch back to organising mode. Son #3 and I make dinner, then sit and eat whilst watching WILTY before he heads off to town to meet his gf.  More crossed fingers. Q and I have another...

Ho hum, pig's bum.  Up early to drive home after a wonderful weekend that I didn't want to end, but we both have lots to do, including work in Q's case. I need to get back early too as the community matron is coming to change E's catheter, replace the water in the PEG balloon and do the usual readings. Back just after 9:30 despite having to battle through rain and heavy traffic on the motorways. Now I'm home I'm contacting son #3 to see what time he (and all his stuff/washing) can be collected from his flat.  After a bit of an exchange we settle on 4pm, or thereabouts. Not ideal, but I guess it works. Late morning I get a call from the nursing home to ask if E's still coming because they've still not received confirmation from the council that she is.  This then prompts a call to the council to try and find out what's going on as I still don't know anything about the transport arrangements yet. The community matron arrives next. He sets about his...

It's an auspicious day. 180 days since Q and I first met. Six months, give or take. We will be returning to the place where we met. Lunch, as before. Sunday to Sunday. 3rd to 3rd. Auspicious indeed. [CRE CD189] Drove to the restaurant and when we arrived the sun was shining and it almost felt like spring. Taken to a table with a view of the (large) pond where we order and enjoy a filling meal together. All in all we have suitably marked the occasion. After a double espresso (for me) I drove us back home for an afternoon and evening of holiday planning and MAFSA. Not too late a night as we'll have to be up early tomorrow: Queue for work and me to travel north. Pale Blue Eyes / 'Dr Pong' / (Single)   [[]]

Usual start to Saturday before heading off to the south coast at some point after lunch. Q is taking a trip to Heathrow and back, so I shan't head south until I know when she'll get home.  I have completed another lateral flow test and got another negative, so it should be safe for me to go out to play 🤞 Loads of things to do around the house before I can go anyway, so on with the show! I now know I can leave around 2 p.m., so that's when I'll be off! Dahn sarf with Q! Warmly welcomed, so on with the MAFSA and the weekend. We're both tired so we opt for a delivery of Chinese food tonight. Yum, yum, pig's bum! To sleep, perchance... Oddfellow's Casino / 'The Quiet Man And His Dutch Wife' / 'Prince of the Starry Wheel'   [[I find the tune and the lyrics deeply moving 💓]]

Another day, another lateral flow test and another negative result. I'm beginning to believe I might just have a cold, as I feel generally fine, though I will keep on testing, 'cos several people have told me they didn't test positive until 4 or 5 days after the symptoms appeared. I'm pretty pissed off they've cancelled free LFTs - I'm going to have to keep on doing them to have any chance of keeping E safe. There must be plenty of other people in the same boat.  I really don't think anyone should have to pay if they want to keep testing. Sadly it is just another example of the total disregard our present government have for the electorate. Bastards. Usual working day rules apply. Nevertheless I have to make several phone calls to ensure supplies are in place for E when she goes i to respite next week.  Most annoyingly I have to chase Adult Social Care to find out if transport has been arranged for next week.  There's no one I can directly speak to as it...

If I have to tick 'I'm not a robot' one more time...(On average, for work, I have to do it 10 to 20 times a day - land, et's face it, if I was a robot I'd find a way to automate this process, or maybe get a human to do it?) Still feeling like I'm getting a cold or something (slightly sore throat, earache (one)) but yesterday's lateral flow test was negative, so maybe it is just a cold.  Apparently there's a lot of it about! Usual stuff for most of the day, until 6 p.m. when it's back to The Idler after a two week break. Tonight's speaker is Julia Samuel (MBE) who is a psychotherapist and author, most recently of the book 'Every Family Has A Story: How We Inherit Love and Loss'. It was a fascinating and thought-provoking discussion, especially around trying to understand your parents experiences as a child. It tied together neatly with Q's expertise on the importance of early childhood and primary school education. After the chat the ...